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Dual Tracks of Cruelty
Gaviota Island: Birds, Monkeys, and Twisted Love follows a bird enthusiast who falls in love with a hunter and moves to Panama with him, only to discover it is not the happily ever after she hoped for. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Personal experience. All of us know individuals who attach themselves emotionally to other persons who in one way or another are toxic for them. One of these tropes is “opposites attract.” But many of the oppressed/suppressed personalities don’t break free of their relationships except under exceptional duress. This is the setup of the story.
I found Laura to be a very well-written and in-depth character. What was your inspiration for her emotional turmoil throughout the story?
Laura is easy to visualize as she contends with the forceful character of her boyfriend, Bret. She is sufficiently captured by him so as not to run away, even if she is repulsed by his hunting and his treatment of her in bed. Weighing the positive and the negative, she chooses the positive — until the breaking point at the end.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
This book is about dual tracks of cruelty. The first track is the violence of shooting wild animals. Running in parallel is the track about Bret’s abuse of Laura. Laura ends both with a single action.
So was it wrong of her? Or right? That is the question I’d like readers to think about.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Not saying.
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Laura Whitley is 22 years old. She meets Bret Belcher at the University of Texas – an unexpected pairing of a bird enthusiast and a passionate hunter. Laura admires Bret’s confidence, ambition, and charm. But she grapples with his unwavering passion for guns and hunting.
As university graduation looms, Laura’s distress intensifies because she has no plans for what she’ll do when she finishes. The Belchers will dispatch Bret to Panama to oversee the family’s property business there. This could be Laura’s pivotal moment to break up with him. But against her parents’ advice, she follows him to Panama in hopes of remaking their lives together.
In Panama, Laura befriends a young biologist who discovers a rare population of monkeys on Gaviota, an uninhabited island meant for Bret’s real estate venture. The discovery is a threat to Bret’s plans.
Bret’s violent solution to the monkey problem and his betrayal with another woman push Laura to the edge. Horrified and desperate, Laura takes drastic measures.
Discover the gripping tale that blurs the lines between right and wrong, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Gaviota Island: Birds, Monkeys, and Twisted Love
Gaviota Island: Birds, Monkeys, and Twisted Love, by Janna Klarmann, is a gripping story of love, conflict, and opposing worldviews. It begins with Bret and Laura meeting in college, coming from vastly different backgrounds. Laura is passionate about protecting animals and their habitats, while Bret shares a love for animals but from a hunter’s perspective. Their relationship starts with promise, but it soon takes a dark turn. After college, Bret moves to Panama to expand his family’s real estate business with Laura by his side. In Panama, Laura meets Penny, a biologist with a similar love for wildlife, and the two embark on an adventure to the Pearl Islands for Penny’s research on monkeys. The story kicks into high gear when they find the monkeys on Gaviota Island, the very same island Bret’s family has just bought to resell. From that moment, the story spirals into chaos, with twists and surprises at every turn.
Janna Klarmann has crafted an engaging narrative filled with unexpected developments. Admittedly, the book started off a bit slow for my taste, but once the plot thickened, I found it impossible to put down. The story successfully draws readers into an emotional whirlwind with its unpredictable twists.
In the beginning, Laura’s character came across as overly passive, particularly in her attachment to a toxic relationship with Bret, which I found somewhat frustrating. The ending felt a little hard to believe, especially considering Laura’s clear aversion to guns that had been established throughout the narrative. These elements could benefit from a bit more depth to enhance the story’s overall impact. That said, I really appreciated the dynamic between Laura and Penny. Their friendship offered Laura the kind of support she had been missing, and it was refreshing to see her bond with someone who genuinely cared for her. Klarmann delivered a powerful message about the importance of asking for help, which resonated with me. It’s a reminder that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness, and I appreciated how that theme was woven into the narrative. The novel emphasizes standing up for your beliefs and not letting anyone hold you back, which is an empowering takeaway.
Gaviota Island: Birds, Monkeys, and Twisted Love is a worthwhile read for fans of romance with a controversial edge. If you enjoy stories where the heroine ultimately prevails against the odds, this book will likely appeal to you. Its strong messages and captivating twists make it a memorable ride.
Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0DC6H1466
High-Octane Action and Romance
In Escape, a couple makes a connection, but they are prevented from exploring a relationship when a missile strike devastates the country and thrusts them both into dangerous circumstances. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Escape came from a vivid nightmare. I woke up with my heart racing and scrambled to find something to write on. In the dream, my main character, Beth, was being swept away by a fast-flowing river, desperately fighting to keep her head above water. As Beth struggled, she questioned why she was even trying to survive, leading her to make a profound choice. This moment haunted me, and as I scribbled the thought, ‘Why does she want to die?’ on paper, I realized this scene would become the heart of my story. From there, I built my post-apocalyptic romantic thriller around Beth’s journey of survival and inner turmoil.
What draws you to the adventure fiction genre?
My love for adventure fiction began when I discovered the first Mad Max film at a Blockbuster video store. I was young and impressionable, and the intensity of that world pulled me in. From there, I fell in love with franchises like Indiana Jones and Star Wars, which not only deliver high-octane action but also weave in elements of romance. The blend of danger, exploration, and human connection in these stories has always fascinated me, and it’s what continues to draw me to the genre as both a reader and a writer.
Do you have a favorite scene in this story? One that was especially enjoyable to write?
Yes, one of my favorite scenes is when the reader first sees the compound, Reed, the morning after my main characters arrive. Two characters sit across from each other, locked in a battle of wills, while nearby two others play chess. I had written myself into a corner, needing a way to defuse the tension without violence. I loved the parallel between the battle at the table and the chess game, both strategic and intense. Then, out of nowhere, two more characters—Hoss and Donovan—appeared in the scene. At the time, they were just names on paper with no backstory, but their presence felt right. Hoss, the lighthearted one, and Donovan, the serious, controlled counterpart, formed an instant bond. They mirror each other in fascinating ways, and their friendship unexpectedly became the backbone of the series. Creating their dynamic was a turning point, not just for this scene, but for the direction of the entire series.
Can you give us a glimpse into book 2 in the Haven Series? Where will it take readers?
In book two of the Haven Series, the lingering question of ‘Where is Sadie?’ finally gets explored. While others have made it to Haven, Sadie’s journey has taken a different path. Unlike Beth, Sadie is confident and clear about what she wants in life, but that doesn’t mean her path will be easy. Her journey is full of unexpected challenges, and the theme that emerges is that life rarely unfolds the way you plan. While the journey may feel familiar, it’s Sadie’s strength and determination that set her apart, making her story compelling in its own right.
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At the dawn of the apocalypse, a naïve, but resourceful woman must fight her way through nature, humankind and herself to reunite with her family.
Beth has cocooned herself in routine after a devastating family tragedy upended her world years ago, but a chance encounter with a Marine named Ryker sends ripples through her carefully guarded world. He is smitten. She is unsure.
The city is thrown into chaos when a missile strikes near Spokane, testing Beth’s newfound optimism. As strife escalates, Beth must lead her friends on a perilous journey to her uncle’s farm in Idaho–a place she avoids.
Armed with only a vague location, Ryker embarks on a high-stakes quest, risking everything to find Beth in a world teetering on the edge of turmoil and anarchy.
Amidst the relentless pursuit of survival, Beth and Ryker each navigate landscapes fraught with unpredictability. Will their paths converge again? And will doing so bring them to safety…or closer to danger?
Join Beth on a gripping odyssey through adversity and uncertainty. In the end, will her resilience and indomitable spirit prevail against all odds?
This is the first book in the apocalyptic survival thriller series by Tracy Myhre.
Escape
Escape (Haven Series, Book One), by Tracy Myhre, is a post-apocalyptic romantic thriller set in the not-too-distant future, in 2027. The story unfolds across Washington State and Idaho, where Beth, a diner dishwasher in Spokane, meets Ryker Kensington, a recently discharged Marine looking for work. There’s an immediate connection between them, but before they can explore their relationship, a series of coordinated missile strikes devastate the nation, thrusting them into a chaotic new world. As Beth embarks on a perilous journey to reach her uncle’s doomsday prepper compound, Haven, in Idaho, Ryker must navigate the dangerous landscape to find her in a society on the verge of collapse.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot was engaging and maintained my interest from beginning to end. The way Myhre starts the story in the midst of Beth’s ordinary life, from working at the diner to spending time with friends, adds a strong foundation before the chaos hits. The transition from everyday normality to the life-threatening aftermath of the missile strikes felt natural and intense, heightening the stakes as Beth and her friends make a desperate escape from Spokane. I appreciated that the narrative didn’t simply drop readers into a post-apocalyptic world; instead, we experience the dramatic shift alongside the characters. The contrast between Beth’s life before and her fight to survive in the violent new reality was well-executed, and it gave depth to her character. Beth’s mix of strength and vulnerability made her relatable, and watching her adapt to this grim situation kept me invested throughout. One of my favorite aspects of the book is how the tension builds. There’s an urgency in the way the world unravels around Beth, yet the pacing allows space for character development. Her journey from Spokane to Haven isn’t just a race for survival but a gradual transformation as she faces increasingly dangerous situations.
Myhre strikes a good balance between the action and Beth’s emotional growth, making the story compelling beyond just its plot twists. The early chapters introduce a large number of characters, and I felt that keeping track of who was who became difficult at times. The complex web of relationships, especially in a fast-paced survival scenario, was occasionally overwhelming. I feel it would have been helpful if the family trees, which provide clarity on the character connections, had been placed at the beginning of the book rather than at the end. I feel might have made understanding the character dynamics smoother from the start.
Escape is a thrilling and emotional ride through a post-apocalyptic world that feels all too real. If you enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes survival stories with a mix of romance and suspense, this book is for you. The combination of relatable characters, a gripping plot, and the looming threat of a shattered society makes this a strong start to the Haven series. I’m already looking forward to diving into Flee (Haven Series, Book Two), which focuses on two of Beth’s friends, Sadie and Liam, as they navigate their own struggles in this fractured world.
Pages: 432 | ASIN : B0CW19QR5H
An Everyday Hero
The Godfather of Dance follows a determined new journalist who is eager to write a career-defining article and solve the unsolved murder of her dance instructor’s fiancée. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration was derived from a few elements. Jade, my protagonist, evolved over time. I wrote about her in several books that weren’t published before she finally took shape in The Godfather of Dance. Initially, she was older, married, with kids, but for this story, it made more sense for her to be younger. Among other things, as an unmarried woman, she had the opportunity to develop a will-they-won’t-they romance with Anton.
The setting came from the five years I spent living in The Woodlands, Texas. This planned community is so picture-perfect it just begged for an underbelly as a counterpoint.
Anton’s character was inspired by my dance instructor in Houston, although once he hit the page, he took on a life of his own and became a wonderfully flawed character who’d grown up in a crime family. Right from the first drafts, I knew he was in hiding from his father, who he suspected of killing his fiancée.
Jade Riley is a woman with strength and intelligence. What do you think makes her a valuable and worthy heroine?
I wanted to create an everyday hero who did things for the most part that any regular person could do. I don’t have a background in the police or FBI, so I couldn’t write such a character as convincingly as someone who has. I didn’t give Jade amazing ‘superhero’ strengths, although she takes chances that are probably beyond most people’s capacity for risk-taking. Her value comes from her determination, courage, and intellect.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
Writing a mystery is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. As the author, you know where all the pieces are—at least you figure them out along the way—but deciding when and how to reveal each new piece of information to the reader is the challenge. Once I have the story down, I move the chapters around to figure out how to maximize the drama. Often, I move reveals to later in the story to maintain the tension.
On the other hand, I’m always careful not to hold back too much, as I like the idea of readers having the chance to figure it out, or to be able to look back and see something in the story that in hindsight makes everything that follows make sense.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Jade Riley and the direction of the second book?
Book two, A Killer Among Friends, is out in December.
Journalist Jade returns from abroad to her hometown, Melbourne. Soon after, her friend Nick is found dead in a dumpster. She turns to their tight-knit circle for answers, only to uncover a web of lies.
Mounting evidence suggests her best friend Elena’s suicide three years earlier is connected. Was she, too, murdered?
As Jade closes in on the killer, she realizes the suspects are all people she loves. Her life depends on knowing which of them to trust.
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Journalist Jade is determined to write a career-defining article. Her dance instructor Anton wants to know who killed his fiancée. Caught between the glamorous world of ballroom dance and Anton’s dark past in the Valencio crime family, can they solve the murder before they become the next targets?
Anton’s sister, desperate to protect family secrets, tries to stop the investigation. The siblings are on a collision course, challenging the Valencio maxim: loyalty to family no matter what.
The Godfather of Dance
The Godfather of Dance, by Andrea Barton, is a captivating crime/mystery novel that follows the determined journalist Jade. Eager to write a career-defining article, Jade teams up with her dance instructor, Anton, who is haunted by the unsolved murder of his fiancée. Both driven by their own goals—Jade for her career and Anton for closure—they embark on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth. The story plunges the reader into a world of suspense and peril as Jade and Anton become targets themselves. The question looms: will they uncover the identity of Anton’s fiancée’s murderer, or will the killer strike again first?
The novel is fast-paced and skillfully written, keeping the reader engaged through action-packed chapters. The dynamic between Jade and Anton, from their differing backgrounds to their shared determination, adds depth to the narrative. Anton’s past within a crime family introduces twists and secrets that further draw the reader in. The author’s engaging writing style allows the reader to become fully engrossed in the story, rooting for the characters’ success. Jade’s dedication to solving the mystery, despite her career ambitions, makes her a compelling character. The portrayal of imperfect characters adds realism and intrigue to the story. Anton’s troubled family history resurfaces as Jade digs deeper, bringing great danger to them both.
Andrea Barton’s The Godfather of Dance is a gripping tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to unravel the mystery alongside Jade and Anton. The author’s ability to maintain a fast-paced, action-packed narrative ensures that readers remain captivated until the very end. This book is highly recommended for fans of crime and mystery novels.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0CQ3F3NDJ
What Not To Forgive
Loring Walawander’s What Not to Forgive is a dramatic exploration of trauma, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships set against a backdrop of poignant and often harrowing experiences. The novel weaves together the lives of several characters, primarily Chase and Tekla, whose journeys of personal growth and forgiveness intersect in unexpected and moving ways. Chase’s struggle with the loss of his wife, JoAnn, and his attempt to scatter her ashes in a symbolic final goodbye provides a raw and emotional pulse to the story.
Walawander’s prose is both robust and nuanced, capturing the internal conflicts and transformative moments of the characters with a keen psychological insight. The portrayal of Tekla, a veteran grappling with PTSD, is particularly compelling. Her story is not just about the scars of war but also about her struggle for normalcy and love amidst mental and physical trauma. This story is crafted with a delicate balance of toughness and vulnerability, making Tekla a character that deeply resonated with me.
The themes of forgiveness and reconciliation are central to the book, challenging the characters and, by extension, the readers to consider the limits and possibilities of forgiveness. The dialogues, often philosophical in nature, are a testament to the author’s skill in balancing intellectual depth with narrative tension. For instance, the conversations between characters about the nature of guilt and the path to forgiveness are not just emotionally charged but also thought-provoking, inviting the reader to delve deeper into the complexities of these themes.
What Not to Forgive is a powerful and evocative novel that tackles heavy themes with grace and thoughtful consideration. Its rich character development and poignant narrative make it a fantastic read. Those who appreciate stories that explore the depths of human resilience and the painful yet transformative process of healing will find this a meaningful read. Readers who enjoy complex characters and narratives that skillfully intertwine personal and emotional journeys will find this book both engaging and rewarding.
Pages: 308 | ASIN : B0CX4Y1KSX
The Last Rays of Ra
In The Last Rays of Ra, Karina McRoberts crafts a narrative that intertwines crime, magic, and ancient history, transporting readers on an adventurous journey alongside the novel’s central character, Vahlona Selket Faralay. Set against the backdrop of a series of perplexing murders in London, Scotland Yard Detective Jackson Randolph enlists the expertise of Egyptologist Vahlona. Their quest for a mysterious ancient artifact connected to the crimes takes Vahlona to Egypt, where she confronts various challenges, from dealing with dangerous terrorists and misogynistic police officers to facing the perils of the natural world.
McRoberts’s writing style is notable for its vivid atmosphere, effectively contrasting the brisk ambiance of London with the warmth of Egypt. This descriptive prowess immerses readers in diverse settings while maintaining a focus on the unraveling mystery. The novel is a testament to McRoberts’s ability to blend elements from multiple genres, creating a captivating reading experience. The characters are well-developed, each with distinct personalities that add depth to the story. The pacing is skillfully managed, effectively maintaining reader engagement from start to finish. The narrative gains momentum towards the end, offering an exhilarating pace that brings the story to a dynamic conclusion, although some readers might appreciate a more gradual resolution. The book’s strengths, particularly in world-building and character development, make it a compelling read.
The Last Rays of Ra is a remarkable work of fiction that seamlessly blends multiple genres. McRoberts’s writing style is engaging and captivating, which makes the book an immersive experience for the readers. The storyline is particularly appealing to fans of historical mysteries and those who enjoy exploring ancient cultures. With its vivid descriptions and well-crafted characters, The Last Rays of Ra is a must-read for anyone interested in a thrilling adventure that takes them on an unforgettable journey.
Pages: 354 | ASIN : B0CYPVG46Y
