Blog Archives
When Dreams Float
This book sweeps readers straight into the shimmering warmth of Tahiti, where love, lust, and self-discovery intertwine beneath the tropical sun. When Dreams Float tells the story of Winston Knight, a confident and rational doctor, and Melanie, a thoughtful, recently divorced woman searching for peace and renewal. What begins as a fleeting encounter in a jewelry store turns into a passionate and unexpected connection that follows them from the skies to the sea. Their chemistry ignites instantly, and the story sails between emotional tenderness and sensual intensity as both characters learn to navigate vulnerability, trust, and desire amid a stunning island backdrop.
The writing is lush and sensual, yet it carries an emotional honesty that surprised me. Author Dorothy Elizabeth Love has a way of describing intimacy that feels both raw and poetic, balancing physical heat with emotional truth. Sometimes the dialogue leaned toward melodrama, but I found myself forgiving it because it matched the heightened emotions of two people trying to mend their hearts. The pacing was unhurried, letting the tension simmer until every glance and touch felt earned. What struck me most was how real the characters’ hesitations felt. Winston’s logical mind warring with desire, and Melanie’s fear of being hurt again, those moments felt relatable, and I caught myself rooting for them to let go and just love.
There were moments when the steamy scenes took up so much space that I wanted more time to breathe with the characters outside of their passion. Still, the story had a rhythm to it that kept me turning pages. Love’s writing feels cinematic, with descriptions that glow; silk against skin, ocean breezes, and all the sensory details that make a setting come alive. It’s a romance that doesn’t shy away from fantasy or physicality, yet it carries a beating heart of forgiveness and self-rediscovery. I felt a genuine warmth at the idea that broken people can still float toward something beautiful.
I’d recommend When Dreams Float to readers who love sensual stories that mix emotional healing with tropical escapism. It’s for those who believe that second chances aren’t just possible, they’re necessary. If you like your romance lush, dramatic, and unapologetically passionate, this one will leave you smiling long after you finish the book.
Pages: 227| ASIN : B0FQJPKNX1
One True King (Audiobook)
Amy Daniels’ One True King is the third installment of the fantasy series Legends from Qiledara. This addition thrusts readers into a kingdom teetering on the edge of chaos. After Aaron, the young king of Qiledara, disappears, the void he leaves behind becomes the heartbeat of the story. An absence that forces those who remain to confront their loyalties, identities, and biggest fears.
The narrative skillfully intertwines its many storylines, keeping the attention of readers as they uncover the hidden dangers in this fantastical landscape. What makes this story so captivating is Daniels’s ability to portray relatable characters who persist in the face of adversity. Each character’s internal struggle mirrors the kingdom’s external turmoil, blurring the line between personal and political conflict. Leadership is portrayed as a burden of sacrifice, responsibility, and painful growth.
I found that the descriptive world-building shines in the depiction of Penelope’s family home, allowing the readers to understand why she longs for its cozy, vibrant warmth. Daniels also vividly emphasizes the incredible power of the magical weapons used during battles, making sure the readers know that this is a force that can turn the tide of battle in an instant. The combination of her rich, detailed settings and the palpable energy of magic makes every scene immersive and thrilling.
The audiobook adaptation only adds to the magic of this fantasy. With multiple voice actors embodying the characters, the production feels like a full-scale performance rather than a simple narration. Each unique narration provides a new level of depth to the story and creates a more intimate type of storytelling that makes you feel as if you are right there alongside the characters, experiencing the thrill of every high and meeting each challenge head-on.
For fans of fantasy sagas, One True King is a fantastic addition to the genre and an already compelling series. Daniels blends intricate world-building and moral complexity into a story that feels both epic and relatable. Whether you’re drawn to personal journeys of characters shaped by love and loss or the political conspiracies of kingdoms in turmoil, Amy Daniels delivers a tale that satisfies every reader.
Listening Length: 16 hours and 44 minutes | ASIN : B0FL3HC2LY
The Ghost’s Gambit
The Ghost’s Gambit, the third installment in Stephanie Cotta’s Iron Kingdom series, sweeps readers back into the dark, perilous world of the Iron Kingdom, where rebellion burns quietly under the thumb of a brutal empire. The story picks up in the midst of chaos, rebels fleeing through snow, soldiers in pursuit, loyalties torn to pieces. Author Stephanie Cotta crafts a world that is both cruel and tender, filled with haunted warriors, hidden magic, and fragile hope. The narrative follows a cast of complex characters, Wraiths, Conjurers, and outlaws, each wrestling with their own ghosts as they defy a king who seeks to crush them. It’s a tale of defiance, sacrifice, and the flickering light that refuses to die in the shadow of tyranny.
Cotta’s writing moves with fierce rhythm, sometimes sharp as steel, other times soft as snowfall. Her descriptions pull you straight into the fight, the clang of metal, the sting of regret, the ache of loss. What struck me most wasn’t just the action, though it’s thrilling, but the intimacy of the quiet moments in between. When Rowan bleeds for his brother, or Tahira whispers spells through tears, or Akaran faces the cost of vengeance, it hits hard. The book isn’t afraid to show how grief shapes courage, or how love can bloom even when surrounded by blood and ruin. I found myself caring deeply for these characters, even when they stumbled, even when they broke.
The pace shifts swiftly, cutting one moment and lingering the next. There are scenes where the prose leans into drama, yet I couldn’t fault it because it felt honest to the pain the story carries. The dialogue has a rawness that fits the world’s brutality, and while the lore is dense, it rewards you for paying attention. What really lingered with me was the emotional weight beneath the battles. This isn’t just a fantasy about swords and sorcery; it’s about forgiveness, loyalty, and the ghosts we carry when the fight is done.
The Ghost’s Gambit is a story that grips you and doesn’t let go, yet somehow leaves a quiet warmth behind. I’d recommend it to readers who crave epic fantasy with heart, especially those who love stories like Throne of Glass or Mistborn but want something cleaner in tone and more focused on the ties between family and faith. It’s dark, yes, but not hopeless. If you like your fantasy with both grit and grace, this book is worth every page.
Pages: 430 | ISBN : 978-1957656946
Garden Quartz and Paper Flowers
T.L. Garrett’s Garden Quartz & Paper Flowers is a raw and unflinching collection of stories and poems that trace the life of Calla, a girl navigating the deep scars of trauma, abuse, and healing. The book reads like a patchwork of memory. Each chapter a petal torn from her past, revealing a life marked by generational pain, silence, and survival. Garrett writes in a style that blends memoir and fiction, pulling readers into scenes that feel heartbreakingly real. The imagery of flowers, roots, and stones threads through the work, symbolizing growth from ruin and the fragile beauty that comes from endurance.
The writing is heavy with emotion, but there’s a strange softness to it too. A tenderness that lingers even in the ugliest moments. Garrett doesn’t hold back, and it shows. The prose feels like a scream written into poetry. I found myself pausing often, sometimes just to process. There’s a rhythm in her storytelling that’s both jarring and intimate. Her voice feels lived-in, like someone telling a truth they carried for too long. Some passages are uncomfortable to read, not because of how they’re written, but because of how real they are. You can feel the child’s confusion, the teenager’s anger, and the adult’s reckoning all colliding in one soul. It’s unsettling. It’s human.
What struck me most was Garrett’s way of turning pain into purpose. She doesn’t ask for pity. She asks for understanding. The book dives into spiritual themes like healing, intuition, and forgiveness, but never in a way that feels forced. Her honesty feels sacred. I loved how she wove resilience through the narrative like a vine wrapping around broken glass. It’s not a perfect book in a technical sense, but that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. Her writing feels like it’s bleeding onto the page, and yet, there’s beauty in every wound.
Garden Quartz & Paper Flowers isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for readers who have lived through darkness and clawed their way toward light, or for those who want to understand what that fight looks like. It’s for anyone who believes survival itself is an art form. If you want something real, something that cracks you open and reminds you what it means to be alive, this book is worth every page.
Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0FJ4XM2JL
The Fertile Crescent
Chadwick Wall’s The Fertile Crescent is a novel soaked in sweat, spice, and heartache. It follows Laurent Ladnier, a talented but haunted New Orleans chef struggling to balance art, ambition, and the weight of family obligation. Set in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the book unfolds like a slow-cooked gumbo, layered, fragrant, and filled with unexpected heat. Through the kitchens and jazz bars of the Crescent City, Wall captures a man torn between loyalty and longing, between survival and the pursuit of greatness. The story is as much about the cuisine and culture as it is about identity, grief, and the ghosts that walk alongside us when we try to reinvent ourselves.
I found Wall’s writing raw and deeply felt. He paints New Orleans with love and precision, every block pulsing with music, memory, and danger. The prose hums, sometimes lush, sometimes stripped down to the bone, like a good blues riff. There’s real honesty in how Laurent’s life unravels, and the tension between his passion and exhaustion hit me hard. I could almost smell the roux burning and the whiskey sweating in his glass. At times, the pacing lingers long in description, but even then, I didn’t mind. The city feels alive, and Wall knows how to make every sensory detail work like a note in a long, mournful song.
This is an emotionally resonant novel. I felt the ache of Laurent’s ambition, that painful mix of pride and regret that comes with being both gifted and trapped. Wall doesn’t glamorize the creative life; he shows it for what it is, messy, lonely, full of stubborn hope. The dialogue between Laurent and his grandmother nearly broke me. It’s rare to find a story about food that also speaks so sharply about family wounds and self-forgiveness.
I’d recommend The Fertile Crescent to anyone who loves stories about people chasing art even when it costs them everything. Chefs, artists, dreamers, and anyone who’s ever felt stuck in the place they call home will find something true here. It’s a story that simmers slowly, but by the end, it fills you up completely.
Pages: 310 | ASIN : B0FJWJP1X8
Change The Course of Lives and Worlds
“Gods and Guardians II” follows three friends pulled through a portal onto an Elvish starship, where Samuel is later captured on an alien world and sold into slavery, and Authur must choose to save him or free a planet from an alien race that has enslaved the native human race. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for “Gods and Guardians II” stems from the profound moral themes of doing the right thing and the enduring power of friendship and loyalty. At its core, the story explores the difficult choices one must face when loyalty to a friend conflicts with the greater good.
As Arthur grapples with the decision to save his captured friend Samuel or to take action against the alien race enslaving a planet’s native human population, the narrative highlights the strength of their bond and the sacrifices that true friendship demands. This moral dilemma not only drives the plot forward but also serves to illustrate the complexities of loyalty in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Ultimately, the story aims to resonate with readers by showcasing how friendships can inspire courage and lead individuals to confront injustice, underscoring the belief that doing the right thing, even when it’s challenging, is a powerful act that can change the course of lives and worlds.
Question: Arthur is torn between saving Samuel and helping free the enslaved human homeworld. How did you balance these competing drives?
Balancing Arthur’s competing drives to save Samuel and help free the enslaved human homeworld involved me creating a nuanced narrative that allowed him to navigate his moral dilemma while emphasizing the emotional stakes of both choices.
To achieve this balance, I focused on developing Arthur’s character deeply, showcasing his internal conflict through his thoughts, feelings, and interactions with others. By illustrating his strong bond with Samuel, readers can feel the weight of their friendship and the urgency behind his desire to rescue him. At the same time, I highlighted the plight of the enslaved humans, creating empathy for their suffering and the moral imperative to act on their behalf.
The story incorporates moments of reflection for Arthur, where he weighs the consequences of each choice, allowing readers to see his struggle unfold. Engaging secondary characters also provided different perspectives, challenging Arthur’s views and pushing him to confront his values.
Additionally, the plot presented situations where Arthur’s decisions impact both Samuel’s fate and the larger struggle for freedom, reinforcing the interconnectedness of his choices. By intertwining these narratives, the balance between saving a friend and fighting for a greater cause becomes a poignant exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexities of heroism.
This approach not only drives the story forward but also enriches the moral themes, ultimately leading to a powerful resolution that reflects the profound impact of friendship and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Question: What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Answer: In “Gods and Guardians II,” several themes were crucial to explore, each contributing to the depth and complexity of the narrative:
- Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between Arthur and Samuel serves as a cornerstone of the story. Their friendship showcases how deep connections can inspire individuals to act selflessly, even in the face of daunting challenges. This theme emphasizes the idea that true loyalty often requires difficult choices and sacrifices.
- Moral Dilemmas: The conflict between personal loyalty and the greater good is central to the plot. Arthur’s struggle to choose between saving his friend and liberating an oppressed planet highlights the complexities of morality and the weight of our decisions. This theme invites readers to reflect on their own values and the implications of their choices.
- Courage and Sacrifice: The characters are faced with situations that require bravery, not just in battle but in standing up for what is right. The willingness to sacrifice personal desires for the sake of others reinforces the notion that true heroism often lies in the courage to fight against injustice.
- Freedom and Oppression: The theme of freedom is explored through the plight of the enslaved human population. The story examines the consequences of oppression and the importance of fighting for one’s rights and dignity, allowing for a broader commentary on societal issues.
- Identity and Growth: As Arthur navigates his journey, he undergoes significant character development. The challenges he faces force him to confront his beliefs, values, and sense of self. This theme of personal growth illustrates how experiences shape individuals and lead to greater understanding and empathy.
These themes intertwine to create a rich narrative that resonates with readers, encouraging them to consider the complexities of friendship, morality, and the fight for justice.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, there will indeed be a follow-up novel to “Gods and Guardians II: Escape from Durgurrum,” titled “Gods and Guardians III,” set for release in 2026. This next installment will continue to delve into Arthur’s journey as he strives to fulfill his destiny.
In “Gods and Guardians III,” the story will focus on several key aspects:
- Training on the Elvish Homeworld: Arthur, Samuel, and Jared will undergo rigorous training on the Elvish homeworld, where they’ll learn not only combat skills but also the rich history and culture of the Elvish people. This training will challenge them physically and mentally, deepening their understanding of their roles in the larger conflict and preparing them for the trials ahead.
- Exploring Magical Powers: A significant focus of their training will be uncovering their own magical powers. As they delve into their abilities, they will learn about the unique gifts each of them possesses and how these powers can be harnessed in their fight against oppression. This exploration will also introduce them to the **Fellowship of the Trinity**, an ancient alliance that embodies the balance of magic, strength, and wisdom, guiding them in their journey.
- Arthur’s Family Plight: The narrative will also follow Arthur’s mother and sister as they navigate their journey to the Emerald Lake. Their storyline will highlight themes of survival, resilience, and the bonds of family, as they face their own set of challenges in a dangerous world. This parallel plotline will create tension and emotional stakes, connecting Arthur’s journey with that of his family.
- Confronting New Threats: As Arthur and his friends gain strength and knowledge, they will encounter new adversaries and obstacles that test their resolve. The emergence of these threats will heighten the urgency of their mission and force them to confront the darker forces at play in their universe.
- Exploration of Identity and Destiny: The book will delve deeper into Arthur’s character development, exploring his struggle with his identity and the weight of his destiny. As he trains and faces new challenges, he will grapple with what it truly means to be a hero and how his choices impact those he cares about.
- Themes of Sacrifice and Choice: Continuing from the previous book, the themes of sacrifice and moral choice will be further examined as characters make pivotal decisions that will affect their futures and the fate of their world.
Overall, “Gods and Guardians III” promises to expand the rich universe established in the earlier books while exploring new dimensions of character growth, magical discovery, family dynamics, and the complexities of heroism.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Leave Them a Legacy
The Tralls of Nindarry follows two ordinary children who, while visiting their grandparents, discover a hidden realm of magical beings called the Tralls and wind up on an epic quest. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Fantasy is a wonderful genre that exercises our brains and encourages us to think outside the box.
Young people today are often presented with a world facing shattering crises and heroes that save it by blowing up the invaders or performing dangerous and unbelievable stunts.
I wanted to introduce my readers to the beauty of nature and the dangers it faced. I also wanted them to realize they could be the heroes who save it for future generations to enjoy – not by engaging in incredible feats of daring or strength but by making small changes that could have a great impact.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
The tralldoms were modelled on Badu Island, where we once lived and where we were very happy.
The setting of this story is my beloved Mt Ninderry. A beautiful mountain, shaped like a resting lion, and filled with an abundance of Australia’s amazing flora and fauna.
Of course, I needed to change some facets of the setting to accommodate the plot as it developed.
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write The Tralls of Nindarry?
I was a classroom teacher for many years, and I took classes as well in Drama, Digital Storytelling, and Creative Writing.
I also enjoyed entertaining my classes with stories of the brave tralls fighting to save their ancestral lands, but I was always careful not to impinge on the myths and legends of the traditional residents.
When I retired, I became The Storyteller and entertained children with my themed stories both locally and internationally, and I realised that even in this digital age, children love to be told stories.
When I had my own grandchildren, I wanted to leave them a legacy, so I combined some of my stories into a book and based the main characters, Bella and Gemayn, on them.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
My stories are complete. There are five published books in the Trall Series:
The Tralls of Nindarry
The Tralls of Mundi
The Tralls of Maruchus
The Tralls of Colum
The Tralls of Nosa
Each one covers an environmental problem impacting our natural world.
I hope these books will make young people more aware of the beauty and importance of our precious flora and fauna, and encourage them to become real heroes by taking care of their own natural environment.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Suddenly, the tralls are forced to go to war to save their ancestral lands from the evil Mr. Handley and Gemayn and his grandmother are trapped in the tralldom. During their enforced stay, Gemayn uncovers a long-held secret that links his family to the tralls. Could it shatter the emerging friendship between Gemayn, Bella, and the tralls, or will it destroy the bonds of trust that have always existed between them and their beloved grandparents?
The Tralls of Nindarry, written by emerging author Gayle Torrens, is the first book in The Trall Series; a collection of five portal fantasies set in Australia. It explores the concepts of intergenerational relationships, trust, loyalty, self-confidence, and environmental issues.
In 2024, The Tralls of Nindarry was awarded a Golden Wizard Book Prize for a fantasy book written for eight to twelve-year-old readers.
It Was All In Brawl
The Visitors follow two shapeshifting aliens observing Earth, who are horrified by what they see and travel back in time to try and intervene and save humanity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a story about my pet Dax. Aa the story evolved and I added Ptoni the Pteranodon my brain wandered off on a tangent and I decided to follow the anti-religion direction.
Your characters are diverse: two alien shapeshifters, a Maine Coon, an Adelie penguin, a cow, and even a Pteranodon, all working together. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
It was an all in brawl. Each scene is written fly on the wall and the characters pretty much write themselves.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
As Ptoni says in the closing chapters “Religion Your time is up.”
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Clearing my desk of two new books. (Adult Fiction – very adult concepts) and then I’ll enjoy the fun of ” The Visitors Book 2. It will take a critical look at religion, but it will be from a different angle.
Author Links: Goodreads | X | Facebook | Website
LITERARY TITAN 