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Dual Tracks of Cruelty
Gaviota Island: Birds, Monkeys, and Twisted Love follows a bird enthusiast who falls in love with a hunter and moves to Panama with him, only to discover it is not the happily ever after she hoped for. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Personal experience. All of us know individuals who attach themselves emotionally to other persons who in one way or another are toxic for them. One of these tropes is “opposites attract.” But many of the oppressed/suppressed personalities don’t break free of their relationships except under exceptional duress. This is the setup of the story.
I found Laura to be a very well-written and in-depth character. What was your inspiration for her emotional turmoil throughout the story?
Laura is easy to visualize as she contends with the forceful character of her boyfriend, Bret. She is sufficiently captured by him so as not to run away, even if she is repulsed by his hunting and his treatment of her in bed. Weighing the positive and the negative, she chooses the positive — until the breaking point at the end.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
This book is about dual tracks of cruelty. The first track is the violence of shooting wild animals. Running in parallel is the track about Bret’s abuse of Laura. Laura ends both with a single action.
So was it wrong of her? Or right? That is the question I’d like readers to think about.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Not saying.
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Laura Whitley is 22 years old. She meets Bret Belcher at the University of Texas – an unexpected pairing of a bird enthusiast and a passionate hunter. Laura admires Bret’s confidence, ambition, and charm. But she grapples with his unwavering passion for guns and hunting.
As university graduation looms, Laura’s distress intensifies because she has no plans for what she’ll do when she finishes. The Belchers will dispatch Bret to Panama to oversee the family’s property business there. This could be Laura’s pivotal moment to break up with him. But against her parents’ advice, she follows him to Panama in hopes of remaking their lives together.
In Panama, Laura befriends a young biologist who discovers a rare population of monkeys on Gaviota, an uninhabited island meant for Bret’s real estate venture. The discovery is a threat to Bret’s plans.
Bret’s violent solution to the monkey problem and his betrayal with another woman push Laura to the edge. Horrified and desperate, Laura takes drastic measures.
Discover the gripping tale that blurs the lines between right and wrong, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Personal and Societal Upheaval
Danethrall follows an Anglo-Saxon child who is taken captive and raised as a Dane on her journey of love, loss, and the harrowing ordeals she must endure to survive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Like most, my interest in Vikings was sparked in school where the history of terrifying Vikings cutting across the seas on their dragon ships to raid and plunder villages and cities across the world has entertained and enamoured children in classrooms across the UK. The city I grew up in boasts a personal link to the 9th-century Viking attack; it is reported in the Anglo-Saxon chronicle to have been attacked by Ivar the Boneless and the Great Heathen Army who destroyed the monastery that was situated where the current cathedral is standing today. Inspired by history, Danethrall stemmed from wondering what it would be like as an Anglo-Saxon during the times of the Great Heathen Army’s attack, flourishing into the trilogy it is today.
I enjoyed the depth of the main character, Aveline. What was your process to bring that character to life?
I wanted Aveline to be a relatable character, a realistic response to a lot of what ifs while keeping the world around her as dark and accurate as possible. She acts as a guide through 9th-century Denmark, letting readers see the world through her eyes. I didn’t want Aveline to be some superhero or modern woman on a medieval backdrop, I wanted her responses to be as period-appropriate as possible while growing and finding herself in this harsh and bloody environment.
As cliché as it sounds, Aveline came into her own as I wrote Danethrall. Aveline originated from the idea of a kidnapped Anglo-Saxon forcibly taken to the land of the Danes, but rather than suffering thraldom, she is given a new home. Due to this circumstance, Aveline is an intricate character with a lot of emotional conflict, wrestling with her grudge against the people who slaughtered her family, her guilt for finding a home alongside those very same people, and everything in between, while giving an insight into the world of the Vikings through the eyes of a foreigner.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The core themes of Danethrall are survival, adaptability, and resilience in the face of personal and societal upheaval. Other themes include the patience and strategy needed to survive in this violent environment, sacrifice, power dynamics, cultural identity as Aveline juggles between her identity as an Anglo-Saxon and an adopted Dane while trying to survive in this war-torn world, and of course, love and loss.
Can you tell us more about where the story and characters go after book one?
Aveline enjoys a couple of quiet years before book two (Rise to Fall) and book three (Ashes Remain) in the Danethrall Trilogy see her caught up in blood feuds and mystical shaman rituals, battling in the Siege of Paris, travelling across the world to the shining city of Constantinople, and fighting both new enemies and ghosts of her past.
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Pillaging. Violence. That is what the Norsemen were infamous for, and when they invaded the Kingdom of the East Angles in autumn 865, that is exactly what they did. Aveline, an Anglo-Saxon child, is taken captive by Birger Bloody Sword and stolen away to Roskilde, Denmark, where she finds herself alone, abandoned by her God.
Five years have passed. Adopted by her captor, Aveline is an outsider to the Danes and perceived as a traitor by the Anglo-Saxon thralls enslaved by them. When Birger sets sail to raid once again, he leaves Aveline in the care of the jarl’s son, Vidar, for her own protection.
Aveline begins to find her place in Roskilde, but even the few Danes she has come to favour are dark, blood-thirsty warriors. When Roskilde is besieged by its bitter rival Aros, Aveline finds herself fighting fearsome enemies alongside the very people who slaughtered her family.
The compelling and bloody tale of an Anglo-Saxon’s life in the land of the Danes. With human sacrifice, rape and murder, Aveline is thrust into a world more dangerous than she could imagine. Follow Aveline’s journey of love and loss and the harrowing ordeals she must endure to survive.
This novel contains graphic violence, sexual content and inappropriate language. Reader discretion is advised.
Changing Lives
Against the Wind follows a sixteen-year-old girl living in foster care who runs away and steals an antique airplane, leading her to meet a quantum physics professor also on the run from the FBI and Russian mafia. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve been a licensed pilot for nearly 28 years, but I’ve been flying with my father since I was a small child. He had his pilot’s license at the age of 16 and I’ve known of young pilots flying cross country and have always been impressed with that! As for the quantum physics aspect of the novel, the science behind it is absolutely amazing! Quantum computers will change our lives forever!
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
I think most authors have a storehouse of characters and character traits to call on when writing. Any teenage cross-country pilot shows remarkable independence and, in the case of Against the Wind, real courage. I wanted the physics professor to learn as much from her as she did from him!
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
For me, it’s usually a mix. Certain key twists must be planned and others evolve in the course of the writing.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am working on the next “Relic” book, featuring the moonshining hermit of Canyonlands National Park (see Moonshine Mesa for example). Thought a “series,” each novel is stand-alone.
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Chloe flees her unsafe foster home in a stolen antique airplane. Professor Dochauser eludes a Russian spy willing to kill for the professor’s breakthrough in quantum computing. When their paths collide, they begin a cross-country quest to find Chloe’s grandfather and a safe haven for the professor. The Russian mafia, FBI, and social services race to find the runaway and the quantum prototype that can tip the balance of world power.
But not everyone in the chase is who they seem…
#TechnoThriller #OrganizedCrime #RussianMafia #CrimeThrillers #EspionageThrillers #FlyingAirplaneThrillers #YoungFemalePilot #QuantumComputerThriller #ActionThriller #ActionAdventure #CrossCountryChase #Adventure #FlyingAdventures #ThrillerMystery #TechnoMystery #Heartwarming #Humour&Adventure
A Valkyrie Should Be An Athlete
“Valkyrie” follows a college-age woman living in modern times who discovers her biological father is actually Odin, the leader of the Norse pantheon. What inspired the setup of your story?
My earliest notes on “Valkyrie” date from many years ago and eventually led to the first chapter as a stand-alone story. I had notes even then about how to continue the story. Some aspects changed; at one time I thought she might be the reincarnation of a Valkyrie, and this changed to Odin’s daughter. The invention of Colin Lokisson came later.
What was your inspiration for Christine’s character, and how did you craft her outlook on life?
I think it is reasonable that a Valkyrie should be an athlete. Christine is kept grounded by having her family and friends back home on Earth, e.g., she keeps hurrying home for dinner with the family. She rides her scooter, not a horse. (The scooter is almost a major character in the story.) She is a good Christian (notice her name) and is disposed to like the various people she meets on her travels. She loves to eat and never gains a pound, which may be amusing.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One recurring idea in the book is the idea of family. Christine has her family on Earth and learns that she has family in Asgard as well, and also that she is related to many others as well. By the end of the book, she may have other connections as well.
Another idea is of education. She is a college student, but she learns a great deal and her world expands when she travels here and there doing errands for Odin.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I am definitely interested in writing a sequel. I have plans and notes for it. I hope to get under way on a sequel sometime soon and I hope (but cannot guarantee) that it will be done by sometime in 2025.
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Dissonance Volume III: Renegade
In Dissonance Volume III: Renegade, Aaron Ryan escalates the stakes to an exhilarating climax. President Jean Graham, now poised to commit an act as devastating as the Gorgon invasion that ravaged Earth 16 years prior, plans to wield alien technology not to safeguard humanity but to annihilate her former enemies. This technology, once discovered by scientists in the aftermath of the invasion, was intended to protect lives. Instead, Graham aims to unleash it and the Gorgons on Earth’s remaining nations. After uncovering this catastrophic plot during the attack on Mammoth Cave, Cameron, our protagonist, joins forces with a group of renegade captains. These captains, who have been quietly rallying their resources and plotting in the shadows, now face a desperate race against time. With the attack looming, they must act swiftly to prevent Graham’s destructive plan and save the world from falling into eternal darkness.
Ryan amplifies the chaos, intensity, and stakes in this third volume, surpassing the tension and drama of the previous installments. The final battle is nothing short of epic, from unpredictable plot twists to intricate battle strategies and high emotional stakes. Though parting with beloved characters might be bittersweet for long-time readers, the introduction of fresh faces injects new energy into the story, playing pivotal roles in a satisfying and action-packed finale.
While romance played a minor role in earlier volumes, I think its absence here allows the plot to surge forward without distraction. The result is a pulse-pounding sequence of battles and escalating threats. Cameron, once central to the story, steps back slightly as newer characters take charge, driving the action with full force. The alien menace continues to evolve, and with President Graham emerging as a formidable antagonist, the tension remains high throughout. Ryan’s portrayal of battles is both chaotic and clear, a delicate balance that makes each confrontation thrilling yet comprehensible. Weapons, strategies, and surprise alliances are described with grandeur, heightening the sense of scale and urgency.
Dissonance Volume III: Renegade is an exhilarating addition to Aaron Ryan’s dystopian series. With its high-stakes plot, relentless action, and evolving characters, the book offers a thrilling ride from start to finish.
Pages: 438 | ASIN : B0D2YK3LVH
Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning
In Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning, Aaron Ryan thrusts readers back into the heart of his dystopian world, where danger and intrigue collide. Fresh out of detention, Cameron faces a daunting new assignment from President Jean Graham: train recruits at Mammoth Cave and eliminate an AWOL captain. Cameron’s mistrust of the military runs deep and this mission only intensifies his suspicions. But with the Gorgons still threatening humanity and a new family to protect, he reluctantly takes on the task, unaware that this decision will alter the course of his life and the war forever.
Ryan wastes no time cranking up the tension in this second installment, seamlessly blending key moments from the first book with fresh narrative threads. His skillful integration of past events ensures that both returning fans and newcomers can follow the story with ease, creating an immersive experience from the first page to the last.
As the plot unfolds, new characters are introduced, adding complexity and raising the stakes. While Cameron continues to develop as a central figure, other returning characters sometimes take a back seat, like Ally, whose presence is pivotal during specific emotional and plot-driven moments, yet she is not consistently at the forefront of the narrative. Still, the dynamic between the characters remains compelling, with enough tension and intrigue to keep readers hooked. Like with Pastor Rosie, who plays a crucial role in guiding Cameron through some of his most challenging moral and emotional conflicts. She is a well-written character who adds depth to the story by balancing the protagonist’s emotional intensity with spiritual wisdom.
The author’s vivid descriptions of the setting further elevate the action. From the cavernous depths of Mammoth Cave to the battlefield scenes, the environments play a critical role in the story’s intensity, almost making each scene feel cinematic in scope. Every moment crackles with energy as if you’re watching a high-stakes thriller unfold before your eyes.
The ever-present threat of the Gorgons, with their eerie telekinetic powers, adds an unsettling layer of horror and suspense. Their looming menace keeps the tension high, making it impossible to relax as the plot twists toward its unpredictable climax. The sense of impending danger propels the story forward, ensuring readers remain on the edge of their seats.
For readers who enjoy science fiction laced with dystopian themes and a touch of faith, Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning delivers an exhilarating and high-octane adventure. The blend of suspense, complex character development, and sci-fi horror elements makes this a highly recommended read.
Pages: 330 | ASIN : B0CYMWKCS4
Savage Warrior
Savage Warrior by Denna Holm delivers an intense and captivating paranormal romance where the bonds of fate and the complexities of leadership collide. At the heart of the story is Raif, a cougar shifter struggling to lead his pack while facing constant resistance from the elders. Pressured by his grandfather to find a mate, Raif’s world is thrown into further turmoil when fate intervenes in the most unexpected way. His fated mate, Haven, arrives under extraordinary circumstances that change everything.
Haven’s situation is dire. Drugged and left for dead in the mountains of Oregon, she wakes up with no memory of how she got there and, to her horror, cannot shift into her wolf form. The last thing she recalls is leaving her homeworld, Laizahli, with her vampire partner to hunt down a rogue vampire on Earth. Now, caught in this new reality, Haven finds herself saved by a cat shifter whose presence stirs conflicting emotions within her—an attraction that ignites her desire to both claim him and sink her fangs into his neck. Though her mission to find her vampire partner and stop the rogue vampire should be her main focus, Haven’s growing connection to Raif and the challenge of proving herself to his clan add another layer of tension to an already complicated situation.
Holm masterfully crafts the character arcs of both Raif and Haven. Raif’s battle to assert his leadership while being torn between tradition and instinct showcases his internal conflict, making him a compelling protagonist. On the other hand, Haven struggles with her identity and feelings of rejection from her mate while under pressure to find her missing partner. This dual conflict of self-discovery and romantic tension keeps readers emotionally engaged. Their interactions simmer with attraction and tension, adding complexity to the push and pull between them.
The balance of romance, action, and emotional depth is a standout feature of Savage Warrior. Holm weaves external threats, like the looming danger of a rogue vampire, with the simmering passion between Raif and Haven. This creates a high-stakes environment that blends supernatural intrigue with raw emotional drama. The supporting characters further enrich the story, offering a glimpse into the complexities of pack dynamics and the challenges of interspecies relationships, making the world-building immersive and multi-layered.
For fans of paranormal romance, Savage Warrior offers a richly developed world filled with shifters, vampires, and djinns. Holmes’ strong lead characters and intricate plot make this an irresistible read for anyone who enjoys being swept away by supernatural conflicts, sizzling romance, and the fight for leadership and love.
Pages: 345 | ASIN : B0DGPPBN86
An Overprotective Workaholic
Thief’s Bodyguard follows a man hired to protect a woman who does not want a bodyguard, especially the man she had a one-night stand with. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Roger appeared in book two of my contemporary romance series, The Geek Girl Squad, which is his little sister’s story. By the end of writing that book, I knew the Hunt brothers were going to need their own series. I had established Roger as owning a private security company, so of course my brain went to romantic suspense for this series. The problem, of course, with writing a character who’s super overprotective as well as a workaholic, meant that he would have to meet her at work.
I knew whoever I paired him with would need to be independent. And I wanted to take the good girl/bad boy trope and gender swap it. So I came up with the idea that his love interest was secretly a former thief, and Jenna was born. This plot was in the works for quite some time, all while I bounced ideas off my husband, who’s a big true crime fan.
What was the inspiration for the love story and the connection the characters have?
I sat down and thought about what would make Roger crack. And pushing him into guarding someone he already knew physically was the answer. Since I’d established who Roger was within his LARP community, I used that setting for the one-night stand. I knew she could easily hide who she was there.
With Jenna, I needed her to let her guard down. So I put them in situations where he could demonstrate his integrity so she would learn to trust him. She’s been on her own for so long without a support system, which makes her independent and feisty, because she’s trying to protect him, too. And ultimately, that’s something they have in common, but don’t realize it until the end.
Both Jenna and Roger have strong personalities, making for entertaining encounters. What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where he confronts her about her identity was really fun to write, because when you corner an animal, they come out snarling. And it developed into some amazing banter. It’s right up there with the scene where Roger wakes up in the warehouse in handcuffs. I giggled way too hard at how frustrated he was with the situation.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes! Initially I had intended this to be a trilogy and restrict myself to the brothers, but while writing Thief’s Bodyguard, two side characters just slotted themselves into position to further the overarching plot. Book two, Hacker’s Accomplice, releases October 1st. It’s an interracial romance where the straight-laced Sam and the ex-hacker, Frankie, fall for each other while Hunt Security tries to break into the syndicate and rescue their victims.
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Instead, he found his feisty fling.
Jenna’s starting over. She’s got a new name, a new town, and a new job—one that’s legal this time. Her criminal days are over. To keep herself safe, she needs to lie low. A hot hookup gives her memories that she can’t erase. Then her estranged father hires the guy—as her bodyguard! When he shows up at her door, her cover’s blown.
Roger never sees the same woman more than once. He can’t afford the distraction—been there, done that. Keeping his security business afloat is the top priority, and he just got the offer of a lifetime. Until he discovers that his new charge is the one-night stand that haunts his dreams. And she’s pissed about it.
How is Roger supposed to protect someone who fights him at every turn? And what will he say when Jenna’s secrets are exposed?
LITERARY TITAN 