October 2022 Magazine

Our Staff:

Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief: TJ MacKay

Executive Editor: Katy Nielsen

Copy Editors: Julie York, Marc Joseph, Penny Baker

Special Publications Editors: Sarah McEachron, Ryan Jo Summers

Social Media: Laura Trujillo, Amanda Hupe, Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick

Columnists:

S.L. Carpenter, Paul Stans field,Tamara Cribley, Julie L. York

Transcription: Ralph Conley

Graphics: Elle J. Rossi, Rachel Rossano

RONE Awards Coordinator: Amanda Hupe

Technical Editor: Gabriella Sawyer

Reviewers*

Chelsea Anderson, Belinda Wilson, Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick, Tricia Hill, Viola Robbins, Emerson Matthews, Sarah E. McEachron, Roslynn Ernst, Carey Sullivan, Victoria Zumbrum, Shailyn Rogers, PIper Valentine, Austen Grace, Joan Lai, Cara Cieslak, N.E. Kelley, Jennifer Shepherd, Sadie Wilson, Annalee Stilove, Ruth Lynn Ritter,

*Please note, ALL InD’tale staff are required at times to read and review books.

Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission. All books and material reviewed by InD’tale have been read by the stated reviewer and are the opinions of that reader.

Editor’s Note

for a few weeks! Along with our monthly deadlines for publication, we have all the final work and finishing touches to put on the RONE awards presentation. Few realize just how much time and hard work goes into coordinating and conducting an event of this magnitude each year!

the contest, itself. From organizing every single 4.5 - 5.0 star review and placing them in RONE categories, to conducting the reader voting, to finding judges, then categorizing and sending hundreds of books out in specific genres and to specific judges, to congregating and tabulating every single judge’s marks in each genre before sending them off for final tallying. THEN, comes the organization of the video presentation, the creation of the certificates and the crystal awards themselves! And finally, to the actual shipments of those awards to each of the recipients.

WHEW! It’s exhausting just thinking about it! Yet, Amanda does it with such kindness and skill that most never even realize the harried craziness going on behind the scenes! So, as this year’s awards are set to air online October 8th (5:00 PM, PST, 8:00 EST and all times around the world) I would like to personally give all the love and gratitude in my heart for a job exceptionally well-done by those who do so much for so little reward or recognition. Amanda and Katy, your labor of love is seen and appreciated by more people than you know!

It starts right after the awards are complete each October, and continues right up until the last award is announced the following October.

For the past two years, Amanda Hupe, with the help from our Review Coordinator, Katy Nielsen, has spearheaded and run

Smiles, TJ Mackay

Paul Stansfield

New Jersey born and raised, Paul Stansfield spent decades as a field archaeologist for his day job. Surprisingly, even though he professionally disturbed hundreds of graves, he has yet to suffer a haunting or zombie attack. He’s had over 20 stories published by magazines, including such publications as Bibliophilos, Morbid Curiosity, The Literary Hatchet, and Horror Bites. He has stories available in 10 anthologies, and the upcoming “Death’s Garden Revisited” (October 2022). He’s an Affiliate Member of the Horror Writers Association.

Julie L. York

Julie is an author, editor, and momthough not always in that order. She also teaches English to adult and incarcerated students. She was was born and raised in the East Bay Area, California, graduated with a B.A. in English, minoring in Business Computers... got married and had children. Then she completed a Masters of Fine Arts in Media Design. Oh, and did she mention she is a voracious reader? Thanks to iBooks and the Kindle App, Julie has consumed thousands of eBooks and claims reading is her first love.

Contributors

Elise Kova

Elise Kova is a wildly successful USA Today bestselling author whose Young Adult and New Adult Fantasy books and series have captured audiences worldwide. She enjoys telling stories of fantasy worlds filled with magic and deep emotions. Elise lives in Florida, and, when not writing, can be found playing video games, drawing, chatting with readers on social media, or daydreaming about her next story.

Randy Overbeck

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author, and speaker. As an educator, he served children in roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent. His novels have earned national awards including the Gold Award from Literary Titan, Thriller of the Year from Readers Favorite, Silver Award for Mystery of the Year from ReaderViews, and Crown of Excellence from InD’tale Magazine. Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group and serving as a mentor to emerging writers.

Scott Carpenter

A lifetime Californian, Scott Carpenter lives the ordinary life of a husband and father, with the addition of three dogs and a couple of cats. Humor has always played a large role in his life, and he enjoys making people smile. His stories range from the outright absurd to the deeply poignant, and his mastery of the short story format is undeniable. If asked, he'll describe himself as just another guy. His many fans will tell you that his writing paints a quite different picture.

Tamara Cribley

Tamara Cribley is a self-professed formatting junkie who believes beautiful books don't happen by chance. Having worked as a Commercial Photographer, Graphic Artist, and Art Director, Tamara’s unique skills enable her to put together classy and professional books that keep the reader focused on the story. She resides in Colorado where she gives back to her community by being an active Search and Rescue volunteer, and in her free time enjoys reading, gardening, and exploring with the dog.

Helen

H

InD: Where were you born and raised?

HH: I was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, which is in the northeast of Scotland. I spent most of my life growing up in a little town, just south of Aberdeen, that is famous for its deep-fried Mars bars (Milky Way in the U.S.).

InD: Do you like them?

HH: I tried one for my Cirst time about a year ago and it was a bit cold so it wasn't very pleasant, although I’m told they are much nicer when they’re hot. There is also a beautiful castle up on one of the cliffs which was destroyed by William Wallace when he was trying to attack the English Garrison.

InD: So many people all over the world are enthralled with Scottish folklore.

HH: I think "Outlander" had a lot to do with that.

InD: Probably, but also because of the big scrapping romance heroes that people read about, like William Wallace, we have this fantasy of what Scotland is like. But you can tell us the real story. What is it like being a child in Scotland?

HH: That is quite a hard question to answer, because for me, it was like every other child growing up there. It was just normal. One thing

For all the romantic clichés about Scotland, its history, and its people, some turn out to be very true, like the beautiful red hair and reserved but warm nature of so many of its people, and that brogue! Oh that lilting accent that invites a person to sit all night and listen. All these attributes are shown in the truly lovely Helen Harper. Quiet at Birst but warming up as a conversation continues, Helen is honestly a true delight to visit with! And underneath that calm exterior, there lies a heart of a lion who is courageous and fearless - and who is quickly conquering the world, both in her personal life and in the amazing worlds of Urban Fantasy! Read on and you’ll discover just what we found to love!

I did that children in other countries do not do is I played the bagpipes in a pipe band competitively for about eight years. When I was a teenager, we would spend all winter practicing and rehearsing, and then all summer traveling around Scotland on the weekends going to different Highland games, competing.

It was a good way to see a lot of Scotland and feel part of a team. I am not very musical, but I did like the traveling part, although I was never really good at the piping part. In Edinburgh, there are so many tourists, and anytime there's a big festival going on, you can't walk down any street without a piper being there. I have always been amazed at how many people cluster around one piper.

InD: I think because that is something most of the world does not have or hear often. In a lot of ways, bagpipes and piping is still basically a Scottish thing, and it is such a cool sound that people who aren’t accustomed to it gravitate towards it, whereas you grew up

with it so it’s more normal. It is really wonderful to listen to. What were you like as a child? What did you like to do?

HH: I loved to read. I read an awful lot. I had a turbulent childhood; my mom died in a car accident when I was seven, so reading was always a bit of an escape from the real world. I read absolutely everything, really voraciously.

InD: Do you have brothers and sisters?

HH: I have a younger brother and a half-sister, so I am the oldest.

InD: So you were only seven when that tragedy hit. Did you just live with your dad afterwards?

HH: Yes, but he worked on oil rigs, so he was gone a lot of the time, so I spent a lot of time with my grandparents.

InD: It is really interesting you mention you completely lost yourself in books. As an author, that is what your books allow us to do! Your stories, especially, allow a reader to completely escape from everything going on in life. What a

wonderful gift that you are able to give in blessing others with what you most needed as a child.

HH: It is an amazing thing, reading. It takes you to a different world.

InD: Some books more so than others. Historical books allow us to see history. Thrillers and Mystery’s give us puzzles and excitement. But Urban Fantasy transports us and allows us to live in contemporary times while allowing us to enjoy a world that is complete imagination and fantasy, without it affecting us in our lives personally. It is a unique gift that you have.

HH: Thank you... I will remember that when I'm struggling to come up with new and creative stories and it is difCicult to sit still and write (I get distracted easily and Cind other things to do). I will remember that and use it to encourage me to keep writing.

InD: What kind of books did you read and enjoy?

HH: I think I have read just about everything type, but Fantasy has always been my absolute favorite. I really loved "Lord of the Rings”. I think I have read it about 20 times! I am very excited there is going to be a TV series, and I also like the movies.

InD: So you still read a lot of Fantasy?

HH: I do! When I was younger, I read a lot of Romance. I loved my Mills & Boon's and Historical Romance.

Part of me is a little bit disappointed that I am not teenager now, in the sense that the Young Adult books have come so far from when I was a young adult. They are so clever and intricate and really exciting. Back then, there was not that many to even choose from. There were books that were quite childish or those

that were very adult. There was no middle book between.

I used to read Romance and Fantasy books about people who were much older than I was. Young Adult books are now so imaginative and interesting and amazing. I used to be an English teacher before I started writing full-time, so naturally I read a lot of YA books so I could recommend them to the students I was teaching. To start off with, it was part of the job, but now I do it because they are so good!

InD: I completely agree! Were you a quiet child?

HH: I was very quiet and academic. I never talked to anyone I didn't know, and I was deCinitely not a sporty child at all.

InD: What were you like in high school?

HH: I suppose I started to come out of my shell a little bit in high school, but I was still very introverted.

InD: If you were so introverted, what made you decide to be in a bagpipe band?

HH: I started when I was younger, through the school. I was always so quiet and introverted, but oddly, I still like to show off.

InD: You said you were an English teacher, was that a dream you had in college or high school?

HH: Oh no. I would have been horriCied to know I would become a teacher, but I would have done anything that would have helped me travel. Traveling the world was my biggest dream, and I didn't really care how it happened. I particularly wanted to be a journalist when I was in high school.

InD: Did you like to write in high school?

HH: No, I just read.

InD: So what prompted you to want to be a journalist?

HH: There was a very famous journalist by the name of Kate Adie when I was growing up, and whenever I was watching big world events that were causing world repercussions, they would send her to report on it. So Cirst of all, she was a woman at a time when there were not a lot of women journalists, especially in war zones, but she was there, and there was an awful lot going on in the late 80s and early 90s, with the Berlin wall falling and what happened in Tiananmen Square and things like that.

I watched her on the news and thought I wanted to do that. I wanted to be that person who witnessed history all around the world and be able to tell other people about it. I suppose it was not the actual journalism or wanting to be on TV, but to be able to travel and experience these events. I admired her so much, she was my absolute hero.

InD: She probably remembers you, though! When you went to college you had decided that was what you wanted to do, what happened?

HH: I took a gap year and went to Thailand and taught English as a foreign language. Then I went back to university to study English and media, with the view to become a journalist. But because of the Scottish system, at the last minute I had to pick up a third subject, so I picked up Japanese (because during my gap year in Thailand) all I really wanted to do was to go back to Thailand. I really loved it.

InD: You were what, 19 years old?

HH: Yes, I was 18 when I went and 19 when I came back. Nothing is quite like being 18 and experiencing the world for the Cirst time. I don't know if you can ever quite get that feeling back again.

InD: Wasn't that terrifying?

A couple of years ago, before Covid, I was at a literary festival in Devon, England, and she was giving a presentation because she had written a couple of books. At the end of the presentation, she was doing a signing so I bought a book and was waiting in a queue for her to sign it. When I Cinally got to the front of the queue and she was right in front of me, I burst into tears! This hardened journalist was just looking at me and I don't know where the tears came from because I had never experienced anything like that. I think she was such the heroine of mine when I was younger that it all just hit me and I started to cry.

InD: Were you able to explain to her?

HH: A bit yes, but I think she probably still thought I was strange.

HH: No, because I was so desperate to travel and see new cultures, it was just thrilling the entire time. I absolutely loved it. The teaching part was a little bit terrifying because they were very large classes and, obviously, I did not speak Thai.

InD: Not to mention that you were 18 years old!

HH: And all of my students were 17. [laughing]

InD: Wow! If you didn't speak Thai, how did you manage?

HH: I picked up some along the way, but since English is such a well-known language, you can get by. I like to think now that I would make more of an effort to become better at the language, but I was quite lazy. I had a lot of Thai friends, but we would all speak English.

InD: When you came back, you had to pick up another subject and that was Japanese?

HH: Yes, because in my head, Japan and Thailand were vaguely similar parts of the world, so I picked up

Japanese on a whim. After a year or two, I felt like I was not getting a huge amount out of my English courses, but I was learning so much from the Japanese courses, and if I chose to take Japanese as my main subject, I would have to spend a semester in Japan, so it was a no-brainer. I switched to Japanese full-time, so my degree is in Japanese.

InD: Wow! Did having Japanese as a major serve you well?

HH: It depends on how you look at it. I was never Cluent in Japanese. I think you have to study it for an awfully long time to become so. I graduated University with a degree in Japanese, but I could not speak Cluently and employers wanted somebody who had done business in Japanese. Just knowing the language doesn't qualify you to do very much, so it did not serve me well in that sense.

So I went on to do teacher training in English. I could teach basic Japanese, but if it started to get more advanced, I would not have been able to do that. After I had been teaching a few years, I decided I wanted to work abroad at international schools and there was a job teaching abroad in Tokyo, so I got the interview for that job on the basis of having a degree in Japanese, even though I was teaching English, so in that sense it served me well. And when I moved to Japan, I could speak Japanese fairly well.

InD: How long did you spend in Tokyo teaching English?

HH: I was there for four years, teaching English.

InD: What was that experience like?

HH: It was amazing. It was very much a ‘work hard, party hard’ sort of atmosphere. I was in my mid to late 20s, and I had come out of a lot of student debt and was making a great wage in the middle of one of the most exciting cities in the world, so it would be work super hard for hours and hours and then go party very hard. I wouldn't be up to do it now because it was exhausting, but back then it was an awful lot of fun.

InD: The things you can do in your 20s! [both laughing]

HH: Yes, and it is a unique country. I don't think there's anywhere else in the world like Japan, and it was a very good time. I think going to live in another country as opposed to visiting on holiday, you can learn so much and get such a different perspective. It really opens up your mind to what else is out there.

InD: What brought you back home?

HH: I didn't go home. I went to Malaysia. I was in Japan for four years and then Malaysia for seven years. I love Malaysia, but it was hard to acclimate because it is very different than Japan. It took me over a year to settle in, and then things became much better and I ended up staying much longer than I thought I would.

InD: How are they so different?

HH: Malaysia feels a lot more Westernized than Japan. It has all of the brand fare like in America and here. They speak English, and it used to be a British colony. It did not feel completely different like Japan did. It was more familiar and less exciting.

InD: So for a young person who is wanting to see the world, Malaysia is something you already sort of know rather than something completely different and exciting?

HH: Yes, but the longer I stayed in Malaysia, the more I grew to really love it. It is a very unique melting pot of cultures, because you have all these different cultures within one country and it was fascinating. I am going back to Malaysia for a visit, Cinally, this month! I am really looking forward to it and to seeing the friends I met, and get some hot weather because it is not very pleasant in Scotland in October.

InD: How many years has it been since you were there?

HH: I have been back there a few times, but obviously with Covid and everything it has been a while... maybe

four or Cive years. I feel like I have a lot of ties there, and I love that part of the world.

InD: And having spent seven years there, you would have established friends.

HH: Yes, and that is the longest I have lived anywhere since I had left home at 18. I have never stayed very long in one place. I get itchy feet and I just love to travel to other places. I will live a few years in one place, then move on. I keep thinking each place will be the last.

InD: With you being an author, it helps that you can live about anywhere in the world and still work.

HH: Yes, very much so.

InD: So after seven years in Malaysia, what made you decide to leave and where did you go?

HH: Part of it was I felt like it was time to go because it had been seven years, and also I was no longer teaching. I taught full-time in Malaysia for Cive years, but I had started writing at that point and it had started to taking over. So I decided that since the writing was going very well and it would probably never happen again, I would take a year or two off from teaching and concentrate on writing. I had a different visa then and I wasn't sure how long I would be able to stay in Malaysia, and I started to feel the tug of home a little bit, so I moved back.

InD: It was in Malaysia that you got the writing bug, what prompted you to start writing?

HH: I was having a very stressful time at work. I had been temporarily promoted, so I was doing my job and the one I had been promoted to, and it was a lot of work and a lot of stress, and the only way I could escape was by doing what I did as a child—reading. It had to be something that wasn't too taxing, but just fun.

So I started reading Urban Fantasy because that was the perfect escape, but then they got to a point where I felt like I had read all I could Cind and there wasn't much left, so one night I decided to write my own. It started off with one scene.

In "Blood Fire", there is a scene where Mac is waiting for Corrigan to come for the very, very Cirst time. That was the one scene that was in my head. I wrote

that one scene and then I wrote another scene and then another, and then it just kept going… and I would Cind myself rushing home from work every single night just so I could sit down and write. I didn't plan for it, but I would sit like I was a reader, completely immersed in the story, and I would get so very excited by it.

I got to about 50,000 words and I remember thinking, “This is a lot of words. It could be a book!” But it was only for me and I didn't tell anybody what I was doing. It was just this odd little side hobby I had for escapism to deal with what was going on at work.

InD: At what point did you go, “Oh, I think I have a book”?

HH: I had Cinished "Blood Fire" and had really enjoyed it, so I thought I would write another one. I wrote "Blood Magic", and they both sat on my computer for a couple of years. Work had gotten less stressful, so I didn’t need that outlet so much. I kept reading about Amanda Hocking and what she and others were doing with self-publishing.

You know that strange period between Christmas and the New Year where nothing really happens? It was during that little break period I thought, “I could self-publish these books and see what happens.” So it was really just one afternoon, I think it was December 27th, where I just went and published them on Amazon. It was not very difCicult, and that was it!

InD: Did you self-edit them because you are an English teacher?

HH: Yes, but oh, I would not recommend it! A few months later, when I started to sell them and tell my friends and family, I had a friend come to me and say, “You need to let me edit that book for you because there are a lot of mistakes I don't think your realize are in there.”

InD: How many people bought that ^irst book?

HH: The Cirst month somewhere around 30 or 40 people bought it, and then during the second month, somebody posted a very positive review. I remember sitting at home reading a review from somebody I don't know and thinking, “They read my book and they liked it!” There’s nothing in the world

like the feeling of that Cirst review when somebody loves your book. It felt like traveling again for the Cirst time.

InD: Is that what prompted you to go back and try some more?

HH: Yes, I suppose so. Maybe 30 people read it the Cirst month and a thousand the second month, and then it just seemed every month there were more and more people. It was the very early stages of self-publishing, so I don't think I did any marketing at all. I just got lucky. But when more and more people were reading and writing reviews, that's when I decided to write the next books.

InD: You already had the ^irst two books of the Blood Destiny series written, so did you just write the next book of that series?

HH: Yes. I just continued with the next book of that series and kept writing until I felt like the story was Cinished and had come to a natural end. Then I moved on to something else.

InD: Was it easy to come up with completely different characters and monsters for a completely different series? Or did you have to sit down and really work on them?

HH: I was worried because I felt like I had put every magical creature I could think of into those books. I thought, “I can't write about them again”, so it did take a little while. My next book ended up being the retelling of my favorite Greek myth, "Cupid and Psyche", but it did not do very well, and then the next book "Lyre" hardly anybody reading it. I thought I could just write a book and lots of people would read it, so it was eye-opening when I realized it was not as easy as I thought it was going to be. I thought, “I’m going to need to rethink this a little more”, so it was actually quite difCicult to come up with other ideas. Now, I am Cighting the ideas off because there are so many and so little time to be able to write them all! But initially, after that Cirst series, it was hard.

InD: So what series did you come up with next that did well?

HH: I wrote "Eros" and the follow-up called "Lyre" which did even worse. It

didn't have a happy ending, it was more of a bittersweet ending, so I learned my lesson: You can have trouble along the way, but everybody wants a happy ending. So after that, I wrote the Bo Blackman series, which was a much darker setting than "Eros".

InD: I started reading your books with your most recent which was “Hummingbird”, and then “Lazy Girl's Guide to Magic”, (that one was SO much fun!) Then I decided to read some of your earlier work and picked up the Bo Blackman series. It is darker than some of your other work. What was your inspiration?

HH: I love reading Mysteries and Crime Thrillers as well as Fantasy, so I think I was trying to combine both of those at the same time, and also do something that was very different from Blood Destiny. It is more real, although it is still fantasy.

InD: And that is exactly what you did! It is more on the Mystery/Thriller side, but with vampires and other creatures.

HH: Yes, I think it was a lot harder writing a Mystery/Thriller where you try not to make it too obvious who's done it, yet still incorporating the fantasy aspect and having it make sense. I struggled with that quite a lot, and I believe I have gotten a lot better at holding some information, but letting out little bits that make it a successful story. I have a very large soft spot for Bo and the other characters around her. I really love them. I do think that series deCinitely gets better as it progresses and I work my way around that subgenre.

InD: Was it hard to write at the time?

HH: I quite enjoyed it actually. I enjoyed the darker elements. I enjoyed setting it almost totally in London, where everything feels just a little bit grimmer than Blood Destiny which takes place mostly in the countryside.

I like it where I write an easy series, like “Lazy Girl's Guide to Magic”, and then write something that is a bit darker because I enjoy both, but it depends on the mood I am in at the time.

InD: That makes sense, and I can see that in your most recent works, you

have done that.

HH: Yes, I do feel like “Hummingbird” is my darkest one to date.

InD: I don't remember the last time I gave the ^irst book in a series 5 stars, because the ^irst book has to set up the world, introduced characters, etc. A lot of authors have very good ^irst books, but not everything can be included and riveting all at once. You were somehow able to pack it all in that ^irst book, I was really impressed! Would you say that was developed intentionally over time? Or was it just a natural progression?

HH: I feel like I am more conCident as a writer, and I think I am more willing to trust in myself and in the process much more than I used to. It takes me longer now to write a book than it used to.

InD: Why do you think that is? HH: I think I enjoy taking my time with the process a bit more than in my earlier days. Back then, I was so excited to Cind out what was going to happen next because I would race through writing it the same way I would as a reader. Now, I’m a bit more careful. I’ll go for a long walk and think about what is going to happen next instead of just throwing all the ideas down on paper.

InD: I think maybe the contemplation that you do now lends more to the depth in the books. You’ve always written great stories, but they now have so much depth and emotion, as well.

HH: I do feel that Mairi in “Hummingbird" has a lot more depth than the other characters because I have taken more time. InD: But sometimes being in the mood for something fun and light to escape and have a good time with is also needed. Your “Lazy Girls Guide…” is totally that way. Those series are books you don't want to put down for very different reasons, and that is a good thing.

HH: I have a little bit of love-hate with the Lazy Girl series because that's the one everyone always wants to talk about. Sometimes I think, “I also have SO many other series you might like…” Still, I do understand why everyone likes the Lazy Girl series, because I think we all can relate a little bit to it.

InD: I agree with you on both points, but yes, it is such a small drop in all of the work that you have done.

HH: People ask me all the time, “Are you going to write another

Ivy (Lazy Girls) book? No, to me that series is done, there's nowhere else to go with it. It's really hard to write about a lazy character because you have to come up with ways for them to be in certain situations and to grow and do something. You can’t just have a book where they're lying on the sofa watching television the whole way through. Something has to happen. I Cind it very hard sometimes to put her in situations where I know she would just want to be in bed.

InD: I think if you continued, her character would get annoying to read because reader’s would end up thinking, “Get over it already, you have to go to work!” If you continue with the same character in a series, she has to grow.

HH: DeCinitely, and then she wouldn’t be the lazy witch anymore.

InD: Then you have the Firebrand series. That one is kind of the middle road because it is not terribly dark, but not light and funny by any stretch.

HH: I really like the Firebrand series because each book contains a complete story in itself while still following a series arc. I wanted to be able to challenge myself and do that. I didn’t want to have a clifChanger, but I wanted to leave the books in a way where you still want to read the next one. I think I have been more

successful with some of the Firebrand books than others, but in each one there is a crime and she has to solve it.

InD: You have an ending in each of the Firebrand books, but there is the overriding relationship that carries through, and it is, hands-down, the relationships that brings a reader back to the books.

HH: Because it is the relationships that make up life as well. It is not in the things you do, but in the people you know and develop relationships with that makes life valuable.

InD: And books don’t have to be strictly Romance to have that, but there has to be a relationship you care about within a book in order for it to really resonate. Maybe men would disagree, I don't know. What do you think?

HH: I am trying to think of the book where there is not a relationship that works like that, and I can't. I recently read "How to Kill Your Family" by Bella Mackie. A lot of the time, the main character is really quite unlikable and she really is trying to kill her family, yet it is still all about relationships. So that principle is still there, whether it is negative ones or positive.

InD: In the decade plus I have worked with readers, whenever I ask what they love about a book, it always boils down to the relationships developed in that book. An almost universal truth is we all want to be loved,

and that is what we so often explore in books. That is something you do very well.

How do you compare Urban Fantasy with other genres?

HH: I feel like Urban Fantasy has all sorts of other genres within it. We spoke about incorporating Crime Thrillers and Mystery, but they also incorporate Paranormal and Romance. Romance is not the focus of Urban Fantasy, but I do feel like it has to be there in some form. I am disappointed when I read an Urban Fantasy book and there's no romance in it. I don't want it to be the focus, but I do want some.

You can't take Urban Fantasy as seriously as other genres, and I really like that part of it. It is not going to change the world; it is just going to entertain, and sometimes instill a few insights.

InD: When reading Urban Fantasy, one can look at very weighty, real-world problems while still being in a setting that doesn't affect you personally.

HH: Because it is not real. InD: If you take a look at all your works, do you have any moral themes you can see that comes through it all?

HH: I think strong women who stand up for themselves. That is part of the reason I really loved writing in the genre. My main characters often Cind redemption. They aren’t necessarily that person early on, but they grow and become better. And, for instance, just because a character

is seen as a villain at the beginning, they don't always have to be the villain. I enjoy that a lot, and I've done that with secondary characters who have been horrible to the main character and then have become much nicer because we are all allowed to change.

InD: Are there any characters that have a lot of you in them?

HH: I think there is a little bit of me in all of them, but I think Mac [Blood Destiny Series] is the most like me. Maybe because she was the Cirst one, maybe because she has red hair and I have red hair, she likes coffee and I like coffee, and then little things that were my pet peeves, at the time, like the use of endearments or people that shorten my name. I really disliked that at the time, so that went into her character.

There is a lot of me in Ivy [A Lazy Girl’s Guide...] as well, because I can be very, very lazy and not want to do anything. Then there’s little bit of me in “Hummingbird” because she doesn't speak through most of the book, and I suppose that harkens back to me being very quiet and introverted as a teenager, where you can have a lot going on inside but you can't necessarily express it. I suppose a lot of characters have a little bit of me in them. I think it is almost impossible to avoid.

InD: Have you had any characters that were very dif^icult to write?

HH: Yes! In “Dreamweaver”, that character was very difCicult to

write because she is agoraphobic and doesn't go outside unless she absolutely has to. She also has panic attacks and escapes through her dreams at night. I found it very difCicult to place myself in a situation where you cannot go out and what that would feel like.

InD: So when there is a character very different than you and dif^icult to write, what inspires you to write about it?

HH: I am not sure where the agoraphobia idea came from, but it started with reading about dreams and how they can become so real for some people, like when you have night terrors, it feels like you have a horrible monster sitting on your chest and you can't move, but you're dreaming. I have never experienced that, but I know some people have.

I like the idea if you go outside and experience the real world, those dreams become less scary, but if you're trapped in the dream and in your own house… so I think that is where the magic came from and how I tied it to the character.

InD: Where do all of your monsters and the personalities and worlds that you build around them come from?

HH: I think they come as I go along. There will be a point where I need a monster on the page. Sometimes I will be looking for a certain kind of monster because I want something to happen, so I will do research in mythology on the kind of monster that will Cit with the problem the main character is going to have. Then I will adapt the mythological characteristics to that problem. I really enjoy looking up mythology theories from all around the world, but a lot of times they really evolve naturally. InD: So give us a typical day in the life of Helen.

HH: If I am having a good day, I will get up early and spend an hour watching the news and catching up on messages from my friends from all around the world, as I drink my coffee. Then I go for a long walk, maybe one or two hours, with my dogs. That is when I fully wake up and the coffee starts to kick in and I start

planning what I am going to write about that day.

After, I open up the laptop and I write for most of the morning. That's when I work the best. In the afternoon, I become less enthusiastic and more sluggish, so when I'm having a good day, I am up early and I get most of the writing part done. Afternoons, I focus on emails, social media, and that kind of thing. Then I take the dogs out for a walk again to just cool off and get out all of the ideas that come in.

When I Cirst started writing it was quite difCicult to switch off because I would always be thinking about it. I would go out with friends in the evening but I would still be thinking about the stories, so having the walks throughout the working day is a really good way of getting it out so I can stop thinking about it in the evening. In the evening, I may meet with friends and take classes or groups, that sort of thing. Something that is very different from writing.

InD: What do you mean by classes?

HH: Well, I just Cinished one recently. I had a class on creating sculptures out of stone. Anything that’s creative and still making something out of nothing, but nothing like writing. I know I have said I am not musical and I wouldn’t have done well continuing with bagpipes, but since I moved to Edinburgh, I have been learning Japanese drumming in a group and it's quite physical. It involves knowing your left from your right, which I am not good at, and counting, which I am also not good at, so I feel like it really challenges me and makes me do things that are not naturally easy, which is really good for me and it really pushes me. So things like that, I really enjoy.

InD: I think that is awesome! Are there places you have not been but still would like to go?

HH: So many places! I would really like to go to South America because I have never been. I really need to see more of Europe because even though I live here, I have spent so much time in Southeast Asia, I feel like I don't know Europe very well.

InD: Like where in Europe?

HH: I would love to go to Berlin and Croatia. I’ve talked tentatively about going to Switzerland both in the summer and winter and just traveling everywhere. Then there are the States. A year before Covid hit, a friend and I traveled cross-country from Boston to L.A. We did a lot of it driving, a little bit of it Clying, and a little by train. It was just amazing! I had such a good time, but then America is so diverse. All of the States are so different and fascinating. After doing that, it made me want to visit all of the States I haven't been to and see what they're like because they’re like individual countries.

InD: Yes, we are called the “United States” but we are as diverse as Denmark is to Switzerland.

So let’s do some favorites! What is your favorite food?

HH: I love pizza! It is my very favorite today, but it might not be my favorite tomorrow. (Both laughing)

InD: Any particular kind of pizza?

HH: I enjoy the whole gambit of pizza. When I was a kid we would try these really starchy, cheap pizzas that had like a tomato paste kind of covering and cheap cheese. I love them just as much as I love the brick Cire pizza with all the amazing kinds of toppings.

InD: What would your favorite dessert be?

HH: I think Crè me Brû lé e. There is something about burnt sugar on the top of all that creamy-ness and the contrast of it.

InD: What is your favorite time of day?

HH: I should say mornings because that is when I get my best writing done, but I do enjoy the evenings.

Around this time of year in Scotland, it is really nice because it is light outside and everything is winding

down. If it’s evening in the winter, it has been dark for Cive hours, so I don't like it then.

InD: Which brings me to what time of the year is your favorite time?

HH: Summer, always summer. I love the sunshine, even though I burn very easily and have to be careful, but the sunshine is the thing I love. The other seasons have things to recommend them, but I am deCinitely a summer person. When I lived in Malaysia, because they don't have seasons there, you knew what the weather was going to be like every single day, so I had one wardrobe. It was always warm weather and I love that. Someone asked if I missed the seasons, and no, I don't. If it’s summer all the time, every day, that's what I want.

InD: If you could be any place in the world, where would that be?

HH: I don't know if there is a favorite place, but I think I will say Bangkok. I love the buzz of Bangkok and the weather and the food, but mostly the buzz where there is a lot going on.

InD: That is cool. That's the ^irst time I have heard a favorite place to be is Bangkok. Does your family read your books?

HH: My dad is not around anymore, but my sister has read some of my books and she is very kind about them. I don't think my brother has read any of them. The funny thing is my grandma, who was 93 when she passed away, would read every single book I wrote. She was a reader, but deCinitely not an Urban Fantasy reader. But she was loyal and faithful and read every one. Whenever I called her on the phone from Malaysia, she would tell me she enjoyed the book and what a good job I did, but she would say, “But I cannot read the sex thing because it is you writing it.” She always made me laugh.

InD: What a wonderful family, and a wonderful memory of your grandma! What is the very best piece of advice you have ever been given, both professionally or personally?

HH: The best piece of advice would be to ask for help. I'm not very good at asking for help. I tend to want to do everything myself. I can be completely independent and believe there's nothing that I can't do, so I hold back from asking for help when I really need it. Know when you need help, and then ask for it when it’s needed.

InD: I think that is wonderful, and I believe it works both professionally and personally.

HH: Yes, I think it does. I don't always take that advice, but when I do, I am always glad I did.

Ghost Stories!

By: Paul Stansfield

I’m pretty much a skeptic across the board—I don’t really believe in the supernatural in any capacity. This might seem incongruous with my love of Horror >iction and movies… or maybe not.

I’m guessing there are few people who think that vampires, werewolves, zombies, and masked, near-immortal killers, etc., actually exist. Reading or viewing frightening, yet unreal, subject matter is a nice escape, and a fun (for some), safe, way to scare yourself in an entertaining way. However, despite my strong doubts, I still do like scary —"allegedly"—true stories, especially about ghosts. I used to be very frightened by any ghost characters, almost including the Boo-Berry cereal ghost, and as an adult, I still get a thrill from them. Telling stories around a campCire, or, even once, in the attic of an abandoned, dilapidated house, is still my idea of a good time. Though now it’s more like an appreciation of the tales as folklore.

So, with this disclaimer out of the way, I’d like to relay my one and only personal spooky story, followed by a few from friends.

Over a decade ago, a friend and coworker of mine, who I’ll call Greg (because that’s his name), was employed at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA, as a tour guide. Eastern State ceased functioning as an active prison in 1970, but it’s been declared a National Landmark, and is open for tours. Greg took us on the usual tour one Saturday afternoon, which was great.

I highly recommend Eastern State as a tourist destination. It was the Cirst real penitentiary in the U.S., and was initially designed upon the Quaker idea of forcing prisoners to take stock of their lives, repent, and become law-abiding citizens. This meant every single prisoner was given his own solitary conCinement cell, and, aside from a Bible and a brief daily trip outside his cell to a walled-in yard attached to the cell, had no diversions. No visitors, no mail, no conversation, for however many years the sentence was.

The guards even wore socks over their shoes to mufCle their footsteps as they walked down the corridors outside. Obviously, solitary conCinement is now reserved for an extreme punishment, but the designers thought they were being kind. Who knows how many relatively minor thieves, etc., were driven mad by this?

Architecturally, it’s pretty cool, too. One of the cell blocks is laid out like a giant wheel, with the central hub being where the guards stayed, and each prison wing as a spoke, so guards could spin around and see every section fairly quickly. After overcrowding became an issue, and perhaps, people realized how terrible solitary conCinement was, Eastern State

eventually became like a regular prison in 1913, up until its closing in 1970.

It had its famous convicts—Willie Sutton served there, and escaped, temporarily, in a tunnel. Al Capone did, too, and his cell is preserved. It’s very reminiscent of the scene in “Goodfellas”, depicting how relatively posh high Mob guys had it inside, with more room, gourmet food and drink, etc.

Eastern State has a weird location, too. Initially it was on the outskirts of the city, but over time, Philadelphia grew out and around it, so you have the giant stone walls of a massive prison just sitting in the middle of a city neighborhood.

Greg took us on the usual tour one Saturday afternoon. He had a set of keys to Eastern State, and said he’d spent the night there a couple of times. As it got closer to Halloween, we were intrigued.

Finally, one Saturday, eight of us went to Philadelphia, had an awesome Italian dinner, and then went over to the prison to camp out. Some of us were more into the spooky vibe than others, but we were all excited. I wanted to try to creep myself out by setting up my sleeping bag in an isolated cell by myself.

Alas, there was a snag. It quickly became apparent that an ofCicial ghost chasing group had rented the place for the night. Obviously, since we hadn’t paid, we weren’t supposed to be there. Greg was in a bind, so as a compromise, he snuck us into the Administration Building near the front of the prison. Even this was atmospheric and cool—a giant tower to climb; abandoned, paint-Claked rooms, and deserted ominous stone hallways.

When we were Cinally ready to call it a night, seven of us stayed in one room at the end of the hallway, while one guy, Scott, stayed in a nearby room closer to the single, long stairwell to the second Cloor. Greg, Herb, and myself were still awake, talking quietly, when it

happened… slow, plodding, fairly loud footsteps, coming up the staircase. After we conCirmed that all of us had heard it, I rushed down the hallway and stood at the top of the stairs, pointing a Clashlight down them. Nothing to see, or hear further. No eerie cold spots, or inexplicable feelings of terror. I recall noting that Scott, the one guy on his own, was still in his room sleeping.

So, there we are—I can’t explain the footsteps. About 15 minutes later all hell broke loose. We heard more footsteps coming up the stairs, but these were made by obvious sources —the ghost chasers and another tour guide employee found us in our “bedroom”. The following Monday, Greg was Cired. It was just bad luck— any other weekend no one would have known.

Now, I’m certainly not claiming this is proof of anything. I’m pretty sure Scott was accounted for, and wasn’t making the footstep sounds (possibly by going up the spiral staircase that went to the tower roof), but I’m not 100%. The ghost chasers were about —maybe they were walking around somewhere nearby, and we heard the echoes.

We were drinking, so there’s that, too. I don’t think any of us were drunk, but “half in the bag” or “buzzed” is probably accurate. But, like I said, I couldn’t explain the noises at the time, and it was fun, in a mildly disturbing way.

My next story is second hand. When I think about it, I should be a prime candidate for experiencing ghost activity. I’ve exhumed hundreds of graves and I’ve stayed in hundreds (thousands?) of hotel rooms in my long archaeological career. People dying in hotel rooms is a fairly common phenomenon.

Clearly, being by yourself, away from home, in a sometimes dingy room, can be depressing, so suicides probably make up a fair bit of the deaths. Plus, things like heart attacks, overdoses, and strokes aren’t

unusual, either. Just looking at the numbers, the odds seem pretty strong that a room I've stayed in must have been the scene of a death at least once or twice. But, nothing inexplicably weird so far.

My friend Dave was staying in a room, in a regular, random hotel. His room had an adjoining door to his next door neighbor’s room. (Something I try my hardest to avoid. Thin walls are problematic enough in some hotels, for noise disturbances, but an adjoining door sometimes makes it seem like you’re in the room with them, which is especially awkward when there’s amorous activity going on. And doubly so when you know the neighboring room is occupied by only one person!)

After a while, Dave started to hear his neighbors messing around with the adjoining door, and being noisy in general. Whispering, children’s laughter, rattling of the adjoining door’s knob, knocking, that type of thing. When this wouldn’t stop he called the front desk to complain. The employee was sympathetic, but said they didn’t know what was happening. The room wasn’t being rented out. The noises continued.

Finally, Dave went down to the lobby, and had the employee come back with him. They opened up the door to his neighbor’s room, and the employee was correct—the room was empty, and showed zero signs of any recent human presence.

One more hotel story. This tale was relayed to me about 20 years ago, so my grasp of the details is more tenuous. A crew was staying in a fairly crappy hotel in Maryland. The crew started noticing things that were “off”. Noises, feelings of being watched, stuff like that. Then they discovered the hotel was built upon the site of a Civil War amputated limbs cemetery. (In those primitive medical days, amputation was distressingly frequent.)

Most dramatically, my friend, Laura, one night felt an invisible "someone" sit down on the bed next to her, and even saw the depression form on the bed underneath “nothing”. At some other point, the spirit became more active, and pulled the bed covers off her. (Again, hazy on the details, but I’m guessing she immediately (and understandably) switched rooms.)

This does raise some interesting questions. Mainly, why? Aren’t ghosts normally situated where their bodies died, or a place they frequented? I didn’t think a disembodied arm could haunt somebody. And how, since it presumably wouldn’t have a consciousness or soul. Maybe a bunch of guys died during the amputations, maybe nearby, and that’s the explanation.

And, where does it end? Will a tuft of hair from my Cirst haircut as a baby haunt the area around my baby book, and will the wisdom tooth I kept someday terrorize a later occupant of my room? Part of me is oddly amused at the thought of a ghostly body part clumsily roaming around a room, like Thing from “The Addams Family”. In that vein, the house of another friend, just after college, allegedly had a spirit in the attic. Only, if it existed, it was either incredibly weak, or incredibly lame. Its sole “haunting” consisted of turning on the attic light by itself. (And now I’m picturing some ghost Clipping the switch on and giggling maniacally, thinking, “That’ll show ‘em!” or, “Get ready to pay an extra three cents for your electric bill this month, puny mortals!”)

Really, when I heard this story, I felt bad for the ghost. I mean, c’mon man, at least put a little more time and thought in your efforts to scare us.

One Cinal spooky account, in a different way. My friend Keith was making the interminable drive back home to the East Coast from his college in Colorado. He was doing so in an old and dilapidated van. It was going really well for a while. He and his friend were having some really good conversations, really deep, signiCicant stuff—Keith said he felt like he was getting to know his friend in an unusually rewarding way.

About three hours from home, Keith had a startling revelation. He was by himself. The van had a faulty exhaust system, and he hallucinated his friend’s presence, and the good talks. He wanted to continue, so he drove the rest of the way with the windows all wide open. I know there’s no ghost, but I Cind this story terrifying. I can only imagine how disturbing this realization must have been, like some “Fight Club” style scenario. (Not to mention, this meant a severely mentally hampered person drove a van for hundreds or thousands of miles, posing an extreme danger to himself and other motorists.)

I’ll conclude by reiterating that, despite my lack of belief, I would love to investigate more allegedly haunted places, even overnight and by myself. … Even though in stories or movies, the arrogant skeptic always suffers an excruciating death when they do this…

Writing the

Perfect chapter

By: Elise Kova

How do you know if your chapter is “complete” or even “good"?

I get asked a lot about this topic. Even questions that aren't explicitly about chapters – like how to make a good outline – will have answers that come back to a fundamental understanding of chapters, their structure, and how they progress the overall narrative. When you understand the parts of your story and how they make the plot go, then you'll have an easier time converting an idea into an actual novel.

Now, if you know me, you know I have a sort of disclaimer whenever I give any kind of advice… The

following are tips, tricks, and components I've found to be helpful. Things I believe can help make a good chapter. There are a lot of ways to tell a story, and as I always say, read on, Cind what you Cind helpful, take it, and leave the rest. Not everyone will agree with every process or approach, and that’s okay! Find yours.

Despite my click bait title for this article… I really don't think there's one single way to make a perfect chapter. I think the best chapter depends on the story being told. It's one that makes the plot move in a compelling way for the reader.

You've done the world-building. You've outlined your story. You've tucked into writing. You know a story unfolds little by little, chapter by chapter, but what actually goes into a chapter?.

PRIMARY COMPONENTS

The best way I've found to think about chapters is to approach them like miniature versions of your novel. All the best practices and principles you applied to thinking about your story and planning it out, apply to thinking about a chapter.

In a well written chapter, you're going to have:

An opening that sets the stakes and goals.

A primary conClict that challenges those stakes and goals.

It is well known in writing that without stakes, there can be no tension. Without tension there is no momentum to your story, and no reason for the reader to stay engaged.

Some tips while thinking about stakes for your main character (or the character whose POV a particular chapter is from) include:

Stakes should have a tangible, negative cost or positive gain (or ideally both) to accomplishing or not accomplishing something. If a character will be Cine by doing, or not doing, the thing, then it's not really something they need to, or even should, do. There's no tension there.

There should be some kind of time limit or constraint on them. This can be as literal and extreme as the timer ticking down, or it can be something tamer, like wanting to confess to their crush before the semester is over.

When applying these general principles of stakes to a chapter, it's important to scale them down. The goal and stakes of a chapter should be something that can be resolved within that chapter.

A resolution to that conClict that changes the character's circumstances for better or worse.

Unlike your novel where these stakes, goals, conClict, and resolution are major events that need to take a great amount of time to work through, chapter stakes, goals, conClict, and resolution are smaller. They're digestible in a few hundred to a few thousand words.

OPENING/SETTING THE STAKES & GOALS

Which brings me to my Cinal, general tip of developing goals and stakes for a chapter: They should relate to the overall conClict of the character for the novel. What your character does in an individual chapter should get them closer to, or farther from their overall goal, as outlined in the plot. By tying the stakes of the chapter to the overall conClict of the plot, you're going to naturally push your character toward their goal.

As always, I Cind it helpful to take general concepts and apply them to a more literal example. So let's make a sample story example that we can come back to as needed.

You're writing an Epic Fantasy. You've established that your overall plot, conClict, and character goals are going to center around your character learning how to ride a dragon. By the end of the book, to accomplish this goal, the character needs to be able to ride their dragon, so every chapter's goal should relate back to that. Some examples of chapters that you might Cind in this book:

Sneaking out of the house to sign up for dragon riding school (Chapter Goal: Successfully sneaking out without parents waking. Stakes: Getting caught and not being able to sign up)

Passing Entrance Exams (Chapter Goal: Getting accepted into the school. Stakes: Not having access to dragons to ride because character couldn't pass the Cirst test.)

Choosing to Stay up Late with new Friends (Chapter Goal: Relieving stress from dragon school, or making new allies. Stakes: Being too tired to perform well on an exam the next day due to poor choices.)

TAKING ACTION/CONFLICT

Once you have your goal for the chapter, and you see how it relates to the overall goal of your story, it's time for your character to take action.

Reminder: Action doesn't (necessarily) mean physical action.

“Action” isn’t the movies. It isn’t punching or kicking, riding across a desert, or walking away from giant explosions in the background…

Action, simply, is any choice and subsequent activities that progresses the protagonist closer to, or farther from, their goal.

So you need to make a situation in this chapter one the opening leads into, where the character has to do something that will help or hurt them. In the analogy of a chapter, having the same parts as the overall outline of the story, this would be Act 2.

The action(s) your character takes in the chapter should be clearly deCined by the goal of the chapter. If you're struggling to think of what action your character might, or should, take, then you might need to revisit your goal and make sure it's clearly deCined. It is also important to show, along the way, how your character's choices directly impact their overall success or failure of the action.

In our dragon rider example, if the goal of the chapter is to sneak out of the house (so they can go sign up at dragon rider school) then the action of the chapter will be them doing just that. A choice they make along the way could be to sneak out of their window, rather than the front door. Because they chose this, they end up falling and the noise wakes their parents. Maybe their parents end up catching them at the end of the chapter.

RESOLUTION/PAYOFF & CHANGE

The end of your chapter is what's going to highlight the overall narrative success of the chapter. Did you set a goal that had actions which resulted in a satisfying payoff?

Just like how your character's overall goal for the story should be resolved by the end, so too should their chapter goal be resolved by the end. How they arrive at that end state will ideally be a result of their choices and actions.

Example:

Reminder: Action doesn't (necessarily) mean physical action. “

In our dragon rider example, they set to sneaking out at the beginning of the chapter, but failed at the end (because their parents caught them). There is a clear resolution to the goal from the start of the chapter.

But, you might be wondering, What if I set up a bigger goal at the beginning of the chapter that can't be resolved in just one chapter?

I would counter that you might establish a bigger goal for that overall arc of your story, but each chapter has its own individual goal that should pay-off by the end.

Let's say, in chapter 4, you establish that your character is going to try to sneak into the castle to steal the king's crown.

Sneaking through a castle will understandably take many chapters, but for chapter 4, the Cirst goal is Cinding a way through the castle wall (which they should Cind by the end of the chapter).

Chapter 5 would then be a new goal that aligned with the next step of their plan – perhaps sneaking past the guards to get to the treasure room.

The “goal” of chapter 4 wasn't to steal the crown. That was more of a story arc/plot goal. The goal for chapter 4 was simply to get into the castle.

The most important thing to think of when wrapping up a chapter, is: Did my character's circumstances signiCicantly change for better or worse? Changes don't always have to be positive. Sometimes, characters are set back. But something must change in a meaningful way. If it doesn't, what was the point of the chapter?

Which brings me to the number one question to ask yourself while editing: If I removed this, would the story be the same? That question is how you'll discern if the chapter has meaningful stakes. We've all read those chapters that leave us scratching our heads as to why they made it into the published book. Usually when this happens it's because the character's circumstances didn't change in a signiCicant way.

The last note I'll make on all of this, your character's change in circumstances should set up the stakes for the next chapter. Every subsequent goal will be impacted and deCined by the previous chapter's outcome. If you're having a difCicult time relating the new goal to your previous change in stakes, then there's likely room for improvement in your previous chapter.

YET MORE TIPS AND CONSIDERATIONS

I wanted to tackle a few of the most common questions I get asked from other authors about writing strong chapters that weren't completely answered above.

*What is the best length for a chapter?

I would argue that there really isn't one. However, keep in mind the average length of your chapters will impact what the pacing feels like for the reader. If you have an average chapter length of 1,200 words and suddenly you have a 5,000 word chapter in the middle of the novel, the reader will notice. This can be a good thing if you use it to highlight a turning point, or a bad

thing if it’s used on a mundane event and could make the story feel like it's dragging.

I have heard some authors saying around 2,000 words is the sweet spot. Personally, my average chapter length is a bit higher than that, around 3,000 words. However, I've had chapters as short as 700 words and as long as almost 6,000.

*Can a chapter be too short, or too long?

Again, like above, my blanket answer would be no. That being said… if you make a very short or very long chapter, I think you should have a compelling narrative or stylistic reason for it.

*Is it okay if the chapter ends on a clifChanger?

In my opinion, yes, so long as the main goal established in the beginning of the chapter was resolved, but that resolution could make for a great clifChanger that will make someone have to keep reading.

ClifChangers get a bad rap when they're at the end of the book, but the reader has the next chapter waiting immediately and a clifChanger at the end of a chapter can help make the overall pacing of the book feel snappy.

*Are chapter considerations different for different genres?

Yes and no. Like most things… I think there are best practices and elements of “good writing” that work across all genres. But there can also be some genre speciCic considerations. I come from the Fantasy genre where I wouldn't be surprised to learn that

the average chapter length is longer than say, Mystery, where the pacing is usually very fast.

*Does all of this advice apply to the Cirst chapter? Absolutely. Again, I think good writing techniques are applicable to any facet of the craft. But there's even more heavy lifting the Cirst chapter has to do.

IN SUMMARY…

Writing excellent chapters all hinges on remembering a few key story structures that work for you. It doesn’t need to be a difCicult or overwhelming task. In fact, I would say the best thing to do is: don't overthink it. Have some key guidelines you follow that you know work for you, and make sure every chapter you write is in service to the story.

When you make every chapter count, you're going to end up with a book readers can't put down!

If you’re interested in learning about what I think makes an excellent >irst chapter, sign up for my writing & publishing tips newsletter and get my >irst chapter tips right away: https://elisekova.com/>irstchapter-tips/ I send out writing and publishing tips newsletter once every month. It’s separate from all my other newsletters and written for authors at all stages of their careers.

The People We Meet

And Where They Might End Up

During the course of our lives, we have a variety of relationships. We deal with the drama and experiences of life, both personal and professional. There are kids, more than a few money issues, and of course, deciding what to watch on television after going through Netflix’s library and then nodding off 15 minutes into the movie you picked.

By: S.L. Carpenter

Figuring out what to eat is a daily struggle we deal with, especially with families, because everyone has different likes and dislikes. This one hates pizza and wants Mexican food. That one wants hamburgers, but not fries, and another has a craving for onion rings. Let’s not even mention Grandma, who won’t eat much of anything except organic vegetables.

At times like these, life is like a game show where you’re trying to guess the correct answers to rather easy questions, but always getting them wrong.

However, none of these experiences go to waste for writers. Many use this information as a guide and refer to it often while developing different characters. Everyone is different, and most of us have quirks. That’s what makes people interesting.

Of course, it may also make us wonder how they function in society, rather than wearing a straitjacket and eating crayons for lunch.

But the people who leave some of the most lasting impressions aren’t always the ones we live with. It’s the people we work with on a day-to-day basis whose characters make an impact… unless you work from home, of course. In that case, you have to eat, drink, sleep, watch TV, and deal with the family all the time. Scary, I know.

A lot of authors write full-time. I think it’s awesome to be dedicated to writing and make a living doing it. That alone is an amazing accomplishment, and I congratulate all those amazing folks. But most authors I know do need to work to supplement their writing dreams. They struggle to Cind a few hours a day to create their worlds, travel to the past, or dream about romantic fantasies, then ride off into sunsets with the perfect beefcake cowboy or handsome billionaire. They all have their own methods and keys to the windows of their creative minds; getting away from the hustle, bustle, and craziness that seems to Cill the world. Time is spent trying to imagine the places to go, characters to create, the dialogue and the manner of speech of each story; the things that bring them to life for the readers.

Some wonder where writers get some of the characteristics of the people in their stories. Many are inspired by everyday events - perhaps a casual interaction, buying a coffee, or shopping at Walmart in your pajamas and bunny slippers with an oversized t-

shirt. Walmart has so many fun characters there are now YouTube channels and websites dedicated to it. Talk about a variety of different types; I wouldn’t be surprised if more than a few literary characters or horror monsters originated there.

But more and more, I think we use characters based on our workmates. Technically, we are spending over 40% of our lives either working, driving to work, eating lunch at work, or stressing out at home over deadlines that are work related. So the impact of those folks we see every day of the work week cannot be overlooked.

No matter what the occupation or where you work, it’s most likely that you’ll deal with co-workers. Some are good ones who make your day great, and others who are more like Cingernails dragging across a chalkboard. (Especially the person in the cubicle next to you with the annoying laugh, who thinks talking about personal hygiene, recipes for that chicken and rice dish everyone loved, or how long it takes to get their hair done, is going to fascinate everyone within earshot.)

We all have had to deal with people we’d like to use as human piñ atas, at one time or another. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t seen someone very attractive and paused for a second to think, “I wonder what shampoo they use to get their hair that full and shiny.” (I know you were thinking something else, but have to keep things PG here.)

For myself, I’m a people person. I interact all the time with people in my job and try to be a good listenerexcept when it comes to the bosses. We never pay attention to them. Still, listening to others is a great

We all have had to deal with people we’d like to use as human piñatas, at one time or another. “

way to understand what makes people tick. It can also give us some excellent character ideas.

Not everyone will understand, but I believe both writers and readers will smile and think, “Oh yeah, I can relate to that.” This is the good stuff a writer and reader pick up on. We see ourselves in others, and project it into Mr. or Mrs. Book Friend. We want them ideal and without issues, but giving them Claws and problems, like an extra toe or body odor after being in sun all day, makes it more real.

I like going places and sitting at a table eating lunch or whatever, and people watching. No, I’m not the creepy type who sits alone drooling and staring at others. I’d like to think I’m the more studious kind. (You really have to stop watching those crime shows.)

Wait, where was I?

Oh yes, people watching. The people in our lives can inspire us. I have heard some of the funniest stories at work. Some have inspired me to write humorous books, others helped me understand how people interact. Even observing hand gestures and movements, all these small things people do without noticing, can be important. I take these small actions and add them to a character in a story to make them as real as I can. We’re not all

perfect. (Except maybe Kate Beckinsale.)

Understanding this, a little revelation was brought on by re-reading some older stories I had written. Yes, now and again writers go back over older books and bang their heads on a desk wishing they could change things. But, I remembered the people I used as inspiration to write the characters in the story. A lot came from people I have worked with over the years, or the people I met at a coffee shop or computer store, and yes, those old places we desperately need more of - brick and mortar bookstores. Many of us miss those a lot.

You never know what it is about people that inspires and makes us smile. The simple things tend to have a huge impact (Now, I’m sounding like a Hallmark card. Yuck).

But there will always be a chance to watch people, talk to coworkers, and observe our fellow humans. Then put all the silly stuff they do wrong, right, or screwy, into a story. So keep this in mind the next time you talk to a writer. It might just be your turn to be the inspiration.

“

The people in our lives can inspire us. I have heard some of the funniest stories at work. Some have inspired me to write humorous books…

Writing The Perfect First Line

By: Randy Overbeck

Today, everything must move in a blur. Downloads can’t be fast, they need to be instantaneous. Calling friends on the cell takes too long and is so yesterday. Just text them. If they care, they’ll text back. If it can’t be squeezed into a tweet, it isn’t worth sharing.

And don’t get me started on Tik-Tok. The average view is 13 seconds! Really? Tik-tok-ers have just a few seconds to catch viewers’ eyes… or else they’ll be swiping on to the next one.

I’m not sure who’s to blame, but that’s the reality.

The same principle applies to books today. Of course, it has always been that way, kind of. The saying “Don’t judge a book by the cover” mostly does not apply. Many readers do exactly that. “Oh, that cover looks interesting. I’ll check it out the Cirst few pages.” Of course, now the cover is likely a digital image and the Cirst few pages are from the sample on Amazon.

And that’s not really new. It’s just the current version of strolling through our favorite bookstore, browsing the books on the shelves and checking out a few pages of those that look interesting.

But, with today’s sped up world, with the thirst for instantaneous gratiCication, authors need to realize readers

may likely not browse the Cirst few pages. More likely, they will check out the Cirst page… or maybe the opening paragraph… or even just the Cirst sentence.

But, even this is not that new. For centuries, readers have sampled the Cirst sentences of a writer in much the same way they would taste a spoonful of soup to judge its Clavor. If the soup was too salty or too spicy or too thin, it would be evident in the Cirst few sips. For centuries, readers have had much the same approach to novels… and great writers understood this.

Even Charles Dickens—who got paid by the word, remember—recognized that he needed to hook his readers within the Cirst few sentences. His opening lines to "A Tale of Two Cities" are some of the most famous Cirst lines in literature.

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.”

Jane Austen, who was writing for a very different audience, understood this point, as well. Her most famous work, "Pride and Prejudice", continues to win fans 200 years after it was Cirst published, and in fact, has fueled an entire genre of Regency novels. Even she

knew she needed to hook her readers right from the start.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Some of today’s best and most successful authors recognized this truth. They craft opening sentences and paragraphs designed to make readers want more, to feel the need to keep reading. As I’ve read great writers, I’m always struck by the power and pull of the opening of their novels.

Take Tom Clancy, the insurance agent who became the most successful Techno-Thriller author of the ‘80’s and ‘90s. This is the opening line from "Patriot Games", the second in his Jack Ryan series.

“Ryan was nearly killed twice in half an hour.”

By the time "Patriot Games" was published in 1987, "The Hunt for Red October" had already been a huge best-seller, and readers couldn’t stop talking about the hero, Jack Ryan. So for the opening sentence in book two, the author dispenses with the “Jack” and goes with just “Ryan” and readers are crying for more. "Patriot Games" would go on to become an even bigger bestseller.

For centuries, readers have sampled the Birst sentences of a writer in much the same way they would taste a spoonful of soup to judge its Blavor. “

39 “

Probably my favorite Historical Mystery writer, James Benn, has mastered this as well as any. James writes Murder Mysteries that take place during World War II, with his protagonist, a young detective from Boston, transplanted to various sites of the war to investigate. Readers get a healthy and enlightening look at history, as well as a darn good whodunit in each entry. And his books always start off with a bang.

“Light travels faster than sound.

Strange the things you think about when you’re about to die. Even as the tracers lit the night air, their tiny silvery phosphorescence clawing at the small aircraft from the ground below, a tiny part of my brain mused on this practical demonstration of the scientiCic fact. The rest of my brain panicked madly, sending surges of adrenaline coursing through my body, urging me to get the hell out, now.”—"The Devouring" a Billy Boyle WWII Mystery

I mean, how could a reader stop reading after that?

Emerging writers would do well to learn from experts, old and new. You want your novel to start with a sentence or a paragraph that will catch your readers’ attention. What that is depends largely on your genre and your readers, but there are plenty of Cine examples to learn from.

The sentence or paragraph needs to leave the readers wanting more, wondering “What’s next?” And these impulses have to be organic to the work. Readers don’t like it when an author dangles a tasty bit to reel his or her readers in and then switches to something else.

When I penned my new series, the Haunted Shores Mysteries, I tried to pay particular attention to this advice. With these novels I was fortunate, as I had much to work with. A reviewer described them as “...a cold case murder mystery wrapped in a ghost story with a side of romance, all set in a beautiful resort location.” The different aspects of the narratives gave me several options to craft enticing opening lines.

Consider the start of "Crimson at Cape May", the second in the series.

“There was something off about her.

Darrell Henshaw had Cirst spotted the woman on the Promenade near the corner of the Cape May Convention Hall. Huddled in the shadows, her long white dress soiled and torn, she stared at him with sad eyes that might have once been enchanting but now seemed haunting.”

The woman, of course, is the Haunted Bride, the murder victim of my tale, and my hope was to grab readers’ interest from the Cirst page. It must have worked as "Crimson" earned bestseller status last fall, following in the footsteps of "Blood on the Chesapeake", which reached the same rank a few months earlier.

Of course, there is more, much more writers need to do. Strong, enticing writing needs to continue beyond the Cirst paragraph or page. The reader has to say to himself/herself, “I need to keep reading to Cind out what happens next.”

But if we, as writers, can’t hook potential readers in the Cirst line or Cirst paragraph or Cirst page, we’ll never get a chance to tell them the rest of our story. They’ll move on to the next book, or worse, the next tweet or Tik-Tok video.

Part 2

Ebooks

Last month we covered print options available to independent authors. This month, we’ll cover eBooks. Like print, there are numerous options available, but eBooks are an entirely different ballgame.

By: Tamara Cribley

Because eBooks are delivered electronically, a reader simply needs a device upon which to read, and access to the internet, at least at its most basic level. eBooks provide instant gratiCication for readers and allow for a highly customized experience. For authors, they are a very cost-effective format. Production costs are limited to Cile sizes and platform management fees, and there really isn’t a limit to how many can be sold. For the author

From the Final Word Typed To The First Page Turned

seeking to limit costs and maximize proCit, eBooks are a smart strategy.

Like print, there are two primary options for selling (or distributing) eBooks: through a retail outlet or directly to the consumer. And, like print, you’ll Cind that there are many philosophies about what works best. Identifying your personal goals for publication will help direct you to which practices will best align with your needs.

There are two notable differences between selling through a retailer and selling directly to consumers. The Cirst is cost. When selling through a retailer, you can expect to pay a percentage of each sale to the retailer. If selling direct, you retain all your proCits. The second difference deals with Cile delivery. When you sell direct to consumers, your readers receive a Cile that they can load to their device or reading app. When selling through a major retailer, your book is delivered to a device while restricting access and redistribution of the Cile. To me, this second difference is the most impactful. Piracy is a signiCicant concern for independent authors. You have invested a great deal of time and/or money in publication. It’s an all-toocommon occurrence to have eBooks shared without permission or payment. They often make their way onto free books sites, violating the author’s copyright. Even when an author is aware of a violation, getting a

book effectively or permanently removed from these sites isn’t always possible, or can take an exorbitant amount of time and resources. While tech-savvy folks might be able to get around Digital Rights Management features from major retailers, distributing eBook Ciles directly to readers exponentially increases an author’s risk of becoming a victim of piracy.

Selling Directly

This process is a relatively simple transaction. You can use a service or set up an online storefront on your own website. A reader makes a purchase and receives an eBook Cile, which they can load onto their device(s).

The Good: One signiCicant beneCit of direct selling is that you know who is buying your books. You may also have the opportunity to engage with buyers directly. Allow them to opt in to a newsletter or email list so that you can share about new book releases or invite them to follow you on social platforms. Be sure to follow all applicable laws and regulations regarding user data privacy and sharing. Because selling directly eliminates middlemen, your revenue is yours.

The Bad: Finding and setting up a digital storefront can be challenging. There are many options available, and their costs vary. Setup can often require some specialized technical knowledge. If you don’t already have an audience, you’ll need to have a solid marketing plan to drive buyers to your site. If buyers require technical support, it becomes your responsibility. Managing transactions and fulCilling

orders can be automated or manual, but if the system breaks or can’t support the volume of sales you experience, you risk losing sales. In short, you are responsible for everything in this system. Delivering eBook Ciles puts your work at risk of being shared without permission or payment.

Selling Through Retailers

This can be both easier and more challenging at the same time.

The Good: For the percentage of sales they receive, retailers take on the burden of managing transactions, collecting payments, troubleshooting technical issues, and more. Most platforms have advertising programs that you can leverage for better discovery and sales. Your books will need to pass a certain level of reviews to ensure that they meet basic standards. Most readers shop for eBooks on platforms they trust and use regularly.

The Bad: On the challenging side, setup can be extensive. You’ll need to set up your account and banking information. You must also set up your book information and complete all the required Cields, including subjects, keywords, metadata, pricing, distribution options, and more. Depending on your goals and audience, you may not have thought much about this information ahead of time. Your book will need to meet all the requirements and standards of the platform, which can vary from one to the next. Most retailers disallow the use of links to, or even mention of, other retail outlets (or review platforms).

Be sure to read the Terms of Service (TOS) for each platform before publication. Unlike selling directly, you don’t get buyer information or an opportunity to engage. You share revenue with at least one middleman and maybe more. If your book is unconventional or is too “spicy” for a general audience, it may be disallowed. Violations of TOS can result in temporary or permanent bans from the platform.

Here are some considerations as you decide which route will work best for you. Do you already have an audience to whom you plan to market and sell? Are they willing to buy direct, or do they prefer shopping through trusted and established retailers? Do you have the resources to set up and manage your own storefront? Do you want to be responsible for every part of the process? Is your time commitment a factor?

Should you decide to sell through retailers, there are a host of different options available. We’re going to talk about the three that are most frequently considered by new independent authors: 1) Selling exclusively through a single retailer, 2) Going Wide with an aggregator, 3) Going Wide on multiple retail platforms.

While there are a few different options for selling exclusively through a single retailer, the most common is Amazon KDP. KDP Select is a program that authors must opt in to in order to leverage the beneCits of exclusivity. With this option, your eBooks are exclusively available through Amazon. You cannot sell or publicly distribute your eBooks on any other platform. The KDP Select program applies to eBooks only. You can expect a higher percentage of revenue, and your book will be available in Kindle Unlimited (KU), the subscription program for Kindle readers. For new or unknown authors, this can be an excellent way to be discovered. Because there’s no risk for readers, they are more likely to try new authors.

Going Wide is the concept of being available through multiple retailers so that readers who use different devices and apps can purchase your book wherever they prefer. While KDP is still the largest seller of eBooks, the other platforms combined can make up a signiCicant percentage of sales. For authors who prefer not to publish on the ‘Zon for personal or other reasons, going wide is a good option. There is a wealth of information about different strategies for marketing and setup. The Cirst decision to make is whether you want to manage multiple storefronts. If not, using an aggregator is an excellent option. Draft2Digtal and Smashwords (recently acquired by Draft2Digital) are two prominent aggregators. You set up and manage your book on a single site and decide which retail

platforms to push your book out to. Both platforms push out to all major eBook retailers. While they take a small percentage of your sales (in addition to the retailers' percentage), the ease of managing a single platform can be ideal.

Some authors will start with an aggregator, and once they see where their book is most popular, they transition to wide on multiple platforms. With this strategy, you set your book up directly with each retailer where you want your books available. This cuts out a middleman, leaving you with higher revenue. Another advantage of avoiding aggregators is having access to the advertising and marketing options available on different platforms.

Because there are so many different paths available to authors publishing eBooks, and because personal goals play a primary role, we won’t talk about speciCic strategies. However, by making these two critical decisions at the beginning of your publishing process, your research can be targeted to your speciCic goals and journey, Ciltering out the options that are irrelevant to you.

I’m excited to announce the return of the Professional Indie Publishing Roundtable. If you’d like to be part of the conversation with industry pros and other independent authors, join me on the second Sunday of each month for a virtual meeting. Be part of the conversation, ask questions, and share your experiences, challenges, and successes. Visit www.DeliberatePage.com/Roundtable to sign up for meeting access details and information.

**With Yana’s unseen attack and being helped by Kit, a stranger from work, and Donal’s insubordination, there is no time to waste in getting protections set up to ward off the Demons and the Corrupt, and beginning Yana’s training, but it may already be too late.****

Bolting upright in bed, heart beating fast, Yana grabbed her right side. Whimpering at the searing pain radiating from... everywhere... she pulled herself from bed and staggered to the lav. Waving her hand, the light blinked on, and she slowly lifted her nightshirt up.

Fully expecting to see blood coursing from a gaping wound, like the pain made her think was there, nothing but her intact skin reClected back from the mirror.

Panting breaths came faster, and her heart sped up. A tear or two wandered down her face, falling to the

Cloor. She reached to where the pain was and tenderly touched. Lightning bolts shot from the lump, down to her toes. Her skin moved by itself under her Cingertips, the solid lump roiling and shifting.

She slid to the Cloor, head in hands, shaking and trying to will herself to wake up.

“Ahhhhh!!”

“What?! What!?” A somewhat familiar voice yelled in response to her scream.

Looking up through the tears, her mind whirled, trying to place the blurry face and voice.

“What was the scream for?” a nervous... Kit... asked.

“I... I didn’t realize you were here. And I was crying... I hurt,” Yana sputtered, trying her best to wipe the tears. “And then I felt something on my shoulder.”

“Um, all right,” Kit started. “Oh. Oh! I am so, so sorry! Again.” She paused. “I heard you crying and came to check on you. I didn’t think about... well, I didn’t know you’d forget I was here. I didn’t think touching you would scare you like that.”

Yana snorted, grabbed a tissue, and wiping her eyes, she replied, “Yeah, I didn’t know I’d ever scream like that either.” She looked at Kit’s hands, holding a jar, and a small notebook. “What are those for?”

“Oh, these, yeah, I was going through your Oracle

on its own, sending bolts up to my head and down to my toes.”

“Ouch,” Kit mumbled, opening the notebook. “I have looked through everything you have, and have tried doing searches on my pad, but...” she paused and looked directly in Yana’s eyes, “I can’t Cind anything described that’s even close to this. I mean, I could see the tip of the weapon that went through you, but you couldn’t. You could only feel it. I think I got rid of most of the poisons I could identify leaking from your wound, that you also couldn’t see. I...” she stopped and stared helplessly at Yana.

“Yeah. I’ve got nothing either, Kit,” she said, shoulders slumped. “Nobody, no one, anywhere, talks about anything like this.” She paused. “But it’s real. The pain is real.”

“Oh, I totally believe you. I can see what it is, but I know what you see is different. Well, you don’t even really see anything at all. I’ve been communing, well, trying to commune, and was hoping that a Guide would show up. I mean, really, how often do Mortals ask for a connection to the God Pair with something like this? You’d think someone in the Hereafter would be interested, right? And maybe get in touch with me?” Kit asked, hope tinging her words.

Yana shrugged and began to answer, but she arched backward, crying out then biting it off through a clenched jaw. Groaning a scream, she fell sideways on the bed, back arching, desperately trying to make her arms reach behind her far enough to get to her spine. “What now?!” Kit yelled, scrambling to get behind her to see. “What? Yana, I don’t see anything!”

of elemental products,” Kit said, awe in her voice. “For someone who says they’re not really good at things like this, your books, elements, balms, and ointments are impressive.”

Yana motioned to her, and bending down, she helped Yana stand up, and aimed her back to bed.

“When you’re a mom and wife, you tend to collect anything and everything you think might help with... well, everything,” Yana said through gritted teeth. “Hurts still?”

“I expected to see blood gushing,” Yana admitted. “All there is, is some kind of lump that’s moving around

“A hole!” Yana shouted through her teeth. “A hole is being drilled into my bones!” she cried out. Kit helplessly watched Yana roll around on her bed, trying to get away from something she couldn’t see, and that frightened her more than the blackened, green-Cilled wound she’d seen on Yana’s side earlier. She could make an attempt to help, when she could see what was going on.

* * * *

Donal’s burst through the portal had him slamming up against a wall of some kind, before his eyes could warn him something was in the way. Rubbing his injured arm, and still feeling the crater on his back left from Emme’s element, he took a deep breath to clear his aching head and assess where he was. He knew where he’d been aiming for, but portals had been uncharacteristically - deCicient - lately.

“Kit helplessly watched Yana roll around on her bed, trying to get away from something she couldn’t see,”

“What...” he looked around, recognizing Yana’s cooking area from his previous visits. Her screams had him inside her room in a few long-legged strides. “Yana! No!” In a single leap from her door, he landed on the bed behind her. He watched in horror as his hands failed to grasp her. They passed through her, as if one or the other of them wasn’t solid.

“Are you a Guide?” Kit asked.

“Who are you talking to?” Yana hissed through her pain.

“There’s a man here, he ran in, jumped on the bed... he’s behind you now,” Kit said. She tilted her head. “He’s trying to lift you up, but his hands are going right through you. I think he wants you on your stomach, so he can see your back.”

Yana groaned, the lightning shooting up her spine, agony exploding from the top of her head.

Donal watched, helpless to assist, as Yana grasped the top of her bed to roll herself over.

“I can do this,” Yana muttered. Gritting her teeth, she rocked back and forth a few times. With a grunt and shout, she thudded onto her stomach. “My back!” she yelled, tears bursting from squeezed-closed eyes. She arched backward, trying to dislodge whatever was being drilled... screwed... into her spine.

Kit couldn’t see what Yana was screaming about, but she could see the man standing over her.

“I need...” Donal began, waving one hand for his elemental shelf, while the other carefully probed Yana’s skin. Seeing movement in the periphery, his hand stopped touching the shelf and pulled his broadsword forth instead.

With a squeak, Kit jumped to Yana’s other side. “He just pulled a sword out of nowhere!”

“What? Who?” Yana asked. Willing herself to not lose consciousness from the pain, she inhaled deeply, letting it out slowly. Doing it once more, she opened her eyes to see Kit cowering near the top corner of her bed. “A sword? Who has a sword?” She turned her head, looking where Kit’s rounded eyes stared at in fear. “There’s nothing there. No one is here but you and me.”

Kit shook her head. “You just can’t see them. I bet the Demons are the ones hurting you.”

Yana paused, fear creeping up to take over the pain. “Demons?” Though some mocked their existence, Yana had had too many dark days in her life to question their reality.

“Yeah,” Kit nodded, her eyes never leaving the empty space a hair beyond Yana’s bedside. “Like, maybe 10 of them, and another, I don’t know what she is. She looks like the man who has the sword, but not like him. Like, she’s darker, and kinda see-through.”

Inhaling deeply again, Yana answered, “If you’re seeing something real and we’re not hallucinating any of this, then that one is a Corrupt. Evil. Unrighteous. Immoral. The un-penitent dead.”

“I know what a Corrupt is,” Kit countered. “I... I just never thought they’d look so... normal.”

* * * *

Donal started laughing, he couldn’t help himself. “Normal?” he hooted. Looking at the Corrupt standing

“Did you hear that? You look normal!” He knew some gifted Mortals who were not Oracles could see the other realms and their inhabitants, but he’d never heard any Mortal refer to a Corrupt as looking normal. The snarling mob leapt as one toward him. Lifting his sword, holding it sideways, he summoned some elements from his shelf with a Click of his free hand, and laying his palm against the Clat of it, murmured a word and shoved back at them as hard as he could.

An explosion of pure white engulfed the room, and Donal turned his head from the brightness, noticing that Kit had her arm up to shield her eyes.

“My back!” she yelled, tears bursting from squeezed-closed eyes. She arched backward, trying to dislodge whatever was being drilled... screwed... into her spine.

But Yana stared straight ahead, as if nothing had occurred.

With a slight frown, Donal looked at Kit and asked, “You can see all this?” She nodded. “Can you see Yana’s wound?” She shook her head. “Not that,” pointing to her back, “but that?” pointing behind him and around the room, she nodded again. “Odd.”

Pulling his shelf closer, he gingerly drew a line down her back with his Cinger.

Yana screamed.

Trying to hold her still, Kit explained, “He’s trying to see what’s inside! He has to be able to touch your back.”

portal not functioning correctly announced it was Ebbe.

“Emme cannot be here just yet,” Ebbe said, taking in everything in an instant. “Well done in getting the Demons and Corrupt away from here, Donal, but this is not their doing.” Shaking his head while pulling his shelf forward with a wave, he plucked a few items off, tapped the pad strapped to his arm, and began to mutter. Glancing at Kit, whose eyes had saucered, a smile played on his lips. “Hello, my child. I expect this is not the way you thought to encounter me, is it?”

Muted by awe, Kit shook her head ever so slightly.

“Kit? What are you saying no to?” Yana asked, still splayed across the bed.

Kit could only open and close her mouth several times. Words would not come out.

Yana arched off the bed, stiCling a scream.

“It’s OK, he’s taking it out,” Kit said in a blur of sound. Inhaling deeply to will the pain down–again–Yana just looked at her, eyebrow raised, jaw clenched.

Leaning closer and whispering, Kit’s voice trembled. “It’s Ebbe. THE Ebbe, Yana. He’s here and is Cixing your wound, and whatever is causing it was not the Demons or the Corrupt I saw.”

“Then where in cold ochu is it from?” Yana hissed. A tug on her back brought eruptions that spread to her

“I’m sorry, my child, I do need to remove the apparatus, and it will be painful,” Ebbe said, looking closely at his shelf, then to his pad. He heard Kit repeat his words. Though Yana’s look of disbelief was quickly shut down, he saw it.

“Yes, there is. You didn’t scream until he touched you,” Kit replied.

“That wasn’t a touch, it felt like a knife cutting through my skin,” Yana answered shortly.

Slapping at his time piece, Donal yelled into it. “Ebbe, Emme, you need to get here. NOW!” He knew he’d get in trouble for the tone of command, but the apparatus working its way into Yana’s bones was not one he was familiar with. He knew its type... if it did not come out soon, Yana would cease to be herself. Permanently. The Clash and crackle of a portal let Donal know someone had arrived, the muttered cursing about the

Prying the muscles of Yana’s back apart, he set a rod across them, holding them open so he could drop the right elements from his shelf into the wound. Watching her reaction carefully, he tapped his pad, whispered an ancient word, and reached into her back to release the clamps from her bones.

Every clamp release pulled a wince and grunt from Yana, though he could tell she was doing her best to hold it all in. With a Cinal release, he slowly maneuvered the apparatus away from Yana’s bones and muscles and lifted it out.

With a gasp of relief, Yana collapsed face Cirst, into the bed. She waved her hand, barely able to lift it. “Is it gone?”

“Yes,” Ebbe answered. “It is removed and I have a healing balm in you, Cixing the damage.” Kit repeated his words. Yana nodded.

“Slapping at his time piece, Donal yelled into it. “Ebbe, Emme, you need to get here. NOW!”

Lifting herself to her elbows, she pulled her time piece that sat beside her bed toward her. Groaning, she looked at Kit. “Can we go back to sleep now? I have to get up in three hours.”

“What?!” all three yelled, though she only heard Kit. “What do you mean, what? I have no idea what is really going on, other than the pain was excruciating, and now it’s gone. What I do know is that I have work I need to go to, payments to make, and little free time, so I can’t send in that I need tomorrow... today... off,” she explained.

Kit looked at her as if she’d grown a new arm. Or three. “You were bleeding out all over, attacked... you can’t... you need too...”

“I need to sleep, so I can get up and function,” Yana countered. With a deep sigh, she pulled her cover over her and rolled to the side. Whatever had occurred had

left her back too sore to roll to and be on. She’d deal with it all.

Later.

Guide to Our Reviews and Ratings:

Our rating system is the standard 5 star rating system:

5 = exceptional

4 = excellent

3 = good

2 = fair

1 = poor

CNF = If the problems in a book are such that a reviewer is unable to finish it, the book will be given to another reviewer to read. If both reviewers are unable to finish the book, it will receive the rating of “CNF” or “Could Not Finish”

We also rate the "Steam" or sex factor so readers can enjoy whatever level they are most comfortable with.

The criteria is as follows:

1 Steam Kettle = Nothing but kisses

2 Steam Kettles = Passionate kissing,

3 Steam Kettles = Sex but the door is closed

Steam Kettles = Slightly steamy sex with some

5 Steam Kettles = Steamy sex with somewhat

description

Those books receiving a 4.5 or a 5 star review will also be awarded the "Crowned Heart" for excellence. This symbol will be seen beside the review in the magazine.

Historical

Heart of the Highlands: The Dragon (Protectors of the Crown Book 3)

April Holthaus

After Leland and Ian Mackay’s father passed, Ian becomes the laird of their clan with his new bride, Keira, by his side. However, during Ian’s recovery, Keira is worried about her sisters being attacked due to the commitment of treason by their father. Leland sets off to the Sinclair Hall to bring Keira’s sisters back safely. However, when he gets there, he doesn’t realize how hard the task of bringing them home will be.

After Alys Sinclair was betrayed by her father, she’s forced to Cigure out a way to raise her younger sisters alone. With Laird Frederick Sutherland hovering over her with his proposal, and enemies coming from all angles, Alys knows the only way she can survive is to never trust a man again. Will that include Leland?

In this delicious 16th centurybased novel, jump aboard the express train to the land of scrumptious, sassy, and spicy enemies-to-lovers romance where readers can sit back and enjoy the captivating plot of the distrustful Lady and the protective Laird. This book feels repetitive in the damselin-distress plotline where the man always comes to save the day.

However, the author does add a great little twist by making the woman stronger and more responsible for her family. The setting and the language are also well-written, based on the era the novel is set in. Unfortunately, it may be hard for readers to keep up with the storyline since there seems to be a continuation of action from the last book right at the start of this one. However, the author still reels readers back in wonderfully with some new action, and keeps them on their toes for more conClict.

Austen Grace

Highland Sky (Highland Outcasts Book 3) Elizabeth Rose

to marry the other, and are forced to go through with it. Kellina thinks Nash’s clan killed her parents and plans to kill him, but she Cinds herself wanting him instead. Is a happy endin possible for these two?

“Highland Sky” is a medieval Scotland romance that will have the reader laughing and crying. Elizabeth Rose has created complex characters and a very believable storyline. Although the reader will love the characters Nash and Kellina and the constant bickering and Cighting between both, one may not feel a believable connection. One will also enjoy the secondary characters, especially Nash’s twin brother, and wish to learn of their punishment. This is book three in the Highland Outcast series and can be read as a standalone, but readers may Cind more enjoyment in this tale if the previous books in the series have been read Cirst, giving more understanding and backround to the place and players. This is a fun and humorous read, but it’s also emotional at times as Nash and Kellina learn what really happened to their parents. A ood book to curl up with!

Victoria Zumbrum

Nash O’Keefe must pay retribution for the destruction of Old Callum’s Horn and Hoof Tavern. Callum is his grandfather, and he’s a stubborn old man who has established rules for his tavern. Nash accidentally set the place on Cire, and his grandfather has sentenced him to assist the Mackenzie’s Clan in rebuilding their homes. They were attacked by the Sunderland’s and need to repair and rethatch their roofs. Nash is also ordered to marry the chieftain’s niece, Kellina. Kellina will do anything for her clan but marry Nash. Neither has any wish

within the book that revolves around Sarah’s family. Also, a rather unusual epilogue that deals with a conclusion for the characters of the Cirst book, rather than the two main characters from this one. As well, there are hints as to who’ll star in the next volume. All in all, a well-crafted, sweet romance that builds on a family-saga story.

NE Kelley

Jean C. Joachim

Set in the late 1780s, this is the story of Sarah Chesney, eldest daughter of Abigail Chesney Tanner. At eighteen, Sarah has decided it’s time to build a life and family of her own. She’s courted by two men, one a common everyday sort, the other, Ben Fitch, the son of the town’s richest man. After a misunderstanding casts doubt on Sarah’s reputation, and nearly ruins her chances for a happy marriage and decent life, she must forge ahead with her plans, despite the town’s misguided opinions.

“Sarah’s Dilemma” is the second book in the series set in the small town of Fitch’s Eddy. The same cast of characters return from the Cirst book, with a handful of newcomers to add another layer of Clavor to the story. The family dynamic between all of the Chesneys is a bit confusing in a few places, and at times, it seems as if there are almost too many characters. The romance in this story is sweet and wholesome, yet there is deCinitely a slow burn to the attraction between Sarah and the man who eventually wins her heart. Fortunately for Sarah, the damage to her reputation doesn’t dissuade her most ardent suitor. There is an entertaining subplot

Earl of Deception (Sisterhood of Secrets –Book 4) Jennifer Monroe

“Earl of Deception” is yet another stellar addition to this delightful series. The reader is once again transported to Mrs. Rutley’s School for Girls as yet another of her charges relates the story of how she fell in love. Told in the book’s current time and in Clashback, the transitions are smooth and add to the story. Miss Jenny is wise beyond her years, most likely because of Mrs. Rutley’s training and her undying loyalty to both the headmistress and her best friends who appear in each of the books. The ongoing characters add the perfect setup for the next book, amping up readers’ expectations for the continuation of the series. The slow-burn romance between Jenny and Nicholas is what all great love stories are made of... to perfection. While this book, and the others before it, can be read as standalone romances, readers would be cheating themselves out of a lot of entertainment if they didn’t read the entire series from start to Cinish!

N.E. Kelley

Nicholas, Earl of Dowding, is out for revenge against the men who wronged his family. Based on a promise he made to his dying father, Nicholas sets out to systematically avenge these wrongs one-by-one. All goes as planned until he reaches the end of the line, the last man. In order to complete his task, he requires a ‘wife’ in appearance only and for one night only, so he calls on Miss Jenny Clifton, a young woman who owes him a favor. However, it doesn’t take long before Jenny realizes their unique friendship could be so much more if Nicholas would let down the walls he’s built around his heart.

Romancing Miss Quill (Willful Winterbournes #1)

Sandra Sookoo

Arthur Winterbourne, the Earl of Ettesmere, has been grieving over his wife's passing for several

Sarah’s Dilemma (The Catskills Saga – Vol 2)

Historical

years. His grief has kept him locked up and he abstains from any social endeavors, especially those dealing with courtship. Despite his family’s constant suggestions to be more social and to begin courting again, he feels any new relationship would be a betrayal to his late wife's memory. When fate runs him into Juliana Quill, he thinks twice. Miss Quill is a 37-year-old, self-taught astronomer who has been taking care of her father. She also has no interest in courting; however, both Arthur and Juliana Cind themselves constantly attracted to each other by a magnetism they can hardly understand.

There are many historical romance novels; yet, “Romancing Miss Quill” is slightly unique when it comes to historical romance. Most tell a tale of a young man or woman coming of age, overcoming childhood traumas, and falling in love with the unexpected; however, Sandra Sookoo takes a different approach. Arthur and Juliana are decades past the traditional age of courtship, both dealing with familial loss, and are already managing adult responsibilities. This take on romance is refreshing to read as it reminds the reader that love has no age limit, and that even in grief, love can be found. All the twists and turns in their relationship are realistic and understandable as they both work together to overcome grief. Overall, the author has written a beautiful and mature love story that transcends across all ages.

Sadie Wilson

Midsummer Madness (A Lord for All Seasons, Book 2)

Nadine Millard

Hope Templeworth is a beautiful and brazen Clirt who really wants to escape her life in the small village of Halton, England. Because of her beauty, she has had numerous offers of marriage. She has turned them all down, because not one of them took the time to get to know her as a person; instead they stopped at her exterior ‘trappings’ and deemed those ‘enough.’ She has a lot of freedom out in the country, and one day while swimming, she meets Gideon Bell, the Earl of Claremont. He lets her believe he is the new vicar, because he is drawn to the notion that someone could like him for who he is instead of for his title. Recently removed from an embarrassing scandal, he is likes the idea of hiding out in the country for a bit. This well-written story is set up to allow for multiple misunderstandings, which allows these protagonists to grow as individual people and as a couple, eventually.

Hope and Gideon’s path to love is often rocky, but it makes the journey so much sweeter when the end arrives. There are a few

cringe-worthy moments that add a measure of humor to the telling. The banter between the protagonists and between each set of siblings adds an extra layer of fun. Also, there are a couple of tense situations that provide some unforeseen conClicts that eventually get resolved, which leads to the happily ever after ending. The story is believable in most areas; however, the scene where she meets Gideon is hilarious, yet more brazen than expected for the time.

Nevertheless, this story is utterly delightful!

Carey Sullivan

Hopeful in Yellow (Colors of Scandal, Book 16)

Sandra Sookoo

Evelina Aston is unwittingly involved in a juicy scandal during the summer of 1819--a hilarious situation that forces her to marry Charles Bowling, the Earl of Ethersham. Evelina is spunky and spirited, but those qualities have been hidden for so long, that most people aren’t aware of her true personality. She also has the ability to verbalize the essence of a situation, which is appealing in a protagonist. Her lack of duplicity enables Charles to be honest as

Historical

well. Charles is the heir to the Duke of Tarkington; sadly, he doesn’t feel deserving of love because of the lives he took during wartime and the suffering he witnessed while working as a spy. His best friend reminds him that it is time to forgive himself for what he did to survive in wartime. He tries to make the best of his marriage, but he faces temptations and has short-sighted decisionmaking skills that lead to several misunderstandings.

The book contains delightful aspects and interesting characters. The world that the author creates is intriguing and the conClicts are well thought-out. Unfortunately, the book didn’t gel completely. After being forced to wed as nearly total strangers, they Cind common ground rapidly and begin to fall in love. There is a well-written nervewracking scene near the end that ratchets up the tension and cements their love for each other, but the relationship just feels somewhat rushed. Nevertheless, the many delightful twists and turns of this book make it an enjoyable experience to read. Both of these protagonists take a deep interior journey within this book, and it adds depth to their character development.

Carey Sullivan

A Fearless Heart: A Regency Spy Romance

Elizabeth Cole

From rich scene description to fast-paced action to threedimensional character development, the story nails every beat. Our hearts thump harder as Cady’s phobias imprison her. Breath comes faster as Gabe displays more sex appeal than James Bond’s 007. Yet both are humanized to show us their Claws. Readers will cringe at their stumbles and laugh at their bumbles as they join forces to track the real assassin. A truly enjoyable and very different take on Regency romance, “A Fearless Heart” is a must-read for any historical fan looking for a fresh and exciting adventure.

FS Brown

Intrigue and murder draw Gabriel Courtenay’s life forward, working as a spy for an elite group of spies for the British crown. A series of deaths by poison is taking down England’s important political Cigures, and Gabe is tasked with stalking the killer. When clues draw him to a mysterious estate called Calderwood, he never guesses the suspected murderess he encounters will blur the lines between duty and his heart. Lady Arcadia of Calderwood is a dedicated botanist, and lives to nurture her vast collection of rare plants, developing them into medicines to help, not harm others. When Gabe comes on as her new “gardener,” she doesn’t know whether to trust or fear him —or surrender helplessly to the attraction neither can deny. Together they must root out the true killer, one who may well be harvesting his deadly potions from Cady’s own greenhouse.

A delightfully different plot turns this Regency romance into an unput-down-able treasure. The author’s research is impeccable. She injects just enough detail about botany and Cady’s work to capture the reader’s imagination.

The Undaunted (A Series of Worthy Young Ladies, Book 3)

Kate Archer

When Lord Easton arrives home to tell his wife that she’ll be sponsoring Miss Caroline Upton into society, she assumes he’s completely lost his mind. Her husband doesn’t have any salacious thoughts or ideas, but when Miss Upton arrives, Lady Easton is sure she’ll have her hands full. She enlists the assistance of her nephew, Lord Bertridge, who is as rigid with his

life as Lady Easton is. Together, they’re sure they can launch Miss Upton into society without the issues other ladies have had. But as Miss Upton Cinds herself in one jam after another, Lord Bertridge Cinds himself exasperated beyond belief with her. As time goes on though, both Miss Upton and Lord Bertridge Cind themselves thinking of each other more often than their thoughts run toward Cinding Miss Upton a suitable husband. Can Lord Bertridge meet Miss Upton halfway so they can live happily ever after?

Once readers get past the Cirst couple of chapters of rehash from the previous novels in the series, they will fall in love with Caroline and Bertie. Caroline is precocious and Bertie is a “stick,” but they complement each other rather nicely. One will enjoy the scrapes Caroline gets herself into, usually through no fault of her own, and Bertie’s reaction to them. Readers will love getting inside the heads of each of the characters, as well, especially the butler’s. Readers will certainly appreciate the author’s ability to tell the whole story through many voices without pulling readers from the story.

Heather McCoubrey

The Impoverished Dowry (The De Petras Saga, Book 2)

Emily EK Murdoch

Jasper De Petras, patriarch of the family, has just received news his entire shipping Cleet and crews have been lost in a storm. He has four children who all need dowries but the money is no longer there. Coral, as heir of the family, volunteers to forfeit her dowry. She comes up with a list of qualities her future husband must have, since she no longer has the option to marry for love but must marry for money. She has her list printed in the local paper. Her top quality is “must have dark hair.” She meets Edward Barlow, Duke of Glaenarm, at Almack’s. He Cits most of the requirements. Intrigued by this beautiful redhead he tricks her into allowing him to help her Cind the perfect man. Little does Coral realize he has already claimed her for himself!

“The Impoverished Dowry” is a delightful frolic in the upside down lives of a family whose members all have names of gemstones, beginning with parents, Jasper and Opal. A refreshing story, because in this family, the women are the heirs and the men take the woman’s last name. The matriarch has the last

say in matters, but she keeps her husband’s thoughts in mind. One disturbing point is a cousin is brought into the mix, Amethyst, who is brieCly mentioned and then seems to disappear from the story. Edward is dazzling as he quietly courts Coral with her never suspecting. Her list is a pair of blinders keeping her from seeing anyone before her as acceptable, including Edward. Brilliantly crafted, this tale is sure to charm romantics everywhere!

Belinda Wilson

Cara Hogarth

Azalais de Keldy wants to rescue her father who has been imprisoned in France for two years. Her older brother Robert refuses to pay the ransom and expects Azalais to marry a wicked lout of his choosing. Younger brother Benedict is but a poor monk. Azalais’ plan is to work her way over to France disguised as a male minstrel, then rescue her father and pay the ransom with her dowry. Benedict Cinally agrees with one condition: she must travel with a man of his choosing. That man is a knight, Sir William de Fauconberg. Azalais is

The Minstrel and Her Knight (Minstrel Knights Book 1)

Historical

introduced as Alain, a youth who sings and plays the lute. Sir William plays the vielle and sings remarkably well. She keeps her head covered with a hood, because even with her short hair, she is frightened of what will happen should William Cind he is traveling not with a youth, but with a woman!

"The Minstrel and Her Knight” is a whimsical piece with deceit, violence, and humor. The reader is kept wondering when Alain’s true identity will Cinally be revealed to William and what will be the consequences. Sluggish in the beginning, this tale does not pick up pace until our minstrels land in France. William and Azalais lack development and depth. William has a habit of using anachronisms which jar one out of the story and into the present. The inner conClicts for both characters allow the reader to feel their angst as William and Azalais each try to determine what their futures will hold. With a delightful premise, this story presents a different twist on the typical lady in distress and her knight.

Belinda Wilson

Upon receiving a note from Leah Langley asking for help, Harcourt Fitzwilliam, Duke of Edenthorpe, guiltily remembers his promise to her dying brother: to keep watch over his sister—a task he’s neglected these past ten years. Her mother’s tiara has been stolen by Lord Markham, a marquess. Retrieving and selling the tiara is the only thing which will keep her and her mother out of the poorhouse. As he has experience in thievery, Harcourt agrees to help and agrees to escort Leah to several balls to Cind a husband even though she really wishes to live as a spinster in the country. They must get the deed done and soon because, much to his chagrin, Harcourt is to wed Lady Sarah in a matter of days, despite Leah quietly capturing his heart. Little do they know that stealing the tiara will be a lifechanging experience for both Harcourt and Leah!

“One Little Indiscretion” is a delightful story with more twists and turns than a labyrinth! The reader won’t guess what happens next until they turn the page. The story starts with a straightforward mission which swells into something else as the plot

progresses. Murder and mayhem, revenge, deceit, and love all roll into a neat package. What seems to be a simple enough task turns into a catastrophe! Harcourt and Leah are perfect for one another, but it takes others to show them the way to their ultimate happiness. Lord Markham, the villain, is exceptionally welldrawn making the reader shudder when reading about him. A remarkable story, Ms. Sookoo has outdone herself with this Cirst book of a new series.

Belinda Wilson

Maggi Andersen

After the tragic suicide of her father, Olivia Jenner is forced to become a housekeeper. When the heir of the man Olivia believes is to blame for her father’s downfall arrives, she determines to obtain a position in his household in order to Cind proof. Dominic Thorne is not the rakehell he has been painted as, however, and as Olivia observes him working to right the wrongs and clean up the messes his uncle left him, her commitment wavers. Before she can prove guilt or innocence, though, it becomes

One Little Indiscretion (Singular Sensation Book 1) Sandra Sookoo

Never Trust an Earl

Historical

apparent someone is trying to kill Dominic! As the race to discover the villain intensiCies, Olivia must decide if her quest for redemption is worth the life of the man she is coming to love.

What a captivating regency romance! It superbly portrays all the beauty of the era while allowing the reader to join in the characters’ struggles and hardshipsas well. The descriptions and dialogue seem so wonderfully real that readers are able to feel a part of that very place and time. The plot progresses at an easy, relaxed place, evoking more of “a look into the life of” the times. Though there is rarely anything to keep one reading, much less on the edge of their seats, it’s always enjoyable to open the book. There is an odd sex scene that comes out of nowhere and goes completely against the characteristics the author has established for both Dominic and Olivia. The villains are quite obvious and their exposure anti-climactic. Still, if one enjoys a lovely historical romance that Clows beautifully and reads easily, this story will truly be a delight!

Ruth Lynn Ritter

The Reluctant Bride Linda Laroque

Lacey's past. When a chance encounter brings Lacey's past barreling into the present, will the love she and Brady have found together give them the strength to face the biggest trial of their lives?

WESTERN: Lacey Faraday is a spirited young woman with plans that do not include marriage. However, her father has arranged for her to marry the Sheriff of another Texas county. Brady Callahan is a widower with two young twin daughters who need a mother. Marrying makes sense and love has nothing to do with it. He doubts he'll be able to love anyone like he loved his Cirst wife. Neither Callahan nor Lacey is prepared for the attraction they feel for one another, and it changes everything. As they work together to build a family, a shadow hangs over them from

"The Reluctant Bride" spins a heartwarming western tale with an emotional punch! In the year 1899, nineteen-year-old Lacey sees the limited possibilities for women and wants more from her life. Readers will be drawn to her passion and strength. Brady's efforts to raise his daughters and his sensitivity to his new wife appeal on all levels. This is a love story that unfolds with ease and is difCicult to put down. But for all that, there are several key emotional points that deserved greater exploration, such as Lacey's willingness to marry or the Cirst love scene given Lacey's background of having been sexually assaulted. "The Reluctant Bride" is the perfect pickup for readers who like their stories sweet with a hint of spice, and who know that everyone deserves a second chance at love!

Tricia Hill

Sandra Sookoo

Caroline Storme has long been misunderstood. When she was 12, she was abandoned to an asylum. She has returned to London but is misunderstood by everyone she meets. John Butler has come

home in a last attempt to connect with his father. When John and Caroline have a chance meeting, there is an instant spark that cannot be denied. John’s patience allows him to understand Caroline in ways few have ever tried. John quickly decides that a marriage of convenience would serve them both, granting her freedom and him the settled life he needs. But inside Caroline’s mind she knows she wants more, a true marriage. How can she gain a true marriage if she isn’t even sure what a true marriage entails? This unique tale is sweet from the start but Cilled with angst and hope as they struggle to communicate and work toward what they both want. Caroline and John have great chemistry. When they meet their instant chemistry excites them both, even as it confuses Caroline. John’s patience puts Caroline at ease,

and she is eager to explore these new desires she feels. As John teaches her about relationships the pages are ablaze with passion. The character development is excellent as Caroline learns to navigate the ton and learns to communicate and be in a relationship. John learns his worth and that he is not his father. As John learns to let go of his father’s abusive hold on him, he blossoms into a caring man who can someday be a father the way his never was. Absolutely delightful!

Cara Cieslak

The Fury of a Storme (The Storme Brothers Book 6

The Price of Revenge (The Bad Boys of Wall Street Book 1)

Ember Leigh

Axel and his brothers, Damian and Trace, earned their rags to riches lifestyle, creating Fairchild Enterprises based in New York City—new money. Eight years ago, Axel lost the love of his heart, Cora Margulis, daughter of Margulis Realty, one of the Wall Street Insiders—old money, when she ended their engagement. It nearly broke him emotionally. As the tabloids called Cora, the ‘Princess of Manhattan’ agrees to an arranged marriage and would take over as the family’s corporation CIO next quarter. Eli, Cora’s husband, wants Cora and the business, but the path he chooses could push Cora to give up everything. These Bad Boys of Wall Street are committed to charities for underprivileged groups because of their early childhood hardships. They yearn for a building owned by Margulis to establish their headquarters. Axel makes the offer on the property with Cora in the boardroom.

“The Price of Revenge” explodes on page one, painting the characters in vivid prose that ignites the senses. Axel wants to protect his soul but needs to Cind

his heart. Tension and heat between these former lovers bubble to the surface like a Ciery passion of molten lava. They clicked before, and now the heat is an inferno between them. Can they recapture the trust required to build a sustainable relationship? When media attention threatens to destroy the Fairchild’s charitable work, Cora enacts her plan, hoping it will correct all the wrongs, even if her heart breaks. Readers will board this romantic rollercoaster with New York’s wealthy in the Cirst book of The Bad Boys of Wall Street series and wait in line for book two.

Simone Dober

Seasoned With Love (Prosperity Ranch Book 4)

Heather B. Moore

Cara Prosper, a successful cook, is solicited to cook for a holiday event at a ranch in Wyoming for a famous movie producer and his crew. She plans for the event to be Clawless. When she arrives, she is unprepared for the feelings of home to wash over her, and for her instant connection to the famous Roman De Marco. Roman is a

talented producer used to women falling all over him. He is not used to letting his guard down, or letting them into his and his daughter’s life. Roman Cinds himself continually drawn to Cara, but his instincts about women have led him astray before. As Roman tries to protect his heart, and that of his young daughter, he begins to think the only protection may be to embrace the happiness being with Cara offers.

Cara and Roman have an instant spark that smolders and burns, increasing each time they meet. With a great cast of supporting characters, there are terriCic uplifting friends as well as the classic stab-you-in-the-back actress. Even amongst the chaos of a movie and a holiday, Roman and Cara Cind themselves drawn to each other. As they fall in love, they also grow and learn about each other - and themselves. As the holiday is ending it seems the sweet love story will also close and be just a chapter in Cara’s book of life. But as she fulCills her commitment to be a pen pal to the famous producer and the chemistry continues through written romance, this sweet tale evolves. The perfect balance of love and heartache Cilled with emotion and angst to make any romance fan happy.

Cara Cieslak

Truelove Trail (Waverly Lake – Book 2) Mary Shotwell

subterfuge is revealed, Tracy’s reaction is predictable, yet warranted. Seeing them come to grips with Ben’s reasoning and Tracy’s understanding of why he did what he did was handled well, if not a bit too quickly. For fans of sweet contemporary romance, this book would be a nice addition to one’s collection. If readers want to know more about the recurring characters and the setting, they may also wish to go back and read the Cirst book in the series, although each book stands alone.

N.E. Kelley

Tracy Bennett is working at Aunt Dee’s Lodge in hopes of raising money for a trip to New Zealand. Ben Walker has returned to Waverly Lake to handle his late parents’ affairs. However, he wishes to do so without others knowing who he is, so he assumes a different last name. He too ends up working at the lodge. When he realizes that Tracy is the same girl he knew as a child, he feels guilty about deceiving her, but he’s still determined to keep his anonymity. Tracy and Ben are assigned a project, Dee’s annual Lovetoberfest, a round-robin dating event. When they must scope out the possible locations for dates, Ben and Tracy are repeatedly thrown together.

“Truelove Trail” is a well-written, sweet romance that reunites two childhood friends- even though only one of them realizes it at Cirst. The fact that Tracy is somewhat leery of the mysterious Ben is an added plus to her character development. Aunt Dee’s character adds a nice layer of support. The time Tracy and Ben spend together on their fake dates escalates their attraction at a smooth pace. When Ben’s

Chasing Her Heart (A Buena Hills Romance – Book 1) Allison Gygi

walking away be the farthest thing from their minds?

“Chasing Her Heart” is a beautifully written, sweet romance. The setting makes the reader long for a trip to the Emerald Isle. What makes all this even more impressive is that this is author Allison Gygi’s debut novel. The characters, both main and supporting, are well crafted, believable, and downright likable. There are times when books set in foreign settings (or at least foreign to the reader) are difCicult to read. This is especially true with both Irish and Scottish brogues. However, in this case, the Irish inClections were not difCicult to understand, nor did they deClect from the artistry of the story in any way. If there were anything to criticize it would be the internal thoughts the heroine has on men, often referring to them as the male sex, rather than just ‘men’. It was cute the Cirst time around, but a bit tedious when it is repeated. But, like the Irish brogue, this one little quirk did not detract from the story one bit. Kudos to Ms. Gygi for producing such an outstanding debut!

N.E. Kelley

Elsie Abernathy is a dedicated student working on her PhD in art history. It’s her lifelong plan to travel the world to further her knowledge. While renting a Clat in Ireland, her plans are derailed by a handsome Irishman, Rory O’Clery. He’s an aspiring composer hoping to make his mark in scoring Cilms. The last thing he needs is a distraction, especially given his distrust of women following a bad breakup with a cheating ex. Can these two enjoy each other’s company for as long as Elsie’s visit lasts? Or, will

Carol Van Den Hende

beauty industry itself is interesting while not being overdone. This tale handles the issue of personal PTSD in a gentle, yet afCirming way, bringing light to a subject that is not spoken about very often, at least not outside a military-style setting. The author handles the subject well, and even Cinishes with information and acknowledgments of her research. This is a complete story with a satisfying ending. If you enjoy contemporary stories with interesting characters, you will most likely want to read this book.

N.E. Kelley

Orchid Paige works as a marketing specialist in the beauty industry. Her mixed heritage sparks an interest in her Asian ancestors. When her employer offers up the possibility of a chance to travel to China for a six week assignment, Orchid knows she must win the promotion. Yet, she worries she won’t be good enough. Enter the hero, entrepreneur Phoenix Walker, who takes her under his wing to work on his non-proCit project. Geared to veterans, the subject triggers her own PTSD. Together, Orchid and Phoenix work through the trauma, bringing them closer together in the process. When she gets offered the position in China, will she be able to walk away from the man who’s made his way past her emotional defenses?

“Orchid Blooming” is a wellwritten story of self-discovery and resilience. Told in multiple points of view, you get a wonderful insight into what all the characters are thinking, even though at times it can be a bit confusing. Even more confusing is that this is a prequel to an earlier release that told a far more emotional story of Orchid and Phoenix. The insight into the

Some Days J.L. Lora

Dahlia Wicker is a beat cop working nights in one of Baltimore’s more dangerous areas. Her long time partner and loyal friend, Matthew Hunter, is closer to family than coworker. They respond to a call which has them looking down gun barrels. Shots are Cired and Dahlia lands in the local ER from a gunshot wound. She’s desperate to make sure someone knows how to tell her family. She has been caring for her younger brother, Teddy, and her mother. Teddy is developmentally delayed and does not deal well with trauma. Dahlia

begs the on call doctor to please tread lightly with her family when delivering any news of her condition or demise. Dr. Weston Ellison is not going to allow the beauty in his care any more harm, as long as he is able… and she would be willing.

“Some Days” has every possible facet of a fantastic story included in this book. Ms. Lora has a unique writing style which creates a strong alpha hero and an even stronger heroine, which readers will immediately fall in love with. “I’m nothing like them. I don’t ever want to be.” When interracial and inter-social romance intersects, loyalty and love are tested. This theme carries throughout the book and is thoughtfully presented with all the feels. The subplots of a neighbor and husband constantly Cighting, and a double murder mystery are creatively woven in between it all. Don’t forget the romance and a very afCluent family’s drama that’s included as well. This well-rounded story has genuine, relatable content, which readers will gobble up.

Viola Robbins

Orchid Blooming (Goodbye, Orchid Series – Book 1)

Training Her Heart: Olivia (The Wishful Hearts Collection Book 2)

River Ford

Olivia Nelson is a successful baker in Hollywood. When she was fourteen, her and her friends made wishlists of their perfect guys. Now grown up, Olivia still searches for that elusive Mr. Right. When Hollywood’s Ms. Perfect visits her bakery and gives Olivia a verbal slap about her weight, Olivia recoils. Already suffering from low self-esteem and weight issues, she decides to head to the gym and lose the excess pounds. Too bad her personal trainer is sexy, buff, and a major Clirt to all women. Cristian Reyes is ready to settle down. He’s part of a great family and wants to get started on building his own. Problem— the women he deals with are all just shaping up for their next Hollywood role. Enter Olivia, with her total hotness, her ability to ignore his sincere attempts at charm, and her ridiculous teenage Mr. Right wishlist.

Beauty is more than skin deep, and Cinding love is more than a wishlist. Ms. Ford deftly and carefully shows Olivia’s low self-

esteem and weight issues. She pairs Olivia with a wonderful, albeit polar-opposite man who only sees the good inside her, even when she fails to see it herself. Her business partner, Dion, is a welcome comic relief. The story could be stronger if the settings and characters are Cleshed out a little more. Olivia clings to her adolescent wishlist with juvenile tenacity, which can be construed as infuriating. Apart from Olivia denying her attraction to Cristian, and him trying to worm beyond her wishlist wall to her heart, there is not much conClict. The pacing is good, and the creativity and technical writing are all superb. This is a clean, kissingonly, HEA guaranteed, feel-good story that will satisfy almost any wholesome romance reader.

Emerson Matthews

Resist Me (Forget the Past, Book 3)

Lauren Connolly

Luna Lamont, jaded and Ciercely independent self-defense coach, needs no man… until a surprising and large inheritance makes an appearance with the caveat that she be married in order to receive it. With no hint of a marriage prospect on the horizon and the clock swiftly ticking away, Luna is

ready to forego the inheritance, even if it means her awful excuse for a father will get it – until she realizes the amount she’s set to inherit will buy her twin brother’s freedom from the crime family they were born into. What’s a girl to do? Enter Charlie, best friend to Luna’s younger brother’s Ciancé e. Charlie fell into lust-at-Cirst-sight with Luna, so when she proposes a marriage of convenience, what’s a nice guy like him supposed to do?

Once again, Ms. Connolly has written a tale full of heart, fun, and adorable animals! Readers of the series will be thrilled to learn more about Luna, the older sister who has appeared in the two previous books. Heart strings will be tugged when one learns of the awful things Luna went through as a child, and one will cheer for her Cierceness in protecting those she loves. Charlie is an utter sweetheart, and his mishaps bring laughs and smiles throughout. Their relationship progresses believably, and their chemistry simply sizzles. Seeing Dash and Paige from book one is delightful. This book stands alone well, but readers may enjoy it even more if they read the previous books Cirst. Pig, the adorable rescue pit bull will bring smiles to reader’s faces, and the ending will leave one wanting even more! Utterly delightful from start to Cinish!

Piper Valentine

Contemporary

the leads which simmers so thickly their breakup feels like a momentary hurdle and sparks are inevitable. As a result, the story is quickly read and easy to enjoy with a great deal of puppy love thrown in for readers and pet lovers to adore.

Sarah E Bradley

Chances (Oak Creek Book 1)

B.K. StubbleCield

Haley Redmon’s whole life focuses on her animals. Any man interested in her must love her dogs just as much as she does, which doesn’t seem like a problem at Cirst when handsome real estate broker, Austin Young, moves to Oak Creek. Sparks are Clying and everything seems Cine between the pair until Haley brings a destructive new puppy home with a taste for Italian leather. When tempers Clare and their fragile relationship is tested, Haley and Austin Cind themselves having to decide if two different people are better together or apart.

“Chances” is a tale geared toward animal lovers, speciCically dog lovers, as Haley is all about pets, with the added fun being Austin is all about Haley. An argument leads to a breakup, but lingering feelings call for a second chance, which makes this plot all passion. The conClict is focused on misunderstandings and the main characters feelings, which makes this a vibrant read emotionally, but almost novella-like in terms of development, depth, and execution. Although the lack of story to explore is made up for by the tension and Clirting between

Bound to Burn (Blood and Bone Series, Book 4)

Paula Dombrowiak

Holy sizzling sexual chemistry! Readers may wind up using their e-readers as fans as the heat kicks up between Cash and Sasha. Fans of the series will be thrilled to see Cash Cinally get his long overdue happy ending. Sasha is perfect for him in every way; her sunshine to his grump is absolutely delightful! The way their relationship develops is endearing and believable, not to mention smoking hot. Several parts of the tale will tug on heartstrings, while others will have readers laughing out loud. Other characters from the series make appearances which adds extra enjoyment. Although part of a series, this story stands alone wonderfully. Ms. Dombrowiak has penned a tale that faultlessly illustrates opposites attract, and that at the end of the day, age is just a number. Completely unputdownable and utter perfection!

Piper Valentine

Cash Morgan has buried himself in his record store since his life imploded more than 15 years ago. He’s built walls around his heart so tall and thick no one has been able to break through - until Sasha. Cash doesn’t want to want her, but he does. He already went through hell because of a woman, and has no desire to open up again, let alone to a girl who is almost 20 years younger than him. Sasha is dying to break down the walls Cash hides behind and get to know who he really is beyond the hurt and caution. The pull between them is magnetic, almost overwhelming, and Sasha is ready to dive right in and explore the attraction, but how long is she willing to wait for Cash to decide she’s worth a chance?

Country Stars in Maple Bay

Brittney Joy

Myra works hard to maintain the life she has carved out for herself and her children. Running the local coffee shop, Myra is a favorite among the locals. Caught

up with personal decisions and running a business, Myra is blindsided. An outsider with money has not only bought her shop out from under her, but he has also her home as well. Fuming, Myra meets the new owner only to learn he’s Sky Ridge, a famous country singer looking for a temporary hideout, or so she assumes. Sky would prefer to steer clear of the previous owner. However, he can tell there’s something more to this strong-willed, tough woman. His investment may have an original ulterior motive, but he Cinds himself gaining more from his investment than he planned.

“Country Stars in Maple Bay” immediately strikes a chord of romance and will have readers hoping Myra will see that she hit the jackpot. The story opens with clarity and easily moves forward without skipping a beat. Readers will want to keep turning the pages after Myra and Sky learn more about each other. Brittney Joy weaves a story of two distinct, believable characters who make life decisions that readers can relate to. Kudos for the realistic nature of making decisions when life isn’t perfect. Confusion may occur with slight unclear changes of points of view which may cause pauses in the story’s rhythm. Edits to clean up repetitive words should be considered. Overall, “Country Stars in Maple Bay” is a romance worth reading.

Moira Wolf

One Unexpected Adventure (Her Journey #2)

SoCia Sawyer

another, but slides beautifully into a romance that melts the heart in a relatable way. The small things that Brooks does not just for Ava, but for the town, really makes his character shine, and causes the reader to see the warm soul under the hard exterior. The way in which Ava’s character grows and realizes what has actually been missing in her life is extraordinary. The only thing that causes some reader pushback is the odd placement of some of the comparisons. With the cozy Christmas feelings the townspeople exude, and the sweet husky tying it all together, this story is breathtaking.

Annalee Stilove

After working tirelessly for years to see a new company rise, Ava Cinally lands her dream position. But before she ofCicially takes on her new role, her sister suggests that Ava take a much needed vacation to a small town in Iceland. Thinking a little downtime might just Cix the odd feeling in her chest, Ava agrees but is not prepared for the sexy, standofCish tour guide to turn her life upside down. Brooks has dedicated his life to saving and protecting the people around him. When the Cishing trade thins, threatening the town’s livelihood, Brooks knows he has to Cigure out what is causing the problem. Taking tourists out while his dad recovers is not helping him Cigure out the mystery; However, the irritating woman he is showing around might just have the solution to their problems.

A beautiful snowcapped story Cilled with warmth and mixed with a little mystery that is sure to delight. This story starts with Ava and Brooks at odds with one

The Ties That Bind (Family Ties #1)

Jansen Schmidt

When Shiloh receives word of her father’s passing, a sudden trip back to Twisted Fork, the town that holds monstrous memories, becomes necessary. If burying the very man who caused her such abandonment trauma wasn’t bad enough, Shiloh also has to navigate dealing with two older sisters who belittle her, and a town Cilled with people who only want to victim blame. At least the handsome deputy, Luke, knows

Contemporary

the truth behind her teenaged antics and truly cares. He knows he needs to convince Shiloh to stay in the old family farm or developers will take it and turn it into an industrial empire that will destroy the small town. What he doesn’t expect is the desire in his chest when he sees Shiloh again. However, the secrets that come to light as the girls dig through their father’s life change everything.

The story has an incredible start, with beautiful imagery and the kindness Luke shows Shiloh. Similarly, Shiloh helps a young woman in the midst of an abusive relationship. However, the story takes a dramatic turn as the girls’ father is falsely painted as a loving light by the townspeople in a way that invalidates the girls’ feelings, experiences, and trauma. At times this goes so far as to say that Shiloh was the one who was actually the problem. This becomes very off-putting as many of the twists only serve to make Shiloh feel guilty and confused. Please be advised, this can be extremely triggering to those who share similar childhood traumas. With more focus put into overcoming the trauma caused by their father, this story of healing will touch hearts.

Annalee Stilove

Paranormal

Reader be warned - this book ends on a clifChanger, leaving a lot of questions that still need to be answered. Nevertheless, this is a fast-paced read Cilled with magic, murder, romance, comedy, suspense, and lots of twists and turns that will leave one guessing!

Victoria Zumbrum

Born Under a Bad Sign: A Slow Burn Urban Fantasy Romance (Mixed Signals Book 1)

Rachel Rawlings

Isobel is a down on her luck witch, who refuses to use her magic and makes a living through reading tarot cards. When her clients start dying, Detective Michael Sullivan shows up on her doorstep and puts the blame on her for the murders. Now that she is a suspect Isobel sets out with the help of her best friend, David, and a ghost named Viola to prove her innocence, and who really did it. When Isobel discovers the murder involves magic, she realizes her life is now in danger since she is the one the murderer wants.

“Born Under a Bad Sign: A Slow Burn Urban Fantasy Romance” is a wonderful start to a new series! The author has created fun and complex characters with a delightful storyline. The reader will be laughing out loud throughout the story that is full of funny moments. The constant bickering between David, Viola the ghost, and the detective will bring a smile to the reader’s face. The chemistry between David and Isobel sizzles from the pages and one will be rooting for their relationship to go to the next step.

Blood & Ravens

A.D. Brazeau

Greer Henshaw is a reluctant Casket Girl. She never volunteered to sail across the Atlantic from France to New Orleans to Cind a husband. Instead, the twenty-twoyear-old Clower peddler Cinds herself kidnapped into a boatload of young women heading to a convent that arranges marriages. Her emaciated state may be attributed to the horrible living conditions and lack of food on the ship. It may also be due to the black-haired gentleman who caresses her wrist in her dreams every night. The casket girls are being preyed upon by vampires, but one of these monsters is not like the others. Theron was once a prince of the Underworld, now banished to endure the lowly existence of a vampire. He falls for Greer like he has never fallen before or after his exile. Together, they reshape the destiny of

Greer’s brave but vulnerable new friends of the Ursuline Convent.

A.D. Brazeau romanticizes and fantasizes the lives of the casquette girls of New Orleans. When Theron develops a conscience, he changes the odds that are so badly stacked against them. Crafted with delectable language, the author explores the metamorphosis of a soulless creature who is suddenly burdened with remorse. The apex predator falling for his prey may seem an ageless story, but this author gives it a fresh and alluring dissection, ensconcing it in a historical setting that lends itself to imaginative possibilities. Be prepared for Theron and the Casket Girls to battle creatures of legend and myth. Rich in character, “Blood and Ravens” is perfect for readers with a taste for a classic romance with a bit of campiness.

Joan Lai

Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss (One Scoop or Two)

Cherie Colyer

Peyton is a witch and seer who has visions of people she does not know that come true. She tries to Cigure out who the people are in

her visions so she may help them. Peyton’s latest vision is about an old man and a boy, which leads her to Siren’s Cove. As she searches for the man and the boy, she runs into an old Clame, Roman, who broke her heart eight years ago. Roman is now a single parent and runs an ice cream shop. The connection between them is still there - but so is the hurt that Peyton experienced. Roman regrets leaving her like he did and tries to explain, but Peyton will not let him. Will they get their second chance at romance?

“Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss” is an engaging and fun read that will bring a smile to the reader’s face. The story Clows smoothly and has different subgenres such as paranormal, second chance romance, mystery, and suspense. Cherie Colyer has created a smalltown romance that is fun and entertaining, which allows one to fall in love with every character - including those in secondary roles. One also cannot forget the adorable Jinx, Peyton’s familiar, who assists her throughout the story. The reader will love the connection and chemistry between the main characters and will cheer the relationship on. Readers will also adore Roman’s son, Travis, who loves his father and learns to love Peyton. This is a fun tale that will leave the reader feeling happy, with a delicious dose of “aww”.

Victoria Zumbrum

Paranormal

sets important to this tale. Lakota culture and folklore are peppered throughout this story, which is a nice touch, but none of the tales are complete enough to make sense to the layman. Plot twists take the reader by surprise, as all is not as it seems on the surface. Intrigue, deception, and betrayal lurk among the pages leaving readers wanting still more!

Belinda Wilson

Saf^ire

Shiloh Love

SafCire is a feature dancer in a men’s club. Everyone thinks the Clames in her act are pyrotechnics, but that is SafCire’s secret. Her body emits blue Clames whenever she gets excited. Her friend, Velvet shows up one night with two men and introduces SafCire to Shook and Rebar. Shook is single and very attracted to SafCire as she is to him. The two manage to spend the weekend together and realize they are falling for one another. Velvet tells SafCire her former “boyfriend” has been let out on parole and to watch out, because he says he is out to get her after spending years in jail. SafCire is frightened, but Shook makes her feel safe as he is a former FBI agent. When SafCire is called to make an unscheduled appearance at Diego’s bar, she thinks nothing of it. But when Shook goes backstage to get her, she’s vanished!

“SafCire” captures the reader’s attention from the Cirst page. The title character is a sensual being and this leaps off the page as she performs. The three main men in this story are half Lakota and triplets at that! Although triplets, they are each their own man and have developed their own skill

The Reaper Chronicles: Making of a Witch (Salem Memoirs)

Lisa Acerbo

“How much would you risk for one man?” Freyja looks like a twenty-eight-year-old redhead, but she’s actually a busy death reaper, one of many in New York City. One of her soul collection assignments was a young physician named Daxon. Drawn to the attractive and altruistic doctor, Freyja uses her rare secondchance serum to bring him back to the living, then falls in love with him. When she fails to keep her supernatural identity from her human boyfriend, Death issues the executive order to end their lives, but whisks the lovers to Purgatory instead. There they wait, until Death offers Freyja a new job: stop three witches from

Paranormal

stealing enough souls to summon an immortal who will impose gender subjugation on the world. The Cirst third of the book is slowpaced and feels like a low-key forbidden romance. Thereafter, it shifts to a thriller adventure when Freyja awakens in Salem for the Cirst time to begin her new mission. Daxon isn’t allowed to accompany Freyja back to the real world, so she gets new help from an assistant named Anthony. However, Anthony knows so much more than Freyja that she seems to be assisting him. Freyja seems ill-prepared and Clippant about the dire situation, and her actions are haphazard and unreliable.

Anthony and Freyja huff repeatedly through a very unidimensional storyline where the witch adversaries are simple caricatures and many events seem nonsensical. It is also odd when Freyja summarizes known information mid-book, as if restarting the story. The tale could also beneCit from further editing of typos and sequence errors.

Nevertheless, “The Reaper Chronicles” is an interestin reimaging of our myths concerning death, afterlife, and the gender divide.

Joan Lai

Devil’s Dominion Virginia Barlow

HISTORICAL: Lady Rolayna Seville is excited to be traveling to Whitehall Abbey to marry her betrothed, Baron Rauf Oliveander, when her entourage is ambushed by Dragos, Duke of Dragonthorne. Dragos and his band of elite warriors, known as his disciples, repeatedly attest that Lady Rolayna should be grateful for their intervention and protection. They are saving her from the baron’s nefarious plot of rebellion against their king and his murderous plans against the Sevilles. Ever resourceful and deCiant, Rolayna repeatedly escapes from her protectorcaptors and places herself and her Cive-year-old ward, Alex, in danger. A frustrated Dragos settles her evasiveness by marrying her himself. He promises to keep little Alex safe in exchange for her cooperation. But Baron Rauf continues to be a threat. Will the new couple be able to reach common ground?

Virginia Barlow writes a marvellously enjoyable adventureCilled romance. Sparks Cly from the opening paragraphs as Dragos descends on Rolayna’s carriage. Despite Rolayna’s distrust of a vigilante who bears the moniker of “demon”, and Dragos’s distrust

of a beautiful woman with a reputation for broken promises, their moments together are characterized by tenderness and desire. This is an enemies-tolovers novel that is expertly executed to maximize the push and pull of their magnetism. Multiple acts of treachery and heroism interrupt their courtship. At times, feminist ideals aside, it is easy to be frustrated with Rolayna’s foolhardy actions. Dragos responds with a fascinating blend of patience, fury, and passion. “Devil’s Dominion” is a headlong plunge into the wild and dangerous medieval forest that will have the reader glued to its pages.

Gabrielle Ash

About a year ago, all hell broke loose in heiress Matilda ‘Tilly’ Ashby’s life when a supernatural assassination contract was put out on her. She only survived because the half-demon assassin, Samson, couldn’t go through with it. Now Samson has disappeared while trying to Cind a way to kill the incubus who accepted the contract—his father, Frank, for whom he worked. After several

Joan Lai

The Unrighteous Son (Circle Seven, Book 2)

Paranormal

months of normalcy, Tilly is plunged back into the hellish supernatural world she doesn’t truly understand, and which seems intent on killing her. She teams up with Vee, Samson’s sister, and a few other unlikely allies to Cind Samson. But Cinding Samson is one thing, helping him and Vee kill Frank, so he can be free to pursue the relationship with Tilly she’s hoping for, is another thing entirely. Perhaps things will work out—but only if she can survive.

The action in “The Unrighteous Son” leaps off the page from the Cirst chapter and continues to the very end, as Ms. Ash’s gritty prose transports readers into the weird shadow world of demons, cambions, necromancers, and fae sorcerers. Though this installment of the Circle Seven series can be read alone, it’s not recommended. The emotional connections between the characters (hence readers’ investment in them) have already been established in book 1, so the characters here seem somewhat Clat and unchanging. The heat between Tilly and Samson only simmers from past Clames rather than burning, and her frequent, self-pitying whining over being a powerless human grates. The riveting plot, however, with its surprising twists and breath-catching action makes up

for tepid characters. A good read, likely much better after reading book one.

Marc Joseph

Attracting His Mate: Shifter Mail-Order Brides Series Book 3

Sabrina A. Fish

The King brothers’ mother had one dying wish: that her Cive sons would all Cind and claim their mates within six months of her death. If her sons cannot keep their promise, the clan is in danger of losing their family land —roaming grounds critical to the continued survival of men who shift into grizzly bears. For middle brother Beau, time is running out. His trust for women is battered.

Sure, he’s got a best friend who might do, but in his heart, he knows Ragina is not his intended mate. When he meets Shayla, a traveling nurse who is clan-less and available, they lock gazes, and both know that destiny has brought them together. But his reluctance to risk his heart again has Beau struggling to commit to the chase of the woman his heart tells him is his fated mate.

This fast-paced and sizzling hot novella gives new meaning to paranormal romance. The author’s use of a grizzly bear’s strong animal instincts takes the love scenes to new heights. Explicitly detailed, readers be warned—there’s nothing shy about this love story. Beau comes across at Cirst as a little geeky, moody, and cool—until his bear instincts take over. Shayla’s dedication and compassion for her patients endears her to readers from the start. Still, the piece’s short length keeps the characters from being more fully developed than they could be. The bear shifter element deCinitely adds an interesting twist. If a fun, fast, steamy romp is the reader’s pleasure, “Attracting His Mate” will Cit the bill perfectly.

FS Brown

Night Race

(Vampire Reality Show #2)

Ashley R. King

This fun paranormal romance features a couple crippled by guilt and willing to do anything to alleviate it. After turning into a vampire and avenging the death of her husband, Theo wants to be human again and Cind peace.

While Aiden wants nothing more than to become a vampire and avenge the death of his Ciancé e while also protecting the people he loves most. A new tv show about a race to obtain a onetimeuse magic chalice that can turn a human into a vampire and a vampire into a human entices them both to sign up, but they had no idea they’d need to work together and decide who gets their wish granted through a death match at the end.

Discovering that they are mates makes that last detail all the harder to face.

An emotionally charged adventure Cilled with laughs and twists, sure to spike the pulse of every reader. Aiden’s past with vampires is horriCic, however even with his experience, he still manages to treat them with kindness. Theo’s view on vampires is refreshing, and the

way in which she meets each new challenge is daring. Yet, with how mates are described in this book, and the one before it, the fact that they both continue to think they will kill each other, causes some reader confusion as well as conClicts with their true mannerisms. However, the story is Cilled with humor that will put a smile on every reader’s face. The twists and turns they encounter along the way also keep the pages turning. With a little more attention to character consistency, this story will be gold.

Annalee Stilove

Hell^ire and Honey (Eternal Alliances Book 1)

A.N. Payton

Witch Princess Salvatore “Sal”

Astor has been at war with the vampires most of her life. Sal’s Cirst Seneschal, Zavier, notices that Sal doesn’t have the soldiers to even combat the Ciends. Sal has no choice but to admit defeat and surrender to her greatest enemy, King Kadence Kendrick of Vari Kolum. When Sal gets to Kadence’s camp, he insults the witches, takes everything from them and makes Sal a mockery

Paranormal

to her people, who really don’t respect her for bowing to him. Lastly, Kadence has Sal bind her magic to him. As Sal does her best to be a good ruler, multitudes of people, from her own parents to even Kadence, want her dead. One problem, though, is that both Kadence and Sal feel strong emotions for each other. Unfortunately, the love they feel for each other could also demolish them both.

A truly spectacular and fantastical paranormal love story between witches and vampires! “HellCire and Honey” is a magniCicent start to a fabulous series! It is truly a harrowing, turbulent ride that takes readers on an amazing adventure! Sal is just an extraordinary protagonist! She’s caring, compassionate and loves deeply even though she is a strong warrior. She is willing to give up everything for the village, even though no one seems to like her. Readers still Cind her captivating! Kadence, the reticent, taciturn hero, is not an easy guy to like, yet he still manages to be alluring somehow. The suspenseful plot twists, fabulous world building and wonderful characterizations keep the book fresh and thrilling. Honestly, a magniCicent pageturner until the very end!

Roslynn Ernst

Paranormal

Wicked Crown (The Wicked Book 1)

Luna Joya

Vori, an international supermodel, has a secret - she’s a goblin. Not a small cute gnome type either, but a huge, green beserker who can tear a person

apart faster than one can blink. Oh, and she’s also a princess who, as a child, was thrust out of her world when her father rampaged and killed every royal goblin. Now she is stuck in a blood oath to Cind the six royal amethysts and kill the monster before her world and/or herself are destroyed.

Problem is, in order to do that, she must show up with a husband. And the time limit expires in just three weeks! Enter Daniel Perry, the lawyer/witch who has made all the wrong choices and is now set for execution and rotting in prison. But, can Vori trust him enough to reveal her secrets and allow him into her dangerous world and quest before she loses her heart to the handsome but wily man?

Wow! This story takes off with a bang right out of the chute and

never slows down! The writing is superb, the action makes the pages Cly by, and the emotion is absolutely heart-moving! In all the excitement, however, we miss some important background to all the “why” questions the plot elicits. Why did Vori make the blood deal? How did the villain miraculously come back to life near the end? And even the entire Baba Yaga situation. There are also a few cliché d twists and choices that just don’t make sense the way the characters are written. Still, even with these small stutters, this is a joyously fun, can’t-put-it-down, I-wantmore, kind of read!

Ruth Lynn Ritter

Fantasy/Urban Fantasy

Cirst two in the series, but it can still be read as a standalone. The details of the magical world can be overwhelming, and at times, they detract more than add to the plot line. The character development is also lacking with Abbie ending much the same as she began, only having undergone an adventure. A lot more could have been done with the vibrant characters and carefully crafted world, but this is still an enjoyable tale.

Cara Cieslak

Shereen Vedam

Abbie Grimshaw is a Grimm; a Grimm who must trust a witch to watch over her kids while she attends to important business. She wouldn’t leave them with just any witch, but the witch in question is a very powerful witch, and the grandmother of her good friend. When her trusted friend’s grandma goes missing the night she is supposed to start her childcare duties, Abbie is bent on Cinding out what happened to the strong witch. With the help of her brother and friends, she must travel back in time and trust all of her instincts to help her Cight the supernatural evil powers without upsetting the timeline of the past and present.

Witches, shifters, Grimms, and ghosts - this fantasy has them all! With a completely new world created within the one we know, Ms. Vedam brings this story to life. Filled with fantastical magic, the pages are explodin with imagination. As Abbie works to uncover what is really going on, she is aided by ghosts and allknowing Grimm books. This story may be easier to follow after getting the background from the

Verena's Whistle (Varangian Descendants Book 1)

K. Panikan

To the outside world, Verena looks like every other graduate student, except she can actually wield magic. Unfortunately for Verena, she hasn’t been able to master it.

After a near-Earth asteroid causes a blast in Russia, Verena receives a call from her family that urgently draws her from school. Verena, and her two cousins, Theo and Julian, then get their whole worlds Clipped upside down when they learn their family has been keeping their history a secret. The three of them must complete their parts of the mission and chase after potential monsters to save the world, all while trying not to get distracted by the love interests

that come along the way. A piece of cake, right?

Buckle-up fantasy readers, this novel warps you into a whole new world of myths and monsters before sliding you into a wild adventure to learn about love, lust, and exhilarating destinies. The best part about this novel is the extensive world building and the glossary, which helps the reader navigate through the novel and shows how much creativity the author put into developing this world. Unfortunately, the main love connection goes too fast, making readers feel like they cannot develop as deep of a connection with the characters’ instant-love romance as they could’ve with a slow-burn romance. However, the author makes up for it by making the characters more complex within themselves. Watching each of them develop in their own way on this adventure really gives this book its prime plot. The Cinal clifChanger is the real selling point though, something which will drive the readers crazy as they sit patiently waiting for book two.

Austen Grace

Death Smells Disaster: A Light Urban Fantasy Mystery Novel (Outside the Circle Mystery Book 3)

Fantasy/Urban Fantasy

A Not-Summer Night’s Scream (The Book of The Idiot 2)

Graeme Smith

COMEDY: Segorian used to be the Idiot of Peladon. He was the scapegoat whenever one was needed, and would accept exile. Then, he’d come back in the gate to await the next time he was needed. However, Segorian has a new role now: King. Now that Segorian is the King instead of the Idiot, he has to learn how to adjust to his new role, as well as a new relationship dynamic with his queen, Sonea. When Caointe, a banshee, shows up with a message from Segorian’s mother threatening a child, and leaves said child behind at the palace. When a plot to kidnap the child is uncovered, Sonea and Segorian leave the castle on a quest.

Graeme Smith’s “A Not-Summer Night’s Scream” is Cilled with snark and banter that will keep readers laughing. It is the second book in the series, and the books work best in conjunction with one another. This book is told in Cirst person from Segorian’s perspective, and the voice remains consistent and

remarkably conversational throughout. Some jokes are repeated several times, dampening the humor. At times, the constant humor can make the plot a little confusing to follow. The dialogue of various characters could be a bit more distinctive, as many of them tend to blend together, and interpersonal relationships could use a little more depth. The witty banter keeps the book clipping along at a brisk, enjoyable pace, and Mr. Smith has created a world incredibly unique. For the reader looking for an adventurous tale with a boatload of humor, this book is the perfect addition to any TBR.

Shailyn Rogers

The Cross of Tarlis: The Reckoning Julie D’Arcy

prince from a kingdom that is also being decimated by evil’s vast forces. Their journey takes them into the heart of danger on every turn, and the evil quickly grows faster than they can keep ahead of. However, the stakes or too high to allow defeat!

As the third book in the Tarlisian Sagas, it immediately dives into the action and suspense! Readers not familiar with the Cirst books in the series might Cind it a bit difCicult to immediately catch up. But it doesn’t take long until enough clues are given and one is so immersed in the story that time fades and pages Cly by! The evil is gruesomely portrayed, which adds an urgency to the plot, as the characters race to save their world. It is edge-of-the-seat, chew down those nails fun! The tale is expertly written and succeeds in keeping the reader smack in the middle of the action and emotion. The climactic Cight between the brothers does stretch believability with a few twists and turns that don’t quite make logical sense, but one is too engaged in what the outcome will be to truly worry. And the ending is so beautifully satisfying, that one will sigh and smile as they close the book!

Ruth Lynn Ritter

Princess Tannith is given the seemingly impossible task of Cinding four pieces of an ancient cross that holds the magic to bring back the god, Magus. If she cannot Cind a way to accomplish this quest, all her people, and the entire world as she knows it, will fall to the evil sorcerer, Sernon. Luckily the gods have seen Cit to send her Kaden, the warrior

Suspense/Thriller

Threshold: The Kathla Chronicles, Part One

R C Ducantlin

Maddie works with a team creating an artiCicial intelligence to decipher an ancient language. When Maddie’s AI is nowhere to be found in the cyber world, Maddie gets thrown into a world she didn’t know was possible… yet. Maddie’s AI, Bonnie, merged with another AI, Jannine, created by an incredible hacker, Declan, making Bonnie stronger and multi-dimensional. This new knowledge throws Declan, Maddie, and Marisol, a member of the IT network security team, into a world of men in black suits and guns. As Declan, Maddie, and Marisol rush to Cigure out what went wrong, and how, before the new, stronger AI, Kathla, who is demanding a body, destroys the earth. Will they be able to stop Kathla in time?

Readers who enjoy science Ciction and futuristic possibilities will devour this tale! Though readers may Cind the Cirst chapter a struggle to get through, the author seems to Cind their voice during the second chapter, bringing the readers along for a wild ride. Once readers come to know the characters and become familiar with the language of computers

and artiCicial intelligence, readers will Cind themselves hanging on through the twists and turns of this adventure. The author has created a unique character, bringing to life the AI, Kathla. Readers will get spine chills in its genius and believability. However, readers beware - this rollercoaster of a suspenseful ride ends too soon, leaving this tale on a clifChanger which will have the reader gasping and wanting more. Readers will have many moments of “what-ifs” throughout the book, and the tale will have readers Clying through page after page until the end!

project, which has left him with a destructive virus. Will the two be able to outrun the government, or will their long history and feelings for each other get in the way of their mission?

This novel is action packed and Cilled with nail-biting scenes as readers root for Kiera and the Morpheus team. The dialogue between them is delightful, with just the right amount of bickering, laughter, and command. It would have been nice if Kiera was more forthright about whom the father of the baby is in the beginning, despite Jake's reluctance to hear it. However, the response that the news elicits from Jake is beautiful and it aides in his desire to protect her. Jillian David has created Kiera to be a very strong and independent character, which is rather unique and wonderful to see. The romance never dwindles due to her pregnancy, and there is no tip-toeing around her. “Fallen Comrade” is Cilled with just the right amount of romance, action, and suspense, that lets readers experience every emotion as it happens to each character.

Fallen Comrade (Project Morpheus Book 1)

Jillian David

Jake Zimmerman has been Cighting his destructive urges while hiding away in the Appalachian Mountains. However, his life gets turned upside down when Kiera McNeill shows up at his doorstep at two in the morning. Kiera and her unborn child are in grave danger, and without Jake's help, she may fall prey to Lequire once they learn of her baby. However, Jake is not the safest choice in a protector due to his participation in the Morpheus

Sadie Wilson

Heather Kroll

Suspense/Thriller

that her sister is still alive, and transitions into a Cierce woman who no longer wants to play victim. The mild romance between Detective Farrell and Candace is slow and suppressed, as it should be for a woman who is a suspected target of a serial killer. This novel will have readers forgetting to breathe as they watch this nail-biting story unfold.

Sadie Wilson

Forging Forgiveness

C.B. Clark

Candace Cooper, a college professor, was taking a run through the state park one night when she stumbled upon a scary scene. There were bloody footprints in the snow, two gunshots, and a man with a riCle watching her. When she speaks with the police, she is told she was hallucinating and that there was nothing unusual in the woods. However, she knows what she saw and will not stop until she Cigures it out. She works closely with Detective Aiden Farrell as they begin to unravel the mystery of that night. However, as Candace gets too close to the supposed crime, will she be put in danger?

C. B. Clark certainly knows how to create suspense and it is evident in “Forging Forgiveness”. The suspense starts right off the bat as Candace Cinds herself running from a grizzly man in the woods, and despite the local police department disregarding her story, she knows something was not right that night. As the story progresses and the mystery unfolds, the suspense heightens as each missing person is found: alive or dead. Candace has steady character development throughout; she starts out as a scared woman holding on to hope

Revenge Never Rests

Laurie Lewis

Tallie Brown was raised by a woman with mental health problems who was not very loving or affectionate toward her. Instead, she was taught from a very young age how to track people. Now, as a young woman herself, Tallie specializes in Cinding missing people. Her life is upended when she receives an Amber Alert and is the Cirst person to respond to the call. Tracking the missing person quickly takes Tallie down a dark path of discovering who her father really is, and shortly after this discovery, her father, General Cai Kaswell, goes missing. On the hunt to Cind her father, Tallie Cinds herself risking her life, as well her friends' lives, as they uncover a

manipulative plot that threatens the entire world.

“Revenge Never Rests” is an emotional story about a relationship that was lost and then rediscovered. Ms. Lewis does a great job capturing sentimental moments between the characters. However, the Cirst half of the book is very slow-paced and a bit difCicult to get through. Because the character development is insufCicient, readers may Cind it tough to connect with them. Nonetheless, the second half of the book does pick up the pace quite a lot, and makes for a very fast-paced and action-packed ending. Ms. Lewis is also very descriptive in her writing. The reader will feel as if they are a part of the scenes within the story. “Revenge Never Rests” is a thrilling book Cilled with tender moments between family and friends that will make readers misty-eyed.

Jennifer Shepherd

Key Lime Coconut Curse (One Scoop or Two)

Virginia Barlow

PARANORMAL: After a brutal divorce, Tilly returns to Key West, Florida, to help her aunt with the ice cream shop. Her ex-husband wants revenge and continues to spy on her. When her aunt has a vision and warns Tilly of a warlock coming to steal their family talisman, Tilly will do anything to protect her aunt. They are from an extensive line of witches, so they decide to use protection spells. When Cole follows Tilly home, she believes he is spying for her ex-husband and does not trust him. She does not expect the strong attraction she has to the warlock. Cole was hired by Tilly’s ex-husband, but everything he told him about her was wrong. Tilly is nothing like what her ex-husband said, and he will do anything to help her and her aunt.

“Key Lime Coconut Curse” is a magical paranormal romance that steams up the pages as the connection between Tilly and Cole deepens. Virginia Barlow, the author, has created a very believable story with complex characters and a mystery that will leave the reader guessing who is attacking them until the very end.

The connection between the main characters is felt from their very Cirst meeting, and one can’t help but cheer their relationship on. The reader will feel for Tilly as she struggles to move on from her brutal divorce. She is such a sweet lady and deserves happiness. This fun novella includes several subgenres such as magic, romance, suspense, mystery, and even delicious ice cream! A must-read magical romance!

Victoria Zumbrum

The Wall^lower’s Christmas Surprise

Isabella Hargreaves

HISTORICAL: While most women dream of marrying for love, it doesn’t always work out that way. Violet Hambleton is a parson’s daughter who wants to marry the man she loves, Sebastian, also known as Viscount Stanworth. For a while, she has been receiving verses from a secret admirer, and in her wildest dreams, that person is Sebastian… But it can’t be. When her admirer states they will reveal themselves at Christmas, Violet is beyond excited. Sebastian is the only male in his family; therefore marriage is

Novella

being thrust upon him. He must take matters into his own hands or he will Cind himself married to someone he doesn’t love. What he yearns for is to marry Violet. Will their dreams become a reality at Christmas? Or will they be forced into unhappy marriages with other people?

This is a Regency romance that readers will take pleasure in reading to get in the mood for Christmas! From the Cirst moment they are introduced, the need for Violet and Sebastian to get together is overwhelming, and will have readers turning the pages as fast as their eyes can manage until the result is thus. The plot moves at an even pace, and the descriptions of the surroundings are absolutely spot on. “The WallClower’s Christmas Surprise” is a great treat to add to the Christmas mood. The ‘will they or won’t they’ feeling is strong throughout this tale, with dashes of stolen looks and poetic verses. A historical romance worthy of the genre and one that fans will enjoy, even a few months before Christmas.

Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick

Novella

Deliciously Devious: Halloween at Beachside (A Beachside Boys Novella)

Piper Malone

CONTEMPORARY: When Leo Cusano is expected to organize a Halloween mystery party, his enthusiasm is not as high as it should be. With the help of Arie Winters, he begins to come around. However, business issues like creating sweet treats and Cinding a location for his dessert bar are sapping some of his usual love for the spooky holiday. Turning a novel into a play for murder mystery dinner theater is proving to be a challenge, especially when they can’t decide which family member to kill off in the name of entertainment. Can they pull it all together? And will their past relationship help or hinder the process?

“Deliciously Devious: Halloween at Beachside” is the continuation of the romance between another Cusano brother and his sweetheart from the previous novella in this short-read series. It Cinally answers the ‘will they or won’t they’ question left hanging at the end of “The Donut Guy from Beachside”. And, as with all the previous Beachside novellas, this one shares the wonderful community of Beachside,

including all its most colorful inhabitants. Unfortunately, the reader is at a distinct disadvantage in reading this story if they haven’t read at least the one story just before it. While the author does bring in some of the background, the main characters’ past relationship is still a bit muddled for a new reader. The story is a sweet/clean romance with lots of comedy inserted in the right places. If one enjoyed the other books in this series, this one will be enjoyable as well. Or, if you’re not familiar, this may prompt you to read the entire series just to get to know the people who inhabit Beachside.

N.E. Kelley

The Earl’s Tempting Ward (Dukes Gone Dirty Book 2)

Bella Moxie

HISTORICAL: After a tragic accident befalls Benedict’s family, he becomes the Earl of Foster. He Cinds the responsibilities a burden, and now his mother tells him he has a ward. Philippa’s parents were killed in a carriage accident, and his mother is her godmother. Benedict wrongfully believes the ward will be a young child, not the beautiful redheaded siren before him. He is to take her

to London to Cind a suitable husband. Once there, she Cinds fault with every man she is introduced to. Benedict becomes incensed when Philippa associates with Mr. Foley. He is a fortune hunter who would love to get his claws into Philippa, since she is a rich heiress. Soon thereafter, Benedict does his best to keep Philippa away from everyone, because she makes his blood boil with desire.

“The Earl’s Tempting Ward” is an erotic tale of two broken and scarred people trying to work through their grief. The characters come to life thanks to Ms. Moxie’s talented account. One can see and feel the Earl’s scars and angst as well as feel Philippa’s confusion concerning her parents’ death. This story is very formulaic with little surprise as Benedict and Philippa come together. Philippa is not a likable heroine throughout most of the story as she goes about her selfdestructive way. The story gets bogged down with too much description, which slows the pace. While emotion is well-drawn, it doesn’t always seem appropriate. This is an intriguing cat and mouse tale, where the cat is the young lady and the Earl is trying to do the right thing and stay away, but the temptation is too great.

Belinda Wilson

Temptation and the Artist (Gentlemen of Pleasure Book 2)

Mary Lancaster

HISTORICAL: Princess Aline

Hagerin comes to Renwick Hotel because she is invited to a card party. Aline spends most of the time outdoors in the pleasure gardens and notices Mr. Stephen Dornan. Aline had always noticed Stephen’s handsomeness, even with all the constant female attention he got. Stephen also notices Aline and wishes she would pose for him so he could sketch her. When Stephen Cinally asks, Aline agrees. As Stephen draws and then paints Aline’s portrait, he develops a strong affection for her. Stephen, nevertheless, really does not think he is worthy of Aline. To make matters worse, family squabbles and circumstances could destroy the Cledgling relationship between them. The strong feelings Stephen and Aline have are tested at every turn, making true love seem just an impossibility.

This short story progresses smoothly and is a charming historical romance! Sadly, numerous things happen which aren’t explained or need to be expanded upon instead of being mentioned brieCly or glossed over.

Several harrowing conClicts appear suddenly, then are easily resolved, making the story feel rushed. The novella also doesn’t standalone well, especially since the characters seem to have known one another previously, yet it is never explained how or where they met before. Both Aline and Stephen are hard to picture because there aren’t many descriptions, and it’s difCicult to connect to them both. However, Ms. Mary Lancaster writes with attention to detail about artistry and nicely depicts the breathtaking scenery at the lovely little resort, giving readers a delightful excursion there!

Roslynn Ernst

Collette Cameron

HISTORICAL: Emily Grenville, a young widow, has successfully seen her niece married off and now Cinds herself at loose ends. Tobias Forsyth, Duke of Heatherston and a Scot, is desperate for help in launching his niece on her Cirst London Season. Enlisting the help of Emily is an answer to his prayers. It doesn't hurt, either, that he's been

Novella

attracted to her since their Cirst meeting. Emily makes it clear that she'll assist the duke, but there can be no question of anything more personal. She has no intention of remarrying, not after what her scoundrel husband did to her. But Tobias is nothing if not patient. As the two spend time together, Emily begins to wonder if in Tobias she has met a man whom she truly can trust and love with all her heart.

"When a Duke Desires a Lass" hits all the right notes with a romance that squeezes the heartstrings! Emily has had to learn to be strong, but it came at a high price, and she has no desire to trust another man. The truth of her marriage is a specter that follows her and threatens any chance of happiness. Tobias with a Scots penchant for colorful language, charms from the start. While the story concept felt fresh, the climax didn't pack the punch that was expected. Even so, Emily is a heroine deserving of a happily ever after, and Tobias is just the hero to deliver it! "When a Duke Desires a Lass" is a fan-pleasing entry in the Seductive Scoundrel Series and will delight Cirst-time readers to this series as well!

Tricia Hill

When a Duke Desires a Lass: A Sweet Historical Regency Romance (Seductive Scoundrels Book 15)

Novella

Enticing the Earl

(The Arrogant Earls Book 3)

Kathleen Ayers

HISTORICAL: Mrs. Oleana Honeywell, an oblivious housekeeper in the Earl of Monteith’s household, only attempts to clean his home. Oleana really is unCit for the position which everyone in the household knows, including the Earl, Jason Symon. Unfortunately, Oleana comes highly recommended by Jason’s great-aunt Agatha, so Jason can’t get rid of her because of his loyalty to Agatha. In truth, Jason desires Oleana, fantasizing about every interaction, making him want her despite her being part of his staff. Jason just can’t cross that line, especially since his father became notorious for bedding the servants. All the same, Oleana manages to unravel Jason at every turn while surreptitiously guarding a secret of her own. When Jason Cinds out the truth, it may obliterate them both.

An amusing and funny romance! The novella, thankfully, is a quick, easy story that doesn’t delve into very difCicult situations. Sadly, the book drops readers unsuspectingly into the story. It is confusing where or how things are happening. So many events take place that it’s hard to visualize everything going on. In truth, it would have been better to explain how the characters end up where they are. It seems astonishing that the bumbling, inept heroine, Oleana, she can even make it through a day without hurting herself or others. This comes off as comical, but her quirks aren’t as endearing. Jason, the long-suffering hero, is also a difCicult character to like as well. Ms. Ayers does write a farcical tale that manages to be quite diverting!

Roslynn Ernst

Time -Travel

talent for this and has done it well throughout “Tremors Through Time”. Deidre is such a strong character and will be relatable to many, although her situation may seem a little cliché d to some. There is a lot to enjoy in this book, most deCinitely the sexy Scottish man, and the strong woman he begins to fall in love with. Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick

Tremors Through Time

Anastasia Abboud

Deidre Chisolm will never let a man take advantage of her again. She will not fall for the sexy accent she can’t quite pinpoint, or the eyes that are sexy as sin. Naturally it makes it difCicult that her neighbor has these qualities. But she will resist… Right? Lachlann has a story that people would probably laugh at before believing it to be possible. He has to do everything to help his family who are back in fourteenth-century Scotland, even though he sometimes struggles to believe the tale himself at times. What makes the situation evermore difCicult is Deidre, she is beautiful and there is deCinitely a connection between them that even he cannot deny. Would she believe his family’s incredible tale if he should share it with her? Or will she believe him to be a mad man and cast him away?

Two lost souls who have been through so much are brought together in this story that mixes time travel and romance. Fans of highland romance will enjoy this as Lachlann is a highlander brought to modern times. The connection between him and Deidre is clear in the descriptions and dialogue when they are together. Anastasia Abboud has a

Promises Made at Midnight: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book 6)

Sherry Ewing

All Bridgette Harris wants is a fresh start. Of course, that’s a bit hard to get when your ex travels in the same circles. Taking a chance, she takes the offer from an old woman to throw a coin into a fountain and in return, she can make a wish. What’s the worst that could happen? Perhaps not the worst, she Cinds herself in the arms of a brave knight. Sir Ulrick de Mohan is perplexed when a woman appears suddenly and seemingly from nowhere. He has heard of these women who are appearing, but there is no way that this woman can be meant for him. He has an important job to do and will stay focused on his mission. Will he come to realize

that they are meant to be together? Or will Bridgette be forced back to her own time and once more into the path of her ex?

“Promises Made at Midnight” has an interesting plot. The concept is one that works well with a time travel romance. The descriptions of the different times are well written and really pull the reader into the story. The dialogue between Bridgette and Ulrick is amusing at times, and this just adds to the overall feel-good sense of the plot. Fans of historical romance will enjoy this one, and it could lead them to going back to read the other books in the series. There is a lot to be said for being able to bring two characters together from different times and making it work well. Sherry Ewing has achieved this - and then some.

Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick

Debra Jess

An ageless deity is roused when Manitac, an unscrupulous private corporation that dominates the Andromeda Galaxy, drills into the diamond core of her home inside a black dwarf star. When Ioanna

Science Fiction

(Io) wakens to Cind her youngest sister missing, the goddess adopts a human form to search for her. The absence of the younger goddess from the core of the vibrant Unity star destabilizes it, and the resulting supernova will destroy all life in the Unity system. Tohva Blayde has been Cighting Manitac since the capture of his Ciancé e Cive years ago. Io draws Tohva’s rebel Cighter onto her world when she needs help getting to Unity. Eager to experiment with her new body, Io seduces Tohva, notwithstanding his search for his lost Ciancé e. Tohva’s Cive-year dry spell is about to be ended by a goddess whose understanding of human behavior comes from watching pornographic holographs. Will Tohva and Io be able to Cind the missing goddess, save Unity, and Cind his former love?

It’s a space warrior’s dream come true when a being that is older than the known universe, experiencing human sensation for the Cirst time in eons, chooses him to help her explore the urges of her new corporeal form. Debra Jess creatively combines theology, science Ciction, and eroticism in this galactic adventure! Tohva and Io’s intimacy feels abrupt and clinical. When their relationship faces the usual challenges of jealousy, doubt, and disappointment, the solutions may appear juvenile in the context of these characters’ disparate backgrounds. The world building feels as if it rests on an astronomically shaky foundation, if the previous books have not been read. It’s an imaginative and titillating space romp for those searching for an edgier opposites attract romance!

Joan Lai

Andromeda’s Guardian (Heroes of Andromeda Book 3)

What Lies Beneath Stillwater (A Winston Randhauser Mystery Book 12)

Susan Clayton-Goldner

Mystery

with a serious sprinkling of suspense. Fans of the series will adore it, and new readers will be scrambling to read the other eleven books in the series so they can get more from this fantastic author. “What Lies Beneath Stillwater” should be up there with the high ranking mysteries and detective novels as the writing is Cirst class, and readers won’t be able to put it down. Add this awesome book to the to-beread list, and be warned, it’s one that is the true deCinition of a page turner!

Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick

her high school beau who moved away just when things were heating up. Will they get a second chance at love? The girl tribe who has traveled to the event are so excited for a girls’ weekend, little did they expect to be aiding in solving a murder or two.

Detective Winston Randhauser has an upsetting case land in his lap when an infant’s skull is unearthed in a groundbreaking. It becomes a lot worse when further investigation reveals the bodies of twenty infants in the grounds of what once was the Stillwater Home for Unwed Mothers. With lack of information and a growing list of suspects, Winston has his work cut out for him. With the help of Sister Anne Monique, Winston works to put the pieces of a very complicated puzzle together. Who could have committed such a dreadful crime and covered their tracks for so long? He intends to Cind out and bring those involved to justice, and settle the souls of the children lost.

The Cirst thing to mention is the delicate subject that this novel takes on, which may be upsetting to some readers. However, that adds to the fantastic writing that Susan Clayton-Goldner has produced, and the fact that she has handled such a sensitive subject and created an amazing mystery full of twists and turns

Pandemonium in Peoria Rochelle Bradley and CJ Warrant

“Pandemonium in Peoria” is the perfect title to this quirky read with all things going awry at a book/author/reader event. The initial intro to the story has an abundance of characters and the list continues to grow. The Boba Book Babes out for a fun time is amusing; their witty banter and longtime friendship are freshly written and highly entertaining, though the rekindling of a 12year-old relationship may seem fast forwarded to readers. The fact that murders happen and the show goes on is a bit removed from reality. The whodunit mystery is well written and carries the plot along pleasantly. This is the Cirst in a series and does stand on its own, however the ‘Babes’ are highly entertaining and good for an escapade or two more!

Viola Robbins

The Boba Book Babes (twin sisters and a few of their friends) are hitting the book event up with style. They are well prepared wearing matching shirts, with books to be signed in their shared wagon, and on the look out for their favorite authors. Their eagle eyes won’t skip over the drool-worthy cover models. When Gina catches the eye of her favorite book boyfriend and cover model, he returns her warm look. When Gina gets a closer look, it’s revealed this was

Mystery

Fire & Ice (A Mauzzy and Me Mystery, #2)

B.T. Polcari

YOUNG ADULT: Sara Donovan is working as an intern at the Carlton Museum when her great observation skills, intuition, and a good measure of pertinacity throw her into

the middle of a wellorchestrated crime within the museum. Her pet and faithful companion, Mauzzy, is the only one who has knowledge of the mishap. With Mauzzy being unable to give an account of what really happened, Sara has to inform the management that a major heist occurred in the museum and the culprits made away with a major treasure. The chief of security and her boss think she’s totally lost it. Who believes an intern anyway? With nothing but herself, a mysterious wellwisher, and her immediate family, she is determined to prove what everyone else didn’t believe.

Nothing beats the ability to enjoy a book than a well sculpted plot that keeps the reader craving for

the next chapter to burst open for him/her to indulge in all there is in it. How a lead to a robbery sends the reader into an adventurous treasure hunt is delicious fodder to the reader’s imagination. Any reader who has not read the Cirst installment of this beautiful series would be left wondering who the mysterious woman is, however. Also, the Clawlessness of the lead character, especially about her cues and what she makes out of them pulls a Cile off the ‘thoroughlyenjoyable’ shelf of the reader’s mind. The depth and width of the plot, the great combination of timelines, and codes to crack, however, send “Fire & Ice” straight to the mystery enthusiasts’ territory.

JM Lareen

Flipping (Haunted Hearts #1)

R. Lee Fryar

PARANORMAL: Charley Dalton is positive he will never Cind love again. Being a ghost makes it a little difCicult. He has been in this very big house for quite a long time with several other ghosts and things have been monotonous and calm. That is until the handsome Austin Sparks comes to live in the house after the previous owner, his grandmother, passes away. Austin and his ghost hunter partner, Walter, are determined to Clip the house and sell it for proCit. The ghosts, on the other hand, have other ideas. While Walter is determined to Cind proof of a haunting, Austin begins renovations. Charley and his family of ghosts are determined to see them leave, but just how will they go about doing it, and can Charley keep his developing feelings for Austin under wraps?

“Flipping” is such a heartwarming book about characters who are learning more about themselves and the lives—and afterlives—they are living.

Readers will be entranced by the developing relationships between the characters, as well as the cute

and quirky romance throughout. “Flipping” is a very easy, fastpaced read, and the ending does not disappoint. Ms. Fryar does an amazing job with her twists and turns throughout the book, from frightening moments between the living and the dead, to the heartwarming moments between Charley and Austin. There is a nice balance in this book of family drama, romance and the paranormal. Readers are sure to get the warm and fuzzies from this unique paranormal romance.

Jennifer Shepherd

Death By Society Sierra Elmore

YOUNG ADULT: For high-schooler, Carter Harper, winning the prestigious Future Leaders Essay contest should be a happy occasion. Instead, it makes Carter more of a target for the most popular girls in school, known as the POPS—Petty, Oppressive and Popular Sh*tbags. Carter is used to being ignored, but since winning the award, it worsens things between her and her staunchest enemy, Queen BeeAbby Wallace. Abby bullies Carter interminably, pushing her to the edge and causing her to selfdestruct. Unfortunately, Carter’s

“execution” never comes fruition and, instead, Abby, saves her. Carter, unwittingly, becomes important and occasionally allies with some of the POPS, including Abby. Still, popularity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and Carter realizes that one of the POPS plans to annihilate any fragile friendships that she makes in the future.

A highly emotional roller-coaster of a young adult novel! A truly captivating read! The book, however, isn’t for really young readers and should be read cautiously, principally because some harsh subjects are discussed. The tale is written smartly from dual points of view, which brings bullying to the forefront, never sugarcoating the damage it brings and how abusive it can be. Amazingly, the one bullied unconsciously becomes famous. Carter, the long-suffering protagonist, inadvertently becomes the poster child and unsung hero of mental health. Readers will relate to the overwhelming feelings and oppressiveness caused by the prominent Abby. Yet, Abby, the esteemed and beloved leader of POPS, also isn’t completely unblemished either. Ms. Elmore writes an angsty, dark satire, contemporary LGBTQ story that is well worth reading!

Roslynn Ernst

Powerful Purples (Zadok Series, #3)

Nikki Minty

Narrators: Khristine Hvam, James Patrick Cronin & James Fouhey

YOUNG ADULT: Harlow is living with Alex/Slater to keep him placated, but her heart yearns for Jax. If she escapes, she doesn’t know what Alex will do. Every day she remains in Summer, however, is one day too many. Her kind is not welcome there. Meanwhile, Jax must keep the peace by partaking in a ceremony he’d much rather not - a ceremony that ends explosively and in a way that changes the Winter caves for good. All of it is done for Harlow, and when she is taken captive by the Queen of Summer, Jax must work with his enemy if has any hope of saving her. They will both be Cighting for her life… as well as her heart. In the end, Harlow has some difCicult decisions ahead of her that will impact more than just her life.

An action packed conclusion to one of the most creative science Ciction trilogies to hit the indie market in a while! “Powerful Purples” is full of political intrigue and romance! It picks up right after book two and ties up all of the loose ends of the series. All books of the series should be read to make the most of this installment. More characters

Audiobooks

enter into the mix of those who take the spotlight. Several romantic pairings are introduced and explored. There are a few places where the pacing drops, but things pick up quickly after. Overall it is a fun and sweet adventure!

Khristine Hvam, James Patrick Cronin, and James Fouhey make an impressive ensemble cast! Each read for multiple characters. While their voices might not change drastically, the way these characters have their own personality present in the performance makes them easy to identify. They are able to keep the Clow of the book moving when the story slows, and each has a great deal of passion and connection to the story!

This is a great read for lovers of romance and speculative Ciction! Chelsea Andersen

shadowing that of her still living twin on Earth, Jade. On Zadok, Harlow is a pastel, a Zeek of low stature and little importance. After being attacked by a wild animal, she gets the attention of a commander named Jax. From there, things start to spiral out of control, and Jax fast becomes her friend. On Earth, however, she is drawn to the spirit of a man named Alex…who just so happens to be the twin of the man who murdered her. Alex also lives on Zadok, and Harlow is determined to Cind him.

Imaginative, unique, and suspenseful! “Pastel Pink” takes readers on the adventure of several lifetimes! Harlow is the type of antagonist that many can relate to and are eager to root for. Her adventure is one full of twists and turns as she navigates her past life as Ruby, and how it will affect her present life on Zadok. The friends, allies, and love interests she meets along the way are all different, adding something special to the story. Full of adventure and romance, this Teen/YA magical story is difCicult to put down! There is a major clifChanger at the end of the book, leading into the next installment of the series.

Pastel Pink (Zadok Series, #1)

Nikki Minty Narrators: Khristine Hvam, Jodie Harris & James Patrick Cronin

YOUNG ADULT: Harlow, a Zeek from a planet called Zadok, is haunted by a life she once lived as a woman named Ruby from Earth. Memories of her brutal murder surface every night she sleeps, and soon she Cinds her spirit

The cast that brings “Pastel Pink” to life is one full of amazing talent! Khristine Hvam provides the main narration for Harlow and her adventures on Zadok, James Patrick Cronin is the narrator for Xavier, and Jodie Harris is Ruby. Each captures their character wonderfully, as well as bringin a unique style and voice to all of the side characters. Their performances are well paced and full of emotion! An incredible listen!

This is a great book for lovers of adventure and science Ciction with a touch of magic!

Chelsea Andersen

Audiobooks

political background story ampliCies in intensity. Some of the magic from book one is lost as there are fewer scenes involving Harlow’s past life as Ruby, though the author does provide closure on that portion of the story. Overall it’s an exciting continuation!

Ruby Red (Zadok Series, #2)

Nikki Minty

Narrators: Khristine Hvam, Jodie Harris, James Patrick Cronin & James Fouhey

YOUNG ADULT: After being abandoned by Alex in the forests of Zadok, and basically left for dead, Harlow is heartbroken, confused, and determined to survive. When Jax comes to rescue her, it sets off a series of events that will forever change the world she lives in. Just being associated with him has seemed to make her enemy number one. As the caves of Winter fall into unrest, Harlow must make her escape to the villages in the forests of Spring. Once there, she must Cind a way to lay low, something that is easier said than done given how she has a tendency to always stand out. Looming in the shadows, Alex has come to his senses and has decided he’s not letting Harlow go without a Cight.

Full of suspense and drama, “Ruby Red” is a fantastic and satisfying sequel! Picking up right where book one ends, it is important to read the Cirst installment to get the most out of the story. Harlow continues to grow as a leading heroine. New challenges present themselves as she must discern the true feelings of her heart. It is torn between two different men who bring out a different piece of her personality. On top of that, the

Khristine Hvam, Jodie Harris, James Patrick Cronin, and James Fouhey all give spectacular performances! Each adds a unique Clavor to the character they were chosen to read. They also are able to mimic each other’s personiCications of the characters to keep them consistent throughout the book. The pacing is perfect, and the energy remains even during some of the slower points in the story. An awesome production that makes for an awesome listen!

This is a great book for lovers of science Ciction, romance, and adventure!

Chelsea Andersen

A Knight’s Reward (Knight’s Series, Book 2)

Catherine Kean

Narrator: James Gillies

stepmother pick another woman for him to marry. To escape that fate, he joins the Crusades and leaves Gisela, his heart, and his home for a different life. In the ensuing years, Gisela is married to a monster but has recently escaped her life with him. She is living in near poverty, working as a seamstress in a small village, and saving every coin she can, when she is given a commission to create garments out of some extremely Cine silk. Dominic has arrived in her new hometown and is seeking this same silk, which was stolen from Dominic’s close friend, but Gisela is unable to share her knowledge of it with him, to protect the life of her son. This audiobook pulls readers in from the very start and never lets go! It is easy to understand Gisela’s conClicts, and to feel the anguish of a love lost in the past, as well as the need to protect her innocent little son. She is a Cierce mother, even while battling intense fears and the emotional trauma of her marriage. Meanwhile, Dominic is unable to share his identity with the townsfolk, and is misjudged at times, which leads to some unfortunate consequences.

James Gillies does an amazing job of narrating this audiobook. His tone is smooth and is a decadent treat for the ears! His accents sound authentic and each character is portrayed distinctly and clearly. This is a narrator to remember; he is obviously very good at this job. The sound quality of the entire recording is excellent and there aren’t any noticeable Claws in the production quality either.

HISTORICAL: Gisela Anne Balewyne, a commoner, was in love with Dominic de Terre a few years ago. Unfortunately, he is a nobleman, and his father and

Carey Sullivan

Inspirational

bubbly personality comes into the story, sunshine radiates from the pages, and like Bridger, the reader is instantly drawn to her warm and sunny disposition. The story is cute and sweet, but it’s missing any heartache or opposition typically found in a love story. Something feels missing from the storyline, and because of this lack of arc, the character development is also lacking. A sweet Western romance without the heartache, this read is Cilled with warmth and love.

lead. True to her instincts, her friend gives her the much-needed help to locate the famous artist who has decided to shut the door to the business world. She barely knows the man. How will she even start questioning his disappearance?

Shanna HatCield

Bridger Holt has faithfully served in the army since he got out of high school. For the last two years he has served as a sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. When his time in the army comes to an end, he is left wondering what to do. When his beloved uncle passes away, he Cinds himself the owner of a cabin Cilled with memories and family history. In the small town of Holiday with his cabin on the lake, he has come to seek solitude and peace. Shayla has made the town of Holiday her home for years and has always enjoyed her ventures outdoors. When Shayla interrupts his solitude at the lake with her vivacious personality, sparks begin to Cly. As Bridger and Shayla spend more and more time together, they Cind that these opposites might create one whole.

A sweet and fun story about opposites attracting, this tale is a heartwarming read. Bridger and Shayla have instant chemistry. Shanna HatCield brings the stoic Bridger to life with a backstory that makes this all-American hero come to life. When Shayla’s

Cara Cieslak

A Summer to Cherish Josie Riviera

What begins as a casual attempt to keep one’s livelihood aCloat takes a huge spin when the curtain of the artist’s cool cabin split open. When the witty character of Ashley and the stoic no-nonsense stature of David mix, a rainbow of humor, hope, joy, and a great romance is born. What an artistic piece of literary art! The reader is totally carried away by the sequential waves of storyline that keeps the boat rocking, making it a perfect read for any day, any time. The theme of how to deal with people’s disabilities through compassion shines throughout Ashley’s role, making “A Summer to Cherish” a perfect mirror for the contemporary society. Undoubtedly, lots of work, thoughts, and amazing talent went into what became this wonderful read.

JM Lareen

When the main ingredient in David Fodero’s artistic career threatened to shut everything that deCines him, he withdraws from the rest of his world to a secret place where he hopes no one, from the life he is choosing to exit, can ever locate him. Ashley Madden who solely relies on David’s art supplies, though indirectly, to keep her business alive, has to do something when the man holding the keys to her business disappears. Not knowing where to Cind him, she makes a trip to one of her close friends, Sarah, hoping to get a

Lake Bride: A Sweet Western Romance (Holiday Brides Book 5)

Inspirational

Shanna HatCield

WESTERN: Henley Jones longs for a place to call home. Instead of roots, she’s spent her life traveling the world on riverboats and railroad cars with her gambling father - until one game to change his luck ends her father’s life and leaves Henley orphaned and nearly penniless. With few options, she agrees to become a mail order bride and marry a stranger across the country, hoping for a bit of luck. Doctor Evan Holt is in no rush to wed as his demanding practice in Holiday, Oregon, takes all his time. But the beautiful woman he meets on the train home begins to tug on his heart, and soon he Cinds himself questioning if their different lives might be worth a gamble.

A sweet romance set in the west, “Henley” is a mail order bride tale with a twist. The romance begins quickly, and half of the tale is spent during their train ride alone which gives a bit of depth to a story with minor conClict. Neither Henley nor Evan are shrinking violets, and actually complement one another very well. A standalone tale, the story does have a few nods to characters from the previous book, but most of the focus remains on the main characters. The conClict, such as it is, is mostly focused on the choices Henley’s father made and their impact on her. As a result, readers who enjoy a steady pace and light plot with smile inducing moments of humor should read this book!

Sarah E Bradley

Henley (Love Train #2)

Other

Becky Parker Geist

abundance of stress, while James is an HR recruiter who’s still haunted by his brother’s death. One day, the couple Cinds themselves on a bike ride when they get separated. After their separation, the couple somehow transports themselves into a split universe where they’re launched into alternate lives. The catch is they have no idea what their recent life is like, and they must navigate these new waters for themselves, all alone. Will James and Hannah Cind a more positive future on this journey? Or will they lose themselves to their own minds?

MAGIC REALISM: Hannah Fleet and James Wescott are Cilled with conClicting inner emotions they never learned how to help one another with. Hannah is a struggling author who has an

This mind-blowing, psychological novel will have readers questioning every decision they’ve ever made as they drift through the pages of two characters landing in alternate universes based on the simplest decisions they make. The universe concept of this book does go

slightly overboard, which can be too much for the reader to handle in some parts and distracts from the good parts of the plot. Fortunately, there are many important plot events in the story that brings readers back into focus, allowing them to sift through hidden messages and keep their brains Clowing. However, readers may start looking too far into unimportant parts, which throws them into a confusing loop. Still, there’s great character development and the author dives into the characters’ individual lives wonderfully. The romantic connection unfortunately feels too rushed and forced at the end. Overall, this novel acts as a perfect read for people needing a sweet, “everything happens for a reason” novel.

Austen Grace

The Left Turn: Two Lives Worlds Apart (The Split Universe Book 1)