Blog Archives
Discovering Who We Truly Are
In Crystal Iris, an art history professor is forced to confront some uncomfortable truths and embarks on a journey of self-discovery after receiving a gift from her late mother on her thirtieth birthday. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I don’t remember the exact moment or how the idea first came to me, but I’ve been toying with it for nearly a decade. I wanted to write a book where magic isn’t something you’re born with, or only granted to the exceptionally gifted. Instead, it’s something anyone can acquire, as long as they find the right object.
Do you have a favorite scene in this story? One that was especially enjoyable to craft?
My favorite moment in the story is actually the ending—it marks the beginning of a new chapter for the main character. Her decision at that point reveals so much about who she truly is.
There is so much to be said about love in this book. What do you hope your readers take away from your story?
At its core, Crystal Iris is a story about self-love. It’s about discovering who we truly are when confronted with life’s challenges.
Is this the beginning of a series? What can readers look forward to reading from you next?
Yes, book 2 is coming soon!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Book Review
Professor Iris De Loughery’s life takes an unexpected turn on the night of her thirtieth birthday. A mysterious gift from her estranged father shatters her understanding of reality, propelling her on a journey of self-discovery alongside a dive into the spectral unknown. As she grapples with her shifting relationships, the Harvard art history professor’s challenges intensify when she crosses paths with Hoyt, another prism possessor. Navigating her newfound feelings will be the least of her worries in this captivating series.
Crystal Iris
Blair M. Shadows’ Crystal Iris: Book One delivers a compelling romance woven with threads of mystery and magic, set against the contrasting backdrops of Boston and Montana. The narrative follows Iris De Loughery, an art history professor at Harvard, who finds herself at a crossroads in both her personal and emotional life. Recently engaged to her long-time partner, Aaron, Iris reluctantly moves in with him despite mounting issues in their relationship. Bound by years of history but burdened by stagnation, she struggles to confront the uncomfortable truths that have been lurking in the shadows of their partnership. On her thirtieth birthday, Iris receives an enigmatic necklace—a gift from her late mother, who passed away during Iris’s childhood. This unexpected artifact stirs something within her, awakening a sense that her life has yet to truly begin. Enter Hoyt Locklear, a charismatic stranger who prompts Iris to question the trajectory of her future, including her impending marriage. What unfolds is a journey of self-discovery, underscored by the mystery of the prisms—magical objects that Iris and Hoyt must decipher together.
One of the novel’s standout features is the gradual unveiling of the prisms’ magic. The author skillfully immerses the reader in the same sense of curiosity and experimentation experienced by the characters. As Iris and Hoyt work through the prisms’ capabilities via trial and error, the reader’s understanding evolves alongside theirs. This parallel discovery process deepens the connection to the narrative and adds an air of authenticity to the fantastical elements. Interestingly, the prisms manifest unique powers for each character, creating opportunities for collaboration and individual growth.
Another delightful aspect of the book lies in its thoughtful integration of art and academia. Each chapter opens with a quote about art, reflecting Iris’s profession and adding depth to her character. These thematic nods to her expertise create a nuanced interplay between her professional identity and personal transformation. The story’s conclusion leaves readers on edge with a tantalizing cliffhanger, compelling enough to spark anticipation for the sequel as Iris ventures into the unknown with Hoyt, leaving behind the confines of her past.
In the early chapters, I think some details could be expanded to help fully immerse the reader in the story. For instance, the nature of the characters’ relationships with Iris is introduced but could be clarified more immediately, and while her birthday is mentioned, her age is not specified. Additionally, some of Iris’s flashbacks, though offering insights into her past, might feel somewhat tangential, as their connection to the plot isn’t always clear. Around the midpoint of the book, the pacing slows slightly due to a lengthy series of text exchanges between Iris and Hoyt. I felt that these conversations could be streamlined to maintain the narrative’s momentum and keep readers engaged.
Crystal Iris: Book One is an intriguing blend of romance, mystery, and self-exploration. The story’s magic system, artistic motifs, and emotional depth make it a memorable read. Blair M. Shadows has crafted a world that invites readers to explore the delicate balance between duty and desire, comfort and adventure. With its cliffhanger ending, the book leaves just enough unresolved to make the second installment in the series a highly anticipated continuation.
Pages: 344 | ASIN : B0DML3H13M
The Secret: A Steamy Second Chance Romance (The Techboys Series Book 3)
Eve M. Riley’s The Secret takes readers on a global journey as Lisa and Dan’s story unfolds, unearthing profound secrets along the way. Lisa, a woman with a complicated history with men, has always been guarded and hesitant to embrace new possibilities. That changes when she meets Dan Anderson, a mesmerizing and mysterious volunteer in Africa. Drawn to him despite her difficulty with long-term commitments, she finds herself entangled in a deepening relationship. As they grow closer, Lisa realizes that Dan holds secrets that could dramatically alter their dynamics. While she seeks answers about him, she keeps her own secrets hidden.
This much-awaited third installment in the Techboys series stands as a pinnacle in the romance genre. Riley narrates the story with a compelling and light-hearted tone, engaging the audience much like she did in the first two books. Unlike its predecessors, this novel has the characters traveling around the world, allowing the author to explore various facets of realism and craft a narrative that is both heartfelt and sensational. Despite being categorized as contemporary romance, The Secret offers so much more. The book features an incredible cast, from the protagonists, Lisa and Dan, to the side characters, each adding depth and a sense of realism to the story. Suspense and mystery are intricately woven into the plot, keeping readers hooked until the very end. Elements of sexual content and dark romance are present but are clearly outlined in the trigger warnings.
The Secret is a compelling and heartfelt addition to Eve M. Riley’s Techboys series. With engaging characters and a plot rich in suspense and mystery, the novel keeps readers hooked until the very end. Riley masterfully blends elements of romance, realism, and adventure as Lisa and Dan journey around the world, uncovering secrets that deepen their relationship. The well-crafted narrative and the depth of the supporting cast add layers of authenticity to the story. Fans of contemporary romance and new readers alike will find themselves eagerly anticipating what Eve M. Riley has in store next.
Pages: 298 | ASIN : B0CLN8RCZX
Intrigued With the Afterlife
Dream Lover follows three best friends navigating the chaos of life who, while looking for romance, encounter the paranormal and the lines between mortal and the afterlife start to blur. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One morning I awoke with the beginnings of a series filling my head. I had a small novel with Harper Collins years ago that my editor sliced and diced, so this time I decided to self-publish my books to keep the storylines intact. Being a clairvoyant empath, I know much about the paranormal world, making it easier to write about. Sitting at my laptop the prologue emerged and soon I was typing quickly. The storyline changes a lot as I progress, and thank goodness for the delete button.
I am lucky that I have enough ideas to write a series. I have no respect for people who hire ghostwriters. Writing is my greatest joy is writing, and I would be lost without it.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
Even when I plan the novel’s direction, it constantly changes as more of the book emerges. Midway through Dream Lover, I developed the character of Arianna as a guardian angel, and my imagination took flight. Now, I am most proud of the woman she has become in book two in the series, Arianna’s Story, to be released later this year.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The book’s background is the friendship between the three best friends that never wavers no matter what is happening in their lives. I wanted the readers to learn about the paranormal world, and I became intrigued with the afterlife, which is so vital to my books. A sociopath emerged with a background that surprised me, and I am the writer! I used a trigger warning for the particular villain, and it has added a layer of darkness the book needs.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
I am editing and rewriting Arianna’s Story and I am on chapter 24 which has over 60 chapters, but I am sure it will be available this year on KDP Amazon. Arianna was such an intriguing character the book became a time travel with past lives and reincarnation. The most astonishing part was I stumbled upon a heartbreaking real-life Hollywood mystery from the 1940’s. I included two famous actors in the book and gave them the happy ending they deserved. Book two will be around 500 pages and includes LBGTQ life and Fentanyl addiction.
The paranormal world eventually expands into sci-fi, and it entails reincarnation and past lives. My characters, which include the Dream Lover cast and their pets, meet exciting new characters and villains. I take the readers from the glamorous Hollywood of the 1940s to the afterlife and back to urban NYC. I have grown tremendously as a writer, and I hope this continues with book three.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Ali, Lizzie, and Suzanne are best friends through thick and thin – even when reality turns to utter chaos. Inexplicably, Ali knows her neurotic and witty friend Lizzie cannot step onto the elevator in her building for fear of certain death because Ali has suddenly become psychic and more. Meanwhile, the hopeful and overly trusting Suzanne picks the wrong man and experiences the unimaginable life after death.
Enter Fred, a mischievous, verbose young Sulphur-crested cockatoo that steals the limelight with his insatiable obsession with Cheez Doodles and his toddler-like ways that have readers begging for more Fred the cockatoo. All hell breaks loose when Fred decides to mate with Ali and builds them a nest.
Ghosts and angels run amok, and the line between the mortal world and the afterlife becomes blurred. Ghosts wish they were human once more, and the characters in Dream Lover have to deal with the fallout as their two worlds delightfully collide.
Prepare yourself for a fantastical journey packed with laughter, tears, and soulmate love with the right men. Learn if ghosts can metamorphose and become human, is astral projection dangerous, and much more about the world of the paranormal.
Finding Common Ground
Whispers in the Vineyard follows a woman looking to learn more about her heritage and winemaking who falls in love with the son of a rival family. What inspired the setup of your story?
Whispers in the Vineyard draws inspiration from a rich textile of sources, combining elements of classic romantic literature, the time-honored tradition of vineyard cultivation, and the vibrant cultural heritage of Ghana. The central theme of the story—rival families with a complicated history finding common ground through the younger generation is a twist that highlights reconciliation and cooperation instead of tragedy.
The novel also taps into the universal appeal of returning to one’s roots. The protagonist (Loom)’s journey to learn more about her heritage and the art of winemaking serves as a metaphor for exploring one’s identity and reconciling with one’s past. This theme resonates deeply in a global context where many seek to reconnect with and understand their cultural backgrounds. Additionally, the setting in a vineyard is particularly symbolic. Vineyards, which require patience, careful cultivation, and a deep understanding of the land, parallel the process of nurturing relationships and building communities. They are places where nature meets human craft, where each season brings new challenges and opportunities for growth—much like the personal and communal growth experienced by the characters in the novel.
Lastly, the choice to set the story in Ghana—with its rich history, diverse cultures, and beautiful landscapes—provides a backdrop that enriches the narrative with authenticity and a sense of place. It allows the story to delve into specific cultural practices, particularly those surrounding agriculture and communal living, that shape the characters’ lives and the plot’s development.
Overall, the setup of Whispers in the Vineyard was inspired by a desire to weave together themes of love, heritage, and personal growth within the evocative setting of a Ghanaian vineyard, offering readers a story of enduring human connections forged in the face of historical rivalries.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
For characters in a novel like Whispers in the Vineyard, emotions such as longing, redemption, and reconciliation are often inspired by universal human experiences. These emotions are frequently explored in literature and reflect common human conditions—struggling with one’s identity, resolving past conflicts, seeking understanding and common ground, and experiencing the growth that comes from overcoming challenges.
Moreover, the emotions and journeys that characters like Loom and Feika experience can be modeled on real-life stories of heritage discovery, the complexities of family legacies, and the passionate pursuit of personal and professional dreams. The backdrop of a vineyard adds a layer of connection to the land and a tradition that many readers might find evocative and grounding. Thus, while the characters and their emotions are fictional, they are constructed to echo real human feelings and developments, not the author’s personal life, making them accessible and engaging for readers who may see reflections of their own lives and struggles within these stories.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In Whispers in the Vineyard, several themes were pivotal to enrich the narrative and offer depth to the reader’s experience. Here are some of the key themes explored in the book:
1. Heritage and Legacy: The book delves into the significance of understanding and embracing one’s heritage. Loom’s journey into the world of winemaking is not just about learning to manage a vineyard but also about connecting with her ancestral roots and the legacy left by her family. This theme underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and how it shapes individual identity.
2. Reconciliation and Forgiveness: The theme of overcoming historical rivalries and personal grievances is central to the novel. The story explores how Loom and Feika navigate their initial animosity and the broader family feud to find common ground. Their journey toward reconciliation serves as a metaphor for healing and building new futures on the foundation of forgiven pasts.
3. Community and Unity: The story highlights the strength and resilience of community bonds. As Loom and Feika work together to revitalize the vineyards, they also strive to unite the community of Domeabra. The book celebrates how collective efforts and shared goals can lead to substantial communal growth and harmony.
4. Love and Partnership: Loom and Feika’s romantic love intertwines with their professional partnership, showing how relationships can evolve from rivalry to deep affection and mutual respect. This theme is explored in the context of personal and professional growth, illustrating how love can drive change and achievement.
5. Connection to the Land: The vineyard itself is almost a character in the story, representing a deep connection to the land that sustains the community. This theme explores how the land shapes the lives of the characters and serves as a legacy that ties generations together. It also reflects on the challenges and rewards of working closely with nature.
6. Resilience and Adaptation: The characters’ ability to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome challenges is a recurring theme. The novel showcases how resilience, often nurtured through adversity, is crucial for both personal growth and community survival.
7. The Power of Stories: Throughout the novel, stories play a crucial role in preserving history, teaching lessons, and bringing people together. The theme of storytelling is celebrated as a means of passing on wisdom, maintaining cultural identity, and strengthening bonds within the community.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently writing a romance novel. As I fine-tune the elements of these stories, considering various factors that will shape their final forms, I will soon decide on the final title and when it will reach my readers. I eagerly look forward to sharing this news with my fans. Stay tuned for updates and teasers that I hope will whet your appetite for the romantic journeys ahead!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Despite their intermittent clashes, Loom and Feika’s mutual passion for winemaking and respect for tradition kindled a romance that blossomed amidst the challenges they faced. The discovery of family diaries unveiled a history of love and conflict. Nevertheless, that discovery laid the groundwork for understanding, healing, and love.
Bravely confronting the past, Loom and Feika collaborated to unite their vineyards. Their journey, marked by innovation, resilience, and community support, transformed their rivalry into a partnership that revitalized the vineyards and became the heartbeat of Domeabra.
They ultimately got married and were blessed with a baby girl, Loombik. The novel culminates in a grand celebration of the vineyard’s success, symbolizing the power of unity and the enduring bonds of love. They experienced the transformative power of forgiveness and the beauty of a shared vision woven into the rich embroidery of Ghanaian culture.
Camino to Love
Camino to Love by Yolanda Elso-Ponzo is a contemporary Romance set against the backdrop of the 2010 World Cup. While going through her deceased father’s belongings, twenty-five-year-old Lily Harrison discovers an envelope bursting with cash in his closet, alongside a heartfelt note asking her to take his dream trip to Spain. Hesitant at first, Lily decides to honor her father’s last wish and travels to Pamplona with her friend, Jade. As she steps into the vibrant tapestry of Pamplona’s festivities and the exhilarating fervor of the World Cup, she crosses paths with Miguel, a man whose complexity seems to both intrigue and repel her.
Yolanda Elso-Ponzo’s exceptional writing shines through in the vivid portrayal of the San Fermin festival and the charged ambiance of the World Cup football. Through her adept use of descriptive language, she captures the essence of these vibrant events by skillfully interweaving sensory details and dynamic imagery, enabling readers to immerse themselves in the pulsating energy and cultural richness of the setting.
Camino to Love offers a leisurely-paced narrative that provides a refreshing break from typical suspenseful stories and the traditional tropes of Insta Love romance novels. It allows readers to immerse themselves at a gentle pace, making it a unique reading experience.
The characters leave an impact and pass along valuable lessons on love, family, friendship, culture, and sacrifices. Despite the exasperating nature of Miguel and Lily’s tumultuous push-and-pull dynamic, the provided context allows for a deeper understanding of their emotional journey, fostering empathy and a more profound connection with the intricacies of their relationship. It is a captivating read that caters to enthusiasts of contemporary romance novels with a cultural backdrop and those interested in the nuanced development of slow-burn romances.
Pages: 138 | ASIN : B0CHBD3L6V
LITERARY TITAN 