Blog Archives
The Third Twin: Love, Lies, and Billionaire Secrets
The Third Twin is a romance thriller that follows Sienna Casanova, an ER nurse whose world fractures the moment she feels her identical twin, Savannah, scream. Savannah, a famous investigative journalist, has gone dark, leaving behind only a bloodied necklace and a trail of danger. As Sienna races to find her, she’s pulled into a violent web involving black-market adoption rings, corrupt insiders, and Luca Stone, her sister’s brooding head of security. The story blends high-stakes suspense with an evolving, combustible romance. It’s very much a romance thriller at heart, stitched together with family secrets, danger, and the messy intensity of twinhood.
Reading it felt like riding in a car that never dips below fifty. The writing is fast and cinematic, with fight scenes that crack like glass and emotional beats that don’t waste time getting to the point. Parker leans fully into immediacy. Characters breathe hard, move fast, and react without overthinking. There were moments when I wanted the prose to linger or soften, but the clipped style fits the story’s heartbeat. Sienna’s voice oscillates between raw fear, jealousy, tenderness, and grit, and I found myself liking her more whenever she admitted something uncomfortable. Luca, meanwhile, carries that familiar romance-thriller energy: stoic, lethal, frustrating, and of course, irresistible. Their dynamic is chaotic in a way that feels intentional, like sparks thrown off metal.
What surprised me most was how the book knits an intimate relationship into the tension of a broader conspiracy. The author could have relied on the dangerous-man-protective-woman trope alone, but she gives the siblings’ bond real weight. The “twin sense” isn’t just a gimmick. It becomes the emotional spine of the story and gives the romance a stronger foundation than heat alone. Some emotional transitions happen fast. One chapter, you’re dodging gunmen, and the next, you’re collapsing into each other’s arms. But honestly, the abruptness works in a romance thriller. Bodies crash together under pressure. People cling to whatever feels solid. It all felt believable within the world that author Lexi Parker is building.
I’d recommend The Third Twin to readers who love romance thrillers packed with danger, devotion, and a relentless pace. If you enjoy bodyguard-romance energy, high stakes, and stories where fear and attraction tangle together until you can’t tell them apart, this one will hit the mark. And if you like your books to read like movies playing out in real time, you’ll have a good time here.
Pages: 190 | ASIN : B0FWC5VJFP
Mental Gymnastics
Dig Two Graves follows a man recently released from prison, armed only with a Bible, rage, and an unresolved history, as he attempts to reclaim his place in the world and regain his respect. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Two primary inspirations, which I discuss in the Afterword: the Egyptian novelist (and 1988 Nobel Prize winner) Naguib Mahfouz’s short novel from 1961, The Thief and the Dogs, which is set in the aftermath of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, and living in Southwest Florida, which has undergone its own climatic, cultural, and political upheavals in recent years.
When creating Von Martin, did you have a plan for development and character traits, or did it grow organically as you were writing the story?
Since I was following the plot of The Thief and the Dogs pretty closely, I knew WHAT Von was going to do at every turn. What grew organically, and what interested me enough to actually write the novel in the first place, was that it seemed I knew WHY he would be doing these things, the mental gymnastics he would go through to make each terrible decision seem like the correct one to him. Von’s internal narrative, his voice, carried me through to the end.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The idea of respect, as opposed to revenge, is huge, obviously. Is respect something you must earn from the people in your life? Or is genuine self-respect a prerequisite?
I’m also fascinated by how I, and many of us, take actions that we are 100% convinced are correct, or righteous, or just, or good, but then these actions have terrible consequences for those around us, and for ourselves. We are often our own worst enemies, and Von is an extreme example of that.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
The next book is a dark fantasy titled This Accursèd Blade. It’s the story of a cursed sword, from the sword’s point of view, and is also centered around a strong revenge plot: Illyria is a young woman whose soul has been trapped in this sword, and she is determined to work her way back to the sorcerer who put her there to exact her vengeance. I’m presently editing the manuscript, and hope to have it out by the end of the year.
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Von Martin walks out of prison with nothing—no job, no home, no real plan. His ex-wife has moved on with his former best friend. His daughter doesn’t recognize him. His old boss pretends he doesn’t exist.
Everyone tells him to play it safe. Keep his head down. Stay clean. Rebuild.
But Von knows respect isn’t something you get by asking politely.
What starts as a quest to salvage his dignity quickly spirals into a blood-soaked reckoning through the sultry heat and septic underbelly of Southwest Florida. Brutally funny, cynically violent, blisteringly sunburnt, this is the story of a man fighting to reclaim his place in a world that has long since left him behind.
You probably shouldn’t root for Von Martin.
But you just might anyway.
Throne of the Peacock Angel
Throne of the Peacock Angel is a gritty, surreal, and sharply written novel that blends supernatural mystery, urban grit, and political intrigue in a New Orleans setting that’s as alive as any of its characters. The story centers around Adam Worthy Deen, a man with a haunted past, supernatural baggage, and a life that keeps pulling him into secrets far deeper than he wants. He’s got a scarab attached to his heart—literally—which grants him enhanced strength and long life, but also a dangerous hunger for human energy. As ghosts from the past, shadowy organizations, and foreign aristocrats begin converging, Worthy finds himself drawn back into a world he’s been trying to leave behind.
The writing is snappy. Khalid has an ear for dialogue and a knack for making his characters sound real—especially the banter between Donny and Eva, which had me smirking more than once. It’s got that smooth, jazzy rhythm that suits New Orleans perfectly. It’s those moments—where the book lets its characters just be—that give it such strong personality.
The mix of genres here is bold. You’ve got noir-ish crime elements, a secret society feel, hints of espionage, and supernatural dreamscapes with a giant dung beetle made of crystal feeding at a lake of blood. Honestly, that dream scene threw me in the best way. It reminded me of old-school horror-fantasy with just enough weirdness to keep it unpredictable. Worthy’s struggle with the scarab feels symbolic and raw—he wants to live a normal life, but that talisman keeps pulling him toward darkness. It’s the push-pull of destiny vs. desire that gives the book a pulse.
There are a lot of moving parts—government agencies, aristocratic secret missions, shady families like the Bacons, and street-level drama with Donny’s hilarious misadventures. Sometimes, I had to stop and remind myself who was who and why certain plot threads mattered. But it works, mostly because the characters are vibrant. Eva, for instance, steals the show at times. She’s fierce, sarcastic, and has this unspoken loyalty to Worthy that feels earned.
By the end of the opening chapters, I was hooked. Khalid’s world has weight, and Worthy is one of those characters that sticks with you—a reluctant hero who carries pain like a shadow. This book would be great for fans of supernatural thrillers, noir with a twist, or folks who just like their fiction weird but grounded. If you like John Constantine, True Detective, or anything with secret histories and mystical scars, you’ll find a lot to love here.
Pages: 422 | ISBN : 978-1665543224
Mystery and Intrigue
While The Jury Waits follows a self-absorbed but magnetic defense attorney who gets tangled in the most personal case of his career, the murder trial of his lover. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of the story was driven by two things; first, my intense desire to step outside my comfort zone to write a work of fiction, and secondly by my love of crime shows, movies, and John Grisham novels.
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Believe it or not, the movie, Liar, Liar where Jim Carrey played a charismatic attorney who came across as not having a legal mind at all.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I consider them different. Balancing the two, albeit difficult to do, is driven by the structure associated with writing a decent work of fiction. Introduce, develop, and create mystery and intrigue through plot twists is my approach.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
The sequel to While the Jury Waits. It is going to be a trilogy eventually.
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Our Collaborative Effort
The Big Dream follows two best friends who want to enter a remote-controlled car race, but first, they must raise $2000 while dealing with school, family & a mischievous crow. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Big Dream has a transformational tale. It is book two in The Crow’s Tales series; however, it was written before book one. The most recent publication is the second edition of what originally was a Christmas gift for our four grandchildren. Since then, we’ve taken a more serious approach to writing and the story underwent a substantial makeover. The genesis of the story is attributed to Thorir more than fifteen years ago scribbling notes about his ten-year-old self growing up in Iceland with his friends. Pigeons, ravens, and seabirds were accessible and gave inspiration to the book’s pet crow, Ralph, and the original title, The Pigeon Flyer. Retirement sparked our collaborative effort on Thorir’s drafts, resulting in a lasting story for our grandchildren and a shared passion.
There were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
Thank you for the comment and the question. The Big Dream’s twists and turns occurred as a hybrid of planning and merely following where the story took us. The crafting of those events, however, was carefully staged. As new writers, we’ve learned pacing is one of the critical elements of a good middle-grade story, and having twists and turns hit in the right place encourages reader engagement.
Constant action, fast pace, and a quick read is our attempt to compete with computer games, tablets, TVs, and other electronic social media for kids’ attention. It’s an uphill battle. Victoria is a retired schoolteacher and has a background in shaping young minds. We try to cater to how kids think today and how fast their world has become, it keeps us racing through our golden years.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
We strive to create contemporary realistic fiction for young readers offering important themes without being in-your-face didactic. Each book in the series offers its unique theme. The Big Dream is a quietly compelling story of honesty while integrating additional important values such as friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. These themes are woven into the narrative, offering young readers meaningful insights while maintaining the story’s engaging, lighthearted tone. The book subtly imparts lessons on these themes, illustrating how challenges can be overcome through collaboration and understanding.
The challenge we set for ourselves is to write relatable and wholesome narratives featuring characters and events that readers can identify with, providing entertainment and meaningful value. The Crow’s Tales series, The Bird Caper, book one, explores “change,” The Big Dream, book two, shines a light on “honesty”, and book three, The Crow’s Ring, will explore “truth.” All valuable life lessons.
When will book three be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
We are super excited about working on the third book of the series, The Crow’s Ring, and expect it to be released early in 2026. It’s a mystery and it will keep readers on their toes. The main characters are older, and the story’s plot gets precarious. Brandon’s (our protagonist) friends (and pet crow) become entangled with a scruffy old police detective – the Captain – who owns a rusty dank tugboat destined to be scrapped by the city (Riverside). Roped into helping him save his tug, the kids find a confidential police file on board of an unresolved jewelry heist that took place in the 1930s, the Stony Creek Case. Solving this cold case could save the crusty Captain’s career and repair his tug with the million-dollar reward for finding the stolen loot. It’s a journey filled with nail-biting adventures that turn Riverside upside down and capture the imagination. Through their hair-raising experiences, Brandon learns the value of truth. He and his friends learn the importance of history, determination, and the meaning of working as a team to resolve complicated questions and conflicts, to uncover the truth.
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The Big Dream – The Crow’s Tales Series (Book 2)
“Holy Ravioli! The police are forming a special unit to investigate thieving birds in my hometown, and even though I’m only twelve years old, I can’t shake the vision of myself behind bars in an orange jumpsuit! We’ve got to stop Ralph before it’s too late!”
The small city of Riverside is buzzing with excitement as the spectacular remote-controlled car race approaches. For Brandon, this is the chance to make his dream come true and prove himself to the world. But with distractions at every turn, including a pesky English assignment and a mysterious bird thief, will he be able to stay focused and build his winning car in time?
With the help of his family, friends, and pet crow, Ralph, Brandon sets out on a journey of hard work and determination. But as the race draws closer, a special unit of the police is formed to investigate the bird thefts, leaving Brandon worried about his fate. Can he raise the funds, construct a victorious speedster, and win the race before time runs out?
The Big Dream is the second book in The Crow’s Tales series, a thrilling action-adventure about chasing your dreams and never giving up. If you loved the heartwarming story of The Million Dollar Race, the suspense of The Vanderbeekers On the Road by Karina Yan Glaser, or the humor in How To Win A Slime War by Mae Respicio, you’ll love this book! Don’t wait, read now, and DREAM BIG! Perfect for boys and girls 8-12.
Sometimes it Takes a Village to Raise a World-Class Hot Rod!
Bonus! Teacher Reading Resources Included.
Don’t forget to read The Bird Caper! Book 1 of THE CROW’S TALES, a 3-book series. Exciting stories with wholesome values from award-winning authors Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson.
Revenge Theory
Revenge Theory by Onkar Sharma is a gripping tale that weaves together themes of vengeance, power, and complex human emotions. As the title suggests, the narrative delves deeply into revenge, but it also goes beyond, exploring justice, forgiveness, and the long-lasting effects of trauma. Shyama Devis, a talented and accomplished businesswoman, finds herself ruined by a powerful politician. The story tracks Shyama’s relentless pursuit of retribution as the politician’s influence grows. Sharma’s characters are richly developed, and the plot is filled with twists that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
The novel opens with a series of fast-paced vignettes, each turn in the story surprising and full of suspense. Sharma knows how to build tension, keeping readers on edge as each new revelation unfolds. The characters are not only well-defined but also deeply human, with clear motivations and emotional complexity. Shyama stands out as a resilient, empathetic protagonist, while Amarnath Chauhan, the antagonist, is the kind of villain who stirs a strong desire for justice. Although revenge serves as the central theme, Sharma doesn’t rely solely on it to carry the narrative. The novel also probes deeper questions of justice and the potential for forgiveness. It thoughtfully addresses the consequences of past actions, making the story more than just a tale of retribution—it’s a reflection on the human condition. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Himachal Pradesh, the novel uses the region’s natural beauty as a striking contrast to the intense personal struggles of its characters. The landscape adds a visual richness to the reading experience, creating a vivid setting that enhances the emotional depth of the story. Readers unfamiliar with the culture or locale might initially find the colloquialisms and local institutions a bit challenging. However, these elements quickly become part of the novel’s unique charm. While certain genre tropes, such as melodrama and coincidence, can feel overused at times, the story’s momentum and character development make these moments forgivable. Once immersed in the world Sharma has created, the unfamiliarity of the setting transforms into a captivating exploration of culture.
Revenge Theory is not only an entertaining novel but also a thought-provoking one. Onkar Sharma’s skillful storytelling and multidimensional characters create a narrative that resonates long after the final page. It delivers a richly layered and insightful story, making it a compelling read for anyone drawn to tales of revenge and redemption.
Pages: 232 | ISBN : 8196397429
An Unexpected Nemesis
In The Consortium – Genesis, a secret society of scientists and science enthusiasts sacrifices the lives of abandoned and lonely individuals as they attempt to evolve the human race. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Actually, it came to me in a dream. Literally. Normally my dreams are a confusing, clouded mess, but in this instance, the story was clear and very memorable. In fact, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It grew so much in my head, it filled my thoughts and I had a hard time being able to think about anything else. So, I decided to write it down to try and get it out of my head (and get a little peace up in there). The next thing I know, I’ve got a novel.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
Basically, the story was there. I just had to write it down. It took about 2 months of steady writing to get the first part of it down, about 350 pages worth. It left off with something of a cliffhanger and I thought I was done. I gave it to a good friend to read, and she was like, “Where’s the rest of it?” I told her that was it, and she said, “No no no, you can’t leave my girl [Amelia] hanging like that. Where’s the rest of it?” So I sat down, re-read it, then thought, “Well, s**t, she’s right.” I didn’t have the ability to write full time so it took me about 2 years to get the rest of the trilogy written, but I was finally able to finish it, lol!
What was your favorite character to write for and why? Was there a scene you felt captured the character’s essence?
Oh, wow … that’s a tough one. I love all the main characters – Amelia, Spike, Hao, Drake, and Shane. They complement each other so well. I guess my favorite scene is the one where they all meet at The Black Door bar for the first time, when Amelia shows them her powers. That initial part where they realize they can hear Spike’s thoughts and their reactions, were laugh-out-loud funny to me. Makes me smile every time I think about it.
Can you give readers a peek inside the next installment of this series? When can we expect to see it released?
Absolutely! In fact, I made sure all of it was completed before I even attempted to publish so people wouldn’t have to wait and wonder if I was going to continue it. That’s something I hate myself, so I didn’t want to leave my readers like that. Amelia’s story doesn’t end with Genesis. She and the gang face even greater obstacles in Rising as they continue their efforts to dismantle The Consortium from the inside. More characters are introduced, culminating in the final showdown and battle with an unexpected nemesis in Apex. The digital version of Genesis, along with the paperback and digital versions of Rising and Apex, will be available on August 1, 2024. I am also working on the audiobook for Genesis and hope to have it completed and available within the next one to two months. The paperback and digital versions are available on Amazon, and while I hope to get the audiobook accepted by Audible, that will take a while. In the meantime, once it’s ready, the audiobook version will be available for purchase on my website (https://www.bachapman.com). For those who are interested, be sure to use the sign-up form on my website to be notified of upcoming release dates.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Amelia is a young woman trapped within the diabolical web of The Consortium – a powerful, secret organization run by scientists who have turned science fiction into science fact.
Over the decades, The Consortium has grown in numbers and power. There are only two classes of people that are important to them: their scientists, and those that help fund their work. No one else matters.
Amelia is one of The Consortium’s many victims, known as inductees. The scientists use them in their cruel experiments to further their goals of evolving the human race.
When an experiment unexpectedly turns her into a player instead of a pawn – one with abilities only previously imagined as possible – she realizes she might just get the chance to end the living nightmare she has fallen victim to …
… even though it may cost her her humanity – and her soul – in the process.
The Consortium – Genesis
The Consortium Genesis, by B. A. Chapman, is a compelling sci-fi novel that delves into the dark world of a secret society known as the Consortium. This group, composed of brilliant scientists and science enthusiasts, is willing to sacrifice human lives in the pursuit of scientific advancement for the supposed greater good of humanity. As human experimentation became illegal, these individuals formed a clandestine organization, abducting abandoned or lonely individuals and conditioning them into submission. The story follows Amelia, one of the Consortium’s inductees, who endures extreme experiments conducted by her Examiner. A group of law enforcement officials, including two detectives, an FBI agent, Amelia, and her keeper Spike, uncover this hidden world and begin to challenge the Consortium, aiming to liberate those trapped in its sinister system.
Chapman’s writing style is both engaging and impactful. The author skillfully introduces the background stories and the abuses faced by the inductees, capturing the absolute terror experienced by the victims with striking realism. The portrayal of the sickening practices within the Consortium is so vivid and believable that it almost feels like it transcends fiction. The storyline is well-crafted, with believable characters who possess their own faults and quirks. The novel’s pacing is another strength. From the tense moments of Amelia’s rescue to the intricate explanations of The Consortium’s operations, Chapman maintains a steady rhythm that keeps readers on edge. The scenes of interrogation and the detectives’ growing realization of the horrifying truth are particularly well-crafted, blending suspense with a creeping sense of dread.
The inclusion of detailed processes, like the induction of new subjects and the creation of a controlled working class, adds layers of authenticity and horror to the story, making it not just a thriller but a deep dive into a meticulously constructed nightmare. It is important to note that the book contains graphic depictions of violence, abuse, torture, and trauma, and readers should be aware of these potential triggers.
I recommend The Consortium Genesis to those who enjoy medical sci-fi novels involving extreme human experimentation. The book lives up to its subtitle, “A Psychological Horror Thriller and Dystopian Science Fiction Novel,” and offers a gripping and thought-provoking read.
Pages: 300 | ASIN : B0D77DDHNK
LITERARY TITAN 