Archive for the ‘YA’ Category

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Once upon a time, an evil faerie queen traveled through the looking-glass with the cruelest of intentions…to curse a baby.

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A Court of Broken Promises & Nightmares

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Courts & Curses Book 2

by Michelle Helen Fritz

Genre: YA Dark Fantasy Regency Romance

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Once upon a time, an evil faerie queen traveled through the looking-glass with the cruelest of intentions…to curse a baby.

When Alora meets her prince at a masquerade and shares a moonlight dance, her life is forever changed. As her heart longs for his promised return, she can’t get his amber gaze far from her mind.

The Faerie Prince of the White Kingdom doesn’t remember the night he fell in love with his true mate. Debauchery and unrest are twisting the subjects of Wonderland into sinister faeries, and the prince is suffering right alongside his people. With time ticking down to preserve the wonder of his land, he’ll need to battle his greatest foe and regain his lost memories or risk sacrificing everything.

With the help of the Resistance and a tutor with style and sass, Alora is destined to save the two kingdoms, but she’ll need to embrace the darkness in order to fulfill the prophecy. What Wonderland needs most is a savior. But she’s only ever been a simple English girl. No pressure there.

This is book two in a Regency fairytale re-telling mash-up series Courts & Curses with guaranteed happily ever afters and surprising twists to the tales you thought you knew. Adventure through the six Courts of Faerie in this shared universe as they battle the darkness that seeks to destroy their existence. Each book is written as a standalone with interconnecting characters and themes.

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Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Horrifying beasts that used to exist only in nightmares now freely roamed the dark lands. Those who were once gentle and kind had been either devoured or forced to become cruel and twisted, re-created into something sinister, something truly terrifying. A Resistance was formed to fight against the swelling tide of evil, one which would need a savior, a leader who could take all of the unrest and debauchery and vanquish the very heart of evil, making something wonderful from its ashes. One who could take the darkness and embrace it as they conquered the false queen.

 

Cheshire was in pursuit of a grimoire chasing a hobgoblin. The grimoire was spitting black, inky liquid at everything it passed by. It was a nasty, horrid little creature, as all the grimoires were.

 

The tabby ran with a delighted look upon his whiskered face. Alora caught his notice by wavering her hand in the air.

 

“Nothing to fear, Curious One! We shall soon have this all settled. There is nothing quite like a good mad dash around the library.” The feline winked at her, then took off again.

 

“Mad, you’re all raving mad,” she whispered. “Everything anyone does is mad!”

 

“Who are you?” came a raspy voice to the side of the pathway. Alora cast her gaze in the direction from where the voice had come, noting the various shapes and heights of the mushrooms standing erect just beside the pathway.

 

“I inquired who you are, you daft girl,” seethed the voice with unguarded irritation.

 

“Why is everyone so unbearably rude?” Alora had had her fill with ill-mannered faeries and took angry steps until she halted before the mushroom where the tiny creature reclined. She staked her hands onto her hips in umbrage.

 

Resting atop the largest brown and white mushroom was a tiny cyan caterpillar puffing out tiny rings of smoke. In one of his many grubby hands rested the mouthpiece of a hookah. He wasn’t wearing any practical clothing, yet there were minuscule sky-blue slippers on ten of his miniature feet.

 

“Perhaps you’re the rude one, you unwelcomed interloper!” the insect snapped before taking another drag on his instrument.

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Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author? 

I think I was always writing. I wrote my first Regency Romance when I was an early teenager. I still remember it and wish that I had held onto it. That was my first official book and Love At Last was my next. I couldn’t imagine writing another book and not publishing it.

 

What are you passionate about these days? 

Writing and reading and learning new ways to express the written word. Also, my daughter’s artistic skills have really soared! She’s surpassed everything that I ever taught her and that is such an awe inspiring moment when you watch your little one take flight. I love watching her paint. It’s the coolest thing to express yourself on a canvas. There’s a piece of beauty in each brushstroke. And painting beside my daughter is faetastic. I love that we can be so creative and just have such a marvelous time together.

 

What do you do to unwind and relax? 

Read! I really do enjoy books. I want to be whisked away and surprised and fall in love.

 

What inspired you to write this book? 

The idea of a Wonderland where the heroine chooses Hatter and he falls for her, deliciously. I wanted one that was gruesome with battles but also with such a sweet wholesome romance. I think the idea of the Regency era where manners mattered and mayhem ruled was fascinating. And the young adult genre has my heart. Fairytales were my first love, what better way to honor that then to create my own worlds?

 

Where did you come up with the names in the story? 

Alora is our heroine. When I considered Alice from Alice in Wonderland and Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, I merged them together and Alora was born. I think it’s the perfect way to mash-up my heroines, and I enjoy taking the fairytales and creating these names. The other names were seamless. These characters appeared on the pages and there was never a doubt as to who they were.

 

Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book? 

I certainly did. So much of the Regency genre is telling, not showing. With the first book in this series, I didn’t show enough and some readers pointed out that they would have enjoyed it more if I had shown more things. My editor was meticulous in pointing out when I needed to show more. I’m a very descriptive writer, so I loved having things be noted that I could bring to life in a different way. I think it’s so much more magical than my first book and I really hope that it presents well to the young adult audience. This book owns my heart.

 

How did you come up with the name of this book?

Well, the Lunar Court is a wondrous place filled with nightmares as it’s heavily tied to dreaming and curses. The idea of our hero making a promise that he couldn’t keep intrigued me. So I knew that nightmares and promises had to be in my title.

 

 

If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day? 

That’s very easy to answer. Cheshire of course would be my choice. He’s so funny and says things that others might not, he just doesn’t have a filter and I love that most about him. He’s honest and raw and doesn’t apologize for being himself one bit. I would love to sit down over a tea table and hear the gossipy tales from all the Courts. Mostly, I dream of the idea of giving him a hug. Can you imagine how soft his fur would be!?

 

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story? 

Before I even began writing this book, Femfaeascent was fuming with formidable rage, pacing back and forth in my mind. She was quite irate with her son and wanted to make sure that her vengeance was legend. Once the prologue was written, she calmed down. But I usually have characters talk to me and Alora was also very vocal. I had an idea of where we were going and reached chapter three and she was like, nope. We’re redoing this because this isn’t how this is suppressed to go. I was so upset because I didn’t want to lose my words but you know what? She was absolutely right, the book is better because she was so insistent.

 

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?

It would be a mix of Hatter’s and Remius’s scents. Wonder what those are? Read their story.

 

Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write? Obviously I had a pretty good handle on the main characters. Usually when I’m writing things are happening and bam, there’s a new character. Sometimes it’s surprising and other times it’s a good compromise to making a scene or a book flow better. Usually I won’t know who they really are until there is dialogue happening. That’s when any character really comes to life. I never imagined that Fleur, who was in the first book, would be such a huge part of the second book. But she showed up in a big way and stole it away.

 

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why? 

Always in silence or as much as I can manage! I want to be in the moment with my characters and not miss any of what’s taking place on the page. I often will read lines aloud when it’s dialogue to hear how it sounds, what I could add more to, or what could be tweaked.

 

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

Usually it’s two at a time. One to be working on full-time and one to slip into when I need a change or to let one rest to come back to it in a few days.

 

Pen or type writer or computer?

Computer. I need to see the words flowing on the screen. I would never accomplish much if I was concentrating on my handwriting and whether it was legible enough to read later.

 

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

Several very wise persons have said to write for yourself the stories that you want to read. And that’s exactly what I do. I really hope others enjoy my words, and if not excuse me while I weep away. Kidding…mostly. Most authors want their books to resonate with their readers. That’s the ultimate goal.

 

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

It really varies. My second book was a co-write with the amazing E.A. Shanniak. We wrote that book in three weeks because it just flowed. It was an amazing experience. Other times it’s taken longer. I think the longest was a year, but I wasn’t consistently writing it. Usually if given the proper time, three months is my time-frame.

 

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I do! Sometimes the muse just isn’t there. That’s when you need to take a step back and just do something else that inspires you. Go to a museum. Go for a walk. If you’re crafty, create something. Paint, listen to music or spend time with your family. When your mind resets, the muse will begin to whisper in your ear. It’s magical when suddenly those words start to flow.

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Michelle Helen Fritz began her literary career as a personal assistant to Indie authors. She enjoys being immersed in the process of turning an idea into a complete and published book. Michelle loves to write about dashing heroes and the compelling women that tempt them with a bit of intrigue and an abundance of romance, creating swoon-worthy characters and stories for her readers to enjoy. Occasionally, her characters talk to her and change the entire plot. Maryland is where her humble abode resides, housing her four home-schooled children along with her jaunty hero-husband who makes all her dreams come true. Michelle fully believes in happily-ever-afters and wishing upon stars.

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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Signed Paperback (US only),

$10 Amazon giftcard (WW)

– 1 winner each!

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Sweetheart

by Cookie O’Gorman

 

Publication date: April 25th 2024
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Sweetheart (suh-weet-hart): Someone who is kind, friendly, and/or lovable. For reference, see Scarlett Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Kent likes the idea of love—in theory. She’s just never had time for romance. Voted Most Likely to Succeed, founder of a youth mentoring program, and an aspiring professional violinist, Scarlett has goals—and a list of “firsts” she’d like to complete before graduation.

One thing that’s not on her list: Falling for Sam Bishop.

Flirtatious jocks who sleep through class aren’t her type—no matter how good Sam looks in his jersey. But when her car breaks down, Sam stops to help…which leads to an unexpected offer.

Sam volunteers to help Scarlett complete her list. In return, she’ll help him win back his ex.

It’s a sweetheart deal that should benefit everyone.

But between kissing lessons and pretend dates, Scarlett realizes Sam is the perfect fake boyfriend. And if she’s not careful, he could be her first real heartbreak.

This book features two souls who’re meant to be, one fake arrangement, so many heart-melting kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a perfectionist falls for a player?

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

“Can I ask you something?” he said.

“Okay…”

“Why are you dressed like that?”

I lifted a brow. “Like a blueberry?”

Sam gave a shrug. “I was going to say a cross between Elsa and Cinderella.”

“Well, well,” I said, “the Sam Bishop knows his princesses. Who would’ve guessed?”

“Thanks to my sister,” he said. “And I still don’t get why you keep saying the before my name. Makes no sense.”

It made sense to me.

He’d always been the Sam Bishop in my head. As in the one and only, the original, the Sam Bishop who stole my heart at age ten and refused to give it back. I couldn’t say any of that to him, though, so I just shrugged.

“I was hired to play a wedding,” I said.

“And they asked you to dress like a princess?”

I shook my head. “The bride wanted a very specific shade of blue. Not baby blue, aqua or cornflower. Royal blue is what they asked for. This is what I had, so…”

Sam nodded. “Looks good on you.”

“Yeah, right,” I said with a scoff.

“I’m serious.”

Feeling my cheeks heat, I crossed my arms.

“Gotta be honest, though, I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to fit all that in the car. That’s a lot of material.”

His words startled a laugh out of me, and I gave a mental curse. I would not be charmed by him. The guy couldn’t even remember my name for goodness sakes.

“Is part of it still hanging out the door or…?” he said innocently.

“Ha ha,” I said, “very funny, Bishop.”

“Got a laugh out of you, Kent.”

Well.

At least he remembered my last name, I thought.

“And I’m assuming if I hadn’t been able to fit inside your inadequately-sized sports car”—he scoffed—”you would’ve just left me on the side the road?”

Sam shook his head. “Nah, I would’ve just had you take the dress off.”

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About Author Cookie O’Gorman:

Cookie O’Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, FAUXMANCE, and BOOKWORM are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, The Sweetest Game, and The Total Knockout. Her newest release SWEETHEART came out on April 25, 2024!

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Darkness Falls

by A.E. Faulkner

 

(Nature’s Fury, #1)
Publication date: March 31st 2019
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult

Our family trip to the beach ended before it even began. Mother Nature made sure of that.

Our parents…gone in an instant. It’s just me and my sister. 100 miles from home. No car. No phones. No money. Down to our last crumbs of food.

But just when we figure out what to do, she vanishes.

Mother Nature reached her breaking point and everyone’s paying the price. I have a feeling she isn’t done just yet.

But guess what? Neither am I.

Can Quinn survive the dark side of humanity and outrun nature’s fury? Click Buy Now to find out.

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

“Aidan, man, we should probably get going soon,” Jeff says, pulling me away from the threatening spiral of memories. His interruption is a welcome distraction.

“You’re right,” Aidan says, his eyes locked with mine. “But before we go, Quinn, you need to know, you’re not safe here. Do you have somewhere else to go?”

“What are you talking about?” My head volleys back and forth between the guys. Jeff runs a hand through his short brown hair and exhales a sigh. He leans in conspiratorially and says in a hushed voice, “Look, we’ve been checking out the unoccupied homes around here. You know, just borrowing things to help us get by. But one of the trailers we went to, we thought it was empty…”

Aidan finishes for him. “Quinn, one of your neighbors is dead. We thought the trailer was vacant, so we went inside. We grabbed some canned food and other stuff from the kitchen and then we went to the bedroom to see if there were any blankets and pillows.”

Tag-teaming again, Jeff continues. “We thought the smell was some food rotting. But… we found her just lying there on the bed, lifeless. Looked like she was stabbed. There was blood on the sheets and blanket.” He pauses momentarily before breaking the silence. “We would have helped her if we could, but she was gone.”

I raise a hand to cover my gaping mouth. The scream I heard the other night. That must have been it. Why didn’t I think to go see what was happening? Maybe I could have helped her. Maybe I could have stopped it.

“Guys, which trailer? Where did you see this?” I don’t know many of the permanent residents, and if it was someone who is only here for vacations, there’s no chance I know her.

Aidan steps to the edge of the porch and points, “Two homes down in that direction. The one with the wishing well in the front yard.” I wrap my arms around myself to contain the shiver running through me. The guys exchange a look and I know what’s coming next.

“Look, we gotta go,” Aidan says. “How about we check on you tomorrow? Would that be okay? Just make sure you’re alright.” Before I can filter my thoughts, they escape my lips. “That would be really nice. Yeah, I’d like that.”

“Okay,” Jeff says, nodding. The guys eye each other, silently communicating. They hesitate for just a moment and then Aidan speaks again. “Quinn, just keep a low profile, okay? Try to keep yourself hidden. We’ll come back tomorrow night after it gets dark and we can talk more then.”

“Okay,” I say. “Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow. Or, today I guess.” The guys watch me head inside the trailer. I lock the door and peer out the window, watching them leave. I barely know them, but I sense they’re like me and Riley—good people trying to navigate their way through a bad situation.

As I tiptoe back to the bedroom and settle under the covers, I vow to tell Riley everything. She deserves to know we could be in danger here and she needs to meet Aidan and Jeff. Maybe they are our ticket out of here.
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About Author A. E. Faulkner:

A. E. Faulkner was born and raised in Pennsylvania. When she’s not lost in a book, she loves spending time with her husband and two sons, especially while hiking, biking, or exploring nature. She loves almost everything about nature—ticks excluded, and one of her biggest fears is the repercussions we will face when nature can no longer tolerate human destruction. As such, she never tires of reading dystopian-themed tales. Stories about the end of the world absolutely fascinate her.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / TikTok

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Helluland organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author C.R. Lindstrom will award a $25 Amazon or B&N Gift Card. randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Helluland

by C.R. Lindstrom

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Genre: Geo Political Thriller crossed with a Young Adult Urban Fantasy

Synopis

A GIFT AWAKENING. A LEGEND REVEALED.

In a remote corner of the Arctic, unexplained phenomenon haunt an isolated community. Several people have disappeared, and somehow young Erika Holstrom knows why. Still reeling from the loss of her mother, she escapes to university, only to be followed by unsettling visions of the future.

When a Russian submarine vanishes in the far North, Erika’s nightmares suggest the answers lay buried deep in her family history. Now, just as the melting polar ice releases its sinister secrets, Erika and her friends are in a race against time to convince the sceptical authorities what is really happening in her Arctic homeland, before it’s too late.

Will they succeed, or is the frozen North lost forever…

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Katherine was staring down the Russian defence attaché when her intelligence officer burst in the room. Realising Katherine was not alone, the J2 covered his mouth while whispering to her. “General, the USS Samuel Ronaldson is reporting they’ve lost contact with their helo.”

Damn.

“Colonel Borishov,” she breathed, “you’ll have to excuse me for a moment.”

The attaché started to protest before Katherine closed the door behind her, leaving the Russian with her chief of staff.

The Arctic headquarters in Pond Inlet’s community centre was already alive with activity. Katherine took her position at the head of a series of flat screens and looked to her J3 operations officer. “Report, please.”

“Ma’am, at approximately 20:44 Zulu, the USS Samuel Ronaldson, operating in the south-western search zone, dispatched one of its helos to act as overwatch due to deteriorating sea ice conditions.” The J3 pointed to the electronic map to his front. Katherine mentally deducted five hours from the reported time, since Zulu was based on Greenwich Mean Time, or GMT in England. The operations officer continued. “General, roughly thirty minutes later the Russian frigate Nikolay Khabalov entered the Ronaldson’s search area from the south and dispatched its own helo.”

Katherine’s face was tense. She could tell where this was leading, but hoped she was wrong. The J3 pressed on.

“Though there was considerable electronic interference at the time, at roughly 21:20 Zulu, radar contact was lost with the Khabalov and Ronaldson helos. From what we gather, they were both within the same grid square when this occurred. Ma’am, at this point we are assuming a midair collision between the helicopters. The Ronaldson has undertaken its search and rescue procedures, and we believe the Khabalov is doing the same.”

Katherine looked about the room. All eyes were on her.

“Any survivors, J3?” she asked quietly.

“Unknown at this time, ma’am, though no emergency beacons have been detected.”

Katherine pulled a notepad from the right cargo pocket of her pants and scribbled down several points before directing the operations officer.

“Engage the search and rescue protocols if not already done, and request SAR aircraft to support us from Goose Bay and Thule. Open up a secure line to both Ottawa and Washington.”

The headquarters staff started carrying out her orders when Katherine glanced grudgingly at her closed office door.

“J3, please ask Colonel Borishov to join me. He deserves to know what has happened.”

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About Author C.R. Lindstrom:

C.R. Lindström is a debut author with a passion for lore and history.

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Invocation

by Aileen Erin

 

(Days of Iron and Clay, #1)
Publication date: March 19th 2024
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

From USA Today Bestselling Author Aileen Erin comes an all-new action-packed, romance-filled paranormal series.

There are three things I know without question.

One: demons are real.

Two: humans make awful mistakes that get them in demonic trouble more often than you’d think.

And three: I’m the only one who can help them.

I straddle the line between the mortal and spiritual realms every day. People might think they’re two different places, but they’re not. They lay on top of each other. It’s messy, and that’s why so many people need my help. Since I was little, I’ve been called all kinds of names—unusual, abnormal, even insane. Which is fitting, since they keep throwing me in to mental facilities. I’ve been in and out of them my entire life.

But no matter what people say, no matter what I’m risking, I will always help those in need.

Because there’s an endless war carrying on all around us, every minute of every day. One that can’t be seen by mortal eyes. But I can see it, the spiritual battle for mortal souls, and I’m working hard to make sure my father is on the losing side. He — Astaroth, Satan’s general— is why I can do this. He’s why I’m not normal. I can’t have friends, a life, or a boyfriend. I won’t be selfish enough to drag someone into this fight. But I’m not lonely. Not exactly. I have my mom. She’s my rock, my best friend, my partner. She helps me do what needs to be done, and she’s never afraid when it feels like I’m always afraid.

Because I hear my father whispering my name each night, his taunts echoing through the spiritual realm. He’s hunting me, and I know the day will come when I must face him again.

Every portal I open could be the one that finally pulls me back to Hell, and I wonder if I will brave enough, strong enough, good enough to fight him.

My name is Samantha Catherine Lopez, and I am Nephilim. This is my story.

**Fans of the Alpha Girls series will love this new series set in the same world, with a few familiar faces, but you DO NOT have to have read a single word of the Alpha Girls series to enjoy Samantha’s story.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks

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Enjoy this peek inside:

The heat from the fires of Hell were burning my feet. I needed to close the portal, but I needed to get up to the other side before I did.

And then there was a warmth—not like the burning heat from Hell—but something else—something soothing—and I knew what I had to do.

I had to get rid of the tie.

I couldn’t cut it—I’d tried that so many times—but I could shove it away. I could lessen its effects. I’d even burned it out once.

If it worked before, it could work now.

I blocked everything out except for the feeling of the tie that bound me to my father. It was always there—a leash of fire that wrapped around my body, my soul—thicker than any other tie I’d seen before on a living person. But it wasn’t just a demon-mortal tie. It was a father-daughter tie.

The tie connecting us grew hotter, burning, and I focused everything I had on burning it out.

I let my outrage fuel me. The outrage of how this monster—my father—had hunted me my whole life, tortured my mother, dragged me to Hell, and made it impossible for me to have any kind of innocent childhood.

He’d robbed me over and over of everything good.

Not this time. He wouldn’t win this time.

He laughed. He actually laughed at me. “I gave you life. I gave you your powers. Just as I give, I can take it all away.

No. I didn’t believe that.

And I wasn’t quitting. I wasn’t listening to him.

Screw him.

I pulled again, but it didn’t work. He started to say something about how I was a failure, but screw him. Screw failing. Screw everything but sending him back to Hell.

But my mouth was dry and I wanted to throw up and my body was starting to feel weaker and my arms started to shake.

An evil, deep rumbling noise had fear skittering along my skin.

I was getting too tired, too quickly.

And then it clicked.

He wasn’t just controlling me. He was draining my strength through our tie.

Fast.

I had to be faster.

Quickly, as quick as I could, I pictured the tie knotting and pulling tight, cutting off my father’s influence. I pictured it again—forcing my will on the tie.

Knotted and pulled tight.

Knotted and pulled tight.

Slowly, with every knot, I felt my father’s control lessening. Just enough so that I could think and—

Where was Eli?

That one thought broke through.

It was a tiny crack, but it was enough.

Eli!” I screamed along the spiritual realm as loud and with as much force as I could. I tried to pull myself up, but my arms were too tired.

The demons below me started screaming and moving faster. They knew who I’d called, and they knew what he could do to them.

Something hit my feet.

I jerked my leg away, and my hands slipped and—

Phoenix’s face suddenly above mine.

He was now hanging halfway through the portal. The only thing keeping me from dropping was his grip on my wrists. “Samantha. Please! Can you hear me?” His voice was deep and calm as it washed over me.

“I can now. Thank you.”

“Pull me up. Now. Hurry.”

“On the count of three. Okay?” He smiled. Even while all this insanity was happening—he smiled and it calmed me again and gave me confidence.

Why? I couldn’t say. But it did.

“One…Two…Three.” He pulled a little, and then all of a sudden, jerked me up, and I was lying on top of him.

“Thanks.” I gasped out the word and let my body relax against his for a second.

“You’re welcome.”

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About Author Eileen Erin:

Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican, and 100% nerd–from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.



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Invocation

by Aileen Erin

 

(Days of Iron and Clay, #1)
Publication date: March 19th 2024
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

From USA Today Bestselling Author Aileen Erin comes an all-new action-packed, romance-filled paranormal series.

There are three things I know without question.

One: demons are real.

Two: humans make awful mistakes that get them in demonic trouble more often than you’d think.

And three: I’m the only one who can help them.

I straddle the line between the mortal and spiritual realms every day. People might think they’re two different places, but they’re not. They lay on top of each other. It’s messy, and that’s why so many people need my help. Since I was little, I’ve been called all kinds of names—unusual, abnormal, even insane. Which is fitting, since they keep throwing me in to mental facilities. I’ve been in and out of them my entire life.

But no matter what people say, no matter what I’m risking, I will always help those in need.

Because there’s an endless war carrying on all around us, every minute of every day. One that can’t be seen by mortal eyes. But I can see it, the spiritual battle for mortal souls, and I’m working hard to make sure my father is on the losing side. He — Astaroth, Satan’s general— is why I can do this. He’s why I’m not normal. I can’t have friends, a life, or a boyfriend. I won’t be selfish enough to drag someone into this fight. But I’m not lonely. Not exactly. I have my mom. She’s my rock, my best friend, my partner. She helps me do what needs to be done, and she’s never afraid when it feels like I’m always afraid.

Because I hear my father whispering my name each night, his taunts echoing through the spiritual realm. He’s hunting me, and I know the day will come when I must face him again.

Every portal I open could be the one that finally pulls me back to Hell, and I wonder if I will brave enough, strong enough, good enough to fight him.

My name is Samantha Catherine Lopez, and I am Nephilim. This is my story.

**Fans of the Alpha Girls series will love this new series set in the same world, with a few familiar faces, but you DO NOT have to have read a single word of the Alpha Girls series to enjoy Samantha’s story.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks

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Enjoy this peek inside:

The heat from the fires of Hell were burning my feet. I needed to close the portal, but I needed to get up to the other side before I did.

And then there was a warmth—not like the burning heat from Hell—but something else—something soothing—and I knew what I had to do.

I had to get rid of the tie.

I couldn’t cut it—I’d tried that so many times—but I could shove it away. I could lessen its effects. I’d even burned it out once.

If it worked before, it could work now.

I blocked everything out except for the feeling of the tie that bound me to my father. It was always there—a leash of fire that wrapped around my body, my soul—thicker than any other tie I’d seen before on a living person. But it wasn’t just a demon-mortal tie. It was a father-daughter tie.

The tie connecting us grew hotter, burning, and I focused everything I had on burning it out.

I let my outrage fuel me. The outrage of how this monster—my father—had hunted me my whole life, tortured my mother, dragged me to Hell, and made it impossible for me to have any kind of innocent childhood.

He’d robbed me over and over of everything good.

Not this time. He wouldn’t win this time.

He laughed. He actually laughed at me. “I gave you life. I gave you your powers. Just as I give, I can take it all away.

No. I didn’t believe that.

And I wasn’t quitting. I wasn’t listening to him.

Screw him.

I pulled again, but it didn’t work. He started to say something about how I was a failure, but screw him. Screw failing. Screw everything but sending him back to Hell.

But my mouth was dry and I wanted to throw up and my body was starting to feel weaker and my arms started to shake.

An evil, deep rumbling noise had fear skittering along my skin.

I was getting too tired, too quickly.

And then it clicked.

He wasn’t just controlling me. He was draining my strength through our tie.

Fast.

I had to be faster.

Quickly, as quick as I could, I pictured the tie knotting and pulling tight, cutting off my father’s influence. I pictured it again—forcing my will on the tie.

Knotted and pulled tight.

Knotted and pulled tight.

Slowly, with every knot, I felt my father’s control lessening. Just enough so that I could think and—

Where was Eli?

That one thought broke through.

It was a tiny crack, but it was enough.

Eli!” I screamed along the spiritual realm as loud and with as much force as I could. I tried to pull myself up, but my arms were too tired.

The demons below me started screaming and moving faster. They knew who I’d called, and they knew what he could do to them.

Something hit my feet.

I jerked my leg away, and my hands slipped and—

Phoenix’s face suddenly above mine.

He was now hanging halfway through the portal. The only thing keeping me from dropping was his grip on my wrists. “Samantha. Please! Can you hear me?” His voice was deep and calm as it washed over me.

“I can now. Thank you.”

“Pull me up. Now. Hurry.”

“On the count of three. Okay?” He smiled. Even while all this insanity was happening—he smiled and it calmed me again and gave me confidence.

Why? I couldn’t say. But it did.

“One…Two…Three.” He pulled a little, and then all of a sudden, jerked me up, and I was lying on top of him.

“Thanks.” I gasped out the word and let my body relax against his for a second.

“You’re welcome.”

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About Author Aileen Erin

Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican, and 100% nerd–from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Out Of Body organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Kimberly Baer will award a $25 Amazon or B&N gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Out Of Body

by Kimberly Baer

 

 

Genre: YA / Paranormal / SciFi

Synopsis

Those weird dreams Abby Kendrick has been having? Turns out they aren’t dreams after all. They’re out-of-body experiences, like the ones her cousin Logan is having. At first Abby has fun with her new ability, using it to spy on her neighborhood crush and spook a mean girl. But when Logan gets in trouble on the astral plane, the game changes, and Abby must bend the rules of out-of-body travel as she journeys to a distant realm. Her mission is a perilous one, and success is not guaranteed. Can she save Logan and find her way home again? Or will the cousins be lost forever on the astral plane?

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Enjoy this peek inside:

I strode back to the coffee table and pressed the off button on the remote. Instantly the TV went blind and silent, like a lopped-off head. But I didn’t make it to my bedroom. Before I could take another step, I saw it again, that flitting movement near the recliner. This time there was an accompanying noise—the unmistakable rustling of clothing.

I turned in dread, and at long last there was something to see. I felt the briefest flicker of triumph—Ha! Caught you!—before the horror of the situation thumped me in the chest.

My dad’s jacket had come to life. It was floating in the air beside the recliner, puffy and solid as if inhabited by a body. The sleeves were waving: Hey, look at me!

I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t move. My vision darkened as if I was going to pass out, but if I did, that would be the end of me, because that thing would come over and strangle me. It was a disembodied jacket. It couldn’t be up to any good.

The jacket’s sleeves reached down. They bent at the elbows. Up went the jacket’s zipper with a z-z-zip sound.

Somehow I managed to draw in a big, rasping breath, and I screamed. I screamed loudly enough to wake the Halloween dead.

Then I ran for the front door.

About Author Kimberly Baer:

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Kimberly Baer is an author and professional editor who was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a town marginally famous for having endured three major floods. She even lived there during one of them. She enjoys power-walking on days when it’s not too hot, too cold, too rainy, too snowy, or too windy. On indoor days, you’re likely to find her hard at work on her next novel or binge-watching old episodes of Survivor, her favorite guilty pleasure.

Kim has had her nose in a book practically since birth. Her first story, written at age six, was about a baby chick that hatched out of a little girl’s Easter egg after somehow surviving the hard-boiling process. These days she writes in a variety of genres, including adult romantic suspense, young adult, and middle-grade. Her books are published by The Wild Rose Press and have won several awards.

Author Links: Website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Amazon / Goodreads / BookBub

Purchase Links: Amazon / B&N / Apple / BookBub

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False Haven

by Rebecca Rook

 

Publication date: February 13th 2024
Genres: Horror, Young Adult

False Haven is a young adult horror novel for fans of Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake, Asylum by Madeleine Roux, and Fiendish by Brenna Yovanoff.

Seventeen-year-old Vivienne Barston’s life has fallen apart.

With her mother recently dead, her father disappears into his grief – leaving Viv to deal with her sadness and anger alone. Viv turns to destructive behaviors like petty vandalism, but after a disturbing stint in a juvenile detention center frightens her, Viv agrees to a court mandated service opportunity designed to expunge her record. The deal: work for six weeks with a trail conservation crew in the rural woods of southern Oregon, and she’ll be free with a clean slate.

She knows it’s her last chance to fix her life.

When Viv arrives at the small town of Hard Luck, Oregon, she meets her motley crewmates, all with troubles of their own. The unusual group travels to Grafton Stake, a remote and derelict former asylum with a haunted history–and now Viv must face the ghosts of the past while fighting for her future.

Don’t miss this inventive horror novel where Holes meets The Haunting of Hill House!

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:


“Morgan! She’s here, oh my god, she’s here.” Cat tried to push past Viv.
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Viv flung up an arm to bar Cat’s movement. “Stop,” Viv hissed through gritted teeth. “Look.”
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Cat stopped. She saw. And fell back, almost behind Viv.
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“Oh my god,” Viv heard the other girl whimper from behind her.
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But she couldn’t take her eyes off the scene before her.
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Morgan stood several feet away, near the center of the graveyard. Dressed in a white gown that
gleamed like bone in the twilight, Viv saw that the garment was old-fashioned, with flounces at
the hem and on the chest. The hem trailed in the wet grass at Morgan’s feet. Long sleeves
covered her arms, and Morgan’s long hair draped down her gown and around her body like
ropes, the ends of her hair coated in a sticky fluid. Viv’s eyes trailed over the gown. Red stains,
etched in symbols that resembled keys, were traced across the fabric. Morgan’s hands were
coated in red, and Viv realized, in a distant corner of her mind, that the red was blood.
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More blood dripped from her scalp, a gory crown that haloed her white face and wide eyes. Her
lips were stained red, and more fluid dribbled from her mouth as Morgan’s face stretched into
the familiar too wide, grotesque grin. Feathers, blue and black and red, rested on the ground at
Morgan’s feet, also stained with blood.
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Morgan turned from the sky and focused on Viv. The grin grew wider.
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“Hello.” The high, thin, childish voice was back.
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“Have you come to join us?”

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About Author Rebecca Rook:

Rebecca Rook designs tabletop games, manages a little free library dedicated to sequential art and comics, and lives in the Pacific Northwest with two wonderful dogs. She writes young adult fiction in the fantasy, thriller, and horror genres.

A 2021-2022 Hugo House Fellow in
Seattle, WA, she also attended the 2021 Tin House YA Fiction Workshop in
Portland, OR. Rebecca was selected as one of the 100 invited writers to participate in the Write Team Mentorship Program’s curated Pitch-a-Thon event before being chosen as a Mentee for the 2021 Program. Prior to this, she completed the wonderful Yearlong Workshop for Young Adult and Middle Grade Fiction at Hugo House.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / TikTok

 

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For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Dive into this fast-paced, suspenseful Sci-Fi fantasy novel that melds sizzling romance, action, heart-stopping horror, and a high-stakes battle to save humanity.

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Changing Tide

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by Robert Joncas

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Genre: YA SciFi Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Horror

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Changing Tide,” 2023 Book Awards:

*Maincrest Media Award, Winner, YA Fiction (2024)

*Outstanding Creator Awards, Best Fiction Book of 2023, 2nd Place

*Outstanding Creator Awards, Fantasy (1st Place), Sci-Fi (1st Place), Romance (2nd Pl.)

*The Global Book Awards, Bronze Medal, Science Fiction – Romance

*The BookFest Awards, Silver Medal, Science Fiction – Romance
*The BookFest Awards, Bronze Medal, Fantasy – Contemporary & YA – Science Fiction

*Royal Dragonfly Awards, Honorable Mention, Best Cover, Sci-Fi, Fantasy & YA Fiction

*American Fiction Awards, Finalist, Romance – Paranormal: Supernatural
*American Writing Awards, Finalist – Science Fiction
*Halloween Book Festival, YA Horror – Honorable Mention
*Literary Titan Book Award – August 2023

A wild adventure that takes you on a journey from the California coast to the depths of the Grand Canyon. Dive into this fast-paced, suspenseful Sci-Fi fantasy novel that melds sizzling romance, action, heart-stopping horror, and a high-stakes battle to save humanity.

After her father’s tragic death, eighteen-year-old Skye Conner and her mom visit her Nana on the California coast. There, Skye stumbles across a mystical conch shell in the surf. Suddenly her dull, empty life takes on a thrilling and terrifying turn.

Skye has had to endure a despondent mother drowning in grief, living in a private world of darkness. Nana is a feisty, intelligent, take-no-bull grandmother with a flaming sense of pride and heart of gold. Then comes a handsome, mesmerizing alien on a mission to save the Earth. But are his intentions sincere, or does he have another agenda?

Skye has finally found someone to love, but can he be trusted? Changing Tide is a witty, original page-turning thriller that will make you look at First Contact in a whole new way.

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Amazon * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Chapter I

First Contact

 

I never thought anyone close to me would die. I know it seems unrealistic because, sooner or later, we all die. But dying is supposed to happen in the future, like getting old. When you’re eighteen, you shouldn’t have to think about death. The idea of death takes you to a dark place where no one young ever wants to be.

 

It was the second week of June, and the first faint evidence of dawn trickled into the room. I pulled the curtain back, and fog blanketed the beach, darkening my mood. But then, a peculiar light shone from the shoreline in the distance, casting an eerie glow, like a beacon, in the mist.

I pulled a pink tee shirt from the closet and grabbed a pair of shorts from the pine dresser. Finally, I jerked a purple hoodie over my head, slipped on my flip-flops, and ran outside.

The strange light in the distance glowed like a full moon on a cloudy night. I crossed the beach and drifted in that direction. The long lines of white waves that swept across the shore glowed with a warm, radiant light. I kicked off my sandals at the shoreline, treading barefoot in the cold surf. Shivering, I clutched the sweatshirt tight around my neck. The ocean swirled around my ankles. I felt tiny shells and bits of seaweed in the ribbed sand under my feet.

Last week, after my high school graduation, Mom and I had flown from Phoenix to Nana’s house in Crescent Cove, a small tourist town on the California coast. It was a two-hour flight from Phoenix to Sacramento, then another forty-five minutes in a small plane to the nearest airport. It would have been almost ten hours in the car had we driven. Unfortunately, Mom was in no condition to help me drive, so Nana said she would pick us up at the airport.

By the time we picked up our luggage, Nana was waiting outside the terminal in her old VW van. The trip was hard on Mom. Dark circles of exhaustion were under her eyes, and her hair hung in matted strings against her pale cheeks. She collapsed into the front seat while Nana helped me load the baggage into the back of the van.

When we drove up to the house, I knew it right away, even though it had been five years since I’d last been there. The red shutters and gray wood shingle siding looked the same as I remembered. I knew the inside would smell of lemon polish, and everything would be spotless and scrubbed.

Without seeing it, I knew the old back deck would be the same: weathered but sturdy and always covered in sand. I could picture Dad grilling and sipping beer while Mom and I watched the waves crash on the shore. I had hoped coming here would be a distraction, but memories of Dad continued to flood my mind.

My stomach ached as I remembered the heavy black dress I wore to Dad’s funeral on that scorching day in Phoenix. The air was sizzling, too hot. I’d had to take deep breaths to keep from passing out. Although a canopy shaded the gravesite, the temperature was over 100 degrees. I ached with grief that I couldn’t at least see Dad one last time — to make sure it was really him who’d died in that horrible accident. The burning car wreck left his body unidentifiable. The funeral home cremated what was left of his remains.

As I followed the light through the surf, the sea surged with a rolling wave that knocked me over. It was as if something had stirred below the ocean and was rising from the deep. I threw my hands out to break my fall but landed in the shallows on my butt. I sat motionless in the surf, shivering in my wet clothes…

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What readers are saying:

“…simply elegant…from the plotline to the characters to the action to the humor… (and) a story for anyone, young adult or adult, who enjoys a good science fiction novel with some romance thrown in. I would recommend the book to everyone.”

-FEATHERED QUILL BOOK REVIEWS

“…truly a breath of fresh air! …A sci-fi romance like this was exactly what we needed. …despite dealing with things like loss, coping, and mourning this book is surprisingly fun and lighthearted…reading like a Disney script.”

-OUTSTANDING CREATOR REVIEW

“Anyone who enjoys sci-fi horror thrillers will find plenty to love about this book.”

-READERS’ FAVORITE BOOK REVIEW

“I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent reading this book and was genuinely sad when it came to an end.”

-ONLINEBOOKCLUB.ORG REVIEW

“…an enthralling fantasy novel that immerses readers in Skye Conner’s captivating journey…”

-LITERARY TITAN

“…traverses science fiction, fantasy, horror, and mystery seamlessly, entertaining you with thrills galore.”

-READERS’ CHOICE BOOK REVIEW

“Nothing is as it seems… a speculative sci-fi page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. …brings in sci-fi and fantasy elements of magic seashells and aliens to create a call to adventure.”

-INDEPENDENT BOOK REVIEW

–snippet of a review from OnlineBookClub.org–

Robert Joncas has crafted a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is well-balanced, and the author’s ability to evoke a wide range of emotions is commendable. Skye’s character development is particularly noteworthy, as readers witness her transformation from a grieving and vulnerable girl into a brave and determined young woman.

….Changing Tide is a remarkable book that grabs the reader’s attention from the very first page. With its compelling characters, intriguing plot twists, and seamless blending of genres, it is a true page-turner. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent reading this book and was genuinely sad when it came to an end. Without a doubt, I highly recommend picking up Changing Tide by Robert Joncas and awarding it a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.

–snippet of a Review from Literary Titan–

In “Changing Tide,” Robert Joncas masterfully entwines an evocative narrative of a young girl, Skye, wrestling with her personal turmoil while being swept into a journey far beyond her understanding. Haunted by cryptic dreams and grappling with the tragic loss of her father and her mother’s spiraling depression, Skye’s world is painted with a brush of melancholy. However, a glimmer of hope emerges as she rekindles a connection with Paul, an alluring figure from her past, previously known for his childhood mischief.

Robert Joncas showcases an exceptional ability to portray raw emotions and delicate sentiments. His narrative is an intricate tapestry of romance, familial bonds, suspense, and an unmistakably human touch enveloped in a mantle of science fiction. The characters are vividly constructed, each contributing a unique hue to the narrative palette. Nana, Skye’s vivacious and fearless grandmother, was a particular standout, embodying a captivating blend of loyalty and audacious spirit.

The narrative is particularly successful in illustrating Skye’s internal struggle – her battle against emotional turmoil and her hesitant forays into new friendships. The character development of the alien entity is equally commendable, with its adaptation and backstory revealed in a layered, compelling manner.

Changing Tide” is a warmly recommended read, particularly for young adults who yearn for a slice of relatable, yet enchantingly fantastic, reality. This novel embodies the essence of heartfelt storytelling interlaced with an adventurous spirit, ensuring a riveting reading experience.

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Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

I have always read books since I was a kid. I knew that eventually I would write a novel.

 

What is something unique/quirky about you?

I have always believed in reincarnation. Even as a kid, I could not relate to other children my age. I have always felt like an old soul.

 

What are some of your pet peeves?

People that need a lot of attention. I am never bored; I always have something to do or somewhere to go.

 

Where were you born/grew up at? 

I was born in Colchester, England and grew up in Southern California. It was nice to be able to go from the mountains to the beach in one weekend. I also liked the mild weather.

 

Who is your hero and why?

I don’t really have one person as a hero. I admire people that struggle to succeed. It’s easy to give up.

 

What kind of world ruler would you be?

Compassionate.

 

What are you passionate about these days?

My work and writing. I am a Real Estate Broker and sell mostly second home mountain resort properties. Lots of people in Phoenix want to get out of the heat in the summer. I sell to a lot of teachers and retired folk. I enjoy what I do.

 

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I did a lot of skiing and backpacking. Now I’m getting older I enjoy traveling and writing. I spent the last few years during COVID finishing my novel.

 

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!

Stress free, laid back.

 

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I had a short story published a few years ago in an anthology of International Writers. It was about a girl that bought an old muffin pan at a thrift store and the muffins she baked in it killed people.

 

Do you have a favorite movie?

I would have to say “Silence of the Lambs” is one of my top 10.

 

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

Haha! I only have one out. Changing Tide would make a great movie. Also, it wouldn’t break the bank to cast it.

 

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

I guess it would have to be an alien. One of the greys, like in my book.

 

Stuff about the Book: 

What inspired you to write this book?

It started out as a short story I wrote for my granddaughter when she was twelve. Skye was also twelve and it was about 6,000 words long.

 

What can we expect from you in the future?

A sequel to Changing Tide. I never thought it would take off like it did and get great reviews. I left it open for a sequel just in case.

 

Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?

I felt sorry for Karly. She didn’t deserve to get hurt the way she did in the book.

 

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Changing Tide?

In the beginning Skye has just graduated from high school but has had a tough time dealing with her father’s death and her mother’s depression. Her world has come crashing down on her. When she goes to visit Nana at the beach for the summer everything changes. Skye finds a conch shell that has an alien entity inside it. This sets in motion a series of events that change her life.

Skye’s grandmother (Nana) is a knowledgeable, aging hippy that doesn’t take any bull but has a heart of gold. She’s a loveable character. I don’t want to say too much about Paul. It would give away some of the story.

 

How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?

I originally fashioned Skye after my granddaughter, Kaylee. Because I wrote the short story for her. Nana is every gutsy older woman that doesn’t care what they say or do. I rounded her out with a witty gentle side and lots of empathy. You can’t help but love Nana.

 

Where did you come up with the names in the story?

I liked the name Sky, but added an e. My mom was always called Nana by my son and granddaughter since she was from England. I used Paul because it was a common name but not old fashioned.

 

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

Not knowing where I was going with the story. I didn’t have an outline. I’m a pantser (writing by the seat of my pants). I wrote two alternate endings and through them out to my writing class and they chose the ending.

 

How did you come up with the title of your first novel?

The original short story was called “The Seashell.”  It sounded too bland for a novel. “Changing Tide” addresses the sea and the change that Skye goes through in the book.

 

Who designed your book cover?

I hired a company in Phoenix, 1106 Design to do the book layout. They sent me cover samples, but I had a different idea for the cover. I wanted something that grabbed the reader when they were searching for a book. I had my Real Estate photographer Barbara Sherman helped me design the cover. Barbara also does photography for the schools in Flagstaff. The background on the cover are some rocks in Buckskin Gultch, up by the Grand Canyon. The crow with the one blue eye is symbolic with the story and the conch shell sits on my desk in my office.

 

Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

Since this is my first novel, I learned writing isn’t as easy as I thought. I also learned that I edited too much while I wrote. The next novel I will concentrate more on getting the story down and worry about the editing when it’s completed.

 

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

I hadn’t though about Skye, but I would like to see Kathy Bates play Nana.

 

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Hello everyone!

 

What is your favorite part of this book and why?

I like the fast pace and adventure of the Grand Canyon. It’s a wild ride and it was fun to write.

 

If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?

I’d like to have lunch with Nana. I would also like to sit down with the alien and talk about life and the universe.

 

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

None of my characters are based on one specific person. They are a combination of personalities of people I have known.

 

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.

Because of the good reviews and I am an avid reader and each time I had to read through it while it was being edited, I fell in love with it. Another reason, my friends Kathy and Kevin. Kathy read my manuscript and told Kevin about it. Kevin hasn’t read a book in almost 20 years. He couldn’t put it down.

 

What did you edit out of this book?

I edited out some of the cuss words. Originally Nana was throwing F bombs throughout the book. I realized that I wanted to clean it up so that it would be acceptable for younger people. I left a few cuss words though. When I edited Nana’s mouth, I realized I liked her a whole lot more.

 

Stuff about Writing/ Reading: 

 

What book do you think everyone should read?

There are so many but “The Stand” by Stephen King and “Swan Song” by Robert McCammon left a big impression on me. It’s funny because the story lines are similar in both novels.

 

How long have you been writing?

About ten years.

 

Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?

I had the characters in my mind before I wrote the book. They were in my short story.

 

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

In “Changing Tide” I had to research the Hopi’s legend of the Ant People. Also, a lot of research on archeology and astronomy. Even though I have a science degree, it’s been a while since I’ve been in school. I also wrote a lot of the end of the book at the Grand Canyon. It’s not far from where I live.

 

Do you see writing as a career?

I would like to.

 

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

I am a member of the Horror Writer’s Association. I like horror and fantasy. I also like crime and mystery novels. I read a lot. I have also read a lot of YA novels in the last few years as research for this book.

 

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

I like to write with music in the background. My favorite is soft rock, like Linda Ronstadt or Stevie Nicks, and to be fair to the guys, I like to listen to Cat Stevens and Paul Simon when I write. I like all kinds of music, but I need mellow to concentrate while writing.

 

What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision?

As an avid reader I though, I could do that. Write a novel. So, I did. I just wish I had done it sooner. But I also realize that it’s hard when you have a full time job, family, etc.

 

Advice they would give new authors?

Start when you are young and be patient. If it takes ten years just plug away at it. If you stick with it you will end up with a novel.

 

Describe your writing style.

I looked at many novels through the eyes of a writer instead of a reader. What makes them good? What sells them besides the story? I found that James Patterson is so popular because his novels have short chapters. It’s an easy read. You can read him on break at work or while on the bus or airport. So, I made my chapters short. I also made the font larger. I listened to what other readers said. People don’t like to squint when they read a book with tiny font.

 

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I feel my story is original. I tried to find something similar but there are not a lot of alien romance books that are similar to mine. I’d have to say it’s sort of like Twilight with aliens instead of vampires.

 

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?

It was hard to write Skye in the beginning. I had lots of help from the women in my class and coworkers. When I finally got the hang of an eighteen-year-old girl, Skye took off. I also had help from my mentor, the Author Lynn Hightower. She would critic my chapters.

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Robert grew up in Southern California and has worked as a Real Estate Broker in Flagstaff, AZ, for many years. He has a BS in Health Science and graduated with Distinction from the prestigious UCLA Writers’ Program, where he studied under Author Lynn Hightower in her Master Novel Classes. He is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and the Horror Writers Association.

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Welcome to My Monday Minis where I share short reviews about books I’ve read.

I’ve got another bloody good one from a horror author I’ve got on my top ten list.

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 Children Of The Dark

by Jonathan Janz

 

Genre: Horror / YA

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MY REVIEW

There was this one character I really liked and….. he died, horribly. If Janz would kill him off, who wouldn’t he kill? And that’s just one thing I really enjoy about his books. The unpredictability. The edgy suspense.

Will is the main character and easy to like. His mother is a mess and he’s tasked with raising his little sister, Peach. And then there’s Mia. The girl makes his heart race. But, she’s dating his worst enemy. This will all seem small as an escaped serial killer is heading to their town and something thought to be an urban legend begins to stir in the forest.

There you have it. The perfect storm for a horror story. And Janz unleashes it. I’ve read a lot of his books and even if I think the plot sounds familiar, have read ones like it before, I don’t let my guard down. He has power in his writing skills. Takes a plot and owns it. And drops you in to either survive or perish with his characters.

 4 STARS

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Synopsis

Will Burgess is used to hard knocks. Abandoned by his father, son of a drug-addicted mother, and charged with raising his six-year-old sister, Will has far more to worry about than most high school freshmen. To make matters worse, Mia Samuels, the girl of Will’s dreams, is dating his worst enemy, the most sadistic upperclassman at Shadeland High. Will’s troubles, however, are just beginning.

Because one of the nation’s most notorious criminals—the Moonlight Killer—has escaped from prison and is headed straight toward Will’s hometown. And something else is lurking in Savage Hollow, the forest surrounding Will’s rundown house. Something ancient and infinitely evil. When the worst storm of the decade descends on Shadeland, Will and his friends must confront unfathomable horrors. Everyone Will loves—his mother, his little sister, Mia, and his friends—will be threatened.

And very few of them will escape with their lives.

Amazon

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