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An Austen-inspired Short Story Duet
Enjoy two tea parties, two romances and two characters from one of the world’s most beloved authors.
Enjoy two tea parties, two romances and two characters from one of the world’s most beloved authors.
In this historical romance short story duet gossip-loving Mrs Jennings meddles in affairs of the heart, and scandalous Henry Crawford turns heads once again!
Be swept away by the amusements of the Regency tea party in these Austen-inspired short stories. Delight in the sweet romance, dancing, gossip and, of course, tea.
“But indeed I would rather have nothing but tea.” ― Jane Austen, Mansfield Park
Tea for Two comprises two short stories:
Jilted
Lord Asher Mandeville is heartbroken when his childhood love, Miss Tabitha Rowe, jilts him only weeks before their wedding.
Asher refuses to accept Tabitha’s rejection and chases after his betrothed to demand an explanation.
Tabitha is determined to escape him, but Asher’s shattered heart will accept nothing other than her return.
Wooing Miss Woodforde
Jasper Trevethan loves Miss Sophie Woodforde, but he is a penniless rake. Sophie would never marry him, even if he were rich.
As an impoverished companion, Sophie serves the whims of others while pining for her employer’s scandalous nephew.
When an unexpected inheritance transforms Sophie’s life, she becomes the target of fortune hunters.
Before another scoundrel steals his love, Jasper must prove his devotion and woo Miss Woodforde. But Sophie would rather become an old maid than marry a man who only wants her for her money, especially Mr Trevethan.
Bianca White writes passionate and spicy historical romance.
Bianca loves history and has a degree in history and history of art. The word “research” is often used as an excuse to drag members of her family around every stately home and castle wherever they go. Nothing, not even the grumbling of said family, will keep her away from a historical fashion exhibition.
When she’s not writing, Bianca feeds her addiction to romance novels. She also loves baking and watching movies. Thanks to her love of baking (and eating), she feels the need to balance it with a little activity and enjoys tai chi, aerobics and swimming.
Bianca lives in West Yorkshire, England, with her husband and two children.
To receive all the latest news from Bianca White, and a bit of history in your inbox, sign up for her mailing list at Bianca White Writes.
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When a struggling single mom and her adorable toddler get snowed in with a grumpy wolf shifter, Christmas magic starts working overtime.
Escape to Christmas Cove, a cozy small town where magic, shifters, and holiday romance collide.
After a painful breakup, Riley is ready for a fresh start in Christmas Cove. All she wants is a peaceful life for herself and her two-year-old daughter, Sabrina. Love isn’t on her holiday wish list. When she’s stuck in a blizzard, help arrives in the form of Alex Conors — a protective, brooding werewolf.
Snowed in with a grumpy shifter and a crackling fire, Riley begins to see the gentle heart behind Alex’s fierce exterior… and Alex finds himself falling for the brave single mom who awakens something he thought he lost long ago.
Hot cocoa and toddler giggles turn strangers into something more. But when Riley’s past resurfaces and threatens the safety she’s found, Alex will have to prove that loyalty, love — and pack — are forever.
A warm, emotional holiday romance filled with shifter charm, second chances, and the magic of Christmas. Ideal for fans of protective alphas, found family, and heartfelt happily-ever-afters.
🏠 Small-town charm & found family 🐺 Grumpy wolf + sunshine single mom 👩👧 Adorable toddler moments 🎁 Snowed-in & forced proximity 💕 Fated mates and holiday magic
Jessica Coulter Smith is an acclaimed romance writer with a passion for storytelling. Her works showcase the power of love and its ability to transcend boundaries, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. With a unique writing style and perspective, Jessica continues to inspire and entertain readers from all walks of life.
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My Holiday Playlist
There’s something about Christmas music that immediately puts me in the mood to write holiday romances — especially the kind filled with snow, twinkle lights, and a little bit of magic. Every December (and sometimes long before), I start building a playlist that keeps me in the spirit while I write.
Some of these songs are sweet and nostalgic, others tug at the heartstrings, and a few just make me smile. Together, they capture the emotions I love weaving into my stories — love, hope, second chances, and finding light in unexpected places.
So pour yourself a mug of cocoa (or maybe some spiked eggnog), settle in, and let me share a few of my favorite Christmas songs — the soundtrack behind Fur, Fangs, & Mistletoe and just about every cozy story I write this time of year.
Each of these songs carries a little spark of what I love most about Christmas: love, kindness, reflection, and that touch of wonder that seems to hang in the air all season long.
Music always finds its way into my writing — sometimes as inspiration for a scene, sometimes just as background noise while I sip cocoa and imagine snow falling outside my office window.
Whether you’re reading holiday romances, baking cookies, or curled up with your favorite blanket and pet (I usually have a cat in my lap), I hope you take a moment to enjoy your own soundtrack of the season.
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Magic happens and sparks fly when a sassy witch with curves for days crosses paths with an irresistible alpha shifter.
When witch Jena Seymore returns home to Havers-by-the-Sea to care for her dying aunt, old town politics and prejudices are rekindled. Between the local Westside Pack’s vendetta against her family and the coven pressuring Jena to become guardian of the magical node outside of town, she has enough problems without adding Chase Montgomery to the mix. Especially after he broke her heart by starting the devastating rumor that sent Jena running from town in the first place.
But Chase has plenty of problems of his own, and how to make amends with Jena and win her heart is at the top of the list. Unbeknownst to his pack, Jena is his fated mate, and after her leaving town the first time almost killed him, he’s not letting her get away again—no matter what the backlash might be.
And meanwhile, the node is turning wild, jeopardizing Havers-by-the Sea’s existence as tensions threaten to tear it apart from within. Deep-seated small town secrets could hold the key to its future—but only if they’re discovered before Samhain, when the blue moon rises.
“I loved this story! It has everything I like in a good book, angst, anger, laughter, tears, fun, heat, love, loyal best friend, quirky side characters and an HEA. It doesn’t get any better than that. The storyline is solid, engaging, the world building is multi-dimensional and once you start you won’t want to put it down.” – @sunshinewhispers
“Wow, what a cracking book this is. Twists, turns and lots of magic so what’s not to like. I couldn’t put it down till I’d finished it, I was completely engrossed. I loved it.” – @sbanacek
“I started reading this book at 9pm and read straight through to 4am. … FOUR. A. M. Crazy, right?! Let me tell you, this book had me hooked from the start with its humor, drama, character chemistry, character personalities, drama, romance, banter, action, and spice. ‘Weres and Witchery’ is among one of the best escapes I’ve had in a while.” – @Morally_Gray_Nola
AK Nevermore enjoys operating heavy machinery, freebases coffee, and gives up sarcasm for Lent every year. A Jane-of-all-trades, she’s a certified chef, restores antiques, and dabbles in beekeeping when she’s not reading voraciously or running down the dream in her beat-up camo Chucks.
Unable to ignore the voices in her head, and unwilling to become medicated, she writes Science Fiction and Fantasy full time.
She pays the bills editing, wielding a wicked hot pink pen and writing a column on SFF. She also belongs to the Authors Guild, is a chapter treasurer for the RWA, teaches creative writing, and on the rare occasion, sleeps.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Driven by vengeance and the mystery of her bloodline, a morally gray woman wielding powerful magic becomes the newest target of the feared Shadow People.
Shadows thirst for the living. She starves for the truth.
Descending from a long line of witches, Daire Delacroix has been practicing magick since she was a witchling, and with the gift to see all magick, her gifts are unparalleled. But when Daire’s mother suddenly falls ill only to perish without a valid diagnosis, Daire grows vengeful and bitter for answers.
Half a year after her death, Daire reintroduces herself into the witch community to celebrate her first Wiccan holiday without her mother. When the Shadow People make an appearance and attack at one of the most renowned Wiccan sabbats, Daire’s world starts to fall apart once again.
Now with the Shadows growing violent and haunting Daire, she is determined to destroy them and protect what remains of her family. The deeper she searches the more secrets come to the surface, along with the truth about her mother’s death and her lineage.
Nothing will stop her from unveiling the truth—even when it means walking the line of right and wrong.
A. R. Stern is an indie author from Minnesota, blending dark fantasy, horror, and new adult elements in her writing. Her current series, Age of Shadows, showcases her unique style and she plans to explore different genres in upcoming novels.
Stern is an emerging author who began writing in elementary school. With several novels in her past, she now focuses on developing new ideas and refining her craft, eager to share her unique stories with readers.
In her spare time she is an avid reader of all genres, cruises on a Harley with her husband, and spends time with her pets. She also takes pleasure in cooking and the art of sourdough baking.
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If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
Definitely Daire as I love her badass attitude and near overwhelming power she exudes. We would go to a sabbat and celebrate with all her fellow witches. No sabbat in particular, as long as there are no surprise Shadow encounters!
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the
story?
I like to think I have most of the control in the story, but when they hijack the story I let them do their thing. It usually adds to the depth and even surprises me with how the plot gets enhanced. The best thing, in my experience, is to allow the characters to hijack the story. It’s their world to begin with afterall.
Have you written any other books that are not published?
I have written 4 novels, not all of them finished, when I was first learning how to plot a story, create characters, and discover my writing style. When I was 15-16 I self-published two novels, both which are no longer available. Since then I’ve learned a lot and am fine tuning my craft with every chapter I write.
Is there a writer whose brain you would love to pick for advice? Who would that be and why?
My top two would have to be Sarah J Maas and Marie Lu. I fell in love with the Throne of Glass series and was so emotionally destroyed and enraptured by the characters. Marie Lu’s The Young Elites stuck with me because of how she wrote the FMC into the villain despite rooting for her the entire time. There are so many more brilliant authors I’d love to talk with, but those two have inspired me to write intricate plots, deep characters, and stylistic phrasing.
Do you see writing as a career?
Most definitely! The dream would be to make enough money off my books so I can write full-time. I would also make an effort to keep connected with my readers because without them my dreams would stay fiction.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you Write?
The main characters I have fleshed out before I begin to write. Secondary and tertiary characters vary if I plan them ahead of time, though sometimes they show up as the story progresses and I flesh them out as I go. I find that easier so I get to know their personality through the story versus forcing them into a personality that might not fit. However I am working on two more main characters for my Age of Shadows series that I did not have planned originally. As I wrote, I realized these characters would make great additions to the story and add to characters arcs already happening. They won’t make an appearance until book 3.
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Forbidden passion ignites between a duty-bound gargoyle and an amnesiac wielding fire—their love could save the realms, or burn them to ash.
Sebastian was a gargoyle warrior bound by duty to rescue his kin. Aurora was a red-haired enigma found unconscious by a river’s edge, her past a blank slate. From the moment their eyes met, a primal connection ignited, a forbidden flame that defied his stoic nature. Amnesia stole Aurora’s memories, but not the searing heat that pulsed between them, nor the strange, untamed fire that flickered at her fingertips. As their perilous journey deepened, so did their passion, a dangerous dance between duty and desire.
Aurora’s forgotten past hides a dangerous truth: she’s an immortal, a vessel of immense power, tied to a crystal born from dying stars. Her abilities could save or destroy the realms, a fate she doesn’t understand. Their love is forbidden by duty, yet their bond becomes a battleground. Monsters, collapsing worlds, and ancient prophecies converge. He must choose: love the woman who might save creation, or accept she’s destined to destroy it.Can their forbidden love withstand the weight of destiny, or will their fated bond shatter amidst the chaos?
In the shadows of captivity, love ignites in the battle for freedom.
Lyssa, a captive of a fearsome dragon, finds herself trapped in a labyrinth of stone, shadows, and secrets. Her only solace comes from the mysterious Zodiark, a rogue who whispers of freedom and sparks a forbidden passion.
As she delves deeper into the dragon’s lair, Lyssa must navigate a dangerous path filled with ancient magic, desire, and a struggle for power. Can she break free from the chains of captivity and embrace her destiny? Immerse yourself in a seductive tale of passion and obsession, where the line between predator and prey is perilously thin.
A heroine’s daring escape ignites a dangerous journey as trust and destiny clash.
Imprisoned by ruthless monsters, Sage’s world shatters when her mother is brutally slain before her eyes. Feeling abandoned by the Moon goddess and the male gargoyles who failed to rescue them, Sage takes matters into her own hands and stages a daring escape.
Daxos, driven by an unrelenting need to find his destined partner, embarks on a perilous quest. When he finally scents her presence, his deepest dreams become reality—but their encounter is far from joyous.
Scarred and disillusioned, Sage rebuffs him, though reluctantly accepts his help to navigate treacherous terrain back to safety. As their grueling journey unfolds, they face numerous dangers: hostile creatures, treacherous landscapes, and the threat of capture. Daxos must find a way to mend Sage’s broken trust while she grapples with her conflicted heart.
The scars of betrayal and trauma test their fated bond. In a world where hope flickers like a dying ember, will love be enough to light their way home?
Ana is enjoying the tranquility of her porch one evening when a portal drags her away. Unwittingly thrust into Xylos, a dimension teetering on the edge of chaos, She’s taken to Leonad, a kingdom on the edge of war, where she is both a stranger and the key to the realm’s survival.
Magic warps her body, making her an impossibly rare and coveted female gargoyle. She stands at a crossroads, torn between the pull of returning home and the allure of this unknown land. Among the new beings she meets is Quinn, a captivating gargoyle prince with eyes that beckon while hiding secrets. Quinn declares that she is his destined mate and urges her to accept his mark.
As Ana navigates the complex politics of her new home, she discovers her arrival was no accident. While Ana battles fearsome monsters and fends off a legion of suitors, her connection with Quinn deepens, stirring a passion that defies explanation.
Yet, beneath the looming shadow of a usurper, Leonard teeters on the brink of ruin. She must choose to save the kingdom and her budding romance with Quinn.
Join Ana on her quest as she confronts her destiny, battles for her freedom, and decides the fate of two worlds. Will she return to her past home, or will love and duty forge a new path she never dared to dream?
In a celestial struggle, love becomes the ultimate wild card.
When Fionnlaith, the radiant moon goddess, and Alawn, the god of balance, first met, their love ignited fiercely. Yet destiny had other plans.
As the Celestial Council rises, demanding all deities bow to its authority, an epic tale of love, defiance, and sacrifice unfolds. Fionnlaith’s serene realm, guarded by devoted gargoyles, faces encroaching shadows. When monstrous entities ignite a war, she defies the Council to protect her creations, paying a devastating price.
Stripped of her guardians, Fionnlaith uncovers the Council’s betrayal. Now, she must navigate celestial politics, her conflicted heart, and the brutal reality of war.
Can her love for Alawn reignite their flame and save their kingdom?
Nicole LaBrocca ventures into enchanting new territories with her spellbinding tales of romantic fantasy. She invites readers on an exhilarating odyssey through a realm where steamy passion intertwines with suspenseful supernatural intrigue, all seasoned with a sprinkle of humor. Be prepared for an immersive journey where love ignites amidst swirling mysteries and hidden truths. Step into a world where every page holds the promise of an unforgettable escape.
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What would you do if you woke up a different age and gender?
A global phenomenon is rewriting the laws of biology, causing men over fifty-five and women between eighteen and forty to suddenly and inexplicably switch their ages and genders. No one understands it, and no one can stop it.
Maxine thinks she can stay on the sidelines, supporting her brilliant boyfriend-turned-girlfriend Jo—an audacious biotech pioneer, who’s breaking new ground with brain-to-brain communication. But when the transformation strikes Maxine, her reality is flipped upside down.
Now facing an unexpected future, Max must grapple with their identity, struggling to align who they were with who they have become. Can they reclaim control over a life that’s no longer theirs, or will they be swept away by the changes they never asked for?
Angela Lam writes across all genres, from romance (The Women of the Crush series) to memoir (Red Eggs and Good Luck) to thrillers (No Amends) and science fiction (Switched). Sometimes, she writes under a pen name to keep things interesting (The Heroic Adventures of Madame X). The rest of the time, she is busy exploring mixed-media art and teaching others what she knows.
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What inspired you to write this book?
A few things coalesced around the same time: I read The Last White Man by Mohsim Hamid and admired his ability to transcend racism through magical realism. I finally read The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and was haunted by the dystopian world where women lost all rights. I was still recovering from the pandemic and could not write directly about it since no one wanted to publish anything to do with it. And, finally, my own experience within my immediate circle of influence regarding the challenges posed by transgenderism, bisexuality, and ageism surfaced. All of these factors, both read and experienced, inspired Switched.
I like how Publisher’s Weekly Booklife Prize describes the novel: “Ultimately, the work’s greatest strength lies in its examination of age, gender, and sexuality–and how these characteristics inform identity and relationships with others.” That’s what I was aiming for, and I’m thankful the reviewers at Publisher’s Weekly recognized that accomplishment.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I don’t know. As I said before, I’m still recovering from my concussion and haven’t been writing. But I am leaving all doors open, all things possible, so you’ll have to sign up for my newsletter or visit my social media sites periodically to see what transpires.
Where did you come up with the names in the story?
I needed names that could be both genders, so that’s how I came up with Joe/Jo and Maxine/Max.
How did you come up with name of this book?
Ugh. I hate titles. I wish the publishers would name all of my books, but they don’t. I tried out several titles with beta readers and selected the one with the most positive votes. That’s how I ended up with Switched.
What did you edit out of this book? I edited out an entire point of view. Originally, Switched toggled back and forth between Maxine’s story and Joe’s story. But when I was in developmental edits, my editor said she was confused. The story was too complicated. Did I want to focus on corporate espionage and gender discrimination in the workplace, or did I want a more intimate story about how gender impacts daily life? I chose the latter and scrapped Joe’s chapters. Some readers will sense the ghost of this absence. But the things I don’t show from Joe’s point of view are covered by Maxine’s point of view as the romantic partner who knows Joe better than anyone else. So, there is a shadow of that other story lingering in this novel.
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Dangerous games. Kill or be killed. Can she survive a king’s ruthless arena?
Clarissa craves an escape. An orphan forced into criminal acts with other kids by their caretaker, she longs to break free and become a healer. But when an archenemy provokes a deadly confrontation, the seventeen-year-old awakens hidden powers in an explosive and fiery defense.
Seized by soldiers and taken to the capital along with her only friend, Clarissa trains alongside other slaves to fight in the royal army. But surrounded by mysterious strangers and running low on trust, the desperate captive fears graduation day will be her last.
Is Clarissa destined to die in chains?
Rising Ember is the thrilling first book in the Forbidden Chronicles YA dystopian fantasy series. If you like strong-willed heroines, nail-biting drama, and clean slow-burn romance, then you’ll love Sara Wright’s action-packed adventure.
Buy Rising Ember to ignite destiny today!
**Get signed & special editions with maps, bookmarks & sprayed edges at Sara’s Store!**
Sara Wright is the author of The Progenitor Chronicles and Forbidden Chronicles, a YA dystopian fantasy series packed with rebellion, elemental powers, and clean slow-burn romance.
She currently lives on Earth, her favorite vacation planet, with her husband and their very opinionated fur baby. But most days, she’s off exploring shattered kingdoms, star-spanning civilizations, and the occasional multiverse with her lifelong companions: Imagination and Creativity.
Raised on bedtime stories and fueled by a steady diet of fantasy, sci-fi, and a sweet topping of romance, Sara now writes tales for readers who crave action, heart, and hope. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her cycling, hiking, or singing dramatically to songs she swears are soundtracks to her books.
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From a Headache to a Dystopian Universe: The Surprising Origins of Rising Ember
Discover how a single sentence from my husband during a migraine spiraled into a clean dystopian fantasy series full of elemental powers, rebellion, and love.
One day I had a massive headache. The world was on pause while I lay there with my eyes closed until the meds kicked in. My lovely husband held me in his arms and caressed my hair. The problem was I was wide awake and needed to get a million things done. So, I did what any storyteller or bookworm would do—I asked him to tell me a story. And he did.
This is what he came up with:
“There was a world with people, and they have fire eyes. They wield fire. Like they can turn it on and off like a switch.”
That was it, the entire story. It only took that to get me piecing everything together in my head. Soon I had a short story rough draft written in the world (read Altered Rain). To get inside the characters’ heads, I would listen to a particular song (“Lacrymosa” by Evanescence, if you’re curious). This ultimately inspired me to pen a novella, offering a peek into a world overtaken by the primary antagonist (read Ruined Ashes). That one line led to a short story, a novella, and a full six-book series.
At first, I didn’t know if the stories were pure fantasy or pure dystopian. Some scenes that played in my mind leaned very fantasy with horses and medieval style weaponry. But then one day, a scene of the protagonist heading to the upper levels on a lift formed, and I saw the realm more clearly.
This world was set within the ruins of the past. While they have futuristic technology, it doesn’t work everywhere. Sometimes using a horse or an old-world weapon is necessary. Your access to technology is determined by your societal status.
It kind of reminded me of The Shannara Chronicles, a post-apocalyptic world with elves, dwarfs, and other fantasy creatures. Except, instead of elves and dwarves, humans developed elemental powers. Rising Ember is a blend of the old with the new, which is something I really love to explore in all my books. An urban setting with hovercars and force fields, but also rural communities that feel more old-world fantasy.
While I love to write what I want to read, I knew that wasn’t enough to publish this book. I needed to meet the reader’s expectations, too. At this point, I wasn’t sure what genre I was going to steer the story toward. So, I dived into the top young adult dystopian and fantasy books, both traditional and indie published to find out what readers wanted within these two similar yet distinct genres. It was a bummer reading all those books (just kidding).
You can’t really read through the YA dystopian genre without considering one of the most popular books in our modern era—The Hunger Games. One thing I love most about this franchise is how many layersSuzanne Collins weaves into the narrative. From the simple act of Katniss feeling uncomfortable in her clothes, to the cinnamon roll love interest, Peeta, there are so many interesting arcs and tropes throughout the story.
But I believe the most iconic part of the books is the arena. While I included this aspect in the story, there were other influences that altered how I presented it. A little American Ninja Warrior anyone? Maybe combined with your worst nightmares?
But what about the fantasy aspects I wanted to include? How could I incorporate fire wielders in the middle of a dystopian world?
Well, I found several books that incorporated some type of superpowers—one being Red Queen. The thing I loved about this series is that Mare isn’t entirely ignorant of the world the way Katniss was. Mare became a pawn, but she knew it and immediately fought back. But maybe the aspect I admired most was Cal’s fire and the betrayal twists throughout the narrative. The bond between the two main characters was also electrifying (pun intended).
Then I came across two interesting indie series by the same author—Recruitment and The Crue Chronicles. Storylines occur in the same world, and superpowers come into play. While they’re a little more tech manipulation than in my story, the power struggles between the elite and those emerging into the world ignite the right kind of rebellion that I am trying to balance in my story.
I read Shadow and Bone—a fantasy set in a broken czar styled world with characters who could manipulate powers. And the blend of old-world and new-world technology was fascinating to me. The interplay of darkness and light, along with the chosen one trope, really had me hooked.
The only thing I really wasn’t fond of was the heat levels of the romances in Red Queen. Because my romance writing style is a lot more like The Selection or The Princess Trials (without the 30 something girls competing to win over the guy). I’d rather see the intensity of the main characters holding hands for the first time. Or finally confessing their feelings in the middle of a battle rather than having a fade-to-black scene.
When I came up for air, I realized I wasn’t writing pure fantasy or pure dystopian—I was writing dystopian fantasy. Which is perfect for me because I love to blend sci-fi and fantasy elements.
From these inspirations, I created a futuristic kingdom discriminating against and imprisoning fire wielding humans—descendants of an ancient accident—because they are viewed as “other”. Since it’s a long-standing real-world problem, its inclusion in the story felt organic. The protagonist’s orphan status, a result of past genocide, is consistent with the dystopian setting.
Pure sci-fi element stories aren’t really my thing. You see, I’ve always been drawn to blending sci-fi and fantasy where futuristic tech and elemental powers coexist. One of my readers said that she was a fantasy reader that fancied herself a sci-fi queen. And that’s something I hear from a lot of fantasy readers. They’ll watch sci-fi, but they won’t read it.
Maybe it’s because I grew up on Disney princess movies and Star Trek. Maybe it’s because I was obsessed with Lord of the Rings but also devoured TheHandmaid’s Tale. My obsession with combing sci-fi and fantasy with romance subplots has firmly taken root in my stories. Elements from all my favorite stories usually weave their way into my worlds—especially the beautiful dresses for those swoony dance scenes.
I say all of this because the inspiration of a story can be complicatedly woven with a multitude of decisions. I suppose everything from an author’s life makes its way into a book they create. Even though it started with a single sentence from my husband mentioned while having a headache, it was a lifetime of reading, writing, and dreaming that brought Rising Ember, the first book in the Forbidden Chronicles universe, to life.
Want to explore this world of clean, romantic sci-fi fairytales? The spark of this alliance starts right here.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
She’s their executive assistant by day, and the city’s vigilante by night.
Evelyn Harper lives a double life. By day, she is the unassuming assistant to the Stone brothers and their best friend, efficiently managing their security firm’s operations. By night, she runs the Archers, a vigilante organization delivering justice for those that the legal system fails.
For years, she’s successfully kept her two lives separate, using the information she’s privy to at the security firm to save more lives with the Archers. But when a threat targets her men, Evelyn’s two worlds collide. Evelyn must reveal her true identity and harness all her skills and resources if she’s going to keep them alive.
But when the four men discover her betrayal, will they let her help them or will they turn her and her organization over to the very corrupt system that Evelyn fights?
Duality is the gripping first book of three in The Archers series, full of action, intrigue, and romance as Evelyn fights to protect her loved ones and uphold her brand of justice. It is a MFMMM slow burn contemporary romance with dark themes but is not a dark romance. If you love strong female characters and a harem that adores their FMC, this is the book for you!
Sunny Hart lives in the rolling hills of the Kentucky Bluegrass. She has spent her entire life expressing herself through writing and short stories until one NaNoWriMo she challenged herself to write a book to share with the world. By Her Sight is the first book Sunny has published but is one of many floating around in her head. When not writing, Sunny is spending time with her dogs and horse and working her ‘day job’ as a business strategy consultant.
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Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I’ve always written as a way to process the world whether that be journaling or writing short stories. One November, I challenged myself to write a full book from beginning to end and that’s how By Her Sight was written. I fell in love with the why-choose genre and the rest is history!
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Probably not until I had finished writing the first three books in the Unitam Realm series. That feels like a long time but it took a bit for my mindset to shift and be like “I can really write a book!”
Do you have a favorite movie?
I love the Marvel universe but especially the earlier Marvel movies. Captain America is one of my favorites!
What inspired you to write this book?
There’s a lot of injustice in the world and there are many, many people that the justice system fails. Evelyn came to life from the part of me that wants to burn it all down sometimes. Obviously she doesn’t and she creates the Archers after something devastating happens to her but writing the Archers series helps give me hope.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’ll always be writing! I’m too far deep into the life now and I have too many stories swirling in my brain. I’m excited to finish up the Archers series and maybe dive back into my Unitam Realm series for a prequel trilogy.
How did you come up with the name of this book?
So originally this was going to be a duet and the duet’s title was going to be Duality. But as my alpha and beta readers will tell you, I can’t limit what I write at all so the duet quickly turned into a trilogy but I loved the name Duality too much to let it go so I made it the first book’s title. Duality means “an instance of opposition or contrast between two concepts or two aspects of something” which I think fits Evelyn’s life at the start of the book perfectly!
Who designed your book covers?
The amazing Inessa at Cauldron Book Press!
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reins of the story?
Oh I have no control whatsoever LOL! I am a plotter so I like to start with a plan but usually somewhere along the way it goes off the rails and I’m changing direction. However, there have been times in a series when I unconsciously write something at the beginning that ties in perfectly at the end and it is usually driven by a character’s actions.
What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?
Too many to count! I love everything by Devyn Sinclair, Tessa Hale, J Bree, Grace McGinty, and Nadia Lee. Their books are staples in my library!
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
Some of them come right away. Usually my FMCs are always pretty formed in my head before I start writing. There’s always one guy in the group that fights me. For Duality, that guy was Marcus. He seemed to like fighting anyways so it worked out!
Do you see writing as a career?
I’m hoping to turn it into one! But that’s a long term goal. Right now, I don’t want to put that much pressure on my creativity. Instead, I’m happy writing as the words come to me!
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I like to write to music or work in a coffee shop! My first book, By Her Sight, was written almost exclusively to the Hamilton soundtrack actually. There’s something about a bit of noise that allows me to shut off part of my brain and dive deep into the story.
Advice they would give new authors?
The first draft is you just telling yourself the story. It’s supposed to be messy and imperfect! Remember, writing is a marathon, not a sprint!
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Love, laughter, and a little kitchen chaos are on the menu in Recipe for Love!
When a sous chef with secrets clashes with a showrunner chasing a viral hit, sparks fly hotter than the stove.
Karmen Artos, a sous chef at Feline Fine Retirement Home, is horrified when two of the residents hijack her kitchen. Worse yet, they’ve created an Internet cooking show that has gone viral. The recipes are revolting, but viewers are wild for ‘Grandma’s Witchin’ Kitchen!’
Devon Winger, a down-on-his-luck showrunner, arrives in Cat’s Paw Cove to convince the eccentric elderly Internet stars to take the show to the next level — a ShowFlix series. The magical stars are tickled at the idea, but Karmen is dead set against revealing the sanctuary for supernaturals to the world.
Can Karmen convince the sexy Devon that the show will be a dud? Or will Devon realize there’s more to the quirky retirement home than meets the camera’s eye?
Sharon Buchbinder has been writing fiction since middle school and has the rejection slips to prove it. A retired RN and professor, she is the author of the Hotel LaBelle Series, the Jinni Hunter Series, and the Obsession Series. She also has seven books in the Cats Paw Cove Series, a magical place where anything can happen–and does! When not writing, she can be found walking her dogs, herding cats, or breaking bread and laughing with family and friends.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Sometimes, one voice is all it takes to awaken hundreds.
A New Life
Reflections of Michael Book 4
by L.J. Ambrosio
Genre: Contemporary LGBTQ Fiction, Coming of Age
From America to the streets of Paris, A New Life follows two friends as they navigate grief, love, and self-discovery in a city filled with history and hope. A New Life is a story that lingers long after the last page.
What Readers are saying:
“A heartfelt continuation of The Reservoir Man series, taking readers on an emotional journey through friendship, grief, and self-discovery. Set against the evocative backdrop of Paris, this novel follows the touching bond between Ron, a kind and grounded man, and Louie, a young gay man struggling with his sense of self. Ambrosio masterfully portrays the evolving relationship between the two, echoing the mentor-mentee dynamic seen in earlier books. Louie’s vulnerability and innocence shine through, while Ron’s compassion and strength help guide him through confusion and loneliness. Their moments together are filled with laughter, conflict, understanding, and ultimately growth. The emotional depth of this story is its true strength. From joy to sorrow, the book invites readers to feel alongside the characters. The final scene is especially poignant—both heartbreaking and healing.” – Amazon Reviewer
“A New Life continues the journey of familiar characters we’ve come to love, and yes, we still get that charming bookstore setting and Paris, which basically makes this the cozy, wanderlust-y read of the season. Ambrosio knows how to tell a story that pulls you right in and gives you all the feels. Ron and Louie’s friendship gets deeper, there’s a solid dose of personal growth, and just when you think things are on solid ground—bam, a twist. Classic.
If you’re already a fan of the trilogy, definitely keep going with this one. And if you’re new to it all, start from the beginning—you’ll thank me later.” – Amazon Reviewer
Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at 7 Universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.
Nina Soden 