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Something Magical Just Around the Corner
Precise Oaths follows a woman with paranormal abilities and part of the spider-kin who is questioned about the deaths of six soldiers from spider venom. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A lot of the series involves military folks from Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, the oldest military base in the U.S. That long history becomes an integral part of the plot, and part of the love interest, Colonel Bennett’s, back story. Also, since special units like Delta Force are housed there, it seemed like a logical place for a unit of soldiers meant to fight genuinely “special” threats.
Being accused of murder was an impossible to ignore reason for Liliana to be forced from her comfortable near shut-in life, out into the wild world. Proving her innocence, solving a murder mystery, and saving a new friend from getting killed are all challenges that Liliana would never have imagined she could handle, until she does.
With so many unique and interesting characters in your story, what character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Liliana is always my favorite. I love seeing through her unique vision a world just slightly askew. She is also my chance to show how mysterious and difficult I have always found many things people take for granted. For instance, I have often wondered why it hurts less sometimes to break a bone than it does to stub your toe. Why do people sometimes say the opposite of what they mean, yet everyone understands them perfectly? Liliana is my chance to point out life’s absurdities, and the fact that the biggest challenges in life are often just getting through the day. For obvious reasons, I also get a big kick out of writing Siobhan, the tiny flower sprite who adores machine guns and has a “take no guff from anyone” attitude.
The Colonel is probably the hardest character to write. He’s very locked down in what he expresses. He rarely has only one motivation for anything, and even more rarely wants anyone to know what his motivations are. So I have to think a lot about what he’s trying to accomplish but put very little of that on the page while still dropping just enough hints that the reader can eventually figure out who he is and what he wants. He’s a mystery, but one that I want the reader to slowly solve, teasing away the layers of his personality. Writing that is as tricky as dropping clues in a murder mystery, without giving away the ending too soon.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
A lot of it came from North Carolina itself. I worked in North Carolina for a year, back when I was a consultant, and one of the things that struck me was how green and beautiful the whole state was. The dense forests could hide virtually anything so that if you didn’t have a map, something as big as a shopping mall a hundred yards away could be invisible. It felt like bits of civilization carved into faery land. Like there could be something magical just around the corner, out of sight.
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?
Yes! Precise Oaths is the first book in the Liliana and the Fae of Fayetteville series. The second book, Explosive Chemistry, just came out in November. It takes place right after Precise Oaths. Liliana and her friend, Pete, thought they stopped the murderers in the first book, but her visions of the future are full of blood and death. Liliana has to figure out how to stop the tide before it sweeps away all the people she’s become attached to.
The third book should be out sometime this year, but I don’t have a publication date yet. It dives a lot more deeply into the burgeoning relationship between Colonel Bennett and Liliana since the Colonel is now the target of an assassin who never fails. Only Liliana has any chance of finding a way through to a future where her favorite Fae prince survives.
Watch any of my socials for an announcement on the timing, or sign up for the newsletter on the website. You’ll get a free little interlude story that takes place between book 2 and 3, and get notified right away when book 3 has a publication date.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Bluesky | Facbook | Website
Wolf-kin Peter Teague of Fort Bragg’s Criminal Investigation Division analyzes the venom in six dead soldiers. The victims were killed by a spider-kin, and Liliana is the only spider-kin in Fayetteville.
Pete’s handsome boss, the dangerous fae Colonel Bennet, watches Liliana with burning ember eyes, but refuses to call his investigator off.
It’s up to Liliana to keep Pete from executing her and convince the skeptical scientist she’s not the murderer, all while keeping her new friend from getting eaten by the real killers. And if that’s not enough, she might even have to socialize!
How will she survive the paranormal mystery that puts her as the prime suspect?
Precise Oaths is the first book in the Liliana and the Fae of Fayetteville series, urban fantasy Fae romance for adults containing a strong female lead, intense action, a diverse cast of charming characters, offbeat humor, Fae and shifters like you’ve never seen them before, and a touch of slow burn spider romance.
Precise Oaths
In Precise Oaths, the reader is introduced to a captivating world where the future can be altered with all its uncertainties and possibilities. The protagonist, Liliana, is a seer spider-kin gifted with the rare ability to glimpse into the future. Her life, marked by a peaceful existence of offering guidance to clients, takes an unexpected turn when detectives knock on her door, seeking answers about a mysterious case involving spider venom and six deceased soldiers. Among these detectives are Pete and his superior, who, like Liliana, belong to a group of paranormal beings with anthropomorphic abilities.
This novel is set in a richly imagined world populated by both endearing and intriguing characters, a testament to Paige E. Ewings’s skill in creating a welcoming universe. Liliana is crafted as a relatable character, not an invincible hero, but an empowered woman grappling with everyday challenges. Her journey through social interactions, emotional empathy, and moral dilemmas rooted in her past traumas paints a portrait of a character whose motivations become clear and compelling as the narrative progresses. The book excels in its world-building, which, despite initially seeming daunting due to the intricacies of the kin system, unfolds organically through character interactions. This approach to exposition allows the reader to immerse themselves in the novel’s universe without being overwhelmed by dense explanatory text. The blend of thrilling action, including Liliana’s strategic maneuvers and close encounters, and informative dialogues maintains a brisk pace and adds depth to the narrative. The novel’s immersive storytelling captivates the reader, though at times, distinguishing between Liliana’s visions and reality can be subtly intricate, especially during more extended visions.
The unique concept of the story is likely to appeal to fans of supernatural romance, offering a fresh take on the genre. Precise Oaths is recommended for those seeking a book with a novel twist on fae narratives, blending the mystical with the relatable in a compelling and enjoyable manner.
Pages: 216 | ASIN : B0C4ZJH81L
Wish of the White Tiger
Wish of the White Tiger, authored by Joseph Harkreader, emerges as a compelling narrative set in the mystical realm of Mèngjìng. This ethereal sanctuary, resplendent with luxury and excess, is governed by formidable rulers. The story follows Baihu, an elite guard who harbors aspirations of freedom and love. His life takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon a mystical golden lamp, which, upon a gentle touch, releases a white light and summons a Genie from another world, ready to grant Baihu’s deepest wishes.
Set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the brink of disaster, Baihu’s story weaves a delicate balance between personal desires and the looming threat posed by a tyrannical ruler. Harkreader’s narrative style is a fusion of magical realism and detailed world-building, creating a vivid and tangible universe that engrosses readers with its authenticity and rich imagery. The story is an invitation to a bygone era, adorned with emperors, cherry blossoms, and samurais, and is underscored by a keen eye for detail.
Central to this tale is Baihu, a character whose depth and complexity captivate the reader’s imagination. His journey from a lowly guard under the Ming Dynasty to a figure challenging his destiny is both moving and profound. Baihu’s character development is skilfully portrayed, reflecting a natural progression as he grapples with the harsh realities of his world and the possibility of achieving freedom and love.
A notable aspect of Wish of the White Tiger is its exploration of a male-to-male relationship, presented not as a mere subplot but as a pivotal element of the story. Harkreader approaches this theme with sensitivity and depth, offering an authentic and inclusive portrayal of love in its many forms. The book’s strength lies in its immersive world-building and the seamless blend of fantasy and historical elements. Baihu’s character serves as a compelling focal point, encouraging the reader to invest emotionally in his journey. The resolution of the love story is both satisfying and impactful, underscoring the narrative’s overall success.
Joseph Harkreader’s Wish of the White Tiger is a standout novel for readers who appreciate a blend of fantasy and historical elements, and for those who value diverse and nuanced portrayals of relationships. It is a story that remains with the reader, resonating long after the final page is turned. This novel is more than just a tale; it is an experience that invites readers into a world both enchanting and profound.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0CN3W6PCW
Cursed King: A Vampire Dark Fantasy Romance
In Cursed King: A Vampire Dark Fantasy Romance, Danielle Paquette-Harvey invites readers into a turbulent realm where King Nathan, a vampire-werewolf hybrid, grapples with the complexities of royal duties and personal desires. As Nathan stands at the precipice of an arranged marriage, his inner turmoil intensifies, compounded by his wolf side’s silence. However, his nuptials are abruptly shattered by an assassination attempt, spiraling his life into chaos. With a kingdom teetering on the edge and an assassin lurking in the shadows, Nathan’s journey is one of survival and alliance-seeking amid a landscape indifferent or hostile to his plight.
Paquette-Harvey skillfully weaves a narrative brimming with intrigue and fantasy. King Nathan, emerges as a multi-dimensional character whose reputation belies a softer, romantically inclined nature. The cast extends to Caleb, a morally ambiguous assassin with a penchant for danger and desire, and Samantha, a cunning vampiress whose manipulative tendencies are as formidable as they are detestable. While Emerald serves as a compelling supporting character, her perspective remains a tantalizing mystery, perhaps to be explored in future installments.
The author’s strength lies in her ability to juggle a diverse ensemble of characters, each contributing their unique viewpoint to an intricately connected storyline. The narrative is further enriched by a vibrant tapestry of vampires, werewolves, elves, and humans, ensuring a varied and immersive experience. The plot, marked by its well-crafted cliffhangers, propels readers through a whirlwind of emotions and anticipations, culminating in a compelling urge to discover what lies ahead.
Cursed King: A Vampire Dark Fantasy Romance is a testament to Paquette-Harvey’s narrative finesse and imaginative world-building. It’s a story that lingers with the reader, sparking a keen interest in the unfolding saga. As the first book concludes with tantalizing hints of what’s to come, one thing is clear: the journey through this enthralling world is far from over.
Pages: 326 | ASIN : B0CCYWGL5D
Heroes of Reighja: The Tale of Achyut the Gallant
Heroes of Reighja: The Tale of Achyut the Gallant, by Jim Gill, transports readers to the mythical continent of Reighja, a land rife with intrigue and mystery. In this realm, Prince Naemin and Princess Amira grapple with the enigma of the Collapse and the downfall of their once-glorious homeland, the Dynasty of Lamaru. Their routine existence is upended when they uncover a book chronicling the last journey of Prince Achyut, an ancestor whose fate intertwines with the very calamities that befell their world. As they delve into Achyut’s story, Naemin and Amira are faced with pressing questions: what truths will they unearth, and what lessons does Achyut’s story hold for them?
Gill’s writing prowess shines as he draws readers into the fold, crafting a tale that is as compelling as it is immersive. The characters, heroes and villains alike, are crafted with depth and nuance, making them resonate with the reader. The rich tapestry of world-building enhances the story’s vividness, making one yearn to journey alongside these characters and explore the expansive world of Reighja. Gill’s innovative use of ‘they/them’ pronouns for certain characters, including Achyut’s older sibling, intriguingly hints at a nuanced approach to royal status. As this pattern unfolds with other characters, it presents a unique stylistic feature that, with further clarification, has the potential to deepen reader engagement and add an extra layer of depth to the narrative experience.
The conclusion of Achyut’s tale, while touching upon familiar themes, gracefully complements the story’s overall arc, offering a satisfying and well-rounded closure to this sweeping saga. Its predictability does not detract but rather affirms the timeless appeal of the journey, ensuring a resonant and fulfilling conclusion.
In Heroes of Reighja: The Tale of Achyut the Gallant, Gill weaves a captivating tale of heroism and magic. Even though I craved a deeper initial exploration of the Collapse and a more distinctive conclusion, the journey through Reighja remains a memorable and enjoyable experience, showcasing Gill’s storytelling acumen and imaginative prowess.
Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0CL19RJ5J
Love Can Overcome Hate
LIGHT of the MAGOS: The Spark Within follows two teens living in a magical society who are from families that do not get along and have drastically different ideologies on the study of magic. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It was a matter of deciding what elements I wanted to include. I knew I wanted magic, a young love story, and something to feud about. After that, the development of the two families came together.
Faith and Colby are from feuding families, but they do not let that stop them from building their own relationship. What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
I wanted to show that love can overcome hate. The two father’s, Lonnie and Wayne, still do not exactly like each other, but they have softened towards one another.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted there to be a few different themes. I wanted love, having fun, helping someone in need despite feelings of dislike, and a crime that involved the CIA.
Will this novel be the start of a series or are you working on a different story?
This is the first of a series. I am almost finished with book one of another series, Rise of the Chosen, then I will start book two of this LIGHT of the MAGOS series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter
When Colby Custer starts his first year at the International School for the Intellect and Gifted, the talented young Magos is excited to learn more about his magical powers. But studying magic has never been more dangerous, thanks to the ongoing conflict between the Gifted and the Intellect.
On one side, the Custer family supports the study and sharing of magic with those they call Gifted. On the other, the Jenkins family perpetuates the hereditary lines of Magos called the Intellect. The feud between the two families is alive and well, but it’s about to get more complicated as a shared threat emerges.
What would happen if the Custer and Jenkins families team up?
For Faith Jenkins, Colby represents a future her father can’t accept. As she researches the mysteries of her family’s ancient lineage, Faith navigates the difficulties of love, social expectations, and the family feud. Romancing a Custer is out of the question, right?
Faith and Colby’s adventures at school are just the beginning. While the two teens come into their powers and tackle the threat to Faith’s life, their family feud becomes complicated by other mysteries: a clandestine spy op, a shady corporation, and an eerie creature.
Join Colby and Faith, Wayne and Lonnie, on a rollicking adventure of spies, feuds, magic, and mystery. And remember…
Ní conquers olc riamh. Evil never conquers.
Step into a world where magic and technology collide, where young heroes unravel genealogical secrets, explore extraordinary powers, and forge their own destinies.
The Crystal Crux Series: Beautiful
In The Crystal Crux Series: Beautiful, the final installment of Allen Werner’s epic fantasy series, readers are whisked into a world where destiny, power, and personal struggles intertwine. This narrative follows the journey of Pero de Alava, who, in a climactic revelation, finds his long-lost bride, signaling a turn in the tide of events. The story masterfully interweaves various plotlines, from Anthea’s battle against Sinibaldus’s poisonous machinations with the help of the Bellerophon Crystal to the grief-driven quest of Francis Whitehall across Italy.
Werner crafts a rich tapestry of characters and conflicts, with Cambio Sartore’s desperate search for his sister Gisele, who finds herself in a precarious situation with Tomas. Meanwhile, the ominous presence of Ophis, the black dragon, adds a layer of impending doom as it seeks the fifth Bellerophon Crystal for dark purposes. The book deftly balances these multiple threads, creating a sense of urgency and suspense.
The novel’s strength lies in its character development, particularly that of Pero de Alava. His internal struggles and growth are portrayed with a delicate touch, making him a relatable and compelling protagonist. His journey, marked by themes of redemption and responsibility, encapsulates the novel’s exploration of personal growth against a backdrop of external chaos. The narrative invites readers to ponder deeper questions about family, power, and the individual’s impact on destiny. While the novel features an ensemble cast, each navigating their distinct challenges, there is a sense of cohesion in how their stories intersect. Some characters may feel familiar, fitting into classic archetypes, but each contributes to the novel’s rich narrative tapestry.
Despite its brevity, The Crystal Crux: Beautiful maintains a balance of suspense, romance, and fantasy elements, making it an engaging read. Allen Werner’s skill in weaving these diverse storylines into a coherent and captivating conclusion is commendable, offering a satisfying closure to this imaginative series.
Pages: 150 | ASIN : B0CM2C8JG3
An Immersive Fantasy World
The Land of Sweets is in danger from the Mouse King, and Prince Klaus must enlist the help of Clara, now an adult, to help save his kingdom. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Return of the Nutcracker Prince?
Growing up, every year my family watched a movie version of the ballet where Clara and the Prince magically turn into adults in the Land of Sweets. In the finale, they rise up into the sky and then are ripped apart, and Clara wakes up in her bed. It took years before I realized that wasn’t normally how the story went.
After reading Aidy Award’s Claimed by the Winter Realm two years ago, I watched that old movie again. During the finale that plays up the star-crossed lovers aspect, I thought to myself, “What if the prince grew up and went back for Clara?” And I hopped on my computer and wrote until one in the morning.
Prince Klaus and Clara are well-known characters with rich histories. What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of the characters?
My first step was to research The Nutcracker Ballet and look at photos of various productions and how it’s changed through the years. Then I read The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, by Alexandre Dumas, which the ballet was based on.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
Overall, I wanted an immersive fantasy world. I hadn’t written a fantasy romance before this and there wasn’t really anything else like it I could find. Additionally, I wanted to pay homage to the original work while giving the story my own spin. As a student of both history and the German language, I challenged myself to keep the historical aspects as accurate as possible. I also changed the names of some characters because I wanted more German names for them.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
For my next book, I’m returning to contemporary romance. It will be a spin-off from my contemporary romance series, The Geek Girl Squad, coming this spring. It doesn’t have a title yet. Then, in the fall, I plan to release my first romantic suspense novel, Thief’s Bodyguard.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The Nutcracker Prince is on a mission — to save the Land of Sweets from the power-hungry Mouse King. But when Prince Klaus turns to Clara, the mage from the Realm of Waking, he finds more than just a savior for his kingdom. He finds the girl from his past, all grown up — but she thinks that long-ago battle was all a dream.
Clara has been promised to a man she hates and can’t see a way out. When she comes face to face with the boy from her dreams, her world turns upside down. He’s all grown up now, and he needs her help. She takes a leap of faith and joins Klaus in a daring adventure across the Realms. As they battle the Mouse King and his army, Klaus and Clara rekindle their connection and discover a love that might save them all.
Return to the Land of Sweets and Toys in this imaginative sequel to the Nutcracker Ballet!
LITERARY TITAN 