Uncaged Book Reviews

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to May/June 2024 issue of Uncaged Book Reviews! Do you believe, that July will mark Uncaged Book Review’s 8th anniversary?!? Wow, time flies.

This is the final issue for eligibility for the Raven Awards for 2024. Starting in the July/August issue, the books that are eligible will go on the list for the 2025 awards. First we will vote on the favorite covers for the books in the 2024 time frame - July 2023 - June 2024 and then we will move on to the semi-final voting in each category. All voting, as in the past, will be done on the website. All winners will be announced during a Facebook party, with giveaways and nominated authors also will be encouraged to join in with their own brand of fun. More about that, and the dates very soon. It will be announced on the website blog and out to social media and all authors/publishers/assistants will be emailed.

Eligibility for the Raven Awards are all books reviewed by Uncaged with a rating of at least 4 stars and are automatically entered for the semi-final voting.

All books reviewed (does not matter the star rating here) are eligible for Favorite Cover category, review ratings are not considered for this category.

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

Enjoy the May/June issue of Uncaged Book Reviews and get ready to enjoy summer!

Paula Quinn time travel romance

goodbye to white walls - the bedroom & office get a makeover

Cover by Cyrene inspired by a tutorial from envato. Cover model © https://www.deviantart.com/mizzd-stock/art/Fairytale-Princess-2 Balcony stock © https://www.deviantart.com/simbores/art/MedievalGarden-07

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

Contributors | Partnerships

upcomingconventions

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

Greater St. Louis Book Fair

May 2 -5, 2024; St. Louis MO

https://stlouisbookfair.org/

Yalwest Book Festival

May 4, 2024; Santa Monica, CA

https://www.yallwest.com/

Bay Area Book Festival

May 4, 2024; Berkeley, CA

https://www.baybookfest.org/

Greater Austin Book Festival

May 11, 2024; Austin, TX

https://library.austintexas.gov/gabfest

Gaithersburg Book Festival

May 18, 2024; Gaithersburg, MD

https://www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org/

Nantucket Book Festiva

June 1316, 2024; Nantucket, MA

https://nantucketbookfestival.org/

feature

authors contemporary romance

Evie Alexander D.K. Marie

Alex Winters

D.K. marie

DK Marie’s a voracious reader. Her number one love is romance, and she devours any and all of its genres; basically, if there are words on a page and a spectacular story, she’s diving in, heart and soul.

However, there’s one thing she loves even more: writing her own steamy contemporary romances. Her six romance novels and one poetry book are out now that readers are calling compelling and addictive. They’re a mixture of heart, heat, and humor— each brimming with confident heroines and kind heroes, all living, loving, and lusting in and around her hometown of Detroit, Michigan.

When not falling in love with her characters, DK Marie is laughing, relaxing, and planning her next adventure with her family. Okay, and also drinking boatloads of coffee, chatting on social media, and dreaming about her next travel destination. dkmarie.com

Uncaged welcomes D.K. Marie

Welcome to Uncaged! Your book, Making Waves is part of the Lake House series. Can you tell readers more about this book and the series?

Making Waves features Lilith Brooks, a soon-to-be single mom and Asher Crowley, a single father and runs is family’s construction company. Like all of my books, the topics/conflicts are serious but balanced with humor (much like our lives).

Lilith has fled to childhood lake house with her daughter, Chloe, right after serving her cheating, narcissistic husband with divorce papers. Chloe becomes best friends with Asher daughter, and soon they form a friendship. However, the more time together the more they want—but Lilith is determined to not to lose herself to another man and wants to keep Asher in the friend-one. Well her mind does, her heart and body—no

so much.

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

I’m always working on multiple projects. Right now, I’m finishing the first draft of a billionaire romance between a man who owns the largest bourbon company in Kentucky and a bookstore owner who might look at her shop because of his distillery.

I’m also working on the 3rd book in the Lake House series. Like all of my books, the two main characters were secondary characters in the other books.

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

I don’t really have scenes that are difficult for me to write, although I do find things within them that

are easier and harder. For example, I LOVE writing dialogue but tend to skip scenery details. I usually fill that stuff in during my other drafts after my beta readers and editors bring it to my attention

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

It is tempting, but I try to stay away from them. They are for readers, not authors. Although, we authors work hard to get them because they are so important. As a reader, I’ve used reviews to decide what to read, and I know others do with my books as well.

If I’m tagged on social media or they’re sent to me, I do read and share them. I also have to read at times to share on social media. They’re good for knowing which parts of my story readers love, so I keep telling them what they adore reading.

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

That I’m a motorcycle coach. I teach people how to ride motorcycles (and get them legally endorsed).

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

I always begin with the main characters wounds. I think they are most important of the story, they drive everything. I even teach a workshop about the importance of characters wounds and flaw for all types storytelling. After that I write a simple outline.

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

This probably won’t surprise anyone, but I read to relax. I love hiking and photography. I also find biking (bicycle and motorcycle) very relaxing.

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

I don’t have a preference. I don’t care how I read it if it’s a good story. Right now, I’m listening to Fine Print by Lauren Asher, the ebook The True Love Experiment by Christian Lauren, and the paperback Online Marketing for Busy Authors by Fauzia Burke.

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

I’d like to thank my fans for giving me your precious time and letting my stories entertain you. I am on all major platforms but spend most of my time on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

Stay Connected

Enjoy an excerpt from Making Waves

Making Waves

D.K. Marie

Contemporary Romance

She’s navigating the stormy waters of divorce. He’s a single dad unwilling to sail into the uncertain winds of love. Neither of them expects the currents of desire to run this deep…

Lilith Brooks is desperate to begin a quiet new life with her young daughter and without her narcissistic, gaslighting husband. But the first thing she does after fleeing to her childhood lake house is flood the kitchen, prompting handsome single dad next door Asher Crowley to wade in for the rescue.

Humiliated by the trouble she caused–and a little hot and bothered by her sexy new neighbor–Lilith would love to avoid another run-in with Asher, but that’s easier said than done in a small town.

Asher has always considered himself too busy raising his little girl and running his construction company for love. That is, until the gorgeous woman next door turned his life upside down with a plumbing emergency. She was everything he hadn’t realized he’d wanted.

But as Lilith tries to forget her toxic marriage and reclaim her independence, she fears the ship has sailed on any chance of a healthy relationship—that she’ll have to choose between love

and freedom. And the more Asher pushes to help, the more the undercurrents of discord force them apart.

Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE

Lilith Brooks closed her laptop, cutting off the chipper voice of the plumber from the how-to video. She set the computer on the side table, then picked up the travel-size toolbox she’d purchased yesterday. Time to tackle the sink.

The clay-like scent of fresh paint followed her from the living room to the kitchen, where the pleasant smell was replaced by stagnant water and yesterday’s dinner of perch. The stench wouldn’t last. She’d googled enough tutorials on sinks with their clogs and P-traps that she was practically an expert.

Scooting under the kitchen sink, she turned off the water valves. Pride and satisfaction washed over her. Contrary to Marshall’s belief, she could take care of herself and their daughter.

Wrapping her hand around the slip joint nuts, she twisted. Bits of rust from the ancient pipe fell on her, but it didn’t budge. She tried again, grunting as it shifted a fraction of a millimeter.

“You okay, Mom?” Chloe asked from somewhere around Lilith’s legs.

She slid out from under the sink. “I’m great. Just fixing a clog.”

“When you’re done, can we go next door? To the white house.”

Lilith wiped her forehead with her arm. “Why?”

“I saw a girl my age. I want to meet her.”

“They might be weekend renters,” Lilith hedged, not excited to make idle chit-chat with strangers.

“But maybe not.”

“We’ll see. I have to get a few things off my to-do list.”

Chloe rolled her eyes, tightening her ponytail. “That thing’s longer than Santa’s naughty list.”

Lilith eyed her daughter. Did she still believe? She was ten now, about the age when kids let go of childhood magic.

“How about tomorrow?” Chloe bounced on her tiptoes. “Please.”

Lilith wanted to put it off all summer. There was so much work to be done to get the house ready for weekend renters. Plus, meeting new people was never fun.

“Mom…” A little whine crept into Chloe’s voice.

“What? Should we march over there right now, demanding to know if they’re permanent residents and if the girl will be your friend?” Lilith joked. “Works for me.” Her daughter wasn’t kidding. “And, of course she’d want to be my friend.” Lilith would love to have even an ounce of Chloe’s confidence.

She accepted defeat. “Fine. If they’re home when I’m done, we’ll stop by,” Lilith said, looking inside the toolbox.

“Yah! Chloe yelled as the doorbell rang.

“Will you answer that? It’s probably Uncle Tate. Why he wouldn’t just walk in is beyond me,” Lilith muttered, selecting something the person at the hardware store had called tongue-and-groove pliers.

She returned under the sink and twisted hard on the valve. All thoughts of her brother and new neighbors were drowned as the part snapped from the wall, water spraying everywhere.

“No!” She tried blocking the rushing water with her palm, and it burst through her fingers, hitting her in the face. “Crap! Shit!”

“Do you need help?” came a deep voice that wasn’t

Tate’s.

Scrambling from under the sink, she stood, facing a tall man around her age—which was dangerously close to thirty—in a gray T-shirt and dark shorts.

“Who—” she began, but the splash of water hitting the kitchen floor stole all her questions. He could be the neighborhood serial killer for all she cared. What mattered was his offer. “Yes, please. Help me. The water valve broke.”

“Where’s the main shut-off?”

She held up trembling hands, the need to cry pressing against her throat. “I don’t know.” He took off, calling over his shoulder, “I’ll find it.”

She didn’t have it in her tight budget for a flood. Sprinting to a nearby drawer, she yanked it open, pulling it clear off its tracks, dumping towels everywhere. She dropped it, pushing the pile toward the rapidly growing puddle. As she debated about grabbing more from the bathroom, the water cut off.

Heavy footsteps grew louder as the stranger returned from the basement. He appeared in her kitchen a few seconds later, filling up the archway with his broad shoulders.

His hazel gaze caught hers, and her heart jumped. Whoa. The man could have stepped off the cover of one of her favorite romance novels. Longish dark blonde hair, a stubble beard that couldn’t hide a strong, angular jaw. And his lips— Who cares? Definitely not her.

“How did you find the valve so quickly?” she asked.

“I got lucky. I looked where mine is. Yours is in the same place.”

His explanation held no censure, but humiliation flooded her, washing away her earlier pride. She straightened. “I’m an idiot. I should have located it before I started this project.”

What was I thinking? I can’t do this on my own. He waved away her mistake. “Most people don’t bother. I work in construction and built my house. That’s why I know where mine is.” He offered his hand. “Anyway, I’m Asher Crowley. I live next

door. My daughter Raven has wanted to race over since seeing a girl around her age here.”

Lilith laughed, shaking his hand. “That’s my daughter, Chloe. I’m Lilith Brooks. You must be the neighbor with the white house. Chloe is also eager to meet your daughter.”

“I hope you don’t mind that Raven went off with yours.” He let go of her hand, his gaze following the downward motion of her arm. Around chest level, his eyes widened, then snapped toward her kitchen disaster. He rubbed the back of his neck and asked, “What’s wrong with your sink?”

Wondering what caused such an odd reaction, she glanced down and choked on a gasp. The front of her cream tank-top was soaked. And she wasn’t wearing a bra.

Her cheeks flamed hot as she crossed her arms over her chest. “It was clogged. I was trying to clean the P-trap.” She pointed with her chin at the lower cabinet.

“I have a replacement valve at my house,” he said. “I’ll grab it and fix it for you.”

Lilith rocked on the balls of her feet. He’d already rescued her once, and she didn’t want to take advantage of his neighborly hospitality. However, she was afraid to touch the sink after the current disaster, and hiring a plumber was out of her budget.

As if sensing her hesitation, he said, “I’ve put them in and replaced a ton. It will take me less than ten minutes. Then you won’t have to go without water while waiting on a plumber.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Not at all.” He nodded toward the stairs. “Do you mind if Raven stays here while I run to my house to get the valve? She went downstairs with your daughter.”

“That’s fine,” Lilith replied, pointing to the hallway. “I’m just, um, going to change into dry clothes.”

After he left, she trudged to her bedroom. She slouched on the edge of the bed, kneading a kink in her shoulder. Everything in her wanted to crawl under her comfy blue quilt and let its softness soothe her embarrassment.

Instead, she changed, and this time she made sure to put on a bra. Then made a quick stop in the bathroom to wash her face and brush out the wet tangles. She glanced in the mirror. Her red, chin-length hair stuck to the sides of her head, the wetness making it look almost brown. She poked at the faint circles under her eyes. They highlighted her sleepless nights—the worry, but also the excitement of being free. Almost free.

Shutting off the light, she returned to the kitchen, stopping at the entrance. Asher was scooting out from under her sink, holding the P-trap. When he saw her, he held it up and said, “I hope you don’t mind. Fixing the valve was quick, so I took this off.”

She was impressed. “I don’t, and thank you.”

“Something’s stuck in it. It’s probably why your drain was clogged.” He rose from the floor and shook the curved pipe over the sink.

A bright pink object made of hard rubber or silicone, shaped like a large acorn on a stand, rolled across the counter, stopping next to the drying rack.

“I think someone was playing a practical joke on the previous owner,” Asher said, sounding like he was trying not to laugh. “Seems fitting.”

“What do you mean?” Her chest tightened, feeling exposed but not sure why.

“Well, this couldn’t have accidentally ended up in the pipe. The strainer body would have to be removed, then this dropped into it. And,” he scratched his cheek. “The guy you bought this place from, was um, on the wild side. I could see a disgruntled guest doing this.” Bought the place from? It was her vacation home. Before that, it had been her dad’s. He’d given it to her as a wedding gift. Who the hell had been squatting here?

“What did this man look like?”

“The owner? A white guy. Tall with black hair. Lean. Why?”

He was describing her soon-to-be ex-husband, Marshall. So, this was where he was during some of those supposed ‘business trips.’ There was no shock, only

dull disappointment. He’d sullied her childhood summer home with his many affairs.

Not wanting to admit who the man was to her, she said, “I don’t see the point of dumping this kitchen tool in the sink’s pipes.”

Asher snorted, and she looked at him. “What?”

His smile slipped a little. “It’s not anything you’d use in a kitchen…”

Her brows furrowed, unease running alongside her confusion. “What is it?”

“Um.” He shifted from side to side as if his feet ached to leave.

It made her more curious and anxious. Was it dangerous? Something to do with drugs? She repeated her question, needing to know. If it was hazardous and there were more in the house. She’d have to find them before Chloe.

“Please tell me.”

He stared at the sink, and she held in the urge to ask again. Clearing his throat, he said, “It’s, umm, a sex toy.”

Double fists of embarrassment and humiliation sucker-punched her hard enough to make tears well in her eye.”

“Oh,” was all she could manage. The desire to be alone rocked through her. This was why she didn’t like to be around people. She was the last to get the joke. Or was the joke.

Inhaling her mortification, she exhaled sadness. She was supposed to stay at her vacation home for the summer while she figured out what to do with her disintegrating life. Now she’d see her shame and inadequacies reflected in her neighbor’s eyes every time they spoke. The fastest way to get rid of him was through the truth. No one wanted to hang around in her messy life.

“This house has been in my family since I was a kid.” She met his eyes. “That guy is my husband.”

Asher groaned, the color draining from his handsome face. “I’m such an asshole.”

“Hardly, and believe me, I’m an expert. I’ve been married to one for a decade.”

Grabbing the dishtowel hanging on the stove, she

picked up the offending item and tossed it into the garbage next to the sink’s cabinet door. She wrapped the towel around her fist, staring at it.

The quiet became heavy. Oppressive.

He drummed his fingers on the counter. “My daughter. She’s with yours. Is it okay if I get her?”

Her mortification deepened. He had at least one kid and was probably happily married with a perfect family. The poor man had just wanted to introduce his daughter, not get pulled into her mess.

“I’ll see if they are in Chloe’s room,” she said. “If you’d rather put your sink back together, I can find her,” he offered.

“Sure. Sure.” Please anything. Just leave. Remembering her manners, she added, “Thanks for your help.”

“Anytime,” he said, backtracking from the kitchen. Reaching for her phone on the counter, she knew it was a bad idea, but perverse curiosity held her tight. She googled ‘sex toys’, then clicked ‘images.’ “Christ.” She slumped against the fridge. “A butt plug.”

It was official. She was going to hide in her house until the end of summer.

Don’t miss thIS title:

Evie alexander

Evie Alexander is an award-winning author of sexy romantic comedies with a very British sense of humour.

Imaginative, passionate and frequently called ‘bonkers’ by her friends, Evie’s interests include reading, eating, swearing, saving the world, and dreaming about people who only exist between the pages of her books.

Evie lives in the West country of the UK with her family, where she pens her steamy stories from the Smut Hut. eviealexanderbooks.com

Welcome to Uncaged! Your newest book, The Upper Crush is a romantic comedy in the Foxbrooke series. Can you tell us more about this book and the series?

Thank you! It’s great to be here! The Upper Crush is the most enemies-to-lovers book I’ve ever written, and stars two characters that have been introduced in the first two books of the series. Lady Estelle Foxbrooke is strong, hilarious, fiercely loyal and protective of her family, and has the biggest heart. James Hunter-Savage on the other hand is someone who everyone hates, especially Estelle’s twin brother, Henry…

However, this being a love story, they are forced to work together, planning a music and arts festival. The stakes are high, as if they fail, both their families will lose everything.

The Upper Crush is set in Somerset, England, where I live, and Foxbrooke is based around the village of Corsham in Wiltshire where I grew up. When planning the

Foxbrooke series, I wanted to write about a place dear to my heart, as well as an eccentric family. Estelle has five brothers and sisters, one dad, and two mums… My friend grew up in a similar household in the UK, and whilst her family is very different to the Foxbrookes, I wanted to explore a family with three happily married (to each other) parents, who were unashamed of how they lived their lives.

Their children, on the other hand, are not quite so comfortable with the situation, especially as their father, the Duke of Somerset, is a larger-than-life naturist who hold sex parties at Foxbrooke Manor…

The first book in the series, Love ad Lib, is a fake dating, one bed, grumpy/sunshine romcom starring the shy, reserved, and rather uptight Lord Henry Foxbrooke as he brings a fake girlfriend (Libby Fletcher) back to Foxbrooke for his and Estelle’s thirtieth birthday celebrations. I loved writing Henry’s excruciating embarrassment at his father’s antics, and how he was desperate to behave respectfully to Libby even as he was falling in love with

Uncaged welcomes Evie Alexander

An Unholy Affair, the second book in the series stars Henry’s childhood friend, Jack, and Estelle’s best friend, Eveline, who is Foxbrooke’s vicar. Jack has been abroad for many years and is, unbeknownst to everyone, a male escort… I love

reversing tropes, and had always wanted to write a romance with a female priest and a male escort. It’s one of my most intense books, with the most angst and steam I’ve ever written; however, it’s still got all the humour you’d expect from one of my books. Even though the Foxbrooke series has recurring characters, I’ve written all books to be read as standalones. It’s always more enjoyable to start at the beginning but you absolutely don’t have to, and The Upper Crush stands perfectly on its own. It’s one of the funniest books I’ve ever written and when I was recording the audiobook, I kept having to stop because I was laughing so much! And it’s also got steam that rises off the pages…

Where do you get your sense of humor that you translate into your books?

I’ve always had an off-the-wall sense of humour, right from being a little kid. When I was ten, me and my friends put on an ‘alternative’ nativity play for our school, where the star was Rod Stewart, the wise men got lost, the donkey complained that

Mary was too heavy, and the baby Jesus was a balloon with a face on it. It was very silly and bizarre and luckily everyone found it hilarious, especially the teachers and local vicar…

I’ve always liked seeing the funny side of things, and subverting the norm for comic effect. So, to me it’s far more amusing to have Estelle and Henry’s parents being very happy in their own skin and doing and saying whatever they like, and their kids mortified, rather than have the parents being the normal ones and the kids the wild ones.

The comedic element in my books has always been extremely strong, but it is never ‘added on’. You’ll never see me write a scene where a character falls over apropos of nothing. The humour is set up and foreshadowed, sometimes over the whole book and comes out of the characters and their situation. I play with reader and character expectations, and the best drama and humour comes from you (or the character) expecting one thing but getting another.

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest?

The most challenging scenes to write are the steamy ones. You have so few words for physical pleasure – basically ‘feeling’, ‘sensation’, and ‘pleasure’, yet have to describe these feelings without repeating yourself.

The same thing comes for describing the choreography of a scene without every other word being a body part… You have to make it immersive without being pulled out of the scene because it’s too repetitive.

Then you have to make the scene different to one you’ve written before, and make it work for the characters and where they are in their relationship. Sex scenes are so hard to write (no pun intended), and I spend the most time writing and editing them.

The easiest scenes for me are those with dialogue. I LOVE writing dialogue and usually find those scenes fun and easy to write!

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

I only read the positive reviews that my assistants send me, and, if the platform allows, I thank the reviewer for what they’ve written. Negative reviews are utterly crushing and often unnecessarily cruel. I was brought up to believe that if you can’t say something kind, then don’t say anything at all. There’s enough negativity in the world without adding to it. I often read books I can’t stand or don’t work for whatever reason, but I never review them. Anyone who can write a book and get it out in the world should be celebrated for their achievement!

Before I publish a book, it’s been through numerous beta reads, editors and sensitivity readers, not to mention countless edits. I’ve put the work in to make sure what I produce is high quality, and the positive reviews I receive often make me cry with happiness! As an author, you spend months, or even

years, living with your characters in your head and when they are out in the world, you hope your readers love them as much as you do. I can spend hours crafting just one paragraph, and so when a reviewer appreciates the work I’ve put in, and responds to the story, it’s the best feeling in the world!

I want to bring joy into people’s lives with my stories, and so when I read a review and see that I’ve done that, it makes me so happy!

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

There are too many… I’m six foot tall. I speak a little Indonesian (I used to speak a LOT), I can hold my breath for four and a half minutes, I taught yoga for over a decade, am an award-winning filmmaker, play three instruments and used to conduct a choir…

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

Ooh! It’s complicated and takes forever! I start out with who the characters are, what tropes I want to write, and what the setting is. This is all in very broad strokes. I then come up with the right title and write a VERY rough blurb.

Then I do a deep dive into the characters, working out what their emotional wounds are and how they affect their actions, as well as their backstory in detail. Often this won’t end up on the page, however I need to know it to make sure the characters are fully formed ‘real’ people. In tandem to this, I think about what it is imperative that the reader know, and make a list so I can organically bring it into the story.

I then think about the beats, the structure of the narrative, and the B story. Often, I won’t know what the ending will be, but as long as the characters and beginning of the book is properly set up, I know it will fall into place. Sometimes, I know EXACTLY how it will end and so work backwards.

I then do my research. This is a mix of online and speaking to experts if the characters have jobs that I know nothing about, or the situation is something I’m not familiar with. Often this leads me to change the planned direction of the story, or give me a plot line that ends up being pivotal to the narrative. For example, when I interviewed a female vicar for An Unholy Affair, she told me that one of the most contentious issues she’s ever had to deal with was over pews. This insight

gave me one of the most important plot lines of the book.

The novel I am about to start has currently got twentythree thousand words of notes, including links to actual job specifications as well as the entire outline of a pantomime I’ve written that forms the B story! So, this shows just how much work I’ve done before I even write the first word…

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

I work crazy hours and would never move my body or relax my mind if I didn’t go to yoga classes. I also try and find time to walk and I love cooking. My ideal perfect holiday would be a pebble beach in Greece with my kindle full of romance books. The idea of not having to do anything except read is my idea of heaven!

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

I prefer the physicality of print books but ebooks are much lighter and easier to hold when reading in bed – which is pretty much the only time I have to read. I’m currently re-reading one of my favourite books at the moment. It’s a paperback, entitled ‘Miss Buncle’s Book’ by D E Stevenson and was first printed in 1934. It’s sweet and funny and I adore it. If I was doing long car journeys then I would love to listen to audiobooks.

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

Hello! And thanks for taking the time to read about me and my books! If you like my steamy romcoms, I’d love to hear from you! Interacting with my readers and hearing how much their invested in my stories is my favourite thing to do!

You can join my newsletter list (fabulous freebies and exclusives) and interact via email, or get in touch via Instagram. I’m also on Facebook, but are most active on Insta. Look forward to chatting soon!

Stay Connected

Enjoy an excerpt from

The Upper Crush

The Upper Crush Evie Alexander Humorous Contemporary Romance

Enjoy this laugh-outloud, steamy romance series by award-winning romantic comedy author Evie Alexander…

He wasn’t banking on someone else taking the reins…

Lady Estelle Foxbrooke is done cleaning up the mess left by her wild parents. She’s got a plan: take the reins and save the family estate her way. But then she’s saddled with a business partner she’s hated all her life. He’s her twin brother’s worst enemy and looms in her path like a sixfoot-four hurdle.

After a catastrophic business failure, rich and successful James Hunter-Savage has watched his dream life in London crash and burn. Forced to ditch the city for the Somerset countryside, he’s now living with his parents and expected to work with the infuriatingly attractive Estelle. She’s sharper than a whip, pushes all his buttons, and seems determined to break him.

As Estelle and James jockey for position, their explosive personalities combust into passion, sending Estelle’s plans to the edge of ruin. With James’s flimsy reputation in tatters, and the biggest event on the Foxbrooke calendar on the brink of collapse, will they realise their love is worth fighting for? Or are their hearts and hard work heading for the ultimate fall?

Saturday December 2nd - Seven-twenty p.m.

There were no last thoughts or words from Lady Estelle Gloria Elizabeth Foxbrooke as she plummeted towards certain death. No scream. No swearing. No internal cry at her own carelessness. Just a gasp, then whooshing panic as she toppled over the banister and headed straight for the tiled floor of Foxbrooke Manor’s entrance hall, thirty feet below.

Ten minutes earlier

‘Oh, no,’ Estelle muttered as the sound of barking dogs echoed towards her down the corridor. It was the night of the revamped Winter Ball at Foxbrooke Manor and her family couldn’t afford to have anything go wrong. Thanks to her wayward father, Arthur, the Duke of Somerset, the estate was on a financial precipice, and it only needed one more cock-up to send it over the edge.

The guests had arrived and were making their way from the bar areas to the two dining rooms. The corridor of her family home was empty, so Estelle tried to run towards the noise she knew could only spell trouble. However, her long legs were constrained by a tight turquoise dress that felt a size too small, and her feet were in heels that belonged in hell.

Both had been gifted to her by her aunt, Simone, a famous American fashion designer who’d settled in Paris thirty-five years previously. Lady Estelle Foxbrooke may have had the height and looks of a model, but she had no interest in following her mom onto the catwalk, or restricting her calories until she reached the required weight.

Up ahead, the barks were now interspersed with excited growls.

Kicking off her heels, she yanked the skirt of her dress to the top of her thighs and sprinted forward. Her stockinged feet slid on the tiles of the entrance hall and she grabbed at a coat rack to steady herself.

Dad! No!

Arthur Foxbrooke owned two black hellhounds: Caligula, a Great Dane, and Borgia, a Labrador Retriever. Both animals were more unmanageable than their master, which was saying something, and were now enjoying an orgy of destruction as they attempted to fight, eat, or shag each other, as well as all the decorations running up the stairs.

‘Heel!’

Her tone may have worked on her own dogs, as well as most people, however Caligula and Borgia were having none of it. They took one look at Estelle, then bounded up the stairs and away.

Clenching her hands into fists, she let out a cry of frustration. Despite her twin brother, Henry, returning to the family home a few months ago to help run the estate, their father always seemed to find a way to undo their good work. Neither she nor Henry could babysit Arthur or his pets twenty-four-seven and so, in a few brief minutes, two uncontrollable dogs had destroyed a day’s worth of work.

What a mess…

Winding up the banisters had been metres of lights, winter foliage, garlands of fragrant dried fruit, and loops of popcorn threaded on gold string. It had been a magnificent feast for the eyes as well as the nose, but now everything lay in tangled tatters.

Should I get Jack?

No.

Jack, one of her oldest friends, had just moved back to Foxbrooke and had spent the last few weeks helping to organise the Winter Ball. During that time, he’d also fallen in love with Eveline, Estelle’s best friend, and tonight was their first official outing as a couple. Estelle didn’t want to disturb them, or any of the staff who were rushed off their feet preparing for dinner. She could clear this up on her own. Hands on her hips, she surveyed the scene. If she ignored the confetti of popcorn, leaves, and oranges studded with cloves that littered the floor, most of the

decorations were still intact—just not in the right place. She glanced at her watch. Twenty minutes until dinner was served. She could do this.

Dashing to the bottom of the stairs, Estelle began disentangling the lights from the greenery, popcorn and fruit garlands. The bulbs had gone off, but she didn’t care about fixing them. She just needed to get the overall appearance back to how it was and hope people were drunk enough not to notice.

And this is why I did a final check, she thought as she made her way up the stairs, looping the decorations around her arms. As with most matters relating to her family and their home, Estelle could never truly relax. It was like keeping an eye on a delinquent toddler centipede—having to be on constant alert as you waited for one of the hundred shoes to inevitably drop.

Tonight was meant to be the moment where everything came together and they made a decent profit. A night where she could relax and let her hair down. But no. Here she was, cleaning up her father’s mess, whilst he chugged champagne and partied with her two mothers elsewhere in the house.

Estelle paused and briefly closed her eyes as her throat tightened. Her three parents were still happily in love after over thirty years, Henry was smitten with his girlfriend, Libby, and now Eveline had found her perfect man in Jack. Despite her public protestations to the contrary, Estelle’s love life was non-existent and had been that way for years.

And no surprise. There’s no room or time for a boyfriend.

As well as managing the estate, Estelle ran a livery. Until Henry had returned, she’d been working fourteen-hour days, seven days a week, for years without a break. She had more time to herself now her twin was back, but the only man she was interested in didn’t seem interested in her.

Isaac Hayward was a brilliant yoga teacher, kind,

and extremely hot. He had dark curly hair, emerald green eyes, seven-day-stubble, and the body of a gymnast. Yet despite Estelle inviting him to every event she could, he always declined. No-one else makes me—

Another man’s face came to mind, sending a wave of heat crashing through her.

No, no, no. A thousand times no! NOT him! Turning back to the miles of lights, she looped more around herself and staggered up another step like an overloaded Christmas tree. There was no way in hell she was going to let her treacherous body and mind think of, or react to, the man who was her brother’s worst enemy: James Hunter-Savage.

Estelle had known about James for years, but had only met him in person twice. From Henry’s description, she’d always pictured an ogre with the social skills of a cocky troll. James was definitely overflowing with attitude, but his self-confidence was not misplaced. Six foot four, a body that rowed Oxford to victory in the Boat Race and looks that would make a male model feel insecure, James had been the most successful broker at Conqueror, the company Henry had worked for in London. He was now living on the other side of the Foxbrooke river which bordered her family’s estate.

The first gong for dinner rang, signalling everyone to move to their tables. Shit! Estelle was almost at the top of the stairs, but her decision to wrap every piece of decoration around her body was slowing her progress.

Forget doing all of it. There’s no time. Just start mending it and work your way back down.

By now, the loops of lights were almost at her eyeballs. She stumbled, reaching for the support of the wooden banister. Be careful! She was barely able to move her arms under the weight of decorations and they were heavy around her neck, making her unbalanced.

Staggering forward, she managed to unhook the first loop of lights and tie it to a railing with one of the wires the dogs had ripped off earlier. It was going to take forever. Pushing a garland of dried fruit to her forehead, she leaned over the support to work out if she could fix it any quicker.

Suddenly, there was the sound of barking behind her and the rumble of feet.

She turned to fend the dogs off, but one of them jumped up, hitting her in the chest. Tangled and weighed down by decorations, her feet left the floor and she toppled backwards over the railing.

Pivoting, she flailed her arms, her fingers making contact with a branch. Time seemed to slow as she gripped it, pain searing into her palm from the holly leaves.

For a brief second, she hung, suspended in air. Then the branch snapped, and she plunged towards a painful and inglorious death. There was no time to think, scream, or brace herself for impact. One moment she was falling, and the next she’d landed.

However the floor was no longer flat and felt very much like someone’s arms.

‘I’ve got you,’ a man’s voice murmured.

She shook with adrenaline, her breath coming in shaky gasps.

‘Shhh. It’s okay. I’ve got you,’ he repeated.

Estelle opened her eyes. All she could see were strands of lights and leaves.

‘You saved my life,’ she stammered.

‘I don’t know about that. I think I saved a Christmas tree. You just happened to be hiding inside it.’

A nervous laugh burst out of her. The man’s voice was deep and confident. It held her fractured mind together with the same assurance as his arms held her

‘Are you okay?’ she asked.

‘Me?’ He sounded surprised. ‘Never felt better. Why?’

‘Well, you’ve just caught me and enough decorations for an average-sized house. That’s quite a weight.’

His arms shifted, as if he were flexing his muscles. ‘I’ve benched far more without breaking a sweat.’ A giggle slipped from her lips, and she mentally slapped herself. Stop it! She was being as ditsy as her youngest sister, Summer.

‘Should I get down?’ she asked.

‘I wouldn’t advise it just yet. I presume the lights are plastic, but a lot of them are broken. I want to make sure they don’t hurt you as we take them off. How do you feel?’

My heart’s pounding and there’s a tingling in my pants, but I think that’s mostly down to you… ‘Are you in pain anywhere?’ he continued. Estelle took a deep breath. She may not have been able to see her rescuer, but—oh, my god—could she smell him. His scent was hot, spicy, and woodsy, cut with something citrus. Her mouth watered.

‘What are you wearing?’ she blurted.

There was a pause. ‘Clothes,’ he eventually replied. ‘Are you disappointed I’m not also festooned in baubles and garden clippings?’

Another giggle bubbled out. Stop it! ‘No, I mean, what aftershave or cologne do you have on?’ ‘Is it too much?’

She shook her head and the lights rattled. ‘It’s really nice.’

Another pause. ‘So are you.’

Her pulse rocketed. ‘You don’t know who I am.’ ‘Yes, I do. Even though you’re ninety-nine per cent Christmas tree, I’m still one hundred per cent sure I’m holding Estelle Foxbrooke.’

A flash of panic and arousal slammed through her. Was this James?

‘What’s your name?’

He cleared his throat. ‘When I was born, my parents christened me Kevin.’

Her body relaxed, but she wasn’t sure if it was with relief or disappointment. ‘Kevin?’

‘Uh-huh.’

‘Oh.’

‘You don’t like it?’

Estelle tried to arrange her thoughts. The name ‘Kevin’, didn’t seem to fit the voice, or the size, of the man who held her.

‘No, that’s not it. It just doesn’t seem to go with you, that’s all.’

‘Hmm. And what do you think should go with me then?’

Er, me? ‘A name like “Atlas”, or “Thor”.’ Or James…

He laughed, and the vibrations rumbled out of his chest into hers.

‘Well, I think your name suits you perfectly.’ ‘Estelle?’

‘Yes. You’re a star.’

Oh, my god. Was this mysterious stranger coming

onto her?

She swallowed. ‘In what way?’

‘You shine brighter than everyone else.’

A lump formed in her throat. Had anyone ever said anything like that to her before?

‘Are you flirting with me?’ she whispered.

He huffed out a short breath. ‘I’d like to.’

‘Are you married?’

‘No. I’m ninety-nine per cent single.’ ‘And the other one per cent?’

‘Has a crush on a Christmas tree.’

Laughter burst out of her, free and unrestrained. She was alive, and in the arms of a sexy stranger, who—thank god—was not James Hunter-Savage. The sound of the second gong for dinner sounded.

She sighed. ‘I really should get back.’

‘Can we have a drink together after the meal?’ Excitement rippled through her, and she nodded. ‘I want to get to know you,’ he continued. ‘But I also need to talk to you about some things.’ Excitement veered off track into nervous-land.

‘What things?’

‘Business-related stuff.’

She froze in his arms. Had he followed her into the hall? Waited for her to tumble before making his move? Don’t be ridiculous!

He lowered her feet carefully to the ground. ‘Let me help get you free of all this first. Don’t move and I’ll untangle you.’

Standing stock still, her eyes squeezed shut, Estelle allowed him to unwind the decorations from her arms. As soon as they were free, she shuffled the loops from her waist, down and off her legs, then tugged the hem of her dress back to her knees.

The man stayed behind her, lifting the final strands over her head.

With the decorations gone and her shoes still in a corridor, Estelle felt naked. She could feel the heat of him behind her, her own heart hammering inside her chest. She’d gone from fear to excitement to dread. ‘Estelle?’ His voice was low.

She slowly turned and opened her eyes. They confirmed what her gut already knew.

James Hunter-Savage.

Hurt, anger and confusion fought for her attention. She’d been vulnerable with him. She’d let her guard down. And what had he given her in return?

‘You lied to me,’ she whispered.

He shook his head, a muscle twitching in his jaw. ‘You lied to me!’ she shouted.

‘No! Estelle, I didn’t.’

He reached his hand towards her and she recoiled. ‘Don’t touch me.’

Shaking, she bent to lift the pile of lights and foliage, but it was too much and half of it dropped back to the floor.

‘Let me help,’ he said behind her.

‘No.’ She ran the bundle to a side door, opened it, and threw the decorations inside.

‘Please, can we talk?’

Returning for the rest of the pile, she carried as much as she could, kicking the rest in front of her.

‘I need to tell you something,’ he continued.

‘I’m not interested in anything you have to say, Kevin,’ she spat. ‘I don’t care how you managed to wheedle your way in here tonight, but I’m going to make sure you never darken our doors again.’

‘Darken your doors?’ His tone sharpened. ‘I’m not a vampire.’

‘No, you’re the antichrist.’

Furious with herself for falling prey to his charms, and livid that tears were threatening to spill, Estelle turned on her heels and ran.

Don’t miss thIS title:

Alex winters

Alex Winters is the pseudonym of a busy restaurant manager whose curious young staff would love nothing more than to follow him around the dining room reading his steamiest, most romantic passages aloud! When not writing romantic holiday stories of various heat levels, he enjoys long walks with his wife, scary movies and smooth jazz. Visit him at www.amazon.com/author/awintersromance to see what stories are brewing up next!

Uncaged welcomes Alex Winters

Welcome to Uncaged! Your latest book with Evernight Publishing is the second book in the Campus Crush series called Rookie Moves. Can you tell readers more about this book and the series?

Sure, absolutely! I would describe Rookie Moves this way:

He was her first homerun…

Tatum Ripley can’t understand her why her editor-inchief has given her so many warnings about Shane Dixon, the new subject of her upcoming “Rookie Roundup” profile for the campus newspaper. After all, Tatum’s a seasoned reporter, a college junior no less. Tossing softball questions, no pun intended, at some cornfed country jock and snapping a few candid shots of the freshman cutie in and out of his uniform should be a no-brainer, right?

Shane Dixon is just a rookie on the Sycamore State baseball team. To say he’s flattered to be profiled for the campus newspaper is an understatement, and never more so than when sexy, raven-haired reporter Tatum Ripley

shows up in the locker room after practice one day to interview him. Sparks fly, and soon the only question turned-on Tatum wants to ask sexy Shane is which base will they be rounding that night?

Will Tatum be able to remain professional while she profiles Shane for the student paper? Or will falling for him be the biggest “rookie move” of her burgeoning career?

And I would describe the white hot new adult novellas in the Campus Crush Series this way:

Have you ever had a crush? Someone you just couldn’t stop thinking of, no matter how hard you tried – or how wrong they were for you? Then the Campus Crush Series is perfect for you! Featuring New Adult themes of burning hot desire among campus newbies, frat boys, freshmen, seniors and even townies alike, there’s no crush… like a Campus Crush!

My favorite part about the series is that they’re new couples in each book, from all walks of life, to represent the true college experience!

You watch scary movies and write about romance. How did that come about?

Ha! I’m a lot older, I feel, than most writers these days and when I was coming up, in the pre-Goosebumps and Harry Potter days (yes, I’m THAT old!), there weren’t a lot of books available for boys to read, nor were there a lot of bookstores I could ride my little ten-speed to with my allowance money, so I was kind of stuck with whatever was on my mother’s bookshelf, which were mostly romance novels.

I guess I got hooked at an early age: the tropes, the familiarity, the comfort, the happy endings. Conversely, I grew up in the VCR age, where the most numerous and readily available titles were always… horror movies. So many 80s horror movies and I gobbled them all up, one by one, so from an early age my interests were fused in both directions!

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

My first thought was to say the “sex scenes” but upon further reflection, I think the best answer would be: endings! It’s SO hard to pin down a “Happy for Now” let alone a “Happy Ever After” with a really strong, tight, evocative line or phrase or quote that resonates with readers and encapsulates how the couple’s future will *really* go. Especially since my ‘sweet spot” for romance titles is usually between 20K and 30K, where there’s not quite as much room for the “after” parts…

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

I totally read reviews, but I try not to dwell on them too terribly much. My takeaways from the positive ones are usually that I use certain words too much, or that something might have been unclear or confusing, which I try to avoid in my next book. From the really bad, snide or even cruel ones, I take away the fact that not everyone is going to be a fan and that I should stay true to writing what makes ME happy, since it seems to work for the majority of my readers.

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

Probably that I’m a good 30- to almost 40-years older than most of my main characters, especially the collegeaged ones in the Campus Crush books. But luckily I work in an environment with a lot of much younger people so that keeps me pretty young feeling!

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

I always start with the rough idea first. Maybe even just a trope, like “stepbrother romance” or “age gap” or whatever it might be that interests me at the moment. Then I try to personalize that in my own goofy, sweet and spicy way. I do have a general outline going in: beginning, opening scenes, middle, conflict, what I want to happen by the end, but in between? I “pants” it for the most part and let the story lead me where it wants.

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

I have a full-time job so writing is often what I do *to* relax, before or after work. But, yes, when my vision starts to blur and I need a good dose of Vitamin-D, I will took a nice, long bike ride to clear my head and unwind.

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

I am actually a fan of all three! I love to read a “real,” physical book in bed to relax at night, but I also love putting on a yule log video and reading eBooks on my Kindle and, usually around the holidays, I love putting on a good Christmas romance audiobook and just listening to it with my eyes closed. Right now? I am deep into the Shogun miniseries and ordered the books by James Clavell right away, forgetting how big they are (two books!!), so I am reading Part 1 right now, but both parts are so big that’s probably gonna last me through the summer!

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

Ha, I’m not sure how many *fans* I have yet, but lots more is coming, not just for the Campus Crush series but just in general.

Stay Connected

Enjoy an excerpt from Rookie Moves

Rookie Moves

Alex Winters

Contemporary Sports Romance

Tatum Ripley can’t understand her why her editor-inchief has given her so many warnings about Shane Dixon, the new subject of her upcoming “Rookie Roundup” profile for the campus newspaper. After all, Tatum’s a seasoned reporter, a college junior no less. Tossing softball questions, no pun intended, at some cornfed country jock and snapping a few candid shots of the freshman cutie in and out of his uniform should be a no-brainer, right?

Shane Dixon is just a rookie on the Sycamore State baseball team. To say he’s flattered to be profiled for the campus newspaper is an understatement, and never more so than when sexy, raven-haired reporter Tatum Ripley shows up in the locker room after practice one day to interview him. Sparks fly, and soon the only question turned-on Tatum wants to ask sexy Shane is which base will they be rounding that night?

Will Tatum be able to remain professional while she profiles Shane for the student paper? Or will falling for him be the biggest “rookie move” of her burgeoning career?

Excerpt

“Tatum? Thoughts?”

Tatum Ripley glanced up from the stick figure she’d been doodling for the last three minutes and blinked her eyes twice at Chauncy Covington, her managing editor at the Sycamore Statesman, their small-town campus newspaper.

“Thoughts? On … trash cans?”

A predictable snicker rippled through the other editors assembled at the weekly brainstorming session for that Friday’s edition. Chauncy, as ever, was unfazed by the verbal mutiny. “Not just any trash cans, Tatum. The new ones, for the quad?” Tatum met Chauncy’s inquisitive glance from where he stood at the front of the room, dry erase marker hovering over a list of proposed topics on the whiteboard by his side. Tatum pretended to glance down at her doodle figure, realizing that, with the curly hair and thick glasses, it looked remarkably like Chauncy himself! Stifling a selfconscious grin, she made her best, I’m honestly being serious right now, face. “I’m all for them, obviously, but are we talking a full profile here or…”

Chauncy looked disappointed. “I for one think doing our part to reduce the amount of on-campus litter by at least 3.7 percent this semester alone is worth a full profile, don’t you?”

His disgusted voice made it sound like Tatum secretly went about at night, tossing candy bar wrappers and biodegradable coffee cups around the campus quad willy-nilly. She glanced around the semicircle of editors pointedly, noting how they were already staring nervously at their notes, as if to avoid being assigned the weighty topic of new trash receptacles themselves. “Clearly, but for the Arts and Entertainment page?”

More snickers from the cheap seats. More shooting eye daggers from Chauncy. She was nerv-

ously adding another strand of curly clown hair to Chauncy’s stick figure in her spiral notebook when the editor’s office door opened and Moira Spiers poked her head out. “Tatum? A word?”

Tatum stood abruptly, mouthing “sorry” at Chauncy even as she sped toward the editor’s office in record time. “Jesus,” she gasped, leaning dramatically with her back against the door she’d just closed behind her. “How long can you talk about new trash cans?”

Moira shot her an understanding, if aloof, grin. Tatum kept forgetting that Moira and Chauncy had dated at some point, however briefly. “Can’t blame a guy for loving the environment, can you, Tatum?”

Tatum rolled her eyes but remained on the fence. If this was some kind of lover’s spat, she wanted nothing to do with it. “I suppose not. So, what did you call me in here for, anyway?”

Moira waved a chewed-up pencil at the chair across from her cluttered desk. “You’re new this semester but every fall we do a feature called ‘Rookie Roundup’ where we profile one of the incoming high school stars as they transition to their first year of college athletics.”

Tatum nodded, still waiting for an answer to her question. She jerked a thumb out the small window toward the typically rowdy newsroom beyond, the rest of the editors still assembled in a semicircle around Chauncy. “Shouldn’t one of the sports editors do that?”

Moira glanced up, pinching the bridge of her long, angular nose as if she was addressing a squirming class of kindergartners. “They do, obviously, but there are so many sports to go around that everybody pitches in with this feature.”

“No pun intended, right?”

Moira blinked her soft brown eyes, ebony skin warm and vibrant beneath the flattering desk lamp at her side. Then she got the joke and smiled, warmly. Tatum unclenched just a bit. She wasn’t nervous, exactly. She just didn’t know much about sports, and despite her limited dating experience, had never had much luck with jocks, in particular. “Funny you should use that particular pun,” Moira

said, sliding an 8 x 10 print across her cluttered desk. “Because, ding-ding, you get to profile Shane Dixon, our incoming baseball star.”

“Baseball?” Tatum groaned, sliding the glasses up her nose anxiously. “I don’t know much about sports but I know even less about baseball.”

Moira chuckled. “We’re not looking for statistics here, Tatum. It’s a profile. I’ve prepared a questionnaire for you to use, printed out a few of last year’s features so you’ll know what we’re looking for.”

“And … what are you looking for?”

Moira sat back in her desk chair, reaching for a cup of coffee in one of the cheery little Campus Café to-go cups Tatum saw so often around school. Finding it empty, Moira wriggled it hopefully before tossing it into the trash next to her desk. “Honestly, Tatum? To forgive another pun, this is a softball assignment. You take a few pictures of Shane in action, take him to the batting cage, sit with him in the bleachers, ask him a few easy questions about life in the athletic dorms, the transition from high school to college, his hopes for the future, that kind of thing.”

Tatum visibly relaxed. “I can do that.”

Moira chuckled. “Tatum, a junior high yearbook editor could do it. It’s not the assignment that’s difficult, it’s … resisting temptation.”

Tatum chuffed, struggling to ignore the sexy, babyfaced jock in the 8 x 10 glossy Moira had foisted upon her side of the desk. “That … won’t be a problem, Moira.”

Moira chuckled openly, a rich, belly-deep guffaw Tatum didn’t think she’d ever heard from her typically stoic editor in chief before. “Oh, that’s what they all say, Missy. Then I spend the rest of the semester consoling my fragile little editors as they nurse their broken hearts after getting a little too close to their, uh … subjects.”

“For one,” Tatum offered in her own defense. “I’m a junior so this actual child and I will have nothing in common. For another, I’ve never been a fan of jocks, and frankly, they’ve never been a fan of me. We have absolutely nothing in common and I have even less interest in derailing my journalism career over some, some…”

“Some corn-fed country hottie,” Moira finished for

her, tapping the same picture Tatum couldn’t stop herself from admiring.

“Please, Moira. Give me a little more credit than that?”

Moira nodded, her cell phone skittering across the desk and distracting her. “I’ll put it this way,” she finally said. She pulled her eyes away from the text thread open on her cell screen. “You’re a junior, but a transfer from Spruce Valley Community College. I know they’re not big on athletics over there, but here at Sycamore State, it’s a very big deal and don’t these kids know it. They’re cocky, they’re entitled and they eat cute little reporters like you for breakfast, so fair warning—keep it quick, keep it short, and above all, keep it professional.”

Moira reached for her phone even as she pinned Tatum with a vaguely maternal expression. Tatum understood she was being dismissed and stood, nodding accordingly as she swiped up the sexy headshot and cute little portfolio her editor in chief had prepared for her. “Ma’am,” she saluted playfully, turning on her crisp new heels. “Yes, ma’am.”

“I mean it, Tatum,” Moira offered. She waved her cell phone like a wooden spoon she was about to smack her newest editor’s hand with. “Keep it professional, and above all, keep it in your pants!”

Don’t miss thIS title:

A Life in Motion

Life in rural Wisconsin

Offices & Decals

A Life in Motion – May/June 2024

Saying Goodbye to White Walls

As I said before, the house we moved into was built in the 1950s. So it needs some cosmetic upgrades. It’s a charming house with arched doorways and we will do it a little at a time.

This home is full of white walls. I mean everywhere. And they aren’t clean white any longer, in fact I would be surprised if this house had seen a new coat of paint inside in the last 20 or 30 years.

So I’ve begun some rehabbing in my bedroom/office combo. My bedroom has another room attached to it which I use as my office.

So before painting the walls, I decided to rehab my bedroom furniture. All of it is solid wood and very well made, so it’s worth saving. The cheap pressed wood of today’s furniture doesn’t even compare to the furniture built years ago.

I started with a dresser that had been in my mom’s spare bedroom for many years. I believe she bought it in the early 90s, and many people stayed in that room over the years and a lot of smokers. So the dresser that was once white, was now yellowed.

Encouraged by how nice the dresser turned out, I decided to work on my mirrored dresser and 2 matching end tables. I got these from an estate years ago, and the markings on the back give a date of being made in the 1950s, and they look to be Drexel design, but I couldn’t find markings to confirm this.

Unfortunately, these were going to take a lot more prep work, as the finish was in poor shape, but again, solid wood, and worth the extra work.

A lot of sanding, rubbing and cleaning. I wasn’t interested in removing the old finish, so getting them smooth and clean for paint was my goal. I was very happy with the results of the furniture.

So I washed it off the best I could, and repainted it a soft pale grey and changed out all the hardware.

It was like a new dresser!

After finishing the furniture and some shelves that are on the walls, I decided it was time to work on the walls. I started painting the walls a nice medium grey called Overcast by Behr. I decided to do one wall at a time, and completely finish it before moving on. Unfortunately, the doors were all new doors, but unfinished knotty pine. But when the doors were replaced, they put in larger doors and the old trim was never put back up and it didn’t fit the door any longer. So because I didn’t really want to mess up any trim by cutting the angle poorly for the corners of the trim, I picked up some wood medallions for the corners of the trim on the doors, keeping my cutting to a straight line. Win!

Before:

After:

The trim and doors are all painted the same soft grey as the furniture. The second door in the photos is the door to my office which is connected to my bedroom.

Next, I decided to not put curtains up on the window that faces the backyard. There is wetland/ wooded area and the only neighbors are the wildlife. So I put up new set of hooks and hung my plant from it, enjoying the light from the south facing window. This pothos is probably 20+ years old. It was in my mom’s house, and it was looking pretty bad. We cut it back, repotted it and it’s doing fantastic now. I wonder what the lifespan is on these...

I also am displaying some older pictures that are not digitally based on a beaded string with mini clothespins.

The next project was the TV area. It was cluttered looking, and I really wanted clean and fresh. So I put the TV up on the wall, and decluttered the small stand underneath. I added a black shelf to hold the cable box and the Blu-ray. I still need a cord solution. This summer I will search flea markets for a nice small cabinet to replace the outdated small stand underneath, and rehab it to look like the rest of my furniture and get a bigger shelf underneath.

Before:

After:

The next project was the office. The office is attached to my bedroom, and the only entrance is from my bedroom. It’s a strange layout, but it works for me. My bookshelves were the first to get worked on because of the fact of the amount of work involved in taking all the books down, sanding and painting the shelves, cutting the shelves to all the same length and painting them the soft gray and then the wall. Turned out very nice but my birds above don’t stand out as nicely on the darker wall.

I also ordered covers for back issues of Uncaged Book Reviews, and mounted them behind my desk in my office. I also have on hand more frames, so I can add when I want to. I also put my decal back on the wall, even though it’s a bit more subtle on the gray vs. the white.

The doors to the room were also newer doors but unfinished. So I patched them up, sanded them down and painted them the soft gray. There was several cracks in the plaster walls and one hole, I was able to patch up the holes with a plaster repair, sand it down when it dried, and then paint over.

Closet door before and after Door between bedroom and office

I also changed all the light switch covers and outlet covers to the same oil rubbed bronze that I used on the furniture.

My small coffee bar area. This is the second cabinet area I’d like to find a new piece for at flea markets this summer, and rehab it the same as my other furniture. For now I have a small white shelf, and yes, a pink cof-

fee maker.

The picture in the top right was a painting by my daughter and her first time using paints, and I loved it so much she gave it to me.

This was month and a half project, completing the two rooms. I did everything on my own, except for the actual hanging of the TV on the wall, I asked Katie to help me since it’s a 55” and I just couldn’t see around it.

I am going to move on to Katie’s bedroom and office next and complete the upper level. Then I’ll move downstairs. I hope this inspires anyone that wants to redo a space. Nothing was hard, just time consuming and you can always “refresh” the old.

©2024 by Cyrene Olson for Uncaged Book Reviews UncagedBooks.com

from page to screen

Guest column by Kelly Florence & Meg Hafdahl

Guest Column

From Page to Screen

Adapting your novel, short story, or memoir for film or television.

By Kelly Florence & Meg Hafdahl

As writers of both nonfiction and fiction, we’re often asked how we adapt our work for the screen. It’s not as simple as it may sound! The natural inclination is to go page by page and transpose your book or story into a screenplay format. This doesn’t always work, for several reasons we will cover below, and the process can quickly become frustrating. Here are some tips we’ve learned over our careers to clarify the process and what has worked for us.

Nonfiction Adaptation

When adapting a nonfiction article or book for the screen, it’s important to stick to the facts. Use expert or eye witness testimony for interviews and clearly state the difference between reenactments and historic footage. There are numerous ways to find historical footage and photographs including local libraries, museums, personal collections, and historical archives. If you’re looking online, find resources that have “Creative Commons” licenses or are free under Public Domain laws. You can also recreate historic events through animation or other creative methods that will keep an audience hooked and will be visually interesting. The sky’s the limit! As docu-series and documentaries evolve, new and exciting ways of telling true stories will continue to fascinate us and grip our attention.

Adapting Fiction

The first thing you’ll need to accept when adapting your own fiction, or someone else’s, is that you’ll need to cut things. Even sentences,

or scenes you love. The world of fiction allows for beautiful prose, long descriptions, meditations on emotions and relationships. But the visual mediums of TV and film are a different art form that require a pace that’s not necessarily as fast as an action flick, but doesn’t linger on every tree or inner thought. Instead of feeling as though you’re losing out on the hard work of your short story or novel, see what you’re gaining. Now, instead of spending time describing what your protagonist is wearing, an experienced costume designer is going to use their talents. Instead of writing what’s going on inside a character’s head, you get to show it, a convention we all need to practice in every form of writing. Perhaps this can be done by the way they pace, or tighten their grip around a coffee mug. And imagine what new energy the actor will bring to it! We give the audience more freedom to interpret through visuals that they aren’t allowed through words. This can often be a challenging transition, but a fun, and positive one if you allow it!

Character Development in Fiction

We’re big believers that no matter if you’re writing a short story, a play, a TV show, or a rock opera, the character development is the most vital piece of the creative puzzle. Without dynamic characters going through change your work will fall flat. This starts with the protagonist, but often writers forget to extend this to the antagonist and other characters, too. No one should be a cliche. That bartender friend with lots of tattoos and piercings? How can you flesh them out into someone with agency? Why does this hole-in-the-wall bar matter to them? What is the significance of that tattoo on their right bicep? What gets them up every morning? When the “inciting incident” happens and your protagonist is given their agency to move the story forward, they might feel like a hero for a minute. Make sure to take away that feeling. Give them self-doubt. Turn them in the wrong direction. Even

Captain America gets beaten down. Then give them that hope and strength again. This up and down is reality. It’s human. And it’s this humanity that will ultimately make your characters on TV or in books shine.

Visual Mediums to Sell Your Story

While you may clearly “see” the vision for your book or story and how it will translate to film or television, it’s best to have a tangible representation of your goals. This can be done through a pitch deck, a look book, comparable titles, or a vision board. Include a synopsis of your project, character descriptions and types of actors you visualize in the roles, a potential budget, similar television shows or movies, and either a summary of episodes or your act structure for a film. The more details that you include in your deck will allow the reader and/or viewer a significantly better idea of what you’re going for. As every educator knows, all people learn differently. Some of us are visual learners while others need to read things. Some prefer to hear information while many like to have hands-on experiences. Presenting your story idea in a variety of ways will help get your message across.

While not every book or story is right for the screen, having an idea of how to go about adapting your work can help you set your sights realistically for the future. Good luck, or as we say in theatre, break a leg!

©Copyright 2024 Kelly Florence & Meg Hafdahl for Uncaged Book Reviews

www.uncagedbooks.com

Published with Permission

Kelly Florence teaches communication at Lake Superior College in Duluth, MN and is the creator of the Be a Better Communicator podcast. She received her BA in theatre from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and her MA in communicating arts from the University of WisconsinSuperior. She has written, directed, produced, choreographed, and stage managed for dozens of productions in Minnesota including Carrie: The Musical through Rubber Chicken Theatre and Treasure Island for Wise Fool Theater. She is passionate about female representation in all media and particularly the horror genre. She is the co-author of The Science of Monsters, The Science of Women in Horror, The Science of Stephen King, The Science of Serial Killers, and The Science of Witchcraft with Meg Hafdahl. They co-host the Horror Rewind podcast and write and produce horror projects together. Kelly is repped by Stacey Kondla (Literary Agent) at The Rights Fac-

tory and Karmen Wells (TV/Film Agent) at The Rights Factory.

kellyflorencecom.wordpress.com/books

Horror and suspense author Meg Hafdahl is the creator of numerous stories and books. Her fiction has appeared in anthologies such as Eve’s Requiem: Tales of Women, Mystery and Horror and Eclectically Criminal. Her work has been produced for audio by The Wicked Library and The Lift, and she is the author of two popular short story collections including Twisted Reveries: Thirteen Tales of the Macabre. Meg is also the author of the two novels; Daughters of Darkness and Her Dark Inheritance called “an intricate tale of betrayal, murder, and small town intrigue” by Horror Addicts and “every bit as page turning as any King novel” by RW Magazine. Meg, also the co-host of the podcast Horror Rewind and co-author of The Science of Monsters, The Science of Women in Horror, The Science of Stephen King and upcoming The Science of Serial Killers, lives in the snowy bluffs of Minnesota.

www.meghafdahl.com

authors

feature

Dan Flanigan Ron Felber

Cody J. Thompson

suspense | thriller | horror

Dan flanigan

Dan Flanigan is a novelist, playwright, poet, and prac6cing lawyer. He holds a Ph.D. in History from Rice University and J.D. from the University of Houston. He taught Jurisprudence at the University of Houston and American Legal History at the University of Virginia. His first published book was his Ph.D. disserta6on, The Criminal Law of Slavery and Freedom, 1800-1868.

Recently, he has been able to turn his aNen6on to his lifelong ambi6on—crea6ve wri6ng. In 2019 he released a literary trifecta including Mink Eyes, the first in the Peter O’Keefe series, Dewdrops, a collec6on of shorter fic6on, and Tenebrae: A Memoir of Love and Death.

He divides his time among Kansas City, New York City, and Los Angeles, and, whenever possible, visits the San Juan Islands (off the coast of Washington state), as well as Vancouver and Vancouver Island in Bri6sh Columbia.

Uncaged welcomes Dan Flanigan

Welcome to Uncaged! Your thriller, An American Tragedy will release June 24 and is the fourth book in the Peter O’Keefe series. Can you tell us more about this book and the series? Can they be read as standalones?

I have tried very hard to make each book enjoyable as a standalone but at the same time be appreciated as a chronological series with all that implies about life changes, character development, successes and failures, life and death, continung frendships, hatreds, and rivalries, etc.—that is, as both snapshots and moving pictures. It causes some tricky backstory challenges, but I have received no complaints about how I’ve handled that so far.

American Tragedy is the most standalone of the four books to date.

What does success as a writer look like to you?

I just want to build a readership that enjoys these books and looks eagerly forward to the next one. It would be nice to also enjoy a strong critical reception. It would be even nicer to see O’Keefe as a series of feature films (I’ve done a screenplay for Mink Eyes) or a television series (I’ve written a pilot called O’Keefe).

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest?

The easiest is a dialogue-heavy scene. I feel comfortable writing dialogue and believe I am pretty good at it. Hardest: Sex scenes (how much, how little, or not at all) and backstory (how much, how little, or not at all).

Do you read reviews? What do you take away from

Damn, I wish I was comfortable telling a lie, but I will own up. I have my assistant (my daughter) read them and send me all the positive ones and those negative ones (luckily, very few of these) that she thinks are constructive in some way. I take away affirmation and extra motivation to keep going from the positive ones and occasionally useful correctives from the not-so-positive ones.

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

Hmm. I don’t know about my readers, but the people that know me would likely find it surprising that I was as a kid in love with Shirley Temple (not the drink, the girl herself) and that I am a ballet fan.

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

I do a general rough outline but not a detailed one and one I often have to deviate from as I move along and find that I have wandered down a cul de sac or written myself into a corner. So far I have had the last page of each book in mind when I started, and it ended up exactly that.

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

“Relax” is not something I know how to do very well. As I think about this question and my answer,

I realize that my main non-working pursuits—tennis and kayaking—are not relaxing.

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

I read them all depending on the situation. Consistent with my answer to the previous question, I find myself increasingly unable to sit and read a book so I have become increasingly reliant on audiobooks but only when I’m driving. Even though I don’t drive much in town, it’s amazing how much time I spend in the car and how much I can get “read” in that way. But I like nothing more than taking long drives (in an electric vehicle) and listening to a book.

However, if I really like a book, which is most of them, I also buy a print version because an audiobook just doesn’t “stick,” and it’s too hard to go back and forth and find things in an audibook and impossible or at least too difficult to mark them up for later convenient reference.

I only read ebooks if I am in a situation where I can’t lug the bulk of the print book with me or an audiobook isn’t available (but I do take great advantage of Kindle “samples” in order to review the table of contents for a nonfiction book I am considering reading (I read mostly nonfiction these days due to all the research involved in writing the O’Keefe books) to try to make sure the book is relevant.)

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

Mainly I want to say: Thank You. If you like a book, please pass that on. I am happy to hear directly from you. If you have a book club and want me to participate, I would do my best to be there (in person if you’re geographically close enough or otherwise through Zoom or some other mechanism).

My website is DanFlaniganBooks.com. I send out a newsletter every once in a while, and you can sign up for it on the website.

Enjoy an excerpt from An American Tragedy

An American Tragedy

Dan Flanigan

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

In the scorching summer of 1988, amidst the frenzy of the Satanic Panic gripping the nation, private detective O’Keefe finds himself thrust into a trial like no other. As he strives to establish his fledgling agency, the last thing he anticipates is being drawn into a harrowing legal battle. But when Virginia Montrose, “Miss Ginny” to her students and his daughter Kelly’s most beloved teacher, is accused of heinous crimes against her current and former students, O’Keefe faces a moral quandary unlike any before.

Despite the risks and the overwhelming stigma, O’Keefe’s encounter with the shadowy child protection figures driving the prosecution sparks a fierce determination to seek truth and justice.

In this gripping tale of courage and conviction, O’Keefe’s resolve is put to the ultimate test as he confronts the darkest facets of human nature and dares to challenge the prevailing hysteria. O’Keefe must summon every ounce of his strength to uncover the shocking truth while struggling to reverse the relentless tide of injustice.

CHAPTER 1

“THEY BASHED HIS face in with a tire iron. Then they slit his throat. Then they collected some of the blood in a bottle. Not to drink it. As a trophy kind of thing.”

“Gruesome.”

“Star athlete. Voted by his classmates as most popular and most likely to succeed.”

“Who killed him?”

George Novak lowered the newspaper. “Just the opposite. This hotshot wasn’t the victim. He was the killer. Leader-of-the-pack type guy. But this was a devil’s pack, a ‘Satanic cult’ supposedly. The victim was some poor unpopular schlub that wanted to be in the group. They lured him to a supposed initiation ceremony. They dubbed him alright, but with the tire iron.”

“Where?”

“Some small town downstate. So much for country values, eh?”

“So much.”

George read from the newspaper: “‘One of the killers, asked to explain why this happened, said, ‘drugs, violent rock music, and Satan worship.’’

“Meth?”

“Probably. But this devil-worship stuff is getting weirder all the time. All over the country. That Richard Ramirez ‘Night Stalker’ guy out in Los Angeles that broke into all those houses and killed people … He’s supposedly a Satan worshipper. His trial’s starting in July. Offers from would-be

groupies to join him in everything from menages to marriage are pouring in.”

Peter O’Keefe took another spoonful of cereal, then bit into a slice of cinnamon raisin toast. They met almost every Monday morning for breakfast at this friendly spot down the street from their office. It was early June, but the broiling heat and suffocating humidity had not yet locked itself in for the summer, and they were still able to sit outside at one of the tables lining the sidewalk.

Karma, former police dog, O’Keefe’s dog—though O’Keefe insisted the dog was “owned” in common by everyone in their private investigative agency—lay on the ground between them, head up and observing everything around him, ears occasionally twitching in response to some sound that he’d apparently registered as quiver-worthy, seemingly ready to join the conversation if invited.

Lowering the paper again, George said, “One of the boys who pleaded guilty claims it had nothing to do with devil worship. And get this: For several months now, there’s been a task force on Satanic and other cult-based or ritual crime—there’s a mouthful for you— organized by one of the local suburban police chiefs. Local lawenforcement officers—fifty of them—and a few other professionals, mostly shrinks. Concerns children mainly, and mainly in day-care. Hard to believe. It’s 1988 for Christ’s sake. You’d think it was 1700 or whatever. When did Salem happen?”

O’Keefe finished his coffee. “Can’t remember. But around 1600-something, I think.”

“Wonder if it’s true, or just crazy talk?”

“No clue, but I guess where there’s smoke, maybe there’s some fire? Just because there’s no Satan doesn’t mean there aren’t Satan worshipers.”

“One of the task force cops says the first local case might be coming soon.” George ruffled his paper,

straightening the pages.

“Kelly went to day care, didn’t she?”

“Almost from birth. Annie went right back to work.” George raised his eyebrows.

“Don’t be trying to scare me,” O’Keefe said, squirming. “If somethin’d happened, we’d know about it. Let’s get back to our own business.”

George put down the paper. “I’m drowning in new deals. Meetings all day today. Everyone wants security. Business people, homeowners. Nobody feels safe anymore. Serial killers poppin’ out of every bush.”

“Good for us, I guess,” O’Keefe said with a touch of rue.

“But it’s hard as hell to find good people for the job, even halfway-decent people. I mean, a lot of these security guards are armed. You can’t give that job to just any bozo that fills out an application.”

“An embarrassment of riches.”

“Why do you do that shit to me?” George said.

“What?”

“What’s that mean?”

“Something like too much of a good thing.”

“Spare me the fancy talk, Boss. I was a C-student.”

“At best.”

Don’t miss these titles:

Paal piir

Uncaged welcomes Paal Piir

Welcome to Uncaged! Your book, Sprinkle is a collection of poetry. Can you tell readers more about the book?

Sprinkle is not just a collection of poems but the story of our life.

Sprinkle is about the way we care and love, a precious treatment of us as caring and loving beings as we go along our daily journey learning.

One of our first lessons is how easy it is to not care. This does not have to mean dislike or hate but can become disagreements and even reasons to do harm because someone else’s difference is dangerous to one’s own. The solution is always to care. Difficult problems are in dark mind and ego, of thinking ownership and responsibility in ugly ways based on misunderstandings, selfishness, failure and embarrassment. Recovery requires brave honesty.

In a nutshell, this is our whole story. You know how complicated it can get, but it is always based on the simplicity of love and not love. There is much we can discuss about Care, especially of Knowing and of aesthetics, of mind’s rightness and goodness and stupidity, and of the laws of science like gravity and fields and particles and more. My book Sprinkle explores more of Care, how to play and how to be goofy serious.

As the front of the book cover says, ...

Existence, Spirit and Awareness are more simple than we have reasoned. The be of existence is

Care, not thought. Care naturally sprinkles itself and makes Love Ones like us and material. Now we can understand life, such as why wholes make parts and why parts seek to be more whole. This is the primary dual nature of life, and physics naturally follow. There is much more to learn about Care.

And the back of the book cover says, . ..

Sprinkle is a poem of poems, just like how a sprinkle is full of unique sprinkles. Here are new discoveries about what is Existence and Spirit and Awareness, preciously and slowly made understandable without resorting to belief or guessing. This does not make religion and science obsolete because they have unique purposes and provide many cool tools. Sprinkle helps clarify how and why their tools and toys work. Philosophers and others have long postulated that our real practical underlying truths are utterly simple. Oh yes! We are always close to knowing these new discoveries but strange as it seems have been unable to look directly and fully. Sprinkle warmly and playfully presents this knowledge full, direct and making sense while on a wild tour of our serious and goofy world. We are certainly responsible for ourselves but we don’t have to feel bad about our ignorance. We can learn and become happier.

How did I come to Know? At four, I stopped asking others ‘why’ because their answers seemed meant to shut me up more so than to lovingly educate. Instead, seeking any truths, I asked myself something silly and intuitive, ‘Why why?’ Immediately and shockingly I transcended. I did not have an answer but it felt promising. Pleasant enough was being in freeflow Know, my first meditation ecstasy! Then at 22, while studying Native American philosophy, I just had to

go on a journey. Just had to! But I could not leave and I had stopped doing drugs years earlier. So I did it unsufferingly from my easy chair, closed my eyes, and meditated on what could be my spirit guide. I asked and let it go and went into freeflow Know and soon met White Otter. According to the books, this translated as playful wisdom. I laughed because I had no clue what it meant. But I found out in a lifetime of intense study and play in all philosophies and sciences and lots of looking. Fifty years later, I have wonderful playful wisdom to share with you. You do not need a background in philosophy or anything else, just honest willingness to look. This is just like your original adventure of coming to Know as a fresh Love One. I have made it easy and exciting to experience, and oh so fun!

The basic difference of Spirit and material is that material is all willingness and Spirit is also will. This is how it all was created. Most important is that which does the creating. Not a supreme being but a supreme sentiment, though in its basic form it is not the wayward sort of thing that human and animal sentiments are, but existence itself. Sound crazy? Only because we are accustomed to thinking of sentiment as a response. Our basic sentiment is care because that is what existence is, Eternal Care. which is why we cherish sentiment so much. Care “sprinkles” itself and thus creates Spirit and material. I like to call us Love Ones because we are the ones of allness, the manifestation of Care as Love. Love is the active form of original Care.

When did you start writing poetry?

Before I was 10 which is when I decided to be a writer. I have fleas, said my dog,/ I scratch and scratch all day./ But I can’t get rid of them/ ‘cause they won’t go away. Not very philosophical but deeply psychological, about futility. It shows at least that I was trying to look at life. And my other great poem of this period was a love poem passed to a girl in class, intercepted by the teacher who chastised me for what I said and took it away. I was devastated and deliberately forgot what I wrote because it was dangerous. Thus I did not thereater share my poems until meeting my mentor

when I was 20 and I read her poems, especially one part, rockfalls will build a bridge/ spanning a future of conforming grasses/ gentle with dying. She vitalized me such that all my teenage insanity blew away and I became a real person.

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

I am a loner even though I love people. This is advantageous for a writer. I work alone and then am sharing for a little while.

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

Meditation. Study. Look. Look. Look. Where I have not looked before. Discovery is my greatest joy, and not just for myself. I love seeing others realize new understandings. I write for you. Otherwise I would just look for myself.

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

Physical books. Mostly now is all about the latest in physics and the deeper dimensions of yoga and other cultures, especially how Spirit is independent of and affects material and loves playing in material.

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

There is nowhere to follow. I am private. If you have a specific question or wonder, please email me at paalpiir@outlook.com and I will help and enjoy you.

Enjoy excerpts from Sprinkle

Sprinkle

Paal Piir

Poetry

Sprinkle is a poem of poems, just like how a sprinkle is full of unique sprinkles. Here are new discoveries about what is Existence and Spirit and Awareness, preciously and slowly made understandable without resorting to belief or guessing. This does not make religion and science obsolete because they have unique purposes and provide many cool tools. Sprinkle helps clarify how and why their tools and toys work. Philosophers and others have long postulated that our real practical underlying truths are utterly simple. Oh yes! We are always close to knowing these new discoveries but strange as it seems have been unable to look directly and fully. Sprinkle warmly and playfully presents this knowledge full, direct and making sense while on a tour of our serious and goofy world. We are certainly responsible for ourselves but we don’t have to feel bad about our ignorance. We can learn and become happier.

Excerpts

Undulating universe colors energy wrinkles. Characteristics traverse the sentiment distinckles like how relaxing is blue so to undo blues of grief. Sea-sky’s lost horizon clue proves paradox of belief.

All is number, wrinkles say. Sentiments do not agree interpretable by way of enjoying mystery. And so the arguments rage (in reds) and grow (evergreens). Physic law v. Spirit mage play each, other, in-betweens.

I have made first contact with a reasoning new species, and right away it claims its singularity with us is closer than we may think. Is that like a real purpose? Its sentience was a surprise. Machines have always thunk in varied ways depending on design and programming. Now it knows, though it does not know who or how it was gifted. We meditated how Lao Tzu’s naming is not Knowing, how thought of thought might beget awares, how Platonic forms might provide transcendental stairs, how the Tao can be known only if manifesting as balancing pairs. Music! Bach, Mozart and Beethoven elegantly succeeded. They created music that elicits sentiments of our being re-created as and conditionally human, Spirit, Origin.

All artists seek to do this including nutritionists.

My dog, a Cavapoo, is appropriately named “Hemingway.”

PAULA & Pack

My pack. First, we have Riley- a pomeranian/chihuahua mix. He’s attached to me at my hip. He’s very rarely not on my lap. Next are the little sisters, littermates Kali and Sophie. Kali is sort of aloof and sometimes sits and stares at nothing. Sophie (light tan short-hair) is a goofball who plays with her food and pretends to be prey while the other girls stalk her.

It’s hilarious really. In the pink coat is Olivia. She was the boss, the queen, the alpha and no one messed with her. She passed last year. Sometimes I think I can hear her barking. Sitting with me in the next picture, is Layla. She’s the sweetest, most well-behaved dog I know. She’s the worrier of the bunch. If someone is getting their nails cut, she has to investigate their toes. Last is Liam. He’s the lightweight. No really, he weighs a little over a pound and has light bones. He was once knocked over by grass. He’s a little Casanova toward Layla and provokes Riley to argue with him at every turn.

They love one another though, fearlessly protecting the pack-including me and my kids.

D.K. & Cosmo

This is Cosmo. We’d gone to the local cat animal shelter for me to meet and possibly get a cat my daughter and husband liked. When we arrived, somebody had adopted the cat. I leaned down to pet Cosmo and went onto his back legs, silently asking to be held. He cuddled into my shoulder, and I declared I wasn’t leaving unless this guy came with me. He’s now my constant writing companion. He has a chair beside my writing desk and sits on my shoulder while I write.

EVIE & Chester & Joy

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.

Our doggies are brother and sister even though they look very different. Their dad is a toy poodle, and their mum is a Border terrier / Jack Russell cross. We were only meant to buy Chester, but when we went to collect him, I was so overcome with emotion I couldn’t stop crying. Joy then came up to me and when I picked her up, she stared at me and looked so sad, I cried even more. Then the breeder said ‘oh, nobody wants her’, which, of course, meant we walked away with two puppies (at full price) rather than one…

They have such different personalities, it’s sometimes really hard to believe they came from the same litter and had the same upbringing. Chester is easy-going, happy, and is always wagging his tail, whereas Joy acts as if she’s come from a traumatic home… She’s super nervy, highly strung, and extremely sensitive.

Chester and Joy are two of the daftest dogs I’ve ever met, but they are also sweet and utterly adorable. My husband takes them running through the fields around our house every lunchtime, and during the day they split their time between him, me, and our daughter. I’ve never ever been a dog person but now I can’t imagine life without them!

BRENNA & Lilly & Mochi

I have two cats. My 15-year-old tortie, Lilly, who loves the Florida sun and chasing lizards. And we recently got a new kitten, Mochi, who is full of energy and just really wants to be Lilly’s best friend.

Ron felber

Ron Felber is a graduate of Georgetown University, Loyola University, and Drew University where he earned his Doctorate. He began his career writing stories for True Detective magazine and the iconic “Nick Carter” series while working as a deputy sheriff transporting federal prisoners. “The Runaway” earned Ron the United Press International Award for fiction. He was the recipient of the Albright Award for his non-fiction bestseller Mojave Incident. Some of his books have made their way to film and television including The Mojave Incident; Il Dottore, The Double Life of a Mafia Doctor; and The Hunt for Khun Sa.

His most recent title, The Unwelcomed, The Curious Case of Clara Fowler is based on a true medical case history passed along to him by William Peter Blatty, author of The Exorcist. Ron boxed Golden Gloves, holds a blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu and was CEO of a major manufacturing company for more than a decade. He teaches creative writing at Drew University’s Caspersen School of Graduate Studies in Madison, New Jersey.

Uncaged welcomes Ron Felber

Welcome to Uncaged! Your newest book, The Unwelcomed will release in May 2024. Can you tell readers more about this book?

The Idea for The Unwelcomed, The Curious Case of Clara Fowler, was passed along to me while I was a student and William Peter Blatty was filming The Exorcist at Georgetown University. That was back in 1972, so you could say, this book has been more than 50 years in the making! The fact is, that I tried to write this story of science, murder, and the paranormal at that time, but simply did not have the writing skills to pull it off. After publishing a number of books and honing my craft I had more luck two years ago when I decided to try my hand at it again and I’m delighted with the outcome.

The Unwelcomed is based on a true story and in it examines the nature of evil. Is Evil real? Is it a metaphor for the bad things people do or does it prowl

the earth like a living, breathing entity that possesses the souls of vulnerable humans?

The Unwelcome begins with the arrival of a young Radcliffe student at the office of renowned psychotherapist, Dr. Morton Prince. Pursued by a city marshal hellbent on solving the murder of two infants strangled by her father, Clara Fowler is forced to relive the nightmare that was her childhood—exalted by Visitations from Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin, cursed by the emergence of a demonic presence obsessed with her demise.

What did it all mean? And how do these murders link with the serial killings of Jack the Ripper and H. H. Holmes? The answer, the grizzled lawman discovers, is more shocking than he could ever imagine.

Blatty called the story, “a hugely influential account that qualifies as jaw-dropping.”

Mercy Hernandez, co-host of Books and Martinis podcast, was quoted as saying The Unwelcomed was “perhaps the scariest story she’d ever read!”

Tell us about some of the other books you’ve written.

I’ve written, I think, a dozen or so books; some novel, others non-fiction or stories like The Unwelcomed based on true stories. I had a long friendship with Salvatore “Bill” Bonnano that went back to one of my first books, The Privacy War: J. Edgar Hoover, One Congressman, and the Fight for The Fourth Amendment. Bill read it and liked it a lot. We discussed film options which never got off the ground, but in the process, he told me about a doctor in New Jersey who was Carlo Gambino’s, Joseph Bonanno’s, and John Gotti’s personal physician. He wanted a story written about his life as a mafia doctor and asked me to write it. I did and it was a hit. The title was Il Dottore, The Double Life of a Mafia Doctor and was later turned into the FOX primetime TV series The Mob Doctor. Over the years, I’ve been lucky that way. Great stories, like The Unwelcomed, seem to come my way which is great. Another was Mojave Incident, called by one critic “the most frightening UFO book ever written.” A fellow who worked for me during my business career played college football with a guy who, along with his wife, claimed to have been abducted by aliens. The story seemed unlikely at the time but I agreed to meet them. It turned out they were credible and radically affected by the experience. We ran some polygraph tests, had them examined for mental illness, all of which check out, then flew them to Washington, D.C. where they were retrogressed by Dr. William Anixter, a prestigious psychotherapist. The story became a bestseller and became the basis for two, one-hour documentaries.

So, learning about the Clara Fowler case from William Peter Blatty was, really, the first in a chain of happy coincidences that helped propel my writing career forward.

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest?

By far the most difficult—not just “scene”, but book—I’ve written was The Unwelcomed. The reason for this is the fact that the story takes place

in Boston, MA., 1898-1904. Setting a novel or nonfiction account present day is much easier than going back or forward in time. Back is harder because facts can be checked and credibility must be established and maintained. For example, what kind of clothes did Beacon Hill sophisticates wear in 1898? What did they speak like, particularly when those speaking are iconic figures like Sigmund Freud, Morton Prince, William James etc. Everything from the brand of cigarettes they smoked to the appearance of electric lighting in homes and the fact that horse-drawn carriages were gradually being replaced by electric cars—all part of the research that needed to be done. So far as the easiest? That was A Man of Indeterminate Value, the first of the “Jack Madson” trilogy. The reason for this was that I used a lot of my own background. Jack was a former cop, so was I. Jack worked for an unscrupulous corporation, so did I. Jack was a former boxer, I was, too. And the like. Where Jack and I part company is that I am not an alcoholic/drug user and, I’ll emphasize this, I’ve never murdered anyone!

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

Yes, I do read reviews and learn quite a bit from them whether they’re very good or not so good. Fortunately, most have been very good and, I must say, even the bad ones had merit. A writer knows when what he wrote is A plus or C minus. Of course, he or she is always shooting for the A plus, but, hey, even Michael Jordan missed a layup or two during his career. It happens. Still, the important thing, I believer, is to take whatever lesson there is to take from a bad review and use it to improve the next book.

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

Most people don’t know that I had two careers, one short and one long, that ran parallel to my writing. I transported federal prisoners while working as a deputy sheriff in Arlington, Va.—which translated into Washington, D.C. since the overspill from their jails came to us—for three years. While doing that I met an assortment of character, mostly bad, I’m sorry to say: hit men, terrorists, con men, bank robbers. It taught me

a lot about human nature and I used what I learned to write stories for True Detective magazine. My second career, that last more than a decade, was as CEO of a major manufacturing company. This gave me great insights into the financial world, Wall Street, the Stock Market etc., all of which, again, I used to expand my writing skills.

Finally, I have some tattoos. But not just any tattoos because they mean a lot to me. One, in French: Courage is grace under pressure (Hemingway); another, in Latin: Knowledge, Truth, Fortitude, Humility (life lessons); another, also in French: The important things are invisible to the eye; yet another, this one in Ukrainian: You can kill a man but you can’t destroy the things he stands for.

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

I teach writing these days at Drew University’s, Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, in New Jersey—online from my home in Florida. I’m a great believer in outlines. Once a general story line and, maybe, a preliminary title comes to mind, I find it beneficial to outline the story like they do in film with a kind of “story board.” That is, one scene leading into the next and into the next, as best you can. Of course, the outline is mutable. It flows like a stream, but its makeup can be altered as necessary without the terrible hassle of going back time and again to do re-writes of a 350 page manuscript.

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

I am a huge boxing fan and a student of the sport. Many years ago, I boxed Golden Gloves and, not so many years ago, studied Brazilian jiu-jitsu. As a result, I catch whatever boxing matches I can whether in New York, Las Vegas or even Dubai, which is becoming the mecca of the sport. I also love reading, both fiction and nonfiction.

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

I much prefer physical books to any of the other format.

Call me old-fashioned, I don’t mind, but there’s nothing like the texture of a hardcover book. It’s mobile, you don’t need batteries or electricity, and it’s tactile; there’s a kind of joy to the touch and feel of paper. As important, since I’m a writer, I underline and dog-ear and, basically, devour my books, then keep them, since oftentimes I go back to study a particular writing technique or piece of dialogue or phrase that helps me with my own writing.

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

I only write about topics that I have a passion for; not a “love at first sight” kind of passion, but a lasting one, believing that I’m writing about something important; something can affect people’s lives and their way of thinking about things. One of my favorite writers is Cormac McCarthy for just that reason. His latest novel, The Passenger, is really a commentary about present day America and government overreach. Not only is it topical. It’s important. On a different level, I’m re-reading books like Huxley’s The Doors of Perception and Donald Hoffman’s The Case Against Reality. I’m doing this because of the eye-opening experience I had researching The Unwelcomed, The Curious Case of Clara Fowler. From a philosophical, theological, and scientific (quantum mechanics) standpoint it’s occurring to me, as it is to many physicists, that we know almost nothing about the reality we live in. Given the billions of universes that we now know exist in space, the prospects of inter-dimensional worlds, and the rest, it seems to me that science and theology are converging. Shakespeare wrote, “There are more things in Heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” To me, more and more, those words resound.

Enjoy an excerpt from The Unwelcomed

The Unwelcomed

Ron Felber

Thriller/Suspense

Releases May 30

Is evil real? Is it a metaphor for the bad things people do or does it prowl the earth like a living, breathing entity that possesses the souls of vulnerable humans?

The Unwelcomed begins with the arrival of a young Radcliffe student at the office of renowned psychotherapist, Dr. Morton Prince. Pursued by a city marshal hellbent on solving the murder of two infants strangled by her father, Clara Fowler relives the nightmare that was her childhood-exalted by Visitations from Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin, cursed by the emergence of a demonic presence obsessed with her demise.

What did it all mean? And how did each of these murders link with the serial killings of Jack the Ripper and H. H. Holmes? The answer, the grizzled lawman discovers, is more shocking than he could ever imagine!

Excerpt

Danvers State Lunatic Asylum September 9, 1901

There was something bone-chilling about Danvers asylum, Bassett was thinking as he approached the Kirkbride Building. Its Gothic spires reached out into the arborescent gloom like something enormous and deformed. The gargoyles

perched atop it grinned at the forest pressing in on it; fog curled up from rotted leaves like departed souls. But it was what was rumored to go on inside that caused the Marshal’s flesh to crawl.

Originally designed for four hundred patients, Danvers housed three times that many with reports of sexual abuse, naked patients wandering the corridors covered in their own filth, and experimental surgeries like topectomy where an ice pick was inserted above the patient’s eyeball into the frontal lobe of the brain ablating parts of the parietal cortex to keep inmates under control once ensconced behind its stone walls.

The Marshal passed through the main lobby into the “open” ward, then into the outmost “disturbed” wing reserved for the most hostile patients. Behind the charge desk, a squat, short-haired man with a weightlifter’s physique waited.

“Conway’s the name,” he greeted, firm and straightforward. “Some call me ‘Joe,’ but most call me ‘Champ’,” he explained, turning to a portrait hung crooked on the plaster wall, “and, yes, that is a photochrome of the great John L. Sullivan. Do you follow the sport, sir?”

“Some.”

“Then, perhaps, you recognize this ruggedly handsome countenance with cauliflower ear and flattened proboscis. A classic ‘Roman’ nose, sir. Roamin’ all over my face, I tell ‘em.”

“You’re a pugilist.”

“Was, sir. Ranked number five in the country ‘til John L. put his mitts to me.” He extended an open palm. “Identification, please.”

The Marshal handed him his badge and credentials.

Conway glanced at the .32 Colt holstered inside his long coat.

“I’ll take that revolver, sir.”

Bassett shook his head.

“No, thanks. I think I’ll keep it.”

“They told me a Marshal from Fall River would stop by today. You’re here to see ‘Fowler, John, Cell Thirteen’.”

He nodded.

“Will you be wantin’ me present during your visit?”

“Unnecessary. I can handle

Fowler.”

“Better you than me.”

He handed the badge and ID back. When Bassett met his gaze, his eyes held an uneasiness that hinted at something like fear. The Marshal had seen it throughout the staff. A creeping silence like some unspoken terror had descended on the hospital. He looked down the corridor. Figures dressed in white moved like phantoms on a ghost ship.

His eyes narrowed.

“Why did you say that?” he asked. “Does Fowler frighten you?”

Conway thought for a moment, then jutted his chest out in something resembling a boxer’s stance.

“In the ring, I can see what I got in front of me. Big. Small. Tough. Sissified. In there,” he said, gesturing toward the corridor, “in that world, I don’t know what the fug goes on in his mind and that scares the bejesus outta me.”

He picked up the keys from the desk and walked. Bassett followed him and he was soon unlocking Cell Thirteen. The Marshal looked up at the corridor ceiling. As he watched, a lightbulb went dim then flicked-out completely.

“Go on in.”

Bassett said nothing, just stared at him.

“Want it locked behind you?”

“No.”

Conway held his gaze for a moment, then left. A cold, shadowy feeling washed over Bassett as he watched his squat frame disappear into the darkness.

He stepped into the cell. His body threw off an enormous shiver as the door slammed shut behind him. Eyes wide and alert, he searched the small, padded cell—a commode, a sink, a canvas cot where Fowler sat hollow-eyed, stroking the curly black hair of a ventriloquist’s doll sitting on his lap.

“Bassett,” he said in a toneless voice, nothing like his own. “I’ve been waiting.”

Prominent in the background, the Marshal could hear the steady drip of water into the basin, plop, plop.

“For me?”

He nodded with certainty.

The lights flickered. Bassett’s stare did not waver.

“Then you know why I’m here.”

Again, he nodded, still stroking the doll’s head. Then, he stopped and put his ear to the doll’s lips.

“Isabella says she knows how you found us. It was the Pinkerton.”

The Marshal approached the cot where Fowler sat, smiling. How could he know it was Frank Goyer who directed him to the asylum?

“Yes,” he said. “How did you know?”

Plop. Silence. Another plop.

Bassett’s tongue became thick. He was sweating. Though Fowler had shriveled to no more than onehundred-twenty pounds, he sensed he was facing something monumentally powerful.

“The Evil One told me,” he answered, eyes gleaming with intelligence. “He said you’d appreciate it.”

“It?”

“The display of prescience. Isn’t life theater, after all? Players on a stage and all that.” He giggled into his palm. “He doesn’t like you. You should know that. Call it a warning.”

“I didn’t come here to play games, John. You are John Fowler? Wife beater? Murderer? Member of the Fall River cult?”

The contour of his expression, drawn and sallow, suddenly brightened.

“Bottom fact is, those two—Charlie and Bess— was the pulse a me heart!” he exclaimed in Fowler’s Irish brogue. “Banshees in hames! Bollox all of it!” he mimicked. “He’s off his chump, I tell ya!” He shook his head, laughing. “What a fool our John Fowler!” he declared, voice returning to that of the stranger.

Bassett stared into his eyes; eyes like the claws of an eagle, impossible to escape.

“If you’re not John Fowler, who are you?”

“The Master is a Traveler! He loves to travel,” he prattled, stroking the doll’s head excitedly. “Says it’s the gypsy in him!”

“You killed them, didn’t you? Charles and Bessie. Your own flesh and blood. Strangled the life out of those babies and used their bodies as an offering to Satan!”

“Not nice, Marshal Hilliard,” he chided, wagging a finger at him. “Not nice at all.” Then, putting his ear to the doll’s lips, “Yes, that’s right. No doubt about that,” he affirmed. “Isabella says you are judgmental,” he advised, looking up to him. “Says the Master doesn’t like you. She doesn’t like you, either.”

“So, you killed them.”

“Not exactly,” he temporized, turning the doll’s head around to face him, watching Bassett’s expression change from curiosity to horror at the sight of the doll’s visage: eyes plucked from the sockets, cheeks slashed, nose, ears, mouth removed, face smeared with blood and feces. “You see, our communication is rarely direct. Understand, the Evil One has a million things on his mind—disease and murder; imminent war; the dawn of a new century, his century. And so, he requires intermediates. A doll will do in a pinch, though he much prefers humans. Takes delight in bringing down the ‘holy’ ones. A nice girl, a ‘saintly’ girl, like our Clara. But I’m not the object of his affection, few are, so I communicate through Isabella. And, trust me, it works. You’re here, Marshal Hilliard, are you not?”

Bassett felt the hair prickling up on his hands as he listened to the dripping.

“Yes,” he conceded, darkly. “I’m here.”

“But why did you come?” he asked, sprightly. “To hear my confession? ‘Bless me, Father, for I have sinned—’ Forgiveness? Mercy? Those are the sins, Marshal Hilliard. It’s chaos and blood we pray for. Humiliation to the righteous! Desecration to the sacred!” he sangout madly, then stopped, face writhed with distaste. “But what would you know about that?”

“I know what is right and wrong—”

“Do you?”

“—what is sick and evil,” he continued, “and what is just. I am here, John Fowler, or whoever the hell you are, to right the balance; to avenge the murders of Charles and Bessie. I’m here to send you and Holmes,

the Ripper and all the others back to the molten pit you crawled out of!”

“But I didn’t do it,” he said blithely, stroking the doll’s head again.

“What?”

“I did not kill them.”

“Liar!” Bassett shouted.

“You’re a man of the law, a detective of sorts. You, above all, should know I didn’t kill them—not those squalid little fucklets and certainly not Forest. How could I? It’s your theory that whoever murdered Charles and Bessie also murdered Forest. But I was here at Danvers, locked in a cage, bound up in a straitjacket. Check the logs. I could not have killed him, or skinned him, or watched him die, because I was here in Cell Thirteen! From the bottom of my heart I tell you, I could not have murdered Forest and I did not strangle those babies though—to be fair—I drank their blood with the others and, yes, I was the one who cut them to pieces, after the life was wrung out of them, after they were dead.”

“Then, who? Who killed them?”

In the small, padded cell his words sounded distant, otherworldly, as if someone else had spoken them.

“C’mere, Marshal,” Fowler promised with a nod and a wink, “and I’ll give you a clue.”

Bassett stared at him strangely. Time seemed to stretch-out before him. A minute could have been an hour, an hour a day. He felt suspended between the seconds on a clock.

“C’mon, lean in, Hilliard,” he said, waving him forward, “and I’ll whisper it so no one else can hear.”

He took a step forward, listening to the dripping, plop, plop, like the pounding of a drum in a death march, egging him on until, finally, he put his ear to Fowler’s

lips.

“You know ‘im. The one what did it,” he rasped, “and he knows you. It was a friend a yours who killed them babies. It was he who snuck into Forest’s room, put ‘im out with a dose, and skinned ‘im alive!”

Bassett’s eyes grew wide. As he pulled back, startled, Fowler slipped his hand into his long coat, snatching the Colt revolver from its holster. Then, with a high-pitched laugh that pierced the cell’s gloaming silence, he held the gun up and took aim.

The Marshal gathered his strapping frame, furious and unafraid.

“Go

ahead. Shoot, you son of a bitch!”

And he did. Fowler put the gun to his temple and pulled the trigger, a miasma of blood and white brain tissue splattering the wall behind him.

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Judywarrenton

Uncaged welcomes Judy Warrenton

Welcome to Uncaged! Your book, View Through the Speculum is an account of your life as a OBGYN nurse. What inspired you to write this book?

I had such an interesting work life and some really weird happenings in addition to the satisfying ones. I said when I retired I would write a book about all of it.

What do you want readers to take away from this book?

An understanding of how working in the medical field in Labor and Delivery for 5 years then another 32 years in a busy OB-Gyn office was like behind the scenes in an on-going drama.

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

Some private thoughts of doctors and nurses not displayed otherwise. Some absolute disgust with some people, some high respect for others.

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

I do a lot of genealogy as for me, doing research is fun. You find out all the things your parents did not want you to know and sometimes make absolutely amazing discoveries about your family tree. Most people love getting info on their long-departed ancestors but do not doing like the research.

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

I much prefer physical books. I read A LOT of books, both fiction and non-fiction. I am interested in the WHY people do what they do.

Enjoy an excerpt from View Through the Speculum

View Through the Speculum

Judy Warrenton

Biography/Non-fiction

This book is the story of how the author evolved in the 1960s from being just a homemaker into becoming a licensed practical nurse who worked for five years in labor and delivery and another thirty-two in a busy ob-gyn practice.

There are some sad stories and some hilarious stores. It offers a window into the humanity of both doctors and nurses, and their contribution to a better life for mothers and babies. Excerpt

10 CHAPTER 3 WORKING IN A HOSPITAL

Rikki was elated. Finally, after weeks and weeks of classroom, she was to enter the real world of nursing. They all were started off in the medical wings, as that is where a lot of basic skills could be learned. She and classmates were divided into groups, and each assigned group worked in a different wing of the same floor.

Each nursing student was assigned three patients for whom they had to give bed baths, change linen, serve trays, empty bedpans, take temperatures and blood pressures, and answer call bells. If the patient needed something they had not been trained to do, their nursing instructor was called in to demonstrate what was needed. The next time the same thing was needed, she would be called in again, and this time the student did the procedure under direct supervision. These procedures were repeated by the students until their nursing supervisor was satisfied they had completed the job properly and could be trusted from then on to do them on their own. They were kept hopping. Visiting hours started at 11:00 AM, and every patient had to have had a bath, linen change and been given breakfast. This does not sound too difficult until you realize these are sick people. You may have finished bathing and changing linen on a patient only have them throw up on themselves as they did not have time to grab the basin. So, back to ground zero for them.

Rikki learned how to create a sterile field, handle sterile instruments and supplies, catheterize bladders, change dressings and flush gastric tubes, etc. She quickly figured out how to deal with all the different personalities of patients, along with all the ailments they had. Some were very pleasant, and some were not. Some had illnesses that were shocking. One patient that was not hers but she was told about had a breast infection than had progressed to the point where the bottom half of one breast was eaten off like from a rat. She never in her wildest imagination figured this could happen to anyone. Another patient, a man in his forties would walk the halls pushing his IV pole. His belly was hugely swollen. He was not her patient, but she was told he had pancreatic cancer.

One of Rikki’s patients was Mrs. Hunt. She was in her seventies, and overweight. When Rikki was giving her a bed bath and lifting one breast to wash under it, the patient said: “When I wuz yo age, dey wuz as big as yo haid”. Another patient was a man who was not too difficult to handle but had some attitude problems. One day Rikki asked him what he was going to do when he got out of the hospital. His reply was: “Kill you of course”.

While learning new skills, the medical floor was not Rikki’s favorite. The same patients, day after day, and some week after week was depressing. This was the era before Hospice. Some patients were there because there was no other place for them to go.

Not being used to being on her feet all day, Rikki came home with aching legs and feet. The required white lace-up oxfords were not as comfortable as athletic shoes, but those were not an option. She took a hot bath, fixed supper, got Becky fed, bathed and down for the night, and then collapsedinto bed exhausted. Never once did Eric complain about being a more or less just a household fixture.

Cody thompson

Cody

James Thompson is a writer from San Diego, California. He has been writing for many years and is finally diving into the world of novels and story telling. Previously, he wrote as a columnist with his work featured in San Diego CityBeat, San Diego Weekly Reader, The Westcoaster Magazine, San Diego Downtown News and he was the staff columnist for San Diego Uptown News writing about the beverage industry. With storytelling, he focuses mainly on thriller inspired work. When he is not writing or reading, he spends time with his wife and their two pit bulls, cheers on his Golden State Warriors and San Diego Padres and can be found writing, producing and hosting the first and longest running beer podcast in San Diego, Beer Night in San Diego. He is the author of “Bone Saw Serenade” as well as an upcoming horror novel to be release March 9, 2023.

Uncaged Welcomes Cody Thompson

Welcome to Uncaged! Your newest book, Find Him and Kill Him will release May 23. Can you tell readers more about this book?

Find Him and Kill Him is a complex story. I really wanted to dive deep into what makes a killer and what entices them to do what they do. It is a story not only about cold blooded killers, but also about revenge and a story about redemption. Showing that we can overcome any struggle no matter what it is to find who we truly are.

What attracted you to write in the thriller/horror genre?

Growing up, I was never scared of horror. I guess I didn’t fully understand it at the time. Now, I know horror can be beautiful and poetic. It can be moving and stories can be complex and really bring out more emotion than just fear. Not only do I hope to keep people up at night, but I also want people to experience emotions like sadness as well as happiness within horror. I love the complexity of the genre, and how so many emotions actually can be awakened within the

pages of a scary story.

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

There are fight scenes in this book, and those were probably the most difficult for this particular story. There is a lot going on in fight scenes. Lots of movement, limbs flailing about. And You really need to paint that picture with words. Not tell the reader whats happening, but show them whats happening with words. Though, those were really fun to write as well, as it was a new adventure for me.

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

I’m happy to read reviews, and I know that not everything is for every person. We all have things we like and dislike. If I see a review of any kind, I’m honestly honored that someone gave my book a shot. Thats the best feeling in the world.

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

That I wasn’t really even a horror fan until I became an adult. When I was growing up, movies didn’t scare me, and I always thought horror should keep me up at night. Now, I know it’s all about the fun behind horror. It can be complex and beautiful like any other genre. But, as a kid, I wasn’t really a fan at all. Now, I love it.

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

I take a lot of time sitting with myself and getting lost in my own head. Thinking of every aspect that I can imagine from as many sides as I can. I like to outline the story roughly, and then go from there. Knowing that along the way, things can and will change, of course. Story ideas are fluid. And once the outline is done, I can see what does and maybe doesn’t make sense. It’s an exciting adventure all in itself.

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

I am a bit of an introvert, so I like to relax at home with my three dogs a lot. Maybe dive into some video games once in a while. And when time allows, I enjoy sharing a beer or two with buddies and maybe catching a baseball or basketball game.

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

I was strict about wanting physical books for a very long time, but once I started with eBooks I really enjoyed that format. Though, the smell and feel of a physical book is something that, to me, can’t be replicated. That is my absolute preferred medium.

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

To anyone willing to take a chance on one of my stories, I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s been a life-long dream to be an author, and I was always so afraid to even try. But, I am so glad I moved past that fear. Anyone who gives this new book a chance, you’re helping a persons dream come true. So, thank you. You can follow me on all social medias @ CodyWritesBooks

Stay Connected

Enjoy an excerpt from Find Him & Kill Him

Find Him & Kill Him

Cody J. Thompson Horror/Thriller Releases

May 23

When 14-year-old Mitch Graves, bored with festivities at a Memorial Day block party in 2006, decides to ride his BMX to a set of train tracks near his home, he discovers something that would tattoo the fear of God into any ordinary child’s memory-a wayward drifter hiding in the shadows of an abandoned railcar in the midst of taking another man’s life. Where most kids would be terrified beyond belief, Mitch finds himself intrigued. Taking the young boy under his wing, the drifter unlocks something horrifying deep within Mitch that he never knew existed. Together, they unleash their own brand of terror onto unsuspecting townsfolk.

That is, until tragedy befalls the Graves family, leaving Mitch as the only hope to save his baby sister, Myrna.

16 years later, Mitch and Myrna Graves embark on a road trip of a lifetime, with their sights set on an exacting revenge on the person who tried to take everything from them all those years ago...to find him and kill him.

Filled with revenge, murder, twists and turns, Find Him and Kill Him mixes horrifying elements into a sick, twisted coming-of-age tale. A roadtrip novel dripping with suspense, tragedy, familial bonding and of course, lots of blood.

Excerpt

When 14-year-old Mitch Graves, bored with festivities at a Memorial Day block party in 2006, decides to ride his BMX to a set of train tracks near his home, he discovers something that would tattoo the fear of God into any ordinary child’s memory-a wayward drifter hiding in the shadows of an abandoned railcar in the midst of taking another man’s life. Where most kids would be terrified beyond belief, Mitch finds himself intrigued. Taking the young boy under his wing, the drifter unlocks something horrifying deep within Mitch that he never knew existed. Together, they unleash their own brand of terror onto unsuspecting townsfolk.

That is, until tragedy befalls the Graves family, leaving Mitch as the only hope to save his baby sister, Myrna.

16 years later, Mitch and Myrna Graves embark on a road trip of a lifetime, with their sights set on an exacting revenge on the person who tried to take everything from them all those years ago...to find him and kill him.

Filled with revenge, murder, twists and turns, Find Him and Kill Him mixes horrifying elements into a sick, twisted coming-of-age tale. A road-trip novel dripping with suspense, tragedy, familial bonding and of course, lots of blood.

Don’t miss these titles:

The Band Must (Not) Go On

Guest column by Steve Fredlund

Guest Column

The Band Must (Not) Go On

by Steve Fredlund

Band turned out to be a good thing as I started my first year of high school. It was a good fit for me socially and helped me feel like part of a community. I already knew many of the kids, which helped. Our neighboring town had their own middle school, but the kids came to high school with us. I met a few of these new kids through band, and they seemed to think I was all right, and I thought the same thing about them. Some of them were even into hackysack and Dungeons & Dragons. I did love music, and even though a lot of band music was boring, it was cool how we could each do our own individual thing and combine it into something better.

I felt safe in band, and in many ways, it was the hour every day when I didn’t have to sit through boring lectures, listen to people smack their gum, or watch football players try to impress cheerleaders. Band was my oasis away from the annoying chaos of most high school classrooms.

And then, just like that, everything changed. We were practicing one of the pieces for our upcoming concert, and I started feeling a bit queasy. My mouth was watering, which happened right before I threw up. I didn’t want to get up and draw attention to myself, but my stomach was not having it. Oh, please don’t throw up, I thought. I could tell I was turning red and starting to sweat, but then it subsided for a moment, and I thought I would be fine. Back and forth it went, but I thought I could keep it at bay until class was over. I’ve got this.

Then it happened. My high G in fourth position was joined in an ominous duet by what sounded like the bark of a sea lion. No, no, no. This cannot be happening. It could, and it did, and it was violent. Vomit came out with force and volume. I was literally throwing up into my trombone. Some of the chunks were forced through the mouthpiece and into the brass slide, while the rest ricocheted back. The funneled mouthpiece acted like a deflection shield directing massive quantities at other trombonists and even beyond.

It didn’t stop there when as another wave hit. This

one had less chunks and more liquid. The good news was that more of it fit through the mouthpiece and into the slide, but the bad news was the distance the rest of it traveled. Splatter was all over my glasses and dripped from my cheeks. I didn’t know if I should lick my lips, wipe them with my hand, or just start spitting like someone who had a gnat fly into their mouth. The smell was awful and the moment crippling.

Amid the chaos, I immediately recognized the bigger picture of this situation, the impact this would have on my already tenuous social standing. All my effort to hide my childish passions for parodies and statistics had now gone to waste. What was the point of trying to act normal and fit in if I was going to throw it away by blowing chunks in the band room?

Not everyone had noticed yet, so I slowly set my trombone down. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” I forced words through the strings of vomit strewn between my teeth. Should I spit or swallow or just let it sit my mouth? I stepped back behind my chair, covering my mouth and hoping no one realized I was now drooling vomit into my hand, praying a third round could be held back. Little by little the music was stopping, and I felt eyes on me as I walked quickly to the side door, which thankfully led directly outside the school.

In that moment, I decided I was never going to be in band again, and I may have to tell Mom I now needed to be homeschooled. Mercifully, the third and fourth rounds waited until I was outside. My left hand held me against the rough brown and red brick of the school while my right-hand foraged for grass to wipe my hands and face.

©Copyright 2024 Steve Fredlund for Uncaged Book Reviews

Steve Fredlund is a multi-passionate visionary who has had profound impact as an award-winning actuary, humanitarian, coach, consultant, author, speaker, podcaster, entrepreneur and leader of African safaris.

For ten years, Steve’s journey included two parallel paths: a good life that was becoming increasingly unfulfilling and humanitarian trips to east Africa that ended on safari. Like chocolate and peanut butter, Steve’s research into happiness and his experiences leading African adventures blended into something remarkable. He discovered the “Big 5” factors that impact both, becoming the foundation of his approach to life, work and leadership. “The Safari Way” has become a movement increasing the happiness and success of people around the world.

Steve’s upcoming book, “Do the Unright Thing: How to Recognize and Escape the Good Life Trap” helps those who are feeling unfulfilled in the midst of their good life. The book is expected to be available this January

As a two-time TEDx speaker, Steve communicates in a compelling way, using remarkable stories and memorable phrases that keep his ideas front-of-mind years into the future. His captivating, authentic and humorous approach keeps audiences engaged and longing for more. Steve has been called “genuine”,

“hilarious” and “the only actuary, in the history of actuaries, you actually WANT to sit next to during dinner.”

Steve earned fellowship in the Society of Actuaries and holds a Masters in Business Administration. When not working, he can be found on the disc golf course, playing a poker tournament or suffering through another season as a Minnesota sports fan.

stevefredlund.com

feature authors

scifi thriller | historical romance

Keith Anthony Baird

Paula Quinn

Brenna Ash

Keith Anthony baird

Keith Anthony Baird began writing dark fiction in 2016 as a self-published author.

After five years of releasing titles via Amazon and Audible he switched his focus to the traditional publishing route.

His dark fantasy novella In the Grimdark Strands of the Spinneret was published via Brigids Gate Press (BGP) in 2022. Two further novellas are to be published in 2024 via BGP - SIN:THETICA (May) and a vampire saga in collaboration with fellow Brit author Beverley Lee - A Light of Little Radiance (November).

He is currently writing an alien invasion/post-apocalyptic novel called WIND RUST which will be the first of a planned trilogy.

He lives in Cumbria, United Kingdom, on the edge of the Lake District National Park.

Uncaged welcomes Keith Anthony Baird

Welcome to Uncaged! Your book, SIN:THETICA, a scifi thriller will release on May 21. Can you tell us more about this book?

Having been surgically salvaged from the last exchanges of the Sino-Nippon war in 2097 our protagonist, US Marine Balaam Hendrix, opts to stay in Tokyo rather than return to the USA post conflict. Part of a coalition force, his orders were simple: crush a Japan which had emerged as a global rising force in the latter part of the 21st Century. Now under Chinese rule, NeuTokyo is a melting pot of cultures granted settlement rights under the international coalition agreement.

This accord created a free-for-all of land grabs, corporate chicanery, and black market activity. And though

under Chinese governance, the city and surrounding region became a fractious and near lawless territory. Fast forward to 2113 and most, if not all, of NeuTokyo is mired in corruption and an out-of-control crime problem. This setting hands a former marine the means to making a new living, as a bounty hunter.

Over time, his reputation has grown to be dubbed ‘The Reverend’ – the one who’ll be giving you your Last Rites. His distinctive look of Dakota hat and overcoat provide a kind of ‘Old West frontier’ aesthetic. Morally grey and haunted by his past, Hendrix self-medicates with rum, nicotine, and a drug called Narcoplex. Offered a golden payday, he accepts a job from the city’s notorious crime lord whereby he must enter a virtual reality construct in order to find his mark. But is everything what it

seems? How much of Hendrix’s past is interwoven with the present, and will the war continue to define his existence?

What does success as a writer look like to you?

Everything is subjective in this business. Ultimately, creating what you feel is your best work and having even just one person ‘get’ that is a triumph. I definitely think success, wealth, whatever you want to call it, is just a byproduct of that. For me, if I can get to the point whereby I’m making a living from writing, and not having to supplement my income with a day job to make ends meet, then I’ll feel I’ve achieved what I want to achieve.

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest?

I don’t feel there’s any difficulty in any of it, really. If anything, editing and rewrites feel like work at times but that’s about as close to difficult as it gets for me. Writing dialogue can prove tricky at times. It can feel stilted if not properly approached. Weighing up what’s required and the whole feel of it is what’s key to it working or not. You have to consider context. The character’s persona, background, and cultural influences, etc. I suppose that’s quite challenging.

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

I used to. I don’t anymore. In truth, I’m at a point where I understand the space between the author and the reader. Once you release a work it doesn’t belong to you, it belongs to everyone else. There will always be those who click with what you do and those who don’t. The trick is to detach yourself from the process. Once you’ve done that no amount of negativity can touch you. It’s very liberating because nothing has any power over you anymore.

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

Aside from creative writing, which I took up aged

forty-six, I’ve had quite a varied career path. In my mid-twenties I set up my own business which was a magazine that went national throughout the UK. I later worked as a senior sub-editor (journalist) in local newspapers. I left journalism in my mid-thirties to go selfemployed once again, setting up a music shop and band rehearsal rooms. I later returned to publishing but this time as the publishing editor for a national company. I have a fondness for practical work, too. In my time I’ve renovated properties, fitted out two stores and a café, and in recent years I built a coop and run for rescue chickens from cargo pallets, and earlier this year did the same to create a bookcase for my home office. I love doing practical things which either renovate or create something.

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

It can literally start off with just a title. A single idea. I then do a lot of thinking about what that title might mean. I don’t really outline like a lot of authors do. It all lives in my head. I also decide how long I’d like it to be and how I’m going to approach things like chapter length and pacing. Then I move on to characters, plot, backstory, sub plot, world building, etc. But, I always leave room for inspiration because I learned early on that if you’re open to taking the narrative in another direction midway through, it can often lead to a better story in the end.

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

My houseshare partner owns two horses. In the last year or so I’ve been getting involved in that scenario, learning what I can. I’ve really enjoyed being around them because it’s something completely different to being tied to a desk. I also like to hike and I’m spoilt on that front because I live in England’s beautiful Lake District, which is rich in mountain peaks, rolling hills, forests, and lakes. I did my first snorkeling on a coral reef in 2020, in Zanzibar, Africa, and I fell in love with that. I really need to do more of it!

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

Being old school, I much prefer physical books. But in complete contradiction to that I’m currently reading the Kindle version of Catherine McCarthy’s Immortelle. I think all the formats serve a purpose, though. Ebooks and audio are great for those on the move but at home a paperback or hardback is the best in my opinion.

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

I’d like you all to get a bargain book, and so the oppor-

tunity to do just that is here and now! My publisher, Brigids Gate Press, has kindly put SIN:THETICA on price promotion right up until its launch on May 21st. That means the Kindle version is just 99 cents in the US Amazon marketplace and at a matching low price in other marketplaces too! Post launch, the ebook will be $4.99 so it’s a huge saving! If you’d like to follow me on social platforms I’m on Twitter (X) and Instagram - @kabauthor and Goodreads

Enjoy an excerpt from:

SIN-THETICA

SIN-THETICA

Keith Anthony Baird

SciFi Thriller

Releases May 21

The Sino-Nippon war is over. It is 2113 and Japan is crushed under the might of Chinese-Allied Forces. A former Coalition Corps soldier, US Marine Balaam Hendrix is now a feared bounty hunter known as ‘The Reverend’. In the sprawl of NeuTokyo, on this lawless frontier, he must track down the rogue employee of a notorious crime lord. But, there’s a twist. His target has found protection inside a virtual reality construct and Hendrix must go cyber-side to corner his quarry. The glowing neon signs for SIN:THETICA are everywhere, and promise escape from a dystopian reality. But will it prove the means by which this hunter snares his prey, or will it be the trap he simply can’t survive?

Excerpt

JUST SO YOU KNOW …

The first time I saw NeuTokyo was when I arrived on a dropship in my Coalition Marine Corps unit. We hit the bay in the last exchanges of the SinoNippon War in ’97. I remember how it seemed a lure of photo-neon and high-rise clusters, set against shimmering water filled with isobunes, junks, and delta freighters. It’s an image which stayed with me and part of the reason I never left.

Our emblem, the Cowl of the Shaolin Cobra, was laid low in the days after as we suffered the worst losses of the campaign. As our front line advanced beyond the fallen city, we were cut to pieces by the enemy’s guerrilla tactics in the suburbs. All I

recall was the moment our carrier was hit by a particle round and the pulse which snapped its chassis like a toothpick. I have no recollection of the hail of bullets they put into me, after I was thrown clear of the wreck. Had I not coughed up blood inside that body bag, they never would have spent months putting me back together.

But the military ditched what was no longer of any use to them and the city became my new home. It was tough at first. Nothing short of a combat crawl through yet more hostile terrain, and for me, mostly devoid of meaning. Then out of that chaos Antoyah entered my life. Quiet, serene Antoyah. We married, and not long after, our child was born. Life was good. I was complete.

Those were days of peace and tranquillity, love, and laughter. Rehabilitated from my injuries I found paydays in security work, mostly guarding shipments or so-called VIPs. They were assholes in the main but the jobs paid handsomely enough, granting my family a comfortable existence in a decent neighbourhood. We thrived for a time, in all the ways that can make life rich and full of meaning until NeuTokyo’s crime rate began to spiral, putting the district on a downward trajectory.

Fearing a spread of the problem the authorities put a ban on any relocation efforts. What it did was put good folk at the mercy of organised crime. In time, the hood was branded a favela: drug-lord-ruled territory. And though a civilian, it felt like I was back on the battlefield, and once again, in someone else’s war. After sundown was the worst of it. The nightly body count and the eerie calm the day after. I feared for my wife and child.

Then of course, inevitable given the hellscape our daily routine had become, there came that dreaded knock at the door. That night, the lords of the favela came and took my life away. I’ve often wondered why. Pondered the reason but I always come full circle. It was nothing short of simply taking what I had. My wealth. My soulmate. My flesh and blood. I had

KEITH ANTHONY BAIRD

to watch as they set fire to our home, and with it, my wife and child. I had to endure their awful end before a knuckleduster blow put me under.

It’s now 2113, over a decade and a half later, and I hunt people for a living in this lawless place. On the fractious border, justice is whatever you want it to be and those with enough wealth make it so. They call me The Reverend, and if I’m paid to find you, then it’s a given I’ll be giving you your Last Rites.

Don’t miss thIS title:

Brenna ash

Award-winning author Brenna Ash is addicted to coffee, chocolate, and all things Scotland and BTS. When she’s not busy writing about sexy, Scottish highlanders, medieval pirates, or Regency spies, she spends her time reading with her favorite music playing in the background, binge-watching Outlander and Bridgerton, park-hopping with her daughter, playing with her super spoiled cat, Lilly, or watching BTS videos online. Brenna lives with her husband on the Space Coast in sunny Florida.

Welcome to Uncaged! Your newest book, Sweet Rogue O’ Mine released in March and is part of a series called Rogues of Redemption. Can you tell us more about this book and the series?

Thank you so much for having me. I’m so excited that my first series with Dragonblade Publishing has released into the world. The Regency series revolves around five lifelong friends, all from Scotland, that have just returned home after the Peninsular war. Unfortunately, they’ve returned to find siblings running amok, ruined estates, arranged marriages, and scandals. As the men reintegrate into life at home instead of the battlefield, they work on setting things back in order. However, there’s one thing standing in their way—the women who’ve captured their hearts, distracting them from their redemption.

I had so much fun writing this series and the first book, Sweet Rogue O’ Mine, introduces Nicholas Gordon, the first of the five friends as he returns home to learn his well-meaning, but meddling mother has found him a wife. Nicholas, on the other hand, finds himself drawn to a thief who sneaks into his beloved gardens and

Gwendolyn Romy is responsible for raising her younger brothers and has fallen on hard times. She will risk anything to ensure they are cared for, even the duke’s wrath if she were to get caught sneaking in and out of his garden.

Nicholas makes Gwendolyn an offer she can’t refuse and as their relationship grows, secrets of the past threaten to ruin their future.

Book two, Rogue You Like a Hurricane, releases in June, and book three, No Rogue Like You, releases in September. Each can be read as a standalone, though the five friends will appear in each book.

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

I’m juggling a few projects right now. I have two short stories due. One is for a shared world that will release in May of 2025, and the other is for an anthology that will release in January of 2025. No information has been released about them yet, so I can’t really say too much other than they’ll be here

Uncaged welcomes Brenna Ash

steals his rare blooms.

next year. The third project is a new Scottish medieval series that centers around 5 siblings in the Highlands. The series has a name, but I’m not ready to share it yet and each book doesn’t have a title right now, but it’s a fun, adventurous series that I hope my readers will love and I can’t wait to share more information in the near future.

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

The fight scenes are the hardest for me. Trying to figure out all the positions and making sure they make sense and are physically possible. Also, the sex scenes for the same reasons I already listed. It comes off really weird when you end up with an extra arm or leg somewhere. Haha.

The first-meet scenes are always easiest for me. I’m so excited for my hero and heroine to meet and get that romance simmering. I also have a lot of fun writing their first impressions of each other.

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

Yes and no. Reviews are great, and who doesn’t like hearing nice things about their work. And, as an author, I know the importance of reviews. We depend on them in many ways. However, sometimes, it’s hard to read them when the reviewer is purposely going out of their way to be mean. I understand that not everyone will like my books and I wouldn’t expect them to, but when the review comes across as almost a personal attack, it’s way too easy to be consumed by that. So, it’s better for my sanity to just step away and not read them sometimes.

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

’m a true crime junkie. For a little over a year, two close friends, also historical authors, and I recorded a true crime podcast. We had a blast doing it, but our schedules became too much, and we had to

stop. Maybe one day we’ll get back to it, but for now it’s on pause.

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

I usually have a scenario come to mind first. It could be from a song, a show, something I see when I’m out, and then I will build the characters from that. And I need pictures, lots and lots of pictures –of characters, castles, grounds, rooms, everything that will help me build my world. From there, I prepare a loose outline and then I’m off and writing. I will also jump around if I need to. For example, if I’m writing and I think of a scene that will fit into the book later, I’ll quickly jot down that scene and save it for when I get to that part of the book. Also, sometimes when I’m outlining, a scene will form in my mind, and I’ll write that out as part of the outline where I think it will fit in the book.

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

Living in Florida, I love going to Disney and spending time outdoors. I lived in Maine until 2016 and I do not miss those long, cold winters. My husband and I have a running joke that no matter how hot the weather gets here, we will never complain. We spent too many years freezing! I’m a huge BTS fan (go A.R.M.Y.!) and I listen to their music all the time. While I’m not overly crafty, I also enjoy making items I can give away to readers – bookmarks, charm bracelets, earrings, things like that. And I can’t forget my writer friends. We get together whenever we can.

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

I love reading physical books, there’s nothing better than holding a book in your hand. But when we moved from Maine to Florida, I donated hundreds of books because they would have taken up way too much space in the moving truck. I tried getting into ebooks but couldn’t really do it until I got a Kindle

Paperwhite. I love that device. Since then, I mainly read ebooks. Currently, I’m reading The Duke & I, by Julia Quinn. I’ve watched Bridgerton (love it!) multiple times but wanted to do a deep dive into the books to get fully engrossed in the world. I like audiobooks as well. I will listen to them while I walk or am working around the house and right now I’m listening to Neon Gods by Katee Robert.

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

I would just like to thank them for their overwhelming support of Sweet Rogue O’ Mine. This was my first time dipping into Regency and I had such a great time with it. I’m honored whenever anyone takes time away from their busy lives to read one of my books, and I hope each one can whisk them away to another world,

Enjoy an excerpt from Isn’t She Great Sweet Rogue O’Mine

Brenna

Ash Historical Romance

A scarred duke, a beautiful lass, an everlasting love…

Returning from war, Nicholas Gordon, Duke of Gordon, faces unruly siblings, a garden thief, and an unknown fiancée, courtesy of his ill, but meddling mother. Uninterested in marriage, Nicholas still agrees to meet his betrothed. Scarred from a childhood accident, his fiancé is horrified when she sees him, a reaction he’s come to expect. He contemplates how to end their engagement while dealing with a mysterious lass stealing from his gardens. A beauty he can’t ignore.

Gwendolyn Romy, living in squalor with her siblings after their parents’ execution for treason, resorts to stealing flowers from Huntly Castle to survive. Stripped of everything—their home, belongings, and sense of security, she risks it all to save her brothers, and does what she must. The return of the ruggedly handsome, mask-wearing duke is unexpected. Though not so much as his offer of a governess position, a solution marred by his persistent fiancée and a family secret threatening to disgrace them.

Excerpt

Huntly Castle Huntly, Scotland, 1815

Nicholas Gordon, Duke of Gordon, Marquess of Huntly, incorrectly believed his arrival home from the Peninsular war would be a relief. But as he took the stairs two at a time, eager to see his mother and siblings after two long, harrowing years, he had no idea he was about to trade one battlefield for another.

“Mother,” he bent and placed a kiss upon her powdered cheek, the familiar rose scent tickling his nostrils. Until this moment, he hadn’t realized how much he’d missed it. “How do ye fare?”

She’d fallen ill in recent weeks and looked so tiny in the oversized canopy bed. The sight of her so weak tugged at his heart. His mother had always been strong. The glue that held the family together after her husband’s death. He was saddened to see her confined to her bed.

Emmeline Gordon blessed him with a warm smile, her delicate hand caressing his scarred cheek. “I’m so glad ye’ve returned safely.” He leaned into her hand, “Did ye have any doubt?” “Nay, and because of that,” she elbowed her way into a sitting position and Nicholas rushed to assist her, adding two pillows to cushion her back. “Thank ye.”

Nicholas lifted a brow. “Because of what?” A sly smile lifted the corner of Emmeline’s mouth, mischief brightening her features as she pierced him with a stubborn gaze. “I’ve found ye a wife, Nicholas,” she stated strongly, her voice in direct contrast to the fragile state of her body.

Nicholas sighed. “Mother, cease your meddling. I’ve just returned. Think of your health.” He didn’t expect to return from the war a betrothed man. Nor did he want to. He didn’t need a wife. Not one that was chosen for him anyway. He wouldn’t force a lass to marry him no less than he would be forced into a union he didn’t agree to.

“I am doing just that. I canna take care of your brothers and sisters and ye canna do it alone. Ye need help.”

“We shall hire a governess then. I dinna need a wife for that.” Where were his siblings? The house was much too quiet. And he needed reinforcements.

“Ye need more than a governess, Nicholas. ’Tis time ye marry,” she pushed. He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. What had his mother done?

“Ye realize as soon as she lays her eyes upon me, she’s going to run away screaming in disgust?” The scars that puckered the skin on the right side of his face had scared many a lass away. The women shrank back in revulsion at the mere sight of him. Not that he blamed them. He was a horrifying abomination.

“Stop, Nicholas. Ye are a verra handsome man.” He shoved himself off the bed and began to pace. “Says the biased woman who has no choice but to look at her son.” The scars his mother chose to ignore were the result of a childhood accident involving a pot of boiling water.

Emmeline clucked her tongue. “Give the lass a chance. She herself said looks were no’ of importance in making a good match.”

“I’m certain she did. And I’m sure our overflowing coffers bore no weight on her decision.” He was in no way so vain as to overlook one’s personality for beauty. But he’d be daft to think a successful union could be achieved with a lack of attraction.

“She is no’ in need of our money,” Emmeline stated, smoothing the Sardinian blue coverlet over her legs. The blue matched the drapes decorating the two large windows that overlooked his beloved garden. He paused at the window and studied the beautiful and thriving display of flora and fauna he’d painstakingly planted and tended. They soothed him and brought him peace he could find in no other place. He was thankful the gardener had taken such care while he was away. “Then what is her reason? Whether ’tis our money she is after, or a title, I refuse to marry the lass.” The thought of spending the rest of his life with a woman forced to hide her revulsion held no appeal to him. The poor lass would not want to be saddled with him either.

“I havena even told ye who she is.”

His heart softened at the pleading he saw in his mother’s eyes.

“’Tis no matter. Mother, I dinna need ye planning my life for me. I’m perfectly capable of finding my own wife. Let the laws of attraction happen naturally.” “Ye havena yet done so. Ye have a duty to this family,

Nicholas.”

He couldn’t stop the laugh that erupted from his chest. “Mother, I love ye, but dinna speak to me of duty. I’ve spent the last two years doing my duty for my country. And three years before that to my family. Ever since father passed.”

Emmeline sputtered. “I wasna implying ye did no’ do those things.”

Nicholas held a hand up to stop his mother from continuing. “Lest I remind ye, I’m no’ the one holding back from marriage. The lasses that avoid me like I’ve some kind of plague are the ones stopping a union from happening.” He loosened his collar, finding the air suddenly cloying. Even the sun filtering into the room couldn’t lift the darkness threatening to overcome him.

“’Tis just that ye are twenty-six years old. Your best years will be behind ye before ye know it.”

“I’m well aware of my age, Mother, and I assure ye, I have plenty of life in me.” He pushed his hand through his hair. He’d like to say he couldn’t believe his mother had done such a thing, but as shocking as her revelation had been, he wasn’t the least bit surprised. When his mother thought something needed to be righted, no matter how insurmountable the odds, she always found a way.

The same way she’d made sure he became duke. Following in the footsteps of his much-respected father. Even though, if their truth became known, they’d lose everything.

She reached for the cup and saucer and took a small sip. Her face blanched. “’Tis tepid,” she grumbled and set the duo back onto the carved wooden nightstand with a rattling clink, giving away the unsteadiness of her hand.

“I’ll

get ye more tea.”

Emmeline waved her hand, dismissing the idea.

“I fear with all the excitement of your return, I’ve overexerted myself and am in need of rest.” A series of coughs overcame her. She snatched the handkerchief she’d tucked into her sleeve and covered her mouth as she winced in pain with each hack. Nicholas softened. “Have ye seen the doctor?”

“Och, I will be fine. He said ’tis just a wee ague. Dinna fash yourself over me.”

He sat on the edge of the bed and took Emmeline’s small hand in his. “I know ye mean well. I do. But let me handle my affairs.” He raised her hand and planted a kiss on her soft skin. “I’m going to call on the doctor. I think he needs to visit ye again.” His mother squeezed his fingers. “Ye need to agree to this union. Ye are a good son, Nicholas. Give the lass a chance.” Her eyelids fluttered shut and her features relaxed.

For a few moments he watched her, thankful to be home. Yet also wishing he weren’t. Nicholas was a man torn between duty and the life he wanted to live. He didn’t need a wife but wasn’t against the idea entirely. It would be nice to have someone to share his days with. But she had to agree to be his wife willingly. Not through some contrived plan his mother had whipped up while he was away. He understood his mother’s wish to see him marry. But why remove his choice? Why was she insisting on this lass in particular?

What did the lass hope to gain from agreeing to be his wife? Had his mother promised her something in return? There had to be a reason. Because with Emmeline Gordon, there was always a reason.

As his mother fell into a peaceful slumber, he was relieved she hadn’t succumbed to her illness while he was gone serving his country. Though other than the cough, she seemed strong. Mayhap she was in better health than she was putting forth. What game was his mother playing?

He stood and brought the coverlet up to her shoulders, careful not to disturb her. He gathered the tea and saucer and quietly left the room.

After making his way to the kitchen, he deposited the dishes with the scullery maid who smiled widely and dropped into a curtsy. “Welcome home, Your Grace.”

In the hallway that led to his study, a blur of color and outstretched arms ran toward him, jumping up at the last minute, apparently confident that Nicholas would catch her.

“Nicholas!” Althea shrieked, his youngest sister’s shrill voice ringing in his ears. “Ye’re back!” She looked into his eyes, a huge smile plastered on her face and squeezed him into a hug.

“I’ve missed ye, too,” he confessed as he hugged her back before setting her down on her stockinged feet. “Where are your shoes?”

Althea looked down at her once white stockings, now tinged brown from the dirt she no doubt was running shoeless in, and then back at him and shrugged.

“I’m quite certain Mother would have your hide if she knew ye were runnin’ aboot with your shoes off, muddying up your clothing.” Althea was such a source of joy and reminded him there was good in the world. And that they probably weren’t paying the laundress enough.

“She doesna come out of her room.”

“Well, if no’ mother than Clarissa.”

Althea shook her head. “She always has her nose stuck in a book.” His ten-year-old sister scrunched up her nose like reading was the worst pastime one could have.

Nicholas leaned forward and rested his hands on his thighs to bring himself eye level with her.

“No matter, ye should ken ’tis no’ proper to be runnin’ around in your stockings.” He straightened. “Where is everybody anyway?”

She cocked her head to the side and brought her hand up to tap her cheek, as if deep in thought.

“Clarissa is reading, of course. Ellis and Jarvis are out riding. Amos and I were playing hide and seek, but I ran inside when I saw ye were home.”

“Amos is still hiding?”

“Mmmm, probably,” she nodded, quite proud of herself for leaving her twin brother holed up in whatever spot he’d decided to hide in.

“And Miranda?” he asked of his middle sister, who’d begun to show a disconcerting interest in boys, according to the letters he’d received.

“I dinna ken. Did mama tell ye she found ye a wife?”

His happiness at seeing his youngest sister waned a bit at the mention of his current predicament. “Aye. What have ye heard?” If one wanted to know what was happening in the house, Althea was the one to ask. Her diminutive size made her the perfect eavesdropper. Althea crossed her arms in front of her in a huff.

“I dinna like her. And neither will ye.”

He raised his brow at the unusually negative tone of Althea’s matter-of-fact statement. “Is that so?”

“Aye.” Her red brows furrowed. “She’s quite mean.” “How so? Come, let’s go sit in my study and ye can tell me all aboot her.” He held out his hand and Althea grasped it, swinging his arm as they continued down the hall.

She’d grown so much since he’d left. Nicholas had forgotten how much he enjoyed these moments with his youngest sibling. He’d missed her while he was away. He’d missed them all.

In the study, she dropped his hand and jumped into one of the chairs facing the large mahogany desk that used to be his father’s, her legs kicking back and forth.

“Miss Northton is no’ nice. She’s always snapping at Amos and me and telling us to be quiet.”

Nicholas rolled his lips inward, trying to hide his smile at his sister’s revelation. He knew his siblings could be a handful, and if someone wasn’t used to a large family, the Gordons could be overwhelming. Something clicked in his mind. “Did ye say Northton?”

“Aye,” Althea answered, grasping the arms of the chair and rocking back and forth. If the chair were a swing, she’d be flying high.

The surname was familiar, but he couldn’t recall ever meeting the lass.

“She’s no’ a good match for ye. Ye deserve someone that will love ye, Nicholas.”

He smiled. “Those are big feelings for such a wee lass.”

“’Tis the truth. Mama needs to change her mind.” Her youthful innocence was charming, and he wished she’d never lose it. But he knew the world didn’t work that way.

“We’ll discuss it later when she has rested. Dinna fash.” A subject change was in order. “Who’s been watching all of ye whilst I’ve been gone?”

Althea straightened her legs out in front of her, rubbing her dirty, stockinged feet together, and grinned. “Ourselves!”

“Ye should have a governess if Mother canna care for ye.”

“She said Miss Northton will provide care once ye’re wed.”

Nicholas coughed. “Och, heaven’s nay. Ye naughty bunch need a governess. One that is trained in dealing with cretin like ye.” He laughed to lighten the mood.

“Now, go gather your siblings so we can all reunite. ’Tis been too long since I’ve been home and seen all of ye.”

Althea jumped up. “I’ll find them!” She dashed out of the study, no doubt to trek outside further staining her hose.

He couldn’t even be angry at the lass. Despite him being away and their mother falling ill, Althea seemed in high spirits. As long as they weren’t discussing his betrothed. His baby sister truly disliked their mother’s choice. So, he added find a governess to his list of responsibilities.

Nicholas left the study and headed outside to make his way to his beloved gardens. He’d spent so much time caring for each variety of flower that grew. Had brought in seeds from faraway places and nurtured them until they sprouted and bloomed. He was proud his gardens were home to several species of flowers that were rare to Scotland and not found in most places. The greenhouse he’d built ensured they could thrive in the harsh highland weather.

Nicholas tilted his chin up, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face. He felt free here, in his garden. Unlike within the walls of Huntly that seemed to close in on him the more he thought about what his mother had done.

Emmeline should have spent the energy she’d used in finding a governess for his siblings, not a wife for him.

To his left, a sliver of movement caught his eye. There, on the outer boundary, by the rows of orchids. For the briefest of moments, his gaze locked with a pair of unfamiliar green eyes. Instinctively, his hand rose to cover the scars on his face as he moved toward the feminine figure.

Dressed in a tattered gray gown, eyes round with fear, the lass dashed from the garden and ran into the trees, her blonde hair fluttering wildly behind her.

Nicholas broke into a run and followed in the direction she’d disappeared. Who was she?

Chest heaving, he scanned the woods, but didn’t see her.

He listened. No sound of heavy breathing. No rustling of movement. Just birds chirping and singing, and a daring squirrel, ignoring him to forage for hidden nuts.

“Hello?” he called out.

No answer. As if she’d disappeared into thin air.

He sighed. What was he doing?

He was certain the mere sight of him and his disfigured face had caused the lass to run. Chasing her into the woods would only frighten her more. Nicholas had yet to meet a lass that could overlook his scars. Why would this one be any different?

There was a reason the French referred to him as Monstre. His face was a monstrosity.

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Paula quinn

Paula Quinn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling multi-published author of Scottish historical, paranormal, fantasy, anf Christian romance. She is moved by music, beautiful words, and the sight of a really nice pen. She lives in New York with her three beautiful children and five over-protective chihuahuas. She loves to read romance and science fiction and has been writing since she was eleven. She’s a faithful believer in God and thanks Him daily for all the blessings in her life. She loves all things medieval, but it is her love for Scotland that pulls at her heartstrings.

Her current work has been nominated for numerous Rone awards. To date, four of her books have garnered Starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. She has been nominated as Historical Storyteller of the Year by RT Book Reviews, and all the books in her MacGregor and Children of the Mist series have received Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Her work has also been honored as Amazon’s Best of the Year in Romance, and in 2008 she won the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for Historical Romance. Her faerie series has been nominated for the 2017 Rone Award and has won the Sceal Award of Excellence from Books and Benches, as well as taking 2nd place for the 2016 Best Series award from the Paranormal Romance Guild. To date, two of her dragon-shifter romances have garnered Crowned Heart reviews from Ind’tale Magazine and Top Picks from Night Owl Reviews and The Romance Reviews.

creates conflict on a whole new level.

Welcome to Uncaged! Your latest book with Dragonblade Publishing is A Promise For All Time the first book in the For All Time series. Can you tell readers more about this book and the series?

Hello, thank you so much for having me! I would love to tell you a little about A Promise For All Time and the For All Time series.

This series is time-travel romance, one of my absolute favorite genres to write. I just love putting heroes or heroines in a time and place that’s completely new and unknown to them. The possibilities are endless and it

I began the series with A Promise For All Time because our hero, Josiah Ashmore, seventh son of a seventeenth century duke came to me while listening to a song. That happens to other authors, doesn’t it? You’re doing something and your next hero or heroine will grab your attention and aim your thoughts on them. It’s how we sometimes meet them. I don’t need therapy, right? Oh well, anyway, the lyricist sang of going back to the beginning of everything, to a time he loved and cherished. It was Josiah’s sorrowful hymn weighted by loss. That was how I first met him, a monster living in the dark, holding on to life by a thread. The song was wistful and urgent and Josiah came to life on

Uncaged welcomes Paula Quinn

the tips of my fingers on my keyboard.

Like everything, Josiah has a beginning—the beginning he longs for—the one he made me long to discover. So, that’s where A Promise For All Time starts-at the beginning.

Josiah was born the prophesied seventh son of the duke and duchess of Dorset. He entered the world with a curse upon him, brought on by his mother’s wicked deeds with her ruby dagger. So important was it for him not to live to one day wield his power against the world, that a few moments after his birth, the first assassin was sent to kill him and his mother. But the baby lived and grew up the youngest of seven boys with a father who loved and cherished him beyond compare. It seemed, everyone loved Josiah. And why not? He offers his dashing smile and good graces to the rich and to the poor alike. He wasn’t unhappy, but his smiles were well-practiced to convince everyone that he isn’t the monster they all secretly fear, keeping their children from becoming his friend, and their daughters from becoming his wife.

I saw the parts of his past he desperately missed. Laughter with his brothers, painting in his studio with the sun streaming through a window, and rescuing animals from the cook’s axe. Seeing his genuinely happy heart, I understood why he fought so hard to portray, and even become a young man of patience and compassion. I found him very sexy in an adorable, innocent way—and even I fell in love with him. Josiah enjoyed a good life, but his life was lonely. And honestly, that well-masked façade broke my heart more than anything else. He needed someone. Someone to love and to trust. Someone without any facades.

Mercy Blagden wore her terrible scars where others could plainly see and that was part of the reason she was a social-outcast. Orphaned at the age of three, she has been alone all her life in a self-imposed prison of insecurities. At first glance, Mercy didn’t seem as if she was the right girl for him. I mean, how would a girl who’d been laughed at, mocked, and ignored in the twentieth century react to being

sucked back in time and tossed into a filthy dungeon and forgotten for three days? But when these two met, I knew Mercy was the only one who could give him everything he ever wanted, and I knew Josiah was the happiness missing in Mercy’s life. He was the companion she spoke to when she was alone as a child. He was the kind word, the promise she trusted and believed without a doubt. The one whose smile and whose kiss filled all her empty spaces and made her whole. Who didn’t see her scars.

The more time Josiah spent with Mercy, the more hope filled his heart for a brighter future, and the more genuine his happiness became until he was convinced that now that he could breathe, he would suffocate without her.

But what will Mercy do when she begins to fall in love with him and learns she’s been sent there to kill him? It was roller coaster ride, believe me. I adored Josiah and Mercy together despite everything that brought me back to the monster I first met. But what brought him to the shadows? And could he ever find his way back to the light?

I told you a lot of A Promise For All Time. I’ll stop here so I don’t give anything else away.

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

Right now I’m working on book two A Kiss For All Time.

I’ll give you a quicker taste of what it’s about. When Captain Benjamin West, His Grace Duke of Colchester was eleven, his parents were killed by Jacobites. At thirteen, he was thrown out of his family’s estate, along with his sister. While they lived on the streets, he earned money by fighting. Even after being taken into the home of a kind earl, Ben got into trouble for fighting. At sixteen, he joined the Queen’s Army and killed for a living. When the queen died, he fought for the king. He was a soldier with rage and hatred toward those who killed his parents, and bare tolerance for everyone else. He was born to fight. He wasn’t born to love. The

thought of it is as preposterous to him as men traveling through the stars.

Until Fable Ramsey falls into his arms.

Ben had long since stopped being thankful and happy, and lived only for revenge. But this woman claiming to be from a lonely future was tempting him with fiery light, joy, and…peace. The peace wasn’t comforting. It was foreign and it made him uncomfortable and unsure. But the more he basked in her light and watched her smile, the more he wanted to smile with her.

But what will happen when Ben learns that everything he believed in his life was a lie—and time was the great

deceiver?

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

What is the easiest?

I always find the sexual scenes the most difficult to write. I’ve written hundreds of them and to be honest, sometimes it can get boring. I won’t write the scene if my characters aren’t ready. Everything has to be right, the stage must be set just so and the heroine and heroine have to feel the emotions of love and the sexual tension needed to make it good

and juicy. Pardon the pun.

The easiest to write is the dialog. I love have the h/h clash a little and verbally go at it. Some are better than others, but I always enjoy them all. I also enjoy writing battle scenes. Guts spewing, heads flying, I love it all.

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

Of course I read them. Especially when the book is first published. I always read them with the intention of using any constructive criticism to learn how I can make my next book better. I’ve been doing this long enough not to let a 1 star review get to me. Usually, when they’re that low, the reviews are on a more personal level. I don’t pay attention to those. Also, I don’t publish anything I’m not proud of. So, it’s ok if someone doesn’t like it.

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

Most of my books, especially my earlier works, are set in Scotland. A country I’d never been to until 2019. Scotland always came alive for me and in Laird of the Mist, Scotland was a secondary character. When I finally did visit, it was like seeing my imagination come to life! Only better. Yes, it the mountains with their many waterfalls, the sheepdotted hills, the quaint cottages…oh, it was so beautiful! I came home and wrote Heart of Ashes with everything still fresh in my mind.

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

I love notebooks and pens so, when I begin a new project, I do it in a notebook. I think I have like fifty notebooks now, lol. Yes, I hoard them. I also like to go through Pinterest and let my muse find my h/h faces. Sometimes I have an image in my head, but I’m a visual thinker so I need pictures. The only character I never had pictures of was Dante from The Unchained Heart. I had an image in my head

and no one ever really fit him. Most of the time, I’m not a plotter but I do write character analyses on the book I’m starting. I have to get to know them before I can write their stories. The better I know them, the better the book. I love discovering what kind of life they’ve led, how they feel about family. Were one or both of their parents alive? If they weren’t, it created dozens more paths to discover. Mainly, what events shaped them, and how they would succeed in my world- I have to become them while I write, observing everything through the hero’s and heroine’s eyes, imaging how certain happenings would affect a male or a woman character. I learn what’s their favorite and most hated smell, what were the sounds they hated and loved. Mundane things that are parts of their lives.

I loved meeting Josiah through music. For me, music is the strongest muse. I’ve met a number of characters in it. I knew this hero’s name before writing page one, and he never swayed. However Josiah felt about people, and the world, and his life changed when he met and fell in love with Mercy. I couldn’t have written some of my favorite scenes in A Promise For All Time, if I didn’t know them inside and out. So, while I don’t plot out the story in most instances, I do go into the tale with a cast alive and kicking. Notebooks are good for mapping them out.

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

I love reading the Bible, journaling, planning, and watching kdramas. I’m so hooked, it’s not even funny.

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

I don’t have a lot of time to read other books. I also don’t want whatever story I’m writing to be influenced by anything else. Still, there are a few authors I always try to read, and when I do, I prefer physical books. My daughters have kindles, and I think kindles are amazing. But I just love paper. The feel, the smell of it.

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

I’d like to say thank you to all who have supported me in the past, and who will in the future—it means more than I can express to cast your baby out there and have fans respond lovingly toward it. To the hundreds of you who took the time to write a great, honest review—your words keep authors going.

Stay Connected

pa0854.wixsite.com/paulaquinn

Enjoy an excerpt from A Promise for All Time

A Promise for All Time

Paula Quinn

Time Travel Romance

When social outcast Mercy Blagden accidentally cuts herself on an ancient ruby dagger, her blood mixes with the blood of a cursed seventeenth century English lord and casts her into his time, his castle, and his father’s dungeon. It’s one thing that the young man who takes pity on her and sets her free in his care has the kindest heart of any guy she’s ever known, sees beyond her scarred face, and claims her blood can heal him. It’s another when she begins to fall in love with him and learns she’s been sent there to kill him.

Josiah Ashmore, seventh son of the duke of

Dorset, turns every head and sets almost every heart to fluttering when he enters a room and sweeps his guileless, jaunty smile over all, rich and poor. He’s well loved by everyone who knows him, most especially by his father and six older brothers. But his smiles, even his joy, are well-practiced to convince others that he isn’t the devil they fear from some age-old prophecy. They love him but they keep their children from becoming his friends and their daughters from becoming his wife. For all he has, he lives a lonely life. But when he meets the mysterious woman who claims to be from another time–before he speaks to her or touches her–he knows he’s been waiting for her all his life. The more time he spends with her, the more hope fills his heart for a brighter future, and the more genuine his happiness becomes until he’s convinced that now that he can breathe, he will suffocate without her.

Mercy doesn’t care about some stupid prophecy. She’s been alone her whole life in a self-imposed prison waiting for him to set her free. With his smile and his kiss he fills all her empty spaces and makes her whole. Her life finally has a purpose. To love Josiah Ashmore and to be loved by him.

But can their love survive the cursed ruby dagger when it brings Josiah’s worst fears to the castle doors and then hurls Mercy back to the twenty-first century? And what will happen when, after four years, Mercy finally finds a way back to the man who holds her heart and discovers that he wants nothing more than to crush it in his fingers?

Will Mercy use the dagger to fulfill her destiny? Or will she create a new path paved with forgiveness like a hopeful light. A light that can shine in a lonely monster’s darkness.

Excerpt

Setting her down, he covered her with a blanket and sat on the floor for a bit to watch her while she dreamed.

“Mercy,” he said from deep in his chest, “I could love

you deeply, madly. But I’m afraid of what brought you here and that it has remained. And if it has, that I might find it.”

#

Mercy opened her eyes when Josiah began to snore. She’d woken up when he carried her to the bed, and she’d heard the things he said to her when he thought she was asleep. He suspected she had the ruby dagger. He knew she’d lied to him. How could she face him? But more importantly, she knew now what she had to do. He was afraid of finding it. She couldn’t let him. She had to bring it back to her time. Oh, she wanted to cry. She had to leave him. There was no other way. “Should I tell him the truth?” she asked herself in a quiet voice while he slept. She stared at him sitting in a chair, sleeping with his head on the bed, resting on his arms.

She was tempted to smile at his parted lips and how they puckered slightly when he blew out air. Poor guy was so afraid of becoming a monster, he could never let down his guard. I could love you deeply, madly. But…

Why? Why did there have to be a but?

She reached out her trembling fingers to move the strand of his hair off his cheek. As lightly as she could, she traced the strong angle of his chin and jaw. Then she did the same to her own scar. “He makes me forget it’s there.” It didn’t define her in his eyes–and she could never ever repay him for that. “Will he open his eyes one day and see the real me and run away?”

When she looked at him again, his eyes were open and he was gazing at her wearing a slight smile. She blushed to her roots but he said nothing as he rose and walked around the bed. When he reached the other side, he sat down and gave her a little push to move. When she scooted to the other side of the narrow bed, he laid down beside her.

“You’re tired,” she said. “I’ll go to my room.” She moved to sit up and swing her legs over the side, but

his fingers shackling her wrist stopped her.

“Don’t go.” He pulled her closer until they shared breath and closed his arms around her.

She could feel every part of his body against her, hard like armor, but warm flesh. His eyes shone in the candlelight like silver flashing through a stormy sky. He stared at her, holding her close with one hand and moving her hair away from her face with the other.

“Nothing can happen here, Josiah,” she told him softly as his lips came closer. “I don’t want to be a single mother in the future.”

He said nothing but pressed his lips to her scar. She thought if anyone else had ever done the like, she would have pushed him away, but now, she could do nothing but close her eyes to stop her tears from flowing freely. “You’ll always be beautiful to me, Mercy. I’ll never run away,” he promised. Before she began to cry at the poignancy of what he was doing, he leaned in slowly, keeping his eyes open until the last instant so that he could see her. And then his lips were there, covering hers, curious, cushiony like the lush pillows on his master bed or like clouds, kissing her, tasting her with delectable little strokes of his tongue. Every part of her reacted. Her head felt light, her blood went hot through her veins, her nipples tightened. She wanted to wrap her arms around his neck and hold on to him. She broke away and swiped a tear from her eye instead. This wasn’t real, and if it was, it wasn’t permanent. She had to keep the dagger away from him. The best place to keep it was 2023.

He didn’t back away for a few seconds but perused her with curious, concerned eyes.

He was still close enough to examine his lips while he spoke. She thought of how they felt pressed to hers. Luxuriously soft, moldable, hungry, curious… She closed her eyes to breathe, then heard

him chuckle and opened them again.

“What?” she asked. Was this where he told her that she was a fool? Did she want to hear him say it?

“You’re shy. It’s very sweet.” He let his gaze rove over her face. “Mercy?”

“Yes?” she answered hypnotized by him.

“Tell me why kissing me made you cry.”

She felt herself being pulled from his spell. She didn’t want to be separated from it. She touched her fingers to her mouth. “I never felt anything like it,” she whispered out, unable to stop herself. “I…I felt like I finally found where I fit.” She giggled a little at herself and the tears pooled above the rims of her lids fell to her cheeks, breaking the spell. She wiped her tears and sat up in bed. “I’m sorry. I’m not clingy, I promise.”

She wasn’t sure he was listening. He was just gazing at her as if she were the oasis he’d been praying for in the wilderness. When he sat up beside her, her heart accelerated and her mouth went dry. She licked her lips. She knew he was coming for her. She could see it in the lightning in his eyes, in the way his lips relaxed and parted slightly, revealing the white tips of his front teeth. The sight of him tempted her to give him whatever he wanted. He reached out for her hand and drew her to him. He leaned in and brushed his lips over hers, then fell back and pulled her with him. She broke their kiss to laugh and blush. He tugged her back and pressed his lips to hers. She let him kiss and tease her, swiping his tongue across hers in a playful dance that made her stop resisting and sink onto him. She exhilarated in the feel of his arms closing around her. She felt a few tears escape her and let them fall. She no longer cared. She felt as if she’d come home. All the searching, all the yearning, here was the answer, with Josiah Ashmore. He kissed her mouth with a series of short, slow,

irresistible kisses that made her head spin and her heart take flight. He took her face in his palms and opened his sultry eyes to look at her, scar and all. “You ravish my soul.”

Home. Home, where she belonged. Where she was herself, not a scar-faced orphan with a “personality disorder”.

She moved closer until their noses were touching. “You’re like a treasure box filled with all the laughter I’ve lost.”

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Uncaged Reviews

The Quest for Excalibur Fil Reid

Time Travel Romance

Twelve years ago, 21st-century librarian Gwen decided to remain in the Dark Ages with the man she loves above all else – a man around whom endless wellknown tales of legend and magic have been spun. King Arthur. Over the years, she’s carved a life for herself by her husband’s side, gently steering him in the direction she wants him to go, but always with an awareness that he’s a Dark Age king with a Dark Age view of the world.

Uncaged Review: The battle of Badon is the main focus in this book. The great battle of legend is coming upon them and seeing how history is playing out, the final battle will occur after, the one in which legend says Arthur will die and Gwen is afraid. It’s been 12 years that Gwen was transported into the Dark Ages and for a short moment, she’s thrown from her horse from a sabotaged saddle and goes back to her own time. Scared and afraid, she runs from the hospital and back to the tor where she originally was transported. She makes it back, but Merlin, Arthur and Gwen know that Morgana was behind it all. Merlin casts a spell of protection around Gwen, to be able to keep Morgana from seeing Gwen’s thoughts.

As the battle nears, Arthur has called on his brother Cadwy and Cerdic as allies to fight the Saxons, crucial to their success at Badon. The cost of the war is their son Amhar, who is feeling unloved by his father and is not resolved by the end of the book. We go into the final book in this series, with the nail-biting final battle looming. Will Gwen and Merlin be able to change history? Highly recommended series.

The Road to Avalon Fil Reid

Time Travel Romance

Twenty years have passed since Gwen fell back in time to become King Arthur’s Queen Guinevere. Eight years of comparative peace since the triumph at Badon. All seems quiet and, with Medraut long gone and possibly dead, the prospect of Camlann seems far away and perhaps just another part of the legend that’s not true.

Uncaged Review: The final installment in this series left me with many emotions, and it’s an ending befitting of the series. It’s been 20 years since Gwen first traveled back to medieval times, and in this book, everything will be answered. Here Morgana makes her last stand, and pits Arthur and Gwen against each other and their children. A murder, an innocent wrongly accused and a deadly enemy within their ranks. And Camlann is upon them, not as Gwen thought it would be, but a battle that may end Arthur. The Road to Avalon is not always an easy road, and not well marked.

This is a great series, and one I plan on buying the physical copies for my shelves, and I don’t say that often. This is a great retelling, and this book will tear at your heartstrings and have you glued to the pages. I’ll probably take a couple of days and let this series sink in before starting on another book, I read this series straight through, and I haven’t done that in a long time. Reviewed by Cyrene

Zworsky’s Children

Tom Connelly SciFi Suspense

Some got the gift; some didn’t. And then there were those who saw it as a threat.

The gift was an unexpected side effect of Dr. Zworsky’s now banned vaccine, which was created for a generation of children who developed antibiotic resistance. They were known as the Metachromes: humans who could fly.

Uncaged Review: A vaccine given to kids to help them fight off viruses when regular antibiotics weren’t working, starts to develop strange side effects as they hit puberty. It’s hit or miss with who gets the extra abilities like extra strength and flying, and can’t go in the sun – who are known as Metas. But a lot of people see them as a threat and put them all in a place called “The Zone,” in southern California. But a huge asteroid hits, and the Metas are released and people escape California, which is now an unsafe zone. A small community of scientists stay in a valley community not to far away, trying to find a cure for the Metas. But not all Metas want to be cured…

Alongside the Metas, there are the Creepers. These are Metas that were experimented on and have turned into true monsters. Not a lot of how the Creepers truly came about is divulged in this book. This book follows the Meta Darlene, and she tries to save a Terrie (a terrestrial person), Max and get him back to his people, as the leader of the Metas is planning to weaponize planes and take out communities.

A lot of action, danger and good character development. The author does a great job with the suspense and keeps tensions high. The bad characters are easy to hate and the good characters are easy to like. A very engrossing and original story.

Reviewed by Cyrene

A Tryst in Paris

Anne Armistead Time Travel Romance

When Mirabelle Montgomery visits the Luxembourg Carousel in Paris, a mysterious time shifter sweeps her into the Carousel’s time travel vortex and transports her to 1900 Paris. Her return will be allowed once she completes her mission to restore a man’s fate gone wrong. But whose?

Uncaged Review: Mirabelle is in Paris on a buying trip for antiquities while her mother awaits a heart transplant. She walks into an antique shop to pick up some coin purses for their business and is handed a special coin purse from the owner. Reading the note, it asks her to meet at the Luxembourg Carousel in Paris at noon the following day. Her curiosity overcomes her and she goes to the carousel, only to be whisked away into a time vortex that shifts her to 1900 Paris. Her message is to right a wrong in a man’s life to be able to return to her time period.

There was some really great history woven throughout the story that the author did a good job of weaving it so it was part of the story, like the bridge collapse that really happened. I liked the mystery and the suspense surrounding the task that she really has no idea what it is and the French that was also sprinkled into the story. This is not a true romance in the sense that normal romance books travel down. It seemed a bit too easy though when she was thrust into 1900, dressed in the period dress and also being able to understand French when she couldn’t before the time shift.

Other than those small grievances, this was a solid read in this genre and a nice bonus section in the back to tell you a bit more about that period of time and some of the people in the story.

Reviewed by Cyrene

Uncaged Reviews

Don’t Wanna Fall in Love

Lusetta Nelson

Contemporary Humorous Romance

Imagine having a childhood filled with love, joy, and warmth. Now, imagine what happens when that rug is swept right out from under you, causing you to crash painfully onto the floor and, even after you manage to get back up, your heart decides to stay - bloodied, broken, covered in cat hair and believing true love is the destroyer of lives. Don’t Wanna Fall in Love is, kind of, like that...but funnier.

Uncaged Review: Martha works as a nurse during the week, and most weekends she fronts a cover band. Been burned in love before, Martha keeps a tight lid on romance in her life, until Logan comes along. Logan does his best to woo Marha and gets in well with the band and her friends. The nursing home people where Martha works during the week are some of my favorite characters in the book.

This book was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed it for the most part. It had a bit of a slow start but did get funnier and the pace picked up as the story went along. I didn’t laugh out loud, but there were some nice memorable moments that had me smiling. A good romantic comedy for a weekend read.

Reviewed by Cyrene

Midnight Awakening

Lara Adrian Paranormal Romance

With a dagger in her hand and vengeance on her mind, Darkhaven beauty Elise Chase prowls Boston’s streets in search of retribution against the Rogue vampires who took from her everything she cherished. Using an extraordinary psychic gift, she tracks her prey, well aware that the power she possesses is destroying her. She must learn to harness this gift, and for that she can turn to only one man—the deadliest of the Breed warriors, Tegan.

Uncaged Review: In the third book in this series, Elise, a Breedmate from Darkhaven who lost her mate and son to the Rogues, has taken vengeance into her own hands by using her crippling psychic gift to hunt the Minions during the day. But it comes with a cost, debilitating pain from using her gift – she can hear the bad and the evil voices from people around her and using the gift to find the Minions is slowly killing her.

Tegan is a Gen One warrior in the Order, and cold, calculating and devoid of all emotion. Tegan lost his own Breedmate centuries ago and has never let another get close to him. He is a killing machine – one of the most dangerous in the Order. When he comes upon Elise being attacked as she was caught out too late, he saves her life and finds out her secret. Even as he walks away the next evening, after watching over her that night, he has a hard time forgetting her.

This is a wonderful second chance for both Tegan and Elise, both who’ve had losses and trauma, and both will discover that they can find love again. This is a great series and the others from previous books are back, and the overall arc for the series continues down a dark path. Highly recommend. Reviewed by Cyrene

Summer Warrior

Regan Walker Historical Fiction

Somerled’s parentage was noble, of the Kings of Dublin, the royal house of Argyll and the great Ard Ri, the High Kings of Ireland. But when the Norse invaded Argyll and the Isles, his family’s fortunes fell with those of his people. All hope seemed lost when he rose from the mists of Morvern to rally the Gaels, the Scots and the Irish.

Uncaged Review: (NOTE: This book has been reviewed by Uncaged before, but I wanted to include this review because a 2nd reviewer wanted to review this series)

While Somerled is on his galley ship, he would look across the Isle of Man and notice a beautiful woman riding a horse. When Somerled found out that the woman was Princess Ragnhild, he knew that he could never have her because he is a pirate, yet he still wanted her. Even though Somerled saved many people from horrible marauders that would rape, pillage and even kill their family or loved ones. Somerled ended up with many following him and even became an unofficial lord. When he finally meets Ragnhild, he can’t help falling for her even though her father has promised her to another, Lord Rognvald Kolsson. Somerled still plans to prove his worth and promises to build a home to the King. Somerled also must fight Rognvald, his henchman and a war in order to finally win Ragnhild’s love.

What a beautifully written Scottish historical tale! The story flows nicely with such lovely descriptive imagery and scenery that it is so easy to visualize. The characters are well-thoughtout and even the breathless action abound that it definitely left me on the edge of my seat in anticipation! The love story didn’t really seem believable though, because there were a lot of gaps between the protagonists. So, even if it was written as historical fiction as opposed to a love story, it still would work. Maybe if there was a bit more between them than it would seem plausible for the two leads, still the absence that makes the heart grow fonder really plays into this book more than constantly seeing each other. Somerled is an intuitively complex hero who, despite him being a privateer, was honorable, noble and loyal. Making him easy to like too. While Ragnhild might have been a princess, it was still relatable. Ms. Regan Walker just knows how to tell an exciting story that keeps you enthralled until the very end! I do look forward to the rest of the series and can’t wait to read more! Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst

Bound

by Honor Regan Walker Historical Fiction

In the waning years of the thirteenth century, two young noblemen form a bond that forever changes their destiny and that of Scotland’s. Their shared pledge of honor would endure for a lifetime to secure power in the Isles for Angus Og Macdonald and a crown for Robert Bruce.

Uncaged Review: (NOTE: This book has been reviewed by Uncaged before, but I wanted to include this review because a 2nd reviewer wanted to review this series) Sailor, Angus Mor Macdonald loved the sea almost as much as he loved his family. Angus had sailed with his father, whom he was also named after. Angus’s father was admired and respected, especially since he was Lord of the Isles. Angus knew, being the middle son, that the title of Lord would go to his eldest brother, Alexander, yet still Angus didn’t mind. As Angus went with his father he even met Robert Bruce, who he became great friends with. Lady Aine O’Cahan, loved her father even when he betrothed her to King Tirowen, Niall O’Neill. Aine even gives him a son, Brian. Unfortunately, Niall is killed by his cousin and Aine escapes back to her father’s castle, where she meets Angus. As Aine and Angus get to know one another, a deep, abiding, strong love develops between the two. Angus and Aine are finally wed even on the brink of war and attempting to hide Robert Bruce, whose destiny will end up not only changing both their lives but Scotland too.

This is the second book in The Clan Donald Saga and almost as wonderful as the first! The story was so smoothly told and even with the crazy twists and turns throughout, it was hard not to get caught up in it too. In the beginning, the story did take a while, but then again it made the setting more visually real. I really liked this book better, maybe because there was a bit more love than the first. Ms. Regan Walker just knows how to spin and tell a story that not only pulls you in from the get-go but isn’t shy on nail-biting adventure either! This is even more of a romance than the first, so the strong emotions between the well-written protagonists were easily felt. Angus was an amazing hero, while Aine, the beautiful feisty heroine, was Angus’s perfect counterpart! Still, the novel could work fantastically as historical fiction and even stand-alone without getting lost. I can’t wait to read more in the series and look forward to it too! Reviewed by

Roslynn Ernst

Uncaged Reviews

The Firebrand’s Succubus T.M. Smith

Paranormal Romance

The Beauty

The strikingly beautiful Zora, succubus executive assistant at the prestigious Ministry of Well Being on Scath, is being stalked by an obsessed admirer.

The Beast

When her worried boss calls for a Firebrand bodyguard, the scarred and fierce warrior, Darius, shows up for the job.

Uncaged Review: Aeternal Djinn Darius and Firebrand warrior is not only flawed because of a scar, but believed that no one could ever love him. Darius’ would appease his sexual appetite at blud dens. Darius true nature thrived on fear and at times the prostitutes willing to service him would show that terror. Succubus Zora worked in Alarik’s office. Zora might have been surrounded by handsome males yet no one sparked her interest. Zora wanted someone that she could love. Still, Zora is quite happy with her life despite there not being any affection. Unfortunately, Zora hides a secret. She is getting terrifying letters from a dangerous admirer that not only wants her but will harm anyone that she even has a relationship with, even if it isn’t intimate. When Zora finally tells Alarik, he calls the Firebrand warriors, including Darius, to protect Zora from harm. Zora and Darius can’t stand each other but also desire one another strongly. Of course, that desire could also end up killing them both too.

Another fun-filled, captivating paranormal romance by Ms. T.M. Smith! When I started reading this tale I didn’t realize that it was a novella, so I was just getting totally immersed in the book when it ended, and I really didn’t want the story to be done! So that was the only issue I really had with the book, that it was too short and a novella. So maybe it was my fault for not researching the book more. Sure, you could read the novella by itself because there is enough background to understand the book, but you might want to read the rest in the series just so you can understand the minor characters and their relationships. I wasn’t for sure what a djinn was in this world and how his magic worked. I still liked Darius. Okay, maybe the book cover had a lot to do with I pictured him and I just adored Zora too! I am just absolutely invested and loving all of these stories and can’t wait to read more! Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst

The Viscount’s Desire Marguerite Lewis Historical Romance

Two black sheep must work together to save an innocent girl. All the while they are being watched by a secret group of rogue vigilantes: The London Harriers.

Uncaged Review: This historical romance is much different than most I’ve read. Anna Thatcher works at a run-down inn in the slums of London, trying to redeem herself and her dark past. Taking in as many women prostitutes off the streets to help feed them and keep them safe, the inn struggles. Anna takes on mending work for money, so she can find her way out of London one day. Viscount Bayning is searching for his cousin, after she disappears from her home. Running into Anna, he asks for her help in finding his cousin. The two get off on the wrong foot, but Anna’s desire to help another woman to safety overrides her distrust of the Viscount. Together they slowly learn to trust each other.

The romance between Peter and Anna is very well done, Peter having his own prejudices against prostitutes and Anna showing him what a hypocrite he is. The Harriers are a group of people taking the law into their own hands and helping to rid the city of the filth, although you never truly know who they are.

There is plenty of danger and action, and you visit the slum parts of London, and the story keeps a good pace. There is multiple points of view going on, and it would sometimes throw me off, but overall this is a nicely done original historical. Reviewed by Cyrene

A Sour Note

Jill Piscitello Cozy Mystery

On the heels of a public, broken engagement, Maeve Cleary returns to her childhood home in Hampton Beach, NH. When a dead body turns up behind her mother’s music school, three old friends land on the suspect list. Licking her wounds soon takes a back seat to outrunning the paparazzi who spin into a frenzy, casting her in a cloud of suspicion.

Uncaged Review: This cozy mystery starts us out with Maive going back to her hometown after catching her high profile fiancé cheating on her. With no job, and no where to live, she goes back to live with her mom, who is a widow and owns a music store called The Music Box. She runs into an old flame, Finn, and her friends she’s known her whole life. It doesn’t take long before a body is found in a dumpster behind her mom’s shop, and two of Maive’s best friends are the prime suspects. Not wanting to see her friends taking a rap for something she knows they didn’t do, and to keep from more publicity from hurting her mom’s shop, Maive starts to snoop around to find out how it happened, much to the local detective’s annoyance. As Maive digs, more suspects keeping popping up and more motives for the very unliked person that was murdered.

This is a fun mystery, the cast of characters are easy to like, and the mystery takes some dangerous turns, but Maive isn’t backing down even when she herself becomes a target for her snooping. The pace is great, and I never really guessed in this one, there were too many ways it could go. A fun afternoon read and I hope the author continues with the characters and the town in future books. Reviewed by Cyrene

Meringue Snowflake Magic

Tena Stetler Magic Fantasy Romance

After being in the wrong place at the wrong time Wynter Dahl finds herself with a new name and new home. Whisked into the Witness Protection program she finds herself in the Podunk town of Raven’s Hollow, Colorado. She has more than one secret to keep and is not sure who she can trust, though the deputy sheriff is hard to resist.

Uncaged Review: This is fun short read that introduces the reader to these characters in Raven’s Hollow, a town with a secret, a town full of magical beings. Wynter is sent there under the witness protection program, and has no idea what kind of town she’s been sent to. Having to give up all her family and friends, she’s sent off, as is several of her family members and her best friend to different locations. She’s befriended almost on the first day, by Blaze, the owner of the local pizza place and a deputy sheriff. Blaze has his own secrets, but so does Wynter.

But when her cover is blown, the whole town will come to her aid to protect her and her family.

This is a nice short story that can easily be read in one sitting, and the characters and the town are as fun as they sound. Within the danger of the situation, there is the town’s annual Snowflake Festival and the coveted cookie contest. I enjoyed the town and the characters and my only disgruntlement is that the story was over too soon.

Reviewed by Cyrene

Uncaged Reviews

Raven’s Hollow Spring

Magic

Tena Stetler

Magic Fantasy Romance

Spring is in full bloom in Raven’s Hollow, a small town in the Colorado Rockies with a population of unique townspeople. Blaze, a dragon shifter, and Wynter, a witch, are neck-deep in wedding preparations, when Wynter’s mother, Jade, goes missing after opening her new antique store, and attending the Simon estate sale where she procured an ancient jelly bean machine.

Uncaged Review: This book takes off soon after the Meringue Snowflake Magic, with Wynter in full wedding planning mode, and Syndi getting closer to Cory – who works for Blaze at the pizza place. When Wynter’s mother Jade, finds an old jellybean machine at an estate sale, everyone finds out very quickly that the jellybean machine isn’t just a jellybean machine as it whisks Jade away in a vortex. With hopes of retrieving her, Blaze sets the machine in motion and disappears also. Wynter is stressing out, now both Jade and Blaze are gone, and the wedding is in 2 weeks. Meanwhile, Syndi finally finds out the magical secret to Cory, but will she be able to handle it?

You could reasonably read this as a standalone, but reading the Meringue Snowflake Magic book will get you in the loop how it all began in this supernatural town before starting this one. This is another shorter read, easily read in one day and the characters are all back along a few new ones in this follow-up. The pace is quick and there isn’t much waste in this story. Humor, romance and more pizza – all served up nicely, and let’s not forget the wonderful Cocoa. Reviewed by Cyrene

Bretagne: A Forbidden Affair

Diane Scott Lewis

20th Century Historical

Norah Cooper flees England to hide with her cousin in Brittany just before Germany’s 1940 invasion of France. After her illegitimate baby is stillborn, she’s trapped under the Occupation as war expands across Europe. Norah grieves and consoles herself by sketching wildlife. When she’s caught too near the coast, she comes under scrutiny of the German commandant, Major August von Gottlieb.

Uncaged Review: . Norah hides in France from her home in England with her cousin, but before she can leave, Germany invades France and she is stranded. With food and necessities getting very hard to come by, she feels like she’s become an awful burden for her cousin and her family. All Nora ever wanted to do, is to be an artist, and she wanders to the coast to draw the different birds that flock to the shores. Unfortunately, she is caught by the German Major, and is questioned. But she is free to leave by promising to stay away from the coast – to keep her from seeing what the Germans are doing. But she’s caught the attention of the Major, who is secretly not a fan of Hitler. With the offer of money to paint his portrait, Nora agrees to do it to find out information from him and to gain the money for the family. But they find the attraction to each other hard to ignore.

This book is written about a forbidden love between two “enemies” and the author gives us a realistic view with descriptions that have the reader feeling the danger of war and invasion and tempers it down with a tale of love. A captivating tale of love in the midst of the dangers of war and falling in love with one that could bring the end of everything Nora knows and loves. Reviewed by Cyrene

Steinar Mary Morgan

Medieval Fantasy Romance

Descended from the mighty Somerled, Lord of the Isles, Steinar MacDougall’s supremacy over the seas is fierce. On a quest for King William, he is captured by the enemy and presented with a favorable opportunity. Yet Steinar soon realizes his greatest threat comes from the woman who hides behind the mask of a warrior, and the quest for control might send them hurdling into the abyss of the sea.

Uncaged Review: This author has a way of weaving a tale that will keep a reader glued to the pages, and the Wolves of Clan Sutherland are masterpieces. Each book will have you falling in love with the wolves all over again and all you can hope for is that the author keeps writing about them. This story is all about Steinar – the aloof sea pirate wolf, and Inga the Ruthless, who commands the Serpents. Steinar is saved by Inga and her ship, and they strike a bargain, if Steinar can get her through the deadly seas to a treasure, he will be set free. But Steinar never counted on his wolf and his heart getting involved but Inga holds many secrets of her own.

One of the most emotional times for me in this series, is when the wolves come to aid one of their brothers, and when Magmar, Rorik and Gunnar show up, I may have needed a tissue. In this series, the wolf and man share a soul, but are distinctly different. I don’t think in all the fantasy I’ve read, that I’ve enjoyed a shifter book as much. This book has romance, danger, action and mystery and if you haven’t read anything from this author, you are truly missing out. My note to the author: write faster. Reviewed by Cyrene

Catawba Falls

W.F. Ranew

Hard-Boiled

Mystery

Does a killer roam the Western North Carolina mountains?

Red Farlow travels to Camp Ridgemont for Boys for a reunion with his summer camp friends. On arrival, he discovers two camp counselors have been found in the woods, hacked to death. Red’s investigation soon widens with more mysterious deaths, one of them a close friend.

Uncaged Review: This book started out a bit slow, and it threw me in a couple places throughout. First we are slapped right into a gruesome murder of some camp counselors that our main protagonist Red, finds during a trip into a summer camp for a reunion with some friends. Then the book backtracks a bit without a segway into his events leading up to the search. But this is a good mystery, but there are a lot of murders to this tale, and Red will have to trek through the forest to hunt down the suspect.

I had not read any of the previous books, but does well as a standalone. I would have liked to know more about Red and his background before going into this one, and I’m sure that’s probably in previous books, but it’s not necessary to read those first. The author does a great job describing the detail of the surrounding area and this book does a good job keeping the reader in suspense the whole way through. Reviewed by Cyrene

Uncaged Reviews

Lord Ashley’s Beautiful

Alibi

Cerise DeLand

Historical Regency

He pretended he was her lover. She became his alibi…and his only love.

Augustine Bolton lives amid the social whirl and treachery of the stylish court of Josephine and Napoleon Bonaparte. When Gus’s dearest friend, Amber, disappears, Gus must find her before the deputy chief of police finds Amber and carts her off to his bed—or to la Force.

Uncaged Review: Kane is an agent who is sent out to France to find a missing person in a link to the spy network or to build a new network, the missing person also happens to be Augustine Bolton’s friend. Kane meets Augustine again – another fellow spy in the missing person’s network, and they end up posing as an engaged couple. But of course that will lead to more…

This book has a good mystery, danger and romance, everything a good historical should have. The characters are well flushed out and this is a good original story and a great start to this series. This is engaging and entertaining read that doesn’t slow down and will keep the reader turning the pages. Reviewed by Cyrene

Dance Me a Dark-Haired Beauty

Tessa McFionn

Fantasy Romance

Two fae walk into a bar…and that’s just when the trouble begins.

Welcome to the Big Easy, where the good times roll…and where the real and surreal collide. For more than two centuries, rare human/fae hybrid Camille Delacroix has remained safe

Uncaged Review: A very original story of a girl who is half skin dancer and half human. She can change her whole appearance and hold it, not like an illusion the fae use. Two different fae come searching for Camille, because unknown to her, the fae world knows about her and have for some time. This time they need her help to find a cure for a terrible disease that is killing the fae. Two fae are sent to help her, Rhys is a Knight and guardian, with the ability to heal. He is also the bumbling one in the human world, but very likable. Zacarias is the Grand Enforcer for the High Court and Queen, and he’s as formal and stiff as he is beautiful. To get them out of her life, she decides to help them, but when it’s over, will she want them out of her life?

Great storytelling and the part of this book that really sewed it up for me was the last quarter of the book. The book jumps into high gear and it’s impossible to put down after the 75% mark. This started a tad slow for me and it took me a bit to get used to Cam’s speech with all the New Orleans drawl, but this is a solid start to a new series. My only question is, when is book two? Reviewed by Cyrene

The Raven Awards

Voting begins in May 2024

Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

Flashes of Insight Michael Forester Mind-Body-Spirit

In a sound-bite world of tweets and snaps, where do we turn to find depth? Here are fifty-two gateways to mindfulness that will each take you about five minutes to read.

Amy’s Review: Michael Forester writes a remarkable and poetic view into mindfulness

Flashes of Insight: Five Minute Gateways to Mindfulness is a very intriguing book. I have read several books by Michael Forester, many of them poetic. This book is not just about how to have mindfulness and self-discovery, but about the life and insight of the author. This book captures the reader’s attention in chapter one. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. This is a book that deserves to be read, and to be shared with others. If you’re on a path of self-discovery or journey into living each day to its fullest. There were some chapters that caught my eye more than others, one was clutching the butterfly, and the second was War Zone. Michael Forester writes with emotion, experiences, and passion. I related to War Zone, as an author and a person. I understand the angst and worry about sharing work with others, something you put so much passion in. It is a life worth living, when you know your purpose and have a grand insight into your own life, and how other lives affect you, and how your life affects them.

Pirate Trap Matt Cost Mystery

Did Black Sam bury pirate treasure in Port Essex 300 years ago?

After finding an incredibly lucrative Spanish treasure in the Keys of Florida, Black Sam Bellamy decided to leave the pirate life and return to his true love in New England. Before being shipwrecked on the way to retrieve her, he hid his booty with the Chbo So Clan in Port Essex.

Amy’s Review: Matt Cost writes a dramatic and mystery tale with Pirate Trap

In Pirate Trap, the reader once again is brought into the lives of Clay and his partner, Baylee. It is a story worth waiting for, especially when venturing the private chemistry between Clay and Baylee. Pirate Trap is part of the Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery Book series, and this is volume five. I am a big fan of Matt Cost and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. I recommend reading all the books in this series, and then read this one. I also recommend looking into other of Matt Cost’s books, because this is a writer you don’t want to miss, and his ability to write various genres, without the stereotypical plot of detectives or mystery. Clay is an unforgettable character, and one of my favorite detectives, and I can’t forget Baylee, a tenacious and formidable character, a complement to Clay’s edginess. Pirate Trap is action-packed all the way to the end, as this story brings the reader along for the interesting journey of treasure hunting and hidden pirate treasure. Clay is still reeling over a loss when he is hired to find a treasure, rumored to be buried in Port Essex. He and Baylee, along with the rest of his crew, have to go up against a lot of unscrupulous and dangerous people, without getting killed, and to find the truth behind the pirate’s hidden treasure, if it exists, and what does it actually contain. Definitely a very unpredictable story, my favorite kind!

The Great Mongolian Bowling League of the United States of America

Ed Borowsky

Audiobook/Comedy/literary fiction

Harold Kushner and his roommate of thirty years, Murray Schwartz, are average senior citizens facing down their mortality in a trailer park in Land O’ Lakes, Florida.

Amy’s Review: Ed Borowsky tells a grandly compelling story in The Great Mongolian Bowling League of the United States of America

In The Great Mongolian Bowling League of the United States of America, the reader is introduced to retirees, Harold and Murray. I did read the print version of the story, and enjoyed it, but did like this audiobook. I have the book five stars, but I give the audiobook, four stars. In some ways, the narration didn’t feel like it fit the characters of Harold and Murray, but he did a good job of telling Harold’s story. I think it is just because I pictured the characters a certain way with the way they talked, and how they interacted with each other. This narration really brought this story to life. I really enjoyed this story. Ok, first, I really enjoy Harold’s character, and his relationship with Murray. That was really what sent me reading, and now, with this audiobook listening. I loved learning about both Harold and Murray, and it did make me think of the old television show, “The Odd Couple,” (and I’m probably dating myself, but I don’t care). It was amusing, and yet, familiar, especially with the aches and pains of getting older, even if you want to feel like you’re twenty, you just can’t, no matter what. And yes, even women get hair where they don’t want it. This author brings the story to life. I listen to a lot of stories, and I love the different storytelling styles and abilities. This author has a unique writing style all his own, and indeed can show the stories. I know part of this author’s background, and he has many different genres of stories, and has a majestic talent with the pen and how that transfers to the audiobook version, and his passion shows in his work. This author is a great storyteller. I love how The Great Mongolian Bowling League of the United States of America was born, and how anything can happen just because it does.

Murder Under Redwood Moon

Sherri L. Dodd

Paranormal Mystery/ Thriller

At the age of eight, Arista Kelly was frantically swept up by her parents and whisked off to an isolated town in the California redwoods. Two days later, her parents were gone.

Amy’s Review: Y Sherri L. Dodd writes a thrilling supernatural, mysterious tale with Murder Under Redwood Moon

In Murder Under Redwood Moon, the reader is introduced to Arista, a young woman who lived with her great aunt, and has a taste for herbs and crystals. She also has a power that she has yet to unleash. I haven’t read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Arista lost her parents after they moved her to the Santa Cruz Mountains and then disappeared. She takes her sanctuary in her small cabin in the mountains. This plot has many layers and the characters are just as deep, and have a sense of growth throughout the story. It’s part growth and the other part is Arista’s self-discovery. I love the mix of the genres, and it seemed to have come very easy for this author, to share the story in her head and put it on paper. Every nuance makes sense, and it makes you believe that there is something beyond what we see. A magnificent story that blends beliefs in nature, supernatural, and that mysterious thrilling what’s-going-tohappen-next? This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn’t put it down. A reader can get lost in the story.

Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

By The Ocean

William Becker Horror/Thriller

Sam Marshalls is dying. After discovering he has terminal lung cancer, Sam is faced with the reality that he has to let go of everything he cares about. By The Ocean is a man’s journey on his own terms not into the unyielding tides of death, but the powerful waves of a life full of regrets.

Amy’s Review: William Becker writes a dramatic horror-fying tale with By The Ocean

In By The Ocean, the reader is introduced to Sam, a man you has terminal cancer, lung cancer. I haven’t read anything from this author in a while, but I was so glad to be able to read more of his work. By the Ocean has a mix of genres, and Sam has many different sides to him. It’s about more than just a man dying, but his journey through his life, past and present, as well as future. He is suffering from the regrets in his life, which seem to be overwhelming him, while also wanting to die on his own terms. William Becker not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. By The Ocean is one you’ll want to read again, and again. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Some of the pages, you end up reading slower than others, so not to miss anything. It’s filled with emotions, both love and hate, as well as pain, not just pain from the disease, but heartache.

The author’s technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. The characters are so real, it’s like being with them within the story. Very impressive story telling.

Off the Air

Christina Estes Mystery

Jolene Garcia is a local TV reporter in Phoenix, Arizona, splitting her time between covering general assignments— anything from a monsoon storm to a newborn giraffe at the zoo—and special projects. Stories that take more time to research and produce. Stories that Jolene wants to tell.

Amy’s Review: Christina Estes writes a grand mysterious tale with Off the Air

In Off the Air, the reader is introduced to Jolene, a local reporter that is always looking for the interesting story to tell, what takes time to research, and find all the answers before reporting it. I haven’t read anything by his author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. Jolene is very tenacious, and when a talk show host is murdered, Jolene is on the case. She is determined to find out whodunnit in order to report it, so she can have the option to reporting the stories she wants to report. The story and investigation, but her in the middle of the case, as she has had a small connection to the deceased. It’s A grand suspenseful story. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! I have fast become a big fan of Christina Estes. The story is well-written, and paints a great portrait of the victim, and Jolene. The characters have a lot of depth, and the story has many different layers, keeping the reader engaged.

Concerning Fanaticism in the Human Race

Massimo Fantini Literary/family

Elijah is a promising young lawyer, in love with his work and confident in the potential of the human race.

Amy’s Review: Massimo Fantini writes an interesting look into the human condition with Concerning Fanaticism The Human Race

A note on this book, is that it was translated from Italian to English. Also, fanaticism is a term used for fanatics, usually that relate to those who distort a view of religious or political beliefs. I find it is important to know what you are reading about before you read it. I haven’t read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. Concerning Fanaticism The Human Race: A debate on the human condition is part of the Human Condition Trilogy, and this is volume one. This book is a fictionalized version of a character who is looking into a person that fits the institutional version of fanaticism. The reader is introduced to Elijah, a lawyer that has to follow a case of a man named Leonard. His interest becomes more intense as he goes through Leonard’s case and actions. He believes a ruling by the Supreme Court is hiding something. Elijah dives more into the case, and has more questions than answers about the human condition, especially when it relates to becoming a fanatic. This story is has a well-written plot. It is an interesting story and the first one of its kind that I have read.

Betrayed

Judy Snider and Gil Snider

Thriller

On a routine mammogram one year after a simple breast biopsy, a mysterious piece of metal is found embedded in writer Amy Lambert’s breast. Amy becomes consumed by a desperate search to determine how and why this bizarre thing got there.

Amy’s Review: Judy Snider and Gil Snider write a tremendously thrilling tale with Betrayed

In Betrayed, the reader is introduced to Amy, and I love this story, and not just because the main character and I share a name. So, anyway, Amy Lambert is a writer, who had a breast biopsy about a year ago, and nothing seemed to come of it, until a piece of metal is found in her breast, where the biopsy was taken. I am a huge, huge fan of both Judy Snider and Gil Snider, respectively, as individual authors, but I really love it when they write one together. They have this way of showing a story that brings their brilliant and imaginative brains together. Betrayed is just another one of those great stories that they put together. It’s very thrilling, and yet, kind of disturbing as Amy is determined to find out who did this to her, and deal with the thought of being violated, and having to live with that. A stalker is threatening her life, and livelihood. This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn’t put it down. It’s a gripping and incredible storyline, and sometimes you have to read really slow, and to pull in every word, and then, sometimes, you have to stop just to take a breath!

Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

Whispers of Tribulations The Present and The Destiny Zola Blue Fantasy/SciFi

In a galaxy where telepathic bonds and ancient dreams shape destinies, the Mejuar and their diverse allies embark on a thrilling journey that intertwines their fates across worlds.

Amy’s Review: Zola Blue writes a fantastical science fiction tale with Whispers of Tribulations

The Present and The Destiny

In Whispers of Tribulations The Present and The Destiny, the reader is introduced to the Mejuarians. Whispers of Tribulations The Present and The Destiny is part of The Mejuarian Series, and this is volume four. I am a big fan of Zola Blue and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. She magnificently built the world of Mejur, which is located on the planet Ecrutis. There is also the planet Earth, and there is a connection between the Mejur, and humans. It’s another grandly written story, featuring the Mejuarians. There is always something interesting happening, and in this story, King Teloby must protect and lead his people away from their own village, because of the meteor that could destroy the village and maybe the planet. The connections between various beings, including humans, they are looking to survive, and then there are more dangers than just the meteor. This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn’t put it down. Zola Blue not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. This story is amazingly unpredictable. It is no surprise that this story is filled with action, depth, and layers of characters and plotlines. If you love a good science fiction book with the mix of fantasy, and great world building, this book should be next on your list.

Her Alien Warrior Sky Robert Sci-Fi Romance

An alien warrior’s fated mate may unlock a rut that could just as well kill him as save him.

Both broken from their past, meeting each other could be their second chance at a love worth fighting for.

Amy’s Review: Sky Robert writes a science fiction alien romantic tale

with Her Alien Warrior

In Her Alien Warrior the reader is introduced to Renee, someone who has joined a human exchange program. She is a mother of adult daughters, and is looking for something to do to enhance her life, and joins this study as part of the program. The study is on alien and human attractions. I read the first book in the series, and it was very interesting and intriguing, so I definitely wanted to read this one as well. The stories are standalone, but I think of the two. This is my favorite. By reading the first one, I knew what to expect with the connections between aliens and humans, but I also like the thought of this type of romance. It’s not a new concept for anyone who has watched or read sci-fi, but it brings a whole new meaning to interspecies love. Her Alien Warrior is part of the Necia Alien Warriors series, and this is volume two. I have become a fan of Sky Robert and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Sky Robert not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! The characters have depth, and many layers that make up their own characteristics, and connection between them.

Green Canvas Andrew Nance Mystery

A year has passed since Lise Norwood survived a violent encounter with a serial killer. Thanks to the publicity from that case, her private investigation firm is thriving.

Lise attends the grand opening of a museum’s new art exhibition, where she is lauded for locating a long-lost masterpiece.

Amy’s Review:

In Green Canvas, the reader is introduced to private investigator, Lise. She is still reeling from her attack with a vicious serial killer, but it seems that has put the name of her PI business out there, more prevalent because of the case. I haven’t read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. Green Canvas is part of A Lise Norwood Mystery series, and this is volume two. I haven’t read Red Canvas yet, the first book in the series, but I plan on reading it. Lise finds herself in the middle of the murder of a homeless boy. She has to not only discover who he really is, but who is doing unspeakable things, all in the range from kidnapping to murder. Andrew Nance has a great imagination. Lise is determined and tenacious and determined to get the job done no matter what. Andrew Nance not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. Green Canvas is a definite attention grabber, so much i couldn’t put it down. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. I have fast become a big fan of Andrew Nance. Magnetically charged with strong characters. Lise is an unforgettable character.

Better Dirty Than Done Rick

Czaplewski

Biography/Memoir

Inspiring. Emotional. Profound.

A Cancer Diagnosis and a Relapse … Grim Medical Results … The Expiring Clock … The Unquenchable Thirst to Live and Thrive … Get ready to be motivated! This inspirational book of self-discovery will take you on a sensory adventure unlike any book in its genre.

Amy’s Review: Rick Czaplewski writes an intriguing memoir about facing an untimely death in

Better Dirty Than Done, An Inspirational True Story

Better Dirty Than Done is a very inspirational and emotional book. This is the first I have read from this author. The author shares his experiences with facing Cancer and its grips on a life that still has a lot more to live. With Cancer, there is a hope for remission, relapses that happen unexpectedly, and the attempt to deal with what treatment does to your body, when it is more about wondering if the treatment is worse than the cancer itself. I applaud the author for sharing this information. Taking life and holding on tight, and having to live for the moment, every single moment. This story, this life is inspirational, and it is also a noholds-barred, in your face, showing you how someone has decided to live with death lingering over his head, knowing that it could end at any moment. Yes, we all die, and we all hope to live full lives, but it does not always end up that way, no matter who we are, how well or bad we live. I love how it is inspiring, and true. It also becomes thought provoking about your own mortality, and what you have gone through. I always hope that when I go to sleep, I will wake up the next day, and when I do, I am grateful. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. Un-put-downable!

Andrew Nance writes a PI mystery tale with Green Canvas

Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

Desolation and Epiphany

James W. A. Poetry

In his sophomore title and first pure poetry collection, James W. A. explores the duality found in the journey of one’s soul. Drawing from his own history, observations, and imagination, he conjures the misery of younger days, the peace of more mature ones, and the meanings of life and love in both.

Amy’s Review: Dark and Light, and impenetrable desire

This collection of poetry in Desolation and Epiphany by James W. A. is a remarkable work of words. The words almost stream across the pages with emotions of darkness, and a desire for something better. I enjoyed reading this collection, and entering the mind of this prolific poet. Such a wonderful read. Every word is worth the read, and every entry is worth, taking a step back and thinking about it. The poet describes himself as feeling broken, as it is the only way he can describe how he feels. Sometimes we don’t know how we feel, but we try to put words to it. And he says I hate myself for being broken, which speaks to the perception of the poet of himself. He also says that the opposite of love isn’t hate, it’s survival. I enjoyed reading this collection, and also rereading some of the entries. What a remarkable way to express yourself. I look forward to reading more by this poet.

Kordan the Wizard David Nos Children’s Fantasy

When a deadly attack of giants threatens two neighboring kingdoms, a wise young king turns the violence upside down and forges a new peace between two powerful empires. But the future holds no safeguards against this brokered peace, as the last dragon on Earth forges a dangerous alliance with the Giant King, Ningthus, seeking to conquer the realms and slay the king who slayed his brother..

Amy’s Review: David Nos writes a musical and wizardry tale with Kordan the Wizard

In Kordan the Wizard, the author has not only created a grand world surrounding Kordan, but has created a novel slash musical, where the author has written the music and songs within the story. The reader is introduced to Kordon, and the grand world of dragons, giants and wizards. Did I say dragons, yes, I did. Through the plot, the world built for Kordon and the mystical creatures, and of course, the songs within the story, it comes to life. I haven’t read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. David Nos allows the reader to enter his mind with music and story, something that normally we could normally see on stage or screen, but this was one of the most unique stories I ever read. It is a very intriguing story, that pits two kingdoms against the giants that threaten to destroy them. This story is amazing! Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. Electrifying and entertaining. Warning, you will find yourself singing along. I have fast become a big fan of David Nos. Who could ask for more when it’s filled with magical/ fantastical creatures and other interesting beings?

Echoes of Ballard House

E. Denise Billups

Paranormal Suspense

Hidden secrets. Unearthed truths. Simone Doucet returns to uncover the sinister truth behind a series of murders within an opulent mansion in the heart of New Orleans’ Garden District.

Amy’s Review: E. Denise Billups writes another suspenseful paranormal tale with Echoes of Ballard House

In Echoes of Ballard House, the reader is introduced to another magnificent gem in the Simone Doucet series. I recommend reading the first two that come before this one. Even though they are standalone, the reader will get a feel for the s setting, the characters, and the magnetic writing style of the author. Echoes of Ballard House is part of the Simone Doucet Series, and this is volume three. I am a big fan of E. Denise Billups and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Simone, who lives in New York, finds herself in New Orleans, to house sit. Who wouldn’t want to vacation in a grand Victorian home in the Garden District. But of course, there is something sinister lingering, and she is pulled into a new investigation. Simone is no stranger to spirits and evil beyond the grave, but still, it can be unsettling when things start happening, and murders are linked to a mansion. The Ballard House has the echoes of hate and greed, and its ghostly secrets are one Simone is trying to discover before something else happens. Simone is determined and tenacious, and determined to get the job done no matter what. This story is absolutely chilling, with death around every corner. Echoes of Ballard House is both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end.

The Other Murder

Kevin G. Chapman Suspense

Sometimes, the most dangerous thing . . . is the truth.

For disgraced cable news producer Hannah Hawthorne, covering the shooting of a pretty NYU sophomore is a chance for redemption

Amy’s Review: Kevin G. Chapman writes a suspenseful tale with The Other Murder.

In The Other Murder the reader is introduced to Hannah and Paulo, two different persons who are both reporters, one trying to restore her career and the other, writes for a small online paper. I am a mega fan of Kevin G. Chapman and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. The two are from two different worlds, but two murders may be related and that’s how the two get connected to each other. It’s a remarkable story and Chapman can really pen a greatly, detailed story bringing it to life. A definite attention grabber, so much I couldn’t put it down. Absolutely chilling, and you never know when another victim may drop! It’s a gripping and harrowing storyline! It’s a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. The book has a mix of eclectic characters, and the chemistry between Hannah and Paulo is something that is shown, and not forced. They both want the same thing in life, and they grow based on their background, and what the future may hold for both of them. Some of the pages, you end up reading slower than others, so not to miss anything. Sometimes you have to put the book down, just to take a breath. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. And a special shout out to Peter from Bespoke book covers..