Blog Archives
Sweet Hunger
Sweet Hunger is a psychological thriller told through the chilling lens of Sebastian Wolfe, a successful architect consumed by obsession. Set in a sleek urban backdrop, the story traces Sebastian’s descent into a twisted fascination with Iris Klarelle, a colleague he watches from afar. What begins as admiration escalates into manipulation, surveillance, and deeply unsettling behavior, all masked by the polished facade of ambition and control. Bailey crafts a narrative of longing, delusion, and power that toes the line between attraction and madness, spiraling into something much darker than it first appears.
Reading this book felt like being dragged down a velvet-covered rabbit hole. Bailey’s writing is seductive and lyrical in places, almost romantic, until you realize how grotesque the underlying motivations are. That tension is what kept me enthralled. I caught myself sympathizing with Sebastian’s internal ache before being jolted by the horror of his actions. There’s a kind of poetic madness in how the book is written. It’s lush, sharp, and unsettling, and I have to admit, I found myself both disturbed and fascinated by how cleanly the writing mirrored the protagonist’s crumbling mind. It’s rare for a book to make me feel both voyeur and victim.
The obsessive monologues were intriguing and well-written. Although I craved another perspective. Iris remains just out of reach, which might be the point, but it made me crave her voice to break the suffocating singularity of Sebastian’s. The moments of levity, mostly from side characters like Jenna, felt like lifeboats, though they were rare. Still, Bailey manages to keep you locked in, not because you’re rooting for anyone, but because you can’t look away. It’s haunting.
Sweet Hunger isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s for readers who appreciate the raw, unfiltered mess of human desire, especially when it teeters into obsession. If you liked You by Caroline Kepnes or the slow-burn creep of American Psycho, this book will captivate you. It’s beautiful, dark, and uncomfortable, and I mean that as a compliment.
Pages: 374 | ASIN : B0FGTNT4ZM
Razor’s Return
Razor’s Return tells the story of Senior Chief Petty Officer Zack “Razor” Reston, a Navy SEAL with a quiet intensity, and Eve Patterson, a confident, self-sufficient realtor with a military legacy of her own. What begins as a simple community service assignment, Razor caddying for Eve at a charity golf event, quickly snowballs into an unexpected and heartwarming romance. As they navigate their growing connection, the story dives into their vulnerabilities, the burdens they carry, and the unique challenges that come with loving someone tied to the military.
What I loved most about this book was the grounded chemistry between Razor and Eve. Their banter felt real, at times awkward, at times electric, and it reminded me of the stumbling starts of many true-to-life relationships. The dialogue never felt forced. Razor, despite his intimidating presence and gruff exterior, was a refreshing kind of romantic lead: quiet, respectful, haunted, and utterly sincere. And Eve, God, I admired her fire. She wasn’t waiting for a man to rescue her; she held her own, physically and emotionally. Watching her disarm men, sometimes literally, while navigating Razor’s rough edges was deeply satisfying. The scenes were often intimate, not just physically but emotionally, and they stuck with me.
Razor’s inner monologue, especially about how out-of-place he felt or how “classy” Eve seemed, sometimes circled the same track. Still, it’s a small gripe. Biggerstaff clearly writes with affection for the characters and with knowledge of military life. There were heartfelt moments, especially the ones tied to Eve’s father, that hit harder than I expected. It’s a romance, yes, but it’s also a quiet nod to service, sacrifice, and resilience. It reminded me how much emotion lives just under the surface for folks in uniform.
Razor’s Return is an easy recommendation. If you’re into military romance that feels authentic but isn’t bogged down in melodrama, this one’s for you. It’s tender, funny, and surprisingly deep in parts. Perfect for fans of quiet tough guys, strong women, and second chances.
Pages: 215 | ASIN : B0F2P3XLVS
Echo
Jessica Ashley’s Echo sweeps readers into a story about trauma, redemption, and the raw vulnerability of healing through faith and love. At its center is Elliot “Echo” Hunt, a former soldier turned search-and-rescue hero, and a woman with no name, no past, and a gunshot wound she barely survives. As Elliot finds her unconscious on his land, tangled in creek debris, their paths collide in ways that neither expects. With themes of grace, second chances, and slow-burn romance, this Christian romantic suspense novel doesn’t hold back on emotion or intensity.
Ashley does a brilliant job of building suspense without losing the thread of heart in the story. The scene where Jane prays through Psalm 23 while escaping through the woods had me breathless. It was both terrifying and strangely beautiful. I appreciated how Ashley wove scripture organically into the story. It didn’t feel forced or preachy. Instead, it felt like a lifeline, like the characters were clinging to it as fiercely as I was turning the pages.
Elliot’s character is written with a lot of emotional depth. He’s gruff and guarded but not cold, which is a hard balance to get right. His scenes with his dog Echo and the quiet moments on the ranch gave his trauma space to breathe. What really got me was how shaken he is by her resemblance to someone he lost. That subtle heartbreak bleeds into the entire book. You can feel him holding back, afraid of letting himself hope again. I loved how the story didn’t rush his healing, or Jane’s. Their connection builds slowly, which makes it feel earned.
I also have to give a shoutout to the dialogue, which felt real and often funny, especially when Elliot is bantering with his siblings. The Hunt family dynamic is warm and chaotic in the best way, especially with Ruth (Elliot’s mom) and Lani (his sister and a doctor). You can sense how much love is in this family. That said, the book does dip heavily into past trauma and grief, and at times I felt those moments were almost too neatly resolved, but it didn’t take away from the emotional payoff.
Echo is a heartfelt story about faith, brokenness, and the quiet bravery it takes to let someone in again. It’s raw in places, gentle in others, and always anchored in hope. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense with a soul, especially readers who enjoy Christian fiction that isn’t afraid to wrestle with pain. Fans of strong family dynamics, redemption arcs, and rugged heroes with tender hearts will find a lot to love here.
Pages: 456 | ASIN : B0DN7SW26B
Memorable Nostalgia
Redeye follows a husband and wife who, after undergoing dramatic changes to their appearances, struggle with their fears and insecurities from the past while trying to hold their relationship together. It seemed like you took your time in building the characters and the story to great emotional effect. How did you manage the pacing of the story while keeping readers engaged?
I used a Three-Act structure when outlining my books. This was a simpler story than what I was used to with fewer main characters. The story really came together easily with a decent pace, and I sprinkled a lot of pop-culture references to keep my readers engaged with some memorable nostalgia.
I find that authors sometimes ask themselves questions and let their characters answer them. Do you think this is true for your characters?
Hmmm, That’s the first time I’ve heard that. I wouldn’t say they answer any questions I may have, but my characters DO speak through me, and I’m glad they have an audience that will actually listen to them.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on two new standalone novels that I hopefully plan to release in either late 2026 or early 2027.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Seven years ago, Nate and Cynthia Durant were unrecognizable. They were in love, newly married, and hundreds of pounds overweight. Now, they turn heads wherever they go, but as their 10th anniversary looms, it becomes increasingly apparent that their paths are diverging.
Despite their newfound external allure, the insecurities of their former selves still linger within. Nate, now a modern renaissance man juggling a myriad of careers—from podcasting and photography to writing, DJing, and stand-up comedy—struggles to reconcile his past with his present. On the other hand, Cynthia, living comfortably off her wealthy parents’ support, finds herself in a state of career limbo as a former substitute teacher.
Everything takes a turn when Nate makes a chance discovery online and rekindles a connection from his past. This new relationship sets off a series of unforeseen events, from the sudden loss of their beloved pet to an unexpected confrontation with their own demons. Secrets, lies, and confessions intertwined, pushing their marriage to the brink. As past wounds are laid bare, Nate and Cynthia must confront their own vulnerabilities and redefine the boundaries of their love.
“Redeye” is an emotionally charged novel that perfectly blends romance and drama. Join Nate and Cynthia as they navigate the road to self-acceptance, chance encounters, and discover love is anything but predictable.
Redeye
Syntell Smith’s Redeye is a fast-paced, character-driven novel that pulls you into the complex world of Nate Durant, a man juggling multiple gigs, past regrets, and present uncertainties in the bustling backdrop of New York City. The story follows Nate as he navigates his relentless hustle of writing, podcasting, photography, and even stand-up comedy all while dealing with his marriage, personal demons, and an unexpected blast from the past. The novel seamlessly blends humor, drama, and emotional depth, making for an engaging read.
One of the standout elements of Redeye is how real the characters feel. Nate is not your typical protagonist, he’s flawed, sometimes selfish, yet undeniably likable. His relentless work ethic comes off as both admirable and exhausting. Smith does an excellent job making you feel his fatigue, whether it’s through his chaotic schedule or the moments he crashes at home only to be greeted by responsibilities he barely has time for. A particularly powerful scene is when he confronts his wife, Cynthia, about his need to stay busy, revealing his deep-seated fear of ever returning to the version of himself that felt trapped in his own body. It’s raw and honest, making you root for him even when he’s being stubborn.
The dialogue is another strong point. It’s natural, snappy, and full of life. Conversations between Nate and his wife, Cynthia, feel authentic, especially when they butt heads over his work-life balance. The banter in the podcast scenes, particularly the heated debate over Ben Affleck playing Batman, is hilarious and captures the chaotic energy of pop culture discourse. Smith’s ability to write casual conversations that still push the narrative forward is impressive, making the novel feel immersive and dynamic.
The pacing feels erratic, bouncing between Nate’s gigs, personal conflicts, and unexpected discoveries like stumbling upon an old acquaintance in a compromising online photo. While this frenetic energy adds to the book’s charm, it can also feel overwhelming. Some subplots could have used a bit more breathing room to develop fully, particularly Nate’s backstory with Stephanie. Her presence lingers in the novel, but the resolution to that thread felt somewhat rushed compared to the time spent on other aspects of Nate’s life.
Redeye is an energetic, character-rich novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the grind of modern life pressing down on them. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy fast dialogue, real-world struggles, and a protagonist who is far from perfect but easy to root for. If you like books that capture the pulse of a city and the people trying to make it within it, this is worth picking up.
Pages: 286 | ASIN : B0D9YPZTXW
Dangerous Shadows
Amanda Shittim’s novella, Dangerous Shadows, dives deep into the steamy and suspenseful world of New Orleans, weaving a tale of love, betrayal, and survival. At its heart is Tessa Lane, a private investigator with a knack for getting in over her head. When her simple surveillance job collides with the enigmatic Dominic Steele, Tessa is pulled into a web of deadly secrets and high-stakes danger. The narrative carries readers through the sultry streets of the French Quarter, where every shadow hides a potential threat, and every kiss feels like a gamble.
Shittim’s writing is sharp and evocative, particularly when describing New Orleans. The city itself feels like a character, alive with its juxtaposition of charm and menace. From the flickering gaslights to the tense alleys, the setting pulls you in, making every scene vivid. I found myself lingering over the description in Chapter 1: “The underbelly of the French Quarter smells like stiff bourbon, desperation, and cigarette smoke.” That line encapsulates the atmospheric grit of the story.
The chemistry between Tessa and Dominic is undeniably electric, but it often feels rushed. Their relationship pivots between hostility and passion so quickly it can feel like emotional whiplash. That said, their interactions are some of the story’s highlights. When Dominic warns Tessa, “You’re supposed to trust me,” the tension crackles, showcasing Shittim’s talent for writing compelling, charged dialogue. Yet, I wished for more gradual development of their bond to balance the fiery, impulsive moments.
The burner phone’s role as the catalyst for the chaos is a strong narrative device, but the frequent “safe house escapes” in later chapters started to feel repetitive. Still, Shittim excels in creating high-stakes action. The chase sequence in Chapter 3 had my heart racing, with descriptions so vivid I could almost hear the pounding footsteps and roaring engines. Dominic’s brooding past and Tessa’s headstrong recklessness sometimes felt more trope-driven than authentic.
Dangerous Shadows is an exciting, fast-paced read that fans of romantic thrillers will devour. It’s perfect for those who enjoy stories brimming with tension, danger, and fiery romance, even if they can overlook some melodramatic moments and familiar plot devices. If you love a mix of steamy romance and nail-biting suspense, this book will keep you entertained from start to finish.
Pages: 106 | ASIN : B0DR67BG3F
Pursue Your Dreams
Sultry Is The Night follows a haunted man trying to survive after the loss of his parents and his dreams, who meets a mysterious woman who draws him into her dangerous world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was a teenager when the great hits of the 1980s were released: Footloose, Flashdance, Fame. Those movies are about pursuing your dreams, despite the obstacles you might face. There’s also a grittiness to those films, and that is something that I wanted to capture in “Sultry“. Most of my books are set in the 1980s because I want my readers to escape our modern world and immerse themselves in my world. Although he is from “the wrong side of the tracks”, Mario pursues his dream of becoming a chef because once we give up on our dreams, we stop truly living. When he meets Tess (the rich girl from the other side of town), he is faced with a new challenge – one that puts his heart in a vise.
I found your characters engaging and believable. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Thank you! As a female author, I have always written male protagonists and Mario was one of my favourites to bring to life. Like him, I am also Italian, and like him, cooking is a passion for me. It was a lot of fun for me to create him and imagine what it would be like to live as him. It was almost as if he was inviting me into his life. I didn’t find any of my characters challenging to write. They live inside my head, and my heart, and are simply waiting for me to put pen to paper.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Love, predominantly. Even in my horror stories, love is a major theme. Then there was the theme of cultural divide, and that between classes – rich versus poor. To paraphrase an old saying: It doesn’t matter how much money we have, we all end up in the same wooden box. I’d like to add to that, “…but love never dies”. Finally, there’s a theme of racial injustice that Mario is faced with and it’s within his own family.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
I never intended to write a sequel to “Sultry” but a few readers requested one, and since I missed my characters, I decided to write one that reads as a standalone story. In the sequel, “A Crack in Forever“, Mario’s half-brother is in trouble. His aging father reaches out to Mario for help. At the same time, Mario believes Tess, the love of his life, has betrayed him. Mario falls into an abyss of despair, and uncertainty, torn between the love he harbours for Tess, and for his half-brother, Tony. I’d categorize the sequel as a Romantic Thriller, and while I have entertained the notion of writing a third book, I think that Mario and Tess’s story should end where it does. However, as an author, I never say “never”!
This town has a distinct border, the good side and the shady side, where the townspeople battle rats for scraps of food. Mario used to live among the rich, but he now resides on the wrong side of the tracks thanks to the father who left him behind. Worst of all, he’s mourning his mother’s death and what he thinks is the loss of his lifelong dream, becoming a chef.
After meeting Dito who owns “Dean’s Pizzeria”, things are finally changing for Mario. Until Tess enters his life – the beautiful, mysterious stranger who lives in a luxury high rise. But there’s something off, something she’s hiding, something dark.
Some borders aren’t meant to be crossed.
“Sultry, Is the Night”, is for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong.
Sultry Is The Night
Set in 1982, Sultry Is The Night by Barbara Avon tells the gripping story of Mario, a man once ensconced in the comforts of a thriving town but now lost amidst its shadows. Haunted by the tragic loss of his parents and an unraveling sense of purpose, Mario clings to glimmers of hope, finding solace in the camaraderie of Dito, a compassionate pizzeria owner. His fragile stability is shattered when Tess, a glamorous yet enigmatic woman with a dangerous allure, enters his life. Drawn irresistibly into her world, Mario faces a whirlwind of temptation, self-discovery, and confrontation with his past. Will he succumb to the encroaching darkness, or will he find the strength to reclaim his humanity?
Avon weaves a harrowing yet breathtaking tapestry of resilience set against the backdrop of a decaying town. The setting, with its crumbling facades and an undercurrent of despair, transcends mere scenery to reflect Mario’s inner turmoil. I was immediately captivated by the universal themes embedded in this story. Avon reimagines the timeless struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, and the unyielding quest for redemption, all with remarkable depth.
From the opening pages, the prose demands attention. Raw yet lyrical, each sentence feels intentionally crafted to evoke vivid imagery and palpable emotion. The town itself, once a beacon of promise now withered into neglect, mirrors Mario’s journey, resonating as both a literal and symbolic presence. Avon’s ability to intertwine setting and character is masterful, creating a dual narrative that unfolds with compelling intimacy and universal significance.
Avon avoids simple dichotomies of heroism and villainy, offering instead a spectrum of flawed, complex individuals. Mario stands at the heart of this story, his struggles both deeply personal and strikingly relatable. Through him, readers confront uncomfortable truths about vulnerability, survival, and the lengths to which one might go to grasp hope. Avon tempers these weighty themes with moments of quiet beauty, where even the faintest glimmer of light feels like salvation.
Technically, Avon’s storytelling is impeccable. The pacing is deliberate, drawing readers gradually into the depths of Mario’s world without ever losing momentum. Her atmospheric descriptions are immersive, enveloping the reader in a visceral experience that lingers well beyond the final page. The dialogue, stripped of artifice, feels raw and authentic, lending credibility to the story’s gritty realism. Themes of poverty, betrayal, and hope are explored with nuance, inviting readers to wrestle with their interpretations rather than imposing a singular perspective.
Sultry Is The Night challenges its readers to feel, reflect, and empathize. It dares you to confront the darkness within humanity while holding fast to the fragile yet enduring sparks of light. For those who appreciate character-driven narratives rich with emotional depth and poetic realism, this novel is an absolute must-read. Barbara Avon delivers a tale of redemption and resilience that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Pages: 176 | ASIN : B09M7Q4YQ3
LITERARY TITAN 