Blog Archives
The Empath’s Second Chance
Dive into the interstellar expanse of love and rebirth with The Empath’s Second Chance. This captivating blend of Sci-fi MM Romance introduces readers to the complex relationship between the passionate human, Sylas Hayes, and the enigmatic Kyphomi alien, Ksa’in.
The Kyphomi, distinguished by their luxuriantly long hair and impressive stature—greater than that of humans—are peaceful inhabitants of a distant planet, boasting lifespans of up to 200 years. Their empathetic nature sets the tone for this poignant tale.
As the narrative unfolds, Sylas grapples with memories of Davon Pax, a past love interest who abandoned him for an alien named Tulq’on. Ksa’in, similarly, is on a path of self-reflection and healing. Their fates take a dramatic turn when Sylas is abducted by the Vraik aliens and placed on the fiery planet Evis, teeming with its distinctive lizards and furry inhabitants. But amid this chaos, Ksa’in emerges as a beacon of hope.
Author Sidonie Savage tells a riveting romance story set against a backdrop of spaceships, unique creatures, and alien worlds. The story is enriched by the interwoven perspectives of Sylas and Ksa’in, as well as the inclusion of Tira, Sylas’s dear friend. This triad of views offers an immersive experience into the characters’ emotions and challenges.
As the follow-up to The Empath’s Lover, this novel is the second entry in the tantalizing Kyphomi Empath’s series. While catering to a niche audience, it seamlessly marries elements of erotic romance and science fiction. Intended for mature readers, the book includes several artfully crafted erotic sequences.
In The Empath’s Second Chance, Sidonie Savage seamlessly interweaves the allure of science fiction with the passions of romance, creating a universe that both captivates the mind and touches the heart.
Pages: 282 | ASIN : B0CGR4C8PY
Evolved: Aether Rising
In Evolved, penned by Patrick Roberts, we are taken on a thrilling journey alongside the protagonist, Pahras Rowe, as he grapples with his identity and the turmoil of returning to his former life. Different and challenging circumstances await him, as the DISA agency, with whom he once collaborated, is now pursuing individuals like him, known as Evos. The stakes are further heightened when Pahras discovers that those closest to him, including the love of his life, have been captured, setting the stage for an exhilarating rescue mission.
Roberts crafts a rich tapestry of intrigue and excitement that seems to draw inspiration from iconic comic universes, blending elements reminiscent of Marvel’s X-Men with the dynamism of the DC world. The result is an innovative fusion that excites the reader’s imagination, encapsulating the very best of superhero storytelling. The cliffhanger conclusion of this first installment leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter, a testament to Roberts’ ability to enthrall his audience.
Character development is another compelling aspect of Evolved. Pahras is a character with depth and complexity, though, at times, his decision-making can be frustrating. For instance, I think the handling of his original powers could be more judicious, and his interactions with the character Xian regarding his new abilities seemed a bit lacking. Though one can argue that these may have been intentional choices by the author to depict Pahras’ growth, a bit more clarity could have provided more insight into his character’s development.
The relationships in the novel add warmth to an otherwise action-packed narrative. The bond between Pahras and his uncle Gerald is depicted with sincerity and nuance, and the broken yet touching connection with his father, Solomon, adds layers to Pahras’ character. The support they provide highlights the novel’s theme of family and connection amidst the chaos.
Roberts’ adept handling of action scenes contributes to the novel’s gripping pace. The interspersing of intimate moments with loved ones amidst the thrilling action sequences brings a welcome contrast, enhancing the reader’s engagement. I would have liked to have had more fleshed-out details concerning Pahras’ life before the central events of the story. I think a more in-depth look into his past could have lent additional weight to his character’s motivations and decisions.
Evolved stands as an enticing work, skillfully marrying superhero mythos with emotional depth and thrilling action. Roberts’ narrative craft ensures an engaging reading experience, leaving readers both satisfied and craving more. The balance between character insight, familial relationships, and adrenaline-fueled sequences positions Evolved as a novel not to be missed for fans of the genre.
Pages: 274 | ASIN: B0C9LPZBR9
Goes On, Without the World’s Understanding
Thomas Westerfield’s Goes On Without the World’s Understanding is a riveting collection of short stories that explore diverse themes such as trauma, racism, sexuality, and identity. Each story features complex and compelling characters who face various challenges and struggles in their lives.
One of the stories follows a group of men who participate in Dr. Miriam Birnbaum’s Tuesday Evening Therapy Group for Adult Male Survivors of Incest and Sexual Abuse. They are tormented by their pasts and seek to heal and find happiness. Among them is Jonathan, who was abused by his father and bears deep scars. His journey of recovery with his friends is poignant and moving.
Another story that stands out is about Shirley and Eddie, two colleagues who teach at a university. Eddie is a white widower who still mourns his black partner, Malcolm, who died years ago. He faces accusations of racism from Shirley, a black lesbian who challenges his views and actions. Another story that intrigues me is about a young boy who lives in fear of his toy Barbies, imagining they will harm him at night. The book contains many other fascinating stories, each with a powerful message.
Westerfield skillfully portrays the lasting impacts of abuse, discrimination, and prejudice on his characters. He evokes empathy and compassion in the reader as they witness the characters’ struggles with guilt, shame, and self-acceptance. The book also addresses the issues of sexuality and identity in a society that often marginalizes and oppresses those who are different. The book does not shy away from erotic scenes and profane language but rather uses them to enhance the realism and depth of the stories. The author creates vivid and authentic characters who resonate with the reader and draw them into their captivating and thought-provoking journeys.
This is an excellent book for anyone who enjoys short stories that tackle diverse and relevant topics with sensitivity and insight.
Pages: 189 | ASIN: B0C43YB7WF
A Hero’s Journey
“The Imposed Path” is an electrifying tale of a small-town girl, Emma, who, along with her allies, must transform from battling school bullies to saving Earth from a relentless cosmic threat while navigating love and loss. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A: The primary focus of The Imposed Path, and the entire series is the physical and emotional impact of being a hero. I wanted it to have a realistic feel to a heroes journey. Most stories show the hero experiencing really traumatic incidents, but they are fine after, or have a brief emotional experience. I’m sorry but seeing dead people, almost dying repeatedly, having to take a life; those stick with people, and will change them. My characters experience a wide range of some really intense scenes, especially since they are young. I give them a couple nicer experiences where they save people in the beginning. But Chapter 9: Reality; that chapter sets the tone that this is not your typical superhero story. I love when stories of any kind touch on these subjects, and I wanted to make it the focus of my story.
Your protagonist, Emma, goes through a massive transformation. Can you explain the inspiration behind her character development and the journey she undertakes?
A: Emma, is a very unique girl; who has parts of me, my kids, and others all mixed in. I can’t say that there is any real single inspiration; she was the character I decided to tell the story through. I am very attached to her; and I find myself thinking about her character a lot, even when I am not actively writing. I do feel really bad for her also, because of the focus of the series; she endures so much. The Imposed Path is probably the easiest on her in the series. I tell my family and friends I am not nice to my characters; and Emma is at the center of it. I get emotional writing parts of her life. The moment you meet her she is burying her father. She moves to a small town, can’t enjoy her only hobby, and sticks out like a sore thumb. I give her Natalie, which is completely new to her. She never thought she would like a girl; but the way I wrote it, was the way she had envisioned finding love. But even that relationship brings her new kinds of hardships. Then they get their powers and find out they are supposed to save the world and universe. I have sat at my computer and thought, ‘Can I really do this to her?’ when I am writing a scene. She will carry these incidents with her throughout the series. Everything I put her and the others through have long lasting effects, that will pop up throughout the series. I know there are some sensitive subjects in this book, but they are not for shock and awe purposes; they all have a purpose and have an impact on my characters development. Emma is what I believe a real person would experience, if faced with everything thrown at her.
The novel has a unique blend of personal struggle, alien invasion, and teenage romance. How did you balance these diverse elements to maintain the narrative’s pace and coherence?
A: I think because of the focus of the book, these all blend together naturally. To show the impact of the alien invasions, superpowered enemies, the worst of human nature; the personal struggles prior/during/after are the focus. The romance piece is her greatest tool to deal with them, along with her family and friends. The action and drama sequences are awesome; but the real story is what happens around those sequences. The story puts six girls with powers on the front line of a cosmic war. All the Gem Keepers before them had died fighting this war. That is an unimaginable weight on their shoulders, and I try my best to have my readers feel it.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
A: Currently I am getting the second book in the series, “Tribulations”, ready for release. It is with my editor, and the book cover is almost complete. Hopefully it will be published either September or October. The third book is drafted, and I am halfway done with the fourth.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
My name is Emma, and this is my life now. I remember tales about heroes as a kid; full of excitement and fantasy endings. But those are just stories. When I got my powers they seemed exciting and fun; but then reality hit. Cosmic war, invading alien fleets, and the Stone Keepers; these are my reality. Those, and other atrocities caused by our own species, overshadow the hero’s path. Atrocities I’m compelled to act upon, which leave everlasting scars – others can’t see. Myself, my partner, and my new friends, are the latest chosen as Gem Keepers. All of the Gem Keepers before us have fallen to a powerful evil. Now, Earth is thrust into a timeless war, against an unimaginable enemy. We must somehow unite our world, or it will all be lost. The ones I love, those who bring me a sense of happiness, will perish. I refuse to let this happen.
So call me a Hero, call me whatever you want. Just understand this was an Imposed Path, and it’s just the beginning.
The Imposed Path is the first book in the Gem Keepers Saga. It follows Emma through her eyes, as she and her new friends are forced into a cosmic war. Powerful enemies, invading alien fleets, and the dark side of human nature; is what she must face. Emma’s new found love, and friendships; will be her strongest tools in overcoming these challenges. This series will dive into the dark aftermath of Emma’s many experiences – the physical and emotional impact of being a hero. Pain, sorrow, and terror fill this journey; will love and friendship be enough. How much can a hero endure? Will she be able to keep her promise to the one she loves, and Never Let Go.
Deepfake
Terry Luvello, a seasoned private investigator, finds himself thrust into yet another enthralling and urgent matter. This time, it is a desperate plea from thirteen-year-old Allison West, seeking Terry’s extraordinary abilities to exonerate her father from a grave murder accusation. As if one perplexing case wasn’t enough, Terry’s significant other, Hannah Page, a respected detective with the Cleveland Police, presents him with yet another captivating investigation employing similar tactics. Together, these two intrepid detectives embark on a riveting and pulse-pounding journey to uncover the hidden truths behind these interconnected cases.
In DeepFake by author Joe Rielinger, readers are treated to an immersive and electrifying expedition alongside the indomitable Terry Luvello as he unravels intricate mysteries. Rielinger’s masterful portrayal of each character grants them captivating depth and individual storylines, elevating the overall narrative to a truly engaging and unforgettable level. The inclusion of delightful and well-placed humor within the various plotlines adds a delightful touch, injecting moments of levity and bringing an extra dimension to the book’s essence. One aspect that I appreciated is the meticulously crafted plot and the steady rise of the story. Rielinger deftly keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the narrative unfolds, skillfully weaving suspense and intrigue throughout. The vividly depicted characters truly shine, adding a profound and special significance to every scenario, fostering a deep emotional connection with the reader.
DeepFake is a remarkable novel that envelops readers in a world of suspense, mystery, and relentless excitement. With its intricately woven plotlines, compelling characterizations, and intellectually stimulating narrative, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking an unputdownable and thoroughly satisfying literary adventure. Prepare to be spellbound and captivated by this extraordinary work of fiction, as it leaves an indelible mark on the minds of its fortunate readers.
Pages: 369 | ASIN: B0C7JW3Y9N
A Load Of Fear And Shame
Drive follows a gay man living in a conservative town who has to decide how much he is willing to risk to find love. What was your inspiration for the setup of the story, and how did that help you create the ending?
A lot of the setup is informed by personal experience. I grew up in a small town in Texas, not quite as extreme in views as Black Creek, but still not a safe place to talk about or explore queerness. In that situation, it can be very easy to latch onto the first person that shows you any kind of acceptance, even if it’s not a healthy one. While Victor may not have been the most ideal relationship parnter for Red, I don’t think he would have had the courage to approach Sean, even in a platonic capacity, without experiencing that acceptance.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
The main thing I tried to keep in mind is that they are all carrying around a load of fear and shame. Even Victor who seems so confident in himself is terrified of being outed and ostrasized by his community. The way they interact with each other and the world reflects this. Victor comes off as cold because of the walls he’s put up, Sean is deeply lonely, and Red walks around on eggshells between them.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the major themes of the book is self-acceptance. At the beginning, Red believes that there is something wrong with him because that’s what he’s been told by his abusive father and by his community. He hides it away from everyone, even his sister who he adores, out of shame. It’s through his relationships with Victor and Sean that he realizes that there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book is a dystopian sci-fi called A Perfect Heresy. It follows Jax, a soldier now branded a heretic trying to make it home, and Koi, a sick Outsider who’s is trying to find xyr sibling who was abducted, as they navigate through a city and society broken by war. It can currently be read in its raw form on Kindle Vella and I hope to release it in paperback by mid year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
His secrets keep him–and more importantly, his sixteen-year-old half-sister, Katie–safe. But Victor’s dominance challenges everything Red thinks he knows and he finds himself swept up in an intense sexual relationship that forces him to confront his deepest desires, both in and out of the bedroom.
When an unlikely friendship with the only out gay man in town triggers Victor’s jealousy, Red must make a choice: submit fully to the relative safety of Victor’s control or risk it all for a chance at something real.
Created My Dream Family
The Mother Gene follows a doctor near retirement who, while trying to secure her legacy for future generations, uncovers a hidden family secret. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A few particular things come to mind. The first was that I’d developed a fascination with the DNA testing that has become so popular over the past several years. I’d read stories about people who had thought of themselves one way for their entire lives, ordered a DNA test, and suddenly realized they were not who they thought they were, bringing to mind the age-old nature/nurture question. I even ordered my own DNA profile and, unlike my character Miriam’s, it did not hold any surprises—an amalgam of mostly English, Welsh, Scottish, and Irish heritage.
Another inspiration was a deep-dive into the culture of the beautiful state of Virginia. I’ve visited Virginia once or twice a year for the past twenty-plus years, since my wife is from there. We moved to Radford, Virginia, in the western part of the state, for a couple of years and I taught nursing at Radford University. I learned so much about the culture of the region when I was assigned as a clinical instructor for the community health course. I met faculty members in other departments who were experts in Appalachian history. I learned about the 1927 Buck versus Bell Supreme Court decision which allowed compulsory sterilization of the “unfit” in Virginia and I began researching the “science” of eugenics that was so popular in the early 20th century. I was also fascinated by the mountain midwives, who rode on horseback into the hollows to provide healthcare for women and children. Then there were the contemporary issues Appalachians still face: poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and the ever-present threat of opioids.
Out of this rich historical context, I was inspired to imagine women of three different generations navigating their own reproductive years. My own questions about motherhood and what it means to be a mother permeated the story of each of the three main characters as I began to imagine the what ifs inspired by Virginia’s complex culture.
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
Thank you! Where to start? First of all, the answer is a definite yes. My Mississippi grandmother and the passing of my mother provided inspiration for the strong women I write about. My own experience as a nurse, particularly in public health, has given me the privilege of an intimate understanding of people’s lives in the context of their cultures. Having lived two very different lives myself—one as a heterosexual, Southern Baptist, conservative, married mother and the second as a lesbian, liberal, non-Christian mother by donor insemination—provides a lot of life experience to draw from! I have created chosen family when my biological family was no longer an option. And then there’s the life-long process of struggling with self-doubt about myself and my mothering, making hard decisions to take care of myself and my children, a lot of therapy, and a renewed sense in my 60s of self-assurance, peace, forgiveness, and a desire to manifest love. I sort of created my dream family in The Mother Gene—a queer fairy tale, if you will.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Of course, what it means to be a mother. Mothering—as a verb, not a sanctified place in society. Choices, in particular women’s choices around mothering—including the choice not to have children—was a huge theme for me. Chosen family and the ways people make family are really important themes for me.
What is the next story that you’re writing and when will it be published?
I’m currently considering pulling out an already-written manuscript and re-writing it from a new perspective. It’s historical fiction in its current form, following the lives of 4 very different women and set during the explosion of women’s rights and choices in the very early twentieth century. I’m considering adding a contemporary timeline and pulling through the issues women face across the decades. Seems to be a pattern for me. And then there’s the possibility I’ll start something entirely new. So, I don’t have a date for publication set yet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity promises her work legacy will continue, Miriam’s passion is renewed. But her carefully ordered world explodes when the fulfillment of her dream collides with her mother’s long-kept secrets. Secrets that undermine the very foundation of Miriam’s beliefs about who she is, her career, and especially, what it means to mother. Miriam is faced with an impossible choice.
In The Mother Gene, Lynne Bryant casts a contemporary story of mothers and daughters against the backdrop of a not-so-distant dark time in American history, when powerful forces sought to control who should have children. Three generations of women struggle with the intertwined choices of sex, love, pregnancy, and motherhood.
To Discover Myself
Jayne and the Average North Dakotan follows a 32-year-old gay accountant who moves to Washington, DC, to come out and discover who he really is. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Randy’s story has some parallels to my own life. I was born in Bryan, Ohio, a very small town near the borders of Michigan and Indiana. In my later 20s, I moved to Washington, DC, ostensibly to discover myself. Randy did much the same thing, only with his mother’s encouragement. While there are many parallels between my life and the story’s premise, only one event happened to me, as described in the book.
The original short story was written just as the country experienced lockdowns due to COVID-19. I have some notable health conditions, so that period was particularly stressful. I decided to write positive stories, including likable characters, to keep me in a good frame of mind. It was important that every character had some positive attribute, even those who didn’t serve an outwardly affirming role in the story.
When I finished the short story, I couldn’t get the Jayne and Randy characters out of my head. I kept thinking of their lives before the High Heel Race. I also wondered what would happen if Jayne stayed with Randy as a mentor in his coming-out process. So, as my mind continued to explore these situations, I began to think I needed to write a book.
Most of the characters are amalgamations of people I’ve known. The longer I worked on the book, the more the characters became real to me. I quite often felt I was sitting in the room taking dictation from their conversations rather than writing them. It was an amazing experience.
The one scene that is based on my real life is Randy getting hit on by an older man at the bar. I was 27 or 28 when I went to JR’s (a Washington gay bar) for the first time. I was alone and hadn’t been there long when a man in his 50s or 60s became very friendly. I tried to leave, but he followed me to the bar down the street, and I went home early to get away. Randy handled it much better than I did!
Randy spent his life hiding who he was and now has entered a new world of acceptance. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Randy’s journey is familiar to nearly all gay men “of a certain age.” We spent our developing years with longings and attractions we heard were wrong, and we had no role models. So, we built various walls around ourselves, including religion, female friends, and studiousness, and tried to get by with as little conflict as possible. Many of us also moved to large cities to find our kind. The experience can be jarring, as it was for Randy. I thought it would be interesting to explore what would happen if a pushy drag queen fairy godmother came along to help through this difficult transition.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
This single biggest theme is self-discovery. Everyone can relate to learning about themselves regardless of the parallels to sexual orientation. The story of a man-child coming into his own in his early 30s felt like a little-explored area. Yes, it mirrored some of my own experiences, but I think it’s more common than is represented in film and literature.
I also believe very few things in life are black or white, mostly an infinite rainbow of gray shades. My desire to focus on the positive is meant to help people see the good in others. Our current society too often condemns people for a single trait or act when we should see them through a more holistic lens.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is based on the real estate agent Sarah Horowitz from Jayne. She’s renamed and moved to New York, but many attributes remain the same. It’s the story of two widowed best friends who are unexpectedly ensnarled in an international crime syndicate as they near their 70th birthdays. The working title is Who Disturbs My Peace This Lovely Evening. It should be finished later this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website
When Randy Larson, a 32-year-old gay accountant who’s never been outside North Dakota, moves to Washington, DC, he struggles to find his way. A six-foot, nine-inch, sensational Jayne Mansfield drag queen takes him under her colorful wing for lessons in shopping, first dates, hosting brunch, furnishing an apartment, and living in the gay community. Is Randy ready for life and love in the Nation’s Capital?
Chandler Myer’s debut novel, Jayne and the Average North Dakotan, is an unconventional coming-of-age and coming-out story filled with humor and humanity. Randy and Jayne, an odd couple with a unique relationship, will have you cheering the underdog and wishing for your own drag fairy godmother.
