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I Want To Write Different Stories
Serenade explores the saga of a mateless shifter who must navigate a complex web of ancient taboos and personal fears when he’s irrevocably drawn to a reluctant witch whose allure is as dangerous as it is irresistible. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Actually, I based the scene in Chapter one, where Kingsley visits a spiritual center and sits among human beings desiring a psychic reading, on my personal experience at the famous spiritual camp in Cassadaga, Florida. I am always trying to find interesting twists to throw into novels and I thought-hmmm-what if a wolf shifter sat among human beings and a psychic picked him for a reading?
This concept intrigued me and I didn’t think this theme had been explored by any other authors, so I wrote it. Honestly, if an idea makes me laugh and seems entertaining, I will consider it for one of my novels. I love to keep my readers entertained while they are diving into the worlds I create.
I knew, at the beginning, that I wanted to write a book about a wolf shifter and a witch but I didn’t know much else until I started writing it. The idea that the female protagonist happens to walk in during the session and Kingsley, coincidentally, happens to be there too, just seemed too perfect to pass up.
Kingsley and Eva are compelling characters. What were some driving ideals behind their character’s development?
I wanted Kingsley, despite his inability to find his mate, to still have hope that she existed. Once he found her, he would instantly know her yet I wanted Eva to, somehow, be unavailable to Kingsley. She had a secret and he had to remain caution around her, because of it. Yet, her secret wouldn’t make him walk away from her.
Even though he wanted her and needed her in his life, there was something keeping him from solidifying the deal that he had to work through. As her fated mate, standing by and letting nature take its course wasn’t an option for him so having patience as Eva works through what she needs to would be tough for him but worth it, in the end.
With Eva, I knew I wanted her to be like most of the female characters I write about- she felt an attraction to Kingsley but she wouldn’t immediately and instantly be drawn to him. There had to be something in her past that kept her from moving forward with him but at the time I started writing the book, I wasn’t sure, yet, what that was.
It was through the development of the story lines that other characters popped up in the book to add to Eva and Kingsley’s challenges and development like Crimson, Kingsley’s friends and Kingsley’s younger, rebellious brother, Weldon.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Once I started writing about Eva’s ability to affect electricity, I was interested in exploring this phenomenon more. I wanted to find out how this would affect the relationship between her and Kingsley, especially if she was unable to control it. Since Eva is a very passionate female, she doesn’t understand the nature of her ability and this makes it scary for her. That was also a concept that intrigued me and needed exploration.
Despite Kingsley’s sexual magnetism, Eva wouldn’t immediately fall for him. So, Kingsley’s pursuit of her would take time and patience, which he doesn’t have much of since he’s an alpha male. Still, moving slowly through their romance, allowed them both to get to know each other better.
After introducing the subject of her electro kinesis ability, I needed to find a way for her to learn to control it so they could be together. That was also a journey I wanted to explore with, for the couple.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently self-editing my manuscript called The Unwanteds before I formally turn it over to my editor. I am hoping to publish the book in a few months.
The Unwanteds is an anthology comprised of six stores with various shape shifters that have been ignored, rejected and shunned by the shape shifter community.
Most stories with shape shifters feature powerful, larger than life wild animals and beings like bears, tigers, dragons and wolves. Yet, I wanted to write a different story. I wanted to tell the tales of those you don’t typically find in paranormal romance books, tell their stories and let readers know of their lesser-known, unique abilities that make them so very interesting. Despite their irrelevance to their community, each one ends up with their own, unique HEA.
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Kingsley gave up on meeting his fated one until Eva walked into his life and threw him a curveball—a puzzling dilemma he doesn’t know how to resolve. Her cheery laughter thrills him, her generous curves devour him, and her scent…dear God, her scent undoes him.
Eva had given up on men, but there is something about Kingsley she can’t resist. He is persistent, driven, affectionate, and different from the men in her past.
Kingsley, the Artic Wolf won’t take no for an answer, but witches and wolves don’t mix.
And Eva is dangerous…
The Buried King
In her spellbinding narrative, The Buried King, Kilayla Pilon takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the complex themes of familial betrayal and alienation. The central plot revolves around Princess Elika and her brother, Silas, both entrapped in a dangerous game of survival against their ostensible father, Icear.
The saga unfolds with Elika, and Silas ensconced within the sanctuary of a forest camp, escaping the onslaught of their father. Icear, in his pursuit of absolute power, aims to extinguish any threat to his reign, mainly stemming from Elika’s intriguing magick. This world is imbued with a palpable division between those possessing magick, identifiable by their eyes, and ordinary citizens, thereby augmenting the stakes for our protagonists. Icear’s fear of Elika’s magick is not without reason, given its veneration since childhood, fueling rumors of her possibly being another’s progeny.
Throughout their ordeal, Pilon introduces elements of loyalty and friendship, embodied in characters like Ash, who plays an instrumental role in safeguarding Silas and Elika. The plot further thickens as Ash and Silas are abducted and transported to Eris, a bustling city under Icear’s rule. As Elika embarks on her daring quest to rescue her brother and friend, she encounters allies who aid her in infiltrating the fortified city.
Meanwhile, Ash and Silas endure harsh penalties, with Silas publicly chastised and ultimately succumbing to his inflicted wounds. This propels Elika into a wrathful confrontation with Icear. Armed with her magick and guided by the enigmatic Queen Velissa, who appears as a fox, Elika challenges her father. Velissa’s cryptic mantra, ‘find the truth,’ resonates deeply with Elika, driving her to seize the throne and embark on a journey to uncover her obscured past.
Pilon employs a unique narrative technique, shifting perspectives primarily between Elika and Ash. While providing depth, this method might pose a challenge to less vigilant readers. The narrative also flits between different timelines, and the mysterious visions from Queen Velissa can be disorienting. Despite these potential impediments, Pilon’s impressive imagination lends an extraordinary richness to the story.
Teasingly, Pilon leaves Elika’s true origin unresolved, hinting at a possible sequel, where readers might finally uncover the hidden truth. This suspenseful choice stirs up anticipation for Pilon’s future work, proving that The Buried King is a highly engaging tale worthy of any avid reader’s bookshelf.
Pages: 167 | ASIN : B0BK2DBP71
Serenade
Kingsley, a wolf shifter in search of his soul mate, serendipitously encounters her. However, he restrains himself from declaring his love, desiring her to truly know him first. Eva, a witch with the remarkable ability to manipulate electricity, finds an instant and undeniable attraction to Kingsley. Although she harbors suspicions regarding his shifter identity, she hesitates to embrace this truth. Can their profound connection transcend the challenge posed by their respective supernatural natures—a witch and a shapeshifter?
Within the pages of this enthralling work by T.K. Lawyer, readers are immersed in a world brimming with desire and passion. I relished the exploration of the profound bond shared by Kingsley and Eva, particularly as he adored every facet of her being, even during moments when she lacked self-assurance.
Kingsley’s ardent spirit and swift enchantment with Eva, despite their new acquaintance, imbued the narrative with an intriguing intensity. The tale unfolds at a pace that allows ample time for the story’s purpose to reveal itself in a leisurely fashion. While I feel the addition of more dramatic tension and a formidable hurdle for the lovers to surmount could have enhanced the narrative, the plot in its current form is certainly gripping. The unmasking of Kingsley’s shifter nature and Eva’s witchcraft might have been less emphasized, but this choice of subtlety lent a sense of realism to their extraordinary circumstances, ensuring their differences didn’t overpower the story’s focus on their relationship. Some instances of dialogue may lean towards theatricality, yet they add a rich layer of drama that keeps the conversation lively and emotionally charged.
The author excels in evoking an intense and fiery passion between the two protagonists. Lawyer’s adeptness at crafting vivid descriptions enables readers to visualize every scene with remarkable clarity, drawing them further into the narrative’s captivating world.
I recommend this book to individuals seeking a swift yet sizzling read, as it abounds with passionate romance. The undeniable chemistry between Kingsley and Eva and the author’s ability to create a vivid, immersive experience are noteworthy achievements.
Pages: 163 | ASIN: B084P36LB8
The Book Was Cheaper Than Therapy
Spin follows an underachieving marketing employee who sees the opportunity to change his life around if only he can let go of his morals. What was the inspiration for the original idea at the center of the book?
The original idea probably came to me a decade ago, circa 2012. I was working in marketing at a big multinational and for a long time really loved it. Then headquarters announced a ‘roadmap’ to get to an earnings per share target. All well and good if revenue was growing, but it wasn’t. The end result was diabolical and thousands of people were made redundant. I think the situation is completely relatable to anyone that’s worked in a corporate environment. And for me, the small team of exceptional people that I managed – each were made redundant, one per quarter, until I no longer had a team. And then a month later, I was tapped on the shoulder – my work was done, it was my turn. I’d been there for almost twenty years, so the way it ended was soul-destroying. I guess the book was cheaper than therapy.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Short answer is a lot of it. The characters aren’t based on any one person in particular, but an amalgam of various people I’ve met, worked with or been managed by. I’d like to point out that 99.9% of my colleagues at work both past and present are fantastic. And I’ve had some truly exceptional managers (a big shout out to Steve and Connie particularly). But the 0.1% provided great material for the book so I thank them also.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The best thing about satirical comedy is that you can make points without being preachy. Or if you miss the theme, that’s fine too as long as the book makes you smile. The key theme revolved around corporate ethics and at what point you’d sell your soul to get to the top. The protagonist in the book sells his soul for an annual salary of half a million dollars. I reckon I’d price mine at a million but I’m prepared to negotiate.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
The next book is percolating as we speak. I’ll stick with comedy because I write what I love, and I love a good laugh more than anything. So picture ‘Ruthless People’, the 1986 movie starring Danny DeVito, mixed with ‘Reservoir Dogs’, the 1992 debut of Quentin Tarantino. I guess you get a ‘Ruthless Dogs’. The title needs work, me thinks.
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Geoff Stradling likes to think he’s one of the good guys. And it’s important to stay stoic in the face of a few challenges. So what if the company he’s working for shows dubious business ethics? Or that his boss is a back-stabbing narcissist? Or that his girlfriend is happily rid of him? Let’s not mention getting overlooked for that promotion. The less said about that, the better.
But his dream job is just around the corner. Maybe a couple of tweaks to his CV are required, but who cares? Money. Power. It might just go to his head.
He can have it all… for the price of his soul.
Praesidium
By the end of her college years, Kathryn Bek had led a relatively normal and uneventful life. She had certainly never spent much time considering things like notorious crime families, supernatural abilities, or the existence of angel-like beings on Earth- at least not until her recruitment into the HGS. Presented as a global agency that exists essentially “for the greater good of humanity,” Kathryn decides to throw caution to the wind and join the team. In doing so, she learns that not only are there many things in this world she was ignorant of, but many of those things were much closer to her and her personal life than she could ever have imagined.
From the first, fast-paced opening lines of Praesidium by McKinley Aspen, it’s clear that this gripping book will take readers on an adventure. Hints of the supernatural are revealed early, then carefully fleshed out at a pace that keeps the reader hooked without showing all the cards too early. Kathryn’s character is written well, showing depth, and bolstered by a supporting group that perfectly balances her personality traits. The HGS- Hope and Global Support- shines as an enigma that almost functions as a character in itself, driving the plot with its mysteries. Aspen builds an exciting tale that checks every box when it comes to keeping things moving and fun. Tonally, the book’s first half differs drastically from the second, but the transition happens in an organic way that absolutely makes sense within the story’s context.
As Kathryn learns more about herself, her family ties, and the new abilities she needs to accept, the story escalates from stopping crime on a small scale, local level, to the reveal of a global threat that she and her teammates are tasked with derailing, despite only the vaguest of directions. Of course, no unique supernatural story exists without a compelling villain; again, this one delivers. Jacquelyn is rarely the main focus of a scene, but she steals it when she is. Kathryn’s background and her relationship with Jacquelyn could be their own book. I would have loved it if more attention had been given to Jacquelyn, either in her backstory or her time in the spotlight, because what was shown was interesting, and I wanted more.
Praesidium is an action-packed science fiction and fantasy novel that stirs readers’ imagination and paranoia. I had difficulty putting this captivating book down, especially once I reached the second half and the action showed no signs of slowing. However, I look forward to learning more about this story, as the ending certainly left things open in a way that a sequel seems expected.
Pages: 242 | ASIN : B0B5W5HNKN
The Younglings: Mayhem & Magic
Helena M. Craggs’ third installment in The Younglings series welcomes back the gang of supernaturals who continue to fight for a safer world for both humans and magical creatures. In The Younglings: Mayhem & Magic, the same team of supernaturals find themselves in college and embroiled in action from the beginning. Rhys, the vampire-tracker and personal favorite of many readers, has caused mayhem by alerting the world to the existence of vampires, resulting in the death of two hundred people and videos of the Younglings using their powers flooding the internet. Meanwhile, the group travels through time to 1612 to ensure that the Veil of Souls grimoire remains intact.
This installment is narrated from various characters’ perspectives, which satisfies the readers’ desire to dive deeper into their minds. Rhys, in particular, is a complex anti-hero who adds drama and tension to the plot. He is fiercely jealous, bitter, and determined to have Eve as his Queen, and he is willing to eliminate the Younglings to achieve his goal. Craggs’ writing is quick-witted, adding an excellent flow to the novel. The alternating time periods are extrinsically described, allowing the reader to travel alongside the Younglings as they master their powers and navigate relationships, family, and schooling. It was heartwarming to see original protagonists like Quinn maintain their personalities throughout the series. One of the highlights of this novel is Quinn’s relationship progression with Eve, as well as the evolution of his relationship with his father. While these themes may be overlooked, readers who have followed Quinn’s background since Book 1 will appreciate the underlying message of the importance of family bonds and trust.
The book is well-written, the plot is captivating, and the characters are well-rounded and memorable. This installment of the series is a testament to Craggs’ skill as a writer and her ability to keep the story fresh and exciting. If you are looking for a great read combining action, romance, and magic, then The Younglings: Mayhem & Magic is worth your time.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0BTMB8FXB
Secret Magical Organisations
The Nephilim’s Fate follows a young witch who has been dreaming about a man only to discover he is a Nephilim, and their romance is forbidden. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I always wanted to write a book that I would love to read myself. The Nephilim have been on my mind for a while, and I love stories with lots of magic and action. Alissia being a witch felt natural to me and gave me the possibility to explore the secret magical organisations in the story more deeply. While I was writing, more and more details came to my mind, as well as the arc for the rest of the story.
What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
I felt that Alissia and Nate had to fight for their relationship, and that their decisions should have consequences for the whole magical community around them. Their love should be a catalyst for change and a source of conflict that rages on far beyond what they could have foreseen.
How did you handle balancing the power and use of magic in the story?
Magic and casting spells are always great to read about. However, I didn’t want one magical species to be too powerful or too dominant in the story. There should be a delicate balance between the factions; the power struggle believable and engaging. Furthermore, I didn’t want to give Alissia and Nate too much magic, as this would quickly become boring and redundant if they could solve every problem with their powers. It is an important theme throughout the stories that the different magical species need to come together and unite to survive.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book two, The Nephilim’s Fear, will be released on May 16th and focuses on the love story between Azariel, the best fighter of the Nephilim, and Andrew, Charlie’s overprotective older brother. The story follows their journey as they learn to navigate their new relationship while also dealing with the existing supernatural threats caused by Alissia and Nate’s relationship.
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Alissia spent years longing for a mysterious man who only appeared in her dreams… but when Nate rescues her from a group of supernatural attackers, she makes a shocking discovery. She’s a witch, and he’s a Nephilim – the son of an angel and a human – and love between them is impossible.
Determined to prove the old texts wrong and find a future where they can be together, Alissia wades deeper into a mysterious world where vampires, fae, and demons lurk among humanity. After she discovers a surprising revelation, Alissia believes she’s found the answer. But their passionate love kicks off a wild chain of events that threatens to plunge the secret magical world of London into war.
With sinister magical groups vying for power and old rivalries bubbling to the surface, Nate and his love are quickly dragged into a conflict that will shape the destiny of their world forever. Nate knows that he’s fated to be with her – but is he prepared to risk everything to stay with his witch?
Gear up for a hot and pulse-pounding paranormal romance that’s bursting at the seams with wild action, forbidden love, steamy scenes, and a strong heroine. The Nephilim’s Fate is an exhilarating read that’s perfect for anybody who wants to watch their fantasies come alive. Scroll up and grab your copy today…
LITERARY TITAN 