Uncaged Book Reviews

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR contents

Well that was a fast summer as we start gearing up for the holiday season and fast approaching winter here in Wisconsin. Even though this summer wasn’t what I was hoping for, we make the most of what we are given and strive for the positive. This has been a year of drawbacks, with my mother having cancer (she’s doing well now) to ending up hurting my knee and keeping me out of doing many things for over a month. But because of that, we’ve gotten a little more organized, and have gotten to know and train our rescue dog, Riley a lot more.

Many early plans are in the works for new features for Uncaged in the new year, so be on the lookout for any announcements on the Facebook page and on the website, and of course here, in the magazine.

We will be continuing with the “Buy 2, Get 1” promotion we’ve been running, with some changes for 2022/23. 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 months 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.

If you’d like to be a Feature Author, you can also fill out a form on the Reviews/Feature Info Page to request a Feature in 2021. Put in your top 3 choices and this is normally first come/first serve, but I do move around months to keep a good selection of genres in each issue. Soon I will also put up forms for Catch Up Features - these are for past feature authors that have a new book releasing, and we can do a shorter feature, and also a Short Story Submission form. Any author submitting an approved short story receives a full page ad in the same issue. The new form for Short Story Submissions has been added, and a Catch Up form will come next.

Enjoy the November/December issue of Uncaged Book Reviews and have a safe and happy holiday season.

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Paranormal lover’s rejoice. Uncaged review

upcomingconventions

Uncaged will watch for any cancelations or modifications for the 2022/2023 season. Please watch their websites for information as the dates get closer.

Indie Romance Convention

November. 2-5, 2022 Lebanon, TN https://www.indieromanceconvention.com/

Shameless Book Con

Nov. 4-6, 2022 Lake Buena Vista, FL https://shamelessbookclub.com/shameless-bookcon-2/

Texas Book Festival

November 5, 2022; Austin, TX https://www.texasbookfestival.org/

Festival

November 11-12, 2022; Charleston, SC https://yallfest.org/

Miami Book Fair

November 13-20, 2022; Miami, FL https://www.miamibookfair.com

Black Ink

January 12-14, 2023; Charleston, SC https://www.blackinkcharleston.org

Sunshine State Book Festival

January 27-28, 2023; Gainesville, FL https://www.sunshinestatebookfestival.com

YALLFest Book

feature authors

scifi | horror | historical

Donald Firesmith Tracy Sumner

Philip Fracassi

Donald firesmith

Donald Firesmith is a multi-award-winning author of speculative fiction including science fiction (alien invasion), fantasy (magical wands), horror, and modern urban paranormal novels and anthologies of short stories.

Prior to retiring to devote himself full-time to his novels, Donald Firesmith earned an international reputation as a distinguished engineer, authoring seven system/software engineering books based on his 40+ years spent developing large, complex software-intensive systems.

Uncaged welcomes Donald Firesmith

Welcome to Uncaged! Can you tell readers more about the Hell Hole series?

In 2014, Russian scientists discovered two huge, cylindrical holes (over 100 feet across and deep) in the rock-hard, permafrost tundra of northern Siberia. No scientific explanation was known at the time, and I was fascinated. I thought what if instead of two holes on a peninsula in Siberia that happened sometime during the summer, literally hundreds of holes appeared overnight around the entire Arctic Circle? What if these holes led to portals that aliens planned to use to invade Earth? Finally, what if demons are neither fictional nor mythological, but instead aliens with Hell as a planet in their Demonic Empire? I based the first three of these alien invasion science fiction books on those ideas. The first three books take place over the course of fewer than two weeks. For the fourth dystopian science fiction novel, I wanted to follow the life of a captured human slave on Hell over the course of over 20 years.

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

is the easiest?

The most difficult scene in the fourth novel is when the protagonist’s wife and baby die during childbirth. I’m not sure that there was an easiest scene to write, but the most fun scenes involved deciding how the protagonist would fight non-humanoid alien gladiators.

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

I am working on several projects. I have started Hell Hole: Insurrection which begins when Hell Holes: A Slave’s Revenge ends. I am also writing multiple science fiction and horror short stories.

Do you base any of your characters on real-life people?

No, although I do base some of the characters’ skills on my own experience. I also like to find photographs of interesting people and base descriptions of my characters on those photographs.

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

I’m a world traveler who has visited over 30 countries. I have also lived and worked in Germany and Switzerland. In 1973, I bicycled over 3000 miles across Europe. I visited Russia in 1974 during the height of the Union Soviet. I trained on a Triga Mark 3 nuclear reactor and once stood inside the core of a reactor. I stood at the snow line of Mt. Saint Helens two days before it exploded. Finally, I make magic wands in my spare time.

Which comes first, the plot or the characters in the planning stages?

Typically, I start with an interesting situation, pick appropriate characters, and then see how they handle this initiating situation as well as subsequent situations. I used to be a ‘pantser,’ but now I’m a ‘plotter.’ In other words, I develop detailed story structures including major plot points and chapter outlines. I also develop character sheets for the main characters up front rather than flying by the seat of my pants.

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

I like listening to music and audiobooks, reading, hiking, and making unique, bejeweled, handcrafted magic wands.

What’s your favorite holiday? Do you have any special traditions?

I like both Halloween and Christmas. My family doesn’t really have any special traditions.

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

I like all three, which is probably the reason why produce all my books in all three formats. I prefer physical books when I read at home, audiobooks when I am working outside, and ebooks when I am away from home. I’m currently reading The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William Shirer, The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson (a book on gene editing), and Firefly: A Big Damn Hero based on the TV series. I’m also binge listening to the He Who Fights Monsters series of audiobooks by Shirtaloon, which I highly recommended!

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

I love you, especially when you leave honest reviews; they make my day and are critically important to indie authors like me. You can join my newsletter email list and follow me on Facebook. I also happily answer all emails.

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Enjoy an excerpt from Hell Holes 4

Hell Holes 4: A Slave’s Revenge

Donald Firesmith

SciFi/Horror

An epic story of love, loss, friendship, and survival under the most hellish of conditions, Hell Holes:

A Slave’s Revenge is the award-winning prequel to the Hell Holes series of alien invasion novels.

After killing his father, alien demons teleport a fifteen-year-old boy, his mother, and his sister to Hell, a desert world in the Demonic Empire. With survival far from certain, they have just two choices: to live as useful slaves or die as demon food. As the boy becomes a man, he must decide just how much he must collaborate with his demon masters to survive. But can he live long enough to take his revenge and regain his freedom without losing his humanity and his very soul?

Prologue

MY NAME IS PAUL CHAPMAN. When I was just fifteen years old, a band of demonic aliens murdered my father and captured my mother, sister, and me. These vicious creatures — the source of humanity’s myths of devils, imps, and hellhounds — took us through a hidden portal to Hell, the nearest planet to Earth in their vast empire. I spent the next twenty-three years there as their slave.

I was rescued during the Armageddon War and became the only captive human to ever escape from Hell. Over the following months, members of the US military and various specialists spent countless

hours interviewing and debriefing me to learn everything I knew about Hell and the demons. They provided a therapist to help me recover from my horrendous experiences and adjust to my new life back on Earth. She recommended that I document my life as a slave. This book is my story: the autobiography of my life as a slave on Hell.

1 The Hunt

MY PARENTS, Robert and Mary Chapman, met while first-year students at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. He studied wildlife biology while she studied anthropology, concentrating her studies on the history and culture of the native Inuit. Although they had grown up in the Lower 48, they fell in love with Alaska and decided to remain after graduating.

Dad had hoped to obtain a job as a wildlife biologist, but such jobs were rare and paid little. Mom had an even harder time finding suitable work. So, when my maternal grandfather died two years later, my parents decided to use her modest inheritance to buy a dry cabin and live a subsistence lifestyle. They would hunt caribou and moose, trap small game for furs and food, and fish for salmon during spawning season.

Mom and Dad eventually bought a cabin on the north shore of the Kobuk River. Only seven miles upstream of the tiny town of Kobuk, the house was close enough to make buying provisions easy. The town’s simple landing strip also made visiting relatives practical and would enable evacuation in case of a medical emergency.

Miles from their nearest neighbors, the cabin was also isolated enough to offer all the seclusion a family could ever want. Nestled between the nearby river and the Brooks Range a few miles to the north, my parents had found the home of their dreams.

My twin sister, Sarah, and I were born a few years

later, and we grew up in some of the most beautiful land imaginable. The chores were many, the work was hard, but the rewards of freedom and the wilder-ness’s majesty made the hardships well worthwhile. I loved the life and couldn’t imagine ever leaving it.

This story begins when Sarah and I were fifteen. It was early August, and the Chinook salmon were running up the river to spawn. After breakfast, Mom and Sarah were going fishing. Dad and I had built a fish wheel, an ingenious tool that automatically catches the salmon. An underwater fence forces some of the fish towards the wheel that the river’s current turns. Baskets attached to the wheel’s rim scoop up the fish and dump them into a box. Mom and Sarah were going to carry the salmon back to the cabin, clean them, and hang them up over a fire in our smokehouse. Their work would ensure we would have plenty of smoked salmon to eat during the long Alaskan winter.

While they were fishing, Dad and I would hunt moose and check our traps for small game. We took our rifles and headed upriver away from town. We left our dog, Sergeant, behind so her barking would warn Mom and Sarah of any bear that might be attracted by the smell of our fish.

We started by checking our traps, but they were empty. Not a single one had been tripped. And we didn’t spot any small game even though we didn’t talk, and we walked carefully to avoid making any unnecessary noise.

When it was nearing lunchtime, we turned around and headed back to our cabin. This time, instead of following the river trail, we hiked up towards the nearby mountains forming the southern edge of the Brooks Range. As before, the area seemed completely devoid of animal life, which was pretty unusual. We’d typically see something, even if it was too far away or on the far side of the river.

About halfway home, we spotted the remains of a bull moose that had been recently killed. Because the bears were busy with the salmon, we initially thought it had

been brought down by wolves. But it wasn’t. Enormous chunks of flesh had been removed in single bites, and the bites’ edges were too clean to have been made by wolves or bears.

It was strange that we couldn’t identify the tracks in the soft ground around the carcass. There were many large and small hoof prints, but they were shorter and rounder than moose and elk tracks.

Stranger still were the giant paw prints from the carnivore that had brought down the moose. Easily twice the length of wolf prints, they had only three toes, and the separate claw marks were much longer than wolf or even bear claws. Dad, the biologist, was stumped. The prints didn’t seem to belong to any Alaskan wild animal or to any animal for that matter. The only tracks he could think of that were even somewhat similar were those of ostriches, emus, and cassowaries. But the claw marks were too short for ostrich and emu tracks, and the cassowary only has one claw that long, not three.

“Dad, how about a really big dog?” I asked. “Maybe a Newfoundland had lost a toe.”

Dad shook his head. “Can’t be. See how the toes are arranged symmetrically? And besides, why would a dog have the same toe removed on each paw?”

“What about a dinosaur?” I suggested jokingly.

Dad actually considered it for a second before answering, “You know, it does look a little like a theropod footprint. It might have been a reasonable hypothesis if it weren’t for the little fact they’re all extinct except for the birds. No, this has to be a hoax. Someone’s trying to start a rumor about a strange beast roaming the Alaskan wilderness. Probably wants to draw tourists hoping to catch sight of the mythological creature.”

“But Dad, what about the bite marks?”

“My guess is that they used a curved knife to make them. Still, whoever did it did a good job. They had me going for a bit. Come on, let’s head home and tell the girls about our mysterious find.”

So, we hiked back to the cabin and had lunch with Mom and Sarah. They told us about the baskets of fish they had caught and cleaned. We told them about the moose kill we’d stumbled on, the strange tracks, and the huge bite marks. Mom agreed with Dad that it would probably turn out to be a hoax, but Sarah wasn’t sure what to think.

After lunch, Dad and I headed out again to see if we’d have any better luck hunting. We didn’t. The animals, both big and small, were still missing, and we were once more forced to come back empty-handed. I did, however, carry my camera with me and took some pictures of our find. For a laugh, I figured I would upload them onto Facebook the next time I was back in town where I could get internet service.

2 Demons in the Dark

SERGEANT, our three-year-old German Shepherd, woke me from a pleasant dream by barking her head off and scratching at the cabin door. I glanced at my alarm clock. It was just after three in the morning, and much too early for her to need to be let out to do her business. She was also far too excited for that to be the problem.

“What is it, girl?” Dad called. “Are the raccoons back again?”

Sergeant ignored him and continued barking.

I thought I heard a deep growl coming from outside my window. “I think it’s a bear, Dad.” I groggily dragged myself out of bed, stepped into my slippers, and headed downstairs.

Dad was already there, taking his hunting rifle down from its home over the fireplace. He checked it to ensure it was loaded while I pulled Sergeant back from the door.

Grizzlies occasionally break into empty cabins looking for an easy meal. Still, I’d never known

one to bust into one that was occupied, and a dog could usually be counted on to keep them at bay. Besides, it was late summer when their food was plentiful.

“What is it, Robert?” Mom asked. She was halfway down the stairs with Sarah just behind her. “Probably just a bear,” Dad answered.

We had a thick solid door with a strong lock, so I wasn’t too concerned. I just hoped that it wouldn’t break a window because I’d be the one Dad would send into town to buy the glass to replace it.

Boom! The door rattled as something massive struck it. Sergeant growled, jerked her collar out of my hands, and bounded to the door. She pawed at it, barking like mad.

I was just about to run forward and grab her when there was a deafening bang. Ripped right off its heavy hinges, the door flew across the room, knocking Sergeant sideways and narrowly missing me before crashing into the dinner table.

Dad raised his rifle and fired just as a huge, wolflike creature charged into the room. The bullet struck it squarely in the middle of the chest, dropping the monster to the floor.

We all gawked at the nightmarish beast lying at Dad’s feet. We’d never seen or even imagined such an animal. Easily four times the size of a timber wolf, the beast had neither fur nor anything you could call skin. Its massive brick-red muscles and yellowish bones and tendons were clearly visible as were the finger-long fangs and large, triangular teeth in its gaping mouth. Its yellow eyes with horizontal pupils stared blankly up at us while it bled blood the color of crude oil.

“What the hell is that?” Dad exclaimed as a second such beast burst into the house and bounded over the body of the one he had shot. Before he could react, it sank its teeth into Dad’s neck and shook him like an orca shaking a seal.

Several things happened almost simultaneously. Mom and Sarah screamed. The gun flew out of Dad’s hands and slid past me into the kitchen. Sergeant whined and bolted out the door as I sprinted to retrieve Dad’s rifle. Grabbing his gun, I started to turn back to face the monsters when someone yanked the rifle right out of my hands. No, not someone. Some thing!

A grotesque, little, ape-like monster no more than three-feet-tall stood in front of me holding Dad’s rifle in one hand and a sword to my neck with the other. The imp had short little horns and stared at me with yellow, goat-like eyes. Like the hellhound, it was totally naked and seemed to have no skin covering his heavily muscled body.

Perhaps those huge muscles were what made me feel certain he was male despite his lack of any obvious indicator of his sex. The imp grinned, flashed an impossibly wide mouth full of shark-like teeth, and shook his head. His intent was unmistakable.

Hellhound on Hell

Philip fracassi

Philip Fracassi’s is the award-winning author of the story collection Beneath a Pale Sky, which received a starred review from Library Journal, was named “Best Collection of the Year” by Rue Morgue Magazine and was nominated for a Bram Stoker award.

Philip’s debut story collection, Behold the Void, won “Best Collection of the Year” from both This Is Horror and Strange Aeons Magazine.

His current and upcoming novels include A Child Alone with Strangers, Gothic, and Boys in the Valley. Philip’s books have been translated into multiple languages and his stories have been published in numerous magazines and anthologies, including Best Horror of the Year, Nightmare Magazine, Black Static, Southwest Review, and Interzone.

The New York Times calls his work “terrifically scary.”

Uncaged welcomes Philip Fracassi

Welcome to Uncaged! Can you tell readers more about your latest book, A Child Alone with Strangers?

Thanks for having me. After having published a few novellas, two short story collections and a couple dozen stories, I’m excited to have my first trade novel hitting the shelves. A CHILD ALONE WITH STRANGERS is a big, throwback, old-school horror novel. What folks would call a “doorstop” book, coming in at 600 pages. It’s the kind of novel readers can get fully immersed in, spend time with the characters – good and bad – and go on a journey with young Henry, big bad Jim, and the mysterious creature in the woods. It’s a crime / horror hybrid in many ways, and there are monsters and human monsters and everything in-between. I hope folks have a blast reading it.

In August, it was announced that a short story of yours, Death, My Old Friend was optioned for film and you were also going to write the screenplay. How do you have to approach writing for a screenplay vs. writing a novel?

Yes, my short story “Death, My Old Friend” was optioned and after meeting with the director and producer a few times they offered me the job of writing the screenplay, which I just turned in a few days ago! I’m excited to see what the director does with the material.

As far as approach, it’s really not too different as to how I approach a novel. Since I’ve had a couple screenplays produced, for companies like Disney and Lifetime Television, I’m no stranger to the format. When I start a screenplay or a novel, the first thing I do is create a robust outline of beats (i.e.

plot points) that take the story from A to Z. When writing a big project, I like to know exactly where it’s going before I start. I don’t want to think about “now what?” once I’ve started. I want the freedom to write great prose (for a novel), or great dialogue and action (for a screenplay).

Once the writing actually begins, of course, the similarities stop. The actual writing of the two formats is night and day. Completely different beasts. A screenplay is all about structure, dialogue, and action. A novel is all those things woven within an intricate tapestry of prose, inner thoughts / feelings, and characterization.

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

Since I write horror, there are a lot of times things can go from bad, to worse, to unthinkable. And there are times when what happens to the characters can be difficult to write about. My characters, and stories, are typically grounded in very real life, real emotions. So when something horrific happens that might fall under the “trigger warning” variety for some readers (i.e. assault, torture, abuse) it’s not easy, or fun, to write about. But I pride myself on trying not to be gratuitous, or to have that kind of action for no reason. It’s always in service to the story, and the story always comes first (even if it means I know I’ll catch hell from some reviewers).

The easiest scenes for me are the ones involving fully-fleshed-out characters having “a moment”. Meaning, an emotionally-impactful scene between two or three characters when, for example, they’re coming to a realization about themselves, or each other. These are typically heavy-dialogue, emotionally-wracked moments that I tend to fall into, and really enjoy exploring the depth of feelings these characters I created go through. It’s also very rewarding.

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

As I already stated, I just wrapped a draft of the

feature screenplay for DEATH, MY OLD FRIEND. My next big project is writing a new novel that will be released by Tor Nightfire (US) and Orbit (UK) in the summer of 2024. It’s a period piece involving some AWOL soldiers, a witch, and a whole mountain of horror. That’s how I’ll be spending the next 4-6 months.

Do you base any of your characters on real-life people?

No. Never. I’d say that I pull from my experiences to make my characters feel fully-formed. A tic of someone I knew years ago might end up being a character trait, or a funny way of wording something a friend or family member has used in the past might go into the character stew, but the characters themselves are wholly fictitious. I will caveat that by saying, in my short stories, I’ve drawn directly from experiences I may have had with someone from my past; something I felt worth exploring. But that would be as close as I get.

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

A lot of readers seem surprised when I recount my background since it’s been so strangely diverse. I’ve worked in film and television production, on and off, for thirty years, for example. I was a music executive for nearly a decade. I owned a bookstore for many years. I was in marketing for a while, among a litany of other jobs like overnight security guard, stock boy, and telemarketing. I’ve had a rich, diverse life, but have never wavered from the dream of being a writer. Now that I’m doing it full-time, I have to work twice as hard to make sure I can keep doing it.

Which comes first, the plot or the characters in the planning stages?

I would say the idea comes first. Meaning, the acorn of something that I’ll plant in my brain and wait to see if it grows. If nothing sprouts, I usually move on to another idea. If I can’t stop thinking about it and it expands like a great oak, it’s time to organize that idea into a story. When I sit down to outline the idea, the characters typically bloom simultaneously with the plot. I need the

vehicle, if you will, before I start driving. So it’s pretty much equal as far as character and plot is concerned.

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

I do a lot of reading to relax. I have a large library of books to choose from and like to be reading from 10-12 at a time. That way I have the luxury of reading what I feel like reading, and not being beholden to the same book or story every time I sit down for a couple hours to read. Other than that, the occasional thriller on Netflix or whatever. During football season I watch a lot of the games, although my team is terrible so I’m not sure how relaxing it is!

What’s your favorite holiday? Do you have any special traditions?

Funny thing about me (one of many) is I don’t like holidays. I don’t even like weekends. I get a bit neurotic about always wanting to push my writing career forward, and the idea that everyone is stopping for a predetermined amount of time makes me crazy. If it were up to me everyone would work every day of the year. I love getting stuff done. So, sadly, no special traditions. I’m usually finding someplace quiet to write or read a book.

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

I’m a big book collector, so am a fan of real books. I like the design, the weight, the feel of the pages, the smell. That said, I’m no stranger to ebooks or audiobooks, and they can be excellent options when the situation is right. But generally speaking I want to hold the darn thing.

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

I’d love to say a huge thank you to anyone who has ever taken a chance on one of my books. I’m very in touch with my readers, and am always excited to hear feedback about my work. There’s a wonderful fan group on Facebook called “Fracassi Freaks” that started

up about a year ago and now boasts hundreds of members. I’m an active participant and do a lot of exclusive offers, giveaways, and spill insider information on my projects. Otherwise, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. My website (www. pfracassi.com) has a newsletter, a blog, and updated information on all my books, stories, podcast, and movie news.

Enjoy an exclusive excerpt from A Child Alone with Strangers

A Child Alone with Strangers

Philip Fracassi Horror

When nine-year-old Henry Thorne miraculously survives an accident that claims his father’s life, he finds himself…changed. Upon waking from a coma, he can now read people’s thoughts, “see” their feelings. While Henry recuperates, and grapples with his newfound abilities, his family is compensated a small fortune by those responsible for the accident.

The highly publicized case catches the eye of lifelong criminal Jim Cady, who hatches a plan to kidnap Henry for ransom. When Jim’s plan goes into motion, Henry is taken, hidden in an abandoned farmhouse surrounded by miles of forest, while Jim and his crew wait for the drop. But upon arrival, Henry’s abilities alert him to something surprising and horrible. They are not alone.

Henry connects with a strange force living in the woods, using that bond to wreak havoc against his captors. Unknown to Henry, however, is that the ancient being has its own reasons for wanting the interlopers gone.

There is something hidden beneath the house, tucked away in the dark, damp root cellar...wait-

ing for its return.

Excerpt

Exclusive Excerpt A CHILD ALONE WITH STRANGERS

Copyright ©2022 by Philip Fracassi

Wilson Tafferty was done with kids. Done with their condescending, disrespectful remarks, their long, snarky glares as they watched him work. Picking up their filth.

But mostly, done with their gum.

If he had to scrape one more petrified pink ball of Bubble Yum off a desk bottom he was gonna make one of them little squirts swallow it.

They were nothing but a bunch of pack animals, shitting everywhere and on everything. Vandals, all of ‘em. He knew it was Bill Hartnett, that little bastard, who broke the window outside Room 230. He knew it was him. He wanted to say something to the little punk, grab him by the collar of his windbreaker and shake the truth out of him. But no, he had done what he was supposed to do and told the main office. Of course, the main office only asked the kid, “Did you break that window?” What’s a boy gonna say?

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“Yeah, sure, that was me. What, did I forget to run over here and tell you all that? I’m sorry, but yes man, yessir, that was me all right. Funniest thing, I threw a baseball at the sucker and I’ll be goll-damned dipped in honey if that frackin’ thing didn’t crack like Charlotte’s motherfuckin’ web.” Nah, he just looked at the vice principal, Ms. Terry, a pretty little thing that all the older boys got crushes on (and some of the teachers, to boot), and gave her big eyes and said, “Nooo mam, not me. I have no idea how it happened.”

When the boy had left the office, Wilson had been right there waiting. Waiting to see the smug little

bastard’s face crunched up into tears, all red and humbled like the little shit-stain he was. But he hadn’t been crying. He wasn’t even worried. When he’d gone by Wilson, the boy smiled at him. Not a cruel smile, not even a mean smile. Just a hey, what’s up ya old piece of shit kinda smile. Like he didn’t give a damn whether he was the floor janitor or a mutt waiting to be let outside. Wilson figured he was lucky Billy-boy didn’t smack him on the rump as he went by, all friendly like. Yeah, yeah, he was sure sick of those kids. But soon it’d be summer, and Wilson would be cut back to parttime, and he’d go see his sister in Sacramento. Take the bus up most likely, make a vacation out of it. Stop in that garlic town, or do some wine tasting up there in Napa. Hell, maybe it was time he listened to Barbara and move out there and live with her, Robert and the kids. Sis was still young and healthy, a working girl, and Robert had more money than those kids could spend in a year of playing in the arcade or buying all them new clothes they were so proud of. They could take care of him, sure. Even had a room there for him, all done up like a mini-apartment.

He could retire.

Hell, yeah, he liked the sound of that more and more. Yessir, re-tire. Sounded real nice.

But then he’d remember who he was, and how he was. About how when he’d visit, he’d stay a week or so… and he’d get itchy. Cagey, like. Ready to move on, get to work, take care of things. He supposed that meant he wasn’t ready to retire. Retire meant you could do nothing and not give a damn that you weren’t doing nothing. But for Wilson, that kind of thing got old real quick. Plus, the school needed him. He’d been there twenty-three years. More than anyone but that wonderful old lesbian Ms. Auerbach, the English teacher. She’d been at Liberty since the 1950’s and showed no sign of slowing down, no sir. He’d miss their coffee times if he retired. Miss seeing the other teachers, too, some of whom were friends. He’d miss Principal Hodge and Ms. Terry, both of who were real kind, and easy on the eyes, yessir. Ms. Terry, that was.

But he sure as hell wouldn’t be missing those kids. Hell no. And he sure as hell wouldn’t be missing their gum, their nasty looks and their even nastier graffiti. Not that. Not a scratch.

Wilson looked up, surprised to see he was almost back home. He’d walked to and from the school, a good mile, twice a day, every weekday, for every one of those twenty-three years. He knew the walk so well now he was surprised he didn’t look down and see a curved groove in the sidewalk from the path he’d tread. He knew the walk so well he swore to heaven he could have done it blindfolded, without slowing a step or bumpin’ a knee.

Well, it would be good to get home. It was Friday, and that meant he could sleep-in a bit tomorrow, at least until Fix woke him up wanting her breakfast. Damn cat knew how to open cupboards and windows, how to lift the toilet seat and do her business in a box the size of an Oxford dictionary, but the dummy couldn’t feed herself if her life depended on it. For that reason, and that reason alone he was sure, old Fix kept Wilson around. Put up with him, as it were.

Wilson laughed to himself. By God he was turning into a bitter old pill. And him still a few good years shy of seventy. Too young to be so damned cranky, he thought. Well, he’d take care of that old cat when he got home, and then he’d make himself a little something, nip a little more of the Amaretto he’d been given as a Christmas present from Principal Hodge and savored and saved like it was heaven’s own elixir, which in many ways he figured it was. It surely was.

He pulled the heavy ring of keys from his belt and unlocked the door to the lobby of the small 12-unit building, almost as beaten-down and old as he was, and headed for the stairwell; still too proud, after all these years, to use the elevators for what a single flight of stairs would accomplish just as well. He thought of the warm liqueur waiting for him, and it brought a smile to his face. The faces of Bill Hartnett and all those other grimy little bastards faded away with each stair he climbed to his second story apartment, toward

home.

As he rounded the stairwell and came up onto his floor, he paused. Now that’s funny, he thought. Why all them damned lights out?

It was nearing seven o’clock, and the sun was settling into the Pacific, but the hallway window in Wilson’s building faced east. So there was hardly any light coming through there now, and the fluorescents lining the hall were all – oddly – off. Wilson knew there was no switch for the lights, he also knew for a fact they was all on a timer. And the timer, all year-round, was set for 5 p.m. sharp. On at 5 p.m., off at 9 a.m. in the morning. Been that way every day since he moved in. But now… now they were all, most certainly, for no good reason he could fathom, off.

He craned his neck up toward the third floor, could see the hall lights spilling onto the stairwell above. He looked down to the first floor, not trusting his own memory at the young age of 67, and saw that, yes, like he’d thought, those lights were going strong, too. So not a power outage. No, no… it was just his floor that was off. His floor, along with the three other folks and families that lived on this level, that had been left in the dark.

“Humph,” he grunted, debating whether to go back downstairs and call the super. But it was getting late, and he’d had a long day, and he could all but taste that sweet, warm Amaretto on his dry tongue. Hell, if he could walk from Liberty Elementary School to his home blindfolded, through busy streets and around all them other obstacles, then he could surely make it the fifty paces to the end of the hallway and the door of Unit 8. Yes, yes, he liked the sound of that. The lights could wait. He’d tell that janitor part of his brain to shut the hell up, because the non-janitor part of him wanted to turn on the television, kick up his feet, pet his kitty, and have himself a little nip of the sweet stuff. Yessir, time to get home.

Wilson waved a hand casually, letting the universe know that it could go on and fornicate with itself a good long while, and made his way down the shadowy hall to Unit 8.

A few feet from the door, he pulled out his massive ring of keys once more, extended the thick bunch of metal from the retractable-string of the clip on his belt, and began feeling for the right key with the pads of his weathered fingers.

But God it’s dark down here, he thought, and felt the hairs on the back of his neck come to half-mast. He scolded himself for getting the willies, but he’d never been fond of the dark, truth be told, and he didn’t much like walking through…

Something creaked behind him.

He turned, his mouth hung open, his eyes wide. The hairs on his neck were at full attention and saluting now, and the gooseflesh crawling up along his arms were marching right along to whatever bugle his frayed nerves was blowing.

“Probably that damn cat,” he mumbled, referring to the Willoughby’s fat orange tabby, the one he and Fix didn’t care for; no sir, not a bit. “Run on now,” he said, trying to sound strong. To sound in control.

His voice sounded like a dead thing in the empty hall.

At the far end, past the stairs, he could see the window and the day outside turning the color of a plum, and now even the stairs themselves were nothing but a fuzzy shadow at the end of a long dark tunnel. “This is bullshit, is what this is…” he said, and turned for his door. Moving quickly now, he pulled the keys away from his belt once more, his fingers moist, and the heavy ring of metal got loose, slipped and zipped back to slap his bony hip.

“God DAMN,” he said, more loudly than he’d intended, hearing the first jingles of fear in his ears,

the first fingertips of dread walking up his spine, sharp nails at the end of strong fingers crawling like a spider onto the back of his neck.

Fumbling, he jerked the keys out again.

There! There was that noise again.

But this time Wilson didn’t turn, he could feel the right key in his fingers, like a magician pulling the right card from a thick deck. He gripped the key and thrust it cleanly into the deadbolt, twisted it, then pulled it out and stuck it into the handle down below. With a turn of the handle and a shove the door swung open and Wilson all but leapt inside, slamming the door shut behind him and springing the bolt before…

Something grabbed his leg.

He kicked out, screaming. “Aaahh!” he yelled, twisting so violently he felt something tweak out of place in his back. He pushed his shoulder against the door and flipped on the light, praying oh god in heaven please let the lights come on.

And they did.

“I’ll be double-dipped damned, Fix!” he said as he stared down at what had reached out for his leg in the dark, his heart hammering in his thin chest. “Damn it, cat, you nearly killed me.”

Fix, overly eager to see the man who brought him food, sat innocently on the linoleum of the kitchen floor, a few feet of safety between him and the human’s boot, which had so rudely shoved him away. Fix licked attentively at one forepaw, eyes veiled, not giving two-shits for the scare he’d put into good ol’ Wilson.

Wilson felt blood pounding in his temples, and realized he wasn’t breathing. He let out the held breath, and it came with a gush sound. His chest relaxed, his heart slowed, and he felt his body lose the tension. He unclipped the key ring from his belt and dumped

the thick wad of metal unceremoniously onto the kitchen counter. He bent down, stroked Fix’s head. The Siamese, as if just now deigning to acknowledge the old man, looked up at him with her lovely blue eyes, meowed a few times, then upped and did some figure-8’s through his legs. The universal sign that it was feeding time, and if the old man did what needed to get done, there’d be no problems.

“Okay, okay, my friend,” Wilson said, and moved into the kitchen to retrieve a can of tuna-turkey pâté for his kitty. “You first, then me. I see how it is,” he said, and smiled as he pulled open the cupboard.

When he turned back around, the smile fell from his face like an anvil slipping off the ledge of a high cliff.

Don’t miss this title:

A man stood in his kitchen.

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BeatriceFairbanksCayzer

Beatrice

Fairbanks Cayzer comes from an illustrious family. Her two ancestors who came to Upper Virginia in 1620 helped found their community. She founded the Cayzer Museum for Children in England where she was the wife of Stanley Cayzer, a grandson of Sir Charles Cayzer, founder of shipping companies that evolved into Caledonia Investments, and nephew of Admiral Lord Jellicoe, the second Governor General of New Zealand. Then she turned into writing.

In Oxfordshire, she wrote The Princes and the Princesses of Wales. In Guernsey, she wrote The Royal World of Animals. Returning to the USA, she wrote nine Rick Harrow novels, winning Book of the Year Award from the Horseracing Writers’ Association. In 2016, she had a sell out with The Secret Diary of Mrs. John Quincy Adams and in 2018 had another sell out with New Tales of Palm Beach.

beatricecayzer.com

Kidnapped in Jerusalem

Beatrice Fairbanks Cayzer Psychological Fiction

Dennis McLeary, sexually abused at age 6. At 18, he accepts sexual advances of a 14 year-old girl hoping to prove to himself that he is a normal man. Jailed for 17 years for having sex with the under-age girl, he is abused in prison by fellow inmates and the prison chaplain. Free at 35, he determines to better himself and hopes to have a normal marriage. Ensnared in a messy event, he escapes more prison time by becoming a waiter on a passengerfreighter. He gets leave from his ship to swim in Turkish waters, where he meets and falls in love with Myriam al-Montee, a half-Turkish half-Saudi Arabian Muslim woman. Instant adora-tion is reciprocated. Myriam elopes with Dennis, they are married by his ship’s captain. Myriam does

not tell Dennis that her fanatical father, who hopes to use her to found his dynasty, is known to behead any person showing fondness for her. When three women are beheaded at her father’s orders, she warns Dennis, he could be next.

They hide from her father in Alexandria and in Cairo, but are located by her fa-ther’s agents in Jerusalem. Kidnapped, Myriam is brought to her father in Saudi Arabia. He orders her locked in a cell-like room in a desert house where recently a cousin has starved to death. After three months, she get help and relieved by Alf, an Oil field worker. He tries to rape her. Dennis, agonizing for her, would travel any where including to a country where they would behead him in order to reach Myriam. They find each other near a famous oasis in time to stop Alf from raping Myriam. But fate holds more vicious challenges.

Amazon Customer Reviews

~ ~ Ladybella ~ ~

“After reading this manuscript, I can say that I fell in love with Louisa Adams. She was a strong individual whose life story needed to be told. Louisa Adams made an impact. I couldn’t put the book down. A must read.”

I have never been to Morocco until reading this BOOK. What a wonderful trip it took me through. The mysterious possibilities that the characters of this story endure are nail-biting. This is truly a masterpiece that will enthrall all mystery and vampire fans. I highly recomend reading this masterpiece. I loved it.

~ ~ Samira Sowan ~ ~

“The author Beatrice succeeded to keep the reader thrilled to read every page in her book and to take us through the journey of the unique character of Louise and live the era of the 1700 and 1800.in such a fascinating way. I definitely enjoyed every page in this compelling story. A must read..”

~ ~ VIV ~ ~

“Reader observes as main personages meet the ups and downs that bruise those on the top level yet took to heart the enormous wrongs done to slaves in America and went into battle”

THE HARROW QUARTET takes the reader to many unusual places because the narrator Rick Harrow is a racehorse trainer, and a trainer has to bring his horses to the most likely tracks to win. The reader goes to Dubai, Russia’s St. Petersburg, romantic villages in Italy, tycoon homes and estates of the newly rich in Spain, and the wilds of Mexico’s most inaccesssble mountains as well as to its over-crowded and dangerous capital city.The characters vary from a Chechen terrorist to Milan’s exquisite models, to the wild west drug lords of today’s Mexico.

~ ~ Anthony Roberts ~ ~ Inspiring story of a great lady.

~ ~ garbonzo ~ ~

Here is another installment from Beatrice Cayzer’s fabulous series featuring Happy and Rick Harrow. Travel with them as the traipse across the

globe from one extravagant horse exhibition to the next, and finding trouble wherever they go. Cayzer’s prose is filled with vibrant imagery, plenty of action, and enough hanky-panky to make a sailor blush. These stories are great fun, and will have you coming back for more. Fans of any of the modern detective series found on BBC/PBS will feel right at home. Don’t be surprised if these adventures are turned into their own small-screen production. Enjoy!

~ ~ Cathryn Elwyn ~ ~

It’s not every day that jockeying, an estate in the British countryside, and a complication involving the president of Russia figure in one story, but best-selling author Beatrice Fairbanks Cayzer is nothing if unpredictable. Deaths, conspiracies, and . . . a threat to beloved Happy’s life? This has got to be BFC’s best yet.

~ ~ Brett Virgo ~ ~

I just finished reading this wonderful book. I was so hooked I could not put it down. I highly recomend this Murder Mystery. It will not disappoint. Each chapter draws you in, that you have to keep on reading. I am eager to see what BF Cayzer will come up with next.

~ ~ DEE ~ ~

Murder by Medicine is a deliciously delightful book that reminds everyone of how wonderful London can be, during the Season. The descriptive scenes take you there with intrigue and GLAMOUR! Horses, men and murder are an intoxicating read in the hands of B. F. Cayzer. Without a doubt, Murder by Medicine is one of the best books that I have read. It is a perfect gift for any stylish acquaintance or be wickedly selfish and keep it all to yourself!

~ ~ Cathy ~ ~

If you like murder mysteries, this is a great book to read. It brings you into the horse people who have their own ideas of life. It travels from Ethiopia to England with fast paced action. Do read.

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Robert Byrum

Robert (Bob) Byrum is a 91-year-old retired engineer, now living in Montana; formerly from San Diego, California. Writing has become his new interest. This is his third book, all within the last year. Over his long lifetime, he has had many pursuits, including world travel with his wife Nancy, fishing, hunting, and training Labrador Retrievers for hunting and competition. It has been a full life shared with many dear friends, exciting adventures and lots of happy times. He and his wife grew up in San Diego and moved to Montana in 1990, seeking a new horizon and a quality of life which they found and have enjoyed.

Will People’s Actions Lead to Earth’s Extinction?

Author offers readers an eye-opening book to give them a serious realization of what’s happening to the planet.

Everyone should ask themselves what is happening in the world today. Where is humanity headed in the near and distant future? Is it towards Extinction? It’s probably not something that anyone living today could possibly imagine. However, it’s time to look at the long past of Earth’s history, making the present as the window into the possible future. Author Robert Byrum’s new book, Extinction, will paint a landscape of the disturbing events occurring today. He hopes that this will open the people’s eyes of how they have been treating Mother Earth since they arrived on the scene, and how she is now responding. It seems like people have not been kind siblings.

Mother Earth is ill. She has been suffering

small hurts for a long time, but now the hurts are getting larger. Her air and waters have become polluted, her lands are being scorched and her people are suffering. The severity of today’s weather events is the only way she has to tell people to stop, to consider what they have done, and to try to cure her pains. Will people do it?

That is what Extinction is all about. Scientists have warned people for many years about what they are now experiencing, the second most rapid extinction period in Earth’s history. Many examples are included that show how this is slowly occurring, such as damage to essential ecosystem, increased severe drought, rising sea levels, the melting of the world’s glaciers and ice fields, ocean heating, and increased destructive storm intensities. It is not just one event that is commonly called climate change but hundreds of small pin pricks that strike at the very heart of everybody’s home – Earth.

This book is available online and can be purchased at online bookstores.

Extinction

by Robert Byrum

had been exhibited in 2022 Frankfurt International Book Fair

WHERE: Frankfurt, Germany

WHEN: Oct 19, 2022 - Oct 23, 2022

Tracy sumner

Award-winning author Tracy Sumner’s storytelling career began when she picked up a historical romance on a college beach trip, and she fondly blames LaVyrle Spencer for her obsession with the genre. She’s a recipient of the National Reader’s Choice, and her novels have been translated into Dutch, German, Portuguese and Spanish. She lived in New York, Paris and Taipei before finding her way back to the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

When not writing sizzling love stories about feisty heroines and their temperamental-but-entirely-lovable heroes, Tracy enjoys reading, snowboarding, college football (Go Tigers!), yoga, and travel. She loves to hear from romance readers!

Uncaged welcomes Tracy Sumner

Welcome to Uncaged! In October, you are part of a holiday anthology book, called Naughty or Nice. Can you tell readers more about how this anthology stories tie together and your story in the book?

The Governess Gamble is the novella included in the Naughty or Nice anthology. It features a wicked viscount and an American heiress he can’t forget. I feature some of my fav characters from the Duchess Society series, too – Tobias Streeter and probably the most popular hero ever, Xander Macauley! The hero in Governess, Chance Allerton, is a friend of Hildy Streeter (The Brazen Bluestocking) and the heroine, Francine Shaw, is a client of the Duchess Society. ;)

You’ve also been releasing new books in The Duchess Society series this year. Can you tell us more about this series?

The Duchess Society follows a group of friends (men)

who end up connected to the Duchess Society ladies through marriage or friendship. It’s steamy – and I must admit I was completely inspired by Peaky Blinders during the writing, especially The Brazen Bluestocking and The Wicked Wallflower. These are a bit Sarah MacLean-ish – rookery men. Although, yes, I do have a few dukes in there too! It’s reviewing well and has been a blast to write!

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

Love scenes are honestly tough to write – or should I say, they take TIME. I layer when I write. I go over scenes, adding detail, adding EMOTION. And I want these to hit well. I get lots of positive reviews about my love scenes but that my books have deep characterization, so when you get to the steam, you know the characters (and hopefully love them!).

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

Kinda packed schedule, like the rest of romance writers! I have two more in the Duchess Society series coming up in early 2023. The current WIP is called One Wedding and an Earl and features Oliver Aspinwall, the Earl of Stanford, brother of Xander Macauley from The Wicked Wallflower. I’m loving it so far! A Lyon book with Dragonblade is coming in Sept 2023 – The Lyon Who Loved Me. Yes, riffing a little on Bond there! Plus, another Wolf book in 2023 – Two Scandals and a Scot. Featuring Dash Campbell and Theo!!! Part of the Leighton Clutch from the Duchess Society books. (You have to read them to get the reference.) :)

Do you base any of your characters on real-life people?

I really don’t. And even if I did – maybe like the Peaky inspiration, once I get rolling, they change so much. Part of my layering. I write pretty deep on character.

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

Hard question! That I worry about each book stinking? LOL! That I am still a huge reader and geek out on certain authors. (Tessa Dare, Julie Anne Long, Lisa Kleypas). That I foster cats (or used to before Covid) – and adopted a one-eyes rescue?

Which comes first, the plot or the characters in the planning stages?

Buck always stops at characters for me!

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

I love to read. I walk the streets of NYC. I snowboard at least once a year. I love theatre and movies.

What’s your favorite holiday? Do you have any special traditions?

Christmas. Decorating. The movies! Holiday Inn,

Miracle on 34th Street, Bad Santa *yes* naughty but hilarious, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, ETC. I love the music of the season!

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

Ok, due to ease, of course, I read on my Kindle. And I have to say, the backlight is helpful. ;) But I’m reading actual books right now! I have a book light and am loving holding a REAL book in my hand. A print book, I should say. I’m reading Nora Roberts at the moment because she inspires me and calms too. I met her at RWA years ago. She’s a classic!

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

I love this genre and am so happy to meet readers! If anyone wants to find me in this madcap world, my social links are below. I also have a growing Facebook reader’s group, The Contrary Countesses. I’d love readers to join.

xoxo! Happy reading, always!

Stay Connected

Enjoy an excerpt from The Wicked Wallflower

The Wicked Wallflower

Tracy Sumner Historical Romance

An Incorrigible Hellion Independent, impulsive Lady Philippa Darlington guarantees her freedom by playing the role of wallflower. And after two miserable seasons in the ton, Pippa’s vowed to never marry. With the

guidance of the most feared feminist enterprise in London—the Duchess Society. But a madcap misadventure throws her plan off course and puts her faceto-face with the only man she’s ever wanted. A man who doesn’t want her.

A Rule-Breaking, Rookery Titan

Prince of the streets, Xander Macauley crawled from the slums to rule an empire. He has secrets—and fierce desires. One being that he’s smitten with his best friend’s little sister. Although reckless Pippa Darlington is the last woman in England he’d risk his heart over. When he has to rescue her from a masquerade ball gone awry, Xander finds he will go to lengths greater than he’d imagined to possess her. The risks are undeniable.

But so is the chance to find true, devastating love.

Excerpt

Go be a hero.

He’d be a flipping hero, all right. Macauley pounded the stairwell wall on the way down with each pronouncement, which hurt like hell. One, he was going to send Pippa home. Two, send Ollie back where he’d come from. Three, find a willing chit to tup in every position he could manage with this wrecked shoulder. Four, sleep for two days. Five, open his gaming hell and take London by storm.

He liked when a woman rode him—and he very much needed to be ridden at the moment. Maybe that passingly attractive Miss Danbury whom Pippa had accidentally thrust in his path. Her molten gaze said she was willing with a capital W.

Macauley staggered toward the kitchen, hearing the laughter—when his tyrant of a chef rarely laughed— from fifty paces away. Deuced if Pippa Darlington couldn’t charm her way out of a burlap sack. Well, he was pitching her out before she could crawl into his.

Unnerved for no good reason, he lingered in the door-

way, a stranger in his own space, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg drifting over him like smoke. The teasing aroma calling to mind snug parlors and roaring hearth fires, meals surrounded by family, children racing around one’s legs. The brush of a woman’s body beneath silk sheets, their combined heat driving away the chill.

Things he had trained himself not to want. Not to long for.

But the world was changing. The parts of his that touched his friends were changing. Tobias, Leighton, and Markham had wives, families. The people he felt responsible for were growing by the hour.

He snorted softly, a grimace pulling his lips low. His friends were different. They were in love. Macauley was scared to stand too close for fear of catching the disease.

With Ollie back, a man whose presence generated many unwanted emotions, he felt particularly vulnerable.

His chef, Fast Fingers, now known as Pierre, was leaning his hip against the butcher’s block, standing too close to Pippa, twirling a mustache as phony as his accent. Macauley had first met him years ago at the Old Bell Tavern when he worked as a bruiser guarding the back entrance, and Pierre managed the kitchen. Macauley knew for a fact the man had never left the environs of London, much less made it to France. But his food was a masterpiece, an epicurean delight despite the base manner in which he’d come to learn the trade. As long as his patrons’ bellies were full and their inheritances gushing out like blood through an open vein upon his Savonnerie carpets, Macauley didn’t care if Fast Fingers called himself Sir Tootles.

Trying to avoid looking at Pippa, Macauley reviewed the space he’d spent a small fortune outfitting to his chef’s specifications. Of course, there was no bone-setting chaperone in sight.

As if she’d sensed his presence, Pippa glanced swiftly to the door, her hand clenching around the dough she was kneading. Her eyes were stark in the dim light radiating from the oil sconces, so green against her fair skin they appeared nearly black. She was more appealing than he wanted to admit, standing there in a toolarge apron, the straps looped twice around her waist and tied in a floppy bow over her belly. Flour on her cheek, her hair stacked in an ineffectual knot at the back of her head, the flaxen strands curling around her face from the damp heat. Her breasts, quite a ripe size for her petite frame he’d unfortunately noted on previous occasions, straining against the stained cotton.

To taunt him if he required additional provocation.

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Michael N. riley

Michael N. Riley was born in Grants, New Mexico, in 1960, the second generation born in New Mexico from either of his parents’ families. Like most, they homesteaded from other states. His father’s side was from Texas and his mother’s family was from Alabama. When he was three, they moved from Grants to Clovis, New Mexico. He went to school and graduated high school and eventually moved to Portales, New Mexico, to attend Eastern New Mexico University. He ended up getting married and working for an electric cooperative reading electric meters. During that time, he had several old timers tell him stories about coming to New Mexico when it was a territory. Most of them were old ranch hands and farmers. Their eyes would light up when they told stories about the real Wild West and some of the shenanigans they would get into. This is how he came up with this story.

Set around 1900, visit the Wild West in Arch. Doc Strafford has bought a small mercantile in Portales, New Mexico Territory, to start a new life. Over the years, Doc has become more involved in the growth of Portales. He eventually sells his interest in a saloon to two seedy characters, Jewels Davis and his albino son, Jefferson. When Doc invites his old friend from the Civil War to visit Portales and the surrounding territory, it draws suspicions from the Davises to the point that they torture Doc’s hired hand, Gustavo, just to find out what Doc is up to.

BOOK EXCERPT

pages 31-32

Tommy runs into the saloon and finds Slappy.

“What you got for me, Boy?” Slappy growls as he stands over Tommy.

The boy is still trying to catch his breath when he blurts out, “His name is Patrick Daniel Arnold, and he’s a reverend.”

Slappy raises an eyebrow. “A preacher man. Interesting.”

Jewels enters the saloon. With his heavy feet and boots, he makes a thunderous sound as he walks toward his son. “So, who is he?”

Slappy grins at his father. “A preacher man.”

“No, no, no! No, this just won’t do,” Jewels says, pacing the floor and holding his head in his hands.

“So, we have a problem?” Slappy asks.

“Don’t you see,” Jewels explains while grimacing, “sin and prayer can’t exist together; if they build a church, we are finished. They’ll run us out of town and I’ve got too much money invested in booze and whores for that to happen.”

“So, what do we do?” Slappy asks.

Jewels rubs the whiskers on the side of his face. “First, we got to make sure that what we are assuming is correct.”

“How do we go about that?”

Jewels is thinking. “Gustavo and Maria will know what Doc is up to. Bring Gustavo here first. We can beat him up, and it won’t draw any attention to us. We’ll just say he owes us money.”

Slappy smiles from ear to ear. How he loves to hear a man scream!

Showcase Alice O. Carrillo

AliceO. Carrillo was born in Arizona. She moved with her family to California where they became migrant workers. Little did they know they were starting a long journey as migrant workers who followed the sun from sunrise to sundown. They suffered physically, emotionally, and socially. They never had friends they could call true friends. They never lasted at a location more than two months. They never attended school on a regular basis. They were taken out of school to help support the family. Their parents only worried about paying the rent and if they were going to have food on their table. She goes on to earn her Master’s in Child Development & Human Development. She continues to take Latina women out of the fields and help them start their own child care business with a preschool program at home. She has many Latinas that make $70,000 to $100,000 a year. She lives with her family in the state of California. and how they overcame it and were able to attend college, becoming a professional in their area of expertise is the key to reaching success. However, she points out that schools should be more sensitive toward Hispanic instructors and students.

There is Hope for Migrant Workers

Author tells beautiful stories of success and hope

In her hopes to speak up on behalf of all migrant women working in the fields, to help them see that they have a brighter and better future, author Alice O. Carrillo brings forth One Latina Breaking the Language Barrier. This is a tribute to migrant workers who have been able to get out of poverty.

This book has great stories to tell with heartwarming true tales from great women that suffered as migrant workers in the fields. The author also shares poems she wrote when she was a youth working in the fields. She writes about learning in an all-English classroom. The emotional abuse they encountered

She closes the book with a short story her sister wrote during college years about the beginning of their journey as children who followed the sun.

This book is available online and can be purchased at online bookstores. Available at: Amazon

One Latina Breaking The Language Barrier by

Alice O. Carrillo

had been exhibited in 2022 Frankfurt International Book Fair

WHERE: Frankfurt, Germany

WHEN: Oct 19, 2022 - Oct 23, 2022

WHY I WRITE STORIES

Guest column by David A. Bowles

GUEST COLUMN

Why I Write Stories

by David A. Bowles

My parents, aunts and uncles told fascinating stories about their ancestors that came to Texas during the early days of the Republic. Some of those stories were so far-fetched it was difficult for a young boy to believe. I heard stories of Indian raids and buffalo herds roaming the banks of the Colorado River.

My Aunt Edna, the oldest child of my grandparents, told me the story of a little boy being captured by Indians. “Right down yonder,” Aunt Edna pointed toward Bouldin Creek that ran behind our house in Austin. I was sure she was just trying to scare me. Then, I heard a similar story from my father about the abduction. He said the boy’s father was killed and scalped by Indians during the attack on Shoal Creek, not Bouldin Creek. Somehow the stories were never the same. Uncle Elmer told the story of his greatgreat grandfather being scalped by Indians but didn’t know any details. I asked the boy’s name who was captured by the Indians. No one knew. They didn’t know names, but they remembered the stories.

The story that impressed me most was the one about my great grandfather when he worked on the capitol building. That beautiful granite building that stands at the end of Congress Avenue. Some family members even claimed he built it. Whoever he was!

In the seventh grade, I told my Texas history teacher, “The capitol was built by my great grandfather.” She asked, “What was his name?” I assumed he was a Bowles. My teacher didn’t seem impressed. She suggested I research it and write a report with sources of my findings. After several hours in the library, I found no mention of a family member.

When I learned prisoners from Convict Hill were used to build the Capitol, I forgot about the report and hoped my teacher did too. What I did learn was the value of a public library.

In the eighties, I started my family genealogy work and interviewed my father, aunt and uncles. They told the same stories, but still couldn’t remember names. I was given my grandmothers papers and the Bible of my great grandmother, Elnora. She made meticulous notes about her family. Her father, Lorenzo Van Cleve, was born in 1806 and died in 1858. I began my search in the Austin History Center for Lorenzo Van Cleve. This was long before personal computers and digitized documents.

Lorenzo’s marriage to Margaret Smith was one of only six marriages in Travis County in 1841. Their child, Elnora turned out to be the first female born in Austin. Margaret’s father, Thomas W. Smith, was the first county treasurer, her brother, James W. Smith, first county judge. I found the handwritten marriage license and a letter from her father giving his consent for Margaret to marry Lorenzo Van Cleve. He served eighteen months in the Texas Army and received a pay voucher on September 21, 1838 for $120.80 cents. For his service he was also given a bounty of 1,280 acres of land in Robertson County, which is now on the Trinity River bottom south of downtown Dallas. He patented the property August 25, 1845 and sold it a few years later. Today a part of it is Cedar Crest Golf Course.

More research found a payment request in the Texas Archives signed by President Mirabeau Lamar. It authorized a sixty-dollar payment to Lorenzo Van Cleve for a table for the President’s office. Further research showed Lorenzo had worked on many of the new federal buildings in Austin. Grandmother didn’t make up a story. Her grandfather did build the Capitol building. It just wasn’t the Capitol we know. It was a wooden structure built from hand hewn logs. Not very impressive but it served its purpose. It stood at West Eighth and Colorado overlooking Congress Avenue. There Anson Jones, the last President of Texas, lowered the Flag of the Republic of Texas on February 19, 1846. He handed the Lone Star Flag to James Pickney Henderson, the first Governor of

The State of Texas. Jones said to the crowd gathered “The Republic of Texas is no more.” The American flag was raised, and Texas officially became the twenty-eighth state.

Christy Costlow, Travis County Archivist, made the first records of Travis County available to me and took a picture of me holding Volume I in the County Archives building. The recently rebound leather volume was written in the cursive hand of my great-great-great grandfather Thomas W. Smith and his son James W. Smith. By August 1841 their entries stopped. Neither completed their terms of office, both were killed in separate Indian attacks seven months apart. I held in my hand the earliest records of Travis County, what an awe-inspiring moment that was for me.

Word of my research reached other family members across the nation. Two more Family Bibles were found that documented the authenticity of Elnora’s Bible records. I traveled to Charleston, Illinois to the MitchellGalbreath Reunion to see the Bible of Adam Mitchell, the father of Rebeckah Smith, my great-great-great grandmother. Holding the Bible started by Adam and Elizabeth Mitchell, my great-great-great-great grandparents ca 1769, was an experience I will never forget. Documents and pictures from other family members started turning up. My first book, Spring House, is about the colonial period in America. I wrote of Adam Mitchell being captured by General Cornwallis at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in North Carolina. I received a call from Ann Winkler Hinrichs, the genealogist for the Galbreath-Mitchell family, she wasn’t aware our mutual great-great-great-great grandfather Adam Mitchell was captured by the British during the American Revolution. She asked if it was true or was it fiction. Once I provided her documentation, we have become great friends and collaborate on our research. She has read for historical accuracy all my books since Spring House was published in 2006.

Proud of my heritage, I became a member of the Sons

of the Republic of Texas (SRT) and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). The rigorous process of both organizations requires meticulous documentation of each generation to become a member. It forced me to organize my materials in chronological order.

A family timeline and a timeline epic events in history were created. I printed out calendars for each year and historic events were written into the 1750-1850 family timeline. I noted documentation that detailed my ancestor’s involvement in historic events. The parallel timelines became the Westward Sagas.

Now! David Bowles was a storyteller with research and documentation to back-up his stories. The story of nine-year-old Fayette, a Texas boy with a French name, always seemed to peak the audience’s attention. Fayette came to Austin prior to the cities founding from Alabama with his parents James W. and Angelina Smith, my great-great-great grandparents Thomas W. and Rebeckah Smith, aunt Margaret and uncles Will, Harvey, and Fenwick. Rev. Mitchell Smith stayed in Saint Augustine to start the first Presbyterian Church and organize the Texas Presbytery. As President of the San Antonio Chapter of the SAR, I had the opportunity to speak to schools and other heritage societies. People often said, “That’s a great story, you should write a book about it.” I became obsessed about writing the story of Fayette. I knew nothing about the book business, so I sought out those that did. I asked several authors if they would write the story, wanting nothing in return but a good book.

At a San Antonio Christian Writer’s Conference, ghostwriter Cecil Murphy, who has written over a hundred books for other people, told me the same thing. “It’s your story, not just an idea for a story. You’re too involved in the characters and storyline, no one could write it to your satisfaction.”

They were right. I was the one that researched the story. The characters had already been developed in my mind. The letters and documents all helped me

to create a vision of who they were. However, my only journalistic experience was writing a monthly column for a trade paper in the 80’s and a company newsletter.

Joining the Writer’s League of Texas was the best thing I ever did. I took their classes and joined a weekly writer’s group where we critiqued each other’s work. Author friends suggested writing the story as historical fiction. Another suggested creative nonfiction as the genre. David Bowles writing a novel! I have no experience in dialogue or writing scenes. That’s heavy stuff. I had much self-doubt, but friends and family encouraged me to go for it.

Paul Ruckman, a friend who is an avid history buff and I were discussing my first draft of Spring House. I said, “I don’t know any author who has been successful writing a novel about their family.” Paul said “Margaret Mitchell-Gone with the Wind, Zane Grey-Riders of the Purple Sage and Larry Mc Murtry-Lonesome Dove. Why don’t you write a series like Little House on the Prairie or Lonesome Dove?” That’s what I set out to do with the research I had. It was San Antonio author and editor Lillie Ammann that came up with the name for the series Westward Sagas. It was my decision to use the true names of my family in my writings. Margaret Mitchell, Zane Grey, and Larry McMurtry created fictitious names for their characters. It was my family and I insisted on using their real names. It sometimes made writing cumbersome, but it was worth the extra effort to me. Most of the characters in the Westward Sagas are real. Their persona created from letters they wrote and their actions towards others. Church records, wills and other family documents helped me determine their character traits. Fictional characters were created to carry the story along. The first fiction character I created was Trapper John, in Spring House. Every good book needs a character like him. Trapper was a simple old soul that was the salt of the earth, honest and hardworking, but a little lackadaisical in his personal hygiene. I intended to only

use him in Spring House, readers told me they liked Trapper John. I brought him back in Adams Daughter’s and Children of the Revolution. Sometimes I use a name of a friend or family as a fictional character like Doc Puryear, a cousin that lives in a barn with his horse in Lubbock, Texas. Bella, the name of my longtime housekeeper, was the name of a fictional Mexican girl in Comanche Trace that real protagonist Will Smith fell in love with. This is the story of Fayette Smith’s abduction on his ninth birthday and his uncle’s determination to bring him back to Texas. Adam’s Daughters is about Adam Mitchell’s three oldest daughters Peggy, Ibby and Rebeckah. Three strong girls who were truly daughters of the American Revolution. Children of the Revolution is about America’s first generation and their contribution to the settlement of the west.

I enjoy writing because I have stories in me that need telling. I’ve published four books in the Westward Sagas series and have two more spinning around in my head. The stories are like lyrics of an old song, stuck in my head. They just won’t go away, until I write the last chapter.

The reason I write, is because I can’t not write!

©Copyright 2022 David A. Bowles for Uncaged Book Reviews www.uncagedbooks.com Published with Permission

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Antonio De’Mon robinson

Afterbeing exposed to the majesty of spirituality in the book Autobiography of a Yogi, at 39yrs old, Antonio De’mon Robinson humbly traveled down a spiritual path. He contends the book opened his mind to mystical spiritual experiences, and he feels fortunate to have embarked upon his own mystical spiritual experiences during meditation. Sadly, this was a low point in his life, sustaining a debilitating leg injury while playing basketball, straddling him with mounting financial debt from expensive medical bills. On the bright side, rupturing his left Achilles tendon gave him plenty of time to think after his surgery, helping to cultivate his new favorite pastime; book reading. The more books he read revealed to him how much he does not know. He also credits meditation for giving him the foresight to write his poetry book, Heartfelt. Antonio is a very healthy person, leaning on intermittent fasting and an increased awareness of the benefits of plant-based dieting, ensuring better health. He loves purified water, and even at forty-four. He aspires to exercise four to five times a week, sweating it out for one or two hours in the gym each time. In the author’s opinion, the greatest riches in life can be discovered by living a healthy lifestyle; a healthy body truly makes someone wealthy. Although the author wisely knows that mental, emotional, and spiritual health cannot be ignored as vital components to overall health and wellness.

The author proudly shares this collection of wellwritten, thoughtprovoking works of art, which are not written in the mold or under the guise of traditional poetry. Heartfelt is destined to stimulate the readers’ critical thinking, enhanced by words of wisdom, stirring up breathtaking imagery as the writer’s message pulls the reader further in. The author’s intentions are clear and concise, nudging readers toward a spiritual path: SelfLove, Self-Actualization, and spiritual growth. He allows readers to experience the world through his eyes as an exceptional storyteller, coupled with words of profound meaning, giv-

ing readers a chance to escape and analyze the harsh realities of this world.

BOOK EXCERPT pages 24-27

Men, women, and children can’t help but stare as he victoriously gallops through town on horseback. A hardened man chiseled from head to toe resulted from many battles, brutally claiming his right to adorn king’s armor.

Even with a raised scar carved into the left side of his face in the shape of an L pointing toward his left ear, he was undeniably handsome.

As a young boy, life as a peasant was never his future, nor his destiny. Merlin the magician made sure of this before his birth. The way he skillfully wielded a wooden sword while dominating childhood friends garnered astonishment and praise from curious guardsmen enamored by his innate abilities in combat; born with the natural instincts of a knight.

With bone-crushing blows behind his hammering fists and headabdicating swings with his Excalibur sword, he terrorized the hearts

Young Warrior

of men on the battlefield, reducing them with shivering fear. Was he mortal? Was he a God? Why did the enchanting Lady of the Lake gift him with the mystical Excalibur sword? Whether on horseback or on foot, he moved swiftly in battle like a ghost, taking countless lives as if he were the Grim Reaper. The legend of his invincibility on the battlefield grew immensely with every victory.

How could they exalt a man with such humble beginnings as King of Camelot? His ascension happened so quickly, clamoring speculation implied he inexplicably usurped the natural order of kingship. Was he under some kind of spell? No man that has departed for as many battles as he has ever lived to tell about it, but he always returns with another heralded story about his valor in combat. With Lancelot by his side, his mighty knights surrounding the round table, and Queen Guinevere as the envy of his affection, a little peasant boy who went by the name Arthur is now King Arthur, an undying legendary hero of folklore.

After Birth

Why do men rape women? Why do men compel women to abort ideas of safety around them? Isn’t the only gateway between the spiritual realm and the natural world attached to the umbilical cord in a woman’s womb? This is indisputable.

If a placenta resembles the tree of life when dried out, shouldn’t men cherish women as if they are their birth mother? Every man dreams of having a boy, but raising a daughter is what his fragile masculinity needs. Her gentle smile, sweet giggles, and affectionate kisses teach her father it is okay to express emotion. Why do men oppress, ridicule, and denigrate women? Haven’t men made life on them onerous enough? What if women paid men less money to do the same job? Dangled promotions over their heads for sexual favors, touched them inappropriately in crowded rooms, or reviled a man because he has a girlfriend or wife? Wouldn’t men despise women, too?

There is an endless list of insults and offenses against women men are guilty of, so the next time men argue women are being treated fairly and equally, casually remind them that men still have a long way to go.

Peace Officer

By raising a right hand in the air and placing a left hand on a Bible. Police officers are sworn in under a strict code of conduct to protect and uphold the safety and peace of the people! Why then, I ask, are my brothers and sisters being brutally murdered in the streets and in their homes?

Fiery gun blasts ring out and end lives. Suffocating chokeholds severely restrict air passageways, making it impossible to breathe, turning even a dark face blue before death. I wonder why Derek Chauvin thought it was best to keep his knee firmly pressed on George Floyd’s neck and spine. Did this seem like a peaceful arrest?

I wonder what Breonna Taylor felt, being awakened by a hailstorm of bullets in her sleep. Of the thirty-two bullets fired at her and her boyfriend, six of them penetrated her lifeless body, fatally wounding her. Breonna Taylor’s apartment was littered with bullets, reminiscent of a firefight, but only one warning shot was fired by Breonna’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, landing in Sgt. Mattingly’s leg. Walker later reported the three officers forced entry into their apartment after knocking on the door, but never announced they were the police. I wonder if Breonna Taylor didn’t have time to feel anything. After further analysis, it would have been for the best.

If I’m a black boy wearing a hoodie in an affluent gated community, does that make me a threat? Maybe we should ask Trayvon Martin’s mother and father. They had to bury their young son who was murdered during an altercation after being deemed suspicious. A volunteer neighborhood watch person named George Zimmerman shot Trayvon Martin in the chest, silencing him forever. Couldn’t Zimmerman have used a taser while learning about Trayvon Martin’s UFC skills the hard way? Instead, Zimmerman clasped firmly to Florida’s “stand your ground law,” blasting Trayvon in self-defense and was exonerated from arrest.

Does this seem like justice? Why did a volunteer neighborhood watch person even have permission to carry a gun? Now I’m not saying a good referendum would be to defund the police. What a horrific idea! I am saying gun-restraint training must transpire in police departments across the country, especially with American police officers having a bloodied history of repeat violence against unarmed people of color.

Reflections

Discipline can escape a common man faster than a lie can be spoken, but a focused man that learns to have discipline and is unafraid to fail will undoubtedly achieve success. “Respect” is a word often used to admire someone, yet how quickly someone’s feeble actions can diminish one’s admiration.

Genuine people are as rare as innocent ones. Use your intuition to see both and your instincts to notice the unfaithful ones. Could it be true that a man who desires to know nothing is wiser than a man who claims to know everything?

Why do people complain daily about the life they continue to choose yet do nothing to create the life they say they want?

Learning is essential, and so is being educated, but don’t spend too much time with your nose in books. This will leave you ill equipped in a world full of discovery and imagination.

feature authors

paranormal | political fiction

Wayne Turmel

Kaylin Peyerk

Ken Fireman

Kaylin peyerk

Kaylin Peyerk is a lover of badass fantasy heroines and the sexy men who feel lucky to love them. She has five full bookshelves, a bursting Kindle library, and a total love for the written word. When she’s not crouched over the computer like a gremlin, you can find her curled up in a nest of blankets with a well-loved book, her two corgis Link & Gannon, and a steaming cup of hot cocoa...

Uncaged welcomes Kaylin Peyerk

Welcome to Uncaged! Your latest books are in the Her Ferocious Mates series. Can you tell us more about this series?

Her Ferocious Mates starts off with our main character, Jayden Yearwood, standing over her twin sister’s casket. Alexius has been murdered, and no one else seems to care but her. This lead’s Jayden to feel fury that is just as strong as her grief, and when the three princes of Ellion demand Jayden take her sister’s place as the next rising queen, she resents them for it. Rejects them as best she can while slinking around Ellion’s underground in search of answers about who murdered her sister and why. This is helped by her true alpha power which manifested the night her sister died, but not in time to save her. For this, Jayden feels an insurmountable amount of guilt that rides her even when she begins slowly falling for the triplets, who are her destined mates. This is a series full of zapping tension, political intrigue, and murder mystery! It’s great for lovers of plot driven, slow burn romance series with badass female main characters.

You also have a few other series out, what drew you to the paranormal genre to write in?

I’ve been reading paranormal and fantasy romance for way longer than I’ve been writing it. It all started in sixth grade when I discovered my love of young adult fantasy. The fantastical worlds authors could create from nothing were infinitely interesting to me. Plus, the sprinkle of romance was enthralling and kept me turning the pages. I wanted to write worlds just as praiseworthy, just as tantalizing. So, I wrote my first book at age fourteen—something that will never see the light of day—and have been writing ever since! Now that I’m an adult, there’s nothing wrong with fantasy that has a little steam to it. *wink wink*

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

The most difficult scenes to write are action sequences. I find it time consuming to make them realistic and worthy of the story they portray. In fantasy, the fight scenes have to be just as epic as the romance. Personally, I love writing stories that will hurt you first, and then give you the happily ever after you crave during the conclusion. To me, that makes the couple’s journey that much more real and worth fighting for. Thus, I take a lot of extra time polishing action sequences because they’re a big

part of the narrative.

In comparison, the easiest scenes for me to write are the small, intimate moments between the main characters. Their soft touches, longing glances from across the room, and laughter held between them. Alos, witty banter is my favorite thing between fantasy protagonists, and I find I really enjoy writing it.

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

I’m currently writing Wolf Mated, book three of Her Ferocious Mates. It’s the epic conclusion for Jayden and her kings. They’ll get the justice they’ve been craving through some ups and downs that will make them that much stronger. The steamy bits of this book are hot, too. So, my readers can look forward to that!

Do you base any of your characters on real-life people?

This is a hilarious question I’ve been asked a lot, but no! I have never based a character off of anyone in real life. I’ve taken traits from some characters I loved reading about and portrayed them in my own stories, but that’s the extent of it for me.

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

Before I became a full time author I was an accountant. A lot of people are surprised to hear it, as that job is very type A personality while being an author is type B. However, that was my practical side at work setting up a job that I can fall back on should I ever need it. But, for now, I’m basking in the glow of writing stories I love for a living!

Which comes first, the plot or the characters in the planning stages?

Most times, I get my plot ideas from wild dreams I have. I craft the characters after I get a solid look

at the idea once it’s written down. If I like it, I run with it, and if I don’t then it sits on my massive google doc of book ideas until I pick it up one day! However, some of my most recent stories started with the idea of one strong main character popping into my head that wouldn’t let go. For instance, in my story The Failed Assassination of the Thunder God, my first thought was how interesting it would be to have an edgy, immortal assassin fall in love with a sunshine God. This is a tragic dark fantasy I’m writing and publishing for free on Tapas, WebNovel, and RoyalRoad under the pen name K. Klein.

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

I love to play strategy centered video games like Team Fight Tactics or Civilization 5. They’re stimulating to the mind, but also really fun! However, I read probably ninety percent of the time, mostly high fantasy with heavy romantic elements. Another thing I enjoy is watching anime and reading manga of all genres. If you’re looking to get into it, try Attack on Titan or Demon Slayer!

What’s your favorite holiday? Do you have any special traditions?

My favorite holiday is definitely Christmas. This is because I’m a lover of wearing sweaters. drinking hot cocoa and watching the snowfall. There’s a certain measure of peace in the wholly consuming silence of a blizzard. I’m from the midwest, specifically Michigan where it snows a ton, so I’ve always enjoyed the cold. A special tradition my family has is opening the stockings the night before and one single present, just to enjoy the Christmas spirit two days in a row!

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

I prefer physical books but find myself reading eBook more often for convenience. As for what

I’m reading now—I’ve been incredibly interested in Chinese mythology centered stories following cultivation and political intrigue such as Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation by MXTX. This story is so gripping and well done, I’d recommend it to anyone. There’s something about the tragedy of it all that pulls at your heart strings and makes you wonder what you would have chosen should you have been in their position. I love a narrative where the main characters have been through hell before grasping their happily ever after. If you do too and are willing to ride the learning curve of Chinese cultivation fiction, MXTX is a great author to try.

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

I’d like to thank every single reader who picks up my book and loves my characters as much as I do. As most authors would tell you, my stories are all-consuming. When I’m not writing, I’m thinking about my plot, creating playlists for my characters, drawing them, and comparing them to stories I’ve read and will read. My characters will be loved by me no matter what, but it’s a privilege to have others enjoy them as well.

Connected

Enjoy an excerpt from Wolf Rejected

Wolf

Rejected

Kaylin Peyerk Paranormal Romance

True alphas are rare. . . And she is one.

A fact Jayden Yearwood has kept hidden since the night of her sister’s death.

The power had come seconds too late to save her beloved twin—seconds too late to save her.

For the moment Alexius rasped her final breath, Jayden’s fate had been sealed. If her sister could not become the next queen, the three princes demand Jayden take her place.

Because she’s also an omega, and omegas are meant to breed true alphas, not become them.

However, in the days that follow, Jayden can’t let the final words of her sister’s murderer go.

The princes will thank me for this.

Someone from the castle had her sister killed, and it will not go unpunished. In the shadows each night, Jayden slinks through Ellion with her new alpha power, looking for the person responsible for her sister’s murder. Yet, the more she uncovers, the more tangled the web becomes.

Now, she must find a way to be both the omega the world needs and the alpha she truly is. For the sake of her sister. For the sake of her family. Yet the princes make it incredibly hard. Pushing her buttons in all the wrong places. . . And sometimes the right ones.

Will she succeed in divulging the whole truth before

the final mating ceremony?

Excerpt

Chapter One

Standing over your twin sister’s casket was a special kind of hell. Alexius looked like a perfect, bewitching doll. Hair elegantly styled, mouth set in a tasteful upward tilt, and resting in her favorite ruby dress. If Jayden wasn’t painfully aware of the bullet hole through her sister’s chest, she could almost convince herself Alex would wake at any moment. Sitting up to blind Jayden with one of her signature, mega-watt smiles. Her heart gave a violent tug, eyes stinging from refusing to blink. As though, if she did, she would never again see her sister’s face. Jayden had no will to cry, no need for it. She had done her fair share while holding her sister’s bloodied body; wailing until someone nearby had called the police. Now, her rage beat in time with her slow, monotonous heart. Twisting inside her ever since she witnessed Alex’s last breath leave her lungs in slow motion, taking half of Jayden’s soul with it.

The princes will thank me for this.

Jayden grit her teeth, flexing her hands at her sides. She took two steps away, moving so others could pay their respects but not going far at all. Her parents were nearby, speaking with whatever high order individuals had appeared at the service. Not once had they taken a break in their schmoozing to look at their dead daughter. Jayden watched them laugh and flourish their hands, blinking. How was everyone else fine? There was no universe in which Jayden existed, while Alex didn’t, that left her with any sort of comfort. Without thinking, she shoved her hands deep into the roots of her auburn hair, tugging.

Her eyes were still on the casket; the cherry wood she knew Alex would have hated. The peonies around it that her sister was allergic to. Her arms dropped back down to her sides limply. To any-

the eventual personal mating toy of the men behind her—she never once spoke ill of it. Her sister wanted to marry the princes, and as long as it was her choice, Jayden had been happy to support her. But, with what she knew now. . .

The princes will thank me for this.

She’d do anything to turn back time. Yet she knew everyone and their mother who’d lost someone thought such a thing. Jayden sighed, dropping her chin to her chest and closing her eyes, brows furrowing at the continued commotion behind her.

F*ck, she wanted to throttle them for showing up here.

It had to be a publicity stunt. The murmurs grew louder, coming up to her back before stopping completely, the room falling so silent you could hear a pin drop. Hear the soft exhale Jayden let out between her lips, closing her eyes. They were behind her. Waiting.

She refused to turn.

“Have you come to pay your respects?” She asked. Many people choked on a gasp of outrage at her nonchalant tone. Deep inside, she knew she should at the very least address them properly, but she couldn’t bring herself to do so. Nothing in her chest was working right, not even her flip-flopping heart.

“Yes, we were saddened to hear of your sister’s death.”

She turned to stare them down, lips pursed. Were they now? Jayden would be hard pressed to believe them, but she forced herself to dip her chin in the barest showing of respect to their position. None of them appeared offended as they stared at her. Those luminous eyes of theirs narrowed. Not with disdain or dismissal, as she first assumed, but with curiosity.

“Thank you for attending.”

The one in the center smiled softly. “Of course. While we didn’t know her well, it was obvious she had a beautiful soul.”

Jayden’s lips twitched, aching to turn down at the corners, not at all impressed by his words. A beautiful soul? While it may be true, it wasn’t exactly a secret about Alex. Everywhere she went, she drew people along behind her. A simple grin of hers was enough to make a bad day a good one. But her sister was so much more than that.

Jayden held in the compulsion to blurt the words aloud. He was trying to be nice, not get on her bad side. Little did he know he was already there. Because, at the end of the day, they were the reason her sister was murdered. Just looking at them fueled the burning pit of rage in her stomach.

“Well, I will give you privacy,” she replied.

Jayden moved aside, allowing them forward. For a hovering second, none of them moved, eyes darting between her face and her sisters. Were they comparing them? The thought left an unpleasant taste in the back of her throat, so she turned, walking down the aisle toward the refreshment table in the back of the hall. Her parents watched her go with aghast expressions, having gone deathly pale. Yet Jayden felt no fear at all for the way she acted. She wasn’t rude, and if they wanted to execute her for her attitude, they could. It wouldn’t make much of a difference for her either way. Being alone in this awful society, which valued alphas over everyone else and used omegas as their playthings, felt like a nightmare.

She stopped at the table, stomach heaving. Everything looked good, but the idea of it was less than appetizing, even as her empty stomach growled. When was the last time she ate? The five days since her sister’s murder were a blur of hospital visits, police station accounts, and funeral preparation. Jayden licked her lips, accepting a glass of water offered to her by the kind

gentleman manning the table. He seemed to know she wasn’t up to eating.

“Thank you,” she demurred, moving off to a secluded corner of the room to watch what the princes would do next.

They stood at the casket, eyes riveted to the body within, unreadable expressions on their faces. They certainly didn’t look upset by her passing, that was for certain. Jayden’s grip on her glass tightened, teeth grinding together. A part of her thrashed in her chest, aching to rise, to do something about all her anger rather than bottle it up. She soothed the beast by taking a sip of water and a deep breath. Now was not the time to take revenge. It was uncertain whether they had any part in Alex’s death, and Jayden wanted to be absolutely unwavering when she spilled blood. Because it would be spilled.

Another waitress passed, taking the empty glass, leaving Jayden to tear at the skin around her cuticles just to give her hands something to do. Her palms were sweaty, too, slipping and sliding together. She wanted to bolt out of the room, leaving everything and everyone behind for some peace and quiet. While no one dared try to speak with her about the death of her twin or attempt to comfort her, they also hadn’t left her alone since it happened. As if they thought she’d choose to join her. Jayden shook out her hands, hating the sting of her injured fingers but unable to blame anyone but herself. Damn, I’m losing it. Instead of watching their infuriatingly blank expressions for a moment longer, she strode outside, needing a breath of fresh air.

Of course, a security guard followed.

But she didn’t go far, propping herself on the marble railing overlooking the sprawling city below. The light of day had faded, showering the streets with a golden halo of light. Despite it all, her lips twitched up into a smile at the sight, memories of the past filling her head like distant echoes. She had spent many nights on their estate balcony arm in arm with Alex—whisper-

ing their dreams as the sun fell below the horizon. She lifted her face to the sky, looking at the vast canopy of stars rather than reminisce.

“Do you enjoy the outdoors?”

Jayden cursed to herself. “If you mean camping, then no. If you mean looking from afar, certainly.”

The eldest of the triplets—Kain—stepped up beside her, chuckling as he pushed his hands into the pockets of his trousers.

“A city woman, eh?”

Jayden cut her eyes to his. “How would I be anything different? I grew up in a family that has known nothing else but luxury.”

He tilted his head from side to side, lips pursed. “That’s very true. But if you could, would you go out and see the rest of Ellion? Even the parts of it that aren’t as pretty as our capital?”

It was a strange question to ask, but it intrigued her regardless. While Alexius was enthralled with parties, nobility, and luxurious gifts, Jayden spent her time walking the streets at night with her camera, snapping candids of people and places whenever the muse struck. Jayden was convinced no one knew this city better than she did. It made her even more confident in her ability to exact revenge on whoever dared take her sister’s life. But she pushed that obsessive thought away in favor of focusing all her attention on the man beside her, biting her bottom lip.

“I would, I think. Documenting it along the way, of course.”

He grinned. “Document it? Like what, writing a novel?”

She shook her head. “No, I love photography. My cloud server is full of photos that will never see the

light of day. Only a few of my pieces have been shown, but that was more of a choice.”

“I understand. Photography is such a personal experience, don’t you think?”

Jayden, despite herself and her twisted soul, smiled. “All art is. I don’t take photos for anyone else, honestly. Is that selfish?”

Kain hummed, face contemplative, as he leaned one hip against the railing. He wasn’t looking at her, face turned toward the expansive city below and highlighted by the bright lights. It threw shadows across his features, softening them as he smiled. The pose made him appear more approachable, even though she knew he was anything but. Jayden turned away, trying to push aside the fluttering feeling in her chest.

He’s just a handsome supreme alpha. Get over it.

“No, I don’t think so. People could be a little more selfish these days, to be honest.”

Now that caught her attention, tickling the back of her brain as if she’d heard the words before. But no matter how hard she tried to grasp the memory, it slipped away like water rushing through her fingers.

“A little more selfish? I think that’s the root of all our problems.”

“Maybe. . . Or perhaps it’s the greed of men, not intriguing women like you.”

Her entire body froze at the compliment, and not because she was surprised by it or flattered. People like him do not say or do anything without a reason. Jayden was very familiar with the schmoozing tactics of the nobility. Whatever he wanted, he was buttering her up for the grand finale. Little did he know, Jayden wasn’t willing to participate in useless small talk. Cutting to the chase would

get him away from her weak, easily influenced omega body that much faster.

“Oh? You flatter me, prince, but stop dancing around whatever it is you came here for. Tell me now and save us both the trouble.”

Kain gave a surprised laugh. “Ah, you’re refreshing! I’ve never met an omega quite like you.”

Jayden deigned to look at him, brows raised. “I’m sure you haven’t. It’s why my sister was chosen for you rather than me.”

Even mentioning her twin curdled Jayden’s stomach, but she pushed aside the reaction, dampening her anger and grief. Kain watched her do so, not missing a thing. And she had the fleeting thought that they were truly getting to know one another in these tense moments of silence.

While she ‘d met him before, it was brief and extremely formal. Neither of them had spoken directly, nor had she done so with his brothers. At that time, it felt like she was only a member of the enthralled audience, stretching toward the stage to get a millimeter closer. Or, at the very least, her standing at the back of the room and watching everyone else do so. Now it felt as if he was done with the performance, stepping off the stage as the lights winked out to stand before her.

Unapologetically himself.

“That’s what I came here to talk to you about,” he started, shifting from foot to foot.

It almost looked like he was nervous. And the idea of a prince being apprehensive in her presence was absurd. Not only that, but he had the audacity to discuss his ruined wedding plans now? She crossed her arms over her chest, looking down her nose at him as if he wasn’t a whole head taller than her.

“You came to my sister’s funeral to discuss your terminated marriage contract with her corpse?” Jayden asked.

Kain flinched, closing his eyes. “Ah, no. Well, yes, but when you put it like that, it feels slimy.” The words were childish, and it reminded her that while he was a prince, he was still only twenty four years old. Plus, she doubted he got out into the real world very often. The idea of a well-rounded royal was a lie spouted by nobility—there was no such thing and never had been.

“That’s because it is slimy. But you committed to it, so go on, say what you need to say.”

She didn’t relent in her stare, pinning him to the spot with her fiery gaze. Anger spiraled higher and higher, writhing like a wild animal thrashing to get out—to leap from her chest and wrap itself around this obtuse man’s throat. Neither of them moved; the air around them charged with barely restrained violence.

Kain could sense it, of course he could, because he was a supreme alpha. Any minute change of pheromones or intent was second nature to him. It didn’t slip over his head as it would for a beta, or even an omega. Little did he know Jayden was just like him now. Had the same alpha power rushing through her veins.

“With your sister’s tragic death, there’s now an opening for the queen of Ellion,” he began, and she narrowed her eyes. “And who better to take her place than you?”

Jayden had known what he was about to utter before it even left his mouth. Why else would the three princes, who surely have hundreds more important tasks, come to their dead fiancé’s funeral?

While the thought sent a pang through her chest, it was the reality of their world. The logical line between normals like her family and the true royalty of Ellion. They may be invited to the balls and laugh prettily with all the guests, but it was a farce. Jayden’s sister was chosen for one thing and one thing alone—breeding the next line of princes. She grit her teeth, nails digging into her palms. The sting-

ing pain of it kept her from doing and saying things she shouldn’t.

“Oh?” She ground out.

Kain nodded slowly, wary of the reaction. “Yes. We have officially requested you to become our next bride. My brothers are inside speaking with your parents. They’ve accepted the royal scripture detailing the proposal. They thought it best I speak to you alone.”

“I see.”

She had to turn away from him to hide the shocked dismay on her face. How could they replace her sister so quickly? Not even a week had passed since her death and here they were infiltrating her funeral to drop this bomb of information. It felt intensely cruel, their lack of empathy as supreme alphas shining through this moment so clearly it was like a beacon through the dark. But this beacon did not save her, it condemned her.

Kain waited patiently for her answer, as if it really mattered when they both knew it did not. While Jayden would rather die than slip into her sister’s place like she had never existed, that wasn’t a viable option. Her parents had already accepted the proposal seal, most likely overjoyed that their ticket to the royal family had been revived. Not taking a single god damn moment to consider how it would make their distraught, grieving daughter feel. Jayden pulled her lips into her mouth, clutching both hands against her heart as if it could ward off the pain.

“I’ll grant you three days to mull it over,” Kain finally said.

How benevolent of you, she thought scornfully. Jayden sliced her hand through the air with finality, sneering at the tiles beneath her feet. “No need. My parents accept, so I accept. It is the duty of an omega daughter to obey, is it not?”

She couldn’t help it. The question came out laced with venomous sarcasm. And the silence that followed stretched for so long, one might assume he left. Yet that new sense of hers, the one that prickled the edges of her mind whenever someone was watching her, did not cease. He was there, silently observing as she fell apart at the seams. The thought had her straightening her spine and throwing back her shoulders as she turned to him, schooling her expression into quiet acceptance.

The prince hadn’t moved, only pushed his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. Those unnerving snake-like pupils centered on her. They stared at one another for a long moment before he sighed, glancing away. It almost felt like submission, but she tossed aside the notion immediately. The three princes of Ellion submit to no one and nothing.

“You always have a choice in Ellion.”

Jayden almost scoffed but turned instead, moving to leave, her security officer following. Only once she reached the bottom of the grand marble staircase did she turn, looking up at the supreme alpha staring down at her. His back was bathed in the light from the open doors, shrouding his silhouette in shadow. All she could see were his glowing saffron eyes that were so intense her soul shivered. Jayden curtseyed to him with a dip of her chin, but it was mocking, almost aggressive.

“No, prince Kain, you are the one with all the choices, not me.”

Don’t miss these titles

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StanKasprzyk

Stan Kasprzyk was born in Poland, then separated from most of Europe and the world by the Iron Curtain. He had a peaceful childhood in a middle-class family. He enjoyed his schools and teachers and completed his education by reading economics. Then, he was a lecturer and researcher, married and had a stepdaughter. In the second part of his life, he worked as a software engineer on many exciting projects in Canada and USA. He had a daughter, later two grandchildren, and retired. His hobbies include travel, photography, and gardening when he cannot travel. He also has a pair of cats, as he had in Vast Plain, suspended, some thirty-five years ago.

The journey into his future covers two years, from 1983 to 1985, as a young man who escapes native Poland in political turmoil and economic disaster in the heat of the Cold War to become a lecturer at FUTY, a fledgling university in Yola, a remote town in Nigeria. Obstacles pile up: bringing family from Poland; the military coup in Nigeria; bloody Islamist riots in town; possible shutdown of FUTY; the near-death of a friend. Another idea gets a chance to come of age; however, its implementation is not without hurdles, and the departure from Yola is not without adventures.

BOOK EXCERPT

(pages 46-48)

Love and Goodness

Vice-chancellor Chukwu mustered the senior teaching staff, that is, from lecturer to professor.

The meeting room is near the offices, in the second bungalow, and seats two dozens around a U-shaped table. We are like the Conradian “Narcissus” crew sailing around the Cape of Good Hope, brought from all corners of the globe. During introductions, one American proclaims he is from America—not the United States. I find it pretentious and introduce myself as from Central Europe in return. In any case, two are Americans, two Egyptians, three Indians, six Poles, and six or seven Nigerians, who I guess are all Igbo. The faculty of science and technology is in the majority: chemists, physicists, biologists, mathematicians, and technologists. Numerically, not an impressive congregation of scholars. The atmosphere of this uneventful gathering is relaxed. What courses am I supposed to teach? I want to ask. I am anxious but still have no idea, no hint, no direction. I leaf through the calendar of FUTY and find its motto: Love and Goodness through Thought and Technology. It seems awkward, stilted, and unnatural. The motto is humorous for our mid-European positivist feelings, not to mention Marxist materialism. But after another reading, I accept it. It expresses the Nigerian spirit, after all.

A few days later, the school of management has a meeting. Dr. Chuta chairs as an acting dean in the absence of a professor from America. The school of management occupies an elongated classroom with a small office attached. Chuta is an Igbo man. He does not hide it. He is back from his doctoral study in the US,

teaching assignments and researching the economics of small businesses in developing countries. Dr. Agarwal came to teach several courses in accounting, and I am the youngest of the senior teaching staff to take care of an innovative Operations Research program. We also have four or five teaching assistants or TAs. One of them tells me a story of his car. He has bought it from a Polish engineer a couple of years ago. It is a Fiat 125 made in Poland and brought via Lagos to Yola. The engineer had to leave unexpectedly and was selling practically a new car, asking a reasonable price. Although I would not say this aloud, the car is definitely not built for the Nigerian roads. Our TA has a problem getting spare parts since there was no Fiat service in Nigeria. So he looks for Polish guys who could bring the spare parts to Yola. When we meet again, his resignation from FUTY is announced.

“I am going to work for Union Bank,” he tells me. “Too bad,” I say. “My bank is United, but look for Polish clients at your bank. They might seek assistance in speedy exchange of naira and remittance abroad, so they will bring the parts in exchange for favors. Good for you.”

One after another wishes him well and calls on every heavenly power to help him in his career in banking. Then Agarwal gives the most elaborate speech and recites the deity to whom he will pray for his success and glory. Overwhelmed, I say two sentences: “Our friend is brilliant and undoubtedly will excel in his new pasture, and I wish his Fiat car be fixed with help from his customers. I mean Polish customers.”

In the following weeks, we debate various issues. For example, Agarwal tells me how the Indian model of a centrally planned economy with little market participation is the best mix for the developing world. Quite, I tell him, for India. And how little of the market does he have in mind? Nevertheless, he does not catch my attention anymore.

The Nigerians are all males and come from various tribes and parts of the country, and they like to discuss food. They claim that men and women eat differently, digest differently, and their diets are not the same. In fact, men and women should eat differently. For example, women cannot eat meat and proteins except

beans, but vegetables are good for them and most dairy products. On the other hand, men eat meat and fatty dishes; these are manly food. So, all carbs and starch are womanly food. This explains why Nigerian women are ample and buxom, I guess. Chuta objects to their concept, but they dismiss his arguments as coming from America—all brawn, no brain. I am not a dietician, but this debate is juicy, not so starchy as Indian economic policy.

I like conversations with Chuta. “That’s right. Big African women and slim men both come from African diet,” he says. Overall, he accepts my ignorance of the economics of developing countries, and I find our economic vocabularies and thinking converge. “You are not a Marxist economist, I presume,” he tells me one day to my satisfaction. He presumes almost everything, many levels of presumption are entrenched in his way of arguing, of the economists theorizing with caution. When he speaks, his lips go thinner like a bird’s beak.

Once, I asked him about the post-Biafra tribe politics in Nigeria.

“Doctor, there is no return to that period, that form of warfare, that bloody mistake. We Nigerians have another form of warfare. We have many children,” he says.

“A demographic war between Biafra and the rest of Nigeria, between the various tribes, you mean?”

I say, “I presume.” “You presume correctly, Doctor. This way, the Nigerian population grows in the east, the west, the north, and in between. Money goes to improve medical services everywhere. The wealth from oil export allows women to bear many children, and the whole nation is at war. An intertribal demographic war. The population of Nigeria will soon reach one hundred million people, and in the next twenty to thirty years, two hundred million.”

Wayne turmel

Wayne Turmel was born in Canada, but now lives and writes in Las Vegas. Wayne’s a former standup comedian, car salesman and learning consultant, and he’s the author of 15 books: 10 nonfiction titles such as the best-selling The Long-Distance Leader, Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership. He writes fiction to save what’s left of his sanity.

His novels include 3 historical fiction novels and the Urban Fantasy series, The Werewolf PI. Johnny Lycan and the Vegas Berserker is the second in that series. His short fiction has appeared online and in publications around the world.

Turmel lives with his wife, the Duchess, and Mad Max, the most manly of poodles.

Welcome to Wayne Turmel

Welcome to Uncaged! In December, your newest book, Johnny Lycan and the Vegas Berserker releases, the second book in the Werewolf PI series. Can you tell readers more about this series?

Johnny Lupul is a nice, blue-collar Chicago boy who’s trying to get his act together as he nears 30. After kicking around as small-time muscle for bookies and working construction, he plans to be a Private Investigator. The only problem is, he’s a werewolf. At the beginning of the series, he is hired by a mysterious old billionaire, who wants Johnny to use his “talents” to help him retrieve some ancient relics.

Since Johnny doesn’t believe in the occult, it’s no big deal. But what if there are things in the world he never imagined? He runs into haunted antique jewelry, a stalker, and an old enemy who is out for revenge. Being a werewolf is suddenly the most normal thing in his

world.

In book 2, he is sent to Las Vegas, only to meet a psychic pawn broker, a coven of badass witches, and something even bigger and scarier than he is.

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

The action “set pieces” are the easiest to write. They play out like movies in my head. I struggle with the bridge chapters… the ones that get you from one cool scene to the next. Dialogue comes pretty easily, and I think it’s a strength of the series. The sex scenes are awkward. They say write what you know, and I’m not exactly coming from a place of expertise there.

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

I’m working on the third book in the Werewolf PI series. Johnny’s back in Chicago and dealing with all kinds of crazy including a 400-year-old witch finder, a Native American wendigo, and a whole

some creepy old guy saying, “you look like you’d be great in my book,”) but the image stayed with me.

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

bunch of rats. Too many rats.

Do you base any of your characters on real-life people?

I usually cherry pick bits and pieces from people. In the second book, the character of Cree Jensen was based on someone I saw at the gym and thought, “that’s the kind of girl Johnny would fall for.” I never met her or talked to her, (she didn’t need

I spent almost 20 years as a professional standup comic before getting a big boy job and being a responsible adult. I’ve written 10 nonfiction books that don’t showcase my silly side at all. My humor is certainly more evident in the Johnny books than in my first three novels, which were historical fiction. My goofy side leaks out in almost everything I write, though.

Which comes first, the plot or the characters in the planning stages?

Great humor comes from characters put in sticky situations. I always think character first, whether that’s my 10-year-old Syrian orphan in the Lucca le Pou Stories, or Johnny, the blue-collar werewolf. Then, as a writer, you get to indulge yourself with the most fun game there is: “what if?”

Plotting is the hardest part for me. Getting from one cool scene to the next in a way that makes sense is the most difficult thing there is. I may or may not succeed from book to book.

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

I’m an old workaholic, so relaxing isn’t what I do best. I do love to watch sports (particularly boxing and hockey), and nothing beats sitting on my deck here in Las Vegas with music on and a good cigar going while I watch the hummingbirds.

What’s your favorite holiday? Do you have any special traditions?

I’m not terribly sentimental, so holidays are mostly days when I’m not working. I do admit to having a week spot for Christmas. Growing up in small-town Canada, I have a number of family traditions that I’ve tried to keep alive. My Puerto-Rican wife bakes me all my favorite Canadian goodies (butter tarts and Nanaimo Bars. If you know, you know.) I’ve tried to teach my heathen American neighbors about the joys of Boxing Day. The pressure of the holidays is over, and you can just chill with family and friends.

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

I don’t have the attention span for audio books, and I don’t have a commute, so there really isn’t time to listen to them. For nonfiction books, I love a good hard copy (I much prefer paperbacks to hardcovers) so I can make notes and go back and refer to things. For fun reading, what I refer to as “jellybeans,” like urban fantasy and thrillers, the Kindle App on my tablet lets me always have things in queue… even if it does make it too easy to spend money on them. I’m reading the latest installment of Sebastien De Castell’s Greatcoats series… which is like the 3 Musketeers on crack.

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

It’s just now occurring to me that I actually HAVE fans. To all of you, I’d say first, thank you for coming along on whatever silly adventures I get up to. Because I have the attention span of a labradoodle, I genre hop and I hope people will indulge me and enjoy whatever I write at that moment. Please take the time to review the books (not just mine, anyone’s) and help others find me and my work.

Stay Connected

Enjoy an excerpt from Johnny Lycan & the Vegas Berserker

Johnny Lycan & the Vegas Berserker

Wayne Turmel Shifter Suspense

Available Dec. 8

America’s favorite werewolf P.I. is off to Las Vegas.

What could go wrong? Life’s good for Johnny Lupul. He has a steady gig and a growing reputation as a guy who gets things done. He’s even learning to keep his Lycan side under control—mostly.

But when he’s sent to Sin City on a simple retrieval job, things go sideways. He bumps up against a coven of unconventional witches, a psychic pawn broker, and a mysterious enemy with a secret darker and more violent than his own.

Take a bite out of the exciting second book in this gritty urban fantasy noir series.

Excerpt

From Chapter 8:

Johnny has gone to meet his contact at a pawn shop in a shady part of Las Vegas. Before that can happen, he interrupts an attempted robbery…

The hair on my neck stood straight up, and goosebumps rippled like piano keys up and down my arms. A low, wolfish growl bubbled in my throat, and it was a wonder nobody else heard it. Shaggy wanted at this guy, bad.

Just to burn off the energy and keep my worse half under control, I was halfway across the room in a single bound. Getting airborne, I let out a deep growl, and clotheslined the big guy. His thick neck fit perfectly in the crook of my arm and momentum carried us both to the ground. His head struck a shelf bracket, knocking something to the ground. I rolled over him and into a perfect 3-point stance, eyes narrowed and head up, ready for another run at him if I needed one.

I didn’t.

Tweaker Boy dropped his head like a five-yearold. “Sorry about Dickie. He just doesn’t think sometimes.”

Mr. Collins’ voice was tense but level. “Take your friend here and get out. Never come back. Understand?”

The big guy rubbed the back of his head. Out of instinct, he scrambled around for his gun, but I found it first. My boot stepped on it and I shook my head at him. Judging by his expression, he thought about going for it anyway. Any other day, against some other mook, he might have. I’m pretty sure he saw Shaggy behind my eyes, because without breaking visual contact, he accepted his partner’s outstretched hand and rose shakily to his feet. I was mostly right, the left knuckles spelled HAT. His tattoo session must have been interrupted. At

least I hope that was the reason, I was trying to be charitable.

Unimpressed, the big guy spat out, “Asshole.” Whether that was directed at me or his partner, who cared? The wannabe robber checked his scalp for blood. His hand came away streaked red, but he didn’t seem worried by the amount. The two idiots staggered out into the blinding light of East Fremont Street, the door closing behind them with a gentle click.

“Are you alright?” Collins and I asked each other at the same time.

The older man chuckled. “I believe I am, Mr. Lupul. Thank you. I prefer to avoid violence whenever possible, but I appreciate the assistance.” He paused before adding, “And your restraint.”

“Restraint? I coldcocked the guy. I think there’s blood on your, uh, display thing here.”

His eyes narrowed but he let out a good-natured chuckle, followed by a cough. “Mr. Cromwell told me that was likely to happen if someone provoked you. Given what he said, you handled yourself very well. I appreciate that.”

“No problem. Just glad you’re okay.” Wait. What? The notion that a complete stranger might know my deepest secret was bad enough, but that my employer was just blabbing it to everyone was really aggravating. “He told you about me? What’d he say?” My charming professional mood went poof-gone just like that.

“We are in a strange business, son. I like to know who I’m working with. Mr. Cromwell knows if I’m going to do business with anyone in his organization, I have to know about them in advance.”

“How long have you been working for him?” He scrunched up his face. “With him. Not for him. I don’t care if he tells you otherwise. But a long time. Probably goes back twenty years or more. Known several of your predecessors.”

I had predecessors?

“Like who?” The question came out needier than I intended. Why does everyone know more about my business than me?

Mr. Collins shook his head. “I don’t tell my client’s secrets, and I expect the same, uh, discretion from them, although some of them might talk more than they should. There were a couple of, what does Mr. Cromwell call them? Relocation specialists. Before you. And of course, Miz Francine. She still keeping the old man in line?” He smiled.

“Oh yeah.” I was dying to ask exactly what he knew about her—and how well, but there was no way to have that conversation without sounding indiscreet at best, and stupidly jealous at worst. Besides, his focus on discretion meant it would be a short and one-sided discussion.

I still had to know. “Exactly what did he tell you about me?”

“Said you had a tendency to act first and think later, but you were a smart young man.”

I’ll be damned. “Really?”

“Well, what he actually said was that you were smarter than you looked. I’m paraphrasing. He’s right for what it’s worth. I appreciate you not busting up my place unnecessarily.”

I shrugged way too casually. My head was full of questions, none of them had anything to do with why I was there in the first place. Focus, you idiot.

As we talked, he reached down to a small refrigerator under the counter and pulled out a couple of bottles of water and offered one. I didn’t realize how thirsty I was.

“Welcome to Las Vegas. Stay hydrated. Best advice I can give you. Probably the only advice you’d listen to

anyway. I remember being your age.”

“Thank you, sir.” I reached for it and he tilted the bottle out, so I could take it without making contact with his hand. He took the germ thing seriously. We sipped in silence for a bit, and my eyes drifted around the store, organizing the pinball machine inside my head so I could get back to business. “You have a lot of great stuff here.”

“Thank you. They all have their stories, that’s for sure.”

“Like that guitar I was looking at.”

He nodded. “Yup, although that’s not unusual. Just a bad divorce. Some of them, though… “ he pointed a perfectly manicured nail to the watch case. “See that Rolex, there? The one with the stones?”

I nodded.

“Guy came in a month ago. Wanted to leave a stack of cash for his wife. Knew there was a contract out on him and wanted to do the right thing by her. Only decent thing he ever did in his life. I overpaid a bit, but it was a good cause. Two days later they found him out in the desert.”

“He told you all that?”

Mr. Collins snorted. “Him? He didn’t say diddly squat. The watch told me.”

“I’m sorry. The watch told you?” Gramma used to say that about the cards all the time, and I didn’t believe her. Didn’t used to believe her.

Mr. Collins seemed surprised by my response. He gave me the once over before speaking.

“I would have thought you knew, given how free our friend is with information. What did Mr. Cromwell tell you I do for him?”

“Appraisal. Authentication. Said you knew which of his relic things are real and which are fakes.”

“And how did he say I did that?”

He’d never told me. “I guess, what do they call it at museums? Provenance, right? Paperwork, that kind of thing?”

He sat down on a stool with a heavy sigh and drained his water bottle. “Nah, young man. I’m a clairetangentist.”

He could tell from my dopey expression I didn’t have a clue what that meant. “Means I touch things and they tell me their stories.” I blinked at him. “I can tell by touch whether something is I know when something, or someone, is what they claim to be. That’s why…” He held up his latex-gloved hands in explanation.

“Oh, come on.” It came out ruder than intended. He didn’t seem offended, just surprised. “You work for Oliver Cromwell, and you don’t believe in such things? Either you’re not telling the truth or you’re just not paying attention. Stick around as long as me, son. You’ll see stuff will fry your eyeballs. As the Bard said, there are more things than are dreamt of in your philosophy, Horatio. But yes, everything in here has told me its story.”

He was a nice enough guy. I played along out of politeness. “Are they all sad stories like that watch?”

“You ever know anyone who went to a pawn shop with good news?”

I toasted him with my plastic bottle. “Good point.”

Showcase

BobbieHazelton

Bobbie Hazelton was born and raised in a very small town in the northwestern corner of Arkansas. In later years, she spent time with friends in Louisiana and, there, she was fortunate to experience the cultures of the southern people. After many visits to the French Quarter in New Orleans, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and Natchez, Mississippi, she became more familiar with their way of life. In this book, she tried to capture the true voice of the south: the way they talk, act, and think; their moods, clipped words, and most of all, just how important family is to them. She found that family was, and still is, the most important thing to the people of the south.

Romance & Family: A Southern Love Story

Author’s fondness of Louisiana becomes the background of this beautiful story of love and fighting for love

Loves that are worth fighting for. That’s what true love and family means to the people of the South. In this absorbing novel by author Bobbie Hazelton, readers will follow the romance and the brewing trouble of these lovers in Coffee, Sweet Tea or Lemonade & Me. Readers will meet three cousins who go to New Orleans to fill a New Year’s resolution, where the youngest cousin will end up falling head over heels in love with a young Lafayette rancher.

It is New Year’s Eve in Natchez, Mississippi. Mattie and her two cousins, Anne and Abby, are trying to decide on their New Year’s resolutions. Their final decision: attend the Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. However, while attending one of the zany Mardi Gras parades, they become separated. As prearranged, Mattie goes to one of the

more popular pubs to wait for the cousins to show up. There, she meets Marc LaBlanc, a handsome rancher from Lafayette. A short time lapses and the “I Do’s” between Marc and Mattie are said; thus begins this love story: one with happiness, caring and sharing.

Then, along comes trouble. After Lilly Sue, the ex-wife of Mattie’s younger brother and a well-known stripper at Billy Rocket’s Club for Southern Gentlemen, sees Marc at a Fourth of July barbecue, she decides she wants Marc for her own. There’s going to be trouble in paradise; however, Mattie isn’t ready to give Marc up just yet… not without a fight.

This book is available online and can be purchased at online bookstores. Available at:

Coffee, Sweet Tea or Lemonade & Me?

by Bobbie Hazelton

had been exhibited in 2022 Frankfurt International Book Fair

WHERE: Frankfurt, Germany

WHEN: Oct 19, 2022 - Oct 23, 2022

KAYLIN & Link & Gannon

I have two corgis that I would love to tell you about! Their names are Link & Gannon, like from Legend of Zelda. Link is a small boy, feisty, and full of character! Gannon is the sweetest, most gentle dog I’ve ever met who loves cuddles and belly pets!

WAYNE & Mad Max

My office mate is Mad Max: Defender of the Realm, Scourge of Lizards, and Most Manly of Poodles.

KEN & Jasmine

Sadly, our family dog, Jasmine, died a few years ago – but she was a wonderful animal, always friendly and loving. Other dog lovers were enchanted by her, in part because of her distinctive look and shape. She was a shepherd/ corgi mix, and she had the long body and short legs of a corgi, but the head and tail of a shepherd. Truly a unique dog!

DONALD & Sage

Sage is really my daughter’s cat, but I love her too. She is the most perfect of cats. Sage often tells me when it’s time for me to go to bed so that she can lay on the bed with me. Sometimes, she falls asleep, and we end up sharing the same pillow with her acting as a living head warmer.

AUTHORS AND THEIR PETS

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.

TRACY & Banksy

Attaching the picture. My cat, Banksy, was spray-painted as a kitten. Really sad. He wasn’t doing well, so I fostered him for the shelter. I ended up adopting him myself. And named him Banksy after the graffiti artist! He’s 6.

Carrie & Frenemy

Frenemy is my little cat buddy. She used to live in a cat-colony with 15 other black and white cats. At that time, she hung around our house, trying to steal food from our other cat. When we moved to a new neighborhood, I put her in a carrier and took her with us. She has Stockholm Syndrome.

Showcase

Karin A. todd

Karin A. Todd, a fifth generation Californian, has resided in Yolo, Alameda, Marin, and Sonoma Counties. She now resides with her life-partner and five cats in the town of Sonoma, and has a daughter living in Santa Rosa, California. She worked in the securities industry for thirteen years, the natural foods industry for ten years, and is currently pursuing various IBO and Internet opportunities. After a ten-year journey that included Heald College and Santa Rosa Junior College, she has recently received a B.S. from the University of Phoenix, and is currently considering various universities’ Master’s programs.

Top CIA Agent Suddenly Finds Love

Author weaves a 1960’s action-filled suspense and drama in riveting novel

In author Karin Todd’s captivating story, “Promise to a Guardian Angel”, it shows how life connects the dots, despite the twists and turns that humans create in that path, in the end, everything will all work out. This story is an easy read even with all the action, mystery, love, moderate violence, despair, rage, elation, contentment and surprises.

“Promise to a Guardian Angel” will keep readers guessing all the way ``to the end.

Special agent Rusty Kincade (aka Sundance) has tallied fifteen years of covert foreign operations in the service of the CIA. At the top of his field and a ‘soldier’ at the ‘Front’ of the Cold War, he has survived and outfoxed every entrapment scheme concocted by his East German and Russian counterparts. Rusty is now ready to end his tour of duty, retire from The Agency, marry the love of his life, and settle down to raise a family on his ranch in California. Abruptly, his dreams are destroyed, but then a miracle occurs, and he realizes that all of his expertise will be required to solve the mystery that has ensnared his life.

Promise to a Guardian Angel by

Karin A. Todd

had been exhibited in 2022 Frankfurt International Book Fair

WHERE: Frankfurt, Germany

WHEN: Oct 19, 2022 - Oct 23, 2022

Ken Fireman

Iam well-suited to tell the story that unfolds in The Unmooring. As a young activist, I participated in many of the events narrated in the novel, from civil rights demonstrations to the 1967 march on the Pentagon and the street protests at the 1968 Democratic convention. I went on to a career as a journalist for the Detroit Free Press, Newsday and Bloomberg News, covering wars and upheaval in Russia and the Persian Gulf and the inner workings of Washington as a White House and Pentagon correspondent.

A native of Detroit, I and my wife, Susan Benkelman, live in Bethesda, Md. We have two daughters.

Uncaged welcomes Ken Fireman

Welcome to Uncaged! On November 3rd, your first novel is releasing, called The Unmooring. Can you tell us more about this novel?

The Unmooring tells the story of how one American family navigated the turmoil and upheaval of 1960s America –the civil rights movement, urban unrest, political assassinations, a bloody war in Vietnam and the protests against that war. The central character is an activist-turned-journalist who witnesses some of the era’s key moments. His parents are a Washington power couple, but he rebels against them and their establishment views. He falls in love with and marries a talented black actress who is forging a theater career, but she is forced to question her life’s direction – and her marriage -- when a family tragedy occurs.

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

There is a scene involving a political assassination that was surprisingly difficult to write. I found myself reliving the same painful emotions about the event that

I felt so many years ago.

The scenes about the budding love affair between the two main characters were a pleasure to write. I came to be quite emotionally invested in these characters.

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

I have two new projects in mind. One is a novel set in the present, in our hyperpolarized and Trumpobsessed era. The second is a historical novel set in the 1930s and ‘40s, involving some of the same characters in The Unmooring in their younger years. I’m excited about both projects.

Do you base any of your characters on real-life people?

I know this is a stock answer from a novelist, but it’s true: fictional characters are inevitably composites, containing personality elements from various sources. Of course, in The Unmooring, there are some actual real-life people – historical figures,

such as John Lewis, John and Robert Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson – who put in appearances from time to time. These scenes are based on careful research about these people.

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

I’m a movie buff, and I love classic films with serious themes – but I also have a taste for downand-dirty action flicks that make no pretense of doing anything except telling a good story. Bullitt, the Bourne franchise and Daniel Craig’s Bond movies are among my favorites.

Which comes first, the plot or the characters in the planning stages?

My process is to begin by establishing my cast of characters, and then set them in motion on a narrative arc.

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

I’m an avid bicyclist. I’m fortunate that the D.C. area has an extensive network of well-maintained trails, and I’ve ridden almost all of them. I’m an avid baseball fan – a Detroit Tigers fan first and foremost, but the game itself is always intriguing to me.

What’s your favorite holiday? Do you have any special traditions?

Thanksgiving is a very special occasion at our house. We usually have both of our daughters, our son-in-law, his family, an old friend of mine who now lives in Toronto – and often other people who happen to be free. Best day of the year, for me.

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

I read both physical books and ebooks. I used to travel for work a great deal, and the ability to load multiple books onto one device was a real blessing.

But I do enjoy holding a book in my hands.

I recently read Last Call at the Hotel Imperial, Deborah Cohen’s vividly told history of four American journalists trying to make sense of a Europe gone mad in the 1930s and ‘40s. I’m now reading Elena Ferrante’s The Lying Life of Adults.

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

We often think of our current moment as a uniquely frenzied and dangerous one – but the 1960s were just as unstable and far more violent (at least so far). We got through that period with our democracy intact, and I hope we can learn from the example.

Stay Connected

Enjoy an excerpt from The Unmooring

The Unmooring

Ken Fireman

Political Fiction

America is at war in Vietnam. And the McMaster family is at war over the war — and much more.

Michael McMaster believes his power-couple parents have grown complacent, forgetting the progressive impulses that once inspired them. His parents — foreign policy mandarin Alan and writerpolitico Anna — believe their son is committing the folly of the young, spurning their wisdom on to how

to change a fundamentally conservative society.

The Unmooring traces Michael’s journey as he rejects his family’s lifestyle, falls in love with a talented black actress, and becomes a politically engaged journalist. The journey takes Michael from the front lines of the civil rights struggle to the battlefields of Vietnam and the upheavals of 1968. It is a landscape like today’s, scarred by polarization, social conflict, official deceit and generational tensions. Michael’s journey challenges his capacity to grasp America’s deep racial fissures and tests the love he and his wife Riva feel for each other — especially when a tragedy forces Riva to re-examine the premises of her life.

As the era closes, both son and father face lifedefining choices — and take sharply divergent paths.

Excerpt Chapter One —New Frontier— January 1961

1: Bird’s Eye View

The snow began falling before midnight, swept across Washington by a stiff northwest wind. The skies cleared by sunrise, but then the gale picked up. It whipped the snow into high drifts across the city’s broad avenues and plazas, like the one facing the Capitol, where a crowd was already gathering for the inauguration of the new president at noon. As the temperature plunged and the wind rose, many in the plaza huddled together and shivered as they waited.

Michael McMaster wasn’t shivering. He was young, and he was dressed for the weather. And he was aglow inside, warmed by enthusiasm for John F. Kennedy and the new administration this energetic young leader was about to launch. Michael had cut classes at Columbia last fall to campaign for Kennedy, swept up in the candidate’s eloquence, youthful good looks and air of romantic possibility. He’d eagerly done the campaign’s scutwork, from stuffing envelopes

to staffing phone banks. He spent election eve of 1960 at the subway entrance at 72nd Street and Broadway, handing out Kennedy flyers and trading barbs with Nixon backers. Today was the payoff for all the hopes and hard work.

Michael was also adventurous. By 10 o’clock he had climbed one of the bare trees bordering the plaza and found a precarious perch in the crook of a limb, accepting greater wind exposure for a better look at the spectacle.

Looking down, he waved to one of his journalism school friends, Marta Hauser. She was looking up with a mixture of eagerness and apprehension.

“Aren’t you freezing? It’s bad enough down here, but the wind must be really fierce up there.”

“It’s worth it. The view’s incredible. Come on up, there’s room. I’ll help you.”

“I don’t need any help, thank you very much.” Marta hesitated for a moment, then started up the tree, climbing nimbly. He moved over, and they nestled together companionably. Marta pulled her knit hat down over her long dark hair and looked out over the plaza.

“You’re right, this view is amazing. And we’ll probably hear better up here.”

“I hope so,” Michael said. “Robert Frost is supposed to recite a new poem. And then Kennedy. This will be a day to remember.

A Capitol Police officer interrupted them. “You two got to come down,” he called to them. “You’re making the Secret Service nervous.”

“Cops,” Marta muttered as she swung herself off the limb and started down. “Always on hand to ruin a good moment.”

“Nothing’s gonna ruin this for me,” Michael said. “We’ll be telling our grandkids we were here

today, that we witnessed the start of a new era in American history.”

“You sound like a newsreel,” Marta said as they reached the ground. “I was for him, too, but let him do something before we proclaim any new eras.”

Michael pointed at the platform. “Look at those old men sitting there in their ridiculous top hats. Eisenhower. Truman. Lyndon Johnson. Sam Rayburn. Everett Dirksen. There’s a whole generation of fossils up there with only one thought: to freeze things the way they are and then invent reasons for why it has to be that way. What they’ve given us is a country that’s entirely too pleased with itself, that’s drugged on prosperity and consumerism. It needs shaking up, and Kennedy is just the leader to do it.”

“Now you sound like a campaign ad,” Marta said. “Did you miss Professor Fuller’s lecture about how the press shilled for Kennedy during the campaign? He didn’t mean it as a compliment.”

Michael started to respond, then fell silent. In truth, what he saw in Jack Kennedy was sometimes difficult to put into words. In his more reflective moments, he recognized that much of it was atmospherics, the elaborate theatrics of youth, vigor and rhetorical polish that Kennedy and his entourage went to such great lengths to project.

Michael’s elders had warned him against putting too much trust in the images politicians conjured for their own purposes. But Michael thought he sensed something about Kennedy that transcended campaign stagecraft: a restless intelligence and an instinctive impulse to disrupt, to stir a stagnant pot. Kennedy represented a challenge to the status quo by his very nature. The contrast between him and the outgoing president—the grandfatherly, tongue-tied, septuagenarian Eisenhower—could not have been starker. That symbolism, alone, might be enough to jolt the country into motion.

This prospect resonated deeply with Michael in

his present state of mind, which had taken a restive, rebellious turn. Four years of college and two in the Army had sharpened his view of the world and of his country, and he didn’t like what he saw. He had come to regard mainstream America as smug, lazy, and heedless—heedless of the suffering in the shadows that the postwar prosperity obscured, and just as heedless of its untapped potential.

His rebelliousness wasn’t new; as a teenager, he had rejected his father’s alma mater, Georgetown, and chosen to go away to New York and Columbia for college. This hadn’t pleased his parents, but that was part of the attraction. And he much preferred New York’s energy and elan to Washington’s staid predictability. He fell in love with the eclectic stew of the Greenwich Village scene, and soon was taking long subway rides down from Morningside Heights to marinate in the mélange of avant-garde poets, jazz and folk musicians, and activists promoting any number of causes.

One cause above all fired his imagination, and symbolized his hopes for a new beginning in America: the civil rights movement’s challenge to the strictures of racial discrimination that still scarred the South, more than six years after the Supreme Court had declared that segregation was unconstitutional. Just a year ago, four black college students had walked up to a lunch counter in Greensboro, N.C., sat down, and defied local law and custom by the simple act of asking to be served. They touched off a wave of protests that swept across the South and then spread to northern cities—and resonated deeply with Michael. He saw it in the stark, uncomplicated terms of youth. Racial bias was wrong, a moral outrage, an ugly stain of shame on a country that called itself an avatar of freedom. There could be no compromise with this festering evil.

Michael had grown up in a white and rather rarified world, but the issue wasn’t altogether abstract for him. The school he’d attended as a child and teenager was integrated, and not by chance. His own parents and other like-minded people had created it in the 1940s because they could not abide sending their children to Washington’s officially segregated public schools.

During his obligatory two years of military service after undergrad school, his units had been nominally integrated. Yet during training rotations in Georgia and Texas, he had seen the unequal treatment that black soldiers suffered when they went off-base, and how the Army brass did little to change that treatment. Michael had disliked the Army for many reasons, but that one ranked near the top of his list. Yet even as Michael embraced his rebellious spirit, he knew that it had created an unresolved inner conflict, one that was worrying him more and more. He was determined to launch a career as a journalist. He was good at his craft, already writing for local publications, eager to land a job and hone his skills. More than once, however, he had been warned that his professional aspirations and his political instincts were on a collision course, that he would have to choose between journalism and activism.

He understood the warning, but he thought he could resolve the conflict. The best journalists, he thought, were those who embraced the idea of using their craft to hold power accountable—to heed the old precept that a journalist’s job was to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. If he could honor that precept, he thought, he could also honor both sides of his inner duality.

And so Michael looked across the plaza at the inaugural platform, filling up with dignitaries in somber suits and full-dress uniforms, and saw it as the set of a play just before curtain time—a stage full of secondary figures frozen in place, awaiting the star, the sole character who could set the drama in motion.

Showcase

Barbara Pieper walding

Barbara Pieper Walding has a BS and MS in Education and almost 30 years of elementary school teaching in Connecticut, Morocco, Iran, and, primarily, in Texas. When she was teaching, her students were recognized in the next grade. The teachers could always spot which students came from her because of their handwriting. She is married to Dan and they have four children, and seven grandchildren.

Learning Cursive Writing the Easy Way

Author hopes to bring back the art of cursive writing in today’s digitally-inclined generation.

People don’t realize it but cursive writing is so intellectual and romantic. Some people say cursive writing is becoming a lost art, but author Barbara Pieper Walding does not think so. If it is a lost art, she wants to revive it in her own little way. She does not want this love to die and hopes to bring back this art with her book, Cursive Writing the Easy Way.

Because of student testing, cursive writing is put on the backburner. Technology has also taken over. It’s

time that people must make time for it. There is a place for cursive writing in today’s culture. The program can be used in elementary through high school. It can be used in home schooling as well by parents helping their children in writing by tutors and small groups. This simple technique can be easily adapted for teens and adults. It is easy enough for some older students to teach themselves.

It’s a new skill that will reflect one’s creativity, romanticism, and artistic prowess. This book is available online and can be purchased at online bookstores.

Cursive Writing the Easy Way

by Barbara Pieper Walding

had been exhibited in 2022 Frankfurt International Book Fair

WHERE: Frankfurt, Germany

WHEN: Oct 19, 2022 - Oct 23, 2022

GRIST FOR THE MILL

column by Ken MacQueen

Guest

GUEST COLUMN

Grist for the Mill

by Ken MacQueen

Before I turned to thriller writing—Hero Haters, my debut, is/was published Oct. 5, 2022 by Wild Rose Press—I served a long apprenticeship in journalism. I wrote for newspapers, for two wire services and a final 15 years for Maclean’s, Canada’s newsmagazine.

Apprenticeship makes it sounds like toil, but I worked for some wonderful, and generous, employers. It was as exciting as a barrel-full of company credit cards. If there was a breaking story we’d cover it, whether it was down the street or across the globe. It might be an earthquake in San Francisco, a riot in Los Angles, an oil spill in Valdez, Alaska, a murder on the Mexican border, or any one of nine Olympic Games I covered.

It was exciting, exhausting, unpredictable and a total adrenaline rush. I didn’t realize, swirling in that vortex, these were the glory days before the wheels fell of the news business.

I’d file my stories and move on to the next event. It’s only now, writing fiction ironically, that I have the opportunity to process some of what I’d witnessed. Which brings me to Sept. 8, 2022, and what may well be my last news byline: the obituary of Queen Elizabeth II. [https://www.macleans. ca/royalty/queen-elizabeth-ii-obituary-1926-2022/ ]

It ran to 12,500 words and writing it, with the assistance of researcher Patricia Treble, required its own

apprenticeship. I tracked Elizabeth, Philip, Charles and Diana, William and Kate on various Canadian tours. I flew to London to report on the sad aftermath and funeral of Diana’s death, and years later, for the pageantry and joy of William and Kate’s wedding.

This is a roundabout way of saying that nothing goes to waste. The calmer, quieter world of novel writing is a chance to reflect on past experiences, and to give them a fictional twist.

It’s why Jake Ockham, my protagonist in Hero Haters, edits a weekly newspaper, while being cooler, smarter and braver than I could ever hope to be.

It’s also why Jake was an aspiring Olympic rower until he pulled a boy from a raging house fire, badly burning his hands. As noted, I covered nine Olympic Games, and interviewed hundreds of athletes in training, and on and off podiums. I admired their resilience, their obsessive determination and especially their ability to handle setbacks, injuries and disappointments.

Some of the most compelling stories are from those who fell short of the podium. A case in point, the Canadian men’s eight rowers who were favorites to win gold in Athens, only to choke in the final race.Or at least one of the athletes did, all it takes to disrupt the rhythm of the high-performance machine that is an eight-boat. But for all those men’s tears, rage and grief that day, no one individual was scapegoated. They took responsibility for a collective loss.

And four years later in Beijing, I watched many of the same crew row to Olympic gold, a victory all the sweeter for the loss in Athens.

So, yes, I gave Jake that Olympic hunger, only to rob him of his dream. How he handled that loss and moved on to face other challenges owes much to that eight-boat and to any number of Olympians who sacrificed years of their lives for coach and country—and for the hope of a medal on a ribbon.

It’s why there’s a medal on a ribbon on the cover of Hero Haters. It’s why I created the Sedgewick Sacrifice Medallion, the highest civilian award for extraordinary acts of heroism. It’s why Jake worked for Sedgewick for a time, thrilled to use his journalist chops to research and vet potential recipients of the award.

And then I tried to take that from him, too.

Fiction writers can be mean.

Meaner, I’d like to think than I ever treated the subjects of my news stories. Well except for the serial killer who abused and killed young teens, and another who killed indigent women and ground up their bodies for pig food. Or the still-unpunished mass murderers who blew two passenger jets out of the sky, 35 years apart, killing hundreds of victims, many of them Canadians. Those guys deserved every mean thing I wrote.

Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that there’s a serial killer in Hero Haters; two of them actually.

1910, and his death in an insane asylum in 1927. Even so, he manages to complicate Jake’s life in an unexpected way.

There were days as a reporter I’d file some bizarre story and think, man you can’t make this stuff up.

But it turns out you can. And it’s as much fun as a barrel-full of company credit cards.

©Copyright 2022 Ken MacQueen for Uncaged Book Reviews www.uncagedbooks.com

Published with Permission

One is contemporary, and the other a real-life historical figure. I came across

Billy Gohl, the so-called Ghoul of Grays Harbor, while researching Jake Ockham’s home in the Pacific port of Aberdeen, Washington.

Billy’s reign of terror ended with his arrest and trial in

Before turning to fiction, Ken MacQueen spent 15 years as Vancouver bureau chief for Maclean’s, Canada’s newsmagazine, winning multiple National Magazine Awards and nominations. He travelled the world writing features and breaking news for the magazine, and previously for two national news agencies.

Hero Haters, set in the Pacific Northwest and rural Pennsylvania, is his debut thriller.

MacQueen covered nine Olympic Games and drew the athletic prowess of Jake Ockham, his protagonist, from tracking elite rowers in training and on podiums in Athens, Beijing and London.

He and his wife divide their time between North Vancouver and British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. kenmacqueen.com

Showcase

Favian segovia

Favian Segovia was born in Bravo, Mexico. He began writing in 2017, and he lives in Texas. Even though The Last Man? is his first novel, he found the path in writing to show his love for sci-fi. He is committed to be recognized as the best sci-fi adventure author one day. He wants to share his passion with the readers.

authorfsegovia.com

A new sci-fi book series awaits readers as author Favian Segovia releases the first installment in The Last Man? He invites readers to embark on this journey to the New Eden with the last man on Earth. What will happen to the world, as people know it?

Can one man still bring hope despite the challenging circumstances that lie ahead? Readers will find out in the pages of Book One of “Journey to New Eden”.

A world war of greed and power pushes the governments into their own extinction. A virus outbreak targets men into a near extinction. A military driven by women search for surviving men in an attempt to control a world in ruins. All faith has been lost with no future and no hope. Only one secret place holds the answer to restore peace. One man is the key of hope.

A man out of the ashes rises forward in search for the last city called New Eden, in the hopes and desperation to re-establish humanity. But he has to find out the hard way the perils of being the last man.

SEPTIC

Book Excerpts

“Hey, John, did you put out the flames like I told you to?”

“Yes, I did remember I told you a while ago, I know how to take car my responsibilities I am not child.”

“Bravo! Did you secure the perimeter, John?”

“Actually, there is something I want to tell you. I think we should lay low for a couple of days and figure out what we are going to do! We have a river one mile east of the plane crash! We can use the river to supply our water intake. We need to hunt. We can probably set a few traps to catch small animals. I was thinking if you maybe you do the traps, I am really not in a mood to build anything.”

“No problem, John. I will take care of the small traps. You take care of hunting for tonight. We must stay frosty John. We don’t want Ariana’s soldiers to catching us off guard?”

“Well, Carlos, I assume they will. I don’t think they will give up that easy. They sure want something from us. And honestly, I don’t think it’s only sex! We got to find out what it is.”

“We will figure something out, you’ll see. Let me check on Perez. I will be right back.”

“I will go get something to eat Carlos. Get the fire started!”

“Hey, we have two-way radios on the backpack, don’t we?”

“Yes! I will be on channel 7.”

While I head on the hunt, I got a call from Carlos minutes later.

“John! John! Can you hear me?”

“Yes! What’s going on, Carlos?”

“It’s Perez. She is burning in a fever!”

“Shit! How is that possible?”

“The cut is infected. We need antibiotics John not saliva. John go to the field fast, or she will die!”

“How the hell are we supposed to get medicine here?”

“There is an herb you are going to have to look for. It’s called echinacea!”

“What the hell is that, Carlos? How am I supposed to find it?”

“Listen carefully, the flower’s color is purple to yellowish and maroon! The center is very pronounced! Get as many as you can!”

“How can I find them?”

“Try and look for an open grassy area. They grow in open environment!”

“Understood! I will be back.”

WOLF’S DEN

The task ahead of me seem to put all my best parts to use. I never knew what running meant till this day as I struggled downhill to find an open space. That was not only what I was worried about. I dropped the radio and lost my only way to communicate with Carlos. As I kept go-

ing, I saw a small village just on the outskirts of the mountain. I stood behind a tree to watch the movement at the village. I knew if I could find something fast, it would be here in the village. I was not going to let my friends down, so I had to take a risk. For the first time, I began to feel for the well-being of others, and this time it was time to pay them for the favors they did for me! I hid behind some trees and waited for the perfect time to go into the village.

A few hours later, everybody seemed to be going inside to rest. It was perfect timing. The villagers were having dinner, so I knew it would be an easy task to do. I go into this hut, and there where children sleeping. I tried my best to not make any noise, but like the movies, there is always something that falls, and wham! I knocked a bottle from table, and two of the children woke up. They did not seem to be scared, but they sure were screaming like crazy. I guess they have never seen a human male in a long, long time! So, it was inevitable that they started screaming in their native language, and I knew in that moment I was in serious shit! So, I thought I could pull it off just like the first time at the military base! But in all honesty, what was I supposed to do? Kill the kids so they can shut the f**k up!

So, the villagers woke up and saw me running. I headed back to the plane as fast as I could! Never in my life have I run this fast. I could swear that I was doing fifty-five.

The villagers sent their warriors after me along with their search dogs! So, it was not long after they caught up to me climbing that steep mountain. I really had nowhere to go. I was surrounded! After they caught me, they brought me back to the village!

What awaited me was anyone’s guess.

feature authors

contemporary | travel fiction

Janina Grey

Carrie Carter Ava Olsen

Janina grey

Janina Grey has been writing since she could hold a crayon, and there has been no stopping her since. Journaling, short stories, poetry, newsletters, news, feature, columns, Op/Eds, and press releases have kept her busy her whole life. But it was the sweet Harlequin romances she read in her downtime that stayed forever in her heart and gave her the inspiration to write her own contemporary romances now published with Soul Mate Publishing.

By day, Janina guides domestic and sexual assault survivors down their path of healing and empowerment. But in the wee hours of the morning, she hunkers down at her childhood writing desk with Imagine Dragons, Coldplay, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, or Led Zep streaming through her earbuds while she brings to life her characters as they face their real-life sorrows and successes, and best of all, their happily-ever-afters.

Growing up on Long Island and living periodically in Tennessee as a youth has given her the opportunity to meet many different types of people and experience many different lifestyles. After moving from Long Island to settle in the Mohawk Valley in Upstate New York with her family, she found the support needed to pursue her writing endeavors with Central New York Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America.

When Janina is not writing, she may be marching for women’s rights, kayaking, camping, drumming, or dancing around the fire.

Uncaged welcomes Janina Grey

Welcome to Uncaged! Your latest book, Life is for Living is the second book in the Earth and Sky series. Can you tell us more about the book and the series? How many books are you planning for the series?

There are three books set for the series . . . but who knows what the future holds? There are plenty of stories to tell, so if readers want more, they can drop me a line and I’ll see what I can do.

My most recent release, LIFE IS FOR LIVING (Book

2 of the Earth and Sky Series), overlaps and picks up where Brooke Meadow’s and Josh Quinn’s tale from Book 1 LOVE IN THE left off. I had to write Barefoot Dan’s story after readers were introduced to him in Book 1. LIFE IS FOR LIVING is full of surprises, for the reader as well as Barefoot Dan himself!

The majority of the characters are in some way connected to Earth and Sky, an alternative healing retreat situated on a lakeside camp in Demilune, New York. Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, Earth and Sky works with clients overcoming vari-

ous traumas, ranging from the death of loved ones to drug addiction. Demilune is a fictitious town inspired by Halfmoon, New York.

In LIFE IS FOR LIVING, we meet Dan and Jayde, who we learn shared a sizzling night of passion at a spring festival. Four years later, they bump into one another in a café in the village of Demilune and soon learn that some one night stands are meant to last forever.

I’m currently working on LOST IN YOUR RHYTHM (Book 3), which is nearly completed. This story overlaps the end of LIFE IS FOR LIVING, and focuses on two characters we meet in Book 2. Jack Issa is the owner of the Demilune drum shop called Beats N’ Things, and Liza Minelli

Purkypile is—LOVE IN THE FOREST spoiler alert!— Brooke’s replacement as photographer at Earth and Sky.

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

Romantic scenes are the most difficult and the easiest to write. I love writing about love. My alter ego has been writing erotica since the mid-1990s. The difficult part is trying to decide when enough is enough in writing romantic scenes for my romance novels. I’m not very good at following formulas. So I usually let the characters tell me how much they want to share, and when it’s time to stop. Some characters are more shy than others. Other characters want me to tell it all.

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

Oh, my Goddess! I’d love to talk about LOST IN YOUR RHYTHM! Liza Minelli Purkypile and Jack Issa are an amazing couple, thrown together by fate after overcoming life challenges that could have destroyed anyone else.

Contrary to her name, Liza couldn’t carry a note if it had a handle on it. Liza is an only child, still living with her parents, even though to steal a quote from her, she’s “almost thirty, for god’s sake!” They live in the fictitious upstate New York Village of Purkyville, which was founded by her ancestors 300 years prior.

When Liza was finishing her fourth year of college she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and underwent a double mastectomy at only 22 years old. She returned home to live with her helicopter parents, hiding away from the world, tucked away safely in the village ‘she should have never left.’ One morning she wakes up and realizes she’s lost seven years of her life, and decides it’s time to start living again. On a whim, she applies for the photographer’s position at Earth and Sky, and that’s when life begins again for Liza.

Jack Issa is also hiding away in the embrace of the Adirondack Mountains, in the Village of Demilune. An only child whose parents were murdered when he was two years old, Jack was sent to live in Manhattan with his Irish immigrant Aunt Maddy and Uncle Hank. Unlike Liza, Jack is very musically inclined, a graduate of Julliard, and was fulfilling a life dream of performing as a highly acclaimed percussionist when life had a change of plans. Co-founder of THUMP! (a musical troupe that was inspired by the real-life performance group called STOMP!), Jack experiences a near fatal accident during a rehearsal, turning his world upside down. After nearly a year of recuperating, healing, and learning how to live and walk again, he retreats to the mountains to lick his wounds and avoid the crushing reality that everything he’d worked for, including his wife, had been lost in the aftermath of his tragedy.

Do you base any of your characters on real-life peo-

ple?

Yes and no. In all three books there’s a jewelry shop called Nurtured by Nature. The owner of the shop is mentioned, but never makes an appearance. Her name is Jo, and in real life she’s engaged to my son, Anthony. She’s a very talented silversmith and artist and actually has an online shop called Nurture by Nature Designs.

Most of my other characters are conglomerates and caricatures of people I’ve crossed paths with my whole life—some nice and some not-so-nice—but not any one specific person.

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

Hmmm. The most surprising tidbits . . . Some things that surprise people the most about me include the fact I’m a three-time cancer survivor (three different, unrelated cancers). Many people don’t know how to digest that I’m a Pagan Third-Degree High Priestess minister and witch of my own tradition that’s been around for more than thirteen years. I’m also a certified Death Midwife. When I’m not writing, I work with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

All that seems so dark and scary, but when people meet me they see this Polly-Anna, rose-coloredglasses, eternal optimist, and die-hard romantic who can’t watch sad or scary movies. I think my reallife details are all a bit surprising and confusing for them to wrap their heads around considering my stories are so happy.

Which comes first, the plot or the characters in the planning stages?

My characters approach me with a basic concept for their story. Usually my main protagonists introduce themselves in a dream. I’ll then do a Tarot spread to find out who they are, what makes them tick, and what their goals, motivations, and conflicts

are. After that, I’ll write a very loose outline of the chapters and begin writing.

The characters laugh at me a lot, and argue, and tell me what works for them and where the story is really going to go. I think I worry my husband and family and friends sometimes, because as I’m writing each book the characters ‘move in’ to my life. I fall asleep talking to them and I wake up with them. We usually spend a couple hours together every morning before I begin my day job.

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

My life is jam-packed, between writing, my day job, family and friends, and coven life. So when I’m not doing any of that, or cleaning or doing a house project or working on the yard, you may find me napping. Especially if it’s raining outside.

If I’m not napping you might find me dabbling with my Canon Rebel, drumming around a campfire, kayaking, or camping with my hubby David in our little Teardrop we named Forevermore. Or playing D&D with our grown kids. Not too much time to relax, but hey, I’m never bored.

What’s your favorite holiday? Do you have any special traditions?

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday because my birthday and my daughter Allie Rose’s birthday fall within that same week. And since it’s not a Christian holiday per say, my sisters and family have always looked to me to host this holiday while they took Easter and Christmas.

We start early in the morning, getting the turkey in the oven by 6 a.m. Then we spend the morning watching the Macy’s Day Parade. My favorite parts are the Peanuts Gang floats and Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving at the end.

At either 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. or 6 p.m. we tune in to whichever radio station is playing Alice’s Res-

taurant, something we’ve done since I was a teenager. I guilt everyone present into singing it with me even though I don’t sing very well (hello, Liza!). When my daughter was in South Africa one Thanksgiving, we Zoomed and sang it all together. That is a favorite memory I will hold on to forever.

As a Pagan, we follow the Wheel of the Year, which includes eight holy days throughout the year based on naturally occurring events, like the equinoxes and solstices and their cross-quarter days. Imbolc, Samhain, Beltane, Midwinter’s Day are my favorite of those celebrations. They always involve lots of loved ones gathering together, feasting, drumming, and celebrating life.

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

I prefer physical books, especially those autographed by the author. But I do read e-books on my tablet. I’ve listened to two audio books in my life, and that was interesting, but I’m not sure I can jump on that bandwagon yet.

I’m currently reading two books, depending on my location and time of day. I’m reading DEAR WRITER, ARE YOU INTUITIVE? by Becca Syme and Susan Bischoff, which is really helping me understand myself and how and why I write the way I do.

The other book is a novel called, THE VANISHING HALF by Brit Bennett, which is a story of twin sisters and the opposite paths they choose to walk in life. Uncle, Anthony Solicito, a writer who has inspired me from the time I was a little girl. He writes thriller/mystery homicide detective genre which isn’t exactly my kind of thing, but I’m always guaranteed a great story.

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

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can never say thank you enough to my fans for reading my stories, loving my stories, and supporting me along this journey. It’s been a crazy and wonderful ride so far, and we still

have a long adventure before us, stretching out as far as the horizon and then some.

Stay Connected

Enjoy

an excerpt from:

Life is for Living

Life is for the Living Janina Grey Contemporary Romance

Single mom Jayde MacMillan does not need the headache of another man in her life, as she devotes her every breath for caring for her two toddler twins, and working full time to give them a stable and happy home.

Daniel Cameron is a free-spirited lover of all things beautiful—including women. He’s perfectly content with drumming around a fire and winding his way barefoot through the forests of upstate New York.

Neither expected to see each other again after a wild and passionate night of lovemaking at a local spring festival. A chance encounter and two precocious toddlers four years later says Fate has other plans for Jayde and Dan.

Excerpt (CHAPTER 7)

“I thought we made beautiful music together.” Dan

dipped his head, trying to capture her gaze. “Really, Dan?” Jayde’s cheeks warmed as she checked him without hesitation. “That was so cheesy. So bad.”

“I got you to laugh, so it was worth it.” He grew quiet as he studied her. “What do you say? Want to make some music?”

“Um? No?”

“With the drums, I mean.” He patted a quick tempo on the countertop. “For old times’ sake.”

“Old times’ sake? We had one night.” She called him out using the same look she reserved for the kids when they tried to fib.

“That wasn’t my fault,” he said as his dimples disappeared. Lifting a strand of chestnut curls resting on her shoulder, he confided, “I loved your purple hair.” His words, barely above a whisper, stirred her core.

“Things are different now, and I’m not talking about my hair.” Struggling to speak, Jayde drew back enough so that her lock of hair slipped from his fingers.

Resting his elbows lightly on the countertop, he moved his head closer. “Things aren’t that different for me. Are they really different for you?”

Mesmerized by his blue sky eyes, she had to force her lungs to work, her vocal cords to make sounds, and her lips to move. “Very,” she whispered, unable to focus on anything but her need to taste him—his kissable, delicious lips.

She licked hers in memory, forcing herself to look away trying to gain control of the situation, or at the very least, her hormones. How long had it been since—? Ugh. Four years. Beltane.

“Tell me.” He commanded more than asked, his

voice low and deep.

“It’s . . . complicated,” she murmured, inclining her head slightly.

He dropped his focus to her mouth, and brought a crooked finger up to cup her chin, nudging her to look at him. “Like this kind of complicated?”

Eyes veiled, he tilted his head to the side, waiting for her consent. And when she parted her lips and exhaled breathlessly, he teased her with a gentle kiss, lightly at first, lifting his gaze to search her eyes. He was so close she could feel his energy pulsing and mingling into her own aura. Lowering her lids once more, unable to think clearly, she leaned in, hesitating at first, until her body betrayed her. She gave in to her need to feel him, to taste him if only for this moment.

The shop grew cold as they pulled away from one another, both struggling to regain composure. Jayde brought a hand to her mouth, looking at Dan in wonder.

“You feel it too,” he said simply.

She nodded, unable to speak. She should never have kissed him. And if she had her way, that would never happen again.

“Can I see you?” he asked, his eyes warm and intense.

“No. You can’t,” she said, swallowing a sob. “You need to go.”

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Alberto lopez

Having been born and raised in New York gave Alberto Lopez the opportunity to meet different people as well as enjoy their culture. He always enjoyed action movies and with meeting so many diverse people inspired him to write. He never imagined that he would have written a book but he’s glad he did. He hopes everyone enjoys it.

Everyone has heard of people making bad decisions in their lives, and more often than not, passing it on to their children for the worst. What if it was in reverse? In Alberto Lopez’s Inherited Strength, a young couple was convinced into giving themselves an edge in the Olympics by taking some performance enhancers that accidentally changes their newborn child for the rest of his life. What will become of the child as he grows up and exhibits the effects of what his parents took? Can Bryan adjust to a life that no one has ever witnessed and experienced before?

EXCERPT

(PAGES 2-3)

Your father and I met during the Olympics in Russia in our early teenage years. We were introduced to one of the most concentrated

performance enhancers known to mankind. They were assuring us that the majority of the athletes were on them as well. Being young and foolish, we believed them, and before you knew it, seven years went by. During the Olympics, Sergei was wrestling with an American Olympian named Jerome Hayes, one of the most talented athletes in the US team. They battled to the end, and the finale decision was a draw. Sergei was much stronger, but Jerome was an expert in ju-jitsu. They gained a lot of respect for each other and became friends. The other Russian Olympians weren’t so friendly, they felt Jerome cheated by using martial arts on a wrestling match. Three of the Russian teammates ran into Jerome a couple of nights after the match and started picking a fight with Jerome. When Jerome started getting the upper hand, not one but all three of them started to fight him at once. Sergei heard the commotion from inside the bar and came out to see what was going on. When he saw Jerome, Sergei came to his defense.

Speaking in Russian, he said to them, “You couldn’t take him on one at a time so you embarrass us all by ganging up on him. Well, I’m not having it.” Sergei jumped in, and between him

and Jerome, they sent all three to the hospital.

Your father and I were secretly dating. After the Olympics, we were drafted into the military to become one of the strongest group of soldiers in the Russian army. After four years in the special forces, your dad and I were separated by our assignments. I started feeling sick and strange, so fearing the worst, I decided to see a private doctor. He told me I was three weeks pregnant. I was afraid of the consequences. You see, once you sign up in the special forces, your life is completely controlled by the military. I can be court-martialed or incarcerated, or even worse, I can be forced to have an abortion. I escaped the military, and now I’m on the run. I figured the best thing for me is to leave the country. My only regret was not telling your father in person, but I left a note in one of his books knowing he would find it in a few days.

Dear Sergei,

Please forgive me for leaving you this way. I want you to know that I am carrying your child and felt that this was the best course of action for the safety of us all. I will find a way to contact you as soon as I feel it’s safe.

Love, Katya

In order for me to escape from the military, I had to wait for the weekend. That was when the sergeants would get together and go to a bar about eight miles away. Since they would usually take

one vehicle, my plan was to hide in the trunk of one of their vehicles and escape after they entered the bar. The first two attempts, I hid in the wrong vehicle. I finally guessed right and made it out of the base.

Once I was out of the base, I started looking through people’s backyard for clothing left outside to dry. That way I can change my appearance. I had to stay on the move because once morning comes, they will surely start looking for me. My best bet was to make it to the airport and book a flight by 5:00 a.m. I would have about an hour before they red flag my name all over the country, making it nearly impossible to escape. I couldn’t stop worrying about getting caught, so I decided to use a different name with a false passport. I finally made it to the United States. Tired of the cold weather, I decided to live in California, a warm and large enough state to blend into and start a new life.

3-Page Special Promo

The

Cryptid Party

Children’s

Do you want to meet some new friends? No matter what they look like or who they are, friends are the ones who are with you whatever happens and whenever you need them. But it seems like a little girl is looking for her friends. Come and join her in The Cryptid Party. Help the brave girl find her friends so they can join her for a tea party. In this whimsical story that takes kids on a wild and wacky adventure to find well known Cryptids, author Harmony Brantley helps introduce children to the world of the illusive Cryptids.

Ellie May, What Did You Do Today? Children’s

What do you think Ellie May, the cute little pink pig, does in a day? Does she have a full day or a lazy one? Come and see what Ellie May is up to today in author Harmony Brantley’s new children’s picture book, Ellie May, What Did You Do Today?. Follow Ellie May, the pig on a wild and wacky adventure, on what she did today. Join her as she eats, plays, runs, and so much more. It looks like it’s going to be a full and fun-filled day for Ellie May. This book’s for anyone who loves pet pigs.

Harmony brantley

The

Little Viking Who Could Do More Children’s

What can The Little Viking Who Could Do More do? Join this little Viking as he prepares his oar and goes offshore to fish. But when his net is torn, he has to go back to shore where a surprise awaits him there. With fun lines and rhymes, and colorfully vibrant illustrations, author Harmony Brantley hopes to entertain young readers with this short story. Go along the adventure with The Little Viking Who Could Do More as he finishes his chore. Enjoy this wacky adventure of a Viking whose chore is to find a forever friend.

The

Snug Bed Bug Children’s

Will the young moth ever sleep? The little Moth needs help to be convinced to go to bed. Come and listen to a bed bug explaining to the young moth why it’s good to go to bed and sleep. Written and illustrated by Harmony Brantley, this whimsical story of a bed bug telling a young Moth the reasons to get snug in bed and have a good night’s rest. Both parents and children will enjoy the curious questions of The Snug Bed Bug.

Author Interview

What’s the hardest thing about being an author?

A: Personally, the hardest part is the grammar of writing. I have dyslexia so writing can be difficult. Having friends and family to help proofread is always the best too.

What is the best thing about being an author?

A: I absolutely loved doing the illustrations. I have always enjoyed drawing so being able to show off my art is so heartwarming. What book changed your life?

A: The books that my grandmother read to me when I was young really shaped my world and imagination to this day.

What inspired you to write this book?

A: Well for my book about Ellie May the pig. It is about my very own pet pig. As for the Viking and Cryptids that has just been an interest to me.

How would you describe your style of writing to someone that has never read your work?

A: Some say that my writing is adventurous and out-of-the-box.

Do you feel that writing is an ingrained process or just something that flows naturally?

A: That really depends on the topic. For children’s books, I try to do little rhythms to my stories.

What is the take home lesson you wish your readers will learn after reading this book?

A: To give ideas to people to look for things that interest them or to adopt a pet pig for yourself.

What books are currently in your to be read pile?

A: The series “Extinction” by Nicholas Smith is what I am reading right now. It is an extreme contrast to what I write.

Anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?

A: If you have a drive to draw or to tell stories, please make a book or a show, and share your work to the world!

Avaa olsen

As a lifelong reader of romance novels, Ava Olsen has always been inspired by love stories. When the pandemic hit, she decided it was time to make her daydreams about storytelling into a reality, so she turned her pen from sales proposals to romance novels.

Ava lives in Canada’s largest city. When she isn’t writing, she can be found reading (of course!), baking or binge watching reality TV and travel shows.

Uncaged welcomes Alan Smale

Welcome to Uncaged! This year, 2022, is the year of your first published novel, and you’ve released a few already. Can you readers more about the NY Nights series you have running right now?

This is a three-book MM romance series and the concept is based around a group of friends in New York City. One is a writer, one a publisher and the other an artist. One dinner party is the catalyst for events that will bring love into each of their lives. The first book is a collaborators to lovers story, the second, frenemies to lovers and the third, a second chance romance. All three book have lots of humor, heat and HEA. I write primarily contemporary, low-angst LGBTQ romance.

What inspires you to write in the romance genre?

I’ve been reading romance novels since I was 12 (my mom always had a stash of harlequin presents books) and never stopped! I love the positive message that the romance genre is all about, the triumph of love. Creating characters that evolve and grow together in love

over the course of the book is so satisfying.

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest? The most difficult is the first time the characters tell each other “I love you”. The moment has so much meaning and impact that you want to ensure that the readers resonate with the scene. The easiest? The sex scenes LOL

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

I’m writing a new MM romance series called the Voyagers. It’s based around a superyacht, with four love stories that span the globe. The first book, OH BUOY, will be released in December and features a boss-employee trope: a billionaire and his yacht steward. The second book, STARBOARD is about second chances: a Hollywood star/recovering alcoholic and a divorced ghostwriter (bisexual rep). The third book, THE COCKPIT, is enemies to lovers/age gap: a ship’s captain and a model turned photographer (demisexual rep). The fourth and final book in

the series, ENDEAVOR, is MMM friends to lovers, boss-employee: a Hollywood director, a British barrister and a bodyguard (poly rep). I’m very excited about this new series and I hope readers enjoy it.

Do you base any of your characters on real-life people?

I take inspiration from everyday life as well as current celebrity/entertainment news.

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

I write spicy scenes in my books but ask me to talk about it and I will blush like a beet.

Which comes first, the plot or the characters in the planning stages?

The characters, then I outline the story.

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

I love to attend musical theatre. Live performances are so energizing! I also binge watch baking shows like Great British Baking, as well as mysteries.

What’s your favorite holiday? Do you have any special traditions?

Christmas: the music, the snow, the cookies! My mom always finds the best gifts for stocking stuffers, I wish I had her talent!

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

I prefer the convenience of ebooks since I can read on my tablet or phone, anywhere and I read a lot. Audiobooks at night when I need to relax. I also have a small collection of physical books, romance, mystery and classics. Right now, I’m reading “About Last Night” by Aimee Nicole Walker, one of my favorite romance authors. I usually read

about 2-3 romance books a week.

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

I’m just so thankful for the readers who’ve picked up my books and are loving the characters.

Stay Connected

Enjoy an excerpt from Novel Affair

Novel Affair

Ava Olsen

Contemporary Gay Romance

It started as a novel affair…

Ryker Desoumas is a science-fiction novelist living in New York City. A former crime reporter with a secret trauma, he prefers to work—and live—alone.

Wes Stewart is a celebrity author from Toronto. After years of writing self-help books, he’s looking for something exciting to rekindle his passion for the craft.

When Ryker’s publisher pitches a collaboration between the two men, Wes is all for it. Ryker, on the other hand, resists and fears that Wes will turn his quiet world upside down. But Wes is sexy and charismatic, and Ryker can’t help being drawn to him. A tentative professional partnership becomes something much

more personal.

But Wes has been burned by love in the past, and Ryker isn’t sure he’s ready to let someone into his heart. Will they find happiness together?

…it could be the love of a lifetime.

Excerpt “So, what do you think?”

Ryker stood in front of the full-length mirror in his walk-in closet and looked down expectantly at his three fur babies, all of whom had watched his every move as he got ready over the past half hour. He’d chosen slim black designer jeans, a charcoal t-shirt, and a black velvet blazer. He’d added a lava bead necklace and left his long, dark hair loose. In addition to his usual bracelets, he’d strapped a leather cuff to his right wrist. He decided to forego glasses tonight in favor of contacts and added navy eyeliner to complete his look. He mulled a quick shave, but decided the scruff was better. Combined with the dark eyeliner, it made him look edgier and unapproachable. Perfect.

He slipped into his old combat boots and grabbed his phone, noticing that Cal had texted him a few minutes ago.

Cal: Got our ride ready. Move your ass!

Impatient, as usual. Ryker shook his head and hurried down the hallway to the front door.

Thankfully, the elevator ride was a short one, and when he got to the spacious lobby of his building, his gaze immediately caught on the limo out front. Jesus, it was a bit much for a short ride to a dinner party. But who was he to argue with Cal’s overthe-top style or generosity? The man was outgoing, funny, and flirtatious to the max—a platinum blond, brown-eyed imp with a personality no one could resist. Even grumpy-ass Ryker.

The back window rolled down to reveal Cal’s blond hair and big smile. Ryker opened the door and glanced in at his friend, who had a glass of bubbly in hand.

“Really? You’re dressed like that for a dinner party?” Ryker exclaimed.

Cal was relaxed in a slim white tuxedo jacket and pants but no shirt. As he stretched his arms out over the back of the leather seats, the jacket opened to display his chest and gold nipple piercings. Cal liked to push the fashion envelope and hated restrictive clothing and clothing in general. “Jesus, Cal, why didn’t you put a shirt on! Save that outfit for the clubs.” Ryker was half amused, half horrified at Cal’s clothing choice.

“Come on, Ry, I look hot.” Cal winked at Ryker and smoothed his hands through his chin-length hair, then down his jacket lapels. “Besides, this way all the attention will fall on me, and you’ll be left in peace, just like you prefer. Or at least, that was my plan until you wrecked it with the eyeliner. People are going to stare, bud. You look pretty hot yourself.”

Ryker grunted, squirming uncomfortably at that comment. “This look is supposed to repel people, not attract them. Aren’t you getting my ‘f**k off’ vibe?”

“No, I’m getting ‘I’m down to f**k’ more than ‘f**k off.’ Bad boys are irresistible, didn’t you know?” Cal’s teasing laughter filled the limo.

“I’m grumpy, not bad.” Ryker pouted, then accepted the glass of champagne Cal held out to him, forcing himself to relax. “And how come you’re so happy? Have the text messages stopped?”

“Nothing today, so that’s good. Anyway, I don’t want to think about it tonight. We both need to destress and have fun.” Ryker accepted Cal’s point and refrained from any further questions.

Cal chatted away about his day, and Ryker rolled the window down to watch Manhattan whiz by. Soon, they were in front of Mac’s three-story brownstone in the East Village.

Cal got out first and walked nonchalantly up the stairs, ignoring several passersby on the sidewalk as they gaped at his outfit—or lack thereof.

Mac opened his front door, dressed in trim navy slacks and a white button-down, his practiced smile in place until he looked down at Cal’s outfit.

“I didn’t order a stripper. You have the wrong address.” Mac managed to get halfway through his comment with a straight face, and then he and Ryker bent over snickering, their laughter echoing in the cool night air.

“Hey, I’m f**king sexy and I know it.” Cal smirked as he opened his arms wide and gestured down his body. “And you should be used to this by now. Wearing the least amount of clothing necessary is my trademark.”

“You’re ridiculous is what you are. But we love you anyway,” Ryker muttered, shaking his head. Mac ushered them through the door and into his modern foyer. Ryker watched as his two closest friends embraced, big grins on both their faces.

“Mac, you didn’t tell me it would be that kind of party,” a deep voice boomed from behind them, and they all turned to look at the man who had spoken.

F**k me, Ryker thought as he got a good look at the tall, gorgeous man who stood casually at the end of the hallway with his hands in the pockets of his dark grey dress pants. In the dim light of the chandelier, Ryker could make out the man’s thick blond hair, styled in an undercut, sharp cheekbones, and light eyes.

F**king hell, this was Wes Stewart. Ryker recognized him from his social media. Ryker couldn’t control the look of surprise on his face or the jolt

of anger that rippled through his body at this unwelcome surprise. He hadn’t known he’d be meeting Wes tonight, and he wasn’t prepared. And the pretentious prick had a smug grin on his face that meant he was all too aware that he had the advantage. Yeah, we’ll see about that.

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JJohn snyder

ohn Snyder supports school sports, likes to garden, and loves to fish. With his large extended family, it seems like there is always something going on to keep him busy.

Will The Guardians Win this Perpetual Battle?

Author weaves an absorbing fiction that mirrors real-life strug- gles

Sometimes, people don’t realize that they are destined for greatness. For one septuagenarian, who thought that he’s at the last chapters of his life, he is about to enter a new, adventurous and challenging journey which changes his view of life as he knows it. Author John Snyder invites readers to accompany a compelling character as he joins in the ageless conflict between good and evil in The Guardians.

John Guardino is nearly 70, and he’s losing his fire. So, when he runs into an old friend who offers him energy-boosting vitamins, he accepts. The next day, his appearance has changed. Shortly thereafter, his whole life changes, too.

By taking these pills, John has unwittingly joined an ancient battle between the unseen forces of good and evil --- one side fighting to bring about the end of times and the other side trying to prevent that destruction. Each side is represented by mortal men, warriors who serve a higher power. Now, as a warrior himself, John will learn life’s precious secrets, answering perpetual questions about life after death and the future of mankind, in this intriguing story of religion, espionage, and romance.

This book is available online and can be purchased at online bookstores; www.dorrancepublishing.com, www. amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble. com.

The Guardians

by John Snyder

had been exhibited in 2022 Frankfurt International Book Fair

WHERE: Frankfurt, Germany

WHEN: Oct 19, 2022 - Oct 23, 2022

Carrie cARTER

Carrie Carter has a profound love for Japan, cats, sumo, dioramas, and eating unusual foods. She has traveled with her husband Jim to Japan fourteen times, so her numerous holidays across her favorite country were the inspiration for her first book, Whiskers Abroad: Ashi and Audrey’s Adventures in Japan. Carrie has run multiple marathons including the Tokyo Marathon, and, as expected, Carrie and Jim live with an adorable cat named Frenemy, who was unhappy at not being selected as the model for the book.

She started and has been playing in an ‘80s band, Molly and the Ringwalds, for over two decades now! In addition to playing the keyboard, Carrie also plays the recorder and bagpipes.

Carrie lives in Houston, TX, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. At home, she loves to cook, design/create Halloween costumes, daydream about meeting Jacques Pepin, and watch Elvis movies, although not necessarily at the same time. She dislikes overly dramatic music used in reality TV shows. Currently, Carrie is working on her second book, a sequel to Whiskers Abroad, where Audrey and Ashi explore further into Japan and get themselves into even more interesting predicaments.

Uncaged welcomes Carrie Carter

Welcome to Uncaged! Can you tell us more about your latest book, Whiskers Abroad? Is this your first published novel?

There are a lot of firsts with Whiskers Abroad. It’s my first published novel, Audrey and her cat Ashi’s first time in Japan, and the first time to do a project of this size with my sister, who was the graphic designer for the book.

With Whiskers Abroad, the reader gets to experience the land of the rising sun through the eyes of a human and a cat, via diary entries and lots of photos. You get two different perspectives of the same events. No, Ashi does not talk, but he can type. The book also serves a guidebook because you can follow the links and advice in the book, and visit each location in real life.

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

I struggled with the Tsukiji Fish Market chapter. It wasn’t coming together, and it read rather stilted and lacked pizzaz. I originally had them going through the market together and seeing the same things. It simply wasn’t working. Then I thought about the market: how chaotic, slippery, and noisy it was, how you had to be aware of your surroundings at all time not to get hit by a 3-wheeled turret/lorrie, how overwhelming it could be. How would a cat react to this place? In all honesty, Ashi would have been terrified. Once I realized this, my indecision

and sloppy writing melted away, and a better chapter emerged.

The ramen chapter was the easiest to write because I love Japanese ramen and my enthusiasm poured out of me. I couldn’t help it. Even while I wrote the haiku about ramen, I swear I could smell the enticing broth in the air and taste the flavors on my tongue. In fact, now that I’m thinking about ramen, I can’t wait to go back to Japan and have a bowl of the glorious soup.

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

I’m outlining a sequel to Whiskers Abroad right now. I was leaning towards South Korea because the Japan boarders were still closed to tourists, but they open back up on October 11. This made me think maybe Audrey and Ashi should return to Japan. However, South Korea is an amazing country to visit and Ashi and Audrey haven’t been there yet, plus Korea produces k-dramas, kimchi, top-notch b-boys, and has an A+ tourist board. Let the flip-flopping commence! Right now, I have two outlines, one for a return trip to Japan and one for South Korea. I’m at a crossroads and need to decide soon. I’ll have to go to the country for more research, so I suspect the cost of airline tickets will be the deciding factor.

Do you base any of your characters on reallife people?

Audrey and I have a lot in common, from our likes and dislikes to how much we look alike. We both get excited over trying new foods, flying on airplanes, and seeing a cat on the street. We have a weakness for pretty chopsticks, and ogle over umbrellas. Unlike Audrey, I have no problem leaving my cat behind when I travel.

Ashi is my sister’s cat. I imagined what he would be saying if he traveled to Japan. He modeled for all the photos.

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

A photograph of me is hanging up in the City of Houston Downtown Police station. I didn’t even know it until a police officer told me one day. Before your mind goes crazy and starts

creating stories about me being on the most wanted list, I used to play the bagpipes for police officer funerals and for the Houston Police Pipe and Drum Core. The photo was me playing at a graveside service.

Which comes first, the plot or the characters in the planning stages?

For Whiskers Abroad, I had a vague idea of what the book was about, but my first stages had more to do with Audrey and Ashi and their personalities. Once I had this, I knew how they would react to the different places and situations they’d see in Japan, and then I could focus more on the plot.

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

There’s a professional dance group in South Korea called The Ambiguous Dance Company. They have several videos on Youtube, from dance performances, how-to videos, and even their hour-long practice sessions. I’ve been watching them and attempting to dance along, hoping that one day I might look as good as they do when they dance. Then I can bust out with the dance moves at Christmas and delight (embarrass?) my college age nieces. OK, we all know that won’t happen, but maybe I can work up to a fraction of their talent? Even though I look stiff and awkward, it’s enjoyable to move around to music. I also love to read cookbooks and watch old Jacques Pepin videos.

What’s your favorite holiday? Do you have any special traditions?

Christmas!. You get to spend it with family and be surrounded by Christmas decorations and Christmas lights while giving yourself an excuse to eat too much. My big tradition is to hunt for the biggest, best Christmas tree I can find. I drag my poor husband with me so he can hold up the various trees so I can study them. He must twirl it around while I scrutinize it, and then hold the final contenders side by side. If we have to, we go to another location, or maybe even a third or fourth tree lot. Once I decide on the perfect one, the tree is purchased, and brought to the house, ready for the next phase, where I pour a glass of wine, put on Herb Alpert music, and decorate the tree. I can spend hours staring at a decorated tree. Maybe tree gazing isn’t the best use of my time, but it is one of my favorite pleasures in life.

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

I’m old school. I prefer reading a physical book. There’s something about holding an actual book in your hands that’s thrilling. I’m currently reading Michelle Hillen Klump’s A Dash of Death. I haven’t read many cozy mysteries so I’m excited to delve into that world. Plus, it takes plus in my home city of Houston, and it’s always fun to read books that take place where you live.

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

I hope the readers love Whiskers Abroad as much as I did researching and writing it, and that maybe it will inspire their own vacation to Japan. I have a website Carriecarterwrites.com along with the Facebook page Carrie Carter

Writes and an Instagram account Carrie Carter Writes.

Stay Connected

Enjoy an excerpt from Whiskers Abroad

Whiskers Abroad

Carrie Carter

Travel Fiction

Whiskers Abroad is a lively travelogue featuring a trip to Japan shared by two main characters, Audrey and her cat Ashi, who alternate recounting their versions of events. During a twelve-day trip, the pair visit several cities. Adventures abound. Audrey is still trying to find her place in the universe, while Ashi believes Audrey would sink beneath the waves were he not present to rescue her. Audrey’s daily horoscope offers tantalizing clues as to what’s in store for the pair. Written by Carrie Carter and designed by Stacy Vickers, Whiskers Abroad is both an amusing travel story with unforgettable characters and a useful guide for tourists going to Japan. Lavishly designed, Whiskers Abroad will delight both your eyes and your sense of adventure.

3-Page Special Promo

Adenquick

AdenQuick was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Raised in a predominantly Christian household, he became ill as him parents went through a divorce. His friends began offering corrupt coping methods to numb the pain of a broken home, for how he saw it, it was the only way they had ever known. As he sank deeper into the habits of an addict, he desired only what he could comprehend as, something he had lost long ago. Quite frankly, he never had it. What it was, was peace with his Lord. In the midst of his drug-induced binge, he was called by a voice within, telling his to get clean, seek out those in a similar position, and as a shepherd with his sheep, walk with them until the day they are called home, to heaven. He is nothing but a suburban sinner, seeking only what his wants and not what his needs. In a struggle for sober living and rehabilitation, his found poetry, music, and friendship to be his weapon. Looking for answers in all the wrong places brought his to a dark place of regret and despair. Only through the Lord’s hand was he able to understand, the meaning of life was not money, drugs, fame nor fortune. It was Love.

Oblivious Minds

Aden Quick Poetry

The heartache that gripped him when him parents divorced was something he didn’t realize would hurt and traumatize he so much. Instead of facing it head-on and looking for peace, the impact of having a broken home brought him into a spiral downfall. These verses are him reflections put into paper of how he looked for answers in the wrong places that brought him darkness and desperation. But through these experiences that him was able to use him words to help others. Enter him mind and heart so you too can experience the peace him found after the heartaches and troubles.

Buried in rain, I slept in the drain, The children have gone insane sailing the ship that sinks Upon God, they put the blame. Point the finger, It’s not our fault

You should have known better Mother’s turned to salt.

Forgive me not, She loves me still

Beside the ghostly pond

My wife fell ill. All things must come to end

Not even the earth

Made one single friend. Made to disrupt

Always in a rut

The school boy fell into

Chaos in Time

darkness

The door closed shut.

Love over Lust

Resist your lasciviousness. Look the other way. There is nothing for you

When you let this affection stay...

Please, look the other way. The grain you’ve already planted Its essence is profound

Discharged through your heart

Your morals slump down. Ease the pain

Through pitiful self gain

Exclaim your desires

When you’re in the pit of fire, Look away. Not another day.

A sullen daze is truly what you chase, Not the impression of love you define as tame

Not again. Look away

And you will be saved.

Prison

Assert your dominance

If you wish, I cannot blame,

Stay here in this prison cell

Like the rest, nobody wants to be tamed.

You are a snake in a cage hissing to all the creatures

Your reputation is framed. Refrain from your scour It stirs hour by hour your cooking something sour. I hear not a word you speak For your anger slurs your speech

Your heart grows weak. A life oblique. Turn the other cheek.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

What’s the hardest thing about being an author?

There’s a couple things about being an author that lays a heavy deed upon you. When you’re writing you can’t always think of the words to expel from your mind to paper. Your heart and mind know the feeling and the moment so well, but the body is only capable of so many feelings and abilities that when you go to transfer these words or thoughts, your pushing a cloud, no matter how hard or how much you push, you just can’t. The other thing is God. What, when you’re writing or typing are you saying that will be of good use to God and his plan. I’ve tried to work with many tools that were chipped, unworthy, or even just completely broken for job, and it just doesn’t fulfill its purpose. I don’t want to be a broken tool God can’t use.

What is the best thing about being an author?

The best thing about being able to write whatever you damn well please is just that. Not only this, but you get to, every so often see what your toilsome fingers have accomplished and the great feeling of seeing what was in your heart become a reality.

What book changed your life?

I’d have to say Brain ‘Head’ Welch’s book, “Save me From Myself”.

What inspired you to write this book?

The inspiration behind writing any poem of mine is to escape, succeed, even dream of things I feel I cannot or will not have in reality. To create a fantasy that unlike our lives can be seen without the fleshly eye.

How would you describe your style of writing to someone that has never read your work?

Like a kid that never went to class nor learned the proper way to write but had every more reason and desire to be heard.

Do you feel that writing is an ingrained process or just something that flows naturally?

Sometimes a bit of both. Some of my favorite poems were written when I was in bed trying to sleep or ignoring a boring story being told to my face while thinking of a good line for a previous poem I’d been working on. But like prayer, you must make it a habit to go to and say what you feel. Missing even a minute of prayer is like missing a day without water, sure you don’t feel horrible and you could probably go a couple more days without it, but when life brings you its gifts of hard stone you will feel that weight bring you down.

What is the take home lesson you wish your readers will learn after reading this book?

of Jesus’ disciples were truly with him either, but nonetheless he gave them his word.

What books are currently in your to be read pile?

I’m open to suggestions… Currently reading five books amidst my pain and joy.

Anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Thank you to those who have given a young poets word a listen! God Bless!

Just enjoy the poems I’ve written for you all, If God is with you he will speak through these words to you, I understand not all the poems are about Him, but then again, not all

fang-FREAKIN-tastic reviews feature author JAVAN BONDS

Javan bonds

Javan Bonds is the Author of The Still Alive Series, an Amazon Best Selling Zombie Apocolypse series.

The Still Alive series follows a group of unlikely survivors trapped in Alabama lake town as they try to keep their wits about them. Making a new life in a world overrun by naked, blue-skinned, yellow-eyed, nocturnal zombies that spew vile shit everywhere is hard. Not only are these former humans attempting to bite or devour every last morsel of flesh on any of the uninfected, but they are also becoming increasingly more intelligent and sadistic. Add to that a few crazy dictators, gun-toting preppers, rouge military leaders, religious fanatics, and cannibals! Fun times! Think WW-Z, Zombieland, and Shaun Of The Dead, only better.

Enjoy an excerpt from: Zombie Lake

Zombie Lake Javan Bonds Horror

Mo Collins is a reluctant hero, trapped at the end of the world on board his replica pirate ship, surrounded by hordes of blue naked zombies. What else could go wrong? On his ship, the Viva Ancora he has traveled along the rivers and lakes of America for the past few years. But now he finds himself only miles from his childhood home, and the world has gone to hell. These zombies have flooded the now dead Alabama lake town where he is docked. Mo and his only surviving shipmate, Crow, are doing one thing, surviving. They fish and watch the monsters roam the night; seeking untainted flesh and leaving a disgusting mess in their wake. However, when “out of

the blue” a lone survivor stumbles upon Mo and Crow, they gain a new crew member but also find much-needed direction. The newcomer, Smokes, will change Mo’s view of this zombie-infested world forever.

As reality mimics fiction, an ever-growing cast of crazy characters plays out their role carving out an island sanctuary in a plague-ridden world. The Expert, The Tech, The Oracle, The Sacrifice, The Old Friend, plus many more ….. Join us on this wild ride where the fish bite, the Zombies bite…and sometimes life bites.

Welcome aboard, friend, to Zombie Lake.

Excerpt

Simply because I feel your world needs to be rocked, I’ve got a story to share. It happened prior to the blue shit hitting the fan, so it shouldn’t be too upsetting for you now. But I have to admit, I still chin quiver and tear up just thinking about it. For what it’s worth, it’s the kind of earthshaking thing that stays with you for the rest of your life. So…prepare!

Back a few years before May Day, I decided, as I did once in a blue moon, to treat myself by picking up fast food. Wasn’t a date or anything…and I was……like always…alone. It must’ve been a payday…or I had just won the fucking lottery… because I chose to spend the small country’s gross domestic product on a shitty hamburger and cold French fries by going to Wendy’s. Of course, as you would expect, I ordered a Frosty.

Don’t ask me why, but I chose to go in rather than just go through the damn drive through. Maybe I wanted to get a bunch of those tiny, paper cups of ketchup…or perhaps I just felt like interacting with my fellow patrons as I choked down some unnatural food. You know, because I’m so sociable and shit.

Anyway, I walked up to the cashier standing behind the counter. “Yeah, I want a…Swiss burger, medium fries, and a Frosty.”

Though it wasn’t actually visible, I’m pretty sure I could hear the teenage girl…who was clearly a devote member of The Church Of Body Modification… Tapping her foot, while she crossed her arms. Apparently, my order wasn’t finished. Not knowing what else to do, I hesitantly stammered, “Uh…uh …chocolate?”

With that, she smiled, clicked a few buttons on the register, and told me how many decades of my life I worked in order to pay for that meal. This was flabbergasting. They made other flavors of Frosty’s besides chocolate? Vanilla? Dare I say it…strawberry? Shit, let’s just go off the deep end and suppose they had peanut butter.

Had I unknowingly traveled through some kind of Stargate? Where was Kurt Russell? Maybe the old MacGyver? Potentially Imagination Land? Shit, I should’ve been on the lookout for Manbearpig. I’m super serial!

This was world altering information. I was beyond speechless. As I handed over Charlemagne’s fortune for two slices of stale bread and a microwaved piece of meat. I’m pretty sure I could see goateed Spock cackling behind the Fry cooker. Any second, I was expecting Jet Li to show up. Get it… the One? You remember that movie? It wasn’t that bad!

Though I’m pretty sure I ate my lunch, I don’t have any memory of it. So consumed by this fracturing news, I doubt I was even able to enjoy such well prepared cuisine as I ordered. It could have been a celebration…and it had to have been if I was willing to spend half my life savings by going to Wendy’s…but I don’t recollect the reason for the evening…or the tropic of Sir Galahad.

No way to commit the sin of eating a Frosty that’s a flavor besides chocolate now, but it would’ve taken me epochs to be able to afford to go back to Wendy’s and delve into one of these abominations. Would it have changed my reality? Possibly, that one thing might’ve kept me from being where I am right now. I might not have joined the Cora crew to meet Smokes. Butterfly Effect? The Twilight Zone? The outer limits? Post to be!

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Uncaged Reviews

Fire Maiden – Ireland

Anna Lowe Fantasy Romance

Magic, shifters, and a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Inheriting a cottage in Ireland seems like a stroke of pure luck to Grace Connolly — as is a chance meeting with her mysterious (and hot) new neighbor. Soon, Boston’s most up-and-coming harpist finds herself mixing business with pleasure and getting to know Finn Hurley — intimately.

Uncaged Review: This is a great addition to this series. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Finn and Grace, and one of the reasons I love this series besides the couples, are the way that the author describes the characters when they are in their shapeshifter forms. In this book, Grace and Finn had met as kids, when Finn saved her from falling off a cliff. Now she’s back in Ireland, inheriting a small cottage and not knowing exactly what she’s going to do with the cottage, specially after meeting a lot of the local people.

There are more layers to this story than meets the eye, and it’s a got the right amount of action, romance, danger and suspense all tied together. You just can’t go wrong with this series. If you like shifters and romance, then this series is recommended. Reviewed by Cyrene

Fastening the Grave

L.A. McBride

Paranormal Suspense

Some people attract good fortune. I’m a death magnet.

Moving across the country and opening a costume shop was supposed to be my chance for a normal life. What I wanted was a fresh start, one where the biggest danger would be a carelessly wielded sewing needle.

Uncaged Review: This was a decent start to a series, but it did take a bit to get going. It didn’t grab me right away, but I kept going and it got a bit better. I think that our MC, Kali is a bit immature and does a lot of leaping without a lot of planning. If you keep going, the book does pick up speed and turns into a really decent suspense.

Kali can see ghosts ever since her sister was killed in an accident as a kid. Running away to Kansas City to be a costume designer was her thinking she could get away from the past. But when Kali sees a new ghost, and he wants her to solve his murder, Kali decides the only way to get rid of him is to solve the case. But during her investigation, Kali digs up a supernatural world and finds out that she’s actually a part of it, and instead of learning more about this world and herself, she stupidly dives into and keeps digging and ignores the warnings.

So although this book was a slow starter, and the main character has some issues, the supporting cast is strong and the suspense is good once it gets going. I will go on to the next book to see if we have some growth from Kali. Reviewed by Cyrene

Oracle’s Haunt

Shannon Mayer

Urban Fantasy

Hope is a four letter word. Yet, I can’t help but hope that the Oracle will be the answer to what I seek.

But getting to the Oracle is no small thing as she resides in the center of the Blasted lands—toxic waste, lava, and monsters. And as the alpha of our Pride, it’s up to me to act responsibly and not get my people all killed.

Uncaged Review: The fourth book in this series is one jam packed action novel. Zamira needs to get to the Oracle to get the answers she needs to save her brother, Maks and end the terror of the Emperor getting free. During this book, she will gain new members to her journey, and lose more too. On top of all that, Zam’s pride breaks apart because of Steve, and Maks goes into deep sleep so that his body that Marsum has taken over will not be able to sway Zam. Zam still holds out the hope that she can find a way to bring Maks back.

This is a wild ride, and you will need to hang on as Zam gets herself into some very dangerous situations and she learns more about the magic within her. This storyline is so intricately woven that it would be easy to miss stuff, but it’s a magical and well written story. I think there are too many “bad guys” in this and too many are after Zam and very little down time for her and her group. So block off some time, because once you start reading this, it’s hard to put it down. Reviewed by Cyrene

A Pirate’s Treasure

Brenna Ash

Medieval Historical

What happens when a mercenary gets more than he bargains for?

Pirate mercenary Lochlan MacLean loves his life on the sea, yet yearns for lands of his own to call home. He chooses his missions wisely, taking care they don’t go against his strict moral code. But when a deceitful father hires him for a challenging task - kidnapping a woman - he questions himself and his ethics. The spoils in both land and coin will fulfill his dream, and he can’t resist the job or the beautiful lass.

Uncaged Review: As a mercenary, Lochlan has only known life as a pirate, although he’s always longed for a home on land, something that was not in his future within his poor family. When he’s promised land and pay for kidnapping a young lass, he takes the job. But he didn’t count on Isobel.

Isobel is trapped, and forced to be betrothed to a Scottish laird, since her father is cruel and gambled away all his fortune, including Isobel’s dowry. Since she is being defiant, her father arranges the kidnapping by Lochlan.

I love pirate stories, it’s my favorite sub-genre under the historical category and this one doesn’t disappoint. From a storm at sea, to the romance brewing between Isobel and Lochlan, there wasn’t too many slow spots in this quick read. Enjoyable and fun in one sitting. Reviewed by Cyrene

Uncaged Reviews

Seventeen Wishes Erica Alexander Coming of Age Short

If knowing the truth could leave you more broken than believing the lies, would you still want to know it?

We’ve been friends out entire lives, Lilly and me. But I have not always being truthful.

Uncaged Review: This novella captures a ton of the feels, with two best friends becoming lovers. But Zac has a secret, his life expectancy is 18 without a donor heart, and he’s 17 and a half. Lilly has been his one true friend and love all his life, but exerting himself in any way, can stop his damaged heart.

This book told a nice story of a few months in these two people’s lives with an epilogue that added a bit to the ending. This is an emotional read and you get a good idea on how much Lilly means to Zac and how living his life with her and taking chances, is better than a life without her. Sweet read. Reviewed by Cyrene

Heart’s Insanity

Ellie Masters

Rock Star Romance

Ash “Blaze” Dean has it all: fame, fortune, and the adoration of screaming fans, but the constant parties and endless string of one-night stands are taking their toll. He wants something real and someone to hold on to. He believes in fate and true love, so when sparks ignite between him and the intelligent and sassy Dr. Summers, Ash is intrigued.

Uncaged Review: Every once in a while, I need a good rock star romance to rattle the brain fog from reading a lot. And this one, I’m happy I picked up. This story is not just a rock star romance, but it’s a layered, emotional but not so overly emotional that it keeps the book in a dark place, the author masterfully weaves a story of the healing power of love. Keep the tissue boxes close, as you will cry along with Skye and Forest, and you might want to smack a couple people around yourself. But beneath it all is a love story, as fate would have it, as Ash would say.

Jump in, but there are some trigger warnings of sexual abuse in the pages. The author manages to bring the light and dark into a good balance for the book, but you may laugh, cry and cheer on these two as they navigate their way to their HEA. Reviewed by Cyrene

Seduced by a Prince

Tanya Anne Crosby Historical Romance

Merrick Welbourne never anticipated discovering a long-lost twin—particularly one who’d rob him and leave him for dead on the road. Now living his brother’s aristocratic life, he has new trials, tribulations... and temptations, not the least being Chloe Simon, a woman of rare mettle, proud heart, and unprecedented beauty. But she’s no easy mark for a perceived highwayman.

A Duke for Miss Townbridge

Sophie Barnes Historical Romance

She threatens to conquer his heart…

Uncaged Review: This is the first book I’ve read from this author (how is that possible?) and I’m sure it won’t be the last. This is a charming story that reminded me a bit of the Man in the Iron Mask, where twin brothers are separated as infants, not for the same reasons, but each not knowing that they have a brother. The opening scene will give you a good look into how Fiona had to choose, but not the why. In the next chapter, the boys are now men and it goes from there. This is the story of one of the twins, Merrick. Ian’s book is the second in the series.

There is a danger, romance, and some heartwarming moments and there is a few heated sex scenes. But this is story of love and forgiveness and truly finding out who your true self is. Nicely written and looking forward to more by this author. Reviewed by Cyrene

When Matthew Donovan, Duke of Brunswick, proposes to Sarah Townsbridge, she’s shocked. After all, she’s never met him before. One thing is clear though – he obviously needs help. So after turning him down, she decides to get to know him better, and finds out she’s right. But fixing a broken man is not the same as adopting a puppy. Least of all when the man in question has no desire to be saved.

Uncaged Review: A very nicely written romance with Sarah and Matthew. I liked Sarah a lot more than Matthew, but I think I would have understood Matthew better had I more of his background and the reasons that made him who he was. Matthew is intent on never falling in love, and is not all that likable in the majority of the book. I did come to like him, but I never loved him.

This story is a nice original in the market of historical romances. This was a bit of fun to watch these two battle their way to their HEA, but they manage to get there, even with a few fun moments. I would have liked to see the character of Matthew flushed out a bit more, but overall, this was a nice romance and I look forward to more. Reviewed by Cyrene

Uncaged Reviews

Chocolate Raspberry Magic

Tena Stetler

Fantasy Short Romance

Prim and proper Trinity Shilo is the assistant manager for Salem’s Wildlife Sanctuary. She hasn’t had much luck in the boyfriend department, but the new employee Paul is different. Deep and brooding she sees something special hidden below the surface. Besides she has secrets of her own. Paul Thorp is a wounded Special Forces veteran now working in security and computer support. He’s fought hard to keep his demons in check and for the first time feels he is ready for a real relationship.

Uncaged Review: Very seldom do I find a shorter novella style story to be such a complete and fun story. This story centers around the animal rescue of Puffin Cove where they reach out after a disastrous fire breaks out and Salem and Lobster Cove answer the call to help. After securing the animals and assessing the damage, the ladies whom we have met in previous books, Hidden Gypsy Magic and A Witch’s Journey, decide that a fundraiser is due. And if animal rescue isn’t enough, there is a wonderful romance brewing between Trinity and Paul. Paul is a veteran, who has episodes of PTSD, but is making great progress at the Salem Rescue. When they are all called out to help, they find a way to pick up the pieces, and help out while finding their love for each other. Personally, I am a volunteer member of a rescue, and when you toss in the magic of the cabin, and the people with the animals, with a nice love story, I’m all in. The magic in this book is subtle and although not the focus and overbearing, but nicely tied in to make it believable and it was fun to come back to the characters (and the cabin) from previous books. It felt like a warm familiar blanket on a cold day. And let’s not forget Misfit, Ashes and Licorice. Reviewed by Cyrene

Her Undercover Cowboy

Kathleen Lawless Western Romance

Mixing business and pleasure never felt so good.

As long as Montana doesn’t find out why Steele is really at her ranch, and who hired him to be there, he can make himself indispensable to the beautiful widow and her expansion plans.

Uncaged Review: This western romance jumps pretty quickly into some steamy sex scenes, and I know that is not in the blurb, so be warned if that’s not your thing.

Montana is ambitious, in that she wants to get her Black Creek Resort and Spa to be up and running alongside the Black Creek Ranch. Montana’s ex mother-in-law fires the latest ranch manager, and hires Steele Hardt, unknown to Montana, he is working undercover for the investors as Montana is already over budget on her extravagant spa. But the two’s chemistry is off the charts and they will have to navigate all the hidden truths to make anything work between them and get the resort up and running.

I thought this was a good read, with enough intrigue to keep it moving along and I definitely would enjoy more from this author. Reviewed by Cyrene

Unbranded

Linda Bradley Western Romance

Threatened by the unexpected, a devoted rancher refuses to compromise her ambition or her legacy.

CHLOE MCINTYRE is determined to become the co-CEO of her grandfather’s Montana ranch, but her father isn’t ready to become partners—yet.

Uncaged Review: This book is the start of a spinoff series from the Montana Bound series and picks up with Chloe now an adult and an integral part of the ranch working as ranch hand right alongside the wranglers. The first chapter throws a curve ball right away when Chloe finds out she’s pregnant. Trying to keep it a secret long enough to get the coveted role of co-CEO to her father for the ranch.

There were a lot of times that I didn’t like Chloe much. She was a bit overly independent and wants a say in everything, is quite bossy and at times a bit rude. She was very immature and stubborn, and not always in a good way. I did see growth from her by the end, and she finally was someone I enjoyed reading about. As a lifetime horse owner and rider, there was one thing that was a bit off for me, like being in a saddle and wrapping her hand in the mane before going faster, something that I have never done unless riding bareback and even then very seldom. Riding a horse is primarily moving with balance and legs.

This ended on a good note, but I can also tell it’s not the end of Chloe’s story, and it will be fun to read more of her journey. You can start out reading this book without reading the previous series, but if you want to get the full experience of these characters, start with Maggie’s Way. Reviewed by Cyrene

Oranges for Miranda

Annette Bower

Contemporary Romance

Miranda Porter, an awardwinning businesswoman, leaves home to transition into retirement. Always in control, this is her time to have fun without plans and responsibilities. Enter Renato Monteiro, a considerate Portuguese tour guide with secrets. Miranda isn’t looking for a long-term relationship. Could her senses be finding love in this unlikely place? Can a vacation romance survive the distance?

Uncaged Review: This is a story that starts a bit slowly, the author pulls the reader in slowly and before long, it becomes a book that has the reader’s full attention without realizing when it happened. I like the idea that both of our main characters are not in their 20s, but a middle aged couple that have to navigate both a cultural difference and their families. Miranda handing over the reins of the business to her very capable adult kids and vacationing in Portugal brings more than Miranda ever hoped for.

This isn’t the first book I’ve read from this author, and she’s able to describe the places and people so well, that you feel like you’re actually there. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day someone talked about Portugal and I would know what they were talking about! I have a habit of looking at images from different countries and areas described in books that I’m reading for better being able to picture it as I go along, and with this author, it was spot on. A nice, sweet romance that will warm your soul and the title is perfect, except I’m not telling. Reviewed by Cyrene

Uncaged Reviews

Throwing Shade

Deborah Wilde Humorous Fantasy

Middle-aged. Divorced. Hormonally imbalanced. Then she got magic. Underestimate her. That’ll be fun.

It’s official. Miriam Feldman is killing it in the midlife crisis department. She’s mastered boredom, aced invisibility, and graduated Summa Cum Laude in smiling and playing nice in her post-divorce life. Then her best friend gets tangled up with some vamps and goes missing. If that’s not scary enough, Miri snaps, and in a cold dark rage, unleashes a rare and powerful shadow magic.

Uncaged Review: This is a book written as I expect from this author, having read the Nava Katz series, so I was completely prepared for the sense of humor and quite a few grinning moments in this one as well. I did not get as deeply involved with the book as quickly as I did the prior series, but by a bit after the midway point, it was beginning to be a really fun read and hard to put down. I personally like a bit more romance, but I guess it is steering that way, sort of.

Since Miri is just beginning to understand her powers, and is still learning, I’m sure that this series is going to take off in the future installments and I wished I’d started them sooner. But luck will have it, the series is complete, so I won’t have to wait between books. A lot of action, a lot of originality, and some good supporting characters, and a main character who is not in her 20s. Win win. Reviewed by Cyrene

Wrapped Up in You

Claire Mati

Holiday Contemporary Romance

When cocky financial genius Rafael Cruz is forced to partner with his snarky office rival Phoebe Hollingsworth to land a prestigious new client, nothing goes as planned. At work, they ignore each other, but at the Jingle Ball, their unexpected chemistry changes the game.

Uncaged Review: This holiday novella is a quick read easily accomplished in one sitting. The chemistry between the main characters is sizzling, and the book really takes off at the Jingle Ball. As office rivals, Phoebe and Rafael are forced to work together to secure a new client, the sparks will fly. This is a fun, sexy read for the holiday season with a lot of fun banter.

I have not read any of the rest of this series, and I had no problems so this reads well as a standalone, but it does encourage me to go back and read the rest of the series. Reviewed by Cyrene

Lost Kingdom

L.A. McGinnis

Paranormal Romance

I might be a queen, but this isn’t a fairytale. A ruthless king dragged me into the vampire world kicking and screaming, intending to kill me, like he had so many before. Then I took everything away from him.

When a Duke Desires a Lass Collette Cameron

Historical Regency

The only thing these opposites have in common is a desire to not marry…

Uncaged Review: Everything is coming at Seraphina from all sides, from the threat of losing the palace to fighting to get Deston back. Many secrets are revealed in this installment, and many I never saw coming. The main series arc continues to run, but this does not really end on a cliffhanger and all 4 books in the series is out now.

There are some major twists in this book that will put a whole new slant on the series, and it was quite the shock at the end. There are some heavy sex scenes, so if that’s not your cup of tea, this is a warning. It’s hard to describe the book without giving too much away, but this is a good vampire series that stands out in the genre and for readers that enjoy the vampires, this series is a must read. I would recommend that readers start at the beginning, as they don’t read that well as standalones. Reviewed by Cyrene

Tobias Forsyth, Duke of Heatherston, owes his niece a proper Come Out. But as a confirmed bachelor, he has no idea how to fulfill his commitment. Fortunately, to his astonishment and intense pleasure, the gorgeous widow he’s admired from afar for so long is willing to help. Now, if only he could convince the reluctant object of his affection to give him a chance…

Uncaged Review: A nice sweet romance and a great addition to this series and it’s a great change as our main characters are a bit older and past the “coming out” stage. Tobias has kept himself single, putting it off as long as possible. But after taking guardianship over his orphaned niece, Avery, he had promised that he would make sure Avery got a proper coming out and season when she came of age. Unfortunately, Avery is a bit wild and Tobias is a bit clueless on how to proceed.

Emily is a widow, but with a past that could ruin her and her family, a secret she holds close. A chance run in with Tobias and his niece during a morning walk, has her offering to help get Avery ready. With her sister a Duchess, and recently wed, Emily sees it as a chance to be useful. Tobias accepts her help. As they spend more time together, you see the walls around Emily’s heart begin to crack.

This is a sweet romance that I read in one sitting, and was a proper feel good story that had a great pace, one I have grown to expect with this author. This is the 15th book in the this series, but each can easily be read as standalones. Reviewed by Cyrene

Fang-Freakin-Tastic Reviews

Death’s Intern

DC Gomez

Humorous Fantasy

Retired Army vet, Isis Black, lives in a small Texas town, a tiny dot on the map. The only friends she has are her coworkers at a Tex-Mex restaurant, the locals she serves, and a homeless man named Bob.

One evening after work, Death knocks at Isis’s apartment door. Death wears an expensive designer suit and four-inch heels. She has a curvaceous body, long, silky brown hair and mischief in her voice.

Fang-Freakin-Tastic Review: This book (and series) totally knocked me off my feet. Between the action and the humor, I couldn’t put it down. My only complaint is that I didn’t want it to end.

The characters in this book are so easy to relate to in so many ways. I think Isis shares the lead with Constantine bc who doesn’t love a snarky 5,000-year-old talking cat? Isis has made some mistakes in her past, but she shows over and over that some people have good souls. Her sense of ethics is something I can appreciate. She’s truly a good person despite making a few mistakes on the way. She struggles with her faith while also not falling so far from it that redemption is impossible.

There are other characters who are in a similar position, and they, too, show the struggle of humanity. We all make mistakes, it’s what we do with ourselves after that makes the difference. Bob holds a special place in my heart because he reminds me of someone I consider a brother. Each character brings another bit of excitement to this world.

So much action. The action scenes are so well done, I could see them in my head as if they were happening in front of me. And they’re not gratuitous. Like there’s a reason for each one. Some fights just can’t be avoided though, so you do what you need to, especially when the fate of the world is at stake.

One thing I really enjoyed about this series was how the author handled the individual aspects of Death and the afterlife. Each person sees their own version of Death, and their afterlives based on their belief system. All faiths are respected and many of them are represented. It did make me wonder what the Atheists in this story would see, if anything.

This series quickly shot to the top of my favorites list. Isis and friends had me laughing so hard at times and almost in tears others. The bond they created out of unusual circumstances was beautiful to see and a reminder that just bc bad things happen doesn’t mean you can’t still be an amazing person. Being a good person is about more than just doing the right thing when people are watching, but also when no one can see it.

New Witch on the Block

Louise West Women’s Fantasy

She thought she was running away from her past, not catching up with it.

Rosemary Bell just wants to live a quiet, happy life and raise her daughter as far away from her toxic ex-husband as she can get. But when they move into a decrepit cottage in the woods of Mosswood, Georgia, Rosie realises her life will never be simple. A gang of meddling neighborhood do-gooders want to run her out of town. The vicious laundromat machines keep eating her spare change. Not to mention her buff Irish stalker who insists that he’s a Witch King and that it’s her royal destiny to be his Queen.

Fang-Freakin-Tastic Review: I found this series by accident and I’m really glad I did. It’s what I’d consider an easy read that I can just lose myself in to waste some time and not think about things. There are silly and funny moments as well as a few moments where you can feel Rosie’s fear. As a mom, I can relate to her in a lot of ways. You’d do anything to protect your kids, but what would you do if you suddenly find out you’re magic and everything you’ve been hiding from is trying to show up on your doorstep? And of course, she has to have an encounter with the stereotypical “mean girl” who happens to be married to the holiest man in town.

Rosie takes off with her young daughter to escape her abusive husband. I guess she’d finally had enough and got the courage and opportunity to leave. She leaves the big city of Atlanta and makes her way to the tiny country town of Mosswood, GA. I will say it’s unlikely she could have gotten a cab to take her far enough from Atlanta that she wouldn’t easily be found without spending an arm and a leg. But after learning this author is from Australia, so she may not be that familiar with the area.

It also explains a few other things throughout the series as far as believability.

The support characters in this story are pretty good too. There are a few who you’re not sure if they’re good or not, but eventually they all make their values known.

Ultimately, this is a story of a woman trying to find herself after years of abuse and neglect. Which sounds sad, and it is in that aspect, but there are plenty of funny and happy moments in the story so it doesn’t drag you down. I’m currently on book 8, so know that there are tons more adventures for Rosie and her friends as well as new characters and villains.

Darkness and Dawn Terry Hooker

Historical Paranormal

Damica isn’t sure why her mother decided to ship her halfway across the world, only that she is not going to marry when she gets there! The year is 1728 and she can take care of herself. She shares the space on the ship with girls wistfully dreaming of their new lives, their days are full of giggles and plans for the future. Everything is full of hope, until the first death.

Fang-Freakin-Tastic Review: I read several of the Casket Girl Chronicles books and this was, by far, my favorite. This one just has more…well everything, than the rest of them. More action, more adventure, just more everything. Damica sounds feisty and strong. She’s doing what she has to but also isn’t willing to just roll over and accept her fate. I know The Casket Girls

Fang-Freakin-Tastic Reviews

were real women in history, but I hope at least one of them was like Damica. She knows what she wants. She knows what she’s willing to accept and what she’s not. Idk, I’d like to think I’d be more like Damica, but I’d probably have been burned at the stake.

This book is totally worth reading. I didn’t love how much of the last quarter of the book went, but I also understand why it had to go that way. I loved the magical elements in this book too. That was one of the main differences between this one and the others.

Paranormal Paradox

Various Paranormal Anthology

This world is not ours, it never has been. The world we’ve heard of in myths, legends and stories exists and they want equal billing. Humans have been the apex predator solely through sheer numbers. Their numbers are dwindling and the paranormals are ready to take control. Which faction will rise to become the new apex predator.

Fang-Freakin-Tastic Review: Paranormal

Paradox is another great installment of the yearly Thrill of the Hunt Anthology. You don’t need to have read the previous books to understand what’s going on because each year, the organizer chooses a different theme. I look forward to the next book each year because I know the organizer has chosen another theme that’s right up my alley.

It’s always a pleasure to read, and I always find new to me authors to enjoy going forward.

Each story is focused on a different paranormal paradox. I loved the opening story by Laura Perez about a werewolf and friendship. This book has such a variety of creatures that even as much as I enjoyed each story, I knew the next in the book had something new and exciting for me and couldn’t wait. Of course, in every anthology there’s always a story or 2 that doesn’t hit for me, and that’s true in this book as well, but due to the quality of the other stories, I don’t usually count against the whole book for that. Many of the stories leave me wanting more, and I always end up considering messaging the author to ask them to write more about it.

Definitely worth the read. Give it a shot. And when you’re done, check out the other books in the series as well as the authors to see what else they’ve written.

The Ghost Circus

Diandra Archer Ghost Thriller

Life for Onyx Webb is complicated. Especially because she’s dead.

A ragtag traveling circus sits outside a small California town.

200 miles north, the legend of Onyx Webb, a murderous ghost, is “alive and well” in the seaside hamlet of Crimson Cove, Oregon.

After mysterious deaths occur in both places, the FBI gets involved. Serial killer hunter, Agent Newt Drystad however, is also dealing with a major screw-up of his own making.

When the circus moves on and arrives in Crimson Cove, the little town is starting to unravel.

Fang-Freakin-Tastic Review: The Onyx Webb series has, for years, been one of my all-time favorite series. To say I was excited when I heard about this book would be an understatement. It absolutely does not disappoint. The authors of this book really know how to write a great thriller and include the paranormal elements I love. Their serial killers are top notch, and they know how to keep you guessing as a reader. Only allowing you to know what they want you to when they want you to.

This is a spin-off of the Onyx Webb series, but Onyx isn’t the focus of the story. We get to see more of Maggie and Newt, a bit of Noah and Onyx’s ex-husband, Ulrich. As well as a serial killer thrown in just to make things even crazier.

I love how these authors bring this story together to provide the fast pace and excitement I need as well as both

the paranormal and murder-y aspects I’m always happy to see. Their story makes sense in a world that has been well thought out.

At the end of the book, I feel satisfied for the most part while also I can’t wait to see what happens next. Some elements get tied up in a neat little bow, others don’t. I really hope they continue with this path they’ve set out for Onyx and her fans to follow.

Under Dark Skies

A.J. Scudiere

Occult Suspense

This nail-biter from USA Today Best Selling author AJ Scudiere will have you on the edge of your seat. In NightShade nothing is as it seems… Eleri Eames didn’t think she’d ever be allowed to work for the FBI again, so the special FBI division of NightShade seems like an amazing opportunity. But all too soon, her chance to start over starts to disturb her.

Amy’s

Amy’s Review: Great Read

What a great story in Under Dark Skies by A.J. Scudiere. This is the first book in The NightShade Forensic Files. NightShade is an elite division of the FBI, and Agent Eleri Eames and former medical examiner Donovan are now on their first case. The FBI is on this case where they are investigating a cult for kidnapping and other heinous crimes. There are a lot of secrets, realities, and loyalty issues, and this is more than just another case for NightShade, and a very deep investigatory case for Eleri and Donovan. I am a definite fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I want read. This author brings the story to life. The characters had a lot of depth and were very realistic. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages.

Solstice Shadows

Avanti Centrae Occult Suspense

Broad-shouldered covert operative Bear Thorenson wants his girlfriend, Maddy Marshall, to join VanOps, but the software expert and aikido black belt isn’t sure she’s ready for a hazardous darkoperations role that might risk the life of AJ, the nine-year-old boy she wants to adopt.

Amy’s Review: Magnificently Thrilling! What a magnificent story in Solstice Shadows by Avanti Centrae. This is the second book of this series, VanOps, and I now have read all three (book three first). I became a fan of this author, and anything she writes, I want to read. It’s a tantalizing tale, that is filled with intrigue and thrilling action. The pace is fast but in this type of story it needs to be, so much action and things going on, but you don’t lose sight of the story. Covert Ops, and secret, ancient charts, and the world is on the verge of a war with Russia. It’s a grand sequel to book one, and even though, these books can be read stand alone, (I read book three first), I not only read book one, this one, but I reread book three, and it reminded me of how great a writer this author is, and how one small thing can link the stories. It is always an honor to read this author’s books. This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages. A definite attention grabber, so much I couldn’t put it down. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. Action-packed and it takes the reader on a superb adventure. Definitely an unpredictable story, my favorite kind!

Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

The Devil’s Trident

George P. Norris

Military Thriller

Ten years after a top-secret mission in Afghanistan, retired NYPD Detective and Navy SEAL Michael Keough finds himself about to hit rock bottom. He’s divorced from his wife and instead married to the bottle. Then, on a cool fall evening, a volley of gunfire erupts outside his apartment. When he discovers his partner mortally wounded, it changes everything. Brennus must survive endless hordes of invading Hillmen and magic-wielding sidhe, aided by only a band of shifty mercenaries, and an ancient bronze sword.

Amy’s Review: Action-packed!

What a remarkably told story in The Devil’s Trident by George P. Norris. I’ve read both nonfiction and fiction by this author, and both genres are written very well. Norris is an author that you want to keep reading the books that he writes, no matter the genre. The Devil’s Trident introduces the reader to Michael Keough, a man struggling to not hit the bottom, but the bottle is practically his best friend. He’s retired, both from the NYPD as a detective, and he was a Navy Seal. Quite the resume for a man practically falling apart. There is the one turning point that changes his life forever and puts him back on tract. Gunfire. This book was amazing, as we could see the reasons for the falling and failing of Keough, and the fall out on his psyche. However, things change in a very explosive way, as the author brings the reader right into the middle of the action, not wanting to miss a single word. It’s definitely un-put-downable! It is always an honor to read this author’s books. This author is a great storyteller. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. The characterizations are engrossing and dynamic. I just love, love, love this story. This story was very unpredictable.

Brain Warp

Gil Snider

Medical Thriller

Doctor Peter Branstead’s neurology department at St. Mark’s Hospital in New York’s picturesque Greenwich Village is flooded with a series of critically ill vagrants exhibiting identical symptoms. Confused and agitated upon admission, they rapidly progress into convulsions, cardiac arrest, and death. The deaths are too methodical to be a coincidence, but how—and why— are they being killed?

Amy’s Review: Absolutely Brilliant and Magnetic! What a brilliantly written thriller in Brain Warp by Gil Snider. I’ve read work from Snider’s wife, Judy, but this is the first book of Gil’s that I’ve read. There is a lot of writing talent in this family, that’s for sure. The first thing that caught my eye was the title, Brain Warp. Seriously, that is something, especially for someone like me that has neurological issues, anything involving the brain catches my eye. The characters make up this plot driven story, where someone is killing the homeless, but not just killing them, making them sick and then following up. Dr. Branstead is all of a sudden getting an increase in patients, all with the same symptoms, and the common thread being homeless, who can be referred to as the “unmissed.” The characters had a lot of depth and were very realistic. It is a very wellwritten plot, and I enjoyed it. It’s one of those embraceable stories. It’s definitely un-put-downable! This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. The characterizations are engrossing and dynamic.

Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

Tame the Storm Ted Tayler Mystery

Clive Palmer, forty-eight, was a former history teacher from London. After leaving prison, he bought a second-hand car and a caravan, and moved to a village outside Swindon. Ten months later, he was dead.

Amy’s Review: Magnificent and Unputdownable!!

What another magnetic story with The Freeman Files, Tame The Storm by Ted Tayler. I am a definite fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. I’ve read all the books leading up to this one, and each one seems to be my favorite until the next one. So, this is my favorite. Gus and his team that are always looking to solve the unsolvable, have a new case. Who killed the former schoolteacher? It is a very well-written plot, and I enjoyed it. It’s one of those embraceable stories. It’s definitely un-put-downable! It is always an honor to read this author’s books. It’s never one of those quick reads, you want to sit back and try to solve the puzzles of these crimes along with Gus and his team. Tayler writes a story that has multiple layers, and the ability to create these characters, as if they were people in the room with you. It’s definitely un-put-downable! Definitely an unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Wow! Simply masterful. 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. Never disappointed, always thrilling, chilling, and very, very intriguing. Gus is already on my list for one of those most intriguing characters.

A Table for Two Sheryl Lister

Small Town Fiction

One woman must learn to love again with the help of her supper club friends and the man next door in this delightful enemies-to-lovers small-town romance.

The best meals. The perfect company. And just enough sparks to make it complicated . . .

Amy’s Review: Very romantic and fun!

What a wonderful story in A Table for Two by Sheryl Lister. Fun, food and romance, but things are not always what you believe, especially if you make the wrong first impression. The reader is introduced to Serenity, who has a great supper club, sharing friendships, and food. Then, she meets Gabriel, who insults her food. Sometimes, people just have a knack for saying the wrong thing at the “perfect” time. I am a definite fan of Lister and enjoy reading her titles. Her characters come to life and feel so real. It’s a fun read, and very romantic, especially when the chemistry is there, even if the attraction is being denied. I like how the characters come together, and it doesn’t feel like a forced romance, it’s something unexpected and definitely unplanned for Serenity and Gabriel. It’s one of those embraceable stories. This author is a great storyteller. The story brings the reader on a superb journey.

Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

The Kingdoms of Savannah

George Dawes Green Crime Thriller

It begins quietly on a balmy Southern night as some locals gather at Bo Peep’s, one of the town’s favorite watering holes. Within an hour, however, a man will be murdered and his companion will be “disappeared.”

Amy’s Review: Magnetic

What a thrilling story in The Kingdoms of Savannah by George Dawes Green. This is the first book by this author that I have read, but if any of his other work is like this, I will hunt it down to read it. The reader meets Morgana Musgrove, a detective, who has a quite colorful and not so moral personality, and now, she has to solve a murder. The author paints the picture of the dark side of not just Savannah, but its residences as well. Corruption, secrets, dysfunction, are just a few things happening in Savannah. I just became a fan of this author. I love thrillers, and this one I would read, and pick up off the shelf, even if I wasn’t asked to read and review the book. A definite attention grabber, so much I couldn’t put it down. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. 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. Action-packed and it takes the reader on a superb adventure. This read is so engrossing that it brings you right in the middle of the story.

The Silence in the Sound Dianne Braley Women’s Fiction

Finding inspiration where she least expects it, one woman’s life is about to change forever.

Amy’s Review: Enjoyed this story!

What a grand story in The Silence in the Sound by Dianne Braley. This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and I enjoyed the read. The reader meets Georgette, whose life, to say the least, has been full of regret, trauma, and enabling. Her family wasn’t ideal and it affects her, more than she wishes. Some how, she gets entranced by Dock, and just as things seem ideal, she gets in deeper and deeper, even losing what was left of herself. It’s a remarkably written book, and I just became a fan of this author. This author has a great imagination and I’m glad it’s being shared with an audience of readers. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. This is a totally inspirational title.

Unforeseen

Deven Greene

Medical Thriller

Pediatrician Erica Rosen is stymied when two of her patients don’t respond to medicine as expected. When other patients later develop strange, unexpected illnesses, she is determined to get to the bottom of it.

Amy’s Review: Magnificent!

Another great Erica Rosen MD book! This is the third and final book in the series, at least that’s what the word “Trilogy” means, but who knows, maybe the author will change the trilogy into a series, so we can enjoy Erica more. Deven Greene writes Unforeseen, and it is a magnetic story, and another great mystery into the life of Dr. Rosen. This time, Dr. Rosen has a feeling about a new doctor, and she is worried about her young patients. I am a definite fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. This author brings the characters to life. It’s definitely un-putdownable! Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end.

Liza Fury: Catch 22

TC Marti

Urban Fantasy

My Wind Wielding cousin broke out of prison, killed my parents, and kidnapped my sister… …Then she beat me to within an inch of my life and gave me twenty-two days to rescue Stef The expert tracker he is, my brother offered to take my spot. But the notorious Intrepid Party caught up and arrested him on false charges.

Amy’s Review: A great sequel with action and survival!

What a grand title in Liza Fury: Catch 22 by TC Marti. Liza Fury is a very interesting character, and comes to life in the second book of the Terrian Chronicles. The story picks up where the first one, Tarja Titan left off. I went back and read the first one, and then read this one again. They can be read as standalone, but I believe if the series is good, all the books should be read, standalone or not. Now, Liza faces enemy factions, has to deal with her parents death, and needs find her sister. It’s action packed, and Liza tells her story well. Filled with drama, it’s a great read. It is a very well-written plot, and I enjoyed it. I am a definite fan of this author! The characters had a lot of depth, and were very realistic. Reading it, you feel like you are side by side with Liza. I hope to read more books by this author. Tantalizing and intriguing!

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