Blog Archives
Prima Nocta: A Mystical Quest for Love
Prima Nocta is a sprawling, intimate, and deeply passionate novel that moves through time and culture to explore the idea of soul connections, those rare and fated relationships that transcend logic, distance, and even death. Through a series of interconnected vignettes told from different perspectives and historical settings, the book traces recurring meetings between soulmates over centuries. It begins with a hunted philosopher in 16th-century France and moves to a grieving daimyō in Edo-period Japan, a nobleman in Renaissance England, and onward into modern and future lives. Each tale crescendos in a moment of intense emotional and erotic connection, all part of a larger narrative arc about love, memory, and the spiritual bonds that tether us across time.
From the very first page, I was struck by the raw emotion Pratt brings to the prose. It doesn’t hide behind elaborate metaphors or highbrow literary tricks. Instead, it opens its heart right to you. The writing is so personal. There’s a genuine ache that lives in every chapter. I felt it most in the quiet moments, those simple exchanges of glances, the gentle touches, the characters’ longing to be seen and understood. The dialogue doesn’t try to be clever. It tries to be true. And it is. That’s what makes it hit so hard. It’s not clean or tidy. It’s messy and complicated and bursting with yearning. The characters aren’t perfect, and neither are their lives, but the connections they form are electric. You believe in them. You want them to win. Even when they can’t.
There’s something haunting about the way Pratt weaves the spiritual and the physical. These aren’t just love stories. They’re meditations on fate, identity, time, and what it means to truly know someone. The way the book blends sensuality with existential questions is bold and surprisingly tender. It’s not erotica for the sake of titillation. It’s about finding divinity in the act of connection. The erotic scenes feel earned, not gratuitous. They’re emotional revelations just as much as physical ones. And that’s where the book shines most. It dares to suggest that sex, love, and meaning are all wrapped up in the same tangle, and I completely bought into that.
The pace is slow in places. It lingers, it wanders, it reflects. But if you’re someone who likes your stories soaked in feeling and not afraid to be a little weird or mystical, you’ll find something special here. I’d recommend Prima Nocta to readers who crave emotional intensity, who love deeply romantic fiction with spiritual undertones, and who are open to a narrative that feels more like a journey than a destination. This book isn’t afraid to look you in the eye and ask big questions.
Pages: 333 | ASIN : B0F1YTBGR1
Grief, Identity, and Found family
Inked Into Your Soul follows a spirited, passionate woman whose life is shattered by tragedy and slowly rebuilt through love, art, family, and hidden heritage. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Diedra and Locran’s story started revealing itself during the first book. There’s a moment when Locran sees her through the tattoo shop window, and something just clicks. That one glance stayed with me… it was magnetic. At first, I hesitated to go deeper because I didn’t want her to feel like a “diversity token.” I wasn’t sure I knew enough about the cultural heritage she represented, and I wasn’t willing to do it halfway. But their story wouldn’t leave me alone. It kept unfolding in my mind. It was/is steamy, complicated, beautiful, and I knew I had to honour it. I wanted their connection to be more than just physical or magical. I wanted it to feel real. Their issues, their struggles, their love… they’re rooted in the kind of emotional truth that makes characters feel like they’ve lived a life before the first chapter.
Your characters go on a deeply emotional and transformative journey in your novel. Is this intentional or incidental to the story you want to tell?
Very intentional. I’m obsessed with character growth, especially messy, non-linear growth. Life rarely gives us clean arcs, and I wanted my characters to reflect that. They cry, they rage, they screw up, they love too hard, and through it all, they transform. Not because life hands them answers, but because they dig through the pain and choose to evolve. That was the heartbeat of the story for me. Plus, if you have been betrayed by someone whom you loved, you know that it is very hard to come back from that. So, Diedra might come off as dramatic at times, but her heart is fighting with logic… and that can be chaotic.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Grief. Identity. Found family. The fear of being too much and the ache of not being enough. This book is about surviving the fire and realising that sometimes the version of you that rises from the ashes is the most powerful one. It’s also about how love, romantic or otherwise, doesn’t save you, but it can be the thing that reminds you you’re worth saving.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
I see them still healing, but thriving. Dee doesn’t just survive her past; she reclaims it and uses it as fuel. She and Locran have this fiery, chaotic love, but they’re learning how to soften with each other too. The rest of the characters? Let’s just say their stories are far from over. There are bonds still forming, and secrets waiting to be unearthed. So yes, Inked Into Your Soul ends, but the journey is still unfolding.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Meet Diedra, a tattoo artist with a rare gift hidden beneath her ink, and Locran, a high-profile lawyer with a shadowed past. Their worlds intertwine in an unexpected dance of fate, where ancient legacies blend with the city’s futuristic pulse.
As secrets unravel and emotions intensify, they find themselves at the heart of a mystery that defies time and logic. Will the enigmatic forces that drew them together become their salvation or their undoing?
In a world where technology meets mysticism, “Inked into Your Soul” weaves a tale of passion, mystery, and the unbreakable bonds that form when two souls are destined to collide.
Inked Into Your Soul (Book 2 of the Whispers of Destiny series)
Inked Into Your Soul is book two in the Whispers of Destiny debut series by author Ava Rogue. Inked Into Your Soul is a bold and genre-blending dive into romance, trauma, identity, and mysticism. Set across vibrant backdrops like Cuba and London, the story follows Diedra, a spirited, passionate woman whose life is shattered by tragedy and slowly rebuilt through love, art, family, and hidden heritage. Told from multiple perspectives, primarily Diedra and Locran, the brooding Irish law student, the novel weaves erotica with ancestral spirituality, exploring Santería, grief, sexuality, and soul connections in a deeply intimate way. It’s part romance, part coming-of-age, part spiritual revelation, with plenty of fire.
Rouge doesn’t hold back in this second book in the Whispers of Destiny series. Whether it’s a sex scene, a panic attack, or a mystical vision, the emotions hit hard and fast. Some moments felt downright cinematic, vivid, and aching. I admired how the sensual scenes didn’t just feel like shock value; they were often layered with tenderness, vulnerability, or power. Some chapters soared while others took their time as it meandered through the weight of its own emotional intensity. The dialogue occasionally slipped into melodrama, and while the characters were distinct and layered. I found myself swept up in Diedra’s journey and rooting for her, flaws and all.
What I appreciated most, though, were the themes Rouge tackled head-on. This wasn’t just about love or lust. It was about healing intergenerational wounds, reclaiming spiritual heritage, and standing firm in one’s power. The Santería elements weren’t tokenized; they felt personal, reverent, and textured. I didn’t expect a story that started with beachside sex to also make me think about cultural erasure, ancestral responsibility, and the complexity of grief. There’s something gutsy about that. I also liked how Locran’s own trauma mirrored Diedra’s. They were two souls shaped by loss and pulled together by something they couldn’t quite explain.
Inked Into Your Soul is messy, passionate, and unfiltered. And that’s its strength. It’s not a story that tries to be neat. It just tries to be true. I’d recommend this book to readers who love steamy romance but also want depth, character-driven stories, and a touch of the mystical.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0CTYLC6CK
Explosive Chemistry
Paige E. Ewing’s Explosive Chemistry immerses readers into the gripping and mystical world of Liliana, a spider-kin seer juggling the complexity of her prophetic abilities with the trials of a society fraught with discrimination and danger. As she navigates visions of death, perilous alliances, and ethical dilemmas, her journey becomes an intriguing tapestry of action, introspection, and relationships—human and Other alike. The novel intertwines themes of survival, morality, and belonging in a richly textured narrative.
The writing in this book is a bit like Liliana herself, spunky, clever, and layered with complexity. Ewing excels at worldbuilding, painting vivid scenes like the lush forest settings or the tense interactions with other supernatural beings. Liliana is the heartbeat of the novel, and I adored her grit and wit. Her transformation from a cautious loner to a reluctant but steadfast hero is compelling. I particularly loved the subtle humor in her observations, such as her irritation with mundane injuries clashing with her dramatic, mystical life. The way she bonds with Janice, a rabbit-kin homemaker, shows another side of Liliana, a desire for connection in a life that’s often lonely and fraught with danger. However, her constant inner struggle seeing death but sometimes failing to prevent it brought a poignant layer of vulnerability that made her feel real. It wasn’t hard to feel both her triumphs and failures. The interactions between Liliana and the Fae prince are deliciously tense, embodying the push-and-pull of trust, power, and respect. Their conversations bristle with undercurrents of potential alliance or conflict.
Explosive Chemistry is an engaging read that combines rich storytelling with sharp characters and a healthy dose of suspense. I’d recommend it to readers who love urban fantasy with a splash of mystery and a protagonist who’s both fierce and flawed. If you’re a fan of intricate worldbuilding and moral quandaries wrapped in fast-paced action, this one’s for you.
Pages: 253 | ASIN : B0CLMXW7W4
Never Lost
In Never Lost, by Holly Brandon, protagonist Chase Morgan’s life, which initially seems well-ordered and promising, undergoes a dramatic upheaval. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque ski resort in Sun Valley, Idaho during her grandparents’ 65th wedding anniversary, Chase’s story unfolds in unexpected ways. Her engagement, a highlight of the evening, is quickly overshadowed by a catastrophic earthquake that disrupts the celebration and introduces chaos into the lives of Chase and the fifty guests.
Complicating matters is the sudden appearance of Asher Fisher, a man from Chase’s past. His unexpected presence at such a critical juncture in her life, combined with Chase’s intense and inexplicable dreams about him, adds layers of intrigue and emotional complexity to the narrative. Brandon skillfully uses this encounter to explore themes of destiny, unexplained connections, and the pursuit of understanding one’s deeper desires and mysteries.
Chase Morgan, depicted as a grounded and intelligent engineering professor, finds her life turned topsy-turvy not just by the natural disaster but also by the re-emergence of Asher. This development challenges her perceptions and the trajectory of her life. The reader is drawn into her journey of discovery, questioning Asher’s role in her life and the implications for her future.
Brandon’s writing style immerses readers in a whirlwind of emotions, from the joyous celebration at the anniversary party to the heart-pounding tension of the earthquake. Her ability to engage readers is notable, making the reader feel like a participant in the unfolding drama rather than a mere observer. An endearing addition to the story is the character of Daphne Stanley, a ten-year-old with a remarkable gift of insight. Daphne’s candid and intuitive nature adds depth to the narrative, providing a unique perspective on the events and the characters involved.
The cast of characters in the story is both diverse and intriguing, each bringing a distinct flavor to the story. This variety adds to the novel’s appeal, as the unpredictability of each new character’s personality enriches the reading experience. Brandon’s skill in character development and plot construction is evident, making Never Lost a captivating read for those who enjoy a blend of emotional depth and unique character dynamics.
Holly Brandon’s Never Lost is a well-crafted novel that offers a compelling mix of romance, mystery, and the supernatural, all set against the backdrop of a dramatic natural disaster. Readers will find it difficult to put this riveting read down. Its engaging characters and intricate plot make it a recommended read for those who appreciate a story that combines emotional resonance with a touch of the extraordinary.
Pages : 458 | ASIN : B0CM19M1Z2
Beyond Grace – Book 2 in the Trilogy
Beyond Grace by Karen A. Leppert is the engaging second installment in a trilogy that revolves around Grace Evans, a young woman who discovers her identity as an Amalgamate. She houses three distinct alters within her, one possessing the unique ability to communicate with the deceased, often leading to unexpected complications. The story begins with Grace’s separation from Jack Elliott and the close-knit group she’s come to regard as family due to the inherent risks posed by her alter, Clare. Upon their eventual reunion, Grace and Jack discreetly nurture their relationship while she undergoes training at The Delacroix Institute. However, various obstacles, including one of Jack’s own alters, conspire to keep them apart.
It’s worth noting that this book is compelling but is best enjoyed with prior knowledge of Reguarding Grace to fully appreciate the story’s intricacies. Beyond Grace seamlessly picks up where its predecessor left off, allowing readers to witness the ongoing evolution of Grace and Jack’s relationship. While the pacing may occasionally demand patience as the plot unfolds, the eventual payoff is certainly worth it. The story’s premise, featuring alter personalities who were once living individuals with distinct paranormal abilities, is undeniably intriguing. The interactions and conflicts between these alters, and their host are particularly captivating, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Leppert adeptly portrays each alter as a unique entity, characterized by distinct behaviors and speech patterns, effectively conveying the idea of separate individuals coexisting within a single body. The characters’ inner conflicts, especially Jack and Grace, are beautifully depicted, immersing readers in their emotional journey. The anticipation of what lies ahead in the trilogy’s concluding chapter, Absolute Grace, is palpable, leaving readers eager to uncover how various unresolved elements will be addressed.
Beyond Grace is a recommended read for fans of the Amalgamate series. Karen A. Leppert’s imaginative world-building, rich character development and intricate plot combine to create a gripping tale of love, danger, and self-discovery. As we eagerly await the final chapter of this compelling trilogy, it’s clear that Leppert’s storytelling prowess continues to shine brightly.
Pages: 313 | ASIN : B09FYM6DQT
LITERARY TITAN 