Uncaged Book Reviews

ISSUE 75 | January/February 2024

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

H

appy 2024 to everyone! First of all, I want to wish everyone a great year and hope it’s one of your best ever.

Our holidays here were peaceful and relaxing, except for the fact that my daughter came down with the flu the day after Christmas, and I caught it a couple days later. So much for those flu shots, huh?

Life in Motion has some of my wall treatments this month showing some wall decals that can add interest to any room. Not just for kids anymore! I’ve also shared my Chicken Parmesan recipe in Cyrene’s Kitchen. Hope you try this delishish dish and let me know if you like it.

The Raven Awards will return in the summer of 2024. All books reviewed by Uncaged with a rating of at least 4 stars are automatically entered for the semi-final voting. We will celebrate with a large Facebook party with author takeovers and giveaways throughout the whole party with a Grand Prize at the end. More on that to come.

We will be continuing with the “Buy 2, Get 1” promotion we’ve been running into 2024. The promotion will only be for Full Page Ads, so if you buy 2, you will get one free. No other advertising will be eligible. With the issues selling out advertising more frequently, this gives more opportunities for all in advertising in the magazine. It really does help from a marketing standpoint, to have an advertisment run three issues in a row to repeat in the readers mind. You don’t just see a commercial on TV one time and remember it, right? So we will continue to try and provide the best bang for your buck and get the most eyes we can on your work.

Enjoy the January/February issue of Uncaged Book Reviews and a very Happy New Year to everyone. xxooxx

contents FEATUREauthors 14

Beth Carter

28

Regan Walker

42

Sherry Ewing

70

Stacey Espino

88

Diane Dickinson

102

Jeffrey James Higgins

120

Jennifer Anne Gordon

132

X CYRENE 4| uncagedbooks.com

contemporary romance

historical fiction

historical romance

romantic suspense

suspense

suspense/thriller

horror

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes thriller

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 3 Page Promos

2 Page Showcases

25

It May Be True

37

Shadows of the Future

50 66 96 100 108

57 75 79 85

Robert L. Snider Robert J. Rubinetti

Healing Verses Sophie Serna

A View Through the Speculum Words I Wrote Keith Ricketts

The Eleventh Hour Alan M. McDaniels

Tres Augustine Parker

127 Chronicles of Eldrin Brad Kuipers

The Unraveling JP Franklinn

guest columns 54

Libraries Val Collins

112

Seven Suggestions to New, Aspiring Writers Breakfield & Burkey

special short feature

98

Glenn E. Richardson Ph.D. Brooklyn Smith Virginia B. Stevens Jonathan R. Farris

Judy Warrenton

115 The Power of Poetry’s 141

Barbara J Meredith

Ellwyn Hayslip IV

The Yther Chronicles, Book 2

authors and their pets 82

Uncaged’s Feature Authors introduce you to their devoted writing buddies, and the devotion goes both ways.

a life in motion

62 Offices and Decals

cyrene’s kitchen

63 Chicken Parmesan Cover by Cyrene

Inspired by a tutorial from mirrom14 | model © https://meetmeatthelake2nite. deviantart.com/, Wings © Katie Litchfield - http://thy-darkest-hour.deviantart. com

4 Note from the Editor 7 Contributors|Partnerships 150 Uncaged Reviews 158 Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

Uncaged on Threads Uncaged on Instagram

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 5

Contributors | Partnerships

Follow Uncaged on Facebook

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 7

upcomingconventions Uncaged will watch for any cancelations or modifications for the 2024 season. Please watch their websites for information as the dates get closer.

Sunshine State Book Festival January 26-27, 2024; Gainesville, FL https://sunshinestatebookfestival.com/

Savannah Book Festival February 15 – 18, 2024; Savannah, GA https://www.savannahbookfestival.org/

Fresh Book Festival February 22-24 2024; Daytona Beach, FL https://www.freshbookfestivals.net/freshbookfest2024

Amelia Island Book Festival February 24, 2024; Fernandina Beach, FL https://www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org/authorexpo-readers-extravaganza

Southwest Florida Reading Festival March 2, 2024; Fort Myers, FL https://readfest.org/ Coastal Magic Convention February 22-25 2024; Daytona Beach, FL https://coastalmagicconvention.com/ 8| uncagedbooks.com |

feature authors

Beth Carter

contemporary | historical

Regan Walker

Sherry Ewing

14 | UncagedBooks.com

Beth

F

carter

ormerly a bank VP and hospital marketer, Beth Carter reinvented herself at mid-life to pen novels and children’s picture books. She doesn’t miss the 8 o’clock meetings whatsoever and much prefers yoga pants to corporate suits. Carter is a multi-award-winning author of the popular six-book Coconuts series, as well as standalone novels: BRIDE SWAP, SLEEPING WITH ELVIS and MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO. She also penned THE QUARANTINE COOKBOOK (a pandemic project for charity), four children’s picture books, and a nonfiction book on writing, publishing, and marketing: I WROTE A BOOK. NOW WHAT?

The author splits her time between Missouri and Florida. Fueled by coffee, nature, stories from being a single mom, plus her wild imagination, Carter pens hilarious, heartwarming novels. She loves board games, reading, boating, dancing, shopping, chardonnay, and the beach. Connect with Beth Carter on social media or via her website at www.bethcarter.com. Join the author’s fun readers’ group, Beth’s Book Babes, for cover reveals, contests, giveaways, and all things books and reading!

Uncaged welcomes Beth Carter Welcome to Uncaged! Your newest release, Bride Swap is a romantic comedy that released in September and is part of a new series. Can you tell readers more about this book? What is the approximate release date of book two that you are aiming for?

Thank you for interviewing me. I’m honored.

BRIDE SWAP is the first book I’ve written since completing my six-book Coconuts series, so I was both excited and nervous about delving into a new world with entirely different characters. I enjoy writing about the unbreakable bonds of friendship with a side of romance and humor, so I always incorporate all three in my writing. In my newest release, there are two unlikely best friends, Paige and Emma, who set out to plan Paige’s secret wedding to a rival TV anchor. Paige is a popular television anchor who is assigned to cover sports, a

daunting task that she knows nothing about. She’s far too busy learning about all-things sports (gag, according to her!) and planning a wedding would push her right over the edge. She enlists her best friend, Emma, to help but Emma is an overworked single mom who has a thriving Etsy business and an adorable five-year-old daughter, Lucy. However, Lucy’s hot kindergarten teacher makes Emma forget all about planning Paige’s wedding (Paige who?) A British bridal store owner comes to her rescue, but after chaos ensues, the two best friends aren’t sure if the right bride is getting married. One is falling out of love while the other is likely falling in love.

I’d love to release the sequel by July or August 2024. I have notes all over the kitchen table (sorry to my husband!) and have many ideas for mayhem in my not-yet-named novel.

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 15

FEATURE AUTHOR You have two unique abilities when writing. A real knack for writing about strong women friendships and very witty dialog. Where do you get your sense of humor?

Wow. Thank you. That’s a tough question to answer! I’ve never been asked this before. At first, I thought, I’m not funny. But I thought about it and realized my husband tells me nearly every morning that I am, as do many friends. I’m not stand-up comedienne funny, but I do love telling party jokes.

I actually think I’m funnier on paper. I really didn’t realize I was that funny until readers kept saying my books were hilarious, which was a delightful surprise.

I enjoy putting my characters in almost-impossible, prickly situations—sort of akin to painting yourself in a corner. Therefore, they have to either laugh or cry to prevail. Of course, sometimes tears are an important part of the process, but I much prefer writing humor. Life is challenging and stressful enough. I fully believe we need to laugh more often.

As far as writing strong female friendships, I realized in my mid-twenties that relationships often come and go, but true friendship(s) last forever. I value the friends I’ve had throughout school and still have close friends from elementary school through college. I think it’s important to maintain friendships to be a well-rounded person. I plan to include best friends in my writing often, especially if they’re opposites.

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest?

The most difficult scenes are when I have to show grief after a character has been killed off. It has to feel relatable, raw, and real. I’ve actually made myself cry, especially if it has been months since I wrote a particular scene. When that happens, I know I’ve struck the right tone in my writing. In Thursdays At Coconuts, (slight spoiler ahead) the parents of one of the characters are killed. The 16 | UncagedBooks.com

BETH CARTER ensuing shock, guilt, and funeral were tough, but necessary, to write. I also find long, detailed narration a challenge. I don’t particularly enjoy reading those scenes in other books—I much prefer action— so that isn’t my bailiwick.

The easiest scenes for me involve any type of dialogue, even when there are multiple characters sitting around a table inside a bar, for example. I find it easy to get inside a character’s head, mimic their actions and reactions, and write realistic dialogue depending on the character’s personality. I have a great time when multiple people are chatting, laughing, providing shocking news, or doing something that surprises the reader. I place myself at the scene.

How do you come up with names for your characters?

I keep a running list of favorite female, male, and surnames beneath my laptop. Old school, I know. I also have contests often for character names in my private reader group, Beth’s Book Babes. I name most of the characters myself but sometimes I’m stuck and need help. For example, in my debut novel, the editor asked if I realized I had seven names that began with an “S.” No, I did not! A few were minor characters toward the end of the book, but I changed them anyway. An example of a great name that was provided by one of my readers is Willow. I wouldn’t have thought of that in a million years, and it’s the perfect name for my hippie art teacher!

Do you read reviews? What do you take away from them?

Yes, I read every single review. I’m always shocked when I hear authors say they don’t read reviews.

I think it’s essential to the learning process, plus reviews provide motivation and inspiration. Sometimes it’s like pulling teeth to get reviews but I firmly believe authors must ask readers for input.

Reviews help the author glean feedback and also help other readers decide whether to buy a certain book.

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 17

FEATURE AUTHOR What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

Probably that I was a single mom for 16 years, and didn’t begin writing until I was age 50. Before that, I worked in education, healthcare marketing, and as a bank vice president. After I got married, I reinvented myself to write full time. I also have 14 grandkids! My two stepdaughters have six children each, and my daughter has two kids. I was a grandma in my early forties, so we have a huge family.

I enjoy boating, bike riding, cooking, baking, dancing, reading (of course!) and playing board games.

My husband and I are taking pickleball lessons, which I love. I have a lot of interests and not nearly enough time.

Also, before I drafted my Coconuts series, which is humorous women’s fiction, a local New York Times’ bestselling author told me I couldn’t possibly handle writing three main characters in my debut. She said it would be too challenging and I wouldn’t be able to pull it off. Of course, that’s all I needed to hear to roll up my sleeves and write that six-book series, which now collectively has over 3,000 reviews and has won multiple awards.

What’s your process in the beginning stages of planning a new novel?

Hahaha. That’s a good one. My process would frighten everyone. Since I’m a pantser, it’s always 18 | UncagedBooks.com

messy. Very messy. I don’t outline but I do have a gazillion notes. Maybe a bazillion (is that more?) Occasionally, I *might* have five bullet points of scenes I’d like to include and 95 percent of the time I know how I want to begin. I find it difficult to write without a title, so that comes early on. I also usually know the opening, often shocking first line. Of course it gets tweaked multiple times. I don’t always know the ending but have an idea. Usually, anyway. It’s much easier if I do have something to work toward. I’m an extreme overwriter, say 10-20,000 words that need to be cut. Of course, that came in handy when writing a series. I’d just move huge chunks to the next book. When writing a standalone novel, it just takes a little longer. If I were a plotter, that probably wouldn’t happen but I like my process, chaos and all.

What are some things you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing or working?

Shop, read, bake, and play pickleball, as mentioned earlier. I can tell I’m going to be all in on this fastgrowing sport, which means it’ll probably appear in an upcoming novel. I’m not very good about sitting around unless I’m playing Wordle or spending too much time on social media.

Do you prefer ebooks, audiobooks or physical books?

Are you reading anything now?

I’m old school (or just old!) and still much prefer paperbacks. I do have a Kindle but I get tired of staring at screens. I need to give my eyes a break, however, I am running out of room to store my books.

I just finished a thriller, The In-Laws, which was set at a campsite throughout the entire novel, which was unique. I’m almost finished with a cute rom-com, called Snowed In, and recently read, Hitting The Jackpot, writing by a British author. That book inspired me to create a British character because I love the terms they use. Bloody hell is a favorite saying and half a chapter is devoted to the term in BRIDE SWAP because, of course, the five-year-old picks it up, as kids do.

ANNE ARMISTEAD

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 19

FEATURE AUTHOR What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

I cannot thank my loyal readers enough. Their support over the years has kept me going in this solitary profession. I’m pretty outgoing and have worked in several industries, so any time a reader reaches out to tell me how much they loved one of my books, how it made them laugh, cry, or how they related to a character, I’m bowled over. Picture Taylor Swift with her wide-open mouth whenever she receives a musical award. That’s me when a reader reaches out! It’s genuine and so appreciated.

It’s crazy to me since I began this journey at midlife. I think of it as full circle since I grew up checking out books from the library. I’ve always been an avid reader. To be able to pen my own books now is a dream come true.

I spend far too much time on Facebook, X, and Instagram. My links are below. Please follow me! I’d love to connect with new readers and authors.

Stay Connected

bethcarter.com You’re invited to join Beth’s Book Babes, the author’s online private reader group.

Babes get the scoop on Carter’s books and progress before anyone else. Several contests are held year-round!

Request membership via Facebook or on the author’s website.

Enjoy an excerpt from Bride Swap Bride Swap Beth Carter Contemporary Romance/Humor Paige, a popular hardcharging television anchor, is handed a dismal new assignment to improve the station’s ratings. Her new job involves, of all things, sports. Gag. She hates sports, plus being on the road may put her career and her secret engagement to a rival news anchor in peril. Never mind that her fiancé constantly flirts with his so-called fans or the fact that her new male coworker may be after her job. What about the wedding? Hello? How can Paige possibly plan nuptials while constantly traveling to, ugh, games?

Emma, an overwhelmed single mother, is asked by her best friend to plan her wedding. Problem is, Emma has a thriving Etsy business making promotional items for authors, plus her energetic fiveyear-old daughter is beginning kindergarten. And little Lucy happens to have the hottest teacher on the planet. With a teenage-like crush, Emma can’t stop volunteering for every school activity imaginable.

Always loyal, Emma agrees to help her BFF. Except her crazy schedule causes memory issues. Big ones.

Will Emma realize her mammoth blunder and race against time to create an unforgettable wedding for Paige, or is it too late? What if the wrong bride is getting married? Should they swap or forget the whole thing? Guilt is a powerful drug.

Excerpt After closing out the evening news, Paige smiled into the camera. “Thanks for allowing us into your homes,

20 | UncagedBooks.com

BETH CARTER everyone. See you tomorrow night. Right here at the news desk.” After the camera operator held up three fingers, then two, then one, Paige pushed away from the anchor desk and headed to her cubicle. She had already decided to stop and buy veggie egg rolls for a late-night snack with a much-needed glass of chardonnay. As she reached for her purse, a yellow sticky note caught her eye. It was stuck in the middle of her computer screen, making it impossible to miss.

Paige furrowed her brows as she deciphered the obviously hastily written note: Please come to my office at 8 o’clock sharp tomorrow morning. ~Mr. Hales *** After a fitful night’s sleep, Paige arrived at Appledale TV by seven-thirty in the morning, a real sacrifice since she was a night owl. She decided to grab a cup of dreadful station coffee before facing her boss about this—whatever it was—mystery meeting, making sure to use one of the station’s mugs with the ATV 10 logo inside a red apple to show her team spirt. The morning show anchors were already on the set. She passed the meteorologist in the hallway, said a quick hello, and kept moving. As always, the station was frigid.

Paige shivered—from both the chilly temperature and nerves—and stepped toward her boss’s office.

Before she could knock, Mr. Hales, the station manager, opened his door. “Morning, Paige. Have a seat.” He gestured toward one of two striped chairs across from his desk. Station colors: red, white, and gray, naturally.

Paige chose the chair closest to his desk—and to the door, just in case she was getting canned. Her boss hadn’t been acting like himself lately. She couldn’t put her finger on it but knew something was up. She knew ratings were holding in the evening time slot, fans adored her, and she got along with her colleagues.

Continuing her internal peptalk, she knew she didn’t stumble while reading the news and always checked and doublechecked her sources. So, what is this about?

Paige shifted uncomfortably in the chair, crossed her legs, careful not to spill her coffee.

“I should have brought paper and a pen. Is that necessary, Mr. Hales? If so, I’ll be right back—” Mr. Hales waved his hand dismissively.

“No need for that, Paige. Besides, I have paper and pens galore.” He forced a laugh which made her even more nervous.

She joined him with a tense chuckle, wishing he’d get to the damn point. Instead, he answered a phone call and let her sweat. After what seemed like an eternity—actually just six minutes according to her new, shiny gold watch—her boss leaned back in his worn leather chair. Her heart hammered as he studied her over steepled fingers.

I don’t have a good feeling about this. Not at all.

Mr. Hales’ chair creaked as he played with a pen on his desk. Clearing his throat, he said, “We’re going to make some changes at the station, Paige.”

Mouth dry, she scooted toward the edge of her chair and swallowed. “Are you firing me?”

Mr. Hales burst out laughing. “Of course, we’re not firing you. You’re a star around here. You’ve worked your way up from an incredible reporter to a worthy, award-winning news anchor. You’re the talent, Paige.”

She let out a relieved sigh. “Thank goodness. I was worried for a mo-” “We want to retain you, but you’ll no longer be on the nightly news desk.”

“What?” Paige’s heart sank. “Why? You just said I’m the tal—” She stared at her boss. “I love my job. I don’t understand. Our ratings are good. Really good. We’re the number two station in our area.”

Mr. Hales clucked his tongue. “Who wants to be number two?”

“David Letterman.” Paige grinned as she rememIssue 75 | January/February 2024 | 21

FEATURE AUTHOR bered a billboard on Broadway in New York City when David Letterman was up against Jay Leno, who held the top spot at the time. She had only been a young teen on high school spring break but the larger-than-life clever, provocative image had caught her attention. She knew she always wanted to be in television and that creative ad was seared into her brain.

Scratching his head, Mr. Hales said, “I’m not sure what you mean by that. David Letterman hasn’t been on the air for...I don’t know how long.”

“It was a funny, compelling billboard. The fact that Letterman played up the fact that he was number two. I thought it was brilliant, even as a teen.”

She smiled at the memory, paused, and added, “It stood out, you know?” Mr. Hales’ silence told her he didn’t agree. She almost whispered, “Never mind,” disappointed he didn’t grasp the humor.

Taking a deep breath, she asked, “What do you have in mind, boss? You know I’m a team player.

I want the best for ATV 10 too.”

Finally smiling, Mr. Hales sat up straighter.

“Good. I was hoping you’d say that. Glad to hear it, Paige. I know you’re a team player and will embrace this exciting new role.”

“New role?” Her eyebrows shot up. “What new role?”

“Sports. I’m creating a new position for you as our traveling sports reporter and online anchor. We need to beef up our online presence, plus you’ll be working alongside famous sideline sports reporters from ESPN, Fox Sports, the NFL, and all the rest. The big boys—and girls.” Mr. Hales paused, likely letting the news sink in, before adding, “I think this will enhance our station’s image; get our ratings way up. Sports is where we’ve always lagged.”

Paige’s mouth went dry. She struggled to swallow, much less speak. She finally uttered, “Sports?

22 | UncagedBooks.com

Travel?” She glanced at her bare ring finger. She was newly engaged but hadn’t yet told anyone at the station. She knew how some of her more cut-throat colleagues would be once they heard she was set to marry the top anchor at the rival television station across town. They wouldn’t like it and neither would Mr. Hales. Not. At. All. Another major problem: She detested sports. Loathed sports with every fiber of her being. Oh, my God. Paige could feel Mr. Hales’ gaze as he waited for her answer. I don’t even watch stupid sports. I’m also not wild about hopping on a plane several times a month.

I’ll never see my fiancé. This had better be a nightmare. She closed her eyes, willing herself to wake up.

Her boss’s animated voice boomed, making her jump.

“Well, what do you think, Paige? It’ll be a fresh, new challenge. There are more and more women in sports, but it’s still a male-dominated industry by a country mile. You can make your mark, and in turn, we’ll make ours.” Reaching for his coffee cup, he took a sip, and stared, obviously awaiting her response.

Paige hated this idea. Hated it. But she needed her job.

She enjoyed the nice paycheck, had just splurged for an older BMW, plus, she and Trent had a big budget for their upcoming wedding. A lavish wedding between two competing television anchors would be expected by the public—and covered by both stations, naturally. They couldn’t let their fans down. They were planning a huge celebration. Fidgeting in her chair, Paige’s mind raced as she attempted to come up with an excuse to get out of this ridiculous career change he had planned.

She locked eyes with her boss. “I’m flattered you think I can do this, but I’ve got to be honest. I’m not a sports fan. I mean, not at all. I barely know the difference between professional golf and mini golf. I certainly don’t know the first thing about football. I’m not cut out for this position. I’m sure you can find someone who is better suit—” “Nonsense. You’re a smart woman. Anyone can read

BETH CARTER sports scores. I want you to create stories. Find the personal side of athletes, not just on the field, stadium, or court. Get to know the athletes and professionals in the industry. Find a way to stand out from the talking jocks. Make it your own.”

Paige’s heart dropped to her feet. He’s serious about this. Her mind swirled as she attempted other options. “What about our sports guy? I bet Stan would absolutely love doing this. He’s single, plus he loves to travel. He even played sports. Several different sports, I think.” She scooted forward in her chair, attempting to persuade Mr. Hales on her Stan epiphany. “I bet he’d—”

idea. When she had privacy, Paige put her head in her hands. I already hate my new job, plus I have a wedding to plan. How can I possibly plan a wedding while traveling and covering sports?

Paige scowled as she drummed her fingers on her desk. I’ve got to think of something—and fast. She snorted. I don’t even have time to research a wedding planner. What am I going to do?

“Stan will remain right here at the station and read the sports, show highlights, everything as usual. Our viewers love Stan the Man.” Paige widened her eyes to keep from rolling them as Mr. Hales continued, “I want you to bring something new to the table. Make it impossible for our viewers to turn away from sports, like far too many do, the second the weather segment ends.” He grinned. “I’ve got faith in you. You’ll find a way to get our ratings up. I want ATV 10 to be number one.” Her boss stood. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have another meeting.”

Paige knew she was being dismissed. She shook her boss’s hand but didn’t want to. She wanted to say No, I abhor everything about this hair-brained idea.

I’ll be terrible at this. I freaking hate sports, and if anything, our ratings will plummet. But she couldn’t.

She was a consummate professional—and needed the income. “I’ll do my best, Mr. Hales.” A nervous chirp escaped.

Mr. Hales beamed. “That’s the spirit. I knew you’d come around.” He held the door open. Paige wanted to bolt, scream, or cry. Instead, she nodded, unable to say another word as she slogged toward her desk, unfinished cold coffee in hand.

As her coworkers waved in the hallway, Paige fake smiled as her eyes welled with tears. I love doing the evening news. I’m a good anchor. This is a terrible Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 23

robertlsnider.com

28 | UncagedBooks.com

Regan

R

walker

egan Walker is an award-winning, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval novels that are historically authentic.

Among the awards she has won are the Gold Medal in the Readers Choice Book Awards, the Gold Medal in the Illumination Awards, 1st place in the Chaucer Awards, the International Book Award for Romance Fiction, the San Diego Book Award for Best Historical Romance, the President’s Book Awards of The Florida Authors & Publishers Association, the RONE Award for Best Medieval Novel (twice) and the Kindle Book Award.

You can sign up for her newsletter on her website and get the “Reader Extras” there, too. Regan loves to hear from her readers.

Uncaged welcomes Regan Walker Welcome to Uncaged! In September, you released the 3rd book in The Clan Donald Saga, The Strongest Heart. Can you tell readers more about this series?

I have noticed that book four is in the works. How many books are you planning for the series?

The series is set in medieval Scotland and Ireland and spans the 12th to the 15th centuries. It tells the stories of the Clan Donald chieftains, the great sea lords who plied the waters of the Hebrides and the Irish Sea in their galleys, and the women they loved. The chiefs ruled the western Highlands and Isles for four hundred years and were men of great deeds. It’s my first venture into historical fiction where almost all the characters are real historical figures. I began with Somerled in Summer Warrior, and then Angus Og Macdonald, the friend of Robert the Bruce, in Bound by Honor, and my latest release, The Strongest Heart, tells the story of Donald Macdonald of Harlaw.

As for how many books will be in the series, I would say at least four. The fourth is Born to Trouble and that’s the one I am writing now.

The Clan Donald Series connects to your own true ancestors. Can you tell us more about that?

Like most Americans, my ancestry draws from many countries but at least a third of mine is Scottish, in particular Clan Donald and the Isle of Islay. I first became interested in Somerled, the Norse-Gael who forged the Kingdom of the Isles. His parentage was noble, of the Kings of Dublin, the royal house of Argyll and the great Ard Ri, the High Kings of Ireland. His story and his love for a Norse king’s daughter are told in Summer Warrior. From there, I set out to tell about the chiefs who descended from him.

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 29

FEATURE AUTHOR What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest?

The most difficult is always the battle scene. Medieval battles were brutal and while I want to be realistic, I don’t want my readers to be put off. It’s a delicate balance at times. The easiest scenes are the ones where the characters reflect on their families, their times and the things they can’t change but want to. In the story I’m writing now, Born to Trouble, Alexander, the Lord of the Isles, has three women in his life as love interests and that will require some delicacy to get it right.

How do you come up with names for your characters?

Even in my historical romance novels where the leads are fictional, I drew the names from the historical record. In the first of my Medieval Warriors series, I took the name of the knights from those we know came to England with William the Conqueror. In one of my Regencies, all the historical male characters were named George (after the king, of course). Now that I’m writing historical fiction, I must use the real names for the historical figures. I chuckled when I first read this question because in the book I am writing now, Born to Trouble, almost every man is named Alexander, including the main character, which presents a real challenge to distinguish them.

Do you read reviews? What do you take away from them?

I don’t read all the reviews, but I do read some, particularly those by my regular readers. I want to know what they particularly liked. That’s how I learned I am a storyteller. When one compared my story to those by Sharon Kay Penman, I was thrilled. After that, I just had to read her novels.

What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

I was a very serious lawyer at one time and had 30 | UncagedBooks.com

REGAN WALKER jobs of significance in the federal government and fairly prominent roles in the local community. My colleagues at the time would have been surprised to learn I am a romantic. But my readers know that, of course. Today, I’m on the beach each morning at dawn to walk with my dog, Cody. It’s the best part of the day. Not everyone knows that I am something of a perfectionist, which is why I deliver to my editor a book that has few errors.

What’s your process in the beginning stages of planning a new novel?

Always my writing begins with research, hundreds of hours diving into original source material (where I can get it).

My research has included travel, two trips to Scotland and the Isles in connection with The Clan Donald Saga. I research until I know the people and their times well.

That way, I get a feel for the setting—Scotland and the Isles—and the culture. Then, as I build my knowledge, I do a timeline…not an outline and I never plot, but a historical timeline that can be 30 pages long. It’s from that and the dozens of books scattered around my desk that I write the story.

What are some things you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing or working?

I walk the beach each morning. I film the brown pelicans. Then, too, I read every night. I am still a book reviewer and have my own blog, Historical Romance Review. I love to watch British murder Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 31

mysteries. Right now I’m watching the Inspector Alleyn Mysteries, but I’m an Agatha Christie fan, as well.

Do you prefer ebooks, audiobooks or physical books? Are you reading anything now?

I prefer either ebooks or print and I review both.

I just finished Sharon Kay Penman’s Lionheart. It was a great book.

What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

I would tell fans of my work that I adore them.

They are the reason I write these stories. And I so appreciate their thoughtful reviews that help other readers find me. I love interacting with them on Facebook.

Stay Connected

ReganWalkerAuthor.com

Enjoy an excerpt from The Strongest Heart The Strongest Heart Regan Walker Historical Scottish Fiction In the late 14th century, the Kingdom of the Isles was under assault from the ambitious Albany Stewarts, who were taking advantage of Scotland’s empty throne to increase their power.

Jealous of the Macdonald lordship to the west, the ruthless Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, thwarted Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles, at every turn.

A man of keen intelligence, strategy and faith, educated at Oxford and a frequent guest of England’s kings, Donald did not intend to allow a traitorous royal thug to rob him of his legacy. The Earldom of Ross was the buffer he needed to keep the Isles safe.

Not unmindful of all that was at stake, he took as his bride Mariota, heiress to the Earldom of Ross.

What he could not achieve through diplomacy or marriage, Donald was prepared to claim by right of the sword. In the greatest battle Scotland has ever seen, he would demonstrate the power of the Isles to become the Hero of Harlaw.

Excerpt MARIOTA HAD NOT missed Lord Donald’s eyes upon her. She would be his right arm if she could, speaking her mind to give him advice and encouragement when there was opportunity, for the burden he carried was great.

Turning his eyes from her, he asked his brother, “Is the feast well in hand?”

“Aye, the hunt yesterday brought some large bucks.

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REGAN WALKER This morning, the men will fish and tonight…well, there is hope for the geese.”

“The barnacle geese?” asked Mariota.

“The very ones,” said Lord Alexander. “Their arrival is a sight that astounds no matter how many times you witness it.”

When they had finished eating, Lord Donald offered her his hand. She took it, relishing the warmth of his skin against hers. His hand was strong and browned from the sun, a hand she thought to hold for the rest of her life.

He announced to the others, “I am taking my betrothed on a tour of the festivities.”

“Alone?” asked Lord Alexander with feigned incredulity.

“Alone!” said Lord Donald.

“The chief demands his way,” said Lachlan Maclean with a smirk as he nudged his son, Hector.

“Enough!” said Lord Donald. “We will see you at the feast.”

“Will you be engaging in any of the games of skill?” asked John. “I might want to watch.”

“We will see,” said Lord Donald as he guided her to the door.

“He is very good at archery!” shouted Lord Alexander when they were nearly there. “But not as good as me!”

Laughter sounded behind them as they left the great hall.

“Would you allow me to call you Mariota?”

She met his blue-eyed gaze. “Yes, and will you be just ‘Donald’ then to me?”

“I would like that, and you may call me Donnie, if you like. Many in my family do.”

With that, he swept her away to a halcyon day she would always remember.

They strolled along the shore of the large island, greet-

ing everyone they met with smiles that spoke of their contentment in their own company. He greeted the people by name, receiving in turn their many greetings.

“Will you always hold my hand like this?” she asked.

“Always,” he said, squeezing her hand.

Minstrels played their instruments of lute, harp, pipe and tabor, the music wafting through the air.

In one corner, a bard recited verses, drawing a crowd. One clever clansman was telling a group of children a story using a poppin-show, the cloth figures with funny faces and odd-fitting clothing making the children laugh. She thought of the children she and Donald would one day have, imagining them sitting here before the storyteller.

Farther on, they crossed over the causeway to the banks of the loch, past the tents, kennels, stables and guardhouse to where three large archery targets had been set up in a row. “We will return here to see Alex display his skills.”

“And you?”

“Perhaps. Then, too, your Welshman, Gwyn, might compete.”

She had not mentioned the two men from Ross she had sent earlier to learn of him. Now it seemed right to do so. “You did not mind that I dispatched two of my own to the Isles to observe my betrothed?”

His mouth quirked up on one side. “I thought you very clever to do so. Did they give a good report?”

“A very good report. I told my mother that she had lost them to your service, so enthralled were they with the new Lord of the Isles.”

“If you and Sir Thomas agree,” he said, “I would make him the head of your guard. As the Lady of the Isles, you will need one. With your permission, I would keep Gwyn in my service as his bow has proved needful.”

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 33

FEATURE AUTHOR “I have no objection. It would give me comfort to know Gwyn is one of those who protects my lord.”

The sounds of the celebration faded behind them as Mariota and Donald walked farther along the banks of the loch. In the distance, she could see the Paps rising on the Isle of Jura. The only sound was the wind blowing through the long grass and the occasional birdsong. When they came to an end of words, they found themselves alone amidst a field of heather.

He turned to her, taking both of her hands. “We have been betrothed since we were children, but I would ask, ‘Would you, of your own free will, marry me, Mariota Leslie’?”

In a playful mood, she answered, “What would you say if I said, ‘No’?”

He raised a brow as a wry smile spread across his face. “I would kiss you and then ask you again.”

Slowly, she said, “All right.”

Placing his warm hand on the back of her neck beneath her hair, he brought her to him, his mouth descending on hers. His lips were warm and inviting. She met them with eager anticipation, her hands slipping up his arms to his shoulders. The scent of him wrapped around her, the scent of the sea mingled with the scent of heather. His kiss was deep and, for long moments, she could not have said where she was.

Raising his head, his blue eyes intense, he said, “Well?”

“Yes. I will marry you, Donald, for if that was a sample, I do not think I could live without your kisses.”

He laughed, lifted her up and swung her around.

Setting her on her feet, he asked, “Shall we marry when I return you to Dingwall, or would you rather the wedding take place after winter?”

She was tempted to choose the earlier date just to be with him sooner, but to prepare for a grand wedding that would please her mother and her relations, she would need the winter, and they couldn’t marry during Lent. “Next spring, just after Easter.”

“Very well. It shall be April, though it seems a very long time from now.”

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Overhead, she heard the honking of geese; it sounded like they were barking. Looking up, she saw many formations of the birds making their way across the sky. “Donald! It’s the geese!”

“So it is.”

Their numbers continued to grow until the sky above was nearly black with them, the sound deafening.

“There are thousands of them!” she said, amazed at the sight. They began to land on the waters of the loch in great numbers. “So many!”

Still more arrived, joining the others. Some settled on the shores of the loch, their distinctive black and white plumage stark against the green grass. Their faces were white, their heads, necks and breasts black.

Their wings and backs were silver, their underbellies white. “Mary was right. They are very handsome,” said Mariota. “Noisy, too.”

“And good to eat,” said Donald. “Alex is doubtless nocking an arrow at this very moment.”

Hand in hand, they walked back to the festival, the din of the geese all around them. Beside Donald, Mariota felt more at ease with the world than she could ever recall. It was the man next to her who caused her to grin with happiness. He wore the same grin. Others soon noticed.

“Where have you two been?” asked Mary Macdonald, looking between them and then dropping her gaze to their clasped hands. “Wherever it was must have been pleasant.”

“We took a walk and decided to wed next April,” said Donald. “You and your brood will be invited to Ross with any others who would come.”

“Aye, well, I’ll speak of it with Lachlan. Meanwhile, your men are looking for you, Donnie. They would ask you to join them on the hunt for the geese.”

“One hardly needs to hunt for them,” said Donald.

“They are landing on the shores like pebbles tossed on a beach. But I will gather my arrows and join them.

Will you attend my lady while I do? And then I may take a hand at the archery contest.”

Mariota enjoyed walking around the festival with Lady Mary as her guide. There was much to see. The people appeared happy, the events of the prior day be-

REGAN WALKER hind them. They might have their differences but here, at least, they were one family. She had been to harvest fairs in Ross, but none were quite as intimate as this one.

She noticed young women and men eyeing each other and remarked to Mary, “Finlaggan must be a place where marriages are made.”

“Sometimes, but often, the chiefs have in mind a mate when their children are young, like you and Donnie. In others, the chiefs can be swayed by the desire of their children. My father, allowed Lachlan Maclean and I to follow our hearts, and the Macleans were pleased to see their son wed the lord’s daughter.”

Sometime later, Donald and Alex found them. Their bows were slung over one shoulder. In each hand, they carried a brace of large geese. “Our contribution to the feast,” Donald said, handing them to those supervising the cooking. “Time for the archery contest.”

“We will follow you,” said Mary.

Donald dipped his head to Mariota and strode off with his brother to the archery field. She and Mary followed, taking a position to one side where they could observe all. The archery butts were set up on one end of the large area, each mound of dirt bearing a white circle the archers would aim for.

A score of men came forward, their quivers with sheaves of arrows secured at their waists. Donald and his brother joined them. She glimpsed Gwyn’s dark hair in the group and silently wished him luck. He was shorter than the others, as were many Welshmen when compared to the tall Islesmen, but in this contest, height would be no advantage. Like the others, Gwyn wore only a short tunic and a sleeveless leather gambeson.

“The closest bolt to the center will go forward to the next round,” said the presiding Isleman who acted as judge.

Four rounds were completed before the remaining archers had been reduced to a half-dozen. Donald, Alex and Gwyn were among them. Mariota was biting her thumb, anxious to see who would win.

The archers were moved back twenty paces to increase

the shooting distance.

In the next round all save Donald, Alex and Gwyn were eliminated. “There would be more archers competing had Donald brought his bowmen,” said Mary, “but typically he allows them to remain at home when he is at Finlaggan. My sons prefer the sword, though that could be due to Hector’s great success with the weapon.”

All three men shot at the same time, their arrows hissing through the air to hit the butt with a “thwack”. From where Mariota stood, it looked like each arrow hit the center but, when carefully examined, the official pronounced Gwyn had won.

Loud shouts erupted in praise of his shooting.

Donald and Alex each took a turn slapping the back of the Welshman, congratulating him. Donald turned to the crowd and announced, “Meet Gwyn Kimball, my newest bowman!”

Shouts of approval followed.

Donald strode toward Mariota and his half-sister, who were standing to one side. “It was good Gwyn won as the prize is a finely tooled leather quiver. It will serve him well.”

“Gwyn was the best archer in Dingwall,” said Mariota.

Donald smiled, shaking his head. “I should have known. ’Tis not surprising given what I have observed.”

Mary said, “I had better find my younger sons. I left them in Hector’s care, which is always a dubious arrangement.”

“We will join you,” said Donald.

Mariota and Donald walked with Mary to where the food was being prepared. The smells of roasting geese blended with sides of beef turning on spits over open fires. Added to that was the smell of fresh fish frying in pans set on coals.

Cups of ale were being handed out from large barrels.

“If I know my son, Hector will be here,” said Mary.

And so he was. A dark-haired beauty, shorter than Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 35

FEATURE AUTHOR Mariota, was by his side. Several boys stood with them.

Red Hector handed his tankard to the young woman and said to Mariota, “Allow me to introduce you to my wife, Anne Douglas.”

Mariota and Anne exchanged greetings.

“I don’t know about all of you,” said Alex coming up to them with John in tow, “but we are hungry!”

“Aye,” said Hector. “The aroma of roasting meat draws me.” The boys with him, who must have been his younger brothers, ran to their mother.

“Can we eat now?”

“Soon, my sons,” said Mary.

“Where’s Chaplain Bean?” asked Donald, looking around. “You could bless the feast, John, but, typically, it is Bean’s duty to thank God for the harvest and pray for our feast.”

Bean was soon found and asked to pray. The people must have been used to their lord’s priorities, for Mariota observed everyone bowed their heads, even the children.

When the prayer ended, Donald shouted, “Let the feasting begin!”

The feast that followed was the best meal Mariota could recall. Not so much for the food, which was delicious, but for the company, the people and their laughter. She enjoyed Hector and his wife and the bantering that he engaged in with his brothers, who clearly admired him.

When all had eaten, lively music began. Donald took her hand and pulled her up from where she sat. “A dance with my bride-to-be is in order!”

Mariota felt the eyes of the people upon her as she danced with their lord by the light of the fires set around the tents. Often, her gaze locked with his and she could not look away.

By the time they left the gathering hours later, the sun had set and the sky had turned a pale blue lavender. Donald walked with her over the causeway to the large island and the lord’s lodging, the sound of roosting geese in the background. Arriving at her door, he raised her hands to his lips and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “Until tomorrow.”

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Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 37

Photo © Rich Soublet 42 | UncagedBooks.com

Sherry

S

ewing

herry Ewing picked up her first historical romance when she was a teenager and has been hooked ever since. An award-winning and bestselling author, she writes historical & time travel romances to awaken the soul one heart at a time. Always wanting to write a novel but busy raising her children, she finally took the plunge in 2008 and wrote her first Regency. Sherry is currently working on her next novel and when not writing, she can be found in the San Francisco area at her day job as an Information Technology Specialist. You can learn more about Sherry and her books on her website where a new adventure awaits you on every page at www.SherryEwing.com.

Uncaged welcomes Sherry Ewing Welcome to Uncaged! Knight of Darkness, the first book in a series called The Knights of the Anarchy will release on February 8. What can you tell us about this book and the series?

Thank you for having me today. The idea of my Knights of the Anarchy series was sitting inside my head for years before I finally took the time to get the first story onto my computer. Knight of Darkness features the first of three brothers, Wymar Norwood, who is determined to see Empress Matilda placed on England’s throne. He hopes that in return for his service to the Empress, that she will restore his lands and title that was taken from him during a siege by King Stephen. My heroine, Lady Ceridwen Ward of Norwich, has her own plans to prove herself worthy to defend her own lands and the Empress.

She’ll plunge herself and the guardsmen who followed her from Norwich into the Battle of Lincoln where she’ll meet Wymar.

What are you working on next that you can tell us about?

I have two books I am currently working on. The first is Knight of Havoc, Book Three in The Knights of the Anarchy series. It continues the story with the youngest brother, Reynard, while he continues his quest to see Empress Matilda on England’s throne. The second is another story for Dragonblade Publishing in their Lyon’s Den Connected World. I’m really enjoying writing in this world with secondary characters I had from some of my other Regency era stories.

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest?

The most difficult scene for me to write is usually the opening paragraph of any book. Any author wants to grab the reader’s attention with that very first line and sometimes it takes me several tries before something finally clicks. After that, I let my characters drive the story. The easiest scene for me usually happens with my time travels. There’s something about having my modern-day women travel back in time to my Knights of Berwyck. They each have their own individual way they slip back and find themselves in a difficult position of fitting into a medieval world.

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 43

FEATURE AUTHOR How do you come up with names for your characters?

When I first starting writing my very first manuscript back in 2008, I asked my daughter for names of characters. Over the years, she’s become the Queen of Names and I go to her often for her input. It’s been a thing between us ever since and I like to think gives her some buy in for my stories.

Do you read reviews? What do you take away from them?

I do read my reviews. I feel that if a reader has taken the time to write a review on one of my books, the least I can do is read what they thought about it. I take into account that I can’t please everyone but even a bad review will usually have something I can take away from it and possibly improve my next book. I appreciate my readers and am thankful when they reach out to me to tell me how much they enjoy my writing. Their praise is what drives me to write another page!

What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

If I’m a new author to you, then you might like to know that I hold down a day job working for the National Park Service. In fact, I just celebrated my 24th year of service. I am currently an IT Specialist working for Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco. My first job, however, was at a little park in Baker, Nevada (not the city in California with the big thermometer… lol). For a city girl, this was a major cultural shock because I was physically in the middle of nowhere with only about 100 people who lived there year-round. But I called this place home for ten years and found some of my best friends there.

What’s your process in the beginning stages of planning a new book?

My process for beginning any new book differs depending on if I’m continuing either my MacLaren 44 | UncagedBooks.com

SHERRY EWING series, my Knights of Berwyck: A Quest Through Time series, or one of my Regency era stories. To be honest, I’m one of those pantser writers. While I may have a general direction I want my story to go, it isn’t until I start the actual writing that ideas start to hit me to further the plot. I have some of my best plot twists come about while I’m commuting to the day job or even in the middle of the night when my characters decide to talk to me. Yes… I really do have voices inside my head.

What are some things you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing or working?

Relaxing for me is usually playing some mindless game on my phone or watching a movie. By the time I’m done with the day job and then getting home to get some words on the page, I just want to sit in my chair to chill.

Do you prefer ebooks, audiobooks or physical books? Are you reading anything now?

There was a time where I loved collecting a physical book. I still have several old favorites in my bookcase from authors like Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and Jude Deveraux. But now I’ve moved on with the times and have so many eBooks on my Kindle, I know I’ll never read them all. As for what I’m reading now, I have several books by Jude Knight keyed up to read next. She has a new series with Dragonblade Publishing called A Twist Upon a Regency Tale. So much reading to do… so little time.

What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

I am humbly grateful to all my readers, both new and those who have been with me when I self-published my first novel in 2014. You continue to be the reason I write and I am thankful to each and every one of you for your support. New readers can find me on my website at https://www.sherryewing.com. You’ll find all my social media contacts, a place to sign up for my newsletter, a tab for all my books including a suggested reading order, and my blog. Come stop by Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 45

FEATURE AUTHOR and follow me!

Thank you again for having me today. It’s been a pleasure and I hope your readers enjoyed this interview.

Stay Connected

lows along with her men to Lincoln to raise her sword for the Empress’s cause. But life can become complicated, especially after your identity is revealed.

But Wymar and Ceridwen have a common enemy who is bent on revenge. They will need to search their souls and overcome grief in order for their love to survive life’s greatest test.

Excerpt

sherryewing.com Enjoy an excerpt from Knight of Darkness Knight of Darkness Sherry Ewing Historical Romance Releases Feb. 9 Sometimes finding love can become our biggest weakness…

Wymar Norwood understands responsibility. His two brothers have been in his care since his parent’s death. With his title and lands stripped from him by the usurper Stephen, he aligns himself with the Empress Matilda, the rightful Queen of England. If he can win her favor and become her champion knight, he prays all will be returned to him.

Lady Ceridwen Ward of Norwich is out to prove not only to herself but the Empress that she is more than capable of protecting those she loves.

She hides herself in the guise of a knight and fol46 | UncagedBooks.com

Finally arriving on the outskirts of Lincoln, the lights of a distant inn flickered in the dusk of night. ’Twas and were like a beacon calling him to enter its warmth for a mug or two of ale. He was unsure ’twas a good idea to tarry and yet he had a mighty thirst to quench after hours in the saddle. Rain dripped from his hair and clouded his vision leaving him no doubt as to his decision for a brief respite from the weather. Between the rain and those who had arrived before them, they would be hard pressed to find a place to pitch their tents for the upcoming battle.

He pulled on the reins of his horse causing Aries to whinny. “Theobald! Reynard!” he bellowed above the sound of the storm. Wymar pointed to the inn before covering his face when clumps of mud were flung in his direction after his brothers took off in a full gallop. ’Twas as if they were only awaiting word they could seek their comfort for a few hours of the night and they would apparently not take the chance that Wymar would change his mind.

“I highly doubt the inn will have any available rooms at this hour. Your brothers care only for their immediate desires and think not of what must needs still be accomplished before they rest their weary heads,” Richard Grancourt said, coming abreast of Wymar.

“Aye, but can you blame them?” Wymar replied with a toss of his head as rivulets of water streamed down his brown hair. Wiping the water from his eyes, he turned in his saddle to take in the condition of the rest of the half dozen men who followed him.

SHERRY EWING Wymar had known Richard for most of his life and did not question his loyalty. Wymar also recognized some of the men who continued to follow him after attending one tourney or another together. He could not claim the same with the others he had met on the open road. He only was aware that they, too, went to fight for the Empress. Their number continued to grow the further down the road they went. Wymar often wondered during their travels exactly how loyal, in truth, they were. Most mercenaries of his acquaintance would change sides faster than Theobald could down a mug of mead if this meant more coins for their purse or a bit of land to call home.

Mayhap one day he would learn for himself if they could be trusted and until then he would continue to be on his guard. He did not relish the idea of seeing one of them coming at him with blade in hand in an attempt to gain authority of their group… not that Wymar ever claimed to be their leader. The men just assumed he was the one to look to for their orders.

After years of battles or tournaments to earn more monies, they would not be the first to attempt to kill him. Wymar was certain they would not be the last and only time itself would prove their worth.

Some of the knights who followed him knew the strength of Wymar’s sword and had labeled him the Knight of Darkness after witnessing him fight on several occasions. He could not say he was particularly fond of such a nickname, yet he would not complain if his reputation became elevated because of it. Mayhap even the Empress would learn he would fight to the death for her cause.

“I shall see to finding a place to pitch our tents,” Richard stated, interrupting Wymar’s musings. “I assume you have no further need of me this night and your brothers will be capable of watching your back?”

Wymar nodded. “I shall be grateful, Richard, for your assistance in seeing to the camp. At this stage of the war, let us hope we can find a spot far enough away from the battlefield to ease our comfort when we are able.”

Richard adjusted the hood of his cloak. “’Twill be a miracle indeed and yet I am certain I will be able to find us space. I have not failed in finding us suitable ground to rest our head in the past.”

“Nay… that you have not,” Wymar answered knowing he could count on Richard. “I promise, just one drink and I will ensure we bring you victuals to see to filling the hole in your belly.”

Richard laughed. “If you manage to get your brothers out of the inn after only one drink, I shall take on the task of being your squire for as long as we continue our fight for justice.”

“I shall take that bet,” Wymar replied with a smirk. “Remind me again why I did not hire that lad back at the last village we stopped at?”

“Because I caught the little thief trying to lift my purse whilst I was perusing a lovely pair of breasts that had been exposed for my viewing pleasure!

How could you forget?” grumbled Richard.

“Aye… how could I forget indeed? I would not be surprised to learn those two were in cahoots together.” Wymar chuckled again before leaning over and slapping Richard on the back. “I will not be long.”

With a flick of the leather reins, he set Aries back into motion until he came to the yard of the inn. A lad came to take his horse and Wymar tossed him a coin. “See that he’s taken care of. There is another in it for you if you give him some oats and a good rub down.”

“Thank ye, milord,” the boy called out before pulling on the reins to take Aires to the nearby stable.

Wymar entered the inn and was not surprised to find the place overflowing with others who also felt the need for a roof over their heads and a hot Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 47

FEATURE AUTHOR meal. A quick scan of the room told him there were none within who held an immediate grudge against him and he relaxed. Theobald called to him from across the crowded room and Wymar made his way towards a table his brothers had managed to find a seat at. He flung off his drenched cloak and nudged his youngest brother.

“Move over, Reynard,” Wymar order. “You know I will not have my back to the room.”

“God’s blood!” Reynard complained. “Can you not stop telling me what to do for even a moment?”

Wymar gave the younger man a nudge. “Mayhap you will eventually figure out to follow my orders or learn from the mistakes you have made in the past. At a score and three, I should not have to tell you where I sit whilst in a common room.”

Reynard reluctantly slid over upon the bench.

“You are but five years older than me, Wymar.

Why must you always be such a pain in my arse?” he complained bitterly.

Theobald’s laughter rumbled in his chest before he propped his muddy boots across the opposite bench to stretch his legs. “You two go ahead and quarrel if you wish. I plan on ignoring you both and will eat and drink my fill whilst I can.”

“Did you order food?” Wymar inquired when Reynard slid a mug across the table towards him.

He took a long gulp and sighed in pleasure.

“Of course,” Theobald answered setting down his cup. “Thought it wise, given the number of men here tonight. Wait too long and they just might run out of sustenance given the crowd.”

“How long has it been since we have eaten a hot meal?” Reynard grumbled into his cup. Taking another sip, he turned his head and licked his lips whilst watching a platter of meat pass by to be 48 | UncagedBooks.com

served at the next table. “I swear my ribs are rubbing together from hunger.”

Wymar laughed. “You are hardly starving, Reynard. ’Tis not our fault you slept late at our last stop and only had time for a bit of bread and cheese to break your fast.”

“Bah! We could have waited long enough so I could have at least gulped down some porridge,” Reynard moaned.

Theobald banged his mug upon the wooden table.

“You know Wymar’s rule. Up with the sun to make the most of the day. You had no one to blame but your own self for sleeping so late we had to have a lad sent up to wake you.”

“I was sure he was occupied with the pretty wench who had her eye upon him that eve. If such had been the case, he would have been left behind. But nay, not our younger brother. He was only nursing his pounding head,” Wymar added casting an eye at his mutinous sibling. “Really, Reynard, I think you should just take advantage of one of these willing whores and ease your suffering.”

“Who says I am suffering?” Reynard sneered.

Theobald nodded. “Aye! You should not be mourning a woman for so long, and have not been the same since Lady Johanne’s passing. ’Twas not your fault the lady took ill. You are lucky you did not catch her ailment as well. Look around you, Reynard, and enjoy life. There are so many women whose favors can be sampled. Some do not so much as even ask for a bit of coin.”

Reynard mumbled a curse and took a drink. A pretty young lass came and brought their food and the aroma of warm bread and meat pie filled their noses.

She gave Reynard a wink and a smile. He ignored her unspoken offer and began to fill his trencher.

SHERRY EWING Reaching for another platter, Reynard broke off a piece of the bread and passed the dish to his brothers. Greedily he began to eat. “You know nothing of being in love and I look forward to the day when you are both struck down by a woman who pierces your hearts. Until then, I will mourn as I see fit and ’tis none of your business for how long I plan to do so.”

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Wymar laughed. “Brought down low by some meddlesome woman telling me what to do? ’Twill never happen.”

Reynard pounded his fist onto the table. “I shall take that bet!”

Theobald chucked again raising his tankard in a silent toast. “You two never cease to amuse me. I just might place a wager amongst the men on who shall wed a beautiful lady first.”

Wymar laughed so loud it caused those at the next table to stare at them. “Save your monies, Theo!” he answered waving to have his cup refilled. “Until our lands and my title are restored, I have no desire to neither settle down nor find love, which is for fools by the way. Mayhap someday a woman will cross my path where I can find a common accord and live out my days at Brockenhurst. But for now, I can have all my needs satisfied easily enough without the commitment of marriage.”

Reynard gazed at Wymar with an obnoxious smirk set upon his face as though he knew some inner secret. “Mark my words, brother. Love will find you whether you wish it or not and I for one cannot wait to see you fall!”

Wymar choked on his drink and, gathered from Reynard’s burst of laughter, his brother was pleased he had some inner knowledge that Wymar would never be privy to. He muttered beneath his breath and began to eat his fill. Love! Bah! ’Twas for fools, he thought again and had no doubt in his mind such an emotion would thankfully pass him by.

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Libraries Guest column by Val Collins

Guest Column

Libraries

By Val Collins Ever found a haven where words flowed effortlessly onto the page? For me, that oasis was my local library, a bustling hub filled with life, yet the perfect cocoon for creativity. When I first decided to try my hand at writing, I spent hours there, tapping away on my keyboard day after day. The staff, always supportive, became familiar faces and even now whenever I drop by, they always take the time to discuss my newest book. While I discovered the joy of writing and produced the initial draft of my first thriller, ‘Girl Targeted’, classrooms of young kids poured in to choose their book of the week and preschoolers took over the space for their Friday morning story time, but the noise never distracted me. Funny how such a bustling place became my sanctuary.

I sometimes regret not writing when I was younger.

Especially as I had the perfect inspiration, although I didn’t know it at the time. For years I worked just around the corner from Marsh’s Library. This remarkable place, virtually unchanged since it opened its doors in 1707, is one of the few remaining 18th 54 | UncagedBooks.com

century libraries in the world. It provided inspiration for some of Ireland’s best known authors e.g. James Joyce and Bram Stoker (author of Dracula). Unfortunately, despite it being a major tourist attraction, somehow I never heard of it until a few months ago.

Of course the minute I heard of its existence, I couldn’t wait to visit, and the library certainly lived up to my expectations. As you can see from my pictures, it was like entering a time machine. But even its more modern history was fascinating. I was particularly interested in the story of the first female librarian. Here are some of the things I discovered: • It’s called a public library but that’s not, and never was, totally accurate. If you want to use the library now, you have to contact the librarian and give a reason why you need to access books from the 1700’s.

You can’t just wander in (although anybody can enter as a tourist if they pay €7). In the old days, you walked to the top of the stairs and rang the bell. If the librarian liked the look of you, he allowed you to enter.

• The librarians are not now, and never were, very trusting. In its first sixty years, one thousand books were stolen, and that’s coloured their attitude to readers ever since. Now people watch you from the moment you enter until you leave. In the old days you were frisked and your bag was searched before you were allowed leave. This happened to every single person who entered the library, even the wealthy and powerful.

As the librarians were men, I asked how they were allowed frisk women but I was told women didn’t use the library in the 1700’s.

• There’s now a new reading room in the basement which the public can’t access. Everybody who uses the reading room is watched the entire time they are in that room. One of the staff told me that even people working there e.g. maintenance, are never allowed work without supervision.

• Technically the library was open to both the English who lived in Ireland at the time and to the native Irish population. However, as few Irish people spoke english in 1707 when the library opened, and

most were illiterate, they wouldn’t have been able to read the books even if they had been allowed enter.

• The books were three to four hundred years old when the library opened. At one stage there were chains running over the shelves to stop people accessing them.

When the librarian said the chains were damaging the books, they were removed but they were replaced by bars running along the middle of the shelves.

• No books have been added to the library’s collection since the 1740’s.

• The books are filed in the order of interest of the Keeper of the Library. For example, the first Keeper was an Anglican Bishop, so the first shelves are theology. He was also interested in law, so the second row of shelves has law books etc.

• Up until the 1870’s, if you were allowed enter the library, you would be locked in a cage (see pic) until you finished reading the book. This was stopped in the 1870’s for fire safety reasons. I forgot to ask how the librarian would know you wanted to leave as the cages were not within the librarian’s vision. It’s not a very big library so maybe they just shouted?

The librarian sat at the top of the reading room and watched the wealthy and influential few who were allowed read at the tables. But even these people were frisked and their bags searched before leaving the library.

• During the 1916 Rising, fighting took place in Jacob’s Biscuit Factory which is very close to the library. On Easter Sunday a British machine gun sprayed the library with bullets, shattering the windows and damaging some of the books. Thomas McDonagh was in charge. He surrendered to the British in the grounds of St Patrick’s Park which can be seen from the library. Bullet holes can still be seen in the books and on some of the library shelves.

• Marsh’s Library was always connected with the Anglican church. During the War of Independence, it saw itself as a target (although it wasn’t damaged) and it had an adversarial relationship with the Irish government until the early 1970’s.

• The first female librarian was Muriel McCarthy who was appointed Keeper of the Library in 1989. Muriel was also the first Catholic librarian.

She had very little formal education. Her father died when she and her twin sister were eight years old, and as she had two younger brothers she had to go to work at a young age.

• Muriel’s first job was in an antique shop. She started volunteering in the library in the 1960’s, then worked as a librarian for free and eventually for a small salary. At this time the library was in a very bad condition and there was no heating or indoor plumbing. Muriel learned everything by doing and she became quite a scholar. She was given an honorary doctorate from Maynooth University and an honorary masters from Trinity College.

• Muriel wrote a book on the library’s history and used to give lectures about the library in both Ireland and the U.S. She also raised money for its restoration and arranged for the librarians to be paid by the Irish government. Muriel was so popular that the bells of St Patrick’s Cathedral rang on her birthday.

• When her three children (she married at 19) left home, Muriel and her husband moved into the apartment on the lower floor of the library (now the offices and new reading room) and Muriel lived Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 55

there alone after her husband’s death. In a 2009 interview Muriel said, “Working here opened so many opportunities to me and opened my mind to so many things... it has enriched my life more than I can say.” Muriel retired at 80 and continued to live in the library until she was 90 at which stage her health was so poor, she moved to a nursing home.

She died in July 2021.

I was so fascinated by my visit that the minute I reached home, I tore up the first chapter of my new book and rewrote it so I could set it in Marsh’s library, but more about that to come. ©Copyright 2024 Val Collins for Uncaged Book Reviews www.uncagedbooks.com Published with Permission Val Collins is the author of the award-winning psychological thriller GIRL TARGETED and the international bestsellers ONLY LIES REMAIN , THE SILENT SPEAK and WHERE LOYALTIES LIE (March 2022). All four books feature heroine Aoife Walsh. They are all standalone thrillers and can be read in any order.

A native of Ireland, Val began reading at the age of three and still devours books at the rate of one per week. Her favourite authors range from Philippa Gregory and Sophie Kinsella to Lee Child and Linwood Barclay.

Join Val online at valcollinsbooks.com, and on social media @valcollinsbooks.

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Don’t miss these titles:

A Life in Motion

Life in rural Wisconsin

Offices & Decals

A LIFE IN MOTION COLUMN

A Life in Motion – January/February 2024

birds above the bookshelf was a great choice for me.

Offices and Decals As I said before, the house we moved into was built in the 1950s. So it needs some cosmetic upgrades.

It’s a charming house with arched doorways and we will do it a little at a time. Right now, I’m concentrating the most on the kitchen and a bit of my office.

I haven’t been able to get to the painting in the house yet, as it’s plaster walls, so a lot of walls need some minor plaster repair and sanding first. With the holidays, I didn’t have a enough time to get started but that didn’t mean I couldn’t dress up the walls a bit.

If you’ve never used wall decals, they are becoming a hot trend. Many people have used them for years in kids rooms, but today they are making the decals for many uses. Two places I used wall decals are in my office. As you’d guess, I spend a good amount of time in my office and even though I haven’t painted, I put up some decals near my small coffee station. My goal is to get an antique cabinet to replace the small white shelves so I can also fit my espresso machine. The wall decals are easily removed and reusable, so once I begin painting, it will be easy to fix.

The next place I used the decals are above my book shelves. I have a love of birds and books, so the 62 | UncagedBooks.com

I have so many old photos, most of them going into photo albums and I’m even planning on a few shadow boxes to honor family, but adding some older photos of a few pets I’ve loved to a string with clothespins was an easy way to display them. Eventually, this one section will be full of photos and is easy to change out.

Did I ever tell anyone how much plant life is loved here? Well, there are well over 100 plants in this home already, and more added regularly. My daughter is a plant lady, and she propogates and clones new plants for friends (and herself) continually. This picture is just a very small spot in her office with a shelving unit full.

Since there really isn’t any huge windows in this home, she’s supported the plants better with many grow lights.

Most of the plants in this picture are young and newly started.

CYRENE OLSON 1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese (I used slices) 1/2 lb. provolone cheese (I used slices) 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (can be fresh or dried) 1 TB Italian seasoning mix 2 tsp. parsley 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 cup flour 1 cup cornmeal mix 2 eggs - beaten 2 TB oil

Even though we do rent, we have a lot of leeway on painting, and wall decor as we’d like, but if you are a renter, wall decals are a fun and non-destructive way to add interest to a wall. Believe me, I can’t wait to get rid of white walls, but until then, we try to let out our personalities where we can.

Add flour, cornmeal, half of the parmesan cheese and the seasonings to a bowl and mix together well.

Beat the 2 eggs until well blended in a separate bowl. Wash the chicken, dip one piece into the egg mix, and then directly into the flour mixture, coat well on both sides.

Add the oil to your frying pan and place all the chicken pieces into the pan for browning, and brown well on both sides.

I use cast iron fry pans almost exclusively, except for a few exceptions, but whatever you have will

Chicken Parmesan I make a chicken parmesan a little different than most recipes I’ve seen, and this time I paid attention to my ingredients and how I do things so I could share the recipe. This is such a great dish and easy to make. I pair mine with a salad, some spaghetti on the side and some garlic bread.

Ingredients: 2 lbs. of chicken (boneless chicken thighs work well) Spaghetti sauce of your choice

work fine.

Place the chicken into a greased glass baking dish or casserole dish, lightly sprinkle with parmesan cheese and cook in the oven at 350° for 45 minutes.

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 63

A LIFE IN MOTION COLUMN

Remove and spoon a generous helping of spaghetti sauce onto each piece. Next add a slice of provo-

lone, a slice of mozzarella and sprinkle more parmesan cheese.

Return to the oven for another 15 minutes to melt the cheese and heat through. As I said before, I serve this with garlic bread, salad and some spaghetti on the side. I do make my own spaghetti sauce and freeze it to use later, but whatever sauce you prefer will work here.

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Let me know if you give this a try and how you like it!

©Copyright 2024 Cyrene Olson www.uncagedbooks.com Cyrene@UncagedBooks.com

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 65

feature authors

Stacey Espino

suspense

Diane Dickinson

Jeffrey Jame Higgins

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Stacey

S

espino

tacey Espino is an international bestselling author, residing in beautiful northern Canada. She loves writing romance that will have you squirming in your seat.

Stacey also co-writes with author Sam Crescent.

Uncaged welcomes Stacey Espino Welcome to Uncaged! In July, you released To Keep, the first book in The Circle of Monsters series. Can you tell us more about this book and the series?

Complex action/fighting scenes can be hard to choreograph. The scenes that flow the easiest and are the most enjoyable to write are ones full of intense emotion, usually later in the story when the characters are fully developed.

The Circle of Monsters series is a spin-off of our bestselling Killer of Kings series. It features dark, antiheroes who hide away from love—and lose. To Keep features Skye and Galen. He’s a hitman hired to kill her, but fate has other plans.

How do you come up with names for your characters?

You co-write a lot with Sam Crescent. How is that process? Do you each have certain areas that you write the most in or is it chapter by chapter?

Do you read reviews? What do you take away from them?

Sam is one of my best friends. We love writing together and bouncing ideas off each other. After we plan out a book, we proceed to take turns writing chapters. Each chapter delves into the mind of the hero and heroine.

When we get a chapter back, we continue the story line.

It’s fun because we never know what the other will write next.

What is the most difficult scene for you to write? What is the easiest?

We take turns picking names. Personally, I like choosing unusual names.

I hate reading reviews. I take them too personally.

While one person may hate a book, another may love it, and I have to remember that rather than closing my laptop and thinking I’m the worst writer of all time. LOL..

What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

I’m definitely not as exciting as the characters I write. I’m a married mom of seven, which includes two sets of identical twin girls. Most are adults now, Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 71

FEATURE AUTHOR but you never stop being a mom. Weird facts about me: I never curse, never drink, and hate coffee. My characters on the other hand…

What’s your process in the beginning stages of planning a new novel?

I’m not a plotter. I start with an idea, inspiration, or scene and build on it until it comes together in my head. Then I start writing and let the characters lead the way.

What are some things you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing or working?

I’ve gotten into fitness more heavily this year and it makes me feel great. I want to be as healthy as possible as I’ll be fifty soon. Besides that, I’m home schooling my youngest and always manage to keep busy.

Do you prefer ebooks, audiobooks or physical books? Are you reading anything now?

Personally, I love reading upper YA fiction, inspirational books, and erotic paranormal romance.

I have a wide range of interests. LOL. I do prefer print books but will also read eBooks.

What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

I’m grateful to all my readers. I started out writing mostly cowboy menage and have branched out into many sub-genres of romance. I hope readers continue to read my work and the work co-written with Sam Crescent.

Stay Connected

staceyespino.com 72 | UncagedBooks.com

STACEY ESPINO

Enjoy an excerpt from To Keep

To Keep Sam Crescent & Stacey Espino Romantic Suspense Skye witnesses a double murder and is forced to run for her life. She doesn’t know how she’ll survive, but she’ll do anything to live another day.

When contracts are taken out on her life, her only hope is a rival assassin determined to use her as collateral.

It’s not the best situation but at least she’s safe for now. Things get immeasurably more complicated when she starts to fall for her captor.

Galen King kills for a living, but it’s nothing personal. He works for the Circle of Monsters, a group of ruthless contract hitmen. They do their job, no questions asked, and emotions never get in the way. Each hit is another payday until he has Skye Lewis in his sights—then nothing is the same.

Can he change the rules and keep Skye alive? Or will his boss demand he follow orders or pay the ultimate price?

Excerpt As soon as Galen’s boss walked away, she could finally breathe again. He was so dark, terrifying, and impossible to read. There was an eerie calmness surrounding him that she knew was anything but peaceful. She could envision him torturing people without an ounce of remorse.

Skye felt safe with Galen. It didn’t make sense, but she was usually a good judge of character. He may Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 73

FEATURE AUTHOR be a hit man or whatever he claimed, but he had a good heart, she just knew it. She was drawn to him, knowing he wouldn’t hurt her—at least she hoped.

“I imagine you need a lot to feed all those muscles.”

She clamped her big, dumb mouth shut to keep from saying anything else. Her face felt instantly hot and flushed.

“This isn’t in my job description,” Galen mumbled.

He gave her a sideways glare, so he wasn’t flattered.

He probably thought she was being snarky when she wasn’t.

“What isn’t?”

He looked down at her, more like glared, as if she was a problem to solve. “Keeping people alive.”

She swallowed hard. “It’s better than killing.”

He exhaled his irritation then headed to the doors.

She chased behind him, occasionally checking over her shoulder to make sure the other guy wasn’t back. Once they were both inside his car, the tension was palpable.

“So…” she started.

“He can’t be that mad if I can’t keep you alive. I mean, you’re not much use to him anyway.”

“I think you better listen to him,” she said. “He doesn’t seem like a forgiving kind of guy.”

Right now, her only concern was keeping alive and breathing as long as possible. The desire to survive was overwhelming. The past twenty-four hours had been a whirlwind. She should have known her life was too perfect before now. Something had to give, but she never expected to witness a double murder and then get tossed in the middle of a tug-of-war with professional killers.

She’d always been a dreamer. Skye was a livein nanny, but that didn’t stop her from dreaming about adventure and her own happily ever after— no matter how unlikely. This was not what she had in mind. Her hero may be rock-hard, covered in ink, and unconventionally attractive, but he was just itching to get rid of her. Maybe even kill her. Prince Charming was not supposed to snuff out Cinderella. Everything about this fantasy was messed up.

“I need to eat,” he suddenly said. “I haven’t had any protein today.”

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“We’ll grab some food then we’re going to my place.

I need somewhere to keep you until this blows over.”

She felt like a goldfish or something, an unwanted responsibility that wasn’t really much trouble.

“Any chance you’ll just let me go?”

It was worth another shot, but he didn’t answer her.

A short time later, he pulled into the drive-thru lane of a fast-food joint. As they waited in line, she noted the bulky watch on his wrist and how the muscles twitched in his thick forearm as he steered the wheel.

He even smelled good—a rich, earthy musk that she wanted to breathe in deep.

“What do you want?”

She snapped out of her reverie, trying to gauge the situation. “Huh? Oh, whatever you’re having.”

Once they had their food, they hit the highway. She sipped on her drink, wondering what he was thinking.

Did he hate her? Skye knew he didn’t want to babysit her, but she never asked for any of this. Could a man really turn off all emotions or did he feel a little pity for her? If she wanted to stay alive, she needed to appeal to his softer side—if he had one.

“You know, I’m not a child. I won’t inconvenience you or anything.”

“You’re practically a child.”

Her hackles rose. “I’m twenty-five. That’s very much a woman.”

She’d done it again. Skye slunk down in her seat, wishing it would swallow her up whole.

JEFFREY & Crew

contact, and be cuddled. His favorite treat is baby carrots. He loves them more than he loves us.

Regan & Cody

I’m a huge dog lover. My parents gave me a golden retriever, Treasure, for my fifth birthday.

She was my best friend for twelve years. As an adult I had a cocker spaniel, Sophie, and a Rottweiler, Spenser. They were like my kids.

I keep all three of their pictures in my office, and they watch over me as I write. I miss them every day.

JENNIFER & Lord Tubby

Lord Tubby is a 4.5 year old Coton De Tulear, which is a Madagascar pirate dog. Now, a pirate dog may sound cool and tough, but these little white dogs were known to be little clowns, and that is why they were brought onto the ships, to keep the spirit’s light. Tubby is very much a little clown, and he loves to show off his tricks (dance, quiet talk, roll over) and he loves to jump, have almost constant eye 82 | UncagedBooks.com

I have a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon named “Cody”. He is a wonderful companion. Because the breed is not well known, people often ask me how I found him. Would it surprise you to know the answer is “research”? I wanted a dog that would be friendly to all, didn’t bark much, would be healthy and smart and didn’t make me sneeze.

I got all that and a handsome fellow, too. Griffs were raised in Holland in the 1800s to be the most versatile gun dog, which is to say, they point, fetch (from land and water) and their double coat is impervious to cold.

Each morning Cody walks the beach with me as the sun is rising. He has many friends there, both other dogs and people.

A U T H O RS A N D T H E I R P E TS Pets and companions come in many shapes and sizes. From furry to feathered to hairy and scaley - there is a place for all of them. Authors have a special relationship with their pets - whether they remind them to get up and take a break or they inspire their writing. Meet the critters that share their love and devotion to Uncaged Feature Authors.

STACEY. & Kitties

CYRENE & Ivy

We have three cats that we’ve taken in as strays when they were kittens. The youngest and only male is Jeff. He’s a sweetheart with way too much personality. He’s definitely a people-cat and has to be in the room with a human or he’ll get depressed.

Ivy is our matriarch of the cat crew here at home. Once a barn cat and one of the best mousers we’ve ever had, for the last few years she’s been retired into the house. Once we moved, the few cats that were outside, became inside cats, and Ivy is either mothering them or bossing them around. Ivy is 15 years old and has had a few litters of kittens in her lifetime and cleared out the barn of all rodents. She has an intense dislike of the dogs, but the dogs have learned to steer clear. Once, only I could pick her up, now she’s happy with pets and will curl up and purr for all of us.

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 83

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Diane

D

Dickinson

iane Dickinson grew up in Oceanside, California. She has a degree in Journalism from the University of Houston. She worked for two Houston area newspapers as a news reporter and news editor, and later as a freelance writer. A friend encouraged her to become a realtor, a career that led her to write her debut novel. She is a member of The Writer’s League of Texas, The Authors Guild, and Mystery Writers of America.

Today she lives in the Texas Hill Country with her husband and two frisky dogs.

She continues to write and work as a realtor.

Uncaged welcomes Diane Dickinson Welcome to Uncaged! Your debut novel, Final Transaction will release on January 11. Can you tell us more about this suspense?

When her suave, preeminent broker is murdered, a promising, yet naïve realtor, Lara Maxwell is thrown into Houston’s full-throttle underworld of real estate, greed and secrets.

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest?

The most difficult scene for me is one that has detailed descriptions of people, places and settings.

The easiest scene for me is one with dialogue.

How do you come up with names for your characters?

What are you working on next that you can tell us about?

I think of several of my favorite names, write them down and then read them out loud to see if I like the way they sound.

I’m working on an historical fiction novel that takes place in World War II.

Do you read reviews? What do you take away from them?

It’s about a young man who joins the Marine Corps following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and is trained as a gunner in a Corsair SBD airplane. It’s also about love, loss and the agony of separation between the protagonist and his wife. This novel is based on a true story.

Yes, I do read reviews with interest. I think whoever takes the time to write a review needs to be given respect and taken seriously. There are times when reviews say the same thing concerning why they like, and why they don’t like the book. Many times, I have based my decision on whether, or not, to buy the book on these reviews.

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 89

FEATURE AUTHOR What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

Stay Connected

I’m a lover of college and professional baseball.

In fact, I love baseball so much that I watch every documentary available on the history of baseball.

What’s your process in the beginning stages of planning a new book?

I do not use an outline. Instead, I just start out writing down what I want to see in a book. This method actually has a name, pantsing, as in flying by the seat of your pants. I like the creative juices to flow without having to look constantly at an outline.

This makes the process great fun! I can let my muse take over and my imagination run wild.

What are some things you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing or working?

My favorite relaxation is being with good friends.

I have good, strong women friendships. There is nothing better than talking and laughing with them.

Do you prefer ebooks, audiobooks or physical books? Are you reading anything now?

Call me old-fashioned, but I love a book in my hands. I have a collection of bookmarks that I choose from when I read. I like to underline parts I like, and turn down pages that I want to return to and re-read.

I’m currently reading “Resurrection Walk,” by Michael Connelly, and “The Poisonwood Bible,”

by Barbara Kingsolver. I’m a big fan of police procedurals, mysteries and great writing.

What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

The first thing I want to say is, thank you for taking the time to read my novel. I wrote it for you.

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dianedickinson.com

Enjoy an excerpt from From Brick & Darkness Final Transaction Diane Dickinson Suspense Releases Jan. 11 Lara Maxwell, a promising, yet naive realtor in Houston’s number one boutique real estate company, Drake Properties, is suddenly thrust into the darker side of success when she finds her preeminent broker shot dead following a public open house. The murder propels Lara into Houston real estate’s full-throttle underworld of sex, drugs, and explosively spiraling secrets.

No one at Drake Properties is beyond suspicion, including Lara, as Houston police detectives dig into the lies, jealousies and twisted relationships that lie beneath the surface of the firm.

When detectives determine that Lara is innocent, they convince her to assist them as a mole in her office. Determined to live up to the trust the detectives have put in her, she dives headfirst into her new role. The deeper she probes, the darker the world around her becomes. Secrets are exposed that not only involve the entire office staff, but her best

DIANE DICKINSON friend as well as her current boyfriend.

Lara has a secret of her own that ultimately leads to a deadly confrontation with the unhinged killer.

Final Transaction is a fast-paced take on how human relationships, if held together by closeted behavior, can lead to lethal consequences.

Excerpt Chapter 2 The heat, nausea, and smell combined into one blood-red haze as Lara collapsed on the lawn. She heard sirens in the distance as she briefly drifted off to a better world. It was then she felt strong hands grab her under her arms, and knees. She sensed a forward motion, and then a sudden rush of cool air.

Two paramedics unceremoniously laid her limp body on a long sofa. Opening her eyes, she tried to focus on the fuzzy image of a man who passed a small piece of brown paper under her nose. A strong odor of ammonia jolted her out of the fog, and back into the real world. The medics strategically placed cold compresses on her wrists, ankles, and forehead then left without a word.

“Unbelievable,” she moaned closing her eyes praying this nightmare would go away.

“Ms. Maxwell? Lara, are you awake?” asked a silvery, cool female voice.

Lara slowly turned her head. Sitting beside her was a small dark-haired woman in a tan pant suit.

She scanned the room, and saw tall white oak bookshelves. She realized she was in the library, her favorite room in the house. The chocolate brown walls, the vermilion-colored sofa cluttered with pillows gave Lara a feeling of peace. Without warning, the detective’s voice interrupted her reverie.

“I’m Houston Homicide Detective Edie Ross. I would like to ask you a few questions.”

“Homicide? Oh God, it’s true, isn’t it? What kind of hell is this?”

Edie looked at the blood on Lara’s hands, hair, and arms. She got up from the couch to speak

to the policeman.

“I need the medical examiner in here with a residue kit,” she said.

A woman, who appeared to be in her early fifties wearing a lab coat over a lavender skirt, entered the room. She nodded at Edie, then turned to Lara.

“Hello I’m Dr. Mary Craddock from the medical examiner’s office. I’ll need to scrape some blood from your skin, and swab your hands. Have you washed your hands in the last four hours?”

“Uh, no, I don’t think I have.” Lara said.

“Good. I’ll run a swab test now.”

“Why are you concerned about my hands?” Lara asked.

“It’s just standard procedure to make sure there’s no gunshot residue.”

“What? I didn’t shoot a gun. I’ve never shot a gun!” Lara exclaimed.

What type of person do they think I am?

“Please be cooperative,” said Edie. “This won’t take long.”

Craddock quickly swabbed both Lara’s hands and scraped a sample of blood from her palm before depositing the sample in a plastic bag.

“Okay Lara, let’s get you to a sink where you can wash,” Edie said as she helped Lara stand. She smiled at Lara, dimples creasing her tanned cheeks.

“I can walk by myself, thank you,” Lara snapped. She wobbled ahead of Edie, past the cadre of police, and directly to the kitchen.

Lara closed her eyes and splashed cold water on her face, arms, and legs before taking a dish towel to dry. She looked down at the sink. Blood mixed with water streamed down the drain. Feeling light-headed, she gripped the counter for support. She looked around in time to catch sight of Edie heading for the bedroom.

With nobody in the room to stop her, Lara quietly followed the detective. She tiptoed up to the slightly ajar door, leaned in as close as she could, and listened.

“How many shots were fired, Doc?” Edie said.

“Looks like two, one in the head, and Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 91

FEATURE AUTHOR one in the chest. Either shot would have been fatal,” Craddock replied. “We’re still looking for bullet fragments and shell casings.”

“Do you have a positive ID on the victim?”

“I found his wallet in his jacket pocket.

It’s Todd Drake, age 36, broker and owner of Drake Properties. Apparently, the fainter is one of his agents, Lara Maxwell,” said Craddock.

“I found her cards on the hallway table, and the photo on the card matches what she looks like all dressed up and clean. She’s a real looker with that beautiful red hair.”

“Yeah, I got one of her cards, and I noticed several of the male officers put one in their pocket.”

Craddock laughed. “They love thin and young.”

Lara inwardly winced at the sexist banter aimed at her by, of all things, two women.

Maybe they’ve been working with men too long.

“Any sign of a weapon?” asked Edie.

“No. We found nothing except the victim on somebody’s very expensive Oriental rug. The officers found his cell phone, and they’ll take it to forensics. I’ll be here for a while longer, and if I find something else, I’ll let you know,” Craddock said.

Lara saw the door move outward. Not wanting to be caught eavesdropping she quickly turned to leave, and ran smack into a uniform.

“Miss,” the policeman said. “You need to stay out of the crime scene area.”

Feeling trapped, and flustered, Lara tried to get around the policeman. Before she could escape, she felt Edie’s hand on her elbow propelling her toward the kitchen. Edie’s purposeful stride, and take-no-prisoners attitude commanded respect as the small cadre of police parted, allowing her to pass. Her hazel eyes, appearing darker under thick lashes, flashed with irritation. Her full mouth narrowed as she guided Lara to a stool at the kitchen counter.

“You need to stay put,” Edie said. Her soft southern drawl turned into a gruff bark.

Lara sat down rigid, and ashen-faced. “I 92 | UncagedBooks.com

guess I just let my curiosity get the best of me.”

“You need to stop being curious, and do as I say. This is a murder scene. There’s evidence everywhere, and you can’t be traipsing around possibly contaminating it.”

Lara fought back tears of anger and humiliation.

“Now that we have that settled, I’d like to ask you some questions,” Edie said. “Where were you when Mr. Drake was shot?”

Lara shuddered, and began relating the details of her nightmare day.

“There are no signs of a break-in. Were all the doors unlocked when you left?” Edie asked.

“I, I’m not sure. I locked all the back doors on my way out. Last time I saw Todd he was going upstairs to turn off lights. I’m not sure he locked the front door.”

Lara thought back to when the paramedics came into the house. “Todd didn’t lock the front door because the paramedics entered the house without a problem.

I can tell you there were no cars in front of the house when I left.”

“Do you have any idea who would want to murder him?” Edie asked.

“Who wouldn’t?” Lara blurted out.

“He wasn’t well liked?”

Lara took a deep breath, trying to clear her head.

What a loaded question. How does one explain all the conflicting emotions associated with Todd? Now is the time to be clear thinking, unemotional, and for God’s sake, mature.

“Todd’s an enigma,” Lara said. “He has many friends, and his clients adore him, but he has made enemies. Most Houston realtors respect, and probably fear him. He’s a reasonable, but tough negotiator. The office staff dislikes him because he’s just so damn mean to them.”

“Can you think of anyone who would want to kill him?”

“I’m not sure I know someone insane, and angry enough to murder. Right now, no one comes to mind,” Lara said.

“What about during the open house? Any person, or persons who acted suspiciously?”

DIANE DICKINSON Lara closed her eyes, and rubbed her forehead. She tried to picture the people she saw, and what they did that made them stand out.

“I can’t think of anyone who acted strangely,” she said.

Edie picked up the sign-in sheet she retrieved from the kitchen counter, and handed it to Lara.

“Maybe if you read these names, it will help jog your memory.”

Lara smirked, and took the paper from Edie’s hand. “Detective, I would lay you odds that half of these names are fictitious, and the other half were scrawled so they wouldn’t be legible. People on the whole don’t want to be contacted after an open house, so they lie. It’s a pretty useless piece of paper, but I’ll try.”

Lara looked at the names trying to not only remember who went with what name, but if any acted out of the ordinary. She remembered how surprised she was that the majority were young, some with young children, looking at a house for over a million dollars. Two of the couples brought their parents with them.

“Nothing unusual comes to mind. There was one couple who brought a puppy that peed on me. I’ve held babies and watched children, but this was the first time I held someone’s dog. You wouldn’t believe the crazy-ass things people expect you to do,” Lara said. “I take that back. In your line of work, you probably would.”

Edie smiled. “Yes, that’s true. I’ve been with homicide for eight years, and I’ve seen people do bizarre things. I also know that people who have been traumatized by murder remember more than they realize. Your recall ability will increase once you’ve had some rest. Here’s my card. If you remember anything else that was off, or odd, call me. We’ll talk in more depth in a day or two. Oh, and stay in town. Don’t talk to the press, or anyone else about this investigation.”

“You know, I could have easily been in this house when Todd was shot,” Lara said. “In fact, there is one thing I didn’t tell you that seems silly, but it was odd.”

“What’s that?”

Lara took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.

“When I was alone in the house, before Todd got here, I had an eerie feeling that someone was in the house. I quickly went through the house to check, and found no one.”

“Did you see a car in the driveway, or close to the house? Any unlocked doors or sign of entry?” Edie asked.

“No. That’s the strange thing. I just figured it was empty house jitters. Then right before Todd arrived, I heard a thud on the floor above me.

Like something fell.”

Edie immediately called a uniformed policeman over. “Henry, has anyone been upstairs?”

“Yes ma’am. Officer Jackson and I went upstairs as soon as we entered the house. We found no one.”

Lara shook her head. “I don’t know what it was, but I’ve been off my game today, the worst day of my life. I’m a mess. Do you think I’m in danger?”

“Just be aware of your surroundings. If something or someone frightens you call me,” said Edie.

“I will. Thank you, detective, for helping me through this nightmare.”

As she was leaving Lara paused at the bedroom entrance where she saw an empty gray stretcher.

Her hands trembled as she fumbled for her car keys. She looked into the bedroom again. Todd’s body was still lying on the blood-soaked rug.

One of the policemen who was guarding the room saw Lara. He quickly moved toward her, and without comment closed the door in her face.

Lara sighed deeply, then turned toward the front door. She heard loud, angry voices coming from somewhere outside of the house.

The front door opened, and two policemen escorted a tall, red-faced man, and a shorter blonde woman into the foyer. The man’s height alone was imposing without the fury, and the woman’s hefty, full-figured stature completed the boisterous pair.

“This is my goddamn house,” he sputtered. “I don’t need the police to let me in!”

Lara’s heart raced as Jack and Melanie Bard Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 93

FEATURE AUTHOR raged toward her. “Mr. Bard, Mrs. Bard,” Lara said. “I’m so dreadfully sorry.”

“You’re one of Todd’s agents, aren’t you?” Jack said.

“I’m Lara Maxwell, the agent who helped Todd hold your open house.”

“The police told us you left Todd alone. You’re the one who found him dead,” Jack said.

Lara visually slumped. “Yes, that’s true.”

“Jack! Can’t you see how upset she is?”

Melanie said. “Look at her. She has blood on her hair and clothes.”

“You realize we’re ruined, don’t you?” Jack yelled. “How in bloody hell are we ever going to sell this house?”

Lara tightened her grip on the staircase.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Edie ease alongside the angry pair.

“I’m HPD Detective Edie Ross,” she said. “This is a crime scene. We need to move to another room to talk.”

As they were leaving the bedroom door opened. The once empty gray stretcher was now carrying a black body bag guided by four uniformed policemen.

Edie, Lara, and the Bards silently parted, allowing Todd’s corpse to be wheeled through the front door. Melanie Bard silently wept.

Lara’s hand shook uncontrollably as she reached out to touch the bag. Hot tears stung her eyes as she watched the stretcher being lifted, and pushed into the back of a waiting ambulance.

Edie gently closed the front door. “Okay folks, let’s all go into the living room.”

Lara followed reluctantly, and took a straightback chair across from the Bards who sat on the couch, fuming at the world. She knew the distraught couple was in for a hard time.

Here they sat in a home where they had raised children, entertained friends, and family. A home they’d left just hours ago, only to return to a place soiled, and destroyed by murder. Melanie’s knees were shaking, and Jack slumped down, arms across his chest, eyes blazing.

At Edie’s insistence, Lara went through the day’s events adding at the end how sorry 94 | UncagedBooks.com

she was that this tragedy happened in their beautiful home.

“We love Todd,” Melanie said.

Jack narrowed his eyes, then turned to look at his wife with a flicker of a glare.

Melanie glanced away, and continued. “I can’t believe he’s been murdered. Have you seen the news trucks outside? This is going to be all over the city in no time. It won’t be long until everyone in Houston knows our home is a murder scene.”

Lara stood to look out the front windows.

She saw four broadcast news vans parked in front of the house, and along the street. Neighbors milled around, gathering in small groups, whispering together, and stealing glances at the house.

Reporters with pads, and pens in hands talked to a few people drawn from the group, while video cameras taped other newscasters interviewing police.

“Oh great,” she moaned.

Lara heard the familiar ring tone she’d set up for her newest boyfriend, David King. “Excuse me, I need to get this,” she said to the room.

“David, I can’t talk now,” she said in a whisper.

“Can you come to my place?”

“Yes, but what the hell? Are you okay?

Todd’s death is breaking news on all the local channels.”

“I’m okay for now. It’s so horrible. I’m talking to the detective, and the homeowners. I hope to leave soon.”

“I’ll meet you at your condo.” David said before hanging up.

Gathering all the strength she had left, Lara re-entered the living room where Edie was going over the open house sign-in sheet with the Bards, who didn’t recognize any names on the sheet, fictitious or real.

She took her seat, and like a good realtor smiled, and asked what she could do to help.

Jack turned to look directly at Lara and said, “Maybe now is not the time to talk about this, but we may never sell our house. We are faced with the expense of a hotel room, clean up, and last but not least, selling this house!”

Lara bit on her lower lip.

DIANE DICKINSON How awful this is for them. I need to be calm, and professional.

“When you are ready, we can smooth all this out.

You will need to disclose a murder in the house.

Patience is the key. This will blow over, and memories will fade. You will eventually sell the house.”

“How long will that be?” Jack raged. “We don’t have all the time in the world. I have to be in Cincinnati in a month to start my new job. If we can’t sell this house, you know who we are holding responsible, don’t you?”

Remain calm.

“Well, I would think the murderer is responsible for this tragedy,” Lara said immediately wishing she hadn’t opened her mouth.

Damn. How unprofessional.

Recovering her composure, Lara said, “Give yourself a day or two. Come to the office, and we’ll talk about where to go from here.”

Lara smoothed her blood-stained skirt as she stood, “I really should go now, and give you two time to be alone.”

She turned to Edie, “May I leave now, detective?”

Edie nodded in assent.

Lara offered her hand to Jack who reluctantly shook it. She turned to offer her hand to Melanie who suddenly got up, and grabbed Lara in a bear hug, catching her off guard.

“Well, thank you, Melanie,” Lara said shyly.

“Once again, I’m deeply sorry, and grieved.” She stole a glance at Jack whose look of disgust said it all.

Lara made herself walk slowly instead of sprinting to the back door where a uniformed policeman stood ready to escort her out. Once outside she thanked her escort, quickly got into her car, locked the doors, and backed out of the driveway past the media circus. As she rounded the cul-de-sac, she looked in the rearview mirror at the limp balloons drooping over the lopsided Open House sign.

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 95

Ellwyn

M

hayslip iv

y name is Ellwyn Hayslip IV. I am a Taurus, my birthstone is a diamond, and my favorite colors are wisteria and fluorescent orange. When I’m not writing, I am usually at my volunteer job as a custodian and classroom reader at my local elementary school. My hobbies other than writing include reading, baking, watching 90s cartoons, playing the pan pipes, and making art out of recycled plastic. I live in a small town in NH with my mom, Sally, and our two pets, Dylan the cat and Beaky V the parakeet. I am also an accomplished Oneirographer, or dream scribe, with a collection of 745 of my own dreams as of this statement. I plan to turn the first 500 into a series of novels.

Uncaged welcomes Ellwyn Hayslip IV Welcome to Uncaged! You recently released the second book in The Yther Chronicles, The Dragon Zones. Can you tell us more about this series?

The Yther Chronicles is my life’s work. It is a series of fantasy novels set in a world inspired by my own dreams. I plan to create 20 books as a start, with the hope being a total of 50.

I saw an interview on YouTube where you are planning to release fifty books to this series. Can you tell us how this series will evolve?

Without giving too much away, I can say that the world of Yther will be added to and expanded upon with each novel. Other dimensions will also be added.

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest?

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In book 2 the most difficult scene was when 2 of the main characters clash with each other. I have the easiest time writing dialogue.

How do you come up with names for your characters?

Coming up with the names is different with each character. One interesting thing, I think readers have noticed, is Lademer is an anagram of emerald.

Do you read reviews? What do you take away from them?

I have not read any reviews yet.

What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

I am a 90s retro enthusiast with a collection of 73 Saturday morning cartoons.

What’s your process in the beginning stages of planning a new novel?

First, everything must be handwritten and expanded upon. Then, when I have completed the outline I start on the book.

What are some things you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing or working?

the three human teenagers are taken to a bizarre cluster of worlds known as the Dragon Zones.

Here, they must battle twenty ferocious dragons in twenty wondrous and amazing realms, on their quest to retrieve to power of the legendary Cosmic Core and use it to save Yther.

To relax I like to play video games and read.

Excerpt

Do you prefer ebooks, audiobooks or physical books?

Are you reading anything now?

Chapter 2

I prefer physical books. Right now I am reading The Chronicles of Chrestomanci by Diana Wynne Jones.

What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

To anyone interested in seeing where the series is going next I have this to say: buckle up! The ride gets wilder from here. Abby and her friends’ adventures in Yther and the surrounding realms are only beginning.

Enjoy an excerpt from The Yther Chronicles, Book Two, The Dragon Zones The Yther Chronicles, Book Two The Dragon Zones Ellwyn Hayslip IV Fantasy Here There Be Dragons!

An impossible dream comes true when Yther’s monarch Coleus shows up on Earth, seeking the help of Abby and her friends once again.

It turns out an evil goddess calling herself the Nightmare Queen has cast a spell of eternal sleep on all the people of Yther, and there is only one way to reverse it. Led by Coleus and guided by a mysterious immortal hiker named Olf,

Ink Illusion Beyond the door was a rippling, swirling blackness that was almost like water, though it never touched any of the heroes. After walking blindly through the dark for a few minutes, Abby finally tried to use her illuminating powers to pierce the gloom.

This did nothing to help, however. The darkness here was more than a mere absence of light. It was a thick, opaque mass pressing in from all sides.

Slowly, the darkness receded, giving way to reveal a world of endless horizontal black lines of varying thickness, against a pale off-white background.

Looking around, Abby saw her friends standing nearby.

“Where are we now?” she asked Olf. “We have just entered Ink Illusion, another of the Dragon Zones,” replied the hiker. “As we progress, the patterns we encounter will become more and more complex. This is merely the beginning.”

The five adventurers walked through the landscape of lines, noticing vague changes in the background.

At first, the lines appeared to be changing width.

Then, suddenly, they formed a grid-like pattern.

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 99

102 | UncagedBooks.com

Jeffery James J

higgins

effrey James Higgins is a retired supervisory special agent who write thrillers, short stories, scripts, creative nonfiction, and essays. He has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times.

He’s a #1 Amazon bestselling author with 18 literary awards, including the Claymore Award, PenCraft’s Best Fiction Book of 2022, and a Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal. He has been a panelist at ThrillerFest, Killer Nashville, Creatures, Crimes, and Creativity, and other conferences.

Black Rose Writing published his first two novels, FURIOUS and UNSEEN. Jeffrey is an active member of the Authors Guild, The Virginia Writers Club, International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, and the Royal Writers Secret Society.

Uncaged Welcomes Jeffrey James Higgins Welcome to Uncaged! Your newest book, The Forever Game will release on February 29. Can you tell us more about this suspense?

Special Agent Adam Locke quits DEA and joins his brother’s artificial intelligence company so he can care for his dying girlfriend, but when his brother is killed in a suspicious accident, Adam discovers life-saving technology can be also deadly.

Being a special agent meant everything to Adam, but when his girlfriend is diagnosed with cancer, he resigns to be closer to home. He takes a job at his brother’s AI start-up and works for an eccentric billionaire on Cuttyhunk Island, a tiny community near Cape Cod. Forever Technology promises artificial intelligence will extend life, but after a scientist falls off a cliff and Adam’s brother dies in an explosion, Adam

believes someone is killing to protect the priceless innovation.

The clock is ticking as Adam fights to use the technology to save his girlfriend and to prove his brother was murdered before the killer can escape with the world’s most valuable scientific discovery.

The Forever Game examines the philosophical issues that arise when artificial intelligence can cure disease, download minds, and offer eternal life. It explores the nature of consciousness and what it means to be human.

Adam faces both internal and external conflicts. He experiences a personal crisis when he gives up his career to try to save his girlfriend. He faces mortal danger when he attempts to solve his brother’s murder and unravels a complicated web of lies. This mystery thriller deals with the dark side of artificial intelligence, and fans of near-future and conspiracy Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 103

FEATURE AUTHOR thrillers will love it.

What are you working on next that you can tell us about?

I’m working on an action-adventure thriller set in modern-day Alexandria, Egypt with a dual historical timeline in 47 BC Alexandria. I’m currently working on the manuscript with my agent, Jackson Keeler at Inkworks. He’s given me terrific developmental notes, and I’m editing it now. I enjoy writing in many thriller subgenres.

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest?

It’s all difficult. Fun but complicated. Stories flow out of me, and it’s often hard to write fast enough to keep up, but there’s a huge difference between writing a first draft and producing a polished final product. Dialogue is difficult to make sound natural and keep it punchy. Characters need to have depth and seem real. Action can be tough to write, because pacing is critical, yet you need to avoid confusing the reader. I trust the readers’ imaginations and give them just enough to create the movie in their minds. Description is probably easiest, but writing clever or beautiful prose can also take the reader out of a story and remind them someone has written it.

How do you come up with names for your characters?

Naming characters is vitally important. I often use surnames that have meanings relevant to the character. I also appropriate names for the specific cultures, genders, and ages of the characters. The Social Security Agency has a list of common names by decade, so if I’m writing an eighty-year-old character, I can find a first name that was in use at the time instead of calling her Caitlyn or Brittany.

In The Forever Game, my protagonist is named Adam Locke. I named him after Adam Smith, the famous economist, and John Locke, one of my favorite philosophers.

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Do you read reviews? What do you take away from them?

External feedback is vital for writers. I use a critique group, The Royal Writers Secret Society, and a dozen beta readers to provide feedback on my manuscripts.

Once a book is published, I’m interested in reader reviews, because I want to know what people liked and what they didn’t. It doesn’t take long to develop a thick skin. It’s important for writers to remember that every criticism is subjective, and many reviewers are wrong.

What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

JEFFREY JAMES HIGGINS What’s your process in the beginning stages of planning a new book?

Every story starts with the idea. I’m always asking, “what if,” and that often ends with a high-concept story. I outline my novels into three acts with the fifteen major beats and other key scenes. I also write detailed character sketches. Once I start writing, I let the characters come alive, and I add and delete scenes as necessary. The story and characters will let me know how things progress, so I don’t stay married to my outline.

What are some things you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing or working?

My wife and I own a restaurant, which we’ve turned into a literary salon, and that takes up most of my free time. We offer free space to authors to celebrate their work. We’ve held dozens of panels, reading, launches, and other literary events this year.

I’ve interviewed many writers, including several bestselling authors. When I need to unwind, I read, play chess online, or go for long runs. The thing I enjoy most is writing.

Do you prefer ebooks, audiobooks, or physical books? Are you reading anything now?

Like my protagonist, Adam Locke, I was a supervisory special agent, and I spent most of my career chasing terrorists and transnational criminals around the world. My wife had cancer, as does Adam’s girlfriend.

The Forever Game is set on Cuttyhunk Island, and I spent many summers on Cape Cod, so this novel is personal to me in many ways.

I love physical copies of books. My wife and I have floor-to-ceiling bookshelves all over our home. We have thousands of hardcovers, including dozens of signed and antiquarian books. I’m busy, and I haven’t had as much time to read as I’d like, so I listen to audiobooks when I run or drive in the car.

Stories work in any format.

What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

I want to thank my readers. Writing can be a lonely profession, and it’s incredibly hard to make money, but hearing from readers who enjoyed my books makes it worthwhile. I’d also like to thank Black Rose Writing. The Forever game will be my third title they’ve published, and I appreciate their support.

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 105

FEATURE AUTHOR The best place to follow me is on my website, https://JeffreyJamesHiggins.com. Please sign up for my newsletter. I only publish about four newsletters per year. I also post regularly on Facebook, @JeffreyJamesHiggins, and on Twitter, @jeffreyjhiggins. Fans in the DC area can attend my author interviews and panels at Elaine’s.

The schedule is posted at https://www.elainesrestaurant.com.

Stay Connected

JeffreyJamesHiggins.com Enjoy an excerpt from The Forever Game The Forever Game Jeffrey James Higgins Suspence/Thriller Releases Feb. 29 Special Agent Adam Locke quits DEA and joins his brother’s artificial intelligence company so he can care for his dying girlfriend, but when his brother is killed in a suspicious accident, Adam discovers life-saving technology can be also deadly.

Being a special agent meant everything to Adam, but when his girlfriend is diagnosed with cancer, he resigns to be closer to home. He takes a job at his brother’s AI start-up and works for an eccentric billionaire on Cuttyhunk Island, a tiny 106 | UncagedBooks.com

community near Cape Cod. Forever Technology promises artificial intelligence will extend life, but after a scientist falls off a cliff and Adam’s brother dies in an explosion, Adam believes someone is killing to protect the priceless innovation.

Excerpt DEA Special Agent Adam Locke stared out the naval ship’s open hull door and across the dark Caribbean at Haiti, a sliver of terra firma on the horizon, but the cloudy night obscured the island and hid predators above and below the surface of the rolling sea. His target lived there, in the shadows, and from his lair, he spread poison and death around the world.

“It’s dark as f*ck,” Brian Moore said. Adam’s assistant team leader hadwhispered, even though the ship lay miles offshore.

“Good,” Adam said. “Let’s hope it stays that way.”

Adam had planned to launch their mission under the cover of a new moon, and the clouds were an unexpected benefit. Darkness aided both monsters and the men who hunted them. Adam grasped the bulkhead’s coaming and leaned out the ship’s port beam, fifteen feet above the waterline. A cargo net hung from clamps and almost reached the water. A threefoot chop roiled the sea, hopefully enough to deter lookouts who usually buzzed around in motorboats like green flies feasting on a carcass.

The USS Minuteman, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, had departed Norfolk three days before to deliver Adam’s FAST team of twelve special agents to Côteaux, a small commune on Haiti’s Southern claw—the home of Jean Laguerre.

Laguerre controlled a massive transnational criminal organization and had been a DEA high-value target for years. He imported Colombian cocaine and Mexican heroin into the US, but worse, he used his smuggling routes to traffic young girls, condemning hundreds of women to the flesh trade. Until recently, Laguerre had used the corrupt Haitian government as protection

JEFFREY JAMES HIGGINS from American law enforcement, but then he had made the fatal mistake of transporting materials for Hezbollah across the US border. Narco-terrorism was the nexus between law enforcement and the military, and the justification DEA needed to access naval assets.

“Agent Locke?” an unfamiliar voice called out.

Adam turned back to the passageway bathed in red light, as a sailor stepped off a ladder.

“I’m Locke.”

“Phone call for you, sir. It’s patched through from the DEA Command Center. They told me to tell you it’s Ms. Hope.”

Effie? Why was his girlfriend calling when he was deployed on an operation? She knew better than that.

“Take a message. We’re about to launch.”

“Aye, aye, sir.” The sailor climbed the ladder.

“It could be an emergency,” Brian said. “Want us to hold?”

“The mission comes first,” Adam said. A knot formed in his stomach.

“We’re on a timeline, and we must follow protocol.

I’ll call when we’re safely back aboard.”

Adam faced away so Brian couldn’t see the worry on his face. Effie had not been feeling well, and he didn’t want to ignore her—but rules were rules. Shit. They needed to wrap up this mission so he could get home to her.

Adam pivoted on the rubber mat, already wet with salty dew, and swung his leg through the door. He stretched his leg along the gray hull to the life net, which was constructed of rough-hewn rope and designed as an evacuation ladder. He hooked it with his toe, then grabbed the thickrope with his gloved hand.

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 107

Y

seven suggestions to new, aspiring writers Guest column by Breakfield & Burkey

Guest Column

Seven Suggestions to New, Aspiring Writers

by Breakfield & Burkey

Breakfield and Burkey recently attended a live author-selling event at a library in a small town in North Texas. Many attendees were avid readers but were also interested in becoming writers. The event was well attended, and we thought others might enjoy the discussion. We selected the best ones to share.

For argument’s sake, let’s say you can’t decide on being a full-time or a part-time writer yet. That choice won’t change what we consider the top seven elements. The good news is you can keep your day job for a couple of years—eat regularly and pay bills.

Conversely, working can disrupt your writing cadence and may take longer to complete your project.

You can decide when you are ready.

One-Decide Your Genre Your decision is often based on what you like and what you know. Picking a category allows you to clarify your target audience. It is easier to successfully bring new works to market when you understand the primary readers of the subject, be it fiction or non-fiction. For example, romance fiction typically has a cover reflective of the content rather than a dark background with a hooded killer, whereas self-help appeals to a problem the content solves.

The words, covers, formatting, dialogue, pictures, or call-outs stem from your choice. Making this one selection doesn’t mean you are stuck forever. But each manuscript must get targeted to the audience of a specific market.

Two-Do Your Homework In your chosen genre, who are you competing against? Identify the top 100 best sellers on Amazon. Visit a bookstore, see the top books, and ask the sales folks what makes a specific title appeal to their readers. Which of these have you read and why did you like it? If they read a few pages, check them out. Read the back cover. Note the top authors, too. Authors’ names and book titles will be useful in 112 | UncagedBooks.com

your future marketing. Don’t read all of them unless you want to. We suggest this as a skimming session. Make notes on the covers that drew you and those you dislike.

Thumb through the pages observing the formatting, font sizes, and readability.

Three-Gather Initial Marketing Materials The activity above is a great start for your future marketing. For most authors, promoting their creations take more time than writing books. The ongoing selling process stems from a great foundation. Keep notes on keywords, categories relevant to the genre, number of reviews, and authors’ social media platforms. You might read what the readers said, noting things they like and landmines to avoid. Every reader will not love even a well-written book but ferret out the constructive comments. Keep this material handy, like in a separate folder on your laptop. Good selling strategies begin the day you start your manuscript.

Four-Are you a pantser, plotter, or hybrid?

Each writer approaches their craft differently. A pantser writes without an outline or, often stated, writing by the seat of their pants. Someone who takes great pains to outline their work in advance or build journey boards is considered a plotter. There is also a hybrid version of writers who start with a broad outline, with chapters roughed out a few at a time. A fabulous, accomplished writer once remarked no one ever gets on a ship without knowing the destination. You need a level of disciple, or the result will suffer.

Build a character list with the names of characters, places, and key pieces of information. For example, Kathy or Katy might be a great name for the lead character in your romance novel. Be consistent with the spelling from page one to the end. You might keep track of your heroine’s hair color to make certain the fiery redhead falling for the Duke of Margerie isn’t depicted as a blond on the cover. Readers don’t like this, especially if the cover was the main reason for their purchase.

Five-Step away from your project We’ve heard “write all of it, then put it away for at least a month before touching again”. This might work for

some people who completed a scripted story outline before writing. We’ve also seen writers write 10 to 12 chapters and review them several times before proceeding with the next installment. They claim that the characters sometimes tell the author that a story correction is in order. These hybrid-style writers use some discipline outline structure but couple it with a freeform approach.

Learn what works best for you and stick with it.

Six-Start building your writer network A network for authors consists of many elements outside of your family. Key people to cultivate are other authors or writing groups. Get engaged in one or more author groups. These groups can help you improve in a safe place. Constructive criticism is a valuable learning tool for writers in your selected genre and outside. Friends and family will be encouraging; however, after reading your material, their typical response is, “ Good job, and I’m proud of you—awesome for your ego but not helpful.

Being a member of an author group is a two-way street in that you get and give assistance to improve the piece.

You can learn techniques you can mimic while finding issues you don’t want to repeat. These groups aid in the creation of future beta readers and develop your fans for social media. Marketing is a major piece of your success in the long term. If you find yourself in a group with mean-spirited criticism, seek another group. You do not need to subject yourself to the abuse of anyone when you are learning and growing in this skill. An individual will continue to grow and improve after the first book or the twentieth.

Seven-Learn elements of book production.

Indie authors who do not get picked up by a publisher must learn about all the elements. Getting a book on the shelves of a physical or virtual bookstore after it is complete needs the following elements: • An editor-preferably a genre editor after a proofreader.

• Interior design • Front cover for the wow factor • Back cover content for sizzle once a perspective

reader picks up the book • Pricing for ebook and paperback versions, audiobooks have several more layers not covered in this document • Marketing An outside editor gives additional perspective. Even seasoned writers miss simple things now and again that an editor will catch. Misspellings or incorrect word usage will ruin the reader’s experience.

There are digital tools available to aid this but take care with uploading your document to just any program. Interior design includes chapter breaks, possibly with interior images for the professional appearance that will draw the reader in, not put them off with impossibly small fonts or poor spacing. As one award-winning graphic artist specializing in book designs once said, ebooks do not need to be ugly and can embrace color at no additional cost.

The same goes for cover design. If you did your research, book cover art for your genre may have rules to guide you. Canva, as an example, is helpful if you want DIY. Covers with too many images might confuse the reader. People do buy books from their covers, so it is critical. Plus, times and tastes change.

You may want to republish a book to get a more suitable cover or branding image over a series to target your current fans.

The sizzle portion of the back cover of a paperback or summary to hook readers is like a trailer for a movie; it grabs the audience. Reading covers helps, but sometimes getting expert advice can hit that homerun you want.

Pricing is often based on the genre, but printing costs can come into play. You want your book priced at three to four times greater than the print costs to help with your marketing budget and to provide earnings.

The retail price needs to land at the same level as your competitors. Remember your initial research on pricing; as a new author, follow the herd.

Issue 74 | November/December 2023 | 113

Marketing is an ongoing effort. It may require a website to showcase your work and social media presence, starting with one or two until you get a fan base and advertising. You should explore big digital marketplaces that will host your website for you rather than trying to build your own. Experience helps with designs, and your author network can often advise you on what works and doesn’t.

If you are committed to writing and publishing a story that will gain valued readers, use your imagination and experience. We don’t advocate a book created using generative A.I. as the end all be all.

We don’t believe you will get the same level of satisfaction when claiming a software program wrote or built your masterpiece. You might also find out you inadvertently plagiarized another writer. Many generative A.I. programs use open-source input from anywhere and everywhere. If you want the original, write it yourself.

Readers and marketing professionals tell us, why should readers consider it if the book doesn’t appear professionally created with quality writing and presentation? Invest in your product so the readers will spend valuable time reading it.

©Copyright 2024 Breakfield & Burkey for Uncaged Book Reviews www.uncagedbooks.com Published with Permission

114 | UncagedBooks.com

Breakfield is a technology expert in security, networking, voice, and anything digital. He enjoys writing, studying World War II history, travel, and cultural exchanges. Charles is a fan of wine tastings, winemaking, Harley riding, cooking extravaganzas, and woodworking.

Burkey is a echnology professional who excels at optimizing technology and business investments.

She works with customers all over the world focusing on optimized customer experiences. Rox writes white papers and documentation, but found she has a marked preference for writing fiction.

Together these Texas authors create award-winning stories that resonate with males and females, as well as young and experienced adults. They bring a fresh new view to technology possibilities today in exciting stories. Visit their website for more information and free stuff. Https://www.EnigmaSeries.com

feature authors

Jennifer Anne Gordon

horror | thriller

Dr, Katherine HutchinsonHayes

120 | UncagedBooks.com

Jennifer Anne.

J

gordon

ennifer Anne Gordon is an award-winning author and host of the Vox Vomitus podcast. Her debut novel Beautiful, Frightening and Silent won the Kindle Award for Best Horror/Suspense for 2020 and was a finalist for American Book Fest’s Best Book Award- Horror, 2020. Her novel Pretty/Ugly won the Helicon Award for Best Horror for 2022, and the Kindle Award for Best Novel of the Year (Reader’s Choice). Her collection The Japanese Box: And Other Stories was an instant Amazon Bestseller.

Jennifer is a member of MWA and the HWAAand is the Agents and Editors chair of the New England Crime Bake Committee.

Jennifer is the creator and co-host of the popular comedic literary podcast Vox Vomitus, as well as one of the co-hosts of House of Mystery on NBC Radio.

When not writing she lives with her husband in a haunted house in New Hampshire where they spend time dancing and teaching their dog (Lord Tubby) ridiculous tricks.

Uncaged welcomes Jennifer Anne Gordon Welcome to Uncaged! You recently released a collection, The Japanese Box and other stories. Can you tell readers more about this book?

This is a short collection that came about by accident.

The title story, The Japanese Box, started as a personal essay in a memoir class I was taking. But, what happens a lot with me, is that my work gets so personal that I realize I need to start fictionalizing it and adding in horror elements in order to get to the heart of what I am trying to convey. I originally submitted that story to Last Waltz Publishing in hopes that it may be a good fit for an anthology, but then they asked for another piece, and then another, and soon we had the makings of a short collection of literary horror.

You are also a dancer and actor. Do these professions Inspire your writing at all?

I think being an actor does play a very large role in how I go about my character development for my work. I go about each in the same way. I create a very intricate history for each character, starting with their core memories, their heartbreaks, their greatest loves etc. For me, I start with the character and a situation and then hopefully the plot comes out of those two things. Character is what I am most interested in. This holds true for the stage as well as the page.

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest?

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 121

FEATURE AUTHOR This can change based on my mood. Normally the scenes that may be the hardest to write on an emotional level end up being the easiest to get on the page. It helps if you don’t second guess yourself and edit as you go. I find for me when I am writing something that is emotionally difficult it is easiest for me to do that if I write in short, timed writing sprints. If I don’t let myself overthink something it comes out in a much more honest and visceral way.

The hardest things for me to write are usually more action or plot driven. Emotion is easy, sometimes just having my characters DO things is difficult.

How do you come up with names for your characters?

A lot of times they just come to me, as if they are a person that already exists, and I am just now meeting them. This is usually the case with my main characters. I think it’s harder to find names for secondary characters. I tend to figure out how old the character is and where in the country/world they are from and then I research the most popular names of the years around when they would have been born, and then what area of the country they are etc. With historical fiction I like to look through old census forms and sometimes even cemeteries.

Do you read reviews? What do you take away from them?

I used to read each review and would obsessively check Goodreads or Amazon; but the longer I do this the more convinced I am that most reviews are not meant for the authors, I think reviews are there for other readers. That said I do read reviews from well-known reviewers, magazines, or bloggers, but I do try to stay away from Goodreads as an author, though I do use Goodreads as a reader.

What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

I think if people are just familiar with my work as a writer, they might think that I am a very serious person. My work (horror, crime, as well as creative 122 | UncagedBooks.com

nonfiction) tends to be on the very serious side. They might not know that my big dream in this world is to be a stand-up comedian (or at least try it!).

What’s your process in the beginning stages of planning a new novel?

I need a novel, or at least the situation of a novel and the characters to live in my head for months, sometimes years before I can really start to write the book.

My debut novel Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent was living in my head for almost 20 years before I started to write it as a novel. I like to daydream and write in my head until I just can’t hold the story inside anymore and it has to come out.

What are some things you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing or working?

I like to cook a lot, lots of soups and other foods that

Twin Peaks Cosplay

JENNIFER ANNE GORDON I would like to thank all of my fans for their support and their willingness to take chances on my work. I also want to thank them for their patience and their understanding with the fact that sometimes the writing and publishing process is slow…I know they get excited for new work but sometimes those things are out of my hands. In the meantime, they can buy my books as presents for everyone they know, lol.

As for where they can follow me—I am most active on Facebook and Instagram and links for all my social media can be found on my website (which also includes links to Vox Vomitus as well as House of Mystery on NBC Radio, I am a cohost on both of those shows!

The Tower House my husband can eat. I have a lot of dietary restrictions, but cooking helps me to eat vicariously through him. I also love to travel and spend a lot of time researching and planning the trips we take. I find that very relaxing and a great mental escape. I love photography (especially travel photography and architectural and urban exploration photography) so working with my photos and editing them is a wonderful way to relax. Also mixed media art and coloring!

S t ay C onnec t ed

JenniferAnneGordon.com

Do you prefer ebooks, audiobooks or physical books?

Are you reading anything now?

I love them all! I adore physical books the most, but they are not always the most convenient. I like to read an e book at night or while traveling (currently reading The Jazz Club Spy by Roberta Rich on my Kindle), I always listen to an audio book when I am cleaning or cooking, my current audio book is Nestlings by Nat Cassidy. Sometimes with a physical book I read something that is longer that I can pick up and put down and not necessarily something I need to read in a hurry.

Right now, my physical book of choice is Junk Science and the Criminal Justice System by Chris Fabricant (from the Innocence Project).

What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 123

FEATURE AUTHOR

Enjoy an excerpt from: To Dance with Destiny The Japanese Box & other stories Jennifer Anne Gordon Horror Anthology The Japanese Box is a story that blends memoir, creative nonfiction, and the horror of a coming-of-age story, and a coming of middle-aged story.

Imagine growing up with a reflection that is often absent, and a Japanese box that is filled with things that should never have been there.

Memories.

Violence.

The Japanese Box is a love letter to anxiety, trauma, grief, and longing. It is a story of a child becoming an adult, and all the ghosts and misfortunes that happen in order to survive.

The Lithium Moon: Simone is an artist by day, and an emotionally abused wife at night. She is a successful artist with a long history of schizoid effective disorder with bipolar tendencies.

When her marriage goes from good to bad, she suffers her first miscarriage. The tragedy coincides with a wolf moon—Trauma and magic converge seem to converge in Simone’s head.

This story explores sadness, illness, hallucinations, full moons, and the creative process.

What Stage of Grief is not a poem, or a song, but a dirge.

Fantasy and facts, this poem walks a fine line between nightmares and memories. Grief stories and love stories. Dogs, and drama. Nightmares, and nevermore.

Excerpt 124 | UncagedBooks.com

Not Quite Ten. Mom goes out on Friday nights. She speaks French with her friends and smokes long fancy cigarettes.

They’re brown and smell like mint and fallen birch trees. She leaves the house with her blouse unbuttoned too far, but she hates it when I mention her cleavage.

“Enough. There’s going to be a time when your little face and attitude won’t be as cute anymore.”

They aren’t cute now, I know that. I don’t feel cute. I feel itchy inside my throat from her perfume. Jovan Musk in an orange box. Everything in our life is from Kmart. Everything is the shade of red that only appeals to men.

I am two hours away from seeing the Japanese box for the first time, and two years away from the razor blades, and 9 years away from realizing that my reflection is putting things into a box without my knowledge.

Right now, I’m just a kid.

Mom leaves just as Dad gets home from work. She smells like too much perfume. She is in the kind of pain that sounds like laughter and talking too much.

Her eyes are sad and no one in the house really talks to each other unless it’s about food. Dinner? No Dinner.

Just a block of sharp cheddar cheese and a knife that was born dull.

No one wants me to get hurt.

On Friday nights my dad and I camp out on the pullout sofa bed. The brown tweediness is tossed aside and the thin mattress over metal bars transforms our living room into a memory never captured in a photo. The sheets stay the same every week, it is like they live inside my couch. They smell like cats, plural, even though we only have one. The sheets are pale cream with roses. Some of the roses are faces; garish and obscene. They are comedy and tragedy masks. I told my pediatrician about the faces I saw in the flowers. He said it was a sign I was narcissistic or too neurotic for a child. I looked up those words in our two-volume navy blue dictionary that came with our Encyclopedia Britannica. I hated that doctor from then on. Later, when he was put on trial for molesting kids; I was happy. I wanted him to go to jail.

He didn’t.

JENNIFER ANNE GORDON My parents still made me go to him once the families, the accusers, were paid off and the charges were dropped. I never forgot the comment though, narcissistic or neurotic. He never saw the faces in those roses, if he had, maybe he would not have thought I was any of those things. Maybe I would have been labeled smart, or sensitive. Maybe he would have known that the dirty blood that runs in my veins might be making me crazy like the rest of the women in my family.

My mother would wear her blouses extra unbuttoned when we went to his office, but he never looked at her, he only ever looked at me.

Narcissistic. Neurotic.

So many screaming roses.

Those flowers take up most of the small living room, I lay on the edge of the sofa bed, and my face is a few feet from the television. There are reruns of Knight Rider on the TV. My Dad loves cars. I don’t tell anyone that sometimes I go into the closet in the downstairs bedroom and kiss the back of my hand, with tongue, and I pretend it’s David Hasselhoff. The hand never feels like what I think a kiss should feel like. It doesn’t feel like the time the little girl my mom babysat played the husband during our game of house. It does not feel like when we both hid under the screaming rose sheets that time when her mom picked her up late.

This Friday night the episode of Knight Rider has been on at least four times before this, and all I can think when I stare at the screen is how boring cars are. How weird a leather jacket is; how cars that talk sound like doctors on other tv shows. How I’ve heard that voice before, but where?

Neurotic. Yes. Maybe my doctor was right.

My father is sitting back on the bed, there is a box of pizza between us, and he is drinking a Bud Light. It’s not his first of the night, but I don’t think he has gotten to four or five yet. “Did I ever tell you I climbed a volcano?” He purses his lips and blows into the beer bottle. It sounds like a train.

“You can’t climb volcanos.” I reached for the beer bottle so I can make it whistle too, but he doesn’t see my hand. His eyes close before I get there.

“I did climb a volcano. And you know what else, you know Gramma’s pearls? I got those for her in

the ocean.” He sips his beer. When his eyes open, they look like a long summer day. They are the color of the sky on afternoons when you start to miss going to school. He drinks. He doesn’t do it to get drunk. He does it so he can fade away from the Knight Rider, and the screaming roses.

He does it to fade away from mom in a low-cut blouse smoking a cigarette, speaking French.

Maybe he fades away so he can remember. A volcano.

I can’t picture him at the ocean, finding pearls, climbing mountains. I have never seen his bare knees. I have heard from my mother that his legs are lumpy and pale, filled with shrapnel. I can only see him here, with grease stains on his knuckles.

He fixes cars he can never afford. He brings them home on the weekend before their owners come to pick them up. It’s Friday night and they are in our driveway, but no one cares. Fancy cars that belong to someone else don’t fool anyone, we are still the smallest house in the poorest neighborhood of this rich town.

My father’s clothes smell like gasoline and oil.

There will be a day when I smell a gas station and I burst into tears because I will miss him. But I am years away from that. Right now all I can think about is this supposed volcano. This impossibility of greatness hidden like seeds that never grew are inside this man. He sips his beer, and the pizza is cold, but he eats it anyway.

“There are no volcanoes here.” Here in New England. Here in this living room. Here on this sofa bed. I’m skeptical. I hear my mother telling me that someday this thing I do, this always questioning thing, won’t be cute. The air still smells like her perfume and my throat itches and scratches at the memory. It seems so long ago, and it’s only been three hours. I hate her for leaving me; even if it’s just for a few hours. When she is here my father’s shoulders seem more relaxed, and we are all able to breathe a little deeper.

I am barely breathing now.

“No, I was in Japan, back when I was in the service.” He said service and I understood what that meant in a way that a child would understand.

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FEATURE AUTHOR Service was why we can’t watch reruns of Mash even though they are on right after the local news.

Service was ‘war is not funny little girl.’ Service was Korea. Service was eavesdropped stories about everyone thinking Dad was dead and “maybe it would be better if he were.” Service was pearl jewelry he had made for his mother. Service was being missing for three years and coming home to a girlfriend that married someone else.

Service were things that should never be said in a letter from his mom. Service was Christmas with food that he hated. Service was “it’s better he learns this on his own.” He bought the girlfriend a horse before he left for basic training; Service was that horse. Service was six months in a hospital that no one talks about. Service was him being paralyzed for months but there were no physical reasons for it. Service was exhaustion in the same way my mother was exhausted but still so much different. Service was not something he talked about, and I never asked—but I thought about it a lot. Service was me being quiet and chewing on the ends of my hair as he sipped his beer. Service was mom leaving the house in a low-cut blouse.

Service was my mother fighting a war we didn’t even know about. Service was my father being petrified of wind—Service was this night; when memories tapped on the back of his teeth begging to be let out.

I flip over on my back. I watch Knight Rider upside down and it doesn’t make it any better. I think about how kissing my hand didn’t feel like anything— “Climbing a volcano doesn’t sound like war.” I can hear it. My mother was right; soon this wouldn’t be cute.

“It’s not always war. Sometimes it’s…” His words fade and then come back. “Sometimes it’s the times between it all. Like dreams.”

“Like wind?” Everything I say ends in a question mark; even when it’s not a question.

I knew he would flinch when I said it. Maybe I did this to be mean; to push. Maybe it was to be the me that my mother said would not always be cute. I try to right myself around and plop onto my elbows in the opposite direction. My elbow is 126 | UncagedBooks.com

on the cold pizza. The half leftover for mom now has my elbow in it. I wonder if she will be able to taste my elbows later. I know I should not have said the part about the wind. I know I’m not cute, and I know there is pizza here that could taste like love, but I don’t eat it. “What kind of dreams?”

“I have a Japanese box; I’ll show it to you when you’re older, and I have a fan from Mount Fuji. You can have that someday when I know you won’t break it.”

“I won’t break anything if you show it to me now.”

He finishes his second or third beer. He looks at but does not mention my elbow in the pizza. He flings the screaming roses to the side of the pull-out bed.

His feet are heavy as they move into the kitchen, and then lighter as they approach the basement door, and then even lighter still when he stops on the creaky cellar stairs. They bow under his weight. His hands are rough and calloused; they are always stained with motor oil. When he moves the paper bags out of the crawlspace it sounds like butterfly wings.

I hear the cat, she sleeps there with the secrets, she meowls in indignation.

He moves the metal lockbox that holds our family money, he doesn’t trust banks, or credit cards. He’s never written a check. Behind the lockbox there is something else. His hands touch it, and the house is filled with sad magic.

Dreams.

Wind.

I turn off Knight Rider before I am even asked. I hold my breath, and I catch my reflection in the television screen as it cools down. It turns dark green and then fades to black. There is a bright dot in the middle of the screen and all I can think about is that my reflection looks nothing like me. She smiles, but when I reach up to touch my own face I’m not smiling.

I don’t know who she is.

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Dr. Katherine

A

Hutchinson-hayes

uthor, speaker, educational consultant, and editor–Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. has had her hand in leadership for many years. She loves speaking to groups and delivering messages with a quick wit and real-life stories. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, a content editor/writing coach for Iron Stream Media, and a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines. She is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the board of the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future.

Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel.

Uncaged welcomes Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes Welcome to Uncaged! Your book, God’s Little Black Dress for Women is an inspirational guide for women.

What do you want people to take away from your book?

In “God’s Little Black Dress for Women,” readers are presented with a powerful tool to help them overcome the obstacles of inferiority and self-doubt that often plague women. The book delves deeply into the mental and emotional struggles that women face on a daily basis and provides effective strategies for overcoming these challenges. By empowering the mind, the book aims to help women achieve success and fulfillment in all areas of their lives, from their careers to their personal relationships. Through powerful stories

and practical advice, “God’s Little Black Dress for Women” is a must-read for any woman looking to take control of her life and rise above the negative beliefs that hold her back.

You have a new book coming soon, called The Fifth of the Story, a suspense thriller. Can you tell us more about this book?

There’s an attack on US soil, and Brock—an agent of the CIA—finds himself in the middle of the mess.

He soon discovers that there’s been a breach that threatens not only to destroy the nation’s safety but very possibly, Brock’s own life. In the race against the clock, Brock tries to keep his field officer’s wife and children safe and stay alive. In the midst of the Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 133

FEATURE AUTHOR chaos, Brock discovers one of his closest allies is a part of the dangerous intelligence breach responsible for a recent string of crimes by an extremist organization. It’s up to Brock to either take down the organization or find himself—and those he loves most—at their mercy.

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest?

I was two-thirds of the way done with A Fifth of the Story when my mother died of COVID-19 eight weeks after my younger brother died suddenly. I came home that night and wrote a chapter about a female character in a battle against time who faced losing her young sons. This scene was the most difficult to write because I went through the same emotions I’d faced losing my close family members.

The easiest scene for me to write was a scene about an argument with one of the main characters and his best friend’s wife. It was a natural scene because it was about a deep friendship which I’ve been fortunate to experience.

(Uncaged Response - My sincerest condolences to you and your family) How do you come up with names for your characters?

I tend to do a lot of research on some of my names, especially surnames. However, sometimes the characters decide who they will be and I end up changing names for the ones the characters chose.

Do you read reviews? What do you take away from them?

I make an effort to read credible reviews whenever I have the time. Reading reviews helps me to learn, grow, and improve myself. I believe that by analyzing the opinions and feedback of others, I can 134 | UncagedBooks.com

gain valuable insights and perspectives that can help me to provide better service. Therefore, I take the time to carefully consider the reviews that I read, and I use the knowledge that I gain from them to become a more helpful, reliable, and trustworthy assistant.

What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

As someone who is generally outgoing and sociable, few would guess that I used to be extremely shy during my early years. In fact, my teachers would often complain about my lack of participation in class discussions. However, my interest in the arts, particularly music and literature, helped me to slowly break out of my shell.

It all started when I got involved in a music and arts program at my middle school. The program provided a safe and nurturing environment where I could explore my creative side without fear of judgment. Through this program, I began to discover my passion for writing. I had always enjoyed writing poems, short stories, and plays, but I had never shared my work with anyone before.

Eventually, I started to gain confidence in myself and my abilities. I began to share my work with my family, starting with my younger siblings. I would involve them in performing my plays and skits in a makeshift theater that I had created in my bedroom, which I shared with my sister. Seeing their enjoyment and appreciation for my work gave me a sense of fulfillment and encouraged me to keep pushing myself creatively.

While my original aspiration was to become a medical doctor, my experiences in the arts program helped me to realize that my true passion lay in writing and the creative arts. Today, I am grateful for the opportunities that helped me to discover my passion and overcome my shyness.

What’s your process in the beginning stages of planning a new book?

When I sit down to write a story, I usually start with an interesting premise that catches my attention. From there, I begin to build a world around the premise and create characters that fit into it. I like to think about their personalities, their backgrounds, and what motivates them.

As I dive deeper into the story, I often find myself painting my protagonist into a corner. I like to see how they react to difficult situations, and how they use their strengths and weaknesses to overcome challenges. It’s always fascinating to watch a character grow and develop over the course of a story.

In addition to writing, I also enjoy creating visual aids to help me bring my characters to life. Sometimes, I’ll make posters using pictures I’ve cut out from magazines. This helps me visualize the characters and their families and gives me a better sense of who they are as people.

What are some things you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing or working?

I find immense pleasure in working out and have a particular fondness for running. The way the wind rushes past me as I move forward and the feeling of my muscles working in unison is truly exhilarating. Additionally, I have a keen interest in bird watching. There is something about observing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat that fills me with a sense of wonder and peace.

I have set up birdfeeders in my backyard, which also attract other animals like squirrels, raccoons, possums, rabbits, and deer. I spend hours watching these animals, trying to understand their behavior and interactions with each other.

DR. KATHERINE HUTCHINSON-HAYES These activities provide me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I cherish deeply.

Do you prefer ebooks, audiobooks or physical books? Are you reading anything now?

I have recently switched to reading ebooks for the sake of convenience and space. They are easy to carry around and I can have an entire library in one device. However, I must admit that my preference for reading is always physical books. There is something about the feel of the pages, the smell of the paper, and the overall experience of holding a book that just cannot be replicated by a digital device. Despite the benefits of ebooks, I always find myself drawn towards physical books whenever I have the chance.

What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

As a writer, I am deeply grateful for readers like you. Your support and engagement bring life and meaning to the stories I create. I cannot imagine a world without you, as it would be a lonely and dull place indeed. If you would like to connect with me further, I invite you to visit my website where you can find various ways to stay in touch and follow me. Simply follow this link to access my website: www.drkatherinehayes.com. Thank you for your support and I look forward to connecting with you soon.

S t ay C onnec t ed drkatherinehayes.com

In addition to these activities, I also indulge in painting and playing the piano. There is something magical about creating a piece of art or playing a beautiful melody that transports me to a different world altogether.

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FEATURE AUTHOR

Enjoy an excerpt from A Fifth of the Story A Fifth of the Story Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes Suspense Thriller Releases Feb. 27 There’s an attack on US soil, and Brock―an agent of the CIA―finds himself in the middle of the mess.

He soon discovers that there’s been a breach that threatens not only to destroy the nation’s safety, but very possibly, Brock’s own life.

In the race against the clock, Brock tries to keep his field officer’s wife and children safe and stay alive.

In the midst of the chaos, Brock discovers one of his closest allies is a part of the dangerous intelligence breach responsible for a recent string of crimes by an extremist organization.

It’s up to Brock to either take down the organization, or find himself―and those he loves most― at their mercy.

A Fifth of the Story is the suspenseful, actionpacked tale of one man’s courage and resilience as he works against the clock to save the lives of his two best friends and, ultimately, the freedom he’s fought for as a CIA agent during one of the US’s history’s darkest hours, using the backdrop of espionage, loyalty, betrayal, and the ultimate test of friendship.

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Excerpt Chapter 1 “How much for the goat?” Brock pointed to an animal whose ribs jutted through its filthy coat.

A fly landed on Brock’s eyelid, forcing it shut with its bulging weight. He smacked himself, missing the target that lazily flew away. The fly buzzed nearby to a freshly butchered camel’s head, then upward, joining a cloud of flies feasting on fish strung by their tails on a clothesline.

Mohammed threw his head back and laughed. His stomach jiggled through his white bubu, a traditional Malian gown. “You don’t want no goat, man.”

“No?” Brock scanned the jagged rock path between the crowd of jumbled buildings behind where the vendor sat. Several Islamic schoolboys ran toward the town center. In the distance, a sign for where he’d slept the last few nights at the La Colombe Hotel glistened in the African sun. He’d spent evenings there as the hotel’s singular guest. The adjoining restaurant was a popular eatery during the day, but when the sun set, everyone deserted. Even the manager went home come nightfall.

Brock walked to a rack of knock-off sunglasses displayed on nails tacked through a piece of zinc. He donned a pair and checked his reflection in the fulllength mirror perched against the camel’s head. It had been more than six months since he’d been taking the canthaxanthin (food-color) pills. But seeing his tall, muscular, bearded image always took him by surprise.

This darker version of himself made his green eyes smolder. Dressed in a head wrap with jet black curls peeking through and a mud-cloth dashiki, he really did resemble the accredited Egyptian archeologist his colleagues at the excavation site believed he was.

“You want info,” Mohammed said. “Right, boss?”

“Right.”

“Men you seek.” He used his head to point. “Second building to the left, third floor.”

DR. KATHERINE HUTCHINSON-HAYES “Which apartment?”

“Follow smell.”

“What smell?”

“You’ll know.” Mohammed’s mouth opened in an uneven grin displaying betel-colored teeth. “The cost of that goat is $400, Boss,” he said, brown spittle spraying into his goatee.

“That’s a pretty expensive meal.”

He shrugged. “Last meal costs more.”

Brock folded a wad of bills into Mohammed’s meaty palm. “Is there anything else you’d like to tell me?”

They wouldn’t meet again, something Mohammed already knew.

Mohammed fanned himself, looking directly into Brock’s eyes. “No, Boss.”

Brock knew this time he was lying.

He picked his way through the bustling marketplace, keeping his head low and his pace even until he got to the second building. Once inside the dank entryway, Brock kept his new sunglasses on but pulled the head-wrap off and reached for the gun strapped to his ankle.

Moving cautiously up the steps to the third floor, Brock came to a landing. He peeked around the corner, checking both sides of the hall before turning left.

As he made his way down the tiled hall, a family tumbled from one of the rusted doors. A woman wrapped in a black hijab held the hands of two small children.

In true Muslim fashion, she kept her eyes trained on the floor while her husband locked their apartment.

Brock put his head-wrap back on. He bent over, pretending to tie his sandal, and tucked his gun back in its holster.

Dust in the hallway slipped past his allergy medicine and he sneezed.

The father spun around and peered at Brock.

Oh, crap. Bad enough he was paler than most people in these parts. But thanks to the UNESCO archaeological project in the region, the Mali locals saw strangers as looking for drugs, girls, or Allah.

The father smiled politely and bowed. “Yarhamuka Allah”—May God have mercy on you.

Brock prayed his Arabic recall would spring into action. He got up and returned the bow. “Barak Allahu Fik”—God bless you.

The father indicated drugs were to the left, girls to the right, and the mosque was located below.

Brock switched to French. “Je suis perdu où est la mosquèe?” he said, explaining he was lost and needed directions to the mosque.

“Oui.” The father volunteered to show him the way, so Brock followed the family out of the building to the mosque. The family then left to shop at the market.

Satisfied he was alone again, Brock retraced his steps.

A voice whispered in his ear, “O’Reilly, we got your six covered.” “ I’m tracking.” Brock sniffed the air. The burnt skunky smell of marijuana took him further down the hall toward the boom of French rap music.

Brock crept the rest of the way, stopping every few feet to check the area for movement.

“Confirmed nine targets at location,” the voice said.

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FEATURE AUTHOR “Still tracking.” He reached the end of the hallway. The music from the apartment shook the walls, causing pieces of peeling paint to flitter in the air like brown confetti.

“I’m on location,” Brock whispered. He had crouched outside the door and now stood to adjust his bulletproof vest.

An ice-cold piece of metal pressed upon his skull.

Instinctively, Brock lifted his hands in surrender.

He turned to face the person at the other end of the barrel—the father from earlier. Where’s my backup? Crap. Beads of sweat slithered down the sides of Brock’s face.

“Allahu Akbar”—God is most great. The father’s dark skin glistened in the shadows as he released the safety on his automatic weapon.

“Mashallah”—God has willed it. Brock snapped a sidekick into the father’s chest.

The father staggered backward, holding tightly to the gun.

Brock wrenched the gun from his hands and swung the barrel in a wide arc against the side of the man’s head.

The father staggered sideways as a maroon-colored gush of blood streamed from his scalp. Then he went for Brock’s neck.

The automatic thudded against the tile floor.

Brock kicked it away, snatching his own gun from the holster. His fingers curled around the Glock .22 and squeezed the trigger.

The explosion reverberated through the hall.

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slid against the wall to the floor.

“Unidentified combatant down,” Brock said, adrenaline coursing through his body. With his eyes on the door, he slung the man’s weapon across his shoulder, curled his fingers around his gun, and braced himself.

“We got it from here,” a voice whispered in Brock’s ear.

Seconds later, two agents, Shuggs and Pang, ran ahead, demolishing the door.

Brock reached up and switched out his earpiece for temporary earplugs. Ensuring his earplugs were in place before the anticipated whoosh of a flash grenade that glided past him.

The blast pierced through the dingy dwelling, disorienting the occupants. Bursts of light and shrapnel thundered inside, causing a small tsunami. The kitchen’s plumbing exploded, hurling a wave of water down the hall, bringing with it the contents of the cabinets. Silverware bobbed like misguided missiles in the murky water.

Brock replaced the earplugs with his earpiece, thankful that he hadn’t lost his connection when the crackle of static came through.

Six muscled, armed men stumbled through a maze of overturned furniture and half-eaten meals. Blinded by the bomb, with their hands raised, they cried out, “J’ai besoin d’aide Allah! Sa’idnee Allah!”—pleas for help from God in French and Arabic. One of the dazed insurgents tried unsuccessfully to force his dislodged eye back into an oozing, hollow socket.

Brock and his companions took down each of the men with clean kill shots—close-range bullets to the head.

“Three targets heavily armed in back room, right corner,” a voice said to Brock. “Proceed with caution.”

DR. KATHERINE HUTCHINSON-HAYES Signaling the agents to follow him, Brock sloshed through ankle-deep water in the dark hall.

The group moved in tactical formation past the mutilated bodies toward the last bedroom.

Brock stepped carefully over a twitching, detached arm with three missing fingers. The metallic stench of gunpowder made his breath come in labored, hard and fast. His heartbeat hammered like a paper drum while a stifling silence settled over the apartment. Brock’s fingers coiled around his Glock’s trigger. Using his foot, he pried open the bedroom door.

Someone behind the door cursed in French and fired, ripping it off its hinges.

The group of agents took cover behind a large bookcase overflowing with gaming equipment.

Motioning for the others to back him, Brock lowered his body into a growing river of water. He peeked around the door jamb, pumping bullets into a wiry man who popped from behind a barrier of cocaine bricks.

The other agents unleashed another set of rounds into a tall, hulking man who appeared behind a wall of explosives piled onto a mattress. They retreated to reload their weapons.

a woman with a machine gun pointed at Brock.

Shuggs threw a second flash grenade into the bedroom and sprang back into the hall. Shockwaves rocked the apartment in a thunderous roar while Brock and the men knelt, waiting for the remaining sparks to fizzle out.

The sounds from the bedroom faded.

Echoes of sirens clanged in the faraway distance, drowned out by screams of women and children from the marketplace below.

Brock shook his head, and his stomach filled with acid. He checked his watch. They were in a race against time, so the risk of civilian casualties would be low.

“All targets down,” the voice said.

Wiping the sweat from his hands, Brock peered around the door’s column. Motionless bodies soaked in growing pools of blood told him all he needed to know. Brock gave the okay sign to the other agents.

“Document confirmation of wanted targets,” the voice said. “Building perimeter is secured. Vacate in ten.”

“Affirmative,” Brock said.

Brock crawled on his stomach and fired at a third person, a woman who had a rocket launcher aimed at the group from behind a dresser.

The other agents split up. Following protocol, they rushed throughout the apartment collecting everything of value to the agency.

An explosion reverberated from within the bedroom toward the agents, blowing out a chunk of wall, narrowly missing Brock. Stunned and bleeding from a busted lip, Brock stood shakily, feeling like someone had belted him in the chest. Pang yelled out a warning.

Circuiting the room, Brock readied his agency phone to capture the required images of the three people who’d helped Boko Haram militants terrorize the city for the last year.

This warning came as the agent rushed toward

Brock crouched on his heels next to the two bodies. They resembled each other. Handsome. Brothers in their early twenties. Both stared open-eyed at the clacking ceiling fan above, limbs posed in Issue 75 | January/February 2024 | 139

FEATURE AUTHOR unnatural positions. After taking their pictures, he walked to the third body and crouched again.

A dead girl sat erect on the cracked tile floor with her back against the wall, a gun hanging loosely from her hand. Female, about sixteen, with acne covering her forehead, eyes shut as if sleeping. He snapped her picture and got up.

Brock walked to the door, and looked back before leaving the space stained with the coppery taste of violent death. Something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. A wave of a tiny palm quivered from beneath a delicate, embroidered blanket he hadn’t noticed before.

Shuggs touched him on the arm and motioned for him to leave.

Brock nodded and released a tense breath.

The bundle trembled and then went still. Oh, God, no. He was too small, too innocent to be in a filthy place packed with drugs, deadly Islamic terrorists, and more explosives than he had seen in months.

Brock ran back into the room, kneeled, and snapped the last picture.

Held tight by a dead teenage mother was an infant covered in blood. The baby stared lifelessly right through Brock as if seeing a secret deep in his soul before departing a brief life.

For the first time since the mission began, a tremor of sadness, of deep regret, gripped him. Brock tapped the hot barrel of his gun against his temple. What did I do?

“Retreat now,” a voice crackled in his ear. “Time’s up.”

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Uncaged Reviews Winter Solstice in the Winter Castle Jennifer Ivy Walker Medieval Fantasy Romance Gabrielle is a flame haired, fire hearted French princess who dreams of becoming a Valkyrie warrior queen like her Viking ancestors from Normandy. Sent to Paris to learn the proper etiquette for a future French queen, she is called home to le Château de Beaufort for a forced marriage to a man she loathes when her father the king’s precarious health takes a sudden turn for the worse.

Uncaged Review: This is a great winter story with a mix of myth, lore, fantasy and unrequited love. Gabrielle is a French princess and her ailing father wants to marry her off before he passes away to make sure she is taken care of. The man that is the likely candidate is a horrible man who mainly wants the lands and kingdom from Gabrielle’s inheritance that would help his pirate business by opening seaports to his illegal shipping.

Sir Bastien has loved Gabrielle all his life, from teaching her to ride and fight from a very young age. Assigned as her personal guardian, Bastien loves what he can’t have. The King decides on a competition joust, and the winner will take Gabriel’s hand and Bastien finds he’s able to compete.

There is danger, action and a cast of great secondary characters that make up this story, Sir Lancelot of the Round Table makes an appearance with a special gift for a young lad. Full of action, this is a story that keep you glued to the pages.

Reviewed by Cyrene

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A Spell for a Duke Amy Quinton Historical Fantasy Josie Bell is all about her job…

Miss Josephine Bell, witch, is tasked with apprehending a rogue demon before he obliterates London. But the Lycan assigned to assist her isn’t, strictly speaking, available…since she just arrested him

Uncaged Review: I’m a heavy reader in both historical and fantasy genres, so this is a great way to spend an afternoon, with both of those genres together. For the beginning, this started a bit slow because of so many different characters and backgrounds that are involved and the two main characters in this book don’t truly meet until you are over 25% into the book, and then it’s in a fighting ring. In this world, Spellmaidens are the ones tasked with bringing in the supernaturals that have committed crimes and Josie is one of the best, although she doesn’t always follow the rules. And when she is tasked with bringing in a lycan name Lachlan, the trouble has only just begun.

After the two meet in the fighting ring, this story really gets going. Lycans and Spellmaidens are not supposed to mix, but the two will have a hard time remembering that. There is a lot of humor and both main characters are easy to like. This has plenty of action, romance and hot sex scenes and if you like the two different genres, this may be a great book to read.

Reviewed by Cyrene

Savage is My Kingdom L.A. McGinnis Dark Fantasy Romance Two ruthless kings at war.

A princess with a terrible power.

Four broken warriors sworn to protect her.

When I was dragged from my home by the Fae King’s vicious enforcer, I left my old life as a slave behind to become a pawn in an ancient game between two powerful brothers, possessing a stolen magic that could break apart kingdoms. Or forge a new one.

Uncaged Review: This book is very aptly titled. This story is so layered, that the twists and turns in the road it takes is quite a ride. And it can be a brutal – with vivid descriptions of battles and the Fae in this world are vicious and cruel. Anaria was raised as a slave, to the Descendants, which are just the upscale of the Fae. Anaria never knew her parents or her background, only the beatings and torture delivered by her tormentors if she did the slightest thing wrong.

Anaria is very young and naïve in the start of this story and we see her growth and coming into her own by the time you finish. Four males have come into her life, all vastly different, and all tasked with kidnapping Anaria and taking her to the Shadow King to keep her from the High Fae King.

I really got absorbed in this new world by this author.

I have to admit there was so much going on that you have to pay attention, or you may have to back track.

This is setting up to be a reverse harem, although there is some serious sex scenes, it’s only with one couple. But I expect that to change in the coming books. Reviewed by Cyrene

Rebirth of Ruby’s Ranch Rhonda Frankhouser Ghost Paranormal Romance After centuries of mystery and torment, Emma is chosen to fulfill the family legacy. When she’s called home to Ruby’s Ranch to care for her ailing mother, she’s torn between an undeniable romantic connection and a spiritual journey that requires heartbreaking sacrifice.

Uncaged Review: With the final installment of this series, it comes to a satisfying ending. For some reason, I didn’t like the Matthew and Emma insta-love, even though Matthew had been pining for Emma almost his whole life. Emma returns to the ranch to help take care of her mother who has Covid. Being a nurse on the front lines, she’s exhausted, but with Ruby pregnant, she steps up.

Then all the strangeness of Ruby’s ranch begins to start. The spirits of Augie and Shona start appearing more often, and Emma and the readers will finally have answers to the mysteries of the family. But Emma will have to make a hard decision to save her family.

This is an entertaining read, and really picks up the pace at the halfway point. The ending seemed a bit quick, but it answers a lot of questions and will have an ending befitting of this series. I was glad to read in the author’s notes at the end, is she plans to revisit this world with other characters, and I’m up for the ride. Reviewed by Cyrene

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Uncaged Reviews Fatal Hunt Michelle Godard-Richer Ghost Suspense/Thriller After being widowed and surviving the wrath of a serial killer, Jessica believes her misfortunes are over. She’s reunited with her first love, Jon, and together, with her son Bryce, and a baby on the way, they’re living their happily ever after on their ranch in Montana.

Uncaged Review: This book is a non-stop, twisting and turning thriller that does a good job with the pacing. Jessica is married to Jon, who was an undercover agent for the FBI and made some enemies along the way. Jessica’s first husband, Adam, passed away, although that won’t be the last time we hear from Adam. With a mob boss chasing them down, Jon and Jessica and her small son Bryce, will go on the run and on top of it, Jessica is pregnant to complicate things.

This book has a lot of twists to it, I did guess early on many of the things that happen, and some of the mystery people, but it was still fun getting there. I could see this book to be a hot property for a film or TV movie. And the ending left it wide open for part 2, but I’m not giving anything away. Reviewed by Cyrene

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The Sylvan Horn Robert Redinger Fantasy Sword/Sorcery Before the days of men, there were elves. In a time they were great and powerful, the first dwellers, the brightest ray of dawn upon the earth. They brought light and music to the world and every breeze that stirs and wave that crashes still echoes with the wonder of the fair folk.

Uncaged Review: There is a darkness in the east, and the elves are losing their magic and power from the evil that is starting to invade the land. In this book, there are some runes that if they finally come together, it will be the end of all that’s good and the elves want to stop it. This book has a ton of characters and it’s hard to keep up with all of them, but the main character of Efkin is the focus, mostly. In all honesty, I was baffled a lot by the book. The book would jump from scene to scene, without ever seeing how the last scene ended. The lack of transitioning between the scenes made me think I’d missed something. Things were also very confusing, in the beginning, the elves are fighting the trolls in a cave, and the next minute we are at a ceremony, and I’m not completely sure what the ceremony was for. Maybe coming of age into their powers?

On a good note, the storyline is good and so is the idea of this book. The author also gives a rich imagery of the world around, I just wish I understood more back story on the events that happen in the book.

Reviewed by Cyrene

Beyond Circumstances Gloria Joynt-Lang Small Town Romance Zak Tifour loathes violence, and who could blame him? Two years ago, it destroyed him. It’s one thing to witness death, yet another to be responsible for the carnage. To survive, he hides in a small town, but when an attractive doctor veers off the road, his self-imposed exile is threatened. Though drawn to the woman’s generous heart, Zak’s terrified his darkness will engulf her light.

Uncaged Review: A small-town romance, with two wounded souls and the beginning of healing from the past. Zak has come to Braxley, to get away from a brutal past. He has PTSD from being captured and tortured along with his undercover work for the NYPD terrorist unit. Getting away from it all is the only way he believes he can survive. Being in a small town, there is a lot of talk and rumors, but Zak keeps mainly to himself in a small cottage with his dog.

Lexie is the new doctor in town, with her own past tragedies. Losing her niece has taken its toll, so moving away from Chicago was a way to start over.

Meeting Zak started to stir feelings she didn’t realize she was capable of or even deserved.

This is a nicely written story with a good pace and well-developed characters. Some of the nosy smalltown people are even a lot of fun how they cleverly try to pry information from both Lexie and Zak at times along with the bigotry of a few small, minded people. There were a few slower areas in the book, but overall, this is a great story for the romance lover with people that could easily be anyone’s neighbor.

Reviewed by Cyrene

Run Girl Run Ellen Y. Mueller YA Contemporary Sixteen-year-old Tracie lives in a house divided by fear and a family secret she has yet to discover. Her grandma provides a hint and the tools to unearth the past. Are the clues the answer to her prayers? If so, she’ll take her younger brother, Jason, and split. One night, when her dad is in one of his violent rages, opportunity pounds on Tracie’s door. Cal, a male friend, offers an escape.

Uncaged Review: Suffering horrendous abuse by her father, and without any sympathy or help from her mother, Tracie flees her home with a guy, Cal, she had met when they lived in Texas. Although she had nothing to her name, no clothes, no money, and is only 16, they flee to Texas to live in a broken-down RV. When things go south there, she throws caution to the wind and goes with Cal to his mother’s home in Rhode Island. Things seem better, but only for a while. Tracie does her best to work to save money to go back home when things in Rhode Island aren’t a lot better than her home.

Tracie will find herself in many bad situations, and she does her best to survive. This is a heartbreaking tale and heartwarming at the same time.

With a good twist in the plot near the end, that gives the story closure, Tracie will find that the hard times she faced may have saved her life. For many teens, the sad truth is this story is very real.

It does have some triggers because of beatings, drug use and runaways. This is a well written story of the fight for survival and happiness.

Reviewed by Cyrene

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Uncaged Reviews When We Were Flowers Catori Sarmiento LGBTQ Romance

Reluctant Hearts Linda Griffin Contemporary Romance Anthology

In 2011, Tara Larson was told that her English teaching contract would not be renewed. Taking a chance, she packed herself up and moved from her small-town Minot, North Dakota, to be an Assistant Language Teacher in Tokyo, Japan

Four couples, four stories: Darien Francis and Richard Li meet during a bank robbery, but she’s afraid to love again.

Shane Kenniston and Beth Parker are reacquainted years after she had a crush on him, but she is a recent widow, and Shane’s life was upended by a false accusation

Uncaged Review: Tara loses her teaching job in her small town in North Dakota, and takes a position as a teacher in Tokyo, Japan. Never being far from home, this becomes quite an adventure.

Soon after she arrives in Tokyo, she meets Ami. Ami had a Japanese father and an American mother, so she speaks both languages fluently.

Ami helps Tara navigate the country and they become lovers.

The book deals with how Tara learns more about Japan and their customs and the differences.

There are a couple tragedies that strike, an earthquake with a tsunami along with the damage to a nuclear plant Fukushima. So it follows along with that incident during the same time period as the book is set in. The one thing I didn’t like quite understand is that Tara quit wanting to listen to the news, and mostly tried to ignore it. I would have wanted to know everything. This story shows how a person can overcome and start anew, even amongst some heartbreak.

This is a nice read, I will say that the cover of this book does not convey what is in the book at all.

This is a sweet romance, and the cover doesn’t take the book seriously, and although the saying is “don’t judge a book by its cover” is true, it should at least represent the story inside.

Reviewed by Cyrene

Uncaged Review: This book has 4 short stories, all different couples who are “reluctant” to be in a relationship, but somehow loves finds them. None of the stories intertwine at all but they all carry the same thing. My favorite was the first book, where we go straight into a bank heist. I liked both Darien and Richard and their slow but steady pace to love. The stories are a nice interlude, but each one of them cut off abruptly. As soon as I started getting invested in how things would ultimately end, it ended. Especially the second story about Shane and Beth.

for a year.

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These are easy reads, and the author does a great job packing the four stories into one. Anyone who wants a nice clean romance, and doesn’t have a lot of time, this book will work out perfect.

Reviewed by Cyrene

Knight of the Bleeding Heart Margaux Thorne Historical Romance

Falling for the Devil K.C. Freeman Fantasy Romance

They handed him a title, but she was the offer he couldn’t refuse.

The Goddess of the Hunt ~ Diana She only wanted to prove her worth to her misogynistic family, but this…this is an epic mistake!

Boston businessman, Nathaniel Lawrence doesn’t have a dime he didn’t earn himself. So when he finds out that he’s the long-lost heir to a penniless dukedom in England, it’s easy for him to dismiss the undeserving fortune. Why pour money into a crumbling castle and meaningless title when his eye is set on the future in America?

Uncaged Review: After American Nate’s father passes away and leaves him only the textile business he created – Nate is surprised by a letter from the Duke of Wembley who writes and asks him to come to England, as he is his long lost heir to the Dukedom. Of course, Nate believes it’s a con, but when the Duke’s daughter, Lady Charlotte becomes part of a deal, Nate decides that the alpacas that the Duke owns and Lady Charlotte are worth a try, even though he never believes he’s an heir, even when he finds out that the Duke is broke.

A well thought out and original story, with a romance that builds from friendship. There is a good suspense woven into this story and the characters are different and entertaining, even the half crazy Duke. Both Lady Charlotte and Nate are easy to like, and the story moves along seamlessly. This is part of a series, but I had not read any of the others before this one, and this reads well as a standalone book.

Reviewed by Cyrene

The Archangel of Light ~ Lucifer Never once in all of creation has the reputed most beautiful angel in the heavens been tempted into sin until…her.

Uncaged Review: This book is a bit different in the fact that it uses the Greek gods of Zeus, Apollo, etc against the angels. The gods were created to be the protectors of the humans, but have grown lazy. This is a retelling of Lucifer’s falling from Grace, and he is sent to Olympus to find out that many of his legions have been wiped out and they are requesting the help of the master hunter, Diana (Artemis) with finding the killer. But the reaction that Lucifer has toward Diana is unexpected.

The book goes along well, with a lot of action, and even romance, which is forbidden, or is it?

What threw this book down the rabbit hole for me is the ending. Lucifer goes from the Creator’s most brilliant son to something pure evil in such a way that it didn’t make sense to me. I would have forgotten some of it with the second book that was supposed to be released months ago, but the author seems to have vanished. So although I thought three fourths of the book was well done, the last part didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. Reviewed by Cyrene

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Uncaged Reviews Grave-Reaping Hermit Everlyn C. Thompson Urban Fantasy When self-professed hermit Theodora Edwards is attacked by a dark fae and infected with his magic, she finds herself thrust into the supernatural spotlight as the first possible changeling in centuries.

As if surviving the transition isn’t hard enough, Theo has to deal with an attempted abduction by her newly turned vampire ex-husband, unwanted courting offers from salacious fae suitors, and her growing attraction to the guardian of the gate to Fairie.

Uncaged Review: This story started a tad slow for me, and it was confusing at first. Theo is self made hermit writer, and after her husband goes missing, she finally gives up the search and moves to a cabin a very rural area. She gets tossed into the supernatural world after she’s attacked by a creature she can’t explain. The story really picks up after the attack, and she will find out that Fae, vampires and shifters are very real. Because she could be infected by the creature that attacks her, a guardian fae has the duty to watch over her.

There are a few good twists to this, and even though there are still a lot of questions, this is only the first book in the series. I liked Theo’s spunk and humor, and even though I like her guardian, Farranen, I was more intrigued by Lief.

A good start to a new series.

Reviewed by Cyrene

Progress Report Roman Lando SciFi AN ALIEN ARTIFACT. AN ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY. A LOOMING NUCLEAR APOCALYPSE. Art is a computer geek and retro electronics aficionado who just wants to be left alone. When he stumbles upon an alien artifact, he can’t help but try and find out its purpose. Instead, he finds himself in over his head, in the midst of what might just turn out to be the end of the world, and nobody except him knows the truth.

Uncaged Review: I have mixed feelings on this book. On one hand, it’s a decent SciFi, and the author keeps the tech easy enough for the reader to comprehend and hard core SciFi lovers will enjoy it. On the other hand, it’s slow and drags a lot. Paragraph after paragraph of explanations and even conversations are long and overly drawn out. The action is minimal, and all the characters are not as they may seem to be in the beginning. It starts out with our main character, Art, onboard an alien ship with his phone’s battery slowly losing charge, and each chapter explains how he got there and the very intricate tale of how many things came to be in the world, with the help of an alien race known as the Advancers. On the flip side of the Advancers are the bad guys, an alien group that is known as the Four Horsemen in this book, trying to cause strife and war and wipe out humanity. Eventually Art is targeted and goes on the run, to be befriended by an Advancer named Theo. All goes south and Art finds out the Four Horsemen are planning on WWIII. Is human Art enough to stop it?

The book is pretty well written but could easily been shortened. My mind wandered way too often when reading and I am usually on board with a good SciFi and the ending was lackluster. This is one of those stories that will appeal to a niche audience.

Reviewed by Cyrene

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Second Chances in Hollywood Sarah Hendess 20th Century Historical Romance Josie Donovan left her home in Kansas under a cloud. Now settled into her work as a nurse in Hollywood, California, in 1959, she finds the producer of her favorite television program is in her hospital ward and offering her an audition.

Uncaged Review: Set in 1959, we follow a woman named Josie, who moved to California to get away from Kansas and a bad marriage. As a nurse, she gets a job in a hospital and when one of the patients is a TV producer, he wants her to come audition for a part on a popular western TV show called the Gunslingers. Her best friend Cassie convinces her to at least audition, and Josie gets the part. This follows the relationships she builds with the cast, and one in particular, one of the show’s stars, Robert, and how the relationship builds. But both of them will have to overcome some past trauma to find a second chance.

This book is nicely written, and the romance is believable. The friendships and secondary characters are all characters that are entertaining and fit in well with the story arc. The movie sets felt like the reader is right there sitting and watching it being filmed. The author did her due diligence with the research and the pacing kept me interested. Reviewed by Cyrene

Birds in the Black Water Kodie Van Dusen Psychic Thriller “That was the second time in my life death lied to me. I wanted it to lie to me just once more.”

Neviah has seen the Other Side since she was a child, a dark world trapped somewhere between past and present where shadowy creatures ominously keep watch.

Uncaged Review: First of all, this isn’t a traditional paranormal book in the sense of what is flooding the market these days. This is more of a psychological thriller with paranormal elements.

The writing is superb and keeps the story going at a solid pace. People need to be warned that there are triggers for mental health, suicide, nightmares and loss within the pages. There are only a handful of characters in the book, and that’s all it needs. Each character is well developed, and you get a feel for them easily. Neviah has had a lot of traumas in her life, so are the Koels something of a different dimension or is it something in her own mind? That was never crystal clear to me.

When a small boy goes missing, and Neviah feels like she had a hand in the boy’s mother’s problems as a teenager, Neviah feels like she has to make things right because of the guilt she has carried with her. This is a darker book, and full of emotions and the ending was underwhelming for me. I didn’t feel like I got the closure I was looking for. This thriller is a good book to pick up if you are looking for fantastic writing and a very original story. Reviewed by Cyrene

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Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews Providence David Grosz Literary/Drama Gabriel Staub is a writer adrift in his early 30s whose older sister, Becca, is a brilliant, tempestuous–and world-famous– artist. Gabriel has spent his life in the shadow of Becca’s success, and he is haunted by a childhood incident that traumatized her. A chance encounter with an old friend offers him unexpected companionship, but also forces him to confront his painful past.

Amy’s Review: David Grosz writes a intensely dramatic tale with Providence In Providence, the reader is introduced to Gabriel and his sister Becca. I haven’t read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Gabriel has always been in his sister’s shadow, as she is a famous - world famous artist, and also kind of a free spirit. But not everything that is hidden in the mind, is shared. Some memories just haunt you, and Gabriel will never forget the trauma his sister faced. This is a remarkable story about family, love and connections. David Grosz not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. Providence is one you’ll want to read again, and again. A definite attention grabber, so much I couldn’t put it down. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! It was very heartfelt & inspirational.

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The Camelot Gambit A.J. Scudiere Paranormal Suspense Can Eleri and Donovan outsmart a killer who leaves no evidence behind or even a discernable cause of death? How will they track down someone who is more intelligent than both of them together? Curie, Nebraska was designed as a research haven for the ultra-intelligent.

Amy’s Review: Remarkably Thrilling!

What a thrilling story in The Camelot Gambit by A.J. Scudiere. It’s the seventh book in the NightShade Forensic Files series. Agents Eleri and Donovan go undercover, for one of the toughest cases of their life.

Well, the undercover identities make it hard when they need to investigate a community of geniuses, and what’s been going on. Whatever this author writes, I read. This author brings the story to life. The characters had a lot of depth and were very realistic. It’s a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. This author’s characters develop and interacts well with the other characters. This author not only tells the story but shows it with words as well.

Fatal Encounter Morgan St. James Romantic Suspense After Crystal Reed meets Mark Hunter, she finds herself entangled in a web of dark secrets where her world is tainted by deception and treachery.

This chance encounter leads her down a dangerous path of twisted love and betrayal from which there seems to be no escape.

Amy’s Review: Morgan St. James writes a powerful suspenseful tale with Fatal Encounter In Fatal Encounter, the reader is introduced to Crystal, who is your regular single woman, hoping that one day, she will find the one. In the story, she learns that she is stronger than she realizes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story.

This is a powerful story that comes to life, and you wonder is this real or fiction, and it probably is both.

There are many out there, probably in a situation just like Crystal. Obsession is strong and dangerous mind.

If you’ve ever been the survivor of a stalker or someone who supposedly loves you is obsessed with you, then you can relate to this story. Also, beware so you aren’t triggered. Obsession is not love, it’s danger.

Love is not dangerous. Crystal meets Mark, and then things take a turn that she feels she can’t get out of.

She is scared when she discovers his secrets, and betrayal, but she can’t seem to figure out how to get out.

Which is something that happens all the time. This story was definitely an attention grabber, so much I couldn’t put it down. A wondrous trail of words. It’s the kind of story that sends chills down your spine.

Bravo to Morgan St. James for showing this story, and bringing it to light, so if you read this recommend it to someone else, and it could be one of the conversation starters that need to be done. Sometimes you have to put the book down, just to take a breath.

Lizard of Transition Ed Borowsky Non-Fiction Literature On his deathbed, a World War Two veteran, Joe Rubin, confesses to his son that he murdered a Japanese prisoner in the jungles of New Guinea seventy years ago. In his last hours, Joe enters the world between life and death, known as the world of transition. He tells of his journey, with an odd lizard leading the way, as he recants the tale of the murder prior to his imminent death.

Amy’s Review: Riveting!

Heartfelt and emotional Borowsky pens an interesting story about a person in hospice and receiving palliative care in Lizard of Transition. I am a big fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read.

This author brings the story to life. Joe was going to die. He knew he was dying, and he wasn’t even himself. His family had their own feelings and relationship with Joe. Joe had symptoms of dementia, and his battle with that, brought him back to a time that was horrid and torturous, those memories of the war. When I read this book, it reminded me of my grandmother, who lost her life from dementia. I remember sitting with her, and she was semi-conscious, mumbling to herself, and if you listened carefully, you could her stories of her torturous childhood. It was worse than I knew. I don’t know why, when you’re at this point, the edge of dying, your mind plays against you. Borowsky brought out emotions that I hadn’t thought about in years. This book deserves a second read! (and maybe more). It’s one of those embraceable stories. Wow! Simply masterful. This reader could feel the author’s emotions, and the passion this author must have had when writing it. The title makes you think, but when you read it, you understand it.

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Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews Don’t Look Inside Nichole Heydenburg Psychological thriller Don’t question the lies. Don’t investigate. And most importantly, Don’t Look Inside…

Elena Pierce’s junior year of college unfolds with a precarious situation—a mysterious new roommate named Mara.

Despite her best efforts, Mara remains distant. Elena becomes increasingly wary as a string of unsettling disappearances rocks the campus.

Amy’s Review: Nichole Heydenburg writes a thrilling tale for those 16 and older with Don’t Look Inside

In Don’t Look Inside, the reader is introduced to Elena, who is sweet but tenacious. She’s in her junior year of college, but it is not the college life that she planned. Elena is dealing with more than just regular college and young adult angst. Elena’s boyfriend, Dean, seems distant and then, there is her new roommate, Mara. Mara is one of those creepy people that you expect to be the loner after a series of deaths and they are looking at her. I am a big fan of Nichole Heydenburg and read whatever this author writes.

This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Elena and her close friends, Joe and Logan, band together to try and figure out why girls are disappearing, and who is behind it before another girl ends up as one of the missing. There is a lot of detail of the lives of the people in the story, and some are stronger than they think they are, and some are just the evil hiding in plain sight. It’s an amazing story, and if you are familiar with any stalker-ish movies or books, this is one to compare it to. I’ve read a lot, and I must say that this is the best of all the stories I have read from Nichole Heydenburg. She is an amazing writer and story-shower. It is absolutely chilling, with death around every corner. It’s definitely thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. If you love a good thriller this book should be next on your list. In the story, you get everything from obsession, mystery, terror, and murder, and that’s just for starters. College life will never be the same again.

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Bone Carnival Megan Lynch YA/Horror When her parents accept summer teaching jobs in Rome, talented, troublemaking, twelve-year-old Mia Moretti tags along. Eager to learn more about her surroundings, she drags her new friend, buttonedup-and straight-laced Grace, out to explore the Italian cityscape.

Amy’s Review: Creepy and Intriguing.

Megan Lynch writes a magnificently creepy tale with BONE CARNIVAL. I haven’t read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. The reader is introduced to rambunctious Mia, and her strait-laced friend Grace.

Mia is in a new city, Rome, and is always on the look out to see what she can get her hands into. She and Grace, her newfound friend, check out a street carnival. To Mia, it doesn’t seem like a normal carnival, but she wants to explore it. She wins a prize, that is supposed to give her luck for a day, but things change. She throws it away, but it disappears. The story is a great creepy horror for young adults, and I also enjoyed it. Mia is something special, and is very intelligent, as she knows things are not always what they seem. Mia is brave, and she needs to be so they can get their souls back from this bone. The author weaves a tangled web of story and captures the reader. A genuine character driven story!

The Genesis 6 Project Michael Ferguson Thriller A middle of the night arrival by unmarked helicopters with secret cargo from the Middle East places the facility on high alert.

When the unspeakable happens and the mysterious Subject Alpha escapes with Dr. Kathryn Ryan as a hostage, the military is forced to work with Indian Affairs agent Frank Ironhorse Whitman and his team to track the dangerous creature through Crow territory..

Amy’s Review: Michael Ferguson writes a thrilling, intriguing tale with The Genesis 6 Project.

In The Genesis 6 Project the reader is introduced to Subject Alpha and the hostage, Dr. Kathryn Ryan.

It’s a very intense and action packed story, especially when the military needs to bring in Indian Affair’s agent, Frank Ironhorse Whitman to assist. It’s a dangerous mission, and there is a connection to an ancient enemy, the Crow people, going back to the book of Genesis. Battles and a war of ancient proportions coming to life in this very detailed and raw story.

Subject Alpha has taken the good doctor to the Crow territory, and everyone is determined to get her and Alpha back. Secrets and experiments line this story, and bring it to life. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. Frank Ironhorse Whitman is determined and tenacious, and determined to get the job done no matter what. I have fast become a big fan of Michael Ferguson. This is definitely a remarkable read.

Shelter of the Monument: A Provincetown Love Story Yvonne DeSousa Nonfiction/Memoir Sometimes the wrong person says the right thing, and it makes all the difference.

In this coming-of-age memoir we meet Richard, a handsome, charming, mischievous, great guy with a fondness for the 1980s party drug of choice, cocaine. Yvonne is 11 years younger, awkward, terrified of her own shadow and even more frightened by the idea of disappointing anyone in her life.

Amy’s Review: A love story like no other!

Yvonne deSousa writes an interesting book about her life, and falling in love with Richard. It’s a very intriguing and endearing memoir, about what the author says is about a couple who weren’t supposed to be together, but refused to be apart. It’s the authors memoirs, and how life afflicted both Richard and Yvonne.

Richard is a complex man, with a lot of baggage, including the taste for cocaine. Yvonne is quiet, unsure of herself, and younger than Richard. When they say that opposites attract, it seems that no one is more opposite than this couple. I like this story because it is real, and how Yvonne tells the story, it brings you along on her real life journey. Not just falling in love, but her life and self-discovery. You have to really love yourself before you can love others. This is a very touching and emotional book, as well as inspirational.

The reader is introduced to both Richard and Yvonne, and their stories separate and together. The story is well told, and it brings in the realism of the events of their lives. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

This book captures the reader’s attention at chapter 1.

It is definitely an unforgettable read.

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Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews The Last Shot Brett Wallach Private Investigator/Detective “It is the beginning of the fourth quarter for me, actuarially. Time is running out, I’m way behind, and I’ve got to score. Now.” Middle-aged Philadelphia Private Investigator Phil Allman is writing a detective novel.

And he is determined to have it published by a major house. No matter what it takes.

Amy’s Review: Brett Wallach writes an intriguing tale with The Last Shot

In The Last Shot the reader is introduced to Phil Allman, at least I was. He is the main character of the series, and this is the only book of this series that I have read so far, but it doesn’t mean I won’t go back and read the other eight that came before it. I haven’t read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. I don’t see Phil as either the antagonist or the protagonist, just a anti-hero, who does things to make his dream come true. I really enjoy stories that are written about an author, and the interesting things that revolve around the author in the book, especially when there is a lot raw and edgier topics, like murder and mayhem. However, in this iteration, Phil is the man he is writing about, and he is so desperate to finally have his book published, that he kidnaps a woman. Just as he writes in his story. Yes, there is a book within a book, and it brings the phrase that life can be stranger than fiction, and he is pretty much using his experiences to write his story, and the world be damned if he doesn’t get it published. There are so many twists and turns, and Phil is one of those people that you hate one minute, and root for the next. Brett Wallach tells Phil’s story with detail, and everything comes to life with his words. There were so many twist and turns, and one heck of an unpredictable ending. I do know I will read this again, after I read through the first eight in the series. I want to get to know Phil and see who he was before this story.

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Destiny of Daring Cathy Burnham Martin Family/Historical In Destiny of Daring: Never Forget, the captivating conclusion to the Destiny historical fiction trilogy, award-winning journalist and author Cathy Burnham Martin delivers an unforgettable tale that intertwines the past and present Amy’s Review: Masterfully written!

Cathy Burnham Martin writes a cultural familial tale with Destiny of Daring. I am a big fan of Cathy Burnham Martin, and this trilogy. I couldn’t wait to read the last iteration, hoping it could be more. Anyway, this book is part of the Destiny Trilogy, and this is volume three. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. I recommend reading the book from the beginning, including the Dedication, Foreword, and the list of characters. I also hope that you have read the first two books in this trilogy, as though they can be read standalone. The reader will get the full picture of the family dynamic and the Armenian culture. I know I learned a lot. Meet the Gulumian Family. Cassie is the granddaughter of Hrant and Marjorie, and she has a gift. There are horrors in their past, how Armenians were treated in their own homeland, and suddenly, without having given her details to the tortures, Cassie dreams of her family’s past, and tells the stories. Cassie shares stories of Armenians by writing their story, and some would have never known about their family lives had she not written their story. And that’s just the beginning of this magnificently written historical tale, with all the hints of truth. The story is endearing and heartbreaking. An embraceable story. An emotional rollercoaster. Un-put-downable! What an inspirational title. Bring the tissues and don’t put it down until the end.

The ID Paradox Jan Notzon Literary/Drama After disastrous experiences in law and education, Jake Kazmareck tries to disappear into a menial job picking melons on a farm in the Rio Grande Valley.

Amy’s Review: Thought provoking!

Jan Notzon writes a dramatic tale with The ID Paradox. The Kaczmarek family is back, and focusing on Jake. He tries to blend in with his surrounding and takes on a simple job on a farm in Rio Grande Valley. If you haven’t read Suffer Not The Mole People, I recommend reading it to get the whole story of how the Kaczmarek family flees their Poland home. It was a very realistic story, and Jake learns that he can be found no matter where he is, especially when an old friend shows up on his doorstep, with news about a mutual friend. The adventure and action begins, while Jake stays true to himself, he owes it to join in on this rescue mission. A definite eye-opener. The story is endearing and heartbreaking. This author brings the story to life. The characters are so real, it’s like being with them within the story. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. Jake is a formidable character. The author’s technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. It’s a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind!

Song for the Forsaken Jan Notzon Contemporary Fiction Returning home to Appalachia from her time in the hospice during her mother’s last few months of life, Mandy MacDaniel brings with her a horrible secret. Having grown up with an alcoholic, frustrated poet father and a mother lost in her own religious world, the only solace in her life is the little sister she raised from birth.

Amy’s Review: A Great Story.

Jan Notzon writes a dramatic family tale with Song for the Forsaken. I am a big fan of Jan Notzon and whatever this author writes, I want to read. . This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. A story about family, and family secrets and rifts. The reader is introduced to Mandy MacDaniel, who, herself has her own secrets, but she needs to deal with her family and its problems. She has faith in God and her religion, and hopes that is can bring back the bond it once created. She knows she is losing faith, and probably family and decides to change her path of life. Mandy and her sister, still at odds, but insert their caregiver who disappeared, but suddenly is back in their lives. There is a lot of family drama, and some may be normal family drama, but then there are other secrets and loyalty, and what to truly believe in. This story was absolutely incredible.

A definite eye-opener. The story is endearing and heartbreaking. The author weaves a tangled web of story, and captures the reader. An embraceable story.

What an inspirational title.

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Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews If I Seem Quiet Dave Hughes LGBTQ/Romance

Travels With Maurice Gary Orleck Non-Fiction/Memoirs

Aaron Bradbury, 28, has a successful career as a pharmacist and a nice apartment in sunny Tempe, Arizona. Yet, his life seems empty. He has few friends and has had no luck with dating.

An unbelievable story, yet it’s true because nobody could make this story up- NOBODY.

Amy’s Review: Dave Hughes writes a LGBTQ tale with If I Seem Quiet

In If I Seem Quiet, the reader is introduced to Aaron, a man who’s life isn’t as fulfilling as he had hoped it would be. Even though he’s got a successful career, something is missing. When Aaron meets Rob, a trombonist, things start to change, making Aaron want to pick up his own trombone again. This starts his life on a new journey, and it also comes with self-discovery.

He is asked to join the Desert Pride Symphonic Band, but there is a catch, the band is an LGBTQ and Allies band. Aaron, denying it, thinking he’s straight is told he can be part of it. He eventually realizes what was missing, and his own denial. He realizes he is gay.

This realization puts him on a journey, and also he realizes that his parents aren’t supportive, and are very homophobic. It’s a great story to follow up the stories that came before this one, especially when Aaron meets Ryan. A reader can get lost in the story. It’s a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. This is one story you don’t want to put down. I recommend reading the ones that came before this one, though they are standalone stories, but you get the feel and back story of everyone and how Ryan is put in front of Aaron at just the right time, or is it a chance meeting? Aaron’s story is not light, but there is humor and the journey of discovery, which makes you understand what he is going through, what others may go through. Maybe Aaron can finally realize who he is, and who he loves.

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The 19,985 miles, 12 country adventure in 1968, Gary and Maurice, formed a formidable friendship, while perusing the London music scene, which included The Who, Elton John, The Rolling Stones and even the Beatles Amy’s Review: Sparked Memories! Gary Orleck brings his

memoir to life!

What a grand title in Travels with Maurice An Outrageous Adventure In Europe In 1968 by Gary Orleck.

I haven’t read work from this author before, and I enjoyed this story. The prologue sets the tone for what sparked the story. The story is narrated in first person and revolves around adventures with Maurice. A dear friend to the narrator, the author, probably best friend.

A chance encounter with Maurice, who refers to Gary as Garree, brings on the adventure. “I could see his mind working for a moment before he responded.

‘Garree, let’s say that we each take three thousand dollars with us and when one of us goes broke, we’ll both come back home.” This story is about the life that Gary led, and each time he and Maurice would meet, it was always interesting, and sometimes dangerous. I enjoyed reading Gary’s story, as well as Maurice’s story, because one adventure changed their lives. It’s a lifetime of stories, and very enjoyable.

Accustomed to the Dark Thomas De-Conna Literary/Drama Rita Mondragon is lying comatose and near death in a Santa Fe hospital, and her normally even-tempered partner and paramour, private detective Joshua Croft, is on a razor’s edge.

Amy’s Review: Thomas De-Conna writes a dramatic tale with Accustomed to the Dark

In Accustomed to the Dark, the reader is introduced to AJ Kenton, who is a reclusive famous author. There are reasons why he became reclusive, and Jenny Smith, a young journalist wants to make her mark with a very important interview. I haven’t read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. What I liked about this story is that he sits down with Jenny, and tells her his story, and he starts with his childhood. Jenny doesn’t have to ask questions, as he talks and shares his life with her. How he grew up, how he lived and had to make money as a young boy. He describes his stories and reveals secrets that others may look at the outside life as ideal, but behind closed doors, it is anything but ideal. The stories are not just AJ sharing his life, but they affect Jenny. Through AJ, Thomas De-Conna not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. A timeless tale, and there were many things not only Jenny learned but the reader learned as well. In all our years on this earth, some things never change, and nothing is ever as it seems. Breathtaking! Brilliant writing! A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! A well-written plot. I have fast become a big fan of Thomas De-Conna. When you read it, take your time, and imagine yourself sitting in the room with AJ and Jenny, and think about AJ’s story.

This Will Pass Too - Beat Cancer with Zero Fear Nina Linchiki Nonfiction/Self-Help/ Medical In this motivational book, the author shares her uplifting story of winning over cancer. Confronting the fears of illness and depression, the battle continues with the fundamental life question: Who am I? Amy’s Review: Inspiring Nina Linchiki writes an interesting book about Cancer and beating it. Nina Linchiki shares her story with Cancer, and how to confront it head on. It is a truly motivational and inspirational book about the author’s experience, and how she handled dealing with the diagnosis, and the other things in life that go along with it. She talks about the depression, and feeling like you’ve got a death sentence, but sometimes, those fears can be alleviated. She writes it for others who may face something similar, and she created exercises that will help with healing. Healing with cancer is a journey in itself, and even if it’s in remission, there is the chance it could come back, worse than before.

If you’re going through treatment, you may question what you want out of life, and this book can help you. It can’t make your decisions for you but it can let you know that you’re not the only one.

It’s not just endearing and heartfelt, but it also can help educate you on things you may not know, especially if you just got your diagnosis. It’s made for comfort and healing, and there isn’t a promise of a cure. I applaud Nina Linchiki for sharing her story.

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