Category Archives: Cover Reveals

Where The Bones Lie by Nick Kolakowski-Review & Interview

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Where The Bones Lie by Nick Kolakowski-Review & Interview

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 11, 2025

For Dash Fuller, Hollywood’s underbelly is home. He’s spent years making the film industry’s worst secrets disappear, and it’s left him a cynical burnout with a taste for bourbon and self-loathing.

But when a young woman comes to him with a peculiar quest, Dash sees a chance at redemption. Madeline Ironwood is the daughter of Ken Ironwood, a notorious smuggler and murderer who disappeared 20 years ago. Ken’s skeleton has just been discovered in a barrel at the bottom of a dried-up lake, and Madeline wants to know who killed him.

Dash agrees to help, and as this desperate daughter and jaded cynic claw their way through a world of sun-bleached secrets, crooked cops, and Hollywood thugs, they soon uncover a conspiracy involving some of LA’s most powerful people.

Get ready for a fast-paced, darkly funny thriller with a twist you won’t see coming.

••••••

REVIEW: WHERE THE BONES LIE by Nick Kolakowski is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, murder mystery thriller focusing on former Hollywood fixer turned struggling standup comedian Dash Fuller.

Told from first person perspective (Dash) WHERE THE BONES LIE follows Dash Fuller as he struggles with his latest career. Failing as a late night comedian in the wake of his last disastrous ‘fix’, Dash’s mentor and ‘cleaner’ Manny begs for help with a missing Hollywood star. Although a success, the end result is a reminder of what was, and Dash reconsiders his future at the bottom of a bottle but when a young woman, Madeline Ironwood, asks for help investigating the murder of her father, a man who disappeared years before, Dash is determined to get answers but never expected to become a target of some powerful people.

The world building is imaginative and inviting as we are up close and personal with Dash and Madeline as they go in search of the truth. Madeline’s father’s remains were discovered in a dried up lake bed but law enforcement is refusing to give further details. Not all is as it appears to be as the body count increases with each step closer to the truth.

There is large ensemble cast of colorful, questionable and hapless secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to actors Amber Rodney and Karl Quaid; Vintner Mike Vonn; Dash’s mentor Manny and Deputy Sheriff Reid, as well as an odd assortment of assassins, goons and San Douglas townies.

WHERE THE BONES LIE is a story of secrets and lies, murder, greed and madness, betrayal and vengeance. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the characters are ill-fated and dynamic. The author leaves an opening for a possible continuation.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC: Hi Nick and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release WHERE THE BONES LIE. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Nick: I’m a crime and horror writer based in New York City. Like most of my ilk, I’m a lifelong fan of pretty much everything involving fictional murder and mayhem. WHERE THE BONES LIE is my first “classic” mystery novel, but I’m the author of several other books, including PAYBACK IS FOREVER, LOVE & BULLETS, and ABSOLUTE UNIT. I also write short stories and screenplays.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Nick: I fell in love with classic detective literature when I was a kid. I spent my youth reading Christie, Doyle, Chandler—all the greats. At a certain point, I mustered up my courage and decided to try writing crime stories myself.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

Nick: The publishing was smooth as proverbial silk—everyone from Datura Books to Penguin Random House have been great on every front, from editing through distribution. The writing part of it, as you might expect, came with its own share of challenges. Coming up with the final premise took a lot of work, since I wanted to do something relatively unique to the detective genre, which is piled high with 140+ years of stories and characters. Once I had that premise locked, the writing was a fun grind, but still a grind—I had to stop a few times to kind of re-center and figure out how to do best by my characters and story.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of WHERE THE BONES LIE?

Nick: Dash Fuller has spent years making the film industry’s worst secrets disappear, and it’s left him a cynical burnout with a taste for bourbon and self-loathing.

But when a young woman comes to him with a peculiar quest, Dash sees a chance at redemption. Madeline Ironwood is the daughter of Ken Ironwood, a notorious smuggler and murderer who disappeared 20 years ago. Ken’s skeleton has just been discovered in a barrel at the bottom of a dried-up lake, and Madeline wants to know who killed him.

Dash agrees to help, and as this desperate daughter and jaded cynic claw their way through a world of sun-bleached secrets, crooked cops, and Hollywood thugs, they soon uncover a conspiracy involving some of LA’s most powerful people.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning WHERE THE BONES LIE?

Nick: As with all my books, I did quite a bit of research before I began writing WHERE THE BONES LIE: everything from how wildfires move to how to effectively drive a classic Mustang at car-chase speeds to the best ways to pick a lock. I always aspire to ground my books’ details as much as possible. The cool thing about research is that it also informs the plot—as I talked to people and went through websites and books, I found myself tweaking the book’s outline to incorporate some nifty new detail.

TRC: Is any of the premise based in reality or fact?

Nick: There are definitely some elements pulled from reality. For example, the book’s central mystery involves a skeleton found in a barrel at the bottom of a dried-up lake. I pulled that idea from real-life news stories about lakes drying up in Nevada, exposing the long-lost bones of mob informants and other criminals who’d been tossed in the water decades before.
I also pulled quite a bit from what’s going on in California right now, everything from wildfires to the implosion of the entertainment industry. I wanted the book to feel very gritty and real.

TRC: Is the story a standalone? If no, how many books do you have planned for the series?

Nick: I hope this becomes a series! It ends in a way that’s a direct lead-in to a sequel. I’ll keep writing them as long as the readers will have me…

TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines especially stories of mystery and suspense. How do you keep the story line believable? Where do you think some author’s fail?

Nick: When it comes to believability, everything stems from motivation. If you do your work earlier in the book to firmly establish a character’s capabilities and motives, and then make sure they only act within those parameters, you’ll never have a reader scream, “I can’t believe [character X] did that!”

It’s a similar deal when it comes to plot. Virtually any plot twist is believable if you set it up properly earlier in the book, with the right amount of foreshadowing detail and logic. That’s where I think some authors fail: they introduce a seemingly unbelievable thing on page 200 that just doesn’t work, because they didn’t do the work on pages 1-100 to establish the foundations of that thing.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Nick: It’s a huge factor. Readers say again and again that a good cover is a crucial motivator in picking up a book. A great cover will move copies; a bad cover will make the hard job of marketing even harder.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Nick: For the longest time, I would go with the characters’ impulses; with WHERE THE BONES LIE, however, I decided for the first time to outline the book, effectively putting me in the position of directing them. But even then, I made some crucial changes during the writing process based on what the characters were telling me at that moment. For example, the book’s outlined ending was much more straightforward than the final version, without the big twists. Those twists came because a character kept pulling in that direction as I was writing.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

Nick: I believe it’s critical to sink the reader into the characters’ headspace. That doesn’t always mean utilizing stream-of-consciousness or constantly mentioning the characters’ thoughts, although those are powerful techniques when done correctly. Oftentimes, you can convey what the characters are thinking or feeling via their external words and actions, even small ones.

In order to build that emotional connection, of course, you do your best to build sympathy for your characters, even the worst ones. There are a number of ways to do that; revealing their traumas, their hopes and dreams, can all make them relatable. And I think that’s where a lot of writers fall short, because they don’t consider the full dimensions of a character, and/or neglect to include those details that balance out any bad with the good.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Nick: I’m a big music listener. Before I sit down to write each book, I craft a playlist that I think reflects the book’s tone. With WHERE THE BONES LIE, I had a mix of upbeat, beachy tunes like The Kinks’ “Sunny Afternoon,” which was meant as an ironic counterpoint to the book’s dark mystery, mixed with some modern, grittier stuff like The Ting Tings’ “Estranged” and HMLTD’s “Satan, Luella & I.”

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Nick: I think people think that authors simply write the words and the publishing industry takes care of the rest, but every serious author I know is essentially a small business owner, tackling everything from marketing to accounting. It’s a full-spectrum job, even if you’re only doing it part-time.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

Nick: I’m extremely Type A. That’s great when it comes to hitting deadlines and establishing a schedule for writing, but I need to learn how to calm down a bit more.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Nick: I’m currently outlining the sequel to WHERE THE BONES LIE! This one will partially take place in Northern California and involve a lot of today’s hot-button issues, from the consequences of digital surveillance to the fallout of our decades-long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m doing my best to liven up the darkness with some bursts of humor.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Sushi

Favorite Dessert
Chocolate chip cookies

Favorite TV Show
It’s a toss-up between ‘Deadwood’ and ‘Breaking Bad’

Favorite Sport
Long-distance running.

Last Movie You Saw
“Den of Thieves 2”

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush
Aubrey Plaza

Last Vacation Destination
Upstate New York

Do you have any pets?
Two huge and irascible cats

Last book you read
“Careless People” by Sarah Wynn-Williams

TRC: Thank you Nick for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of WHERE THE BONES LIE. We wish you all the best.

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Vaccine:A Terrorism Thriller by Robin Rickards-review & interview

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Vaccine: A Terrorism Thriller by Robin Rickards-review & interview

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK

War kills in many ways—with speed, with brutality…with stealth.

At the end of the 20th century, America prepares for a war that could transform the world. But that war has already been fought. . .and America has lost. In the lingering chaos of the Middle East conflict, a pathogen is unleashed. This plague has been engineered to suffocate its victims with an agonizing, sleepless death and cripple the victor long after the battle has ended.

Darien Rhodes, once an esteemed military physician, is now a disgraced exile. Forced back into service by the army that had betrayed him, he searches for the cure held in the hands of the enemy.

Racing against time, Rhodes faces an unforgiving ultimatum: find the vaccine…or face a trial for treason.

Blackmail, bioterror, deception-an electrifying terrorism thriller that merges the intensity of military and medical suspense. Will America survive this final blow?

••••••

REVIEW:VACCINE: A TERRORISM THRILLER by Robin Rickards is a sci-fi, historical, medical thriller and military drama focusing on former military physician and infectious disease researcher Dr. Darien Rhodes.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Dr. Darien Rhodes, following two timelines (1978 and 1998) VACCINE focuses on Dr. Darien Rhodes, a dishonored US military physician and infectious disease researcher as he is tasked with uncovering the truth. In 1977, two years after the end of the Vietnam war, several North and South Vietnamese POWs became sick, and Darien and his team including Dr. Major David Rossi, a US army physician specializing in pathology and neurology, were assigned the difficult task of determining what happened and why but the incipient nature of the disease, and the ongoing research unveiled an unknown and deadly strain of a potentially new virus, a virus that could have been either man-made or unearthed from times past. Finding himself on the wrong side of government bureaucracy, Darien is banished and black listed until twenty years later when New World Minerals, while mining for gold in Vietnam, may have unleashed the same deadly virus.

The world building is complex, detailed, well researched and awash in medical text, language and infectious diseases, concepts, conspiracies, betrayal, blackmail, ethnic cleansing, and bioterrorism enmeshed in a literary mixture of both fiction and reality. From North and Central America, to Vietnam and North Africa, the Gulf War, and the Middle East wars including Iraq and Afghanistan, to Russia, the transient nature of research, power and greed are affecting the people, and soldiers sent to fight a war not of their making.

We are introduced to a questionable cast of secondary and supporting characters: Colonel David Rossi, Army physician specializing in pathology and neurology ; geologists Michel Martin, and his daughter Terry Martin of New World Minerals ; Russian pilot Viktor Merkulov; microbiologist Dr. Zamorin, and geologist Jackson Manning.

VACCINE: A Terrorism Thriller is a suspenseful, well written story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and madness, war, ethnic cleansing and terrorism, double cross and espionage. The thought provoking, intriguing and comprehensive premise is dramatic, twisted, edgy and well developed; the characters are numerous, animated and tragic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC:  Hi  Robin  and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the
release of VACCINE-A TERRORISM THRILLER.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Robin: I have dual Canadian/British citizen. I was fortunate enough to be born in Canada to two [inspirational] immigrant parents after WWII. I am a [semi-] retired orthopedic surgeon [that means I used to do quite a few hip and knee replacements and deal with a lot of trauma/car accidents].

I am married to a beautiful Colombian lady [who keeps me on my toes]. I speak fluent English [sort of my first language], French and Spanish. I have two terrific adult children and live on the [very wet] west coast of Canada.

TRC:Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Robin:I have always enjoyed thrillers such as those written by Michael Crichton and Robin Cook [both doctors by the way] any book that has a big ‘What If’ component to it intrigues me as do things like alternative histories and stories about hidden/obscure events.

TRC:What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

Robin:Publishing [traditional publishing] seems to be a closed shop. The only traditional publishers who will take a new author on is if that author has already been published [a vicious circle!]. Self-publishing is easy to do not necessarily easy to be successful at. I always say that writing a book is the easy part, marketing the book is the hard part.

And it’s always hard to be objective about what you’ve written. Sometimes you can be writing for hours, look at the words you have put onto paper [or computer, really] and just wonder where they came from-they’re so good!-Or they’re so bad!

TRC : Would you please tell us something about the premise of  VACCINE-A TERRORISM THRILLER?

Robin:I have written five novels. Vaccine was written just after the Gulf War. For anyone who can remember, a lot of the soldiers came back sick, debilitated and there was no explanation for their symptoms [there still isn’t!]. There are a lot of theories but Gulf War Syndrome has never really been explained.

The novel is about that disease but more so, it’s really about deception, conspiracy and who can you trust [?].

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend
researching /plotting before beginning VACCINE-A TERRORISM THRILLER?

Robin: I like it when you call it ‘plotting’. It sounds like a conspiracy! I carry extensive research for all of my books before I even start to write. Depending on the subject/theme of the novel, I may spend up to a year before putting pen to paper [finger to computer] and then usually another year before I have a satisfactory final product. But even at that point, it’s not over because an editor [a good one] will point out where the cracks and crevices are in the story, in the characters and whether the whole thing sticks together.

TRC: Is any of the plot based in reality? Inspired by the recent COVID-19
pandemic?

Robin: Now that is a great question! In 2022, I had a literary agent tell me that there was no point in writing a book about a vaccine, since everyone on the planet was already talking about a vaccine [Covid related, I suppose]. The reality is however that I wrote this book over 20 years ago [am I prescient!!?] all about a man-made disease, used as a weapon. So, the answer to the question is: No, it was not inspired by the recent Covid-19 pandemic [and the Covid-19 pandemic was not inspired by my book!].

TRC: Did you consider any of, or take into account, recent conspiracy theories when developing the story line?

Robin: Another great question! Just after the Gulf War there was a lot of talk about chemical and possibly biological weapons having been used. In the media, that was all put off as conspiracy, nothing to back it up!

It is always so difficult to believe what we are hearing today. At that time, a good friend of mine [retired, very high up in the military] had told me that the reality of the situation was that Iraq really did have weapons of mass destruction! I guess you can take what you want from that-it’s all in the past now.

TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines. How do you keep the story line believable? Where do you think some author’s fail?

Robin:I’m not sure what would be the best way to say this. I think that the storyline has to ‘stick’. It has to flow from one event to the next and from one character to the next. I don’t pretend to be the best writer in the world, but I think that many writers will go off on tangents and not focus on the main goal of the story which is to weave a tale that keeps your reader glued to the book. It’s always nice to provide interesting details but only if that pertains to the story or adds to the theme. On the other hand, going off on a tangent can sometimes be useful when the reader realizes that the direction that the reader was taken in brings that reader right back to centre stage.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers
in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Robin:It’s a really old saying-a picture paints 1000 words! When I was trying to conceive of the cover, I would picture myself in a store [in the old days when people would actually go to stores to buy books] and unless I was looking for a specific book or subject, I was always attracted to the book that had the most interesting cover. I think that old saying applies even more when you’re looking for a book online because you can’t feel the book, you can’t hold it in your hands. A good cover draws the reader in just like that tasty worm on the hook will help you catch that big fish.

TRC:When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Robin: The answer to that question is: both. But more so, I find, that the characters, more often than not dictate to me which way to go [I suppose that sounds kind of spooky]. I think that’s probably a good way to write and in a way it goes along with allowing the characters to flow, character with character, character with theme/plot and even character with the author [sound spooky again, I know].

TRC:The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen?  Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Robin:A good character/characters need to have emotions, quirks and especially faults. The writer has to illustrate the characters’ faults. The illustration can be shown by what the characters do, what they think [it’s probably not a good idea to stay in a character’s head for too long, simply recounting what he/she is thinking about]. Better still, your author should show how the character is able to deal with those faults. I think that’s all a reflection of real life. We all have faults and we all have to deal with them.

TRC:Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Robin:No, I can’t listen to music while I’m writing. There’s just too much going on inside my head!

TRC:What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Robin:Most people, as far as I can tell, think that authors live in a dark room with only a thin sliver of natural light penetrating their isolation through a closed blind. Perhaps there are authors like that but I doubt that they can last long without ending up drinking a lot!

TRC:What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

Robin: I worry a lot. About what? Everything!

TRC:On what are you currently working?

Robin: I am about halfway through another work of fiction-the working title is: Plague Prayers and Oracle Bones. The subject is about human parasites and how they have affected humanity since “the beginning of time”.

As you can see, all my books have some medical basis on which I think [I hope?] add some credence to the subject of each novel.

 

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Peanut Butter

Favorite Dessert
Fresh Fruit-but I really do love apple pie!

Favorite TV Show
Ancient Aliens of Course!

Last Movie You Saw
The Queen of the Ring-it’s an Indie movie that just came out, all based on true fact!

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Dark-and Lots of It

Secret Celebrity Crush
Sophia Vergara… They say she looks a lot like my wife!

Last Vacation Destination
Colombia-lots of family down there


Do you have any pets?
We have four dogs and two cats [and sometimes a small weasel]-most are rescues

Last book you read

The Genetic Book of the Dead by Richard Dawkins

TRC:Thank you Robin for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of Vaccine: Terrorism Thriller

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The Magician’s Daughter by Alison Chambers-review & interview

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The Magician’s Daughter by Alison Chambers-review & interview

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 5, 2025

October 1942.

Deadly espionage attacks are escalating across US Army Air Force bases stationed around London, threatening to derail the upcoming goodwill visit of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

Brigadier General Maximilian Landry, commander of the base in Heathbridge, is on his way to attend the birthday party of his mentor, General Bedford ‘Ford’ Masterson, when his car misses hazardous boulders strewn in his path – one in a series of sabotage incidents.

A female OSS agent, Corporal Anne Beasley, is sent to investigate the disruption. She soon finds herself embroiled in a labyrinth of deceit, where nothing is as it seems.

While Anne serves as Landry’s temporary adjutant during a severe staffing shortage, Max grows suspicious of her and asks Major Brett Calloway, who he has served with for over ten years, to spy on her.

As the attacks increase, suspicions mount surrounding who could be responsible as confidential information is leaked. With no one to turn to and no one who will believe her, the agent fights desperately to defend herself and uncover the culprit.

A conspiracy unfolds, which could not only endanger the life of the First Lady, but threaten the success of the war effort itself.

••••••

REVIEW:THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER by Alison Chambers is an adult, historical thriller focusing on OSS agent Corporal Anne Beasley, a woman who is tasked with uncovering the truth.

Told from limited omniscient third person perspective (Anne) THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER follows OSS agent Corporal Anne Beasley in the wake of the accelerating and intensifying attacks on several US Army Air Force Bases stationed in and around London, England in 1942. Undercover as Brigadier General Maximilian Landry’s temporary assistant, Beasley discovers there is more to the attacks than anyone could have every imagined. An upcoming classified visit from America’s first lady is threatened with the possibility of a spy in their midst, and Corporal Anne Beasley finds herself at the centre of a covert mission where she will become the prime suspect when fingers are pointed in her direction.

THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER is a story of treason, traitors, double and triple agents, betrayal, conspiracy and espionage, wrapped in a little bit of romance focusing on the dysfunctional people in charge. Brigadier General Maximilian Landry is an easy mark, and is often trapped by his desire to feel needed; Corporal Anne Beasley is determined to prove the US Army is sleeping with the enemy. The character driven premise is thought provoking, dramatic and twisted; the characters are desperate and tenacious; the romance is edgy and questionable.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy


Sandra Koehler, who writes under the pen name of Alison Chambers, was Vice-President of one of the largest association management companies in Wisconsin. She has traveled extensively and served as Executive Director of several national nonprofit medical associations, where she was responsible for marketing, communications, and public relations, as well as overall management. She has been quoted in USA Today, the Los Angeles Times and other national media and has received four awards for excellence and dedicated service. She continues to work in the association management field and has also written for newspapers. Koehler, who majored in political science and history, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She first started writing when she was a teenager, sparked by an interest in Nancy Drew books and a desire to tell a good story. She enjoys keeping her hero and heroine in dangerous and exciting situations against a backdrop of exotic settings, lost treasure and unsolved historical mysteries. Where Danger Makes Passion Sizzle.

TRC: Hi Alison and welcome to The Reading Café.

We would like to start with some background information.  Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Social Media: Website / Goodreads/

Alison: Alison Chambers is my pen name and in my other career I have worked in non-profit association management for over 25 years, serving as Executive Director of several national medical associations. I have always enjoyed the variety of that profession as I feel it has helped me hone my writing skills, since I am editor of several newsletters, contribute to blogs, create proposals, press releases, marketing plans, etc. I have also written for newspapers. I majored in political science and history at a time when not many women were going into those fields and have a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I first started writing books as a teenager and have written seven books with all of them having a historical romance angle.

TRC:Who or what influenced your writing career?

Alison: Since I was an only child, I’ve always enjoyed reading and became interested in Nancy Drew books when I was young. I always liked seeing her as the heroine and solving mysteries on her own, which led me to want to write those type of stories. Later, when I had an interest in history, I read Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L Shirer and Eleanor and Franklin, the story of the relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt, which I found fascinating. I’ve always been interested in unsolved mysteries, conspiracy theories, and lost treasures, which always make me think of the writer’s ability to say ‘what if?’ What if this or that happened instead of the usual outcome we’re familiar with, which can and has often led to the fodder for great stories.

TRC:What difficulties or challenges have you faced as an author?

Alison: I think that getting a good idea for a story and then making it lead to both a logical and exciting conclusion is challenging. Also, finding the time and the ‘gumption’ to actually start writing and finishing the book is difficult, all while you’re staying interested in the fate of your characters throughout. Patricia Highsmith, who wrote Strangers on a Train, The Talented Mr. Ripley and The Price of Salt, the basis for the movie, Carol, said the following: “The first person you should think of pleasing, in writing a book is yourself. If you can amuse yourself for the length of time it takes to write a book, the publisher and the readers can and will come later.” That is so true, since if you don’t have fun writing it, people won’t have fun reading it either and readers won’t have empathy for the characters. Then, of course, there’s the usual work involved with editing, getting it published and promoted. But I love doing it all and I do have fun!

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER?

“A Thrilling Novel of Conspiracy, Espionage & Intrigue”

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /  Published by Holand Press

Alison:  The Magician’s Daughter takes place on a US Army Air Force Base outside London in 1942 as a way of providing a different backdrop for the novel, as opposed to setting it in Nazi-Occupied Europe. I wanted to focus on several interesting areas, including highlighting the women working for the newly established Office of Strategic Services (OSS), Eleanor Roosevelt’s visit to the troops in England and introducing a character loosely based on Jasper Maskelyne, known as The War Magician.

In The Magician’s Daughter, I portray a woman forced to deal with treacherous Nazi spies, high-level fascist conspiracies, and escalating sabotage on US Army Air Force Bases all over southeastern England, while trying to save the life of the base commander she loves. My main character finds herself embroiled in a frightening labyrinth of lies and deceit, where nothing is as it seems. As the attacks increase, suspicions mount and even her sanity is questioned. With no one to turn to and no one who will believe her, she fights desperately to defend herself before the vicious threats claim the lives of both Eleanor Roosevelt and the man she so desperately loves.

TRC:Is any of the premise based in reality?

Alison: Yes, Eleanor Roosevelt did really visit the troops in England in 1942. That time frame interested me because the war was in a precarious time and had not turned in the Allies’ favor. The daring daylight bombing raids the US conducted had not yet been successful, with only 20% of them hitting their targets, often hitting residential areas instead. Eleanor visited the troops in England to boost morale and observe how women were participating in the war effort.

When I thought about my lead character and what her backstory would be, I thought “What if her father was a magician?” That’s how I learned, through research, that there was a stage magician, Jasper Maskelyne, who applied many of his sleight of hand tricks to the business of war while working for the British. He created ingenious weapons for use by spies and with his band of fellow artists, created faux tanks and battleships to conceal the Suez Canal and ‘move’ Alexandria Harbor. While there is some conjecture regarding the reality of some of these events, they still make great fodder for a story! My main character’s father is loosely based on this character. You can read more about Jasper Maskelyne by reading The War Magician by David Fisher. At one point, a movie was going to be made about his life starring Benedict Cumberbatch, but that project is apparently on hold for now, from what I’ve read.

TRC:How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Alison: You have to keep thinking about what the character’s next logical move would be without throwing coincidence into it, which would make it unbelievable. You have to be diligent about reading history from the period to make sure these things could possibly happen, even if they didn’t, or maybe you have to adjust the timeline a bit to make it more plausible.

TRC:What difficulties did you encounter (logistical, research, etc.) outlining and writing this particular novel?

Alison: Once again, checking history to make sure the events are probable, even if they didn’t really happen that way in the original time frame.

TRC:If you could virtually cast the leading characters, which actors or models would best represent your ideal image?

Alison: With today’s actors: George Clooney and Nicole Kidman; with vintage actors Gregory Peck and Joan Fontaine.

TRC:Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family.  With whom do you bounce ideas?

Alison: Only one or two close friends, but mainly I read other writers in the same historical fiction genre to get ideas and make sure I’m on the right track.

TRC:Do you believe the cover plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of choosing their next book to read?

Alison: Yes, a professional and attractive cover helps sell the book along with the blurb, of course, since you only have a short time to catch the reader’s attention, either online or in a bookstore, so they’d both better be good.

TRC:How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of deadlines?

Alison: Discipline yourself to sit down every day and make progress, no matter what, like with any other task that needs to get done. Sometimes it takes me a while to get going and I’ll only have written one paragraph in one hour. But suddenly and mysteriously, the creative muse takes off and I don’t want to stop! Be focused and that can put worry on the back burner.

TRC:On what are you currently working?

Alison: I’m working on the sequel to The Magician’s Daughter, as this is part of a series spotlighting the tremendous and sometimes unsung role women played during World War II, working for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Actually 35% of the 13,000 people who served with the OSS were women (one out of every three) and I’m glad to see more stories are being told about the contributions they made.

TRC:Would you like to add anything else?

Alison: I would like to thank the Reading Café for having me and Holand Press for publishing my book. These were great questions.

Please visit me at https://www.alisonchambersromance.com to learn more about me and my other books.

 

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food? Shrimp Scampi

Favorite Dessert? Turtle Brownies

Favorite TV Show? NCIS or anything on the History Channel

Last Movie You Saw? A Complete Unknown (the Bob Dylan biopic)

Dark or Milk Chocolate? Dark

Favorite Flower? Yellow tulips

Do you have any pets? No, I’m allergic, but I love dogs!

Thank you, Alison, for taking the time to answer our questions.  Congratulations on the release of THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER.

 

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The Gift From Aelius by Michael Colon-Review & Interview

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THE GIFT FROM AELIUS by Michael Colon-Review & Interview

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 29, 2024

In the not-too distant future, A191, a Codex with artificial intelligence, feels like a misfit in Paradise, a walled city in the middle of an endless desert where humans imprisoned his race long ago. He’s not like the others of his kind; he longs to meet humans and make peace with them so man and Codexes can be reunited in the world. These thoughts and feelings are not allowed in Paradise; he risks banishment to the desert by the Overseer A. I. who rules by fear and force. Complicating matters, A191 has a glitch in his programming that conjures up a human boy named Aelius who tells him to go to Old Haven where he will find freedom. However, he’s drafted into a rebellion against the Overseer, and as Paradise enforcers close in with orders to terminate him, he escapes the city to wander the desert in search of humans. The journey reveals the truth about his existence, the Overseer’s lies, and the consequences of mankind’s untethered technology.

•••••

REVIEW: THE GIFT FROM AELIUS by Michael Colon is an adult, sci-fi, post apocalyptic, futurist story line focusing on Codex A191, and the rise of AI.

Told from first person perspective (A191) A GIFT FROM AELIUS follows A191 as he/it slowly becomes something more. Humanity has reached the singularity: sentient robots with the ability to think. The Codex artificial intelligence, having destroyed most of mankind, have been forced behind a walled city called Paradise, where the Overseer controls their day to day activities but A191 is struggling with his/its’ direction, and a glitch in his/its’ program brings with it memories and instructions from a time long ago. As A191 journeys forward looking for answers, the reality of mankind’s destruction hits too close to home.

THE GIFT FROM AELIUS is awash in religious and Christian overtones: God and Heaven, spirituality and faith, heart and soul. Akin to Moses freeing the slaves with directions from God, A191 often wonders if there is something more, only to discover he/it is the something more for which everyone is searching.

Blending a little bit of THE MATRIX™ with I, ROBOT™, (Asimov) and plenty of ROBOPOCALYPSE™ (Wilson), THE GIFT FROM AELIUS focuses on the aftermath of the rise of artificial intelligence (apocalypse ) and the fall of mankind. With 90% of humanity wiped out by the AI uprising, those who remain must fight for survival. The thought provoking premise is dramatic, dark and complex. Ask yourself, is the end of humanity worth the ongoing use of artificial intelligence ?

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC:  Hi Michael and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of THE GIFT FROM AELIUS.

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Michael Colon:  My name is Michael Colon, and I was born and raised in New York City. I am a novelist, poet, and freelance writer. My author’s story is about hard work, perseverance, and believing in the power of imagination. My inspiration comes from various societal abnormalities, the beauty in cultural differences, and my own life experiences. Outside of writing, I enjoy working out, watching sports, and going on hiking trails with my wife.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Michael Colon: Art, music, and movies influenced my career in writing. The imagination and creative expression that goes into those artforms inspires me. As an author, I see how genuine we must be with our craft to impact the reader with the message we want to deliver and I see the same in those art forms.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

Michael Colon:The challenging reality of working hard on a project, and leaving it up to someone you never met to give it the stamp of published approval can conjure mixed emotions. Also, trying to figure out where to start when sending pitches can be overwhelming, especially as a new author.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of THE GIFT FROM AELIUS?

Michael Colon:The premise of this story is to show how far artificial intelligence can advance as we advance consciously as a species. Another premise is the yearning of purpose in this world. Any intelligent lifeform that is consciously aware years to find meaning in this world.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning THE GIFT FROM AELIUS?

Michael Colon:I researched certain elements as I wrote the story. I did not want to put any unnecessary holds on the flow of a story telling itself. The research is definitely necessary, but expressing my heart and filling in the gaps with research is more my style.

TRC: Is THE GIFT OF AELIUS a stand alone, or do you have plans for future Instalments?

Michael Colon:I have plans to write a sequel.

TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines especially stories of AI and Sci-Fi. How do you keep the story line believable? Where do you think some author’s fail?

Michael Colon:I agree that believability is important. I keep the story lines real by adding real world scenarios with today’s outlook on A.I mixed with creative hypotheticals to what can happen if A.I continues to evolve based on hearing what professionals in the industry have to say. I think some authors fail at this when they don’t balance the objective viewpoints of information with there imagination.

TRC: What, if any, are your concerns about the future of mankind and AI? What do you believe are the benefits of AI?

Michael Colon:I don’t have any concerns. If higher artificial intelligence consciousness is meant to share life with us the best thing we can do is learn to grow with it and become better as people. Most people picture the end of the world with robots enslaving people. I tend to see things from a more open minded viewpoint.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Michael Colon:Absolutely. There is a saying to never judge a book by its cover. But let’s face it. We all do to some extent. The cover is the first thing people see. It is important to make sure the cover art pops and boldly explains the core concept of a story.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Michael Colon:I let the characters do the writing. When I am in the flow of writing a story. I let the fictional world the characters live in have power by guiding the narratives. This takes letting go of rigid writing habits and letting the characters have fun. You never know what exciting new ideas can propel the story by doing this.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Michael Colon:A writer must experience living through the story when writing down the words so that in every piece of text are remnants of the author’s voice and heart. When each word connects and drives a particular mood of a chapter or scene it’s easier for the reader to connect emotionally. Writers fail in this endeavour by either going through the motions or overthinking.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Michael Colon:I love listening to music while writing. I feel that music triggers certain emotional responses that allow our storytelling to become potent when we are stimulated.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about Authors?

Michael Colon:A big misconception about authors is that they don’t do anything, and sit in their room all day and night. Authors have other interests and passions.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

Michael Colon:I played semi-pro basketball for a couple years.

TRC: Who or what influenced your path towards writing a sci-fi / futuristic story line?

Michael Colon:I am always fascinated with the what if’s of the future and we are in a stage in history where A.I is at the forefront of innovation.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Michael Colon:The sequel to The Gift From Aelius

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Michael Colon:For anyone who just started their writing journey or is pitching their work to publishers, never give up hope in yourself. Hard work and faith is the recipe for success. Not these five step guides that people on the internet will try to scam your pockets with.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food Spaghetti and meatballs.

Favorite Dessert Chocolate Cake.

Favorite TV Show The Walking Dead

Last Movie You Saw Smile 2

Dark or Milk Chocolate Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush None

Last Vacation Destination Lancaster Pennsylvania

Do you have any pets? Nope

Last book you read The meaning of marriage by Timothy Keller

TRC:  Thank you Michael for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of THE GIFT FROM AELIUS. We wish you all the best.

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Crystal Iris (Crystal Iris) by Blair M Shadows-review & interview

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Crystal Iris (Crystal Iris 1) by Blair M  Shadows -review and interview

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2024

Get ready to lose yourself in a world where art and magic intertwine with a blistering hot romance.

Crystal Iris: Book I is the beginning of a tantalizing magical romance series brimming with mystery, modern conflicts, and a love story that will leave you aching for more. A sexy, addictive mystical fantasy with a strong female lead, swoon-worthy book boyfriends, and plenty of spice—perfect for fans of books featured on BookTok.

Professor Iris De Loughery’s life changes on the night of her thirtieth birthday. The gift she receives from her distant father defies reality as she knows it, launching her on a journey of self-discovery alongside a dive into the spectral unknown. Shaken by her relationships, the Harvard art history professor’s struggles intensify when she meets Hoyt, another prism possessor. Controlling her feelings will be her first challenge in this wicked spicy series.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW:

“Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.” – Stella Adler”

I love the cover. Definitely in my discreet era 😜

I wasn’t to enamoured by the blurb if I’m honest. And maybe I should have gone in blind. Sometime you are pleasantly surprised.

“The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.” – Robert Hughes”

But the book, the book had a few issues, but I couldn’t put it down until the last page was done. It was a little slow in places, and a few discrepancies, but it didn’t take away from the drama and storytelling.

I also liked the little quotes at the beginning of each chapter, I’m not a big lover of history (although I do read historical romance 😉) but I found the snippets the author gave us really fascinating, I felt it added something extra to the story. The MFC is a history professor, so it was a good idea that she could actually tell us a little a little it.)

“One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself.” – Leonardo da Vinci”

MFC is an older character (which I always like, love isn’t just for the young you know 😉) and with an established career and life already. But life isn’t always played out the way you plan it……

Iris is given a gift from an absent father (we get to find out more through the book.) At first Iris wants nothing to with her father or the gift, but curiosity wins out…..

“The artist’s world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.” – Paul Strand”

What I liked was this book didn’t info dump on you, it gave it in easy segments, so that it didn’t overwhelm or confuse the reader. (I don’t need confusing thanks 😉)

Hoyt is also a prism holder. And that’s what connects them at first. The friendship grows and venues something more….

But we also have mystery and drama. And that’s the bit I loved. It keeps you wondering how this will turn out

There are so many questions that need answering in the book …..

What’s a prism? What’s its purpose? How does it involve Iris and Hoyt?

And do her mother’s letters hold more clues or questions?

You will have to read the book to find out if my questions are answered.

And the ending!! What a way to leave it open for the next book (which i hope is soon 🤞)

SO if you ignore the blurb and dive straight in I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Plenty of intrigue and mystery. A puzzle that needs solving (I did guess a few things pretty quick, but others completely surprised me.) it says a spicy romance, and then someone describes it as a slow burn 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ll leave that for you to decide.

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie

TRC: .Hi Blair and welcome to The Reading Cafe. Congratulations on the release of Crystal Iris. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself? 

Blair: I’m a mom first and foremost, and a nostalgic at heart. I love researching and reading about history and art. Having lived in a few exciting places and traveled extensively for work, I’ve gained a broad perspective on the world.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing? 

Blair: My background is in film and TV, and from a young age, I knew I wanted to be involved in telling stories. Coming from a creative family, I was always encouraged to pursue this path.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

Blair: I wish I could say the path has been smooth, but I’ve had to battle self-doubt on a daily basis—something that’s probably common when writing a debut novel. Publishing is an entirely different beast, one I’m still navigating. My mantra has always been: ‘One day at a time.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of   CRYSTAL IRIS?

Blair: Crystal Iris is a story about love—primarily self-love. It weaves in magical elements, spice, betrayals, and art, but at its core, it’s about discovering who we truly are when faced with life’s challenges.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning CRYSTAL IRIS

BLAIR: I started writing Crystal Iris about seven years ago, and the research has been my favorite part. I loved diving deeper into art history, which was my minor in college.

TRC: Is CRYSTAL IRIS part of a series? A stand alone?

Blair: It’s the first book of a series.

TRC: Do you have plans for a series/ or story for any of the secondary characters?

Blair: All the characters play an important role in the overall story, but as of now, there isn’t a specific book planned for any of them.

TRC: Do you have any interest in writing, or have you ever written for another genre?

Blair: I can see myself writing something in the horror genre.

TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines .How do you keep the fantasy  story line believable? Where do you think some author’s fail?

Blair: Since Crystal Iris isn’t high fantasy, I was careful about how I introduced magical elements, especially since the story is set in the real world. I wanted to bring in the supernatural gradually, building on it with each book. I think it could lose its impact if those elements were revealed too quickly or out of context.”

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Blair: Yes, packaging matters in all products, and books are no exception.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Blair: In my case, the characters make their own choices—I’m just along for the ride.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen?  Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Blair: I think when the character drives the story, it’s much easier to connect with their emotions. When an author tries to restrain the narrative, things can feel forced.

TRC:Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Blair: I need complete silence when writing, but I love listening to music while going for walks and thinking about the story. I see my characters as real people—they have hobbies, tastes in food, and, of course, their own music preferences. There’s a playlist on Spotify for Crystal Iris Book One, in case anyone’s curious about the music vibes.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Blair: People often think being an author must be very relaxing, but I’ve found the opposite to be true.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

Blair: I’m a bit of a neat freak—things only bring me stress if they’re not in the way I think they should be.

TRC: Who or what influenced your path towards a young adult, paranormal story line.

Blair: I write what I want to read; I’m basically my own audience.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Blair: Crystal Iris book two.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Blair: Thank you so much for this opportunity, I really appreciate the support.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food- Italian

Favorite Dessert– Ice cream

Favorite TV Show -Lost

Last Movie You Saw- Home alone (my son’s first time)

Dark or Milk Chocolate– Milk chocolate 

Secret Celebrity Crush -Justin Timberlake 

Last Vacation –Destination Rio, Brazil summer 2024

Do you have any pets? -Not currently 

Last book you read -Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Carl Newport

TRC: Thank you Blair for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you all the best.

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Interview with Photographer and Cover Model Danilo Andjus

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Interview with Photographer and Cover Model Danilo Andjus

TRC: Hi Danilo and welcome to The Reading Café.

Danilo: Good afternoon to the Reading cafe and all the readers, thanks for the invitation to do the interview. Hope my answers won’t be too boring 🙂

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Danilo: Facebook / Website-Andjus Images / Instagram

Danilo: My name is Danilo Andjus, I’m 25 years old and I am from Belgrade, Serbia, which you could say is my base, but because of my work I am mostly traveling around the world.

My main focus is on lifestyle photography for the istock by gettyimages company, but I’m still doing direct bookings in modeling which was my main job until about 3-4 years ago when I was traveling around and working for many different agencies around the globe. I can say I lead a very dynamic life filled with many adventures combining work and pleasure.

TRC: What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?

 

Danilo: Well I think, like most people, as a kid my dreams changed from day to day. :D:D But the first thing that comes to my mind was the dream of becoming a professional football player when I was about 7-8 years old, a dream I pursued until I was 17-18 years old. I suffered an injury than, and had to stop playing (professionally).

TRC: When not modeling what is your ‘day job’?

Danilo: My day job and everyday job is as a photographer

TRC: What first sparked your interest in modeling? Is there a defining moment where you knew that modeling was something you were interested in pursuing?

Danilo: To be honest I didn’t know much about modeling, and most of what I knew was basic stereotypical stuff that usually people who don’t know much think about modeling. I started modeling in a very spontaneous way, it was exactly in the period after I suffered that injury and couldn’t play football anymore. One day I was chilling with my cousin and she had to take some keys to her neighbors so I went with her to keep her company. Her neighbor turned out to be a famous and respected fashion stylist and designer. He saw a potential in me and started asking questions. In the beginning I was not so interested but after some encouragement from my friends and family I went with the flow and this stylist connected me with some agencies in my city which then after just a few days offered me contracts to go work around the world. Starting with China which I think is the main place for most of the ‘’modeling beginners’’, I began the journey of modeling. The rest is history hahah .

TRC: Have you ever had a photo shoot that went completely wrong?

 

Danilo: Well I think the one that definitely went wrong was when I was doing a shoot in Milan, and Milan is known to be full of very (really very) skinny models, but I was at the time, lets say, a bit ‘’stronger’’. I was already booked for this job where the client really liked me and while I was getting ready for the shoot, putting on clothes, the client was explaining to be careful with the clothes because they were very expensive and how even the buttons were special. In that exact moment, the button on the pants I was trying to fit in and were much smaller then my size, just popped out – BOOM – and hit the client in the head as my pants dropped. I was thinking in my head – Hmm okay Danilo, one job less, and maybe few burgers less next time, no stress. 😀

TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality to pornography. What would you tell young models/actors /body builders just entering the business about nude modeling and photography?

Danilo: From my point of view I never had any ‘’dirty offers’’ for shootings, but it can happen that you are asked to shoot a campaign for some underwear that is maybe too transparent or too erotic, so my advise is, as I do it too, always ask for pictures of the clothes before the job so you can check for yourself whats it about. I did many underwear campaigns and I really never had any major problem.

Once, in Shanghai, China, my agent told me I was booked to shoot a campaign for pyjamas and I had to fly to another city for the job. Once I arrived, while I was waiting in the studio, I was looking at the clothes and saw some G-string underwear hanging there, so I told the stylist sorry but this will obviously take too long because I only see girls underwear here, which means the clothes I need to shoot didn’t even arrive yet. And he just answered: off course they arrived, it’s these ones and showed me the G-strings hanging there. 😀 😀

I was very pissed for the miscommunication between my agency and the client and in just one hour I was back on the plane to Shangai, since I, naturally, didn’t shoot the g-strings hahah

TRC: The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful. What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Danilo: Well I don’t think modeling specifically exposes you to many people.

Everyday life exposes you to many people. Its about how much each one of us wants to be exposed or not.

And the stress is very often there but mostly not because of people, but because of 5am call times for shootings, shootings for winter jackets on 40 degrees on some tropical island. Or the opposite: shooting swimwear on 10 degrees in the sea, flying every day to a different town, living out of your own suitcase and planes, and many other things.

TRC: At times, there has been a ‘stigma’ surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry but the popularity of the romance storyline has skyrocketed in the last few years especially with the erotic and sensual cover images. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the ‘romance cover model’?

Danilo: I can see that in the past years the popularity grew very fast, but to be honest except me being on many covers I don’t have connections to any romance books nor I read them.
I read comic books,sci-fi and crime books 😀

TRC: What do you do to prepare yourself for a shoot?

Danilo: If you mean in the way of training what I do, i do not go to the gym (a lot). My main thing to keep in shape is that I play sports 5 times a week, football and basketball.

TRC: Do you know the number of novel covers that your image has appeared?

Danilo: I don’t remember to be honest 🙂

TRC: What is the most outrageous thing you have had to wear or do for a photo shoot?

Danilo: Hm lets say the most outrageous or just funny clothes was when I actually shot for a brand that makes work uniforms, so I was the post man, the milk man, the garbage man, the police man, the fire man, and the construction worker. And NO, it was not a pornographic shoot hahaha

TRC: Would you please tell us what you do to relax? Have fun?

Danilo: Well most of my free time I spend it with the most beautiful woman in the world who is also my girlfriend, and with friends and family, they are cool too. I have an older brother and a sister, Im the youngest. 🙂 I can definitely say when its all of us together its always a recipe for good fun.

We love to go to cinema, eat all kinds of different food, travel a lot, play mortal combat on ps4 😀 go clubbing in different places, pre-drinking on my balcony that becomes the main party many times etc etc

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

Danilo: hmm I’m really more then satisfied and happy, I have a beautiful family, girlfriend and friends, an amazing job that is growing day by day and that takes me around the world, so I can’t complain, nor say the exact 3 things I feel like accomplishing… everything is going on its good way I just need to ride along…maybe own a Ferrari would be nice though hahaha

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

Danilo: That I am Batman shhhhh !

TRC: 😉

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about modeling ?

Danilo: There are many misconceptions about modeling which cause the usual stereotypes. People who don’t know anything about modeling, or the ones who consider Kim Kardashian or Paris Hilton or god knows what Escort with million followers on social networks as examples of professional models… And then start asking questions like is there a lot of prostitution in your line of work? Escorts? Do they ask you to do this or that? Do you need to sleep with clients to get a job? And many similar questions… Also what is definitely very annoying is when i see silicon girls on social networks calling themselves ‘’MODELS”. Apples and oranges, people. It’s just a shame for all those hardworking models to be put in the same spot and compared to people mentioned above.

TRC: What type of music do you listen to? What songs are on your playlist today?

Danilo: I listen to hip hop, house music when I’m going out, and when I’m working, chilling or answering interviews I listen to jazz, blues and Brazilian music. 🙂

 

TRC: On what on your currently working?

Danilo: I am currently working on how to best enjoy my one month holiday! haha! I just arrived from Dubrovnik, Croatia where I’ve been with my girlfriend for a week and now I’m in my summer house in Sveti Stefan, Montenegro enjoying the summer. After Montenegro we’ll be going to Greece, so I can’t complain! 🙂

Jokes aside, new work plans are cooking for September when its gonna be very busy..

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Danilo: I think I already spoke too much hahaha

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Sushi and mom’s Cous Cous ( actually all mom’s kitchen)

Favorite Dessert: Lindt chocolate, Brazilian dessert called Brigadeiro and beer of course haha

Guilty Pleasure: Ordering junk food at 2am, drinking liters of beer and playing ps4 with friends until birds don’t come out in the morning 😀 😀

Favorite Movie: Gladiator

Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad, Black Mirror, Vikings,

Last Movie that you saw: The new Spiderman… not bad 🙂

Secret Celebrity Crush: my everyday crush Pamela… but not Anderson

Dark or Milk Chocolate: actually white chocolate 🙂

Do you have any pets? Yes I have two cats, Kosta and Tarzina and two dogs Raj and Luna, creyzeee everyday party haha

TRC: Thank you Dan for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on all of your success and the amazing cover images. We wish you all the best and many more covers !!

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