The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
Most of my days were spent working in the mornings and heading outside after lunch to watch the grandchildren ride their bikes up and down the street. It was hot and sticky, but I loathe winter so no complaints here. We visited a couple parks and had a picnic. By Friday I was in my pajamas by 7pm and fighting dozing off..lol Saturday I worked on reviews, newsletters and the challenges before going out to dinner with my husband. Today it’s yard work and laundry. In between all that I got some reading and listening in. Stay Caffeinated.
Last Week on the Blog
The Snow Girl By Javier Castillo (audio review)
Book Tour: The Lady And The Earl By Ruth A. Casie (spotlight / giveaway }
Murder At Queen’s Landing By Andrea Penrose (audio review)
Bewicched By Seana Kelly (audio review)
Ashes Of Honor By Seanan McGuire (audio review)
This Week on the Blog
Audiobook Tour: Discovery Of The Five Senses By K. N. Smith (spotlight / giveaway}
Demons Of Good And Evil By Kim Harrison (book review)
Rogue Darkness By Dianne Duvall (audio review)
Love, Theoretically By Ali Hazelwood (book review)
The Sweetheart List By Jill Shalvis (book review)
A Fatal Illusion By Anna Lee Huber (guest post/book review)
New Arrivals at the Caffeinated Cafe
Learn more:
Stone-Cold Fox by Hailey Edwards
A special thanks to Tantor Audio
Around The Blogosphere
If you bought the Small Magic audiobook by Ilona Andrews during the sale this week….IT IS A PIRATED VERSION. I was waiting for the audio that includes book two of the Wilmington Years and passed on it. Learn more from the authors: HERE
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Miranda Quinn’s life takes a turn from everything going great to everything falling apart. What was your inspiration for the setup of the story in Miranda Nights, and how did that help you create the dramatic ending?
I came up with the opening for the description for Miranda Nights early on…
She has a loving husband and a successful career- who says you can’t have it all? Miranda Quinn is living her best life… until she’s not.
I subscribe to the Whack-a-Mole theory of life. You resolve an issue and just when you think you’re safe… up pops a problem or complication or challenge- something that says ‘not so fast, my friend. Did you forget something?’ And even when you’re facing something really huge, little things still pop up and demand you deal with them. I wanted a happy ending and some closure for Miranda, Eric and their friends and family, but chose to leave a few things up in the air- jobs, health issues, etc.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story and how did it change as you wrote?
I knew upfront that he would be someone from Miranda’s past with a grudge against her, but his background as a police officer and his fanatical views developed over time. The 7 Deadly Sins theme was fun to research and imagine how it would all play out in Dante’s twisted mind.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
Much of my story and character development come from how my main characters react to or respond to the plot twists, so for me, they go hand in hand. For me, it’s all part of the fun of writing!
Will there be a third Miranda Quinn story in the future?
Yes- I’ve been busy coming up with new adventures and mishaps for Miranda. The third (and final) installment is in the works!
She has a loving husband and a successful career–who says you can’t have it all? Miranda Quinn is living her very best life… until she’s not. It’s been two years since her legal advice TV show was canceled, but the former Assistant District Attorney has rebounded with a late-night radio show, Miranda Nights. When her closest friend’s teenaged son gets arrested, Miranda tries to help but the evidence against him is overwhelming. Following a family member’s medical diagnosis, Miranda begins to wonder if her ‘happily ever after’ has been canceled as well. But the real trouble arrives when a persistent caller, desperate for Miranda’s attention, embarks on an all-out effort to get her to see the error of her ways. Threatening messages and slanderous social media posts escalate to break-ins and arson when a fanatical fan claims to be her only path to salvation. Miranda Nights is a fast-paced, witty story full of hidden dangers, with a strong and resilient woman at its core.
Dylan Dover: Into the Vortex follows a twelve-year-old boy who discovers he is adopted and his biological parents were not human when he finds an enchanted realm. What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
As a parent and teacher, I want to write books that not only entertain but also inspire readers to think about issues that are important in their lives. I, therefore, hope to create characters that readers can connect with and root for as they encounter challenges throughout the novels. In Dylan Dover, I wanted the protagonists to be open-minded and accepting towards others, especially those who may be different from themselves. In an immortal world full of diversity, this was an extremely important factor that was always at the forefront of my writing. In addition, I wanted the characters to display other traits that I believe are morally essential in today’s modern world including compassion, kindness and the willingness to take risks, face adversity and work co-operatively towards a common goal.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There are many themes that are explored in this book, which I hope are relatable to readers. Family, friendships, and developing one’s identity are some of the themes that the characters grapple with as they face challenges throughout the novel. Facing adversity is also a prevalent theme throughout all six of the Dylan Dover novels. My youngest son, Dylan (no coincidence that the main character in the book shares the same name!) is currently 15 years old. He was 12 when I wrote Dylan Dover: Into The Vortex. When I created the character of Dylan Dover, it was based very much on my son except the real Dylan obviously does not have any magical powers! When I am writing, it is my son’s voice in my head and with his permission, I use many of the experiences he has had in my novels. For example, when I was writing book 5 in the series, we were right in the middle of the Covid pandemic. My son, like so many other young people, was suffering from mental health issues caused by social isolation. Dylan was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and I used his lived experiences in the novel. Dylan Dover had to face his own mental health issues in that book. I am so proud of my son for courageously talking about his challenges and working to dispel the stigmas that are often associated with mental health issues. In addition to these themes, ideas about effective leadership and social justice issues are also important in the Dylan Dover series and I hope that readers will be thinking about these concepts as they read my novels.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
Book 2 titled Dylan Dover: Orion’s Quest, has Dylan, his newly discovered identical brothers Remy and Seth, along with their friends Thea (a wizard), Halle and Oliver (shapeshifters) and Via (a fireball) desperate to discover the secrets of the prophecy which foretold of four siblings, born on the same day, who would be blessed with extraordinary powers. They understand that if they are the ones referred to in the prophecy, then it will be their actions that shall determine the fate of the immortal realm. But if they are the siblings of the prophecy, then there must be a fourth child, a sister, still missing who has yet to be found.
In Book 2, the search for the missing sister and more clues to reveal the truths about the ancient prophecy lead Dylan, his brothers and friends on numerous adventures, crossing between the human and immortal worlds. Greek mythology becomes an important element in book 2, as Orion, the mythological Greek hunter, joins the story. New allies are revealed and alliances formed, but there are also new dangers that threaten the siblings and the existence of all immortals in both dimensions. As the siblings discover their hidden powers, they also uncover secret agendas and threats that have remained concealed until now.
Books 3 – 6 are all written and continue the saga of Dylan, his family and friends. New characters, both friends and villains, will add excitement and adventure. Greek mythology, including the characters of Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon become even more prevalent as the novels progress. The characters will be aged by several years in the last three novels, as the siblings continue to discover the depths of their extraordinary powers, including their ability to time travel, and their role in the immortal realm. New challenges and dangers will arise and the protagonists will have to learn how to harness their powers to save both the human and immortal dimensions.
The books in the Dylan Dover series are:
Book 1: Dylan Dover: Into The Vortex
Book 2: Dylan Dover: Orion’s Quest
Book 3: Dylan Dover: Players Of The Prophecy
Book 4: Dylan Dover: New Order Rising
Book 5: Dylan Dover: Awakenings
Book 6: Dylan Dover: Collateral Damage
I am hopeful that they will all find a home with a publisher very soon!
Dylan Dover was an ordinary boy… until a fall into another realm transformed his fate – and the fate of this immortal realm – forever.
Dylan believes he is a typical twelve-year-old until he stumbles into a vortex that miraculously transports him to the immortal dimension, a parallel universe.
Dylan not only learns that he is a warlock, but he also discovers a twin brother, extraordinary powers, and a secret prophecy that seems to have Dylan and his family at its crux. Dylan, along with his brother and their new-found wizard friend Thea, begin to unravel the mystery that surrounds their birth and the danger that threatens immortals and humans alike.
In a stunning debut, Lynne Howard’s Dylan Dover: Into the Vortex casts a potent reader’s charm over all youngsters clamouring for a new supernatural hero.
The Rage Room follows a man barely holding on to his control after enduring a lifetime of abuse who struggles to hold onto the remaining threads of reality. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always been interested in human psychology and concepts of good and evil, and the complexity of the human condition in regard to these. I enjoyed books like “Roadwork” by Stephen King, and films like “Falling Down” starring Michael Douglas. Basically, stories based around otherwise ordinary characters who have been beaten down by life so much, that one day, they just snap. I wanted to create my own version of these classics, also inspired by some of my own life experiences.
Matt is a complex character that is struggling to hold onto what little sanity and control he has left. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wanted to create a character that couldn’t easily be described as good or bad. A complex character that didn’t really fit into any boxes or tropes. I wanted to create the type of character that would spark debate amongst readers as to whether he is good or evil. I wanted Matt to be deeply flawed and, in some ways, immoral, but also relatable and human with good characteristics and a heart underneath all the rage, hate and enmity. I also wanted the character to experience growth throughout the story, and not end the story as the same person he was at the start.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore themes of good and evil, obsession, violence, abuse, love, family, and mental health. Most importantly, I wanted to explore resilience and strength. Overcoming adversity and moving forward no matter what. Transcending the trauma and recreating oneself.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will that be published?
My next project is my first non-fiction book, titled “The 10 types of Bouncers”. It is an entertaining psychological study on bouncers (club security) based on my seven years of experience in the industry. I am hoping to have it published by the end of July.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
★★★★★ “Grabs you from the very first page!”
★★★★★ “Messes with your head right until the explosive climax you won’t see coming!”
★★★★★ “A hell of a story! Almanza’s best!”
From the author of the explosive, debut anthology ‘Rusted Hearts’ comes the high octane, mind bending, psychological thriller novel, The Rage Room.
Housing officer Matt Bolton is a man with skeletons in his closet… On the last few days of a driving ban for drink-driving, during a routine commute home from work, a mysterious, intimidating stranger boards the number 23 bus. The man looks at Matt and calls his name. The encounter with this frightening individual, leads to a series of explosive events which bring back long-forgotten secrets from Matt’s past. Matt quickly spirals out of control, as he desperately fights to hold on to his relationships, his work, his sanity…and even his life…
Matt sat three rows back from the strange man, on the opposite aisle. The priority seats at the front faced the windows on each side, so Matt had a full diagonal side-view of the man, facing away from him. All the man would have to do was move his head forty-five degrees to his left, and he would be facing Matt. Which was exactly what he did. The man turned his head, looked Matt directly in the eyes, and confirmed Matt’s suspicions that there was something seriously wrong with this man. It wasn’t the random, casual turn of the head of a passenger on a busy bus, happening to meet another random passenger’s gaze. No. This was intentional. The man knew exactly who he was looking for. He whipped his head round and his eyes homed into Matt’s like a laser-guided missile, almost as if Matt had called his name.
No, You’re Crazy follows a teenage girl diagnosed with Cotard’s Syndrome who questions if she is mentally ill or actually clairvoyant. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been interested in identity. Who we think we are, how we see ourselves, and how other people see us. But, more than that, how we see the world we live in. I am especially fascinated by how our minds can warp our perception of reality, maybe to protect us from danger, to protect us from ourselves, or to give us happiness. So when I read an article about a strange disease called Cotard’s Syndrome, where the sufferer believes she’s dead, it caught my attention. I was fascinated to hear that some people are living their lives while believing they have already died.
I started to play the what-if game. What if someone thought they were dead and others believed her? Too far-fetched. Well, what if she believed she was physically dead but still spiritually alive and had special powers bestowed on her by a higher power, namely the power of clairvoyance? Okay, now I was on to something. And I began plotting a story.
I wanted to write a novel that left the reader to make many judgments. Is the teenage protagonist crazy or is there something to her wild beliefs? And who gets to decide? So, ultimately, the question is, what’s real and what isn’t?
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I only wanted my two main characters, Ashlee and Mike, to be true to themselves. Even if Ashlee’s actions are often strange or “crazy,” they always needed to be authentic. That, to me, is the toughest part of writing fiction. Keeping everything genuine when the story itself seems astonishing.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My main goal was to write a story that touched upon the paradox that families can both hurt and heal you. The message or theme No, You’re Crazy delivers is universal and uplifting: That love offers our best chance for survival. Which means we are stronger together than alone.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have written a cli-fi story set 25 years in the future, when climate change has caused the largest, and deadliest, migration in human history. It’s not only migrants from Latin America headed north as they flee hunger and violence. Americans, too, have joined this dangerous march into northern Canada. This novel is a harrowing portrait of survival and sacrifice that combines a page-turning thriller with a moving look at how trust and acceptance of others can be our salvation. It’s a sweeping saga of displacement, loss, and love told in the voices of eight diverse characters. When it will be available to read, of course, is a mystery even to me. This story is in the hands of several agents and publishers.
When sixteen-year-old Ashlee Sutton’s home life falls apart, she is beset by a rare mental illness that makes her believe she’s clairvoyant. While most people scoff at her, she begins demonstrating an uncanny knack for sometimes predicting the future, using what could either be pure luck or something more remarkable. And when she helps her drug-addict father win enough casino cash to accidentally overdose, she becomes the target of violent people determined to exploit her, and she goes on the run. Ashlee reaches out to a distant relative, traumatized war journalist Mike Baker. Soon, at least in Ashlee’s eyes, they are both plunging dangerously into an existential rabbit hole where their core belief, that humanity and personal connections are a blight, will be put to the ultimate test. No, You’re Crazy is a multilayered novel that examines the many ways a family can wound and heal us. A page-turning thriller and a sensitive look at faith and neurodiversity, it ultimately dares to ask, Who gets to decide what’s real?
An Infectious Game follows a pseudohermaphrodite microbiologist who uses her extensive intelligence to commit murder. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Z came to mind during a troubling period in my life when the world was collapsing around me. I needed to find an outlet for my anger, and I came upon Zoe, a troubled human being misdiagnosed at birth, bullied, brought up by two uncaring parents. She becomes part of a child molester’s twisted fantasy, and she doesn’t want to be a victim.
How did the idea for the character’s motives come to fruition for you?
Zoe’s curiosity leads her to a stash under her molester’s house where she finds the tools she needs to further her education. Not to be bullied, not to feel less than what she is, yet always striving for excellence. That has been my life goal, too, and my desire to achieve it keeps me moving forward.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
We are unfinished. We are all flawed. That makes us interesting. I look at characters as individuals trying to become whole but facing impossible achievement. The journey of striving to become whole fascinates me.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
An Infectious Game is one of nineteen novels I have written across several categories: crime/detective, supernatural, horror, comedy/romance, faith-based, and historical fiction. All of these novels deal with flawed individuals searching for redemption, looking for the chance to be whole. I just finished a children’s fantasy called The Legends of Lake Nebagamon, and I am now writing a historical novel about James the Just, brother of Jesus. I expect it will be completed and published sometime in July 2023. Our website: pablozaragozabooks.com
When a neighbor man molests young Zoe, a pseudohermaphrodite and ugly duckling, she gains the means to build her first laboratory to explore microbes, eventually eliminating the predator and realizing her passion for using her tiny “friends” to murder those that persecute, harm, and threaten her.On a trip to Paris, she meets a man connected to the global underworld, and they create a company that provides terrorists the tools to eliminate their enemies. As a urologist affiliated with a prestigious New York hospital, Zoe privately continues to use her micro-friends to exact justice.Heartbroken by her infertility, Zoe finds her world unravel when her husband’s affair produces a child. When Zoe murders her husband’s lover, her one careless misstep launches an investigation that spans Key West, New York, Panama, and the Grand Caymans. To stop her from unleashing her deadly microbes, the NYPD, FBI, and other agencies locate her lab and attempt to ensure that New York residents do not become the next victims in this woman’s deadly game.
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