Blog Archives
Seen
Shauna Adams’ Seen is a wild, gritty plunge into a dark romance that’s anything but gentle. Set against a backdrop of Belfast’s criminal underworld, the story pivots around Aodhán, a morally grey antihero, and Nora, a woman whose accidental encounters with him ignite a dangerous obsession. Told through dual perspectives, the book peels back layers of trauma, lust, revenge, and vulnerability as their lives entwine. It’s a bold mix of intense attraction and criminal intrigue, stitched together with raw, explicit prose and themes that are not for the faint-hearted.
The writing is sharp and unapologetically in-your-face, and it works. Adams doesn’t mince words. Her dialogue has bite, the pacing sprints, and the steam is downright volcanic. Aodhán’s voice drips with menace and charm, while Nora feels real, grounded, and complicated. Still, parts of the book made me uncomfortable. Aodhán’s obsessive, stalker-like behavior is painted with romantic undertones that had me questioning whether I was supposed to swoon or scream. The emotional push-pull is gripping.
And yet, I couldn’t put it down. The plot twists hit like punches, and the chemistry between the leads was electric in a way that felt almost reckless. Adams pulls no punches on violence or sex, so you need a thick skin (and a strong stomach). The story has that addictive “just one more chapter” pull, even when you’re shaking your head at the sheer audacity of what’s happening. There’s a certain poetic tragedy in how flawed and raw everything is—it’s messy and unapologetically human.
In the end, Seen is not for everyone. But if you’re someone who loves dark romance, doesn’t shy away from taboo topics, and craves stories that don’t play it safe, this is your book. It’s intense, provocative, and a little unhinged—in the best way. Personally, I walked away a bit stunned, a bit disturbed, and a whole lot impressed. Adams knows what she’s doing, and she’s not afraid to break the rules to do it.
Pages: 253 | ASIN : B0DWFXCF54
Cruise Crush
Cruise Crush by Kathleen Allen is basically the ultimate vacation rom-com wrapped in cruise ship glamour. It follows Andrew, a hot workaholic on the brink of becoming CEO of Pinnacle Cruise Lines, and Delaney, a witty former Olympic gymnast turned travel writer, as their lives crash—literally—into each other during a seven-day cruise through the Caribbean. It’s dual POV, packed with hilarious inner monologues, a slow-burn romance, gorgeous settings, and a whole lot of sexual tension.
I love how Kathleen Allen writes people. Andrew isn’t just your typical brooding rich guy—he’s got depth, manners, and a thing for Bath & Body Works candles. I laughed when he proudly talked about knowing the difference between tampons and pads thanks to his sisters. And Delaney is so relatable it hurts. Her hungover airport dash had me wheezing. She’s sharp, sweet, a little chaotic, and totally someone I’d follow on Instagram. Also, she’s secretly reviewing the cruise under a pen name, and I love a girl with secrets.
One scene that absolutely did it for me was their first real dinner together at Emilio’s. The way she panics when she sees him across the restaurant was classic. He thinks she’s married because of her fake ring, and she thinks he’s just being nice until he sends over a $250 bottle of Dom with a note. My heart melted. And when she tells him, Their chemistry was giving “slow-burn with tension so thick you could cut it with a steak knife.”
The writing itself is super fun. Fast-paced, flirty, and loaded with inner thoughts that feel so real. Like when Delaney’s ogling his forearms and planning his tattoo location. And the ship descriptions made me want to pack a bag. From the buttery towels to the fancy spa to the lobster-stuffed ravioli, Allen nails the vibe of a luxury cruise without being over-the-top. Even the side characters—like Kristen the badass assistant and Ally-Cat the cruise director—are well-drawn and add layers.
If you love rom-coms, flirty banter, “whoops I fell for him” plots, and cruise ship fantasies, this is for you. Perfect for beach reads, bubble baths, or days when your real life feels like a sad salad. It’s playful, sexy, and gives off strong “Hallmark movie but with better sex appeal” energy. I’m already hoping for a sequel.
Pages: 205 | ASIN: B0DZZ43D6C
Love and Trust
Walking by Your House follows a man struggling to express himself to a woman he has feelings for who keeps trying new ideas hoping to catch her interest and win her heart. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Much of this part of the story was developed from my own and my friends’ adolescent experiences. I also interviewed some teenagers in my community and found that fifty years later, similar problems occur with similar results. Those experiences provided the basic framework for the story.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
It was important for both main characters to have strong religious beliefs. I wanted both to have an air of innocence and commitment to purity. Emma has a much stronger commitment to family, including extended family. Alan has perseverance, dedication to hard work, and being a good provider.
What were the themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important theme in this book was trust. At times, it was tempting for Alan and Emma to lose trust in one another. They experienced similar issues with their friends. Unconditional love was another theme. Can you continue to love and trust someone when the world is crashing around you? Finally, a husband and wife’s need to support and help one another in difficult circumstances is essential in marriage.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Walking by Your House is the second story in the Finding Love in the Heartland series, each a standalone tale. The next book is Blue Jeans and Lavender Gowns, which will be published in May 2025. It will examine domestic violence, forgiveness, and second chances.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Follow Alan’s misadventures as he struggles to find a way to say the things a girl wants to hear.
Alan embarks on a topsy-turvy, humorous journey filled with mistakes, pitfalls, disappointments, and laughter.
One moment, he stammers and flees from her presence. Next, he thinks shooting basketball with a girl is the key. You will feel his pain as he fails again and again.
Finally, Alan comes up with a strategy he hopes will allow him to succeed over his rivals.
You will enjoy this humorous, charming romance as Alan faces life’s struggles, experiencing laughter, surprises, drama, love, and faith.
Walking By Your House tells the story of an inept and socially awkward boy growing into manhood and the girl who ultimately accompanies him on that journey. But is he mature enough, and is their love strong enough, to sustain them when their world is torn apart?
Walking by Your House: A Wholesome Christian Romance
Walking by Your House by A.W. Anthony is a gentle, heartwarming story about love, faith, and the unexpected paths life takes. The book follows the journey of two characters, both navigating their own struggles and beliefs, who find themselves drawn together by fate (or perhaps something greater). The story unfolds with slow-burn romance, personal reflection, and moments of quiet beauty, making it a comforting read for anyone who enjoys stories grounded in faith and genuine emotion.
What I loved most about this book was its simplicity. The writing doesn’t try to be flashy or overcomplicated. Instead, it focuses on real, everyday emotions. The dialogue feels natural, like something you’d overhear at a coffee shop or after Sunday service. One scene that stood out to me was when the protagonist takes a long walk, lost in thought, questioning their purpose. That moment felt so real, like something we’ve all experienced at some point. The book doesn’t rush these moments. It lets them breathe, which makes them hit even harder.
That being said, there were times when the pacing felt a little slow. The characters spend a lot of time thinking, praying, and reflecting. That’s not a bad thing, but if you’re looking for a romance that’s full of dramatic twists and turns, this isn’t that kind of book. The romance itself is quiet and unfolds in a way that feels true to life, with small conversations, fleeting glances, and little moments that add up over time. Some of the most touching scenes are the simplest ones, like when the love interest leaves a note with a Bible verse that perfectly speaks to the protagonist’s worries.
The faith element is woven in naturally. It doesn’t feel preachy, which I appreciated. Instead, it’s just a part of the characters’ lives, influencing their choices, their relationships, and the way they see the world. If you enjoy books that explore faith without feeling like a sermon, you’ll probably connect with this one. There’s a sincerity to it that makes the story feel personal, like reading a friend’s journal.
Walking by Your House is a cozy, introspective read that will appeal to fans of clean romance, Christian fiction, and heartfelt storytelling. If you love books that focus on character growth, faith, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments, this one is worth picking up. It’s not for readers who crave fast-paced drama, but if you’re looking for a book that feels like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day, this is it.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0DTGC5WGJ
The Girl with Autumn Eyes
Born into rejection and burdened with crippling social anxiety, the protagonist of The Girl with Autumn Eyes has lived 25 years in near-total isolation. His life takes an unexpected turn during a chance encounter with Ann, a woman he glimpses on a bridge while biking through the scenic landscapes of Nova Scotia. What begins as a fleeting moment evolves into an obsession that propels him beyond the confines of his solitude and into a transformative journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he stumbles through humorous misadventures, forges meaningful friendships, and confronts the depths of his insecurities in pursuit of love.
R.F. Vincent’s novel captivates with its rich and nuanced exploration of themes like loneliness, self-doubt, and the power of human connection. The protagonist’s quirky inner dialogues and self-deprecating wit make his struggles deeply relatable, offering a poignant window into the experience of living with social anxiety. His encounter with Ann is brief but catalytic, igniting a journey of growth that is as moving as it is inspiring. The setting of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, is vividly rendered, its quaint charm both a refuge and a prison for the protagonist. Vincent’s gift for creating endearing yet flawed characters shines, particularly in the depiction of Bert Fennut, whose eccentric friendship with the protagonist injects humor and unexpected depth into the narrative. However, I believe Ann, as pivotal as she is to the story, remains somewhat underdeveloped. Her motivations and inner life are left a bit opaque, reducing her to more of a symbol than a fully realized character.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its balance—effortlessly weaving laugh-out-loud moments with profound introspection. While I feel the pacing occasionally becomes weighted by lengthy tangents, the emotional resonance and imaginative storytelling consistently draw the reader back into the story.
For those seeking a character-driven story that explores the complexities of fear, vulnerability, and connection, The Girl with Autumn Eyes, by R.F. Vincent, is a rewarding read. Its blend of humor, heart, and hope lingers long after the final page, making it a memorable addition to the contemporary fiction landscape.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B0DM2844W5
The King of Nothing
The King of Nothing, by Liv O’Day, spins a captivating tale of two strangers, Seba and Ruth, whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined through an impulsive social experiment. Ruth, shaken by a heated altercation with her roommate and best friend, decides to crash a wedding in search of distraction. But what she crashes is far from an ordinary wedding celebration. Instead, she wins an unusual prize, and in a state of drunken exuberance, signs legally binding documents she doesn’t fully comprehend.
At its core, The King of Nothing is a romance set in the sun-kissed landscapes of Malibu, California. The novel explores the powerful theme of how honesty leads to true freedom. Ruth’s story is marked by her struggle to confront the truths she’s buried out of fear. From hiding the fact that she crashed the wedding to concealing her decision to drop out of school, Ruth’s choices are driven by a deep reluctance to be vulnerable. Yet when Ruth finally embraces her reality, everything changes: her relationship with Seba deepens instead of unraveling, she finds the courage to leave her unfulfilling job, and she begins to mend fractured relationships from her past.
Liv O’Day’s vivid descriptions bring Malibu to life, immersing readers in a story charged with emotional intensity. Her use of dynamic imagery and heartfelt dialogue pulls you into Ruth and Seba’s tumultuous journey. The text is organized in a way that enhances readability, with strategic font changes that make it easy to distinguish between present events and flashbacks. I do feel that the frequent reliance on flashbacks detracts somewhat from the narrative’s flow. I would love to have certain pivotal scenes unfold in real-time. Experiencing these moments directly could have added immediacy and tension to the storyline, deepening the reader’s engagement.
The King of Nothing succeeds as an emotionally rich, engaging romance. O’Day’s storytelling balances humor, heartache, and hope, making it a memorable read. Ruth’s evolution—from a woman paralyzed by her past to one empowered by the truth—is as inspiring as it is poignant. This novel is a testament to the healing power of honesty and the transformative nature of love.
Pages: 448 | ISBN : 979-8-9910604-0-0
Time Heals All Wounds
The Last Single Couple in America follows a gay man and his best friend, a straight woman, who both sleep with the same man, unknowingly causing their friendship to take a drastic turn. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I thought it would be an interesting dynamic if two best friends unknowingly slept with the same person, especially if one was gay, and the other being his best straight female friend just added to the dramatic fallout of their friendship. It was tricky how I had to orchestrate them both sleeping with the same guy since they were so close and shared all the intimate details of their love/sex life. Hopefully, I pulled it off without seeming unrealistic. But throughout the novel, I basically let the characters dictate where the story was going, and fortunately, things just fell into place in a logical (hopefully) way.
Because Francine was absent throughout a good chunk of the middle of the novel, I didn’t want the reader to forget about Francine, so I would periodically interject how Jude missed her and wished they were talking so he could tell her about some of the crazy situations he experienced. Of course, I had — at some point — to reunite them and a death was the impetus to do just that because they both came to the conclusion that life is too short to let petty things come between friends.
Jude and Francine are well-crafted characters that readers will be drawn to and can relate to their emotional struggles. Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I feel that I did. In the beginning, Jude frets about turning 30. By the end of the novel, as he heads into the new year when he will turn 32, he realizes that age is just a number, and he doesn’t feel any different than when he was in his 20s.
As for Francine, she comes to realize it was foolish to let Dakota come between her deep friendship with Jude. She let her anger and emotions override reality. As they are celebrating New Year’s Eve, Jude optimistically moves on from his breakup with Chase, and Francine does the same with Douglas and Jude tells Francine how much he appreciates her and that you can’t rush love; it has to happen naturally. He will find a better version of Chase and Francine will find a better version of Douglas, but patience is needed. Until then, they will have each other and will support each other through the ups and downs of life. Time heals all wounds. I think it is a good lesson to learn for the reader.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Obviously, friendships and relationships were the major themes, but also family. I wanted to portray a positive relationship between a gay man and his family. Although it isn’t until the end of the novel that Jude tells his mother that he is gay, I wanted to present being gay as no different from being straight. When Francine asks Jude why he hasn’t told his parents, he says, “My brother didn’t have to tell them he’s straight. Being gay is who I am.”
Although I think of The Last Single Couple in America as a comic novel, it would be negligent to not include some of the social issues that faced gays in the 90s, so I had to include one character who has an AIDS scare and another character who is HIV positive, but that he was living a normal, happy, and healthy life.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m toying with doing a sequel because I really liked the characters so much. But then I was thinking of doing a novel about a struggling actor and a struggling playwright who are thrown together by economic fates and start out at odds with each other, but an underlying attraction develops between them. We’ll see. I’ve spent a lot of time getting The Last Single Couple in America published and marketing it, but now I can spend more time thinking/writing a new novel.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook
The Last Single Couple in America
As the years have progressed, the LGBT community has gained greater visibility, and by 2024, the literary landscape is rich with diverse tales in the LGBT genre. Among these is the humorous and engaging novel, The Last Single Couple in America by Martin Sacchetti. The story centers on Jude Giacolone, an openly gay man living in Albany, NY. His best friend, Francine, is a straight woman in her thirties. Their close bond takes a dramatic turn when they both end up sleeping with the same man. Following a heated argument, Jude escapes to San Francisco but is compelled to return to Albany when his father falls gravely ill.
From the very first page, readers are immersed in Jude’s zany and hilarious perspective. Sacchetti effortlessly captures Jude’s captivating and humorous voice, making the character instantly likable and engaging. The book boasts a well-developed cast, with each character being fleshed out and memorable. The friendship between Jude and Francine is particularly well-crafted, making their falling out feel like a gut punch to the reader. The dialogue is the strongest aspect of this story. Sacchetti’s writing is genuine, witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny. Each chapter is peppered with humor that feels natural and unforced, ensuring that readers will find themselves laughing frequently.
The Last Single Couple in America excels at weaving serious moments seamlessly with humorous dialogue, creating a narrative that feels both relatable and real. Martin Sacchetti has crafted a delightful and thought-provoking tale that resonates with authenticity and charm. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartfelt and humorous exploration of friendship, love, and life’s unexpected turns.
Pages: 310 | ASIN : B0CW1KBV7Z
LITERARY TITAN 