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A Relationship is a Team Sport
Sparks follows two former friends with unfinished business who wind up working together and navigating the complicated path from friendship to heartbreak to second chances. What inspired the idea for Olivia and Trevor’s story?
Sparks grew from a short story to a full-length novel because I ended up writing a story for my close friends to enjoy. Key elements of the book—like the long separation between Olivia and Trevor despite their chemistry—were inspired by a relationship I saw blossoming and flourishing over years. I think there’s something beautiful about the right person at the wrong time growing to becoming a person who’s the best fit for you no matter what time of life you find yourself in.
Olivia’s determination to solve every problem herself becomes one of her greatest challenges, while Trevor balances confidence with vulnerability in a way that makes him especially appealing. Which of the two characters proved more difficult to write?
Trevor, without a doubt. Trying to write a character who is a strong romantic lead while also seeming like a real person with charms and faults is a balancing act that can easily topple. Once I hit my stride with him, though. I LOVED writing Trevor’s chapters.
The novel presents love as something that can coexist with independence and ambition. Why was that idea important to you?
Independence and ambition doesn’t need to be crushed when entering into a relationship. Compromises might need to be made, sure, but to me, a great partner is one who sees your talents, your weaknesses, and says, “Hey, I want our lives to be about helping each other reach our individual goals together.”A relationship is a team sport.” Something that Olivia finds out in the book!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book is a workplace romance that is not a workplace romance. I don’t want to give too much away, but our main characters find themselves in a bind as they are immediately attracted to each other. Unfortunately, they also work together, and when you’ve got a strong sense of ethics, you don’t date your co-workers! Especially when there’s a power imbalance. There’s going to be a lot of yearning. On both sides. The book will be available next year!
Author Links: Instagram | Goodreads
This contemporary romance is a fast-paced, lighthearted read that stills manages to address issues women face today. The love story between Trevor and Olivia is one of second chances and allows room for both characters to mature and own up to past mistakes, letting readers see a grown-up romance that is both communicative and passionate. With instantaneous chemistry and vivid characters, readers will be drawn into this world and won’t be able to stop turning the pages.
Sparks
Laura DiNovis Berry’s Sparks is a contemporary second-chance romance about Olivia Stork and Trevor McCall, two fiercely competitive college friends whose chemistry finally boils over during their senior year. Olivia, convinced Trevor sees their night together as a casual hookup, retreats to the safety of her relationship with David. Trevor interprets her choice as rejection, and their friendship falls apart. Six years later, Olivia is struggling to save the accounting firm she inherited while hiding the collapse of her engagement. When she reluctantly asks Trevor, now a successful business coach, for help, their reunion brings old resentment, unfinished attraction, and a lot of sharp banter back to the surface. The novel’s two-part structure gives readers both the original misunderstanding and its long-term consequences, which makes the eventual reconciliation feel earned rather than convenient.
The strongest part of the book is Olivia’s emotional journey. She’s competent, funny, stubborn, and so determined to handle everything alone that she repeatedly makes her own life harder. Her reluctance to depend on anyone grows from grief, especially the loss of her mother, and the story treats that fear as more than a simple obstacle standing between her and Trevor. Olivia has to learn that accepting support doesn’t erase her independence. Trevor’s development complements hers nicely. He’s still charming and playful, but adulthood has given him enough self-awareness to recognize how badly he handled their college fallout. Their relationship works because they don’t just rediscover their attraction. They apologize, argue, collaborate, and gradually build a more honest version of the friendship they once had.
Readers of Emily Henry will recognize the mixture of clever dialogue, emotional baggage, and characters whose professional problems are tangled up with their romantic lives. Like Henry’s Book Lovers, Sparks pairs an ambitious heroine with a man who can challenge her without asking her to become smaller. Berry’s style is broader, raunchier, and more openly playful, with explicit sex scenes and a supporting cast that often pushes the comedy toward sitcom territory. The business-coaching plot also gives Olivia and Trevor a practical reason to spend time together, so their renewed intimacy develops through meetings, networking events, meals, exercise, and the small routines of everyday life. That ordinary closeness is where the romance becomes most convincing.
Sparks is a warm, spicy story about what happens when self-protection turns into isolation. The novel has a generous view of friendship, too. Olivia’s eventual confession to Annie and Megan is every bit as important as her reunion with Trevor, because admitting that she’s been struggling finally lets the people who love her show up for her. The ending wisely gives Olivia and Trevor a shared life that still leaves room for separate homes, careers, and an evolving timeline, rather than treating romance as the disappearance of every complication. It’s an affectionate, funny, emotionally candid romance with two flawed people who have plenty of chemistry but ultimately need trust, humility, and a second chance to make it last.
Pages: 222 | ISBN : 1644569159
The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp
In The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp: A Tale of Antyfas, by Laura Dinovis Berry, young Valentino—Tino to his friends—finds himself longing for excitement beyond the confines of his family’s farm. Life is predictable and dull until preparations for his older brother’s birthday party take a sharp turn for the unexpected. Upset when things go awry, Tino is lured by a mysterious gnome to an eerie party in the Nastgant Swamp, where he soon faces dangers he never imagined. With the help of newfound friends, Tino must summon all his courage and wit to protect his world from the malevolent forces lurking in the swamp.
This enchanting fairy tale, perfect for middle-grade readers, strikes a spooky but playful tone, delivering an adventure packed with danger yet avoiding overly graphic depictions of harm. Although the story touches on dark themes such as children being eaten, the narrative wisely keeps these moments off-page, making it accessible to younger audiences.
The creatures in the book, especially the Grickens, are wonderfully imagined and bring a sense of whimsy to the tale—particularly for readers familiar with life on a farm, as they bear an amusing resemblance to backyard hens. The trolls, Wonjin and Jinjin, are standout characters, defying expectations with their complexity and charm as the story progresses. One of the novel’s strongest elements is the central role of Tino’s family in the plot.
It’s refreshing to see a fantasy adventure where family bonds—from parents to aunts and uncles—are so integral to the story. This focus on familial relationships adds depth to the narrative, giving it a warm and heartfelt quality. In many ways, the tale feels like an elaborate, family-wide roleplaying adventure, conjuring nostalgic memories of childhood days spent exploring the woods. The story wraps up neatly, leaving readers both satisfied and eager to revisit the world of Antyfas in future adventures. The narrative is brimming with charm, and I’m eager to see future installments in this series.
The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp contains an engaging storyline, delightful characters, and heartwarming family dynamics. The book features fantasy violence and mild peril but remains suitable for readers aged 10 and up who enjoy a spooky yet lighthearted tale. Tino’s adventure is a perfect read-aloud story for a cozy evening by the fire, blending danger, friendship, and magical discovery into a vibrant and uniquely captivating fantasy.
Pages: 92 | ISBN : 978-1644565308
The Executioner of Yrecep Forest
The gripping tale of The Executioner of Yrecep Forest begins with two young brothers, Anicen and Capar. Forced by circumstances and their parents’ desperate wish for their safety, they venture into the ominously renowned Yrecep Forest, known to swallow its entrants whole, never to return them. They are soon taken under the wing of a mysterious woman, who is revealed to be part of an enigmatic coven that reveres the four Gods of Elements.
The narrative further unfolds with the introduction of Pesdari, a coven member who yearns for freedom, and her friend Thade, who harbors a dark ambition of immortality. The paths of the two diverge radically, leading us to anticipate: will Pesdari succeed in her quest for liberation?
This captivating saga had me riveted from its compelling start, where Anicen and Capar muster their courage to penetrate the treacherous Yrecep Forest, to its enthralling climax, where Pesdari emerges victorious, claiming her freedom and finding a new, accepting family after vanquishing Thade.
The author’s meticulous attention to detail, interweaving every scene with intricate narrative threads, engendered an immersive reading experience. I found it particularly intriguing when Pesdari uncovered Thade’s sinister experiments for immortality, a discovery that prompted her to extend her help to the two brothers, despite their unfamiliarity.
The poignant connection between Pesdari and Dowhas, the complex relationship between Pesdari and Thade, the fraternal bond shared by the two brothers, and the rapport Pesdari builds with them, all contribute to a rich tapestry of emotional narratives. This emotional spectrum is deftly navigated by the author, ensuring nothing is overly dramatized or underrepresented.
The novel achieves an impressive depth, with each character meticulously crafted, exhibiting their unique flair. From the mystique of the Yrecep Forest to the clandestine affairs of the coven, from the struggle for freedom to the thirst for immortality, The Executioner of Yrecep Forest is a literary feast for readers who appreciate intricacy, depth, and emotional resonance in their choice of literature.
Pages: 164 | ISBN: 1644566192
Death at Dusbar College
Death at Dusbar College: A Story of Antyfas by Laura DiNovis Berry is set in the magical world of Antyfas, where 11-year-old Christiano visits Dusbar college with his aunt Laura. Anxious to solve the Grand Magician’s riddle, he sets out on an intriguing adventure. While on his way to solving this riddle, he runs into interesting situations, from talking frogs to floating hats and magicians. Will Christiano be the lucky one to solve the riddle? You’ll have to dive right in to find out.
Author Laura DiNovis Berry has created a magical world with much thought, care, and precision that will captivate young readers’ minds. The author’s quirky imagination is expertly displayed on each page, making this magical realm come to life in the reader’s mind. Many parts in the book carry a theatrical appeal allowing the reader to clearly visualize the scenes and characters, almost like watching a movie. This book reminded me of Harry Potter but for younger readers and with a less complicated plot.
The author has done a great job captivating the essence of young children down to how they speak and act. The author’s writing is easy to follow along, and she makes this a fun and engaging read with magic and adventure. The author has packed great detail in a short story and images to accompany the chapters. The reader will find themselves rooting for Christiano, who is determined to solve the riddle despite all odds. I truly enjoyed Christiano’s charisma and confidence.
For parents and young readers looking for a fascinating read to take them on an enchanting adventure, this is the book for you. I highly recommend this whimsical read for middle schoolers fascinated by magic and mystery. You will have a great time exploring the world of Antyfas and the characters it contains.
Pages: 82 | ISBN : 1644564173
