Category Archives: Interviews

Of Thieves and Shadows by BSH Garcia-review & guest post

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Of Thieves and Shadows (The Heart of Quinaria) by BSH Garcia-review & guest post

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 1, 2023

Some secrets are best left to the shadows. But shadows have a mind of their own.

The ancient land of Quinaria teeters on the brink of war, as its most precious resource is unearthed and exploited. Three nations have maintained tenuous peace for centuries, but as the life-giving nevethium dwindles, rumors of an ancient evil long thought dead spread like wildfire.

Elaysia never wanted to lead. As the high chieftain’s only surviving heir, she’s thrust into a role that jeopardizes the already fragile peace. A deadly attack on the day of her induction strengthens her resolve—and her suspicion that her parents’ murders and these disturbing rumors are connected.

With newfound companions, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. But as they unravel layers of secrets, they find themselves in the clutches of a dictator whose unethical nevethium experimentation threatens to bring about a new world of terror and violence.

Elaysia and her allies could be all that stands between war and a dying world—if their conflicting ambitions don’t destroy them first.

•••••••

REVIEW:Elaysia is the Main Female Character(FMC) and I found her a joy to read. Her journey is a hazardous one, and at times she definitely has to step up and be the leader, through the book she grows up and I can’t wait to see her again in book two.

Secondary characters are interesting and they all get a say on this book, there is a little confusion as the characters multiply and split off into adventures of their own, but it soon settles back down.

The descriptions in this book captivate and transport to this new world with ease, you immerse yourself in the lives of the characters, you feel their pain, you hold your breath as each story unfolds.The smallest of detail wasn’t missed, gods had names, weather and villages were described, the journey to stop the chaos was tough going, you actually felt every step they took.

It is a little political and topical for what’s going on on the world at the moment, but it doesn’t detract from the story at all (I never got that the author was on a political podium).

The battle scenes are intense, the action doesn’t stop until the last page. If this were a rollercoaster, it would have left you breathless with the twists and turns…..

I’d call this a dystopian adventure with a murder/mystery vibe.
I throughly enjoyed this book, and although this author is a new one for me, I’m definitely going to be reading the next book.

It doesn’t leave a cliffhanger ending, the story is wrapped up pretty well. But it does leave a few questions that I’m hoping book two will clear up.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

The Role of Setting in Storytelling: Creating Vivid Worlds
Close your eyes. Imagine your favorite story, recall a cherished fable from childhood, or replay a scene from a top-five film in your mind.
Chances are high that the setting or world-building of that story was one of the first things to take shape in your memory, if not the very first thing. Not only does setting make up the building blocks of any great story or character, it is also what shapes them, sets the tone, and often what makes them unique. Imagine Star Wars without the desert waste of Tatooine, or Lord of the Rings without the enchanting paradise that is Rivendell. How could we properly appreciate the stakes in Dune or Game of Thrones without the historical implications driving the narrative?
The world-building of a story shapes its characters, the plot, and conveys the culture intertwined through it all. It’s as subtle as a meal, and as glaringly obvious as a mythological being spewing prophecies. A story without a clearly defined setting is like a crew without a ship. All the players are there (the crew) ready to sail the ocean (the plot), but without a vessel (the world-building), they are going to flounder, and many will drown. But if your ship is too big and flashy, if it dwarfs the ocean and swallows your characters, that’s not much of a story either. Like most things, crafting a solid setting and weaving the right amount of it into the story is a precarious process. But when done right, it yields excellent results.
Now, I wouldn’t dare compare myself to Tolkien or one of my modern-day favorites, N.K. Jemisin, but I spent a great deal of time crafting the land of Quinaria until I could taste the Beridian Moonlight and dip my toes in the Khitamic Ocean off the northwestern coast of Neharem. I then spent even more time dropping in bits of it here in there, allowing it to shape the narrative, the characters, all while avoiding info-dump mode (or so I hope). What follows is a brief overview of my process and how it shaped my narrative and characters.
The world-building comes first. Now, this is partially a lie because, ultimately, the story idea itself comes first, doesn’t it? That burning question, that spark of a conflict, that character that just won’t leave you alone. However, once I embraced my story idea and sat down to work through it, the first thing I tackled was the world. Without knowing the societal norms and expectations, I couldn’t assess my characters’ dreams and fears. Without understanding the world’s history, I couldn’t determine sources of conflict. Without mapping out the terrain, I couldn’t understand what people ate, how they dressed, how they acted.
I began my process with simple questionnaires I found online, cherry-picking my favorites and throwing them together in a giant Word Doc. Some were as simple as, “are all the inhabitants in your world human?”, while others delved into matters of religion and history. From there, I expanded my brief answers, turning them into essay-style responses that eventually grew into a document the size of a novella. I spent nearly two months world-building alone, and only once I felt comfortable with the world I created did I dare to delve into the story itself. Everyone uses their own approach, but for me, I would’ve never done my story justice without this step.
What I found fascinating, however, is how my world-building continues to grow and change throughout drafts. Even now, as I work on book two, I find myself learning even more about the world. It drives the narrative, and the narrative enriches the world-building. The setting helps me better understand my characters, and my characters teach me more about their world. In a way, world-building is fluid for me. While I must strive to ensure it never contradicts itself, everything within those boundaries is fair game. Every question from a beta reader, every interesting tidbit I read in a non-fiction book or catch in a documentary, adds more depth and more believability. It’s a never-ending process, at least until the series ends. And by doing it organically and allowing it to play off the other storytelling aspects, I believe it inserts itself organically. I didn’t need a prologue dedicated to the history or setting because the story itself is those things, woven into the tapestry of the tale.
But you be the judge. Take a stroll through Quinaria sometime and let me know if you find yourself lost in her. If, for even a moment, I can transport you to an alternative reality, then I’ve done my job. I’ve given you escape from this world so you can better process it through the lens of another.
Until then, farewell.

B. S. H. Garcia is the author of the epic fantasy series, The Heart of Quinaria. A household manager by day, writer by night, she graduated with honors from The University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in English Writing. To get into character for her stories, she trudges through the woods in cosplay with a mead-filled drinking horn and has traveled from Oregon to New Zealand seeking inspiration. Visit her online at www.bshgarcia.com. There, you can get your hands on a FREE copy of The Heart of Quinaria prequel novelette, From the Ashes. All she asks for in exchange is your soul.

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The Shadow of Theron by Kathryn Troy-Review & Guest Post

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The Shadow of Theron (Age of Shadows 1) by Kathryn Troy-Review & Guest Post

ebook only 99¢Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.UK /B&N / KOBO /

The powers of old are fading. A new Age is dawning.

Holy relics are all that remain of Theron’s sacred legend.

Now those relics, the enchanted weapons forged by the Three-Faced Goddess to help Theron defeat the wicked Sorcerer Argoss, are disappearing.

Lysandro knows the village magistrate Marek is responsible, and he searches for proof disguised as the masked protector the Shadow of Theron.

But when Marek wounds him with an accursed sword that shouldn’t exist, Lysandro must find a way to stop Marek from gaining any more artifacts created by the Goddess or her nemesis.

The arrival of the beautiful newcomer Seraphine, with secrets of her own, only escalates their rivalry.

As the feud between Lysandro and Marek throws Lighura into chaos, a pair of priestesses seeks to recover the relics and return them to safekeeping. But the stones warn that Argoss is returning, and they must race to retrieve Theron’s most powerful weapon.

While they risk their lives for a legend, only one thing is certain. The three temples to the Goddess have been keeping secrets: not just from the faithful, but from each other.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Another magical read for me. And I loved it. Although a little slow and confusing in the beginning, it’s worth continuing as it’s a really good read. Written really well, plenty of descriptions and feelings put into this book.

A little Zorro in places, he fights for justice wearing a mask, Lysandro wants answers and thinks Marek knows the answers to his questions.

Seraphine becomes entangled in the two’s world, she’s not a pushover by any means. She’s not impressed with Marek (who really is a nasty person) but with Lysandro that’s a whole different story, how she didn’t guess Lysandro wasn’t Theron I’ll never know (but look at the weak guise superman/Clark Kent used!) and her reaction when she finally knows the truth was a little overboard.

Both Lysandro and Marek make a play for Seraphine, but it’s Lysandro that wins her heart, but it’s not an easy task, it might be love at first sight for Lysandro, but it took a little time to convince her ?

There are triggers in this book, it’s a dark fantasy with a splash of romance. There is mentioning a of rape (not the MFC) there is a hanging scene, and scenes of torture! But the violence is kept to a minimum, and for those who don’t like bad language, that’s hardly used.

Can Lysandro find the missing relics that will help him overcome evil? Can he convince Sera to give them a chance, and if she does, then will they be able to stay together? Will he ever find the mystical items to help him beat the evil Sorcerer?

I really enjoyed the book. So I’d recommend this one to those who enjoy action and adventure with a little romance.

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie B

Lysandro moved along the edges of the room, circumnavigating the central space occupied by countless dancing couples. Then he saw her. At the far end of the hall, the normal view out over the coast had been replaced by a painted backdrop of the Maghreve Desert, at the very farthest border of Mirêne. With her arms wrapped around herself, Seraphine looked out over the artificial horizon. She wore a sleek ivory dress covered in gold and copper crystals that left her shoulders daringly bare. That now familiar ache that hadn’t left him since this morning grew more pronounced.
As he observed the faraway, wistful look in her eyes, he realized he recognized it—homesickness. He took a deep breath and called on well-used skills to smooth his nerves and keep them tightly tucked away under a charming façade.
He inhaled the hypnotic scent of her hair again as he stood close to her, and almost lost his nerve. He agonized over what to say, knowing he might have only one shot to get her attention.
“Is the city of stars as beautiful as they say?”
She turned to face him, and he saw the truth in her eyes.

Guest Post: The Act of Creation by Kathryn Troy

So many writers are so often asked by avid readers and aspiring writers alike: “Where do you get your ideas?”

It’s a natural question to ask, but it can be just as hard for some authors to answer this as it is to come up with the “elevator speech.” Which got me to thinking what it is about this query that bothers everybody so much.

The simple, semi-redundant answer to “where I get my ideas” is: I get them from my head. Because I’m creative. It’s in my nature to be observant, thoughtful, and reflective. I also have a knack for stringing words together because I’ve been doing it so long and make it a regular habit. To read the question in an unkind way, asking someone where they get their ideas is another way of saying “I have no ideas of my own, and I don’t know why.” Some people are creative. Some people are not. It’s wiring in the brain that causes this, and it’s not a personal affront to people who can’t imagine or tell stories, the same way it’s not an affront to the large majority of people who can’t draw beyond a kindergartner’s level, or those who become nauseous at the sight of the formulae of an astrophysicist. It takes a certain kind of brain function, coupled with practice, instruction, and discipline.

The same is true of writing. There are multiple skill sets at work here: the ability to research (possibly), deep reading (to understand themes of other authors and engage with them in your own work), understanding narrative (plot, narrative tension, setting, character, etc. etc. etc.) the actual writing (technicalities like grammar and sentence construction, poetic ability, vocabulary, mood), an imagination, an understanding of tropes and how to bend them, just enough to be new but not totally out there…and the list goes on and on.

So again: Where do I get my ideas?

1. From what I read: I see divergent storylines, or ways to fulfill my anticipation if the actual writing did not. I also absorb character types, environmental description, the setting of mood, and dialogue patterns. In the case of my latest book, The Shadow of Theron, its influences were, for starters: Zorro, Wheel of Time, Pyrdain, Indiana Jones, The Legend of Zelda, Xena: Warrior Princess, regency romance, the Spanish Inquisition, Italian principalities, Chinese mystery novels, The Odyssey, Berserk…I could go on. And on.

2. From what I see and hear: my stories are shot in full trillion-dollar color in my head-then I find the words to describe what I see in my mind’s eye. A collection of movie aesthetics, sounds, actor mannerisms, lighting, framing, perspective. Inspiration has come from tense strains in music-like the theatrical accompaniment of a musical movement. It promotes mood production and emotion.

3. From what I’ve experienced: Places I’ve been have given me plenty of inspiration- places that speak of the past, or promise the future. Where I’ve traveled. The activities I participate in. Everyday circumstances and practicalities.

4. From daydreaming: experimenting with my characters, allowing them multiple possibilities to understand behavior, predictability, authenticity.

To summarize: if you’re looking for inspiration, some things you can do that might help you: Reading, Writing, Observing, Living, and Dreaming.
There. I’ve given you the keys to the universe. Use wisely.

I’m a history professor by day, a novelist by night. I like to write what I read – fantasy, romantic fantasy, gothic fiction, historical fiction,  paranormal, horror, and weird fiction. Horror cinema and horticulture are my other passions.

When I’m not reading or writing or teaching, I’m gaming, traveling, baking, or adding some new weird creepy cool thing to my art collection. I’m a Long Island native with one husband, two children, and three rats.

Blog/  Facebook/ Instagram/ Amazon Author Page/ Goodreads

 

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The Widow by Kaira Rouda-Review and Interview with the Author

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The Widow by Kaira Rouda-Review and Interview with the Author

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N Paper/ Chapters/Indigo Paper /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2022

Jody Asher had a plan. Her charismatic husband, Martin, would be a political icon. She, the charming wife, would fuel his success. For fifteen congressional terms, they were the golden couple on the Hill. Life was good. Until he wasn’t.

Martin’s secret affair with a young staffer doesn’t bother Jody personally. But professionally? It’s a legacy killer. Soon a reporter gets word of this scandal in the making, and Martin’s indiscretions threaten to ruin everything Jody has accomplished.

When Martin suddenly dies, it’s a chance to change the narrative—but the reporter won’t let go of his lead. As the balance of power shifts in the Asher house and on the Hill, it’s time for Jody to take control. And there’s nothing the ruthless widow won’t do to secure the future she’s entitled to. Even if she has a secret of her own.

•••••

REVIEW: THE WIDOW by Kaira Rouda is a stand alone, contemporary, adult political suspense story line focusing on Congressman Martin Asher, his social climbing wife Jody, and Washington Think Tank operator Mimi Smith.

Told from three first person perspectives (Martin, Jody and Mimi) THE WIDOW follows in the wake of the death of Congressman Martin Asher, an elected official facing the downfall of a rapidly building scandal. In the weeks before his only daughter’s lavish nuptials, Martin Asher takes ill and succumbs to his ailment on the day of the wedding. In an effort to keep her position as part of the political machine of Washington DC, Jody Asher invokes the Widow’s Succession Mandate, a little used practice that allows a widow to succeed or run for office upon the death of their politician spouse. Jody, ever the manipulator and power hungry politician’s wife, uses every dirty tactic available at her disposal but Jody has overestimated her popularity and her husband’s reputation on Capitol Hill. Facing down an aggressive,investigative reporter, a Think Tank manipulator whose own secrets are dangerous and dark, and a past shrouded in secrets and lies, Jody must tread carefully, in an effort to get what she believes she rightfully deserves.

THE WIDOW is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, manipulation and collusion. The fight for control is dirty; power is manipulated and abused; the political machine is deceitful, unethical and unscrupulous. Back room deals are the norm; blackmail is rampant; illegal and controversial deals are an everyday occurrence, and no one is above the ultimate betrayal. THE WIDOW is gritty and intriguing story of fiction; an up close and eye opening look at the what ifs, the probabilities, and the disturbing reality / unreality of the people in charge; the characters are relentless and destructive -politicians are a different breed of people, their humanity and hearts are non-existent.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC:  Hi Kaira and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of THE WIDOW.

Kaira Rouda:  Thank you. I’m excited about this one, and hope everyone enjoys my first political thriller.

TRC:  We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Social Media Links: Amazon Author Page/ Goodreads/ Website/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Instagram/

Kaira Rouda: Sure. I live in Southern California with my husband and two dogs. We are lucky that all four of our 20-something kids live in various parts of Southern California, too. I’m a Pickleball fanatic and I’m so happy to be living near the beach.

TRC:  Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Kaira Rouda: My dad is a professor and an author, business books, and my mom is an elementary school teacher, so our home was filled with books. In elementary school, my third grade teacher asked us to write to the person we wanted to be when we grew up. I wrote to Robert McCloskey, of Make Way for Ducklings fame. I knew then I wanted to be an author. My first published book was in fifth grade. My librarian, Mrs. Gardier, lamented my story and put it on the shelf for checkout. I was thrilled.

TRC:  What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

Kaira Rouda: I’m impatient, and my background is marketing. So the speed of publishing – the very slow process involved in bringing a book to life — is something I’ve struggled with. But I’m so grateful to be doing the career I dreamed of as a child.

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about the premise of THE WIDOW?

Kaira Rouda: The Widow’s premise is based on the tradition of The Widow’s Mandate. When a sitting member of congress dies in office, their spouse is often appointed by the governor (senate) or runs for the seat in a special election (house) to complete the term. The tradition is the way the first women began to serve in congress. In fact, statistically speaking, for women aspiring to serve in congress, the best husband has been a dead husband. I thought that was a good starting point for a political thriller.

TRC:  Are any of the events in THE WIDOW based in reality?

Kaira Rouda: Some of the settings are based on real events I had the chance to attend while we were in DC: The Congressional Dialogue Dinners at the gorgeous Library of Congress, the First Lady’s Luncheon, The Congressional Club. Congressman Asher’s office set up is based on the office my husband had. If you’re referring to the plot points, those are all my imagination. Although I will say Chinese spies are everywhere in DC, and there are a lot of stories about corrupt lobbyists.

TRC:  How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Kaira Rouda: I’m a pantser, who writes by the seat of her pants. I don’t plot. So I just let my characters loose on the page and hope for the best.

TRC:  Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Kaira Rouda: I do think people judge a book by its cover — thus the expression!

TRC:  When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Kaira Rouda: The characters are in charge.

TRC:  The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Kaira Rouda: Characters, even the killers, need to have relatable traits. I hope my characters are the kind you love to hate, at least some of them. The ones up to no good.

TRC:  Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Kaira Rouda: No. I write with no music, no noise. I’m not a cafe writer, either. I like to be at my desk, by myself.

TRC:  Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Kaira Rouda: My agents are great first readers, and my friend Andrea Katz of Great Thoughts is a fabulous brainstorming partner.

TRC:  What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Kaira Rouda: I’m not sure. Do you know? 😀

TRC:  What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Kaira Rouda: I love to hula hoop. And, I’m afraid of heights. Oh, and I’m shy, but people never think I am.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

Kaira Rouda: I’m in edits on my next novel, BENEATH THE SURFACE, out September 2023. So excited.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Cheese

Favorite Dessert
Cheese

Favorite TV Show
Just binge watched LOOT. Loved it. Huge fan of Succession.

Last Movie You Saw
A Simple Favor. So good.

Dark or Milk Chocolate
I am one of the few people in the world that does not like chocolate. Halloween was tough growing up!

Secret Celebrity Crush
Cheryl Hines

Last Vacation Destination
Hawaii

Do you have any pets?
Two dogs! Mine is a shipoo named Tucker. He’s thirteen and my right-hand man. My husband’s dog is a crazy bernedoodle named Cali, who is a year and a half.

Last book you read
Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger

Thank you Kaira for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your new release.

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Alice Takes Back Wonderland 1 & 2 by David D Hammons- reviews

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Alice Takes Back Wonderland 1 & 2 by David D Hammons- reviews & interview

Alice Takes Back Wonderland
by David D Hammons
Genre: adult, fantasy, fairy tale reimagined

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / Chapters Indigo Paper /

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After ten years of being told she can’t tell the difference between real life and a fairy tale, Alice finally stops believing in Wonderland. Only when the White Rabbit kicks her down the rabbit hole does Alice realize that the magical land she visited as a child is real. But the Ace of Spades has taken over Wonderland, and is systematically dismantling all that makes it wonderful. Alice must help the Mad Hatter and all those fighting to keep Wonderland as mad as it’s ever been. To do this, Alice journeys across the stars to unite an army. She discovers that fairy tales are real in the magical world beyond the rabbit hole, but they are not the fairy tales she knows. Alice must overcome the trials of these old stories if she wants to unite the lands against Ace. With the help of Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Snow White, and heroes old and new, Alice may have the strength to take back Wonderland.

•••••

REVIEW:As most of you probably know the story of Alice, you know if the take…..

A young girl who falls into a strange world filled with magical beings. 

But in this authors version, Alice is a young girl with a different story to tell, this is what happens after………

When she returned real world she was diagnosed with ADHD and Schizophrenia. She was then forced to believe that the Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter and all the other characters she met were all just figments of her imagination. So Alice finally believed them and let wonderland fall into just a memory.

But ten years later the white rabbit reappears and leads Alice back to Wonderland…… But all is not how she remembers  it!! 

The Cheshire Cat is dead and the Ace of Spades is now in charge. (And he’s a tyrant!) Nothing is as Alice remembers it to be. This world resembles the world she just left, it looks far too “normal”! 

The Ace of Spades has decided that the magic/wonder that made this realm special is to be removed. Madness is now forbidden! 

Alice has her work cut out for her, it’s going to take a huge plan to restore this realm back to the Wonderland Alice remembers and loves. 

Alice Takes Back Wonderland is not just a retelling of the Lewis Carrols story.  It’s a lot more, we see the characters from the original book play their part in trying to overthrow the Ace of Spades. 

Bye we also see other characters from fairytales, like Peter Pan, Pinocchio and Snow White. 

It is aimed for a YA reader, but I found it deeply interesting and I couldn’t put it down. 

? Reviewed by Julie B

______

ALICE TAKES BACK WONDERLAND
Alice and the Ice Queen
by David D Hammons
Genre: adult, fantasy, fairy tale reimagined
Release Date: November 25, 2022

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Alice has returned, and Wonderland is covered in snow. An icy wind pulls Alice and Peter Pan back into Wonderland through a mirror-like portal, trapping Peter in a frozen palace. After Snow White informs Alice that all of Wonderland is in danger, Alice joins forces with Don Quixote, Hanno of Carthage, Long the Dragon, Snegurochka, and many more legends both new and old to save Peter Pan before Wonderland is lost.

••••••

REVIEW: This is the second book in the series, I’d recommend you read book one before opening book two. 

Alice and Peter are together in the real world, living their best lives. Growing up together, life seems too good to be true…..

This one I felt a little older than the first book. It’s a great read, throughly engaging and plenty of action and adventure. I’ll have to admit I did like the first on a little more. But it’s still a great read. 

I did find Alice a little hard going in places, she can’t commit, she won’t look forward to either a future or even tomorrow. When Peter asks her about what she wants to do, she becomes frustrated, and when Snow White asks her to become Queen of Wonderland to unite the realm, Alice doesn’t really want to do it. I understand that for years she was told what to think and feel. 

After Peter is sucked back into Wonderland, Alice has no choice but to rescue Peter. But how can she rescue him when she’s not sure where she is? It looks like Wonderland, but it’s covered in snow…..

Meeting Don Quixote, they set about trying to figure out in which direction they need to go to free Peter Pan. Along the way, Alice explains why Wonderland might be different from when she left it. Don tells her what happened after they left. 

We catch up with Snow White, who tells her that the Ice Queen now controls Wonderland, but it’s worse than that, NeverLand and Grimm are also in danger, it looks like Alice is going to have to battle a new foe! Her friends want her to be queen! She’s not cut out to lead, she o it wants to rescue Peter ad go home. 

We catch up with a few characters from the previous book, we also meet new adversaries and allies in this book. I love Snow White and her dwarves, they have a few lines that will have you chuckling. Battles come thick and fast, a few twists and turns will keep you reading this book well past your bedtime. 

A highly recommended read. 

? Reviewed by Julie B

Copies Supplied for review

TRC:  Hi David and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of ALICE TAKES BACK WONDERLAND 2: ALICE AND THE ICE QUEEN.

David D Hammons: Thank you!

TRC:  We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Social Media Links:Goodreads/ Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Youtube/

David D Hammons: I’m an avid world-traveller and always like to incorporate stories and visuals from the places I’ve been, especially under-appreciated places. For instance, a major character in this book is from a Carthaginian folk tale. We owe so much of our culture to Carthage and the Phoenicians, and they’re almost never talked about. I love bringing to light these previously under-appreciated elements of our shared past.

TRC:  Who or what influenced your career in writing?

David D Hammons: I saw a documentary about Hemmingway and essentially wanted to emulate a lot of what he did, save the last part of his life. I wrote a few stories for a creative writing club at school and people laughed (which was a good thing because they were funny stories). I got hooked on the reaction and the thrill of writing and have been clogging away at it ever since.

TRC:  What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story? This series?

David D Hammons: Writing this story was a whirlwind. I wrote the first book in 2013, and thought I’d never write a sequel, so it took me back to a lot of emotions. I’d actually written the first few pages around 2015 because my publisher wanted to see them, and I ended up using it. Publishing it was more complicated, though, because the original publisher sold me a lot of lies on what they were going to do and tried to steal from me. The first book was successful, and they even sold the audio rights to it, but never told me about it so I had to fight them to get my portion of the advance they received. I eventually got the rights back after that company essentially went bankrupt, and I decided to take more control of my writing career and stop trying to please these publishers and just write something fun. I essentially hit the reset button on my career by going back to Wonderland.

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about the premise of ALICE TAKES BACK WONDERLAND 1 & 2?

David D Hammons: It started out as a gag, if I’m being honest. I had this idea of parodying all the dark and gritty fairy tale remakes by putting Alice on a poster with a pair of crossed Uzis. But the more I fiddled with it, the more fun the premise became, and so I dropped the parody angle and just did it for real. The original concept was to literally throw every single fairy tale I could into a single story. The problem with the sequel is that left no new fairy tales to pick from, save the ice queen. So rather than use lesser-known European fairy tales, I went with non-European fairy tales that may or may not be popular, but aren’t widely known in the US.

TRC:  What types of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning ALICE TAKES BACK WONDERLAND 1 & 2?

David D Hammons: I might say that I spent about seven years brainstorming it, because my publisher was always asking about a sequel and I never really gave up the idea. I had this premise, and I didn’t really tinker with it much but it never went away. I got my MA in History recently, and that inspired a lot of the stories I used, so I essentially copied my own homework and used that as research.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

David D Hammons: I have at least one more. I love a good trilogy, and the third one’s gonna knock your socks off!

TRC: Who or what triggered your re-imagination of Alice in Wonderland?

David D Hammons: When I was in elementary school, I was diagnosed as ADHD. I was given pills to ‘control’ it. The result was that instead of acting out in class, I shut down. All my thoughts were forced inward, and I felt zombified while screaming internally at the same time. After a few years of this, I told my parents I would no longer take the pills, and I rediscovered how beautiful life and the silliness of childhood was. This was the metaphor that inspired me. Wonderland has often been used as a metaphor for mental challenges, so I wanted to turn that on its head and say that Wonderland was a good thing, and that taming it was bad. Wonderland was this silly, limitless space of potential, and an outside force came in to sterilize it. For the sequel, I went with a modified version where childhood can’t be used as a crux for some sort of arrested development, and Wonderland faced new internal challenges rather than outside dangers.

TRC: Other than Alice, do any of the original cast of characters join the journey?

David D Hammons: The original cast shows up in the beginning, and Cheshire Cat shows up throughout, because they’re probably my favorite character to write. But most of the journey Alice goes on is taken with brand new characters taken from lesser-known folk tales.

TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines especially stories with a paranormal / fantasy premise-readers like to think ‘what if?’. How do you keep the story line believable? Where do you think some author’s fail?

David D Hammons: I think Wonderland provides a cheat code for this. The reader knows that Wonderland is inherently fantastical, so they just take it for granted that fantastical things happen. Where I had to struggle was tying Wonderland to the real world. That required some clever world building using semi-scientific foundations. I essentially use an ‘if-then’ test, where I tell myself if something I’ve established is true, then what else does that imply? For instance, if these stories are real, then why do we tell them? What about stories that are no longer told? Testing my setting for logical validity is one of the things I enjoy playing with in world-building, and I think too many authors fail at this. For instance, my wife tells me I’m not allowed to do with this with the world of Harry Potter, because apparently the implication that NASA could use magic to settle Mars makes the setting less fun.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

David D Hammons: I hate to say it, but yes, the cover matters a great deal. Fantasy is a bit watered down with a lot of bad books. I’ve gotten very picky about the fantasy that I read, because you have to be, so anything an author can do to prove that their book isn’t another crummy machismo sword-and-sorcery the better, and this includes solid cover art.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

David D Hammons: I’d say the best writing comes when there’s a symbiosis. You know what the characters would logically do, so when you hit them with external motivations, they go along the path you want. Crafting both creates those great story results.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

David D Hammons: My agent is always telling me that what matters are the stakes. What happens if the character fails, succeeds, does nothing? Why is that good/bad? Why should the reader care? These basic things sound sterile, but they’re required to get a reader to become invested in a character’s story. Forgetting that every character has the option to do nothing is an easy trap, but a reader can always sense that. A good character does things with intent, even nothing, and every action they choose has consequences. The knowledge of the potential for both good and bad consequences creates that emotional connection.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

David D Hammons: I love listening to fantasy movies scores while I write. Lord of the Rings is always a go-to, but I love the score to How to Train Your Dragon and Pirates of the Caribbean. I avoid music with lyrics, because they’re a bit distracting, and try to play music with an emotional cue that fits the scene I’m writing. I don’t do this too much, because that would be very distracting, and oftentimes if I just cue up my Lord of the Rings station on Pandora, I’ll get the right mix to keep me focused.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

David D Hammons: That we don’t like bad reviews. I love feedback, good or bad, and have incorporated some feedback from the first book with the second. For instance, one reader didn’t like how the first book used a lot of guns. I saw it as a unique challenge for Alice to now refuse to use a gun, and that provided some really neat drama and emotionality. An author loves, loves, loves a basic review, even just some stars on Amazon, so if you read this, please rate and review and I might just incorporate your feedback into the third book!

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

David D Hammons: I’ve always wanted a ferret. I don’t care if they’re stinky, I think they’re amazing.

TRC: Who or what influenced your path towards writing?

David D Hammons: It’s a weird thing to say, but cartoons. I loved shows like Ed, Edd, n Eddy and Powerpuff Girls and the like, even the new My Little Pony, which was made by the same people as those two shows. They made me want to create funny, engaging stories like that.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

David D Hammons: I’m currently working on a fantastical version of an epic in my Sevens Prophets universe. If you want to see the early draft material, you can read it on Royal Road!

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

David D Hammons: I’m going to Egypt this January, as well as Istanbul, and I can’t wait to see what sort of inspiration I’ll get while I’m there for book number 3!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Lasagne

Favorite Dessert
Chocolate torte

Favorite TV Show
Ed, Edd, n Eddy

Last Movie You Saw
The Creeping Flesh (my wife loves old horror movies)

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush
Emma Watson

Last Vacation Destination
Hermann, MO

Do you have any pets?
Dante, our Jack-Russell mix.

Last book you read
The God of Forgotten Things by Cameron Johnston

TRC: Thank you David for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of ALICE TAKES BACK WONDERLAND: ALICE AND THE ICE QUEEN. We wish you all the best.

David D Hammons: Thank you so much!!!

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Blue Like Me by Aaron Philip Clark-Review & Author Interview

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Blue Like Me (Trevor Finnegan 2) by Aaron Philip Clark-Review & Author Interview

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2022

A brutal homicide sets an ex-cop and his former partner on the hunt for an enigmatic killer in a gripping thriller by the author of Under Color of Law.

When former detective Trevor “Finn” Finnegan became a PI, he adopted a new mandate: catch the LAPD’s worst in the act. While on surveillance in Venice Beach, Finn tails two potentially dirty cops: Detective Martin Riley and Finn’s ex-partner, Detective Sally Munoz. Things take a deadly turn when an unknown assailant executes Riley and wounds Munoz. In an instant, Finn goes from private eye to eyewitness.

Munoz needs Finn to help find Riley’s killer, but doing so could blow his cover. She’s an officer shaded by rumors. Maybe she’s still a good cop—but maybe she’s not. Finn’s reluctance ends when his dear “uncle,” an ex-LAPD detective, is murdered, and it might be connected to Riley’s death.

To prevent more bloodshed and avoid becoming the next targets on the killer’s list, Finn and Munoz will have to bury their complicated past, trust each other, and come face-to-face with painful secrets that could destroy them both.

••••

REVIEW: BLUE LIKE ME is the second instalment in Aaron Philip Clark’s contemporary, adult TREVOR FINNEGAN murder, mystery, thriller series focusing on former LAPD Detective turned PI Trevor Finnegan. BLUE LIKE ME can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading book one UNDER COLOR OF LAW as most of the events of Blue Like Me are as of a direct result from the previous instalment.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Trevor) BLUE LIKE ME is set in 2016, and follows former LAPD Detective turned PI Trevor Finnegan as he is tasked with tailing two LAPD police officers thought to be involved in $ex trafficking crimes but a new assignment finds Trevor following two more detectives, detective of whom he has personal knowledge but all does not go according to plan when a gunman kills one of Trevor’s targets, and injures the other while on the run. Trevor knows that to get involved means facing the wrath of the department for which he once worked, a department that labelled our hero, just another dirty cop. As Trevor works in tandem with injured LAPD Detective Sally Munoz, secrets begin to reveal a connection to a case long thought buried and gone. While his life as a PI is getting more dangerous and dark, his personal life begins to spiral out of control.

Trevor Finnegan lost his job as a detective two years earlier in the wake a scandal, accountability in law enforcement, and the death of a murdered black academy cadet. Fast forward to present day, Trevor now works as a private investigator but quickly discovers many of his targets are members of the LAPD, men and women for whom he once worked. From dirty cops to murder, evidence tampering and bribery, secrets and lies, Trevor uncovers a trail dating back several decades, decades in which time served resulted in the death of a possible innocent man.

BLUE LIKE ME is a gritty and impassioned story of desperation and reprisal, power and control, betrayal and injustice, exposure and lies. The premise is tragic and dramatic; the characters are desperate, determined and broken.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC: Hi Aaron, and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Social Media Links: Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Website/ Amazon Author Page /

Aaron:I’m a native Angeleno, but I lived on the east coast for twelve years and experiencing both coasts influenced my writing.

I’ve always loved the power of fiction. Before pursuing novel writing, I worked as an independent script doctor revising scripts for clients while working on my thesis. After publishing my thesis novel, I decided to focus solely on fiction. However, I recently returned to screenwriting and found more enjoyment this round than before.

TRC:What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

Aaron:Admittedly, the road to publication came easier for me than for some. I published with an independent press for my first three novels and then with a larger publisher for my recent books.

TRC:Would you please tell us something about BLUE LIKE ME and the Trevor Finnegan series?

Aaron: Blue Like Me is the second book in the series. Trevor is no longer an LAPD detective and is working as a private investigator whose mandate is exposing crooked cops. Trevor’s character pays homage to the antiheroes of classic noir. He plays by his own rules, and the path of doing the right thing sometimes means operating in a gray area. Right and wrong are subjective, which makes him complicated and someone the reader will route for because he truly strives to do the right thing.

TRC:Is the lead character Trevor Finnegan based on a real person or a mix of people/ law enforcement members?

Aaron: Trevor’s an amalgamation of police officers I knew in the academy and my personal life. In many ways, he’s an ode to Black law enforcement officers who have had to contend with obstacles both within their respective departments and out on the street.

TRC:Are / will any of Trevor’s stories be based on real-life events or a mix of them?

Aaron: I wouldn’t describe the novels as “ripped from the headlines,” but they do crib aspects of their plots from cases I studied in the police academy.

TRC:What kind of research and plotting was involved in the writing of BLUE LIKE ME? How long did you spend researching the premise?

Aaron: It took me two to four months to outline the novel, including researching cases involving the LAPD that inspired aspects of the story. Some cases are well-known, while others are obscure and typically don’t receive media coverage.

TRC:How many books do you have planned for the series?

Aaron: Likely five or six.

TRC:Are the stories stand-alone, or would the reader benefit from reading the series in order?

Aaron: The reader would surely get more out of the series if they read the books in order, but the stories hold up on their own and can be read as stand-alones.

TRC:How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Aaron: I spend considerable time ensuring my novels are grounded in reality and authentic police procedure. I don’t have any secret formula, but many twists come from characters’ behavior rather than being heavily plot-driven.

TRC:Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Aaron:The cover image is part of branding and marketing. If a cover is poorly designed or fails to catch a reader’s attention, that could hinder the book’s success unless they’re well-known authors. Debut authors or authors that are publishing with a large commercial publisher for the first time need dynamic covers–it’s a must. Unfortunately, publishers often go with the most cost-effective design, which isn’t always eye-catching.

TRC:When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing, or do you direct the characters?

Aaron: It’s 50/50. I set the scenes and plot the narrative, but once the characters begin to take shape and act from their established beliefs and motivations, it’s their show.

TRC:The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

Aaron: Point-of-view plays a considerable role in eliciting a vicarious experience for the reader. Writing in the first-person or close third can facilitate that connection more seamlessly, depending on the writer’s goal. Keeping a distance from the reader can also prove useful, especially if it’s an unreliable narrator.

TRC:Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Aaron: I tend to complete a draft, then elicit feedback if I think something needs refinement.

TRC:What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Aaron: Many people presume you’ve sold thousands of books if you have a New York Times Bestseller. That’s often not true, and the New York Times Bestseller distinction is predicated on a reviewer’s taste. So, I always tell people to support books that interest them rather than be swayed by any trade list.

TRC:What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Aaron: I’m a classic car enthusiast.

TRC:On what are you currently working?

Aaron: I’m writing a thriller set in the music industry inspired by The Talented Mr. Ripley and other works by Patricia Highsmith.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Aaron: My novel, Blue Like Me, will be published on November 8th and is available for pre-order at Amazon.com.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Lamb Dry Pot

Favorite Dessert: Apple pie

Favorite TV Show: Homicide: Life on the Street

Last Movie You Saw: The Batman

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush: Issa Rae

Last Vacation Destination: Hawaii

Do you have any pets? No

Last book you read: The Force by Don Winslow

TRC: Congratulations Aaron on the new release. We wish you all the best.

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Siege by Robert DeSimone Jr-Review & Guest Post

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SIEGE by Robert DeSimone Jr-Review & Guest Post

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 14, 2022

Year 2096. Earth is at war with a reptile-like alien race known as Architects who have invaded the planet alongside their android armies. Rain Tessio and his brother Jax are drafted into the war and assigned to an isolated military supply depot called The Krag. Their sleepy assignment soon turns into a full-scale conflict when a small Architect army surrounds The Krag. To make matters worse, when one member of the unit is mysteriously killed, they discover that the killer is one of their own.

••••••

REVIEW:  SIEGE by Robert Desimone Jr is a post-apocalyptic, sci-fi thriller set in the year 2096.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic violence, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from third person perspective SIEGE focuses on Unit 27 Romeo, a group of 19 nineteen humans conscripted to protect an isolated military supply depot called The Krag. With very little experience between them, and hundreds if not thousands of androids surrounding the depot, the rag tag team of unskilled and non-miliary fighters are forced to defend something they know nothing about. One by one, each member of Unit 27 Romeo is plucked off and killed, and some begin to suspect a killer from within. A war between the humans and the aliens reveals a secret hidden deep within the Earth’s surface, a secret that may threaten the existence of the rest of humanity.

SIEGE is a quick read; a story focusing on an alien invasion of Earth wherein the inhabitants of Earth are struggling to survive, struggling against an enemy who themselves are battling to thrive. The fast paced premise is dramatic, imaginative and tragic ; the characters are energetic, ill-fated but determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

The Many Sides of Morality in Siege by Robert DeSimone Jr.

Probably the most important part of writing any story for me is having likeable characters you can get attached to. To know their histories, wants, fears, etc. One important theme that goes into most of my stories is morality. As something of a goody-two-shoes since I can remember, I love exploring the idea of morality in my characters. And it is the main theme I try to (and hopefully) convey in the science fiction/mystery novella Siege.

What’s interesting about morality is that it is completely subjective based on the individual and/or the culture. Some say that there are universal truths regarding morality including not killing or stealing, however, if you consulted a Viking raider from the 9th century, he may disagree based on the norms of his culture. Regardless, when I wrote the characters of Siege, I installed some of my own ideas on right and wrong.

The four aspects of morality I explored was separated into four characters: Rain, the serial killer, Sofia, and Binder. Rain, as the de facto protagonist, is a character who has a strict black-and-white sense of right and wrong and generally follows the universal truths of morality. After finding the alien infant Crocadelia, he spends a great deal of time making sure she is safe and fed despite some of his teammates voting to have her killed. In this instance, his teammates argued that because she was the same species as their enemy and because she may one day, far in the future, be a threat, she should be killed, but Rain chooses to advocate for her life because she has done nothing wrong and is an innocent regardless of her species. To him the decision is easy: she’s innocent so she must be protected. Nothing else matters.

Rain’s biggest moral dilemma, perhaps, is the perceived temptation of the beautiful electrical engineer Sofia. Because Rain has a girlfriend named Annabelle back home, the question is: will Rain betray Annabelle in favor of Sofia or will he stay loyal? While I present this dilemma to the reader as if it is a possibility, Rain never actually considers betraying Annabelle. He simply admits to himself that he’s attracted to Sofia and that’s as far as he’ll ever take it. Because he has a cookie-cutter sense of right and wrong, he sees everything in black and white and would never betray someone he made a promise to. And he would never delve into the world of grays to satisfy his lust because that’s not in his moral programming.

Sofia, on the other hand, represents the gray area of morality. Partway through the story, it is revealed that Sofia is afflicted with a disease that will kill her by her mid-fifties and there is no cure in sight. Because her life will be cut almost in half, in her I explored morality mixed with mortality. She has a clock that is constantly ticking in the back of her mind, which is further exacerbated by the threat of being killed at any point during the siege, which leads her to make decisions she may not normally make if she were completely healthy. While she is empathetic, caring, and very protective (especially towards Crocadelia), she is more than willing to steal Rain away from Annabelle because she feels she may not have the time a healthy person would have to find a partner she truly loves.

The serial killer lurking within the walls of The Krag represents amorality. After the serial killer’s childhood and upbringing is explored, it is revealed he suffered trauma, lacked a mother figure, had a non-existent social life, and murdered his first person at a young age. Due to this, he grew up without morality being a factor in his life. Morality, in a practical sense, serves as a buffer to keep people from engaging in horrible

Immorality was explored, mainly in the character of Binder, but also in a few other minor characters as well. Binder is presented as a selfish person with little sympathy towards anyone but himself. This is shown in his treatment of Osman, one of his subordinates. He also has no empathy towards the animals he paralyzed during his time as a research assistant. He remarked that he preferred paralyzing the test subjects from their necks rather than their backs because it was more convenient for him. It didn’t matter to him that he would cause extra suffering to the animal who would no longer have use to any of its limbs.

I enjoyed being able to explore these themes in Siege. When writing the immoral and amoral characters in Siege, I tried to present them as cautionary tales to those who have no regard for others because I can’t imagine one can have a fulfilling life without empathy towards others and no moral code whatsoever. Consequences usually follow bad deeds.

And while these are my opinions on morality, others may find that people who do the right thing simply use morality as  the excuse for being a coward. Another may not think animal experimentation is an immoral act, rather a practical one to obtain data. What importance do you think morality plays in a story or life for that matter?

 

Follow the Author: Facebook /  Website/ Goodreads

Robert DeSimone Jr. was born in Long Beach, CA on June 9th, 1987. He is the second of six children. His first job was as a computer technician before he began working various jobs in the fire service including as an EMT, fire cadet, and finally fire inspector.

Robert published his first short story in 2021. His favorite book is Blood Meridian or the Evening Redness in the West by Cormac McCarthy. He spends much of his free time building his business as a writer and spending time with his wife and two dogs.

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Irrevocable (Guardians 1) by AJ Reid-Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Irrevocable (Guardians 1) by AJ Reid-Review, Interview & Giveaway

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 23, 2022

When Tess nosedives into Ethan, it’s a genuine accident. But when she trespasses? Maybe not so much.

When Tess Williams, a neonatal intensive care unit nurse, finds her fiancé in bed with another woman, she is done with dating. Even if it means she won’t have a family of her own, because trust and honesty are that important to her. Hellbent on avoiding any temptation of the male kind, she makes one devastating mistake: nosediving into the solid chest of a Delta Force operator.

Her second far-reaching mistake? Trespassing.

Ethan Mitchell, only son of a Texas billionaire, joined the Army to turn his life around. Adamant all women are only after money and can’t be trusted, and to keep his past secret, he is only interested in casual flings. Until a stubborn and infuriating five-foot-seven firecracker crashes into him, insisting he is mistaken, and he needs to apologize.

Sure. Like hell he is. And like hell he will.

Ethan may admit he is wrong (about one woman specifically), but will he risk exposing his secrets to keep her in his life? And Tess may give in to the attraction between them, but will she risk her heart for someone who, all too often, is sent on life-threatening missions?

•••••

REVIEW: IRREVOCABLE is the first instalment in AJ Reid’s contemporary, adult GUARDIANS erotic, romance series. This is billionaire/Delta Force operative Ethan Mitchell, and NICU nurse Tess Williams’ story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives IRREVOCABLE follows the turbulent but building romance and relationship between billionaire/Delta Force operative Ethan Mitchell, and NICU nurse Tess Williams. A night out with friends found Tess Williams stumbling into a sexy and brooding but cantankerous man, a man she would meet not once but two more times, several weeks later, where in she would discover our ill-tempered hero is one of her brother’s Delta Force Operatives, and a man who believes women are after him for only his money. A whirlwind affair between Tess and Ethan would end dramatically when Tess catches Ethan with someone else, the end of which Tess will suffer like she had never before. Life as she knows it is about to spiral out of control but Ethan refuses to listen or accept anything Tess has left to offer. What ensues is the building relationship between Ethan and Tess, and the fall-out when Tess walks away, pushing Ethan to close his heart, one final time.

The relationship between Tess and Ethan begins acrimoniously. Ethan believes Tess is a stalker; after his wealth and power; a woman who only sees Ethan as a final payday. Tess, on the other hand, has no idea as to Ethan’s identity, and crossing one another’s paths was nothing more than a coincidence that was about to become something more but Tess doesn’t do ‘army’, having watched from the sidelines as her parents’ marriage imploded. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Tess’s brother Joshua Williams; fellow Delta Force Operator Hayden Cooper, as well as Tess’s mother, and several co-workers at the hospital.

IRREVOCABLE is a story of mistaken beliefs, accusations and mistrust; jealousy and misunderstand; forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing yet heart breaking; the characters are captivating, determined and animated; the romance is seductive but struggles in the face of issues of trust. Saying that, I made every effort to sympathize with our story line hero but his attitude and actions left something to be desired.

I would like to add, I wish there was more insight into the Delta Force operations-most of the missions and events are behind the scenes and off page.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC:  Hi AJ and welcome to The Reading Café.Congratulations on the release of IRREVOCABLE.

AJ:  Thank you so much, and for having me today!

TRC:  We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself

Follow: Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook / Amazon Author page / Website

AJ: I’m an Aussie from Perth, Western Australia and am married to a wonderful husband who still makes me laugh after 24 years. We have two boys, 19 and 17 years old, and 3 dogs. We’ve been living in the US for almost 8 years, and our oldest son is starting university beginning of next year. Our baby, who isn’t a baby anymore, just started his senior year. I honestly can’t believe how quickly they’ve grown up. It feels like yesterday when I was sitting next to the pool writing while they had swimming lessons.

TRC:  Who or what influenced your career in writing?

AJ:During a 10-week work trip to the US in 2006, I joined a library when I had finished all the books I had brought with me and came across a Cynster novel by Stephanie Laurens. I couldn’t put it down, or the next one, or the next. When I was done with every Cynster, Bastion Club, and Cobra novel, I decided to try my hand at writing. I’ve never regretted this decision for one moment.

I initially thought I’d write Regency novels, but while I was researching potential historical events as the backdrop for my first book, I stumbled across the Reivers of the English-Scottish borders. I immediately knew I wanted to not only learn more about their turbulent past and history, but also that I wanted to write their stories. I immersed myself into research for almost 2 years before I started writing the first book.

After many years of research, learning the craft of writing, completing the first manuscript, and moving to the US, I needed a break from the past and returned to my other grassroots love, Contemporary Romance. Once I finish the GUARDIANS series, I plan to return to the 16th century border for their Happily Ever Afters.

TRC:  What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

AJ:Finding time for writing between my professional career, family, and my other interests like reading and traveling. I have a lot of support from my family which helps tremendously.

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about the premise of IRREVOCABLE and the GUARDIANS series?

AJ:Tess is a neonatal intensive care nurse who has gone through several bad breakups. She really wants a family, but after catching her fiancé cheating on her three weeks before their wedding day, she’s done with relationships and decides to have a baby on her own when the time is right.

She’s also dealing with the loss of her Special Forces brother during a classified operation, a dad who has put his Army career ahead of his family, and suspects her only remaining brother has just made Delta Force selection which renews her fears she might lose him too.

Ethan is the only son of a Texas billionaire, and had joined the Army to turn his out-of-control life around. He grew up believing that women are only after his family’s money and can’t be trusted, and is only interested in short-term flings to keep his past buried.

When they meet by accident in the hottest “It” lounge in Dallas, Ethan insists Tess is hitting on him. She doesn’t take being wrongly accused lightly. The second time they encounter each other, all kinds of sparks fly between them, but they assume they can ignore all of that because they are never going to see each other again. Which they of course do!

Every book in the GUARDIANS series take place in Dallas with heroes who are stubborn Delta Force operators and heroines who are NICU nurses with wills of steel. There will also always be horses, dogs, and of course, annoying and interfering family members! The main characters of the subsequent books are introduced in the previous ones, but they can all be read as stand-alone.

I should also mention that I don’t sugarcoat the more realistic aspects of neonatal nursing experiences. Where I can’t draw on my own experience, I make every effort to ensure I handle these very personal and sensitive themes with the utmost care.

TRC:  How many books do you have planned for the series?

AJ:I have 3 books planned for the GUARDIANS series.

TRC:  How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

AJ:By making sure the motivations and emotions match the characters’ responses to the unexpected and don’t catch readers by surprise. Foreshadowing is also something I like to use to make sure, even though my characters have no clue what’s coming, that my readers are suspecting a little something.

My critique groups and beta readers are also a huge help to keep me on the straight and narrow, and they let me know when something doesn’t work or is confusing or unbelievable.

TRC:  Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

AJ:Absolutely. Most of the time the cover is the first thing to draw a reader’s attention and should make them want to read the blurb, which should make them want to read the first few pages, and then the rest of the book. They’re all tied together, and each plays a critical role.

TRC:  When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

AJ:I’ve only once let the characters do the directing, and never again. It was a disaster of epic proportions to sort that plotline out and make sense of things. So these days, I keep them on a short leash!

TRC:  The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

AJ:It’s key to really understand what the character is going through at that moment. I also consider how I would feel and respond to a similar situation, and then I dig deeper into what the character would feel and respond. There’s a fine balance to ensure the level of detail is appropriate for each scene, otherwise it can completely undo any emotional connection again.

TRC:  Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

AJ:I develop the storyline and characterization first before I compile a playlist, but I don’t always have one. When I do, I listen to the songs while I’m planning the next scene in my head or when I’m driving, and once in a while when I’m writing and am in the mood for music.

This is how I know the hero in the second book of the GUARDIANS series is going to be a handful. I mean, Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance is on that playlist…

TRC:  Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

AJ:I have two small, close-knit critique partner groups on Scribophile. We’ve been together for ages and know each other very well. It’s great being able to work with writer-friends who know my writing style, challenge me to take risks, and who I can ask all kinds of questions, anytime. I met some of them in person on a trip to Yellowstone National Park last year, which was fantastic. Yellowstone also lived up to its reputation. It was absolutely stunning!

I’m also part of bigger Scribophile groups where I can get answers for about just anything from doctors, nurses, lawyers, veterans, other Border Reiver gurus, and of course, writing, publishing, and marketing.

TRC:  What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

AJ:That most of us write full-time, and writing is our main/only income source.

TRC:  What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

AJ:I absolutely love everything netball, and recently, started to get into American football. I still love Aussie footy rules, too!!

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

AJ:The second book of the GUARDIANS series which I hope to have out early next year.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Butter chicken with white rice and veggies

Favorite Dessert
Black Forest Cake

Favorite TV Show
The Blacklist

Last Movie You Saw
The Lost City with Sandra Bullock & Channing Tatum and I only have good things to day about it!

Dark or Milk Chocolate
This is a really easy one, milk chocolate all the way, right?

Secret Celebrity Crush
Ryan Reynolds

Last Vacation Destination
On the back of a work trip to the UK earlier this year, I added a few days to hunt down the spirit of the Border Reiver on the English/Scottish border. It was so much more than I ever expected, and I had wonderful conversations with many awesome people who shared their personal stories, love of the border, and their family history.

Do you have any pets?
One Dachshund and two South African boerboels. The boerboel boy is still a puppy which means I’m dedicating a bit of my writing time to teaching the little guy the difference between furniture, shoes, and dog toys. But so far, so good. He’s smart and catching on quickly!

Last book you read
FINDERS, KEEPERS by Chloe Holiday. It’s a short, exceptionally satisfying read and I highly recommend it. The next one on my list is HERS TO KEEP by Avery Samson.

TRC:  Thank you, Janet for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your new release.

AJ:Thank you again for having me, and for a fun interview!

AJ Reid is graciously offering a signed, paper copy of IRREVOCABLE to ONE (1) USA reader: and an ebook copy to TWO (2) international readers

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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9. Giveaway is open to USA only (paper) and INTERNATIONAL (ebooks)

10. Giveaway runs from October 8-13, 2022

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Fire and Amulet by Helen B Henderson -Review & Interview

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FIRE AND AMULET by Helen B Henderson-Review and Interview

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release March 29, 2022

Trelleir is a true dragon whose magic allows him to take on human form. The last of his kind, he longs for companionship. However, his only friend is not only a human female, but a slayer. Sworn to kill all dragons, including him.

Summoned by the village council, Deneas is sent on a quest to kill any and all dragons, and cannot return without proof of her success. Finding the mythical creature and avoiding its deadly talons and fire are not her only problems. Another slayer follows with orders to kill her. As she retraces her slain mother’s footsteps, she learns the world is not what it seems.

••••••••

REVIEW: Deneas is a skilled dragon hunter, so when the council order her to hunt and kill the last dragon, she has no choice.

Trelleir is a dragon (shifter) well actually he’s a dragon that’s shifts into a man (totally different) he’s also the last of his kind. He knew Deneas’s parents, and promised her mother to always look out for her.

This story gives a whole new twist on shifter stories. So I’d say it’s more magic and myth rather than shifter.

It’s also divided into three stories, we have a dragon slayer who’s been sent out to kill Deneas! And Deneas needs to find out what really happened to her parents, and more about the dragons her mother was sworn to kill (and didn’t, her mother was also a slayer before being tried as a witch and killed!)

Written with a very sense of old fashion wordage and tone. It’s slow and sluggish at times, and it does wander around looking a little lost!

I did like the part where Deneas reads her mother’s journal. I’m also interested in finding out if there are any other dragons alive, or is Trelleir really the last of his kind. (Have to admit I cried when he found the nursery empty of hatchlings). It’s not a romance book by any sense of the imagination. No fade to black, no sweet romance, nothing. So if Trelleir wants a mate this book doesn’t give that impression. And the ending…. Well that gave me the feelings of guardianship rather than a grand love!

Left on not really a cliffhanger, but an opening to a series. Which I’m really hoping will happen because I enjoyed the book once I realised there wasn’t going to be any steam.

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie B

TRC: Hi Helen and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of FIRE AND AMULET.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook / Amazon Author Page /

Helen: Although the author of several local histories and numerous articles on the topics of American and military history, antiques and collectibles, my first love is fiction. My work in the museum and history fields enables a special insight into creating fantasy worlds. The descendent of a coal-miner’s daughter and an aviation flight engineer, my writing reflects the contrasts of my heritage as well as that of my Gemini sign. My stories cross genres from historical westerns to science fiction and fantasy. In the world of romance fantasy (or if you prefer more romance with your action, fantasy romance), I authored the Dragshi Chronicles and The Windmaster Novels. IMPRISONED IN STONE takes a darker look at magic. A special work of love was a collection of short stories and poems dedicated to those in my family who served in the military. HEARTH AND SAND: STORIES FROM THE FRONT LINES AND THE HOMEFRONT presents a continuity of service from the past to today and into the world of tomorrow of those who served on the battle front, and the stories of the loved ones left behind who preserved the homefront.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Helen: For the Old West call to my soul, Louis L’Amor, because he walked the ground he wrote about. His Sackett series has a special place on my bookshelf. For the worlds of fantasy, there is a special love of Anne McCaffrey, especially her Talents Universe series. Barbara Hambly and Katherine Kurtz influenced my writing with their sharing of magic. Lastly, a pair of authors that have been a large part of writing life, but who I have never met in person have earned a special place in the list. Carol McPhee whose romantic suspenses taught romance to share my works with action. And Judy Griffith Gill whose suggestions improved my craft beyond measure.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

Helen: The most difficult part of the story to write involved Trelleir’s secret. The reader had to be told so they knew his true identity early in the story. My problem came when the secret was revealed. How would Deneas react? Her actions had to be realistic, but the betrayal couldn’t disrupt the desired ending.

TRC:Would you please tell us something about the premise of FIRE AND AMULET?

Helen: Trelleir is a true dragon. Fire and flight are not his only abilities. He can use his magic to take on the shape of a human which is dangerous as dragons and humans don’t always coexist in a peaceful harmony. Trelleir’s family was murdered by slayers. Alone since he cracked his shell, he believed he was the last of his kind and longs for companionship. Even if it is only that of a human female. However, she is a slayer. Sworn to kill all dragons, including him.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning FIRE AND AMULET?

Helen: Most of the research involved collecting images to help me visualize the settings such as Merlin’s Well below Tintagel Castle for Trelleir’s secret glen. Fingal’s Cave on the Island of Staffa, Scotland served as inspiration for the hatching cave. Plotting the storyline was another matter. As a rule, I am more of a plotter than a pantser. A detailed storyline from start to finish never happens. The creation of scene storyboards of various detail from bullet points to full draft invariably gives way to the characters. At that point the storyboard format shifts into full-fledged draft.

TRC: Is FIRE AND AMULET a stand-alone story line? Or if not, how many books do you have planned for the series?

Helen: The tale of Trelleir and Deneas started out as a short story. It nagged at me until it became a full-length novel. Having recently completed a series, there were no plans to make FIRE AND AMULET anything other than a stand-alone. However, due to reader requests, there is the possibility of another one or two books.

TRC: You write both fiction and non-fiction stories. Which genre do you find more difficult to write and why?

Both genre have their own challenges. Non-fiction requires a lot more research. Each fact needs to be verified and re-verified using primary sources. Another issue with non-fiction is finding suitable images to accompany them. The images must be eye-catching and copyright free.

I write fantasy, so research and facts are not as important since I create the world. I do have to be careful not to include contemporary terms or phrases. When I started writing telling a good story was sufficient. Now readers expect more. A challenge for me is making sure the characters change and develop.

TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines especially stories with a paranormal premise-readers like to think ‘what if?’. How do you keep the story line believable? Where do you think some author’s fail?

Helen: There has to be something in the storyline that resonates with the reader. It could be the character’s backstory or his needs. An other-worldly setting has to have some element of reality so that the reader can suspend belief. Creatures and magic are part of legend. People who can shapeshift would not be unreasonable. A reader may not have experienced a night-time blizzard on the planet Hoth, but they can relate. So when Han Solo saved Luke Skywalker from certain death by using a carcass as shelter it is not unbelievable. As long as the reader relates to the characters and their world, they can remain in the tale. Push things too far, make them too outlandish, and you risk throwing the reader out of the tale. They need some anchor.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Helen: A cover can definitely influence a reader’s selection. While all of the covers created for me by Michelle Lee of Stardust Creations have been great, the eye-catching vibrancy of the FIRE AND AMULET cover grabs attention. If you look closely, you can even see the dragon’s tear.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Helen: A project starts with a few lines of background for the main one or two characters, a working name for them, and the completion of the following statement. “Character wants to achieve XXX because YYY but can’t because ZZZ.” I think I am in control, I have my character and storyboard forms. It works well for a few chapters. Then the characters start to take over and before I know it the road map I had envisioned for their journey is tossed aside for the character’s telling of the story.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Helen: I admit I don’t always have music on when writing. Jotting notes in a doctor’s office while waiting for your appointment or typing on a tablet in the wee hours of the morning isn’t conducive to playing tunes. But that doesn’t mean that music is not part of my writing life. Although each book tends to have its own playlist, certain songs trigger a mood or emotion so that the some tunes transfer from book to book. For FIRE AND AMULET, an old standby, Celtic music where the lilting voices, flute and harp send my mind to a fantasy world where magic rules and dragon fly. Music for a quest, hopelessness, and loneliness is conveyed by the haunting piano solo played at the end of each episode of The Incredible Hulk. Perfect for a dragon impersonating a human. Magical horses are inspired by the light aire of “Garryowen.”

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Helen: There are so many misconceptions. I think it is a toss-up as to the biggest. It could be that writing a novel is easy, you just toss words on a page and have a best seller. Watchers of the television series, Castle, could believe that all authors are rich.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

Helen: Let me think. Most don’t know that I originally wanted to be a pilot and even studied for a pilot’s license. But back then women in the right seat, let alone the captain’s chair, were a rarity so I gave up that dream. I have background in two quite different areas: history and computer science. I’ve participated in archaeological digs and directed a local history museum. Stepping out of my comfort zone was attending historical re-enactments in period costume and riding in a World War II-era jeep as part of a convoy of military vehicles. For the one I wore a long skirt and hid more modern items such as camera and keys in a wicker basket. For the other, I was in olive drab military uniform.

TRC: Who or what influenced your path towards writing?

Helen: My mother and both grandmothers taught me a love of reading. Which evolved into storytelling and the creation of my own tales. Although my writing experience includes non-fiction, journalistic pieces, computer software and technical manuals, fiction was my first love.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

Helen:  I just completed the A to Z Challenge my blog with each post based on the characters and world of FIRE AND AMULET. At present I’m shifting gears and looking to my next project. Two concepts are fighting for dominance at this time. A futuristic scifi and another volume set in the world of Trelleir and Deneas. It may take an executive decision maker (aka a vintage quarter) to see which story goes next.

TRC :Would you like to add anything else?

Helen: I love to hear from my readers and invite them to join me join on travels through the stars or among fantasy worlds of the imagination.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food Pizza

Favorite Dessert Boston Cream Pie

Favorite TV Show With no time period specified, I won’t consider programs from earlier times in my life, only contemporary shows. And, there are several depending on my mood. NCIS, Hardcore Pawn and Cajun Pawn, Secrets of the Dead and Nova.

Last Movie You Saw The Shadow Riders

Dark or Milk Chocolate Dark, definitely

Secret Celebrity Crush David McCallum in two of his roles, first as Illya Kuryakin then as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard.

Last Vacation Destination It has been so long since I took a real vacation it is hard to remember what the last destination was so I’ll pick one of my favorite spots – a lakeside cabin in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

Do you have any pets? An “aristocatic” feline with tuxedo markings ruled my home for over 15 years. While I have no pets in residence at the moment, I often visit a husky who have adopted me as one the pack.

Last book you read MURDER AND MINT TEA by Janet Lane Walters

TRC: Thank you Helen for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of FIRE AND AMULET. We wish you all the best.

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