Blog Archives
Bloodbound: Extreme Temperatures
Extreme Temperatures is a gritty and emotionally-charged supernatural novel that dives deep into the tumultuous life of Hunter, a vampire with a demon’s blood and a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. The story kicks off in a raucous biker bar, where Hunter’s thirst for blood, for identity, for understanding sets off a chain of events that unravel his past and ignite his inner turmoil. Alongside complex allies and lovers like Gibson and Kai, Hunter battles not just external enemies, but the firestorm erupting inside him as he begins to literally burn with the onset of his demon puberty. The narrative explores themes of identity, betrayal, found family, and the painful journey toward self-acceptance, with a cast of supernatural beings navigating loyalty and loss in a world that’s as violent as it is emotionally raw.
I enjoyed the writing style. It’s brash, fast, and pulsing with tension. The prose punches through scenes with vivid violence and palpable emotion. There’s blood, there’s sex, there’s fire—sometimes all at once. And somehow, it works. The balance between raw supernatural action and aching vulnerability is impressive. The characters don’t just react to their world; they bleed through it, and the world bleeds right back. Hunter is infuriating and lovable all at once. He’s damaged goods, and you feel every splinter. Even when he lashes out, you get it. You want to scream at him, then hug him, then scream again. And that, to me, is good storytelling.
The story isn’t for the faint of heart. It hits heavy emotional beats—abandonment, identity crisis, the scars of betrayal—and it does so while vampires are biting throats and werewolves are shifting mid-fight. At times, I found myself reeling, not because the plot was confusing (it’s actually paced very well), but because the emotional intensity rarely lets up. The stakes are always high, the emotions raw, the danger close. Still, the underlying themes hit home: what does it mean to be yourself when your origins are ripped away? How do you forgive someone who shattered you without meaning to? And how do you keep from burning the world down when you’re on fire inside?
Extreme Temperatures is a wild and heartfelt ride. It’s angry, it’s tender, it’s fierce, and it’s not interested in sugarcoating the path to healing. This is a book for readers who like their vampires with more bite than brooding, who crave supernatural drama that digs into the heart as much as it tears through flesh. If you enjoy character-driven stories where the monsters are just as broken as the humans they once were, this one’s for you.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0DZYQX31N
D.O.L Light Running Part 1
D.O.L: Light Running, Part 1 plunges the reader into a high-octane, emotionally-charged dystopian military drama that follows Lilly Lamberton—a fiery, sharp-tongued heroine entangled in government secrets, paramilitary organizations, and her own haunted past. The narrative starts in explosive fashion and rarely lets up, blending raw action with psychological depth. From secret missions and violent ambushes to quiet reflections on loss and identity, this book is both a survival story and a deeply personal coming-of-age saga, set in a world cracking at the seams.
Jason Logan Maxwell writes like he’s trying to outpace a storm—fast, punchy, and relentless. The dialogue is witty, often hilarious, and refreshingly grounded. Characters feel alive because they’re flawed, they fight dirty, and they bleed. The pacing is intense, almost breathless at times, and while that energy keeps the story charging forward, it does leave some emotional moments a bit rushed. Still, when the book slows down, it doesn’t lose power—it hits harder. The flashbacks, the trauma, the tenderness buried under tough exteriors—they all ring painfully true. There’s something raw and human beneath the sci-fi military veneer, and it pulled me in more than I expected.
The book doesn’t shy away from the gritty or the grotesque. Some of the backstory, especially the POW sequences, are harrowing, borderline horrific. But it wasn’t gore for gore’s sake. It served a purpose. It gave weight to the trauma these characters carry. And Lilly—god, Lilly. She’s tough, smart, impulsive, and deeply broken. Watching her navigate betrayals, boot camp, and blackmail was riveting. She’s someone I rooted for fiercely, even when she messed up. She doesn’t ask for your sympathy—she earns it. The book also isn’t afraid to call out military systems, toxic leadership, and blind patriotism. It’s bold in the best way.
Light Running isn’t just an action novel, it’s a gut-punch of a character study dressed in tactical gear. It’s perfect for readers who like their stories gritty, their characters layered, and their themes heavy. If you enjoy works like The Hunger Games or Codename Villanelle but crave a sharper edge and darker truths, this book is for you. Be warned: it’s a wild ride with sharp turns. But if you can hang on, it’s worth every second.
Pages: 194 | ASIN : B0DN85DM2K
The Dancer and the Swan
The Dancer and the Swan follows Pauline Swanson, a 53-year-old woman navigating grief, memory, faith, and forgiveness after the loss of her father. Volunteering with hospice to find purpose, Pauline meets Ms. Deborah Deneaux, a former marketing executive who was also an exotic dancer in her younger days. Through their interactions, a deeply human story unfolds, one filled with aching memories, social history, and the slow, jagged process of healing. The novel moves between present moments and deeply personal flashbacks that reveal the raw wounds and surviving hope inside both women.
What struck me immediately was the brutal honesty of the narrator’s voice. Pauline isn’t polished or heroic, she’s messy, grieving, sarcastic, and too real to ignore. Her dry wit had me grinning at odd moments, especially when she says, “My brain…holds fast to its mental age of thirty. Meanwhile, my parched and brittle soul often feels a thousand years old.” That’s not just good writing; that’s painfully funny truth. The early chapters, especially Pauline’s first visit with Ms. Deneaux, had a rhythm to them, like jazz. You feel out of step at first, and then suddenly you’re right in sync.
Deborah Deneaux, the “Dancer” of the title, is unforgettable. Her story, growing up Creole in New Orleans, dancing on segregated TV, losing her brother to Vietnam, is so layered and rich, it honestly could have been its own book. I was haunted by the line, “DeeDee was finally following in Ruby’s steps and realizing how little it felt heroic and how much it just felt humiliating.” That hit hard. It’s a gut punch, wrapped in grace and rhythm. And Peters doesn’t shy away from America’s ugly history he folds it gently but firmly into Deborah’s story, never preachy, always powerful.
This book doesn’t flinch from pain, real, personal, intimate pain. Pauline’s recounting of her sexual abuse by a priest was heartbreaking and handled with careful, earned weight. And yet, somehow, the story doesn’t drown in that sorrow. It balances on the thin line between despair and redemption. When Pauline says, “The chip doesn’t belong to me. My faith, my God, gave me the strength I lacked,” I teared up. That’s the quiet kind of strength this book celebrates, not the loud, cinematic kind, but the sort you build slowly in AA meetings, church pews, and awkward conversations over pralines.
In the end, this book left me full, like a long talk with a friend who doesn’t sugarcoat anything but loves you anyway. The prose has the rhythm of lived experience. Sometimes it meanders, sometimes it cuts sharp. It’s not perfect, and it shouldn’t be.
I’d recommend The Dancer and the Swan to anyone who’s lost someone, been broken by something, or is just trying to make sense of the mess of being alive. It’s for readers who want stories that dig deep and don’t let go. If you’ve ever sat in the dark with a stranger and somehow felt seen, this one’s for you.
Pages: 491 | ISBN 979-8-9985884-0-2
Magnanotron: The Evolution
Magnanotron: The Evolution is a high-octane military thriller that fuses emotional personal drama with futuristic warfare and global political tension. The story picks up with Commander Jason Patrick mourning the loss of his father, then launches into a series of global threats, from Houthi pirates and Venezuelan gang takeovers in the U.S., to clandestine nuclear plots in Iran. Saniscalchi weaves the development of a cutting-edge shielding tech, Magnanotron, into the narrative, as a team of elite soldiers employs it to battle terrorism, defend American ideals, and even toy with the fringes of science fiction as it hints at invisibility and teleportation. It’s part tech-thriller, part military adventure, with a strong sense of duty and brotherhood throughout.
The story opens on a somber note, Jason grappling with grief after his father’s passing, and that thread never really lets go. I appreciated this blend of heart and action. It made the stakes feel personal. Jason’s loyalty to family mirrors his commitment to his team and country. At times, the writing leaned on exposition and direct dialogue, which occasionally dulled the impact of high-tension moments. But it was clear that Saniscalchi cares deeply about his characters and the men and women in uniform they represent. There’s a sincerity in his storytelling that makes even the more predictable beats feel grounded.
From a writing standpoint, the style is straightforward, brisk, and often cinematic. That works well for the genre, especially in the battle scenes. The action sequences, particularly the rescue mission in Gallo and the Magnanotron-enhanced assaults, are sharp and vivid. But what really gave me pause was the science fiction angle: the accidental disappearance and reappearance of a test subject hinted at teleportation or cloaking technology. That twist caught me off guard, in the best way. I wish it had been explored more fully. It’s like the story flirted with going full sci-fi but held back to stay in familiar military-thriller territory. Still, it added a spark of the unexpected.
Magnanotron: The Evolution is a fast-paced and action-heavy read that doesn’t forget the human element. It’s for fans of military fiction, especially those who enjoy stories rooted in current geopolitical tensions with a dash of speculative tech. If you like your heroes tough but principled, your missions bold, and your plot with enough grit to keep the pages turning, this book is for you.
Pages: 133 | ASIN : B0DZV7Q65J
Educate Readers
Jigsaw: Powder Keg flips between timelines, ancient Persia, WWI and WWII Europe, post-Holocaust Italy, 1950s Alabama, and even Victorian England, while weaving together a massive, complex tale of shadowy global conspiracies, time travel, and supernatural battles. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
I wanted to write a book that especially focused on the events leading up to Pre World War One not normally dealt with in great detail in general high school history textbooks. Jigsaw Powder Keg, like all my books, is designed to appeal to and educate readers from mature middle school level on up. The other historical and religious/mythological events covered in the book like those in Ancient Persia, Post Holocaust Italy, and 1950’s Alabama are also not regularly known and I wanted readers to be aware as well as see our major characters in action. The scene with the time-traveling dog, Nicki, uncovering the identity of Jack the Ripper, was kind of a back in pilot to my Adventures of Moly: Time Traveling Dog series.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
Great question. I generally outline the chapters and map the action sequences out before writing the first draft. For me, dialog is also a great mover of the action. I am also greatly aided by a very good line editor, Natalie Bavar, who is a great partner in smoothing out and polishing these scenes.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
That the photographer, Gordon Parks, who was being persecuted in 1950’s Alabama was not widely known. I actually found out about him while doing a reading activity with second graders in the elementary school where I am an Instructional Assistant and I thought after reading about him that this would make a great scene in the book with the Antonia and Rene characters.
Another area that kind of surprised me was that the Italian-Libyan War revealed to other powers at the time that the Ottoman Empire was truly “The Sick Man of Europe” and Italy’s defeat of it motivated other powers like Serbia to take advantage of that situation in the resulting Balkan Wars which also led to World War One.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Temporal Guardian Foundation and the direction of the next book?
The next two books in this story arc are out. The first is Jigsaw Sonora which deals with our time-traveling heroes thwarting an attempt by Global Harmony to take the United States out of World War One by staging a border war, an attack on Wall Street, and a Zeppelin bombing raid over Tucson with a bioweapon. The second, Jigsaw Shadow Ball deals with the Guardians saving the creation of The Negro Leagues and the integration of Major League Baseball with Larry Doby and the Cleveland Indians. The final book in this arc, Jigsaw: Temporal Apocalypse is coming out in 2026 and will deal with the end of World War One in Bulgaria and the post-war conflicts and incidents in Russia/Poland and Fiume.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Novus Ordo has not given up on its Mission to Shape Reality In its Neo-Fascist Image
Working with the Novus Ordo organization from the beginning of the Twentieth Century, they have launched Operation Powder Keg, an attempt to steer the course of World War One to their benefit.
But they did not factor in the involvement of Ahriman, the Devil who sees this as an opportunity to finally remake the world in his image.
They also did not consider the intervention of Francesca, Mariah, Noah, Bonomi, and other members of the newly formed Temporal Guardian Foundation.
Now the heroes from the Jigsaw Universe must race across 1903 Serbia, 1911 Italy, 1913 Macedonia, 1914 Sarajevo, and the Ancient Middle East to stop the plans of Novus Ordo and the Devil…
And save existence.
A Visceral Story
The Reckoning of Jason is a harrowing thriller about a grieving father-turned-hitman who uncovers he’s been a pawn in a far more personal and devastating game than he ever realized. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My main inspiration for this story was my desire to see the typical ‘bad guy’ character win.
Instead of hating the bad guy, I wanted the readers to connect, understand and sympathise with the character of Jason. To feel that Jason’s justifications were the right thing to do.
Jason’s emotional and moral unraveling feels incredibly visceral. Was there a particular process or personal experience that helped you shape his descent?
When writing a visceral story, I embody each character’s personality separately. I begin by writing the complete story from Jason’s perspective before moving on to the secondary and tertiary characters.
I like to draw each character’s intense psychological aspects thoroughly before creating unexpected twists that catch readers off guard.
I like my readers to be completely immersed in the story, hanging on every word.
What drives me is the feeling of pulling someone into a world they can’t look away from, a world that stays with them long after the last page.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The central theme I wanted to cover in this book was how everyone can be one bad situation away from losing everything. How your life can unravel and turn you into someone you don’t recognise instantly, through no fault of your own.
I also wanted to cover loss in its many forms and how grief can control and take over every aspect of your life, from the loss of a person to the loss of a job or the loss of what you imagined your life would be. The heightened extremes of emotions that are felt are transformative.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have recently published a book called The Witch’s Name, which is based on a woman who was killed as a witch during the English witch trials in 1561. This is out now.
The past never truly dies… especially when it shares your name.
Ursula Southeil, a university student researching the English witch trials, never expected her work to feel so personal. But when she stumbles upon a centuries-old diary detailing the brutal torture of a suspected witch who shares her name—and her physical deformity—she is compelled to find out more.
Is too much knowledge a good thing?
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Dark, brutal, and relentless, The Reckoning of Jason is a psychological thriller that explores morality, vengeance, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Mysterious Stranger
Inescapable follows a 17-year-old boy dreaming of escaping his small-town life, whose life takes a strange turn when a vampire and a witch move into town, and bodies start mysteriously piling up. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I find small towns intriguing because everyone knows everyone – and everyone talks about everyone. It’s like a soap opera. It can be great because there usually is a sense of community, but if you don’t fit in it can also be very lonely. When I was Dylan’s age – and I think it’s the same for most teenagers – I always felt like an outsider in my small town and I desperately wanted to leave. I loved stories about teenagers befriending the mysterious stranger who had just moved to town and turns out to be a vampire or a witch. But it got me thinking… What if – unlike in most YA vampire stories – the newcomer isn’t the good guy?
In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
As I said I’m from a small town. It is not as remote as Berlin, New Hampshire in Inescapable but everyone knows everyone there as well. I’m also really lucky to have an amazing mom – just like Dylan. We don’t have the same dynamic as Susan and Dylan, but I drew from my relationship with my mom to paint a convincing picture of Dylan’s.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the concept of the vampire as an outsider – someone on the fringes of society who lives by their own rules – and what happens when they meet a human outsider. The concept of “monster” in general is something that I dive into in the book as well. What makes a monster? Who is the good guy, who’s the bad guy?
Friendship and family are an important topic, too. Who are we without the people who love us? And can we choose our own family?
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The next book will dive deeper into the vampire lore of the Immortal-Blood-Gift-universe. You’ll meet new characters and Dylan will face new challenges. I can’t really say much more without spoiling Inescapable. So go ahead and read it!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Amazon
As bodies start piling up, each one more gruesome than the last, the town suspects a wild animal is to blame. But Dylan’s world is turned upside down when he learns that Marie is a vampire and Molly, the daughter of his mother’s new boyfriend, is a witch who believes Marie is responsible for the murders.
As Dylan finds himself drawn deeper into the supernatural world, he must make a choice: embrace the darkness within or fight for his humanity. But with a bloodthirsty monster on the loose and no way to return to his old life, Dylan’s decision may already be made for him.
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Set against the backdrop of 1980s horror, “Inescapable” is a chilling coming-of-age tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you enjoyed “Stranger Things,” you’ll love this thrilling tale of magic, monsters, and self-discovery.
Don’t miss out on this gripping read.
Surprising Directions
Sweet Ridge Hearts follows a New York marketing executive whose boyfriend steals her idea and promotion, leading her to move in with her cousin in a small town, where she rediscovers herself and finds a new chance at love. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to show how the big, city life isn’t always what it’s hyped up to be. I also wanted to thread a story for Katy and Christine, so Christine could have her happily-ever-after too. Christine had already fallen in love in Book One, but I needed to resolve the long-distance relationship. So, that’s when I created Katy, her cousin, who embarks on her own journey in the small town of Maple Ridge and became my protagonist.
I enjoyed the romantic relationship between Katy and Derek; it is not a whirlwind passion-filled fling, but rather a slow-building and relatable connection. How did their relationship develop while you were writing it? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to take it, or was it organic?
I knew they both had to grow and evolve in order to be open to a new relationship. I knew what their flaws were and had some ideas of how they would work together, but often things appear organically. That’s what I love about writing—the way characters can take the writer in surprising directions.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My dad was a Vet, and I wanted to show how we need to support our troops better when they return home with PTSD. I wanted to show his healing process. And for Katy, I wanted to encourage readers to follow their dreams, even when it’s scary to face our fears in doing so. I’m a big believer that dreams do come true.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is another small-town, sweet romance being published by The Wild Rose Press, called Forever Kind of Love. We are in the editing trenches now and don’t have a release date yet. I imagine it will be the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Yet even in country-quiet Maple Ridge, Katy’s skills can be useful, and she’s prepared to jump in to help Christine win a competition for her Sweet Ridge Bakery. What she’s not prepared for is handsome bakery manager Derek Higgins.
A veteran dealing with the aftermath of PTSD, Derek is a lone wolf, and he likes it that way. Being forced to work with a spirited businesswoman and her healthy ego is a challenge every step of the way. But the stakes are too high for him to give up helping his boss.
As the competition heats up, so does the chemistry with Katy—until she’s offered a new job in another city. Now she has to decide whether to take a risk and start her own company, or become the creative director of a new, successful firm, which is everything she ever wanted. At the same time, Derek must face his own issues when personal tragedy wraps him in survivor’s guilt, leaving him unable to forgive himself for past actions.
While Derek seeks to heal the wounds of a haunting past, and Katy searches for the courage to face her fears and forge a new path, what will become of their relationship?
LITERARY TITAN 