Blog Archives
The Third Twin: Love, Lies, and Billionaire Secrets
The Third Twin is a romance thriller that follows Sienna Casanova, an ER nurse whose world fractures the moment she feels her identical twin, Savannah, scream. Savannah, a famous investigative journalist, has gone dark, leaving behind only a bloodied necklace and a trail of danger. As Sienna races to find her, she’s pulled into a violent web involving black-market adoption rings, corrupt insiders, and Luca Stone, her sister’s brooding head of security. The story blends high-stakes suspense with an evolving, combustible romance. It’s very much a romance thriller at heart, stitched together with family secrets, danger, and the messy intensity of twinhood.
Reading it felt like riding in a car that never dips below fifty. The writing is fast and cinematic, with fight scenes that crack like glass and emotional beats that don’t waste time getting to the point. Parker leans fully into immediacy. Characters breathe hard, move fast, and react without overthinking. There were moments when I wanted the prose to linger or soften, but the clipped style fits the story’s heartbeat. Sienna’s voice oscillates between raw fear, jealousy, tenderness, and grit, and I found myself liking her more whenever she admitted something uncomfortable. Luca, meanwhile, carries that familiar romance-thriller energy: stoic, lethal, frustrating, and of course, irresistible. Their dynamic is chaotic in a way that feels intentional, like sparks thrown off metal.
What surprised me most was how the book knits an intimate relationship into the tension of a broader conspiracy. The author could have relied on the dangerous-man-protective-woman trope alone, but she gives the siblings’ bond real weight. The “twin sense” isn’t just a gimmick. It becomes the emotional spine of the story and gives the romance a stronger foundation than heat alone. Some emotional transitions happen fast. One chapter, you’re dodging gunmen, and the next, you’re collapsing into each other’s arms. But honestly, the abruptness works in a romance thriller. Bodies crash together under pressure. People cling to whatever feels solid. It all felt believable within the world that author Lexi Parker is building.
I’d recommend The Third Twin to readers who love romance thrillers packed with danger, devotion, and a relentless pace. If you enjoy bodyguard-romance energy, high stakes, and stories where fear and attraction tangle together until you can’t tell them apart, this one will hit the mark. And if you like your books to read like movies playing out in real time, you’ll have a good time here.
Pages: 190 | ASIN : B0FWC5VJFP
Crimson: BadAss Biker Bitches Book 2
Crimson, the second installment in the Badass Biker Bitches series, is a raw, emotionally driven tale about heartbreak, betrayal, sisterhood, and redemption, set against the gritty backdrop of biker clubs and military-trained women. At its core, it’s about Crimson, a former elite military operative who returns home only to come face to face with her painful past, namely Talon, the man who broke her heart nearly two decades earlier. What unfolds is a tangled mess of past wounds, unresolved tension, and family feuds that refuse to stay buried.
I’ve gotta say, Mellors knows how to grip you by the collar from page one. That opening scene where Crimson overhears her boyfriend and best friend betraying her? It hit like a sucker punch to the gut. The betrayal is so sharply written, Talon’s sweet nothings to Jane, the innocent forehead kiss, and Crimson’s heartbreak bleeding through the pages, I felt every ounce of her rage and humiliation. The decision she makes right after, walking away from it all? Powerful. That emotional blowout at the cave set the tone for a story that doesn’t hold back.
What really caught me off guard, though, was the unexpected pivot into military espionage. Crimson isn’t just a scorned lover; she’s a total badass. Mellors weaves in Crimson’s backstory as part of the WARD (Women Army Recon Droppers), a covert, all-female special ops unit and it’s actually one of my favorite parts of the book. There’s a camaraderie among the women, Godiva, Siren, Saber, that feels earned and real. Their banter, loyalty, and ride-or-die energy give the book its backbone. Like the scene at the bar where Crimson calls out the bartender for ogling Godiva? It’s got bite, sass, and sisterhood. It’s these moments that elevate the story beyond just romance or revenge, it’s about healing with your chosen family.
Now, let’s talk about the chaos with Talon. There were moments I wanted to throttle him, especially when he forgot to show up to their long-awaited talk. The emotional buildup to that moment, only for him to sleep through it? Maddening. But Mellors doesn’t write him off as some one-dimensional screw-up. His regret felt real. His flashbacks to their teenage love, his confusion about the betrayal, and the late-night messages show he’s just as torn up. Still, I sided with Crimson when she stormed off. And that twist at the end with their dads and a shooting pulling them both back into the family feud? Whew. Didn’t see that coming.
Crimson is messy, passionate, and full of heart. Mellors writes like she’s unloading every emotion onto the page, and I was here for it. If you like tough women, tangled love stories, and characters who feel like they’ve lived a thousand lives, this one’s for you. Especially if you’re into the whole biker/military/ride-or-die crew vibe with a sprinkle of drama and a whole lot of heart. Just be ready to yell at a few characters. And maybe fall a little in love with them, too.
Pages: 149 | ASIN : B0DPT7ZJP2
Donovan’s Revolution
Michael Loyd Gray’s Donovan’s Revolution is a captivating work of historical fiction that plunges readers into the heart of Haiti during the turbulent Duvalier regime. The novel chronicles Donovan, a former seminary student turned itinerant Catholic worker, as he navigates the political and social unrest that defines this era. Immersed in the vibrant yet volatile life of Haiti, Donovan finds himself entwined in the people’s uprising against the infamous Baby Doc Duvalier.
Gray’s prose seamlessly intertwines vivid imagery of Haiti’s lush landscapes and vibrant culture with the raw emotional intensity of its political struggles. The contrast between the country’s breathtaking beauty and its stark poverty and violence reflects Donovan’s own internal conflicts, creating a narrative as rich in depth as it is in detail. Through Gray’s masterful storytelling, readers are transported into the heart of the revolution, experiencing the turmoil and uncertainty that define both the characters’ lives and the historical moment itself. At its core, Donovan’s Revolution is a story of self-discovery and transformation. Donovan confronts his doubts and searches for faith, identity, and purpose. Along the way, he forges meaningful connections: with Gilles, a mysterious guide to the rebels; Michel, the resolute leader of the resistance; and Emmanuella, who helps Donovan explore his gentler, more vulnerable side. Most compelling, however, is the sense of hope Gray imbues throughout the narrative, a hope that fuels the Haitian people’s unwavering fight against oppression. The novel is an emotional journey, blending despair and inspiration. Gray does not shy away from the harrowing realities of violence and suffering. Yet, he balances these darker moments with the resilience and courage of ordinary individuals rising to reclaim their futures. The life-threatening challenges and existential dilemmas faced by the characters linger in the reader’s mind long after the final page.
I recommend Donovan’s Revolution to historical fiction enthusiasts who will appreciate the novel’s insightful portrayal of Haiti’s modern history, an often overlooked subject. Political observers may draw parallels between the Duvalier regime and Haiti’s ongoing struggles, while those who enjoy thought-provoking stories will find much to reflect on. Themes of faith, hope, friendship, and identity ensure this gripping tale will captivate readers from start to finish.
Pages: 163 | ASIN : B0D9L6PB4L
Liar Queen
M.T. Solomon’s Liar Queen delivers an epic fantasy brimming with heart-pounding adventure, slow-burning romance, and intricate family dynamics. At its heart lies a brutal tradition—a fight to the death between sisters to determine the Queen of the Sacred Sword. Mara, having defeated her sister, Iris, now rules the Jeweled Realm. Her reign faces turmoil when news arrives of a witch in the wasteland claiming to be Iris, demanding an audience. The encounter threatens to unravel Mara’s hard-won throne. Boden, a prince from another realm and a devout follower of Saint Kalda pledges unwavering loyalty to the rightful queen. His devotion fuels his resolve to follow Mara on her perilous journey. But as the dangers mount, Boden must confront the ultimate question: is his queen’s cause worth the price of his life?
The novel balances action, emotion, and a richly imagined world. Solomon crafts a tale that keeps readers hooked, with a narrative pace that urges, “just one more chapter.” Beneath the thrilling plot lies a deeper exploration of sibling relationships and the painful process of breaking toxic family cycles. These themes are intricately woven into vivid imagery, painting a landscape as dynamic as the story itself. The characters are unforgettable.
Mara’s strength and vulnerability create a compelling protagonist, while Boden’s steadfastness adds depth to their partnership. The inclusion of a map enriches the experience, allowing readers to journey alongside the characters through forests, deserts, and islands. Each realm introduces distinct cultures, religions, and traditions, offering a fascinating exploration of diversity. The story underscores the possibilities of peace, emphasizing the value of embracing differences.
Liar Queen captivated me from start to finish. Its immersive world, multi-dimensional characters, and resonant themes left me longing for more. If you seek an adventurous fantasy with meaningful undertones and a touch of romance, Liar Queen is an essential addition to your reading list.
Pages: 372 | ASIN : B0DKTVVZXL
Mixed-Genre Stories
Aftermath: Into the Unknown follows a woman in a post-apocalyptic world whose home is in danger from a biker gang that has invaded the city and must now make an 800-mile trip with a man she just met to get to safety. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story’s inspiration came from the first book of the series, The Edge of Life: Love and Survival During the Apocalypse, and my book, The Wish.
When I was writing The Edge of Life (Two acquaintances’ road trip from Seattle to South Dakota in the wake of an asteroid impact with Earth) I didn’t want to kill the characters of The Wish. Instead, they meet my Edge characters on the way to the bunker city in South Dakota. To make the timing work, since one group traveled by car and the other by bike and on foot, I created a delay for the car group mentioned in a line or two of conversation. They stopped in Idaho for a few days to convince someone’s father to join them. He refused because he was waiting for his granddaughters to cross the mountains from the coast.
Aftermath picks up three years later with the grandfather and one of the granddaughters. The biker who accompanies her on the journey seems to be Robin’s opposite, but in the post-apocalyptic world they inhabit, as survivors, they are more similar than different. I liked the idea of opposites being so much the same.
Your characters are interesting and unique, drawing readers into their lives. What things do you find interesting about the human condition that makes for great fiction?
Honestly, I borrow bits and pieces from people I know, add aspects of myself, and include something new to make characters. For example, my husband and I both love music (he’s the inspiration for an audiophile) even if our range of tastes are not the same, they overlap. My daughters are Swifties, as are millions of others and someone Robin’s age could have been one too. Reading is also something people could have in common, even if their tastes are very different. Having hobbies and interests makes characters relatable for readers because they feel more real.
Most people just want to be understood and not be alone.
You flawlessly blend Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian and Romance in this book. It takes exceptional talent to do this and make the story stand out. How did you go about blending the two genres without disrupting the story?
Thank you. I appreciate that you thought I did this well. I didn’t think about blending the genres so much as, that WAS the story. From the beginning, I envisioned Aftermath as a love story in a post-apocalyptic setting. Each book in this series will be a stand-alone, apocalypse, or post-apocalypse romance. They will connect because I love to have my books linked, but each will feature a new couple who will fall in love while trying to survive in their harsh new world.
All of my books are mixed-genre stories, perhaps because I’ve been an avid reader of so many genres for my whole life.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
The series will most definitely continue. There is a conflict coming between the Slains and those in Vita Xterra. I’ve written a short story called “Rat Girl,” a prequel for the third book in the series that will be posted on my website later this fall. The third book is in the planning stage and will include the Rat Girl, a man from the bunker complex, and the secondary characters include several from Edge and Aftermath. There will also be a Nick and Jake story (minor but important characters from Edge). Dozens of readers have reached out asking what happened to them when the asteroid hit, which got things swirling in my mind. They need their own book.
I may also write a book about some of the missing family members mentioned in both published books in the series. There could also be other stories, including one set in Canada.
I’m hoping to release one book in this series and one other book every year, though I have two different books written and being published in 2025. I’d love to see Love and Survival 3 published in 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Robin dreamed of attending Yale and using her brain. Kory lived on the streets of Seattle and relied on his brawn. Without the asteroid, they never would have met.
For three years, Robin and her grandfather have been hiding, trusting no one. When a biker gang moves into town, Robin can no longer scrounge or tend her garden. Because her grandfather is dying, he urges her to join her extended family—800 miles away in a bunker city in South Dakota, but she doesn’t want to leave.
Desperate, her grandfather disappears to force Robin into action and meets Kory, who’s with the bikers but disillusioned. Seeing a man who likes to read and could protect his granddaughter, he convinces Kory he can start over and accompany Robin on the long journey.
Unaware of her grandfather’s plan, Robin exposes her hiding place searching for him, and Kory saves her. On the run, they battle the elements and survivalists, learning to trust each other. If they can’t reach the safety of Vita xTerra, they won’t survive long enough to have a future together.
Prepare for another non-stop, post-apocalyptic road trip in Aftermath: Into the Unknown as they fight for love and survival.
Collaborators with Duelling Computers
In Tree Pose, Ric and Elaina’s romantic getaway in Tasmania turns perilous when a mysterious text from Ric’s past threatens to upend their lives. How important do you think the role of a narrator is in shaping the listener’s experience of an audiobook?
For an Audiobook, the narrator makes or breaks the production. A seasoned, professional narrator or voice performer can heighten the storyline with a deep sense of storytelling. They can bring the listener into the “story world” with their voice.
In many ways, an audiobook is a play that happens in the listener’s mind. It’s all about the words and the way they sound.
We wrote the Yoga Mat Mysteries series as lyrical fiction. It’s not only meant to be read but also to be heard.
We envisioned this long ago when we first started talking about this series. The words and combinations of words are carefully crafted to put you in every scene as if you were attending a play. Our narrator Rupert Degas is a consummate actor and voice actor. He has the ability to take the words from the written page and transform them into verbal voice images.
We like to think of our stories as having magic. The storyteller can add that fairy dust which gives the stories even greater capacity.
How involved were you in the selection of the narrator, and what qualities do you think Degas brings to the storytelling that enhances the listener’s experience?
We spent over a year searching and listened to audition tapes each day. There were hundreds of auditions heard over the entire year. We were searching for the narrator that could collaborate well with us.
We had written our prose that begged not only to be read but also to be listened to. Storytelling is an art and important in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series. We wanted to immerse the reader and the audiobook listener into the world of our characters.
Overall, enriching our characters with the power of audiobooks, gave them a new world beyond the printed page. We had originally breathed life into them, but audiobooks gave them the clarity of clear speech.
Our characters now had an expanded stage presence—and they could talk, laugh, and cry … in various accents!
Rupert Degas brings his voice-acting energy into the strong characterizations that we have developed. In our joint project of working with Rupert, we have fused together a winning combination of the human voice speaking the award-winning prose.
How did you feel when you first heard Rupert Degas’ narration of Tree Pose, and what aspects of his performance stood out to you the most?
After a full year of searching, our compatibility meter zeroed in on Rupert Degas. Rupert has the uncanny ability to create, craft, and deliver an infinite range of voices. We had another unique set of voices in Tree Pose for him to voice perform.
Once again, we gave Rupert a detailed biography for each character. We knew these characters well. We had lived with them for two years by then. John claimed that Ric, one of our main protagonists, was using his straight razor and leaving it wet on the bathroom sink!
Hearing the prose spoken and Rupert’s interpretation of our characters was very fulfilling. We had read the book to each other numerous times during our edits. As this is book three Rupert has a thorough understanding of the main characters and how they would speak and react.
We have poured our energy into their personalities, bringing them alive on the page. Rupert helped intensify the drama, love, humour, fear, and wonder of each of the characters.
Were there any particular scenes or moments in Tree Pose that you were especially excited to hear brought to life through Rupert Degas’ narration?
Every dramatic, funny, powerful story starts with the characters and storyline. The best narrator cannot resurrect a story that does not compel.
We spent about a year on the written part of the book /audiobook. We are careful and diligent writers. We ensure excellence in terms of editing, proofreading, and production. The book has to be ‘5-star’ before we even start the audiobook production.
Our goal is always ironclad: The voice of the storyteller had to enhance the listener’s experience of our stories.
We were seasoned audiobook producers by the time we came to book 3, Tree Pose. We were excited to once again be working with Rupert.
Our first audiobook, Dead Man’s Pose had captured the imagination of AudioFile, the premier review of audiobooks. It earned an Earphones award and the founder of audiobook, Robin Whitten, provided a ‘Behind the Mic’ podcast interview with Jo Reed.
By the end of the year, Dead Man’s Pose was awarded Best of 2023 in the mystery/suspense category.
Earlier this year, we won an award from IBPA for the Second Audiobook in our series – Cobra Pose. This was in the category of Best Audiobook – Fiction. A month later, we won the Best Audiobook for the (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller,Action/Adventure) category again for Cobra Pose from the Indie Reader Discovery Awards.
The story of Tree Pose takes place on the island of Tasmania Australia and besides Ric and Elaina, the characters include our seasoned outback detective, Jack MacMasters, and Alfred Hastings a man who prefers sleep rough.
Alfred’s voice was particularly difficult for us to describe to Rupert. We liked Chris Hemsworth’s Australian accent, but there was a particular commercial that we had heard where that male voice speaks with a gravelly sound to it. It took us a month to track down the commercial we had heard and describe what we liked about ‘gravelly quality’.
Alfred is one of our characters who likes to sleep rough. He’s been ‘on the ground’ for over ten years. It was that gravelly quality that we were after.
As a connoisseur voice actor, Rupert nailed Alfred’s voice. As Alfred roams around Tasmania, his role becomes instrumental and his voice perfect for this mystery thriller, hinting at just enough romance for this third story in our series.
Recently one of the reviewers of Tree Pose confided they stayed up all night listening to it. Now that is music to our ears!
It makes every minute of the year of unsuccessful listening, the time in our unventilated closet, the nights wondering about ‘What’s the Plan?’ … all worthwhile.
We want every listener to listen to our stories and be so enthralled, they stay up all night to listen. Or they, “go around the block just one more time” so they can hear the end of that story.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Sound Cloud
Fire-Fight
Forgery by Deception follows a rebellious and ambitious banker who orchestrates a complex operation to smuggle drugs disguised as legitimate products and counterfeit currency. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I first thought about the counterfeit aspect many years ago when I watched an old Sherlock Holmes film, Dressed to Kill, starring Basil Rathbone. He is tasked with finding the hiding place of the Bank of England’s five-pound note plates before the criminals find it. The drugs were based on a friend’s job years ago. She was the Country Manager for a very large pharmaceutical firm producing drugs in a third-world country. It was only after I wrote my first novel Unfaithful, that I felt it was time for Forgery by Deception.
Richard Brock is a well-developed character that is believable and relatable. Was the character’s backstory something you always had, or did it develop as you were writing?
Only one part of Richard Brock’s character was based on a fellow I met many years ago. He was working for a New York Bank, setting up banks in Latin America. All of the other character traits were invented as I started writing the book.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Actually, all the scenes between Cynthia Blane and John Paxton, I really enjoyed writing. I wanted to show their byplay as their relationship developed. I guess the fire-fight against Murray was the most intricate in terms of how to set up that scenario.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on a World War II spy story. It’s just in the research stage. I’m a student of WWII history, especially the espionage missions and deceptions that were carried out.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon
First, they were going to create economic chaos in the United States economy, by producing currency that is both genuine and untraceable. By using an informant in the Treasury Department with a Top-Secret clearance, he was able to pull off the ‘Heist of the Century.’ A robbery so sensitive, that only a few select senior officials were informed. The result was that Security Chief, Thomas Ryan found it necessary to secure an independent agent outside of the Treasury Department, but with a department background.
Enter John Paxton, an old friend, and ex-Navy Seal, now retired who was a top Treasury Agent. Paxton, now 53 retired after having been seriously injured in a fire-fight during his last assignment. John is living on his sailboat the ‘PEGGY SUE,’ somewhere in the Florida Keys.
The Second part of Richard’s plan is to devise a one-hundred percent foolproof method of importing drugs into the United States. A method so complex, and a method so clever, that the DEA, The Coast Guard, and any other drug enforcement agencies, will be completely baffled.
Now for the last year, cut cocaine from Columbian drug lord Enrico Sanchez, has been successfully smuggled into New York City undetected.
Besides the law enforcement agents working on this case, a sharp and creative investigative reporter for The National magazine has been tirelessly concentrating on this one particular story, a petite 45-year-old Cynthia Blane.
Frustrated by lack of substantial leads and clues, Cynthia formulates an almost absurd theory as to how the drugs are being brought in. What if the drugs are coming in legally? If so, they would have to be different. They would have to be in an innocuous form. Some everyday product. Something we take for granted.
John Paxton now looking for any anomalies in recent unsolved crimes, is directed by Sean London of the DEA to contact Cynthia about her theory. After they meet on his sailboat anchored in the harbor of the Bahama Island, San Salvador, they exchange information about both their cases. They concluded that there is strong evidence that both of their cases are related in some fashion. The decision is that they join forces to solve both anomalies.
Forgery by Deception
Forgery by Deception. by Gene Piotrowsky, is a gripping novel that intertwines the high-stakes world of drug trafficking with an ingenious scheme to defraud the U.S. Treasury. The story follows Richard Brock, a rebellious and ambitious banker turned mastermind, as he orchestrates a complex operation to smuggle drugs disguised as legitimate products and counterfeit currency. The plot takes readers from the luxurious haciendas of Colombia to the gritty streets of New York City, weaving a tale of deception, betrayal, and relentless pursuit.
Gene Piotrowsky’s writing is detailed and immersive, drawing readers into the intricacies of the operation and the psychological nuances of the characters. The author excels in crafting a vivid sense of place, particularly in the scenes set in Latin America and New York City. The narrative is paced well, maintaining a balance between action and exposition, which keeps the reader engaged without feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of the plot. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, adding depth to the characters and their interactions.
One of the standout aspects of the book is its portrayal of Richard Brock. His transformation from a dissatisfied banker to a cunning criminal mastermind is both believable and compelling. The author provides a thorough backstory that explains Brock’s motivations and his gradual descent into the world of crime. This character development is crucial in making the reader understand and even empathize with Brock, despite his morally ambiguous actions. The supporting characters, particularly Brock’s associates and the law enforcement officers on his trail, are also well-developed, adding layers to the narrative. There are moments where I feel the technical details, especially regarding the counterfeiting operation and the logistics of drug smuggling, can become dense and somewhat overwhelming. While these details add authenticity to the story, I believe they may slow down the narrative for readers who are less interested in the minutiae of the criminal enterprise. Additionally, the book occasionally dips into predictable tropes of the crime genre, which can detract from the otherwise original plot.
Forgery by Deception is a meticulously crafted crime thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy intricate plots and well-developed characters. Gene Piotrowsky has created a believable and immersive world where deception reigns supreme, and the line between good and evil is blurred. This book is highly recommended for fans of crime fiction and those interested in the mechanics of high-stakes criminal operations. Whether you’re a seasoned reader of the genre or new to crime thrillers, this book offers a captivating and thought-provoking experience.
Pages: 204 | ASIN : B0D3C53RVH
LITERARY TITAN 