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.
This series is like a box of chocolates, each one has delicious mystery, a sweet romantic filling, essential oils, and its own unique flavor! From the big city of Raleigh, to the big sky of Montana, and all the way to Buffalo, you’ll find laughter, sweet romance, and best of all, dogs!
The Lavender Thief Essentially Sweet Romance Book 1 by Elysian Hunt Genre: Sweet Romantic Comedy
When Stephanie Pierce got home from a long day with her millionaire boss, nothing could prepare her for finding the apartment’s caretaker dead in the hall or her extreme attraction to the hot detective assigned to protect her and solve the case.
Still, she can’t help but notice that things in her overly organized life are out of place, especially her beloved essential oils.
Was she the real target?
Can she let go of perfection and embrace real life and love? Is there any chance she and her Goldendoodle catch the heart of the detective and survive the thief lurking in the shadows?
This is a laugh out loud, cozy romance, with an amateur sleuth x hot detective, and a heartwarming HEA ending! On a scale of 1 to 10 here is what you’ll find inside…
Beck Graham is a city girl at heart, but her Montana roots are calling her. But when she arrives, she finds her long lost Gran dead, with a mysterious local legend to blame. Heading back to Raleigh would be the easy thing, but the ranch catches at her heart. Determined to discover the actual killer, Beck finds the one man she can’t seem to attract is the one with the answers she seeks.
Can she survive Montana’s wilderness? Can she prove true Graham blood runs in her veins? Not without the help of a tall, dark, and handsome Navy Seal who knew Gran better than anyone else.
This is a laugh out loud, cozy romance, with an amateur sleuth x hot detective, and a heartwarming HEA ending! On a scale of 1 to 10, here is what you’ll find inside…
I’m the top female sharp-shooter in the US, so it makes sense, I guess. Only I didn’t do it.
Running is my only option in order to figure who framed me, and exactly what happened in that Cincinnati hotel room. But I’m trapped here in the city, incapable of producing an alibi, when all I want is the wide-open fields of Montana. Oh, and Harper Wasden, the Navy Seal who stole my heart the second I laid eyes on him. But he’s off fighting a war somewhere, I’m alone, with only an abandoned Pitbull to keep me from going crazy. When help arrives out of nowhere, saving my neck from the FBI’s clutches, dare I trust it? Not when every heart beat pounds out the name Harper Wasden.
The problem is, it looks like I did it. Even. To. Me.
A dark anniversary looms over the most luxurious cruise ship on earth.
Escaping myself in order to survive the date that almost killed me last year is imperative. Daddy’s ship is the perfect place to do it, with no reminders of the past or familiar faces. But finding a body in my car just before boarding is no help at all. Especially since she’s dressed just like me, designer nails and all.
To make things worse, an infuriatingly handsome passenger is determined to ruin the entire trip, and besting him might be the only enjoyment I get. Except all my usual tricks fall flat, and he seems impervious to my seething rebukes.
Finding a gun hidden in my room is the last straw; espionage surrounds me and I haven’t got a clue how to survive it, or the anniversary I’ve never been less prepared for. I’ll need all the brute force my protection dog can dish out, and, I hate to say it, the help of the one man I can’t intimidate.
Have you ever been deceived, hoodwinked, snookered?
Well, I have, by a man I once a looked up to and, it chokes me to say it, dated. Turns out he runs the mob in Buffalo, NY, and I was 100% wrong about him. One thing I’m not wrong about is that spurning him equals life over for me. He has eyes everywhere, and the police force is wrapped around his little finger too, which is why I’m also running from fake drug charges.
But when I discover his under-ground dog fighting ring, something deep down and red-headed flares up. One of us is going down, and it won’t be me, I’ve got dogs to save.
A street-wise kid named Cooney hatches the craziest plan. He says the mob’s second in command, Billa, will help me, but isn’t that jumping from the pan into the fire? And a fire he is too. How can I keep from repeating my mistake when Billa is stealing my heart piece by piece? Can a girl from the suburbs take down a mafia boss?
In this sweet but sizzling mafia romance, you’ll laugh out loud all the way to the feel good ending!
Writing across multiple pen names, Elysian Hunt has sold more than 1.4 million books, won multiple awards, and been a best seller many times over. With over 35 novels in print, she enjoys many genres as long as they are fast-paced and engaging.
She never wanted to be a writer, but she couldn’t ever find that one book, the perfect one for her. So, she wrote it, and the rest is history. With fresh story ideas churning and a deep love for sharpening her writing skills, Elysian’s work gets better with time.
There are a few things you can count on with her rom com and cozy mystery books: sweet romance, happily ever after’s, and don’t forget the dogs! Fall in love with vivid characters, intriguing settings, and mysteries that will keep you turning the pages.
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.
Discover passion among the stars… Blast off to the future with this limited-edition collection of sizzling, science fiction romance stories!
Beyond Earth Romance Collections Limited Editions book 14 A Limited Edition Collection of Sci-Fiction Romance with stories by Celia Breslin, Stephanie Morris, Candice Gilmer, Leslie Chase, Alina Riley, Robin O’Connor, Sky Robert, Lola Blix
Discover passion among the stars… Blast off to the future with this limited edition collection of sizzling, science fiction romance stories!
Otherworldly seduction and intergalactic adventures await you in these high-heat, open-door tales from a diverse group of authors. Meet alien gladiators, cyborgs, AI lifeforms, psychic aliens, interstellar royalty, psy-changelings, fearless humans, and more. Visit alien worlds, travel on high-tech vessels, and immerse yourself in red-hot seduction blazing brighter than any quasar.
The Beyond Earth anthology is a pulse-pounding, toe-curling journey into the cosmos. If you enjoy out-of-this-world romance with guaranteed happily ever afters, lovers from different worlds, fated mates, enemies to lovers, grumpy-sunshine, rescue romance, and more, then you’ll love this treasure trove of spicy, steamy, futuristic stories. Order your copy of Beyond Earth to begin your passion-filled voyage into the galaxy today!
Including stories by: Candice Gilmer – NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Morris – USA Today bestselling author Leslie Chase – USA Today bestselling author Alina Riley Robin O’Connor Celia Breslin Sky Robert Lola Blix
Celia Breslin lives in San Francisco, California, USA, with her family, which includes three feisty felines who like to stalk across her keyboard while she’s hard at work crafting urban fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal romances. Her current creature obsessions are cyborgs, the Fae, vampires, wolf shifters, and warrior-class angels, and her action-packed stories include some of her favorite tropes: fated mates, second chances, rescue romance, opposites attract, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, and more.
When not glued to her laptop, Celia likes to work out, read books (of course!), hang with her family, and binge-watch sci-fi and fantasy TV shows and movies. Matcha lattes keep her fueled for All The Life Stuff!
Sparks fly when a battle-hardened cyborg rescues a sassy human lost in the cosmos…
Earth-girl Calie is out of hope. Kidnapped, enslaved, then abandoned by aliens, she’s sure to suffer a slow death on their stupid space station. Then new trouble arrives, claiming her as their property, but hot on their heels is a grumpy guy with a big hot bod and blazing eyes… The thrill setting her skin afire has less to do with potential rescue or New Guy’s battle prowess, and everything to do with the way he looks at her.
Cyborg soldier Kaden is unamused by his enemy’s unhealthy interest in the vulnerable lone female with a sharp tongue and wild braids. Her terrible aim is complicating his rescue attempts, but her bravery, stubbornness, and velvet voice send electric need through both his human and cybernetic systems. He’ll do anything to save her.
Kaden wants to explore his attraction to Calie and claim her as his, but his sworn enemy’s relentless pursuit and Calie’s own skittishness challenge his goal. Calie appreciates all the cyborg has done for her, but she’s homesick and unsure about diving into a relationship, even if the hunky cyborg is the nicest man and best kisser in the universe.
While the enemy horde stalks them across the galaxy, can they learn to trust each other with both their lives and their hearts?
CLAIMING KADEN is a spicy, open-door, Fated Mates Rescue Romance, and the first installment in Celia Breslin’s CYBORG GUARDIANS OF THE AURORA science fiction romance series. If you like take-no-prisoners cyborgs and sassy heroines, sizzling seduction and intergalactic adventure, check out CLAIMING KADEN today!
Would you like a chance to win a $15 Amazon gift card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Celia’s Top Ten Sci-Fi TV Shows
Here are my picks for some binge-worthy TV science fiction.
Firefly (2002 – 2003): A space western with a great cast including the awesome Nathan Fillion and the hilarious Alan Tudyk. Stellar humor, action, and sci-fi tech makes it a must-watch.
Resident Alien (2021 – present): Did I mention how funny Alan Tudyk is? Why, yes, I did. If you haven’t seen his new show, it’s definitely worth a binge. Tudyk is an alien sent to kill all humans, but things don’t go as planned…
Orphan Black (2013 – 2017): A dark and gritty science fiction thriller about human cloning with Tatiana Maslany playing multiple, fascinating roles. A must-watch for dark sci fi fans.
The Umbrella Academy (2019 – 2024): Parallel universes, time travel, robots, aliens, superpowers, and unlikely heroes trained from childhood to save the world… Begin the binge!
The 100 (2014 – 2020): The Earth is gone, and 100 young adults are forced from their space ark and exiled on a hostile planet. Gripping, gritty, dark, and addictive.
Severance (2022 – present): A must-see sci-fi psychological thriller starring Adam Scott, about corporate greed and the dangerous technology used to control people via brain implants. Yikes!
Stranger Things (2016 – present): Sci-fi horror at its finest. Creepy monsters from alternate parallel dimension, telekinesis, remote viewing, telepathy, and science experiments gone terribly wrong. If you haven’t watched it yet, what are you waiting for? 😉
The Expanse (2015 – 2022): Space travel, alien organisms, worm holes, bioengineering, terraforming, and more. Humans have colonized the solar system, but is that a good thing? Compelling, hard sci-fi worthy of a good binge.
Babylon 5 (1994 – 1998): Sci-fi space opera goodness. Follows the lives of fascinating characters (aliens and humans) aboard a space station operating as a sort of United Nations. Political intrigue guaranteed.
Doctor Who (1963 – present): One of the most bingeable sci-fi classics on TV today. Dive in anywhere and join the Time Lord Doctor as he regenerates every season and time travels all over the universe. Both heart-wrenching and humorous, the Doctor never disappoints.
Bonus Pick: Farscape! I know what you’re thinking: “It’s a top 10, Celia.” Well, yes, but I couldn’t resist giving you a little bonus show. Another sci-fi cult classic, (1999 -2003) with riveting alien characters and a lone human astronaut whose mission goes horribly, horribly wrong. A fun and fascinating series.
I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about
What happens when a closed case cracks wide open? Double Takedown A Mike Stoneman Thriller #6 by Kevin G. Chapman Genre: Mystery, Thriller What if everything you thought you knew was wrong?
The glittering lights of Broadway are just a cover for the dark secrets hidden behind the curtains. NYPD homicide detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson are about to find out how many layers one story can have in their latest case. As they prepare to testify in a high-profile murder trial, they begin to question if they got it wrong. The Broadway director claims evidence was planted to frame him and that Mike and Jason developed tunnel vision. If they did, can they live with themselves, knowing that an innocent man might be convicted . . . and that someone else got away with the perfect crime?With orders to stay away from the closed case, Mike and Jason are plagued by doubts and can’t let it go. When new evidence leads to even more questions, the detectives race to put the pieces together and uncover the whole truth. But their unauthorized investigation could lead to catastrophic collateral damage, could cost them their badges, and the director may still be guilty.For fans of intense crime thrillers and complex characters, Double Takedown is a must-read.
What readers are saying:
“A fantastic story with delicious plotting! A crime thriller that’s more than a cut above the rest.” ~Anna Willett, author of the Cold Case Mysteries featuring Detective Inspector Veronika Pope.
“The sixth installment in the Mike Stoneman Mystery series, Double Takedown is a mind-blowing and perfect detective mystery read.” ~Feathered Quill Reviews https://featheredquill.com/double-takedown/
“Mike and Jason are probably my two favourite detectives. Their side stories with their wives and families enhance what is already sure to be a great read. Another page-turner, you won’t put this down till the end, I promise!” ~@Roxxisreading
“A compelling mixture of mystery, police procedural, and thriller. I couldn’t put it down.” ~ Guy Wheatley author of From the Delta Mud.
“As a retired Homicide Investigator after thirty years, trust me when I tell you that Double Takedown reads as real and as gritty as any case that I ever worked. A mystery tour de force for the ages.” ~ Frederick Douglass Reynolds, Award Winning author of Saint Bloodbath, and Black, White, and Gray All Over.
“In this gripping installment to the Mike Stoneman detective series, we dive into the underbelly of the theatrical world where drugs are routine and the line between accident and foul play blurs. I couldn’t put it down.” ~Daniel V. Meier Jr., Award winning author of the Sam Adams Investigator series.
**Don’t miss the rest of the series!** Find them on Amazon!
Kevin G. Chapman is an attorney specializing in labor and employment law. In 2021, Kevin finished the first five books in the Mike Stoneman Thriller series: Righteous Assassin (Kindle Book Award semi-finalist), Deadly Enterprise (Kindle Book Award semi-finalist), Lethal Voyage, (Winner of the 2021 Kindle Book Award, CLUE finalist, RONE finalist), Fatal Infraction(Best Police Procedural of the year – CLUE Award), and Perilous Gambit. In late 2022, Kevin published a stand-alone mystery/thriller titled Dead Winner (CLUE Award – Best Suspense/Thriller of the year). Then, in 2024 came The Other Murder, winner of the CLUE Award Grand Prize (best suspense/thriller of the year) and finalist for the National Indie Excellence Award. Now, in 2025, Mike Stoneman is back in book #6, Double Takedown. Kevin is a resident of Central New Jersey and is a graduate of Columbia College and Boston University School of Law. Readers can contact Kevin via his website at www.KevinGChapman.com. Website * Facebook * FBGroup * Twitter * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Interview with Kevin G. Chapman The Mike Stoneman Thriller Series and book #6 – Double Takedown
How did you get started writing this crime-thriller series?
A long time ago, in the mid-90s, I wrote my first novel, which was a mystery starring a New York Private Investigator named Rick LaBlonde. It was fun and a good try at a first novel. But it was before Amazon and before self-publishing was really a thing. I put it aside in about 1996 when I couldn’t get any interest from a publisher. Then, in 2002, my wife told me that for our 20th wedding anniversary, she was going to pay to have the book published by a new company that had come into existence called Xlibris, which was a division of a big publishing house and which was an early “vanity publisher” that would essentially allow you to self-publish a book. In those days, you had to order a minimum number of copies for printing. It was a lovely present, and I still have a few copies of that first book left on my basement shelves. But by then I had a new job and three kids and I didn’t do any more real writing for many years. Then in the mid-2000s (the aughts?) as my kids were getting older, I got the itch again and I started working on my version of The Great American Novel. It was very, very loosely based on some autobiographical events in my life, but was mostly pure fiction. It’s about a conservative Senator who has to confront his past and make hard decisions about his future. It’s about morality and politics and self-determination and identity. It’s a very serious book, but with some interesting characters and, I think, a compelling story line. It’s called A Legacy of One. It got some great reviews and some book award recognition, but didn’t sell. Part of that was my own lack of understanding about how marketing a self-published book, but it’s also because the subject matter isn’t particularly popular unless you’re already a well-known author or celebrity. I spent 10 years off and on working on that and finally published it in 2016. When the dust cleared from that project, I decided I still wanted to write, but I needed to get into something more fun, less serious, and hopefully something more marketable. Along the way, in 2012, I had written a short story for a writing contest where the subject had to be crime or law. I had created a character named Mike Stoneman, an NYPD homicide detective. The short story, called Fool Me Twice won first prize in the contest. So, in 2016, I decided to take that character from the short story and work him up into a full-blown crime fiction novel. The short story is now available for free on Amazon and other sales platforms, and I included it as an extra feature at the end of the first book in the novel series, Righteous Assassin.
Can you describe your main characters? Mike Stoneman is a veteran homicide detective in the New York Police Department. In addition to being the senior detective on his team, he also teaches classes at the police academy and separate night classes for cops studying for the detectives exam. His classes are on things like evidence handling, crime scene protocol, witness interrogation, and how to testify in court. He typically gets assigned the new detectives so he can show them the ropes. He likes that work – teaching the younger cops and passing down his wisdom. He loves it when other cops come to him for his opinion on a tough case.
He’s also a Mets fan and likes classic rock music. He wears plain slacks and sports jacket combos with non-descript ties and comfortable (old) shoes. He’s not flashy – he’s not trying to impress anyone. He’s just turned 50 and is a little overweight, but trying to work out more and get into better shape, especially since he has become romantically involved with Michelle McNeill, the county medical examiner. But, he likes his pasta. He also appreciates a fine single-malt scotch.
Mike’s partner, Jason Dickson, is an African-American detective with a military background. He’s young and smooth and confident – but a little too cocky sometimes for Mike’s liking. There is some tension between them in book #1 (Righteous Assassin), but by book #2 (Deadly Enterprise) the partners fully have each other’s backs. In book #3 (Lethal Voyage), Jason takes more of the spotlight along with his girlfriend, Rachel Robinson. Their romance, which was briefly mentioned in book #2, becomes the emotional core of book #3. Then, in book #4 (Fatal Infraction), Jason decides to propose. In book #5 (Perilous Gambit), Jason and Rachel travel to Las Vegas to get married, with Mike and Michelle along as their friends and witnesses.
The dynamics between Mike and Jason and their relationship, as well as the relationship between Mike and Michelle and between Jason and Rachel, are the heart of the stories.
What makes them original? Mike and Jason are both complex and “real” people. Neither is a super hero who takes on multiple attackers barehanded or outthinks an evil mastermind, or smoothly seduces the female spy. They are vulnerable and awkward and emotional. Their comrades in the precinct are similarly “normal” people who banter and argue and yell. They are very much New York-based people and I try to give an authentic feel to their surroundings and stories. Mike’s status as the mentor and senior detective give him a unique persona and perspective. The relationship between the middle-aged couple, Mike and Michelle, starts out slow and then settles into a very comfortable ongoing romance, but they deal with their own issues. Jason and Rachel are younger and the discussion about whether to get engaged is a big topic, along with what it means to be married to a cop – and what it means for Jason to be a cop and also a husband and father. They are murder mystery stories, but the characters draw the reader into a real world, not a big-budget movie fantasy.
What makes them tick? Mike is a very by-the-book guy for the most part, but we learn in all the stories that he’s willing to bend the rules when he feels that it’s necessary or justified. He also is concerned about his relationship with Michelle and how to keep that going, without putting her in danger. He’s also (surprisingly) concerned about Jason and his future and well-being. So, he’s both a crusty jaded cop and a sensitive, concerned person. He’s also now concerned about his own mortality and his own future to a degree that’s new to him, after 24 years on the force. Jason has a chip on his shoulder about being a Black detective. He demands respect, although he comes to understand that he has to earn it. He’s also facing a cross-roads in his life where he must decide if he wants to be a career cop. He’s not sure he wants to be like Mike at age 50 – single. But, if he and Rachel get married, will he want to continue his rather dangerous occupation. And what if they have kids? Those questions are central to his story.
What is their biggest fear? Now, Mike’s biggest fear is that something bad will happen to Michelle because of one of his investigations. It nearly happened in “Righteous Assassin,” and it became an issue between them in “Deadly Enterprise.” Unfortunately for Mike, there is more peril ahead for Michelle.
Is there a consistent bad guy in the books? No. Each book has its own villains and challenges. Not every situation is clear-cut, which makes it fun. There is no super-villain who keeps coming back to terrorize the City. Each story is very unique. There is an organized crime family in New York – the Gallata family – that shows up a few times. And in Las Vegas there is a different organized crime boss named Freddy Costanzo, who has a link back to the Gallatas, but they are not consistent villains.
Can the books be read in any order? Yes. Each book is a fully stand-alone story. I’ve had many readers pick up the series at each point and nobody has had any problems enjoying the books separately without having read the earlier ones. But, there is some development of the characters going on, and there are references in each book to events that happened in the earlier books. Some are necessary for later readers, and some are Easter eggs for readers who will get the “inside” jokes. There’s not much of that, but enough to make my audience happy. But they definitely can be read in any sequence. I would not recommend reading book #5 (Perilous Gambit) before reading the first four, since there will be some spoilers about what is going to happen to the man subplots.
What is Double Takedown about? Two investigations that test the detectives’ sense of justice. In the spring of 2022, at their first big public event in the post-COVID times, Mike, Jason, Michelle, and Rachel attend a charity ballet gala at Lincoln Center. The ballet is more exciting than anyone wanted when a Broadway actor collapses and dies, despite Rachel’s EMT efforts to save him. It turns out that the actor was murdered. Mike and Jason investigate and quickly identify the director of the actor’s show (Godfather: The Musical) as a suspect. When they find incriminating evidence on the deleted files on the director’s laptop computer, the case wraps up quickly. The director is arrested and indicted for first degree murder. More than a year later, the detectives are prepping with the prosecutor for their testimony at the murder trial. When an ex-cop PI tells Jason that the director is innocent, that the evidence was planted, and that the real killer got away with the perfect crime, nobody wants to hear about it. Least of all Mike and Jason. But the more they think about the PI’s information and the way the investigation played out, the more they worry that they might have developed tunnel vision and arrested the only suspect they ever truly looked at. When other evidence comes to light, they need to figure out how to find the real killer without violating ever rule in the cop book. Meanwhile, a new body in a swanky apartment seems like a simple drug overdose, but the beautiful internet influencer might have been murdered. And there may be a connection between the new case and the Ballet Murder. See what happens and how Mike and Jason walk a very thin line between duty and justice, in book #6 – Double Takedown.
If you and your character met in real life, do you think you’d get on? Oh yes! I have given Mike many character traits from my own backstory. We would definitely go to a Mets game together and then share a high-end single malt. Mike’s a little younger than I, but we are both Boomers and share a lot of common experience. I’m not a cop, but that wouldn’t stop us from being friends.
Who would you like to see play them if your books were made into a film or TV show? In the movie version of Righteous Assassin, if it were made soon, Michael B. Jordan would play Jason. For Mike, I think John C. Riley would be perfect. Maybe Brad Pitt. The casting director would have fun with the rest of the characters. I personally want Annaleigh Ashford to play Mrs. DiVito.
How many books do you have in the series so far? Books 1-6 are now published and available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook editions. I narrated the audiobooks myself. That makes it a 6-book series plus two stand-alone mysteries (Dead Winner and The Other Murder) in just about six years. Not bad for somebody with a day job.
What’s in store for them next? After a two-year lull in the story. Double Takedown picks up our characters in the spring of 2022, then jumps to the fall of 2023. Book #7 (tentatively titled Treacherous Hack) will follow-on immediately after the time setting of Double Takedown. Mike and Jason investigate a murder that draws them into an international data hacking ring, while Rachel branches out in her television news career, which creates some conflicts of interest. Book #7 should be out by the end of 2025.
Follow the tourHEREfor special content and a giveaway!
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.
Award-winning author Kim Baccellia grew up in Sacramento, California, the oldest of seven. She has a business associate degree from Sacramento City College, a BS degree in elementary education from Brigham Young University, and studied post grad bilingual/bicultural education at CSUF.
She’s been a telemarketer, library helper at the Harold B. Lee library at BYU, assistant manager, sales clerk, tutor, bilingual teacher, and homeschool mother. Currently the author of four YA novels with another one coming out soon!
Author of YA paranormal CROSSED OUT and CROSSED FIRE. YA dystopia CANDLE IN THE WIND. Also the author of the urban diverse fantasy EARRINGS OF IXTUMEA. Short Christmas Magic in the Holiday analogy MISTLETOE AND MAGIC. Re-releasing YA fantasy series under new titles in 2026! Currently working on a historical romance set in Tuscany.
What if you discovered everything you’ve been taught is a lie? For most of her life, seventeen-year-old Espie Hernandez’s world revolved around the Branch of Thomas, a cult-like haven in what’s left of a war-ravaged America. Their ruler, Reverent Father, keeps them safe from the Others, those outside the compound who wish to harm them. Espie questions what she’s been taught and finds herself banished from the compound. She’s thrust into the harsh world beyond their walls with the mission to prove the Others actually have a plot against them. When tensions escalate, Espie must figure out who to trust before everything she loves is torn apart.
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.
Margaret Izard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.
He’d fight mystic forces to be with her. She sees her future in his love.
Stone of Hope Stones of Iona Book 4 by Margaret Izard Genre: Time Travel, Paranormal Romance
In a twist of fate, Dominic DeVolt is shown archeologist Moira Joanna White’s beauty through the Eye of Ra. Trying to save his niece and nephew from evil Fae powers, he’s sucked into the past and dumped in the middle of her Egyptian archaeology dig.
Moira fears the attractive man who appears at her dig is partnering with her archnemesis. That is until the bold fighter distracts her with a kiss. His duty as uncle tugs her heart, but is he only after her precious artifacts?
He’d fight mystic forces to be with her. She sees her future in his love.
Previous books in the series, Stone of Love, book 1, Brielle and Colin’s 18th century Scottish story. Stone of Fear, Book 2, Marie and John’s 13th century Scottish story. Stone of Lust, Book 3, Ainslie and Rannick’s Viking tale. Thistle in the Mistletoe featuring a couple in the past from Stone of Love. Next in the series: Stone of Doubt, book 5 coming 2025, Holly and Ivy, a Christmas companion book. Stone of Faith, book 6. Stone of Destiny, book 7. Evergreen Evermore, a Christmas companion book. This series leads into another connected series, Dragons of Tantallon, a dragon-shapeshifter series revolving around the magic Iona Stones.
Would you like a chance to win aStone of Hope Swag Pack (US only) or a $30 Amazon giftcard (WW) – 1 winner each! Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about
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.
One kiss could awaken a kingdom… or doom it to eternal darkness.
A cursed prince. A dangerous dream world. A girl who holds the key to their salvation. One kiss could awaken a kingdom… or doom it to eternal darkness. When a reluctant thief with the power to control thorns is forced to break an ancient curse, she must risk entering the dangerous Dreamplane to save a cursed prince—but some magic comes with a price too deadly to pay. In the kingdom of Solstraea, where the skies are gray and thorns rule the land, a centuries-old curse has imprisoned Prince Kael in an eternal sleep. Only one person can break the spell—Liora Thornhand, a thief with a rare, dangerous gift she never wanted. Captured and offered a deal she cannot refuse, Liora must venture into the deadly Dreamplane to find Kael’s heart, hidden deep within a magical rose. But as she battles nightmare creatures and faces her own dark past, she learns that waking the prince might cost her more than just her freedom—it might cost her life. In a world filled with twisted thorns, cursed roses, and dangerous shadows, Liora will have to decide: will she risk everything to save a kingdom she doesn’t belong to, or will she let it fall into eternal darkness? Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Brigid Kemmerer, “A Curse of Thorns and Slumber” is a spellbinding mix of dark fantasy, romance, and a daring quest through a world where magic is as treacherous as it is beautiful. A Curse of Thorns and Slumber is the second book in the Legends Reborn series. It is a no-spice fantasy romance adventure. Books can be read in any order.
A Curse of Snow and Ash: A Snow White Retelling Legends Reborn Book 1
She holds the power of fire and ice—now, she must decide which one will rule. Valira, the forgotten princess of the Ash Court, has lived her life hidden from both her past and her dangerous magic. When she is thrust into a world of ice and fire, hunted by two rival courts, she must unlock her powers to stop a war—and perhaps find herself along the way. In a world where fire and ice have been at war for centuries, Valira, an exiled princess with no memory of her past, is hunted for the power she doesn’t understand. Born from a forbidden union between the Courts of Snow and Ash, Valira wields both fire and ice, a magic that could save or destroy the realm. When a cold-hearted assassin from the Snow Court, Prince Caelan, is sent to kill her, their fates become entwined. As they race against time to uncover the truth about her origins and the curse that threatens the kingdoms, Valira must learn to control her volatile powers before the war consumes them both. Enemies lurk in every shadow, and trust is as fragile as ice. But amid the chaos, a dangerous bond forms between Valira and Caelan—one that could melt the coldest hearts or spark a fire that consumes them both. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Brigid Kemmerer, A Curse of Snow and Ash is a breathtaking blend of elemental magic, fierce romance, and high-stakes fantasy.
A Curse of Snow of Ash is the first book in the Legends Reborn series. It is a no-spice fantasy romance adventure.
Marie-Hélène is a Canadian author. She writes young adult quest and adventure stories rooted in fantasy, magic, and time travel. With important coming-of-age lessons at the core of her writing, children and young adults alike will revel in the fantastical journeys of her characters. When not immersed in magic and mystery, you’ll find Marie-Hélène hiking, cycling, or lying on the beach with a good book.
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Confessions Beneath the Thorns: Liora and Prince Kael Speak
As someone who’s spent years in the shadows, I know a thing or two about overheard secrets. You learn to read people—what they say, what they don’t, and what they can’t quite admit to themselves. When it comes to Liora Thornhand and Prince Kael, their secrets are written all over their faces.
Here’s what I’ve pieced together from the quiet moments they thought no one noticed.
Liora Thornhand: “He sees too much.”
I found her late one night, sitting by the campfire, sharpening one of her knives with a ferocity that suggested she was trying to cut through her own thoughts. Her dark hair was loose, her shoulders tense, and though she didn’t look up when I approached, I could tell she wasn’t as calm as she pretended to be.
“He’s infuriating,” she said, not bothering to explain who she meant. “Thinks he’s so noble, always trying to save everyone. As if the world doesn’t already have enough broken heroes.”
She dragged the blade across the whetstone again, the scrape breaking the silence. “But then… he looks at me.” Her voice softened, the words barely above a whisper. “And it’s like he sees everything. The parts I keep hidden. The parts I wish weren’t there.” She stopped sharpening and stared into the fire, her expression caught somewhere between frustration and longing. “I don’t know what he wants from me. But whatever it is, I can’t give it to him. Not when I barely know what I have left to give.”
Her voice broke then, and she quickly cleared her throat, shoving the knife back into its sheath. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. We’re both cursed. We don’t get happy endings.”
But as she walked away, I caught the faintest tremor in her voice. And for someone who says it doesn’t matter, she sure spends a lot of time watching him when she thinks no one’s looking.
Prince Kael: “She’s the only one who doesn’t look away.”
Kael isn’t the kind of man who talks about his feelings—at least not openly. But I’ve noticed how he lingers after Liora storms off, his expression tight, like he’s holding back words he doesn’t know how to say.
Once, as we were packing up camp, I asked him why he keeps pushing her buttons.
“She’s stubborn,” he said after a long pause, his voice low and thoughtful. “Too stubborn for her own good. She doesn’t trust anyone—not even herself.”
He ran a hand through his hair, his brow furrowing. “But when she looks at me… she doesn’t flinch. She doesn’t pity me. She doesn’t see a monster. She just… sees me.” His voice softened, and for a moment, he looked almost vulnerable. “Do you know how rare that is? To be seen?”
I didn’t answer, but I didn’t need to. He sighed and looked away, his jaw tightening.
“She’s carrying so much. More than anyone should have to. I wish I could take some of it from her, but… she’d never let me. And maybe that’s what I admire most about her. She doesn’t need saving.” He paused, his voice dropping to a whisper. “But maybe I do.” The Thread Between Them
These two would never admit it, but they’re more alike than they realize. Both scarred, both guarded, both afraid of wanting something they might lose. They’re bound by curses, yes, but also by the rare understanding that comes from seeing someone else’s pain and recognizing it as your own.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s the kind of connection that could cut through even the sharpest thorns.
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What would you do to free the love of your life from prison?
Not For the Faint of Heart Madcap Adventures Book 1 by Rene Vecka Genre: Epic Fantasy Mystery Romance Adventure
What would you do to free the love of your life from prison?
Magic and mayhem meet mystery and humor in a four-way rumble. Romance gets a few licks in as well. Set in a post-Ragnarok world with dual protagonists. If you loved the Dresden Files, you’ll love Madcap Adventures.
As Rory proposes to Ingefær, the Shrine they’re visiting is set ablaze. Ingefær is jailed and threatened with hanging. Rory investigates, but is hounded at every step by soldiers. While Ingefær searches for ways to defeat the jail’s magic wards, the Shrine’s healer vanishes in a puff of smoke.
Will the couple get the chance to solve the Shrine fire mystery before the law postpones their nuptials forever?
Kirkus Reviews: …In Vecka’s fantasy novel, lovers are torn apart by a false accusation and must prove one’s innocence before a rigged trial…Vecka creates compelling difficulties and character challenges that help drive the fast-paced plot and add to the already exciting mystery narrative…A fun and entertaining fantasy that will keep readers guessing.
I’ve been a reader of fantasy and science fiction since I was ten. Lord of the Rings is still my favorite. I now read Butcher (Dresden) and Salvatore (Drizzt), as well at Sanderson and others. The Mid Dreki Realm got its start with a comment with my then fifteen year old son. That kernel grew into a book, which split into two, and is now a five book series. I retired at 57 and began the process of becoming a writer. I’ve attended a half dozen conferences, read numerous books on the art of writing, joined critique groups, and immersed myself in the craft. I’m a member of Apex, a group founded by David Farland (Runelord). I live in the foothills between Colorado Springs and Denver with my wife. Deer, turkeys, bear, coyotes, and my three children and 2 grandchildren occasionally drop by.
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A tea shop owner good girl and a reformed microbrewer bad boy reunite in this wonderfully wicked love story. Sometimes the second sip is sweetest.
Brewing Up a Bad Boy WiCKed Sisters Book 3 By Katherine Garbera Genre: Small Town Cozy Romantic Comedy
A tea shop owner good girl and a reformed microbrewer bad boy reunite in this wonderfully wicked love story.
Sometimes the second sip is sweetest.
In the cozy town of Birch Lake, tea shop owner Poppy Kitchener thought she’d left her mistakes, and her failed marriage, in the past. But when her ex-husband, Alistair Miller, turns up—as charming and irritatingly handsome as ever—those old feelings float to the surface. To top it off, he has a puzzling proposition: pretend they’re still married for his cousin’s wedding in exchange for a lucrative business deal with his family.
Easy enough, right? After all, this could be Poppy’s last chance to get closure, grow her business and use Alistair’s knowledge of microbrewing to help her finish that winning recipe for the tea competition.
But even after all this time, he still knows how to make her laugh. And he’s changed in ways that make Poppy wonder about the man he’s become… Can she trust this new Alistair with her heart, or will a second chance brew up disaster?
From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles…
It was all well and good that Alistair wanted to help her get a fair deal from his family, but it was also a lot sus. He’d literally never cared about her position in the family before this. Part of why her marriage hadn’t been the love match she’d believed it to be. Grimacing while he nervously kneaded his own legs, Alistair took his time answering. Over his shoulder, she noticed Sera and Liberty coming closer to them. The doubts that she’d been struggling to contain were assuaged by their presence. The warmth of that bond and friendship gave her strength. “If you can’t answer me, then we’re done,” she said. Merle had been right about her needing closure, but she wasn’t getting back on the hamster wheel that had been her life with Alistair. “I’m trying.” “Good for you. Try harder. You and I don’t speak the same language.” He inhaled deeply, making his chest flex, something she noted and tried to ignore. But Alistair had always been a physical guy, working out, and it was hard to ignore how ripped he was. One of the things that had originally drawn her eye to him was his body. He looked like a sexier version of Harry Styles, mixed with Timothée Chalamet, with a little old-school Chris Pine—Princess Diaries era. One look at him, and she’d fallen hard. “Fine. I am on a leave of absence—” “You need me to get you back in?” Disappointed in herself for believing for half a second that he might be here for some other reason. Of course it was about pleasing his father and reclaiming his place in the family company. “No. NO. Let me start over. I don’t want to get back in. I am trying to right past wrongs. I should have read that contract before I told you to sign it. I want you to get what you deserve, not continue being screwed over by Lancaster-Spencer Tea Makers as you have been.” If what he was saying was true… But how could she trust Alistair again? What did it say about her that she really wanted to? It had taken her five long years to start repairing that damage, and it was only the bond she had with Sera and Liberty that made the healing easier. “That’s nice,” she said. “If you’re going to be like that, then don’t bother.” “Like what?” she demanded, feeling her own anger building for the first time. Something she hadn’t allowed since she’d walked out of their flat in Kensington. “Treating me like I deserve to be treated. If this isn’t the time and you’re not ready to let go of the past, well, I respect that. But my father is going to come for you, and he’s got good corporate solicitors that rarely lose.” “Tell me something I don’t know,” she said. But his honesty here was appreciated. “How would us pretending to be married help?” “As my wife, you have some sway on the board. Mum and George will stand with us when we go up against Dad.” “If I went, when would we leave and return? I can’t just jet off and leave my store,” she said. “I thought we’d leave on Sunday—” “In two days?” He had the grace to look sheepish. “I was afraid if I gave you too much time to think, you’d say no.” “Legend,” she said sarcastically. He pushed his hand through his hair and looked down at the table before locking eyes with her. “I get it. I’m an ass, and I treated you poorly. I am sorry. You know that. I’ve apologized. I’m trying to at least get something good for you out of the mess that our marriage was.” Her heart tugged. She couldn’t resist Ali when he was sincere, which wasn’t as often as she would have liked. But now…when the change in him flashed… “I accepted your apology in that email. But I didn’t expect… Well I had no idea what it would be like seeing you in person again,” she said. Damn Ali. At this moment, he embodied all the things she liked about him, owning his mistakes in a way that he’d only done when they were dating. She wouldn’t deny that hearing him say she deserved better than Lancaster-Spencer made her melt a little. “Me either,” he admitted. “I need some time to think.” But she already was leaning toward going with him. Did that make her the most pitiful woman on the planet? Luckily, she had “Bad Idea Right?” by Olivia Rodrigo on replay in her head. Cutting herself a break, she was going to send him on his way. Chances were, she was going to the UK on Sunday for a week, which meant she needed to get more staff in. That didn’t mean that Alistair shouldn’t sweat a little. Things came too easily to him the first time… “I’ll give you my answer tomorrow,” she said, standing. Alistair gave her a tight nod and then turned to walk out of the shop. She had to be careful she wasn’t all hello, love when she should be goodbye, lover. It was a delicate balance, and one only she could weigh and decide on.
She’s kind of a witch. He’s definitely a nerd. And this Halloween they’re letting their geek flags fly in this playful romantic comedy from USA TODAY bestselling author Katherine Garbera.
Dungeons and dragons and nerds, oh my…
The spooky season is almost here, and occultist and tarot reader Liberty Wakefield is already feelin’ it. But ever since her sick nan muttered the name of Liberty’s mysterious biological father, nothing feels normal. Not her friends, her family, nor the quirky shop she runs with her besties. So maybe it’s time for Liberty to track down the father she’s never met. Of course, that means getting a little help from the sexy nerd she’s been not-so-secretly vibing since last summer…
Merle Rutland hasn’t met anyone like the vivacious, bubbly Liberty. Part of him wishes he was more like her—instead of hiding his geekery from his hyper-athletic family. The other part just wants to pull the curvy redhead close, steal a kiss and hope he doesn’t roll a critical fail.
Only, somewhere between Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, pumpkins and a few ridiculously hot sexy-times, Liberty and Merle discover their respective weirds might be a match. Yet as Halloween draws closer, it seems everyone has skeletons in the closet…and nothing spells disaster quite like being haunted by the past…
A witchy, witty, wickedly sexy romance about love, books, friendship and the unexpected connections that bind us together…
Bookbinding (verb): the art of creating something magical out of fabric, leather and paper.
As a lonely foster kid, Serafina Conte sought refuge in handmaking journals—and writing her wishes within their pages. Now, in the quirky new age store she shares with her two best friends, Sera’s intentions have paid off. Her journals are in the spotlight—and rumored to manifest great things. Whether it’s witchy skills, real magic or not, Sera’s finally ready to be the leading lady of her life story…
Until her plot hits a twist.
After the death of her mentor, Ford Sitwell, all the loneliness and insecurity of her past returns. The only balm is the box of antique books he left to her. But Ford’s suspicious brooding grandson, Wes, is ready to think the worst of her—and get his grandfather’s books back! The first part doesn’t bother her. The second? Forget it. Sera won’t give Wes the books so easily. But it’s clear he’s seeking something more, an emotional connection no book can replace. So she offers a deal—work in her store for six weeks, and in return, she’ll help him get closure by sharing memories of his late grandfather.
Yes, Wes seems grumpy, but actually he’s hot…and maybe kind? Deep down? And when desire and vulnerability work their charms, Sera begins to wonder if the best stories aren’t the ones you intend, but the ones that take you where you least expected…
From showing up to glowing up, these characters are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way.
Katherine Garbera is bestselling author of more than 100 novels which have been translated into over two dozen languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. A strong believer in happy endings, her love of books led her to her dream career writing novels. She is the mother of two incredibly creative and snarky grown children, Katherine enjoys champagne, reading, walking, and travels with her husband. A Florida native, Katherine now lives in the UK.
As an author who has been writing now for 15 years and has navigated both the gritty, magical streets of urban fantasy and the dark, fractured worlds of dystopian fiction, I’ve picked up countless lessons throughout my writing journey. Some have come from hard-won experience, others from moments of doubt, and still others from the quiet, unexpected flashes of inspiration that seem to come out of nowhere, usually in the shower or during long car rides.
Today, I want to share the most valuable writing lessons I’ve learned along the way. These aren’t just about crafting stories—they’re about the mindset, habits, and perseverance that shape an author’s life.
1. Embrace the Chaos of the First Draft
When I first started writing, I used to agonize over every word in my first drafts. I’d waste hours trying to perfect every sentence, hoping to make it sound just right. But here’s the thing I’ve learned: the first draft is supposed to be messy. In fact, it’s better if it is.
Writing that first draft is about getting the story out of your head and onto the page, without worrying too much about perfection. It’s about momentum. Perfection can come later, during the revision process. When I finally gave myself permission to write without overthinking every word, I found that my creativity flowed much more freely. So, don’t stress over the first draft. Just write it.
2. Characters are the Heart of Your Story
In urban fantasy, where the world is often as complex as the plot itself, and in dystopian novels, where entire societies are upended, it’s easy to get caught up in world-building and intricate plots. But the most important part of any story is the characters. Readers don’t just want to know what’s happening—they want to know how it affects the characters, how they react, and how they grow.
I’ve learned that the more real and complex your characters feel, the more invested your readers will be in the world you’ve created. Whether they’re fighting monsters in a magical city or surviving in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, their journey—emotional, moral, and physical—is what makes readers care. So, I always ask myself: What does this moment mean for my characters?
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Break the Rules
Urban fantasy and dystopian fiction are genres that thrive on bending and breaking traditional rules. Magic is real, societies are crumbling, and the unexpected is always lurking around the corner. Over the years, I’ve realized that writing is a playground, and the rules are there to be tested, twisted, and sometimes shattered.
Whether it’s breaking the rules of storytelling, experimenting with unconventional narrative structures, or taking risks with your plot and characters, innovation often lies in the moments of rebellion. Some of my most exciting and rewarding moments as a writer have come from pushing beyond what I thought was possible. So, embrace the freedom to break the rules and experiment. You might just create something uniquely yours.
4. Write the Story That Only You Can Tell
In the world of fiction, it’s easy to feel the pressure to conform—to write what’s trendy or popular, or to imitate successful authors. I’ve definitely been pulled toward that trap before. But the truth is, the best stories come from your unique perspective. What makes your voice distinct is the way you see the world, your influences, and your experiences.
I’ve learned to lean into my own voice and not shy away from telling the stories that feel the most personal or unusual. When I allowed myself to write the kinds of stories I truly wanted to tell—my writing became more authentic, more exciting, and more fulfilling. Your story is yours to tell, and it will resonate most when it comes from an honest, original place.
5. Perfectionism Will Only Hold You Back
It’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly editing, revising, and doubting every word you write, especially when you’re passionate about your project. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stared at a paragraph, tweaking and reworking it endlessly. But here’s the hard truth: perfect writing doesn’t exist.
At some point, you have to let go of the fear of imperfection and give yourself permission to finish. This doesn’t mean being careless or writing sloppy prose, but it does mean accepting that no piece of writing will ever be flawless. Perfectionism kills progress—it’ll paralyze you and keep you from finishing what you started. I’ve learned to step away from the manuscript, trusting that revisions will smooth out the rough edges.
6. It’s Okay to Not Have All the Answers Right Away
When I first began writing, I thought that a solid plot needed to be completely figured out before I even started. I tried to outline everything in advance, convinced that the best stories had everything planned out. But what I’ve learned over the years is that sometimes, you don’t have to have all the answers right away.
Especially when writing in genres like urban fantasy or dystopian fiction, there’s room for spontaneity. Your characters will surprise you, and your plot will evolve. Instead of trying to force everything into a predetermined mold, I’ve learned to embrace the unknown and trust that the answers will come as I write. Often, it’s in the act of writing itself that the story reveals what it wants to be.
7. Writing is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Writing is not about getting to the finish line as quickly as possible. It’s about the process—the journey of creation. As someone who’s worked on multiple novels, I’ve learned that it’s important to pace myself. There are days when the words come easily, and there are days when they don’t come at all. That’s okay.
I’ve had to remind myself that writing is a long game. It takes time, persistence, and patience. There’s no rush. I’ve learned to accept that the process of writing—no matter how slow or messy it seems—is just as important as the finished product. Some days, the best thing I can do is simply sit down and write, even if it’s just a few hundred words or even justa journal entry. The more consistent I am, the further I get.
8. Rejection is Part of the Process
If there’s one lesson I wish I could tell every aspiring writer, it’s that rejection is a part of the journey. It stings, yes. It’s painful to have your work turned away or ignored, but I’ve learned that rejection is not a reflection of your talent or worth as a writer.
Every rejection has taught me something—whether it’s a critique on my writing style or a simple reminder that not every story is the right fit for every reader. The key is to not let rejection stop you from writing. I’ve had my fair share, and each time, I’ve picked myself back up, learned from the experience, and moved forward. Rejection is just a detour, not the end of the road.
9. Trust Your Instincts
There are many voices in the writing world—editors, agents, fellow authors, readers—and they all have their opinions. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the advice and feedback you receive. Over the years, I’ve learned that the most important voice is your own.
Your instincts, your gut feelings, are there for a reason. If something feels off in your story or your character arc doesn’t resonate, listen to that. It’s easy to second-guess yourself, but I’ve found that trusting my own instincts is often what leads me to my best work. Writing is personal, and only you can truly know what’s right for your story.
Final Thoughts
The writing journey is not an easy one—it’s filled with highs and lows, moments of inspiration and doubt. But through it all, the lessons I’ve learned have made me a better, more resilient author. As I continue to write urban fantasy and dystopian novels, I carry these lessons with me, knowing they’ll help me navigate whatever comes next.
To anyone just starting out, or anyone struggling with their own writing journey: remember that writing is a process. You don’t have to get everything perfect right away, and sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come when you least expect them. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep believing in your story. It’s worth it.
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.
Douglas Smith is a five-time award-winning author described by Library Journal as “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction.”
His latest work is the multi-award-winning YA urban fantasy trilogy, The Dream Rider Saga. Other books include the urban fantasy novel, The Wolf at the End of the World; the collections, Chimerascope and Impossibilia; and the writer’s guide Playing the Short Game. His short fiction has appeared in the top markets in the field, including The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Amazing Stories, InterZone, Weird Tales, and many others.
He is a 4-time winner of Canada’s Aurora Award as well as the juried IAP Award. He’s been a finalist for the Astounding Award, CBC’s Bookies Award, Canada’s juried Sunburst Award, the juried Alberta Magazine Award for Fiction, and France’s juried Prix Masterton and Prix Bob Morane.
When Did You Start Writing? / When did you realize you wanted to be a writer? I did a lot of writing in high school, but got away from it for many years. I’d always planned to get serious about fiction “someday.” Then, in 1995, I finally decided to try. I started writing what would become my first professionally published story, “Spirit Dance,” but I really wasn’t making much progress. I’d spent, I think, all of July rewriting the same opening scene. Then, while on vacation, I came across a book called The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. It’s essentially a twelve-step program for recovering your creativity as an adult, the creativity we’re all born with and which is then beaten out of us by society as we’re told to grow up and get a real job. It’s a wonderful book and one I recommend to anyone who wants to be creative (or more creative), whether that be writing, art, music, acting, or whatever. But the real impetus for me to get serious about writing came when I returned from that vacation. and read that one of my all-time favourite writers, Roger Zelazny, had passed away from cancer at the far too young age of 56. That was it. Right then, I decided not to wait for “someday” or retirement or anything to start writing. There’s no guarantee any of us will live long enough to have a “someday.” I started producing stories regularly and sending them out to professional markets. I submitted my first story in January 1996—and got my first rejection that same month. But I kept submitting and received my first acceptance letter for “Spirit Dance” on Dec 31 that year, which was a great way to end a year and start a new one.
How did you discover the joys of speculative fiction? I had two “discovery” periods. When I was eight, a friend introduced me to Robert A. Heinlein’s young-adult SF novels — essentially rocket and ray-gun books. I devoured all of those, but then stopped reading the genre. Then in Grade 11, I had to do a paper in English comparing the works of multiple authors. Amazingly, the teacher included a group consisting of Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Ray Bradbury, which, of course, was the group I picked. That assignment got me back into reading SF and fantasy.
What writing has inspired you? / Major Influences? / Favourite Authors? I’d have to say my favourite author and influence on my own writing has been the late Roger Zelazny. His Lord of Light is one of the greatest speculative fiction novels ever written. His stories are often based on mythology, and I’ve always loved myths—Greek, Norse, Egyptian, Native American—so that was one attraction to his work. His prose style is lean but poetic, his stories poignant and mythic and filled with unique characters you want to spend time with. Plus, his work shows the most fantastic range of imagination of any writer I’ve ever encountered. I don’t think I write like him, but I’m sure he’s had an influence. Ray Bradbury’s short fiction was another early influence. He wrote about the fantastical hiding in our everyday lives, whether the hidden mystery is wondrous or frightening. I love his lyrical prose style, the simple humanity of his characters, and his insight into what it means to be human, no matter what our age. I reread “Something Wicked This Way Comes” recently. When I’d read it as a teenager, I remember loving the book and the kid characters, but not really “getting” the father. Reading it now, as an adult and father, I realize that Bradbury really understood both generations and the changes, choices, and regrets that come with age, and that is where the power of the book resides. I came to Hemingway late and after he was out of fashion, but his lean prose style amazed me, the way he could say so much by saying so little, and often communicating as much by what he left out, by what his characters didn’t discuss, as what he put on the page. Other favourite authors include Charles de Lint, Shirley Jackson, Emily St. John Mandel, Amor Towles, Thomas Perry, Thomas King, Ian Hamilton, Neil Gaiman, and Tim Powers. That’s a short list (but a good one). Some favourite books, including a lot on non-speculative fiction, include Station Eleven, The Queen’s Gambit, A Gentleman in Moscow, Memory & Dream, Ready Player One, Weaveworld, We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Ian Hamilton’s Ava Lee series, and of course, the spec fic classics like Dune, Stranger in a Strange Land, and LOTR. I’ve also written several short stories inspired in some way by the songs of Bruce Springsteen. He’s an astounding storyteller. In a few lines, he tells stories of everyday people struggling with whatever life has thrown at them, but with an attitude of defiance and hope despite the odds against them. And Buffy. Major Buffy fan. It remains one of the most creative shows ever to hit TV and is a writing workshop on character development and arcs and dialog.
Why start with short fiction? I started with short fiction because in spec fic, it’s been traditional to break in writing short stories. But I also think it makes sense to start with the short form before trying to tackle a novel, and I always urge young writers to do the same. Short stories let you learn the craft of fiction much faster than writing a novel. Twenty 5,000-word short stories let you experiment far more with different styles, points of view, genres, story structures, etc. than you could in a single 100,000-word novel. Plus, you’ll be able to find out earlier if your writing is at a publishable level by submitting those stories to short fiction markets. And short fiction will teach you skills you need whether you write short stories or novels—handling point of view, story structure, use of scenes, characterization, plot, pacing, dialog, setting, world building, information flow, voice—not to mention basic sentence structure, paragraphing, punctuation, grammar. I moved to novels once all my “short” stories started becoming very long stories.
What I read as a child I was reading by the time I was four, thanks to my parents reading to me every night at bedtime. It hooked me on books for a lifetime. Reading was a way to have wonderful adventures as a kid and make my world so much bigger than my house and neighborhood and school. My early favourites were animal stories, which probably led me to my love for writing shapeshifter tales. I loved A.E. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh” books (apparently my favourite bedtime stories as a young child) and Walter Brook’s “Freddie the Pig” series (the first books I remember knowing how to find in a library). Later it was everything by Jack London. About grade 5 or 6, Robert A. Heinlein juveniles got me hooked on SF, which led to fantasy. John Creasey and Dorothy Sayers introduced me to mystery and crime fiction somewhere in there as well. I believe that parents can teach kids to love reading by reading them a bedtime story EVERY night, from the day you bring them home. Make it a fun time, something they look forward to and associate with a wonderful experience. And make books a natural thing to have around. Our kids knew we’d say “no” to games, toys, or candy when out shopping—but they could always buy a new book. And for any wannabe writers, you can’t be a writer if you’re not a voracious reader. Period.
Will Dreycott is a superhero. In his dreams…and in yours.
The Hollow Boys The Dream Rider Saga Book 1 by Douglas Smith Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
WINNER OF THE 2023 AURORA AWARD FOR BEST YA NOVEL WINNER OF THE 2023 JURIED IAP AWARD FOR BEST YA NOVEL
“Thrilling YA fantasy” —BookLife (Editor’s Pick) “A must-read story for YA fantasy fans.” —Blueink Review (Starred review) “Inventive, engaging, and boundless fun.” —The Ottawa Review of Books
Vanishing street kids. An ancient evil. The end of the world. Our only hope? A hero who can’t leave home.
At seventeen, Will Dreycott is a superhero…in his dreams. And in yours.
Eight years ago, Will’s parents, shady dealers in ancient artifacts, disappeared on a jungle expedition. Will, the sole survivor, returned home with no memory of what happened, bringing a gift…and a curse.
The gift? Will can walk in our dreams. At night in Dream, Will hunts for criminals—and his parents. During the day, his Dream Rider comic, about a superhero no one knows is real, has made Will rich.
The curse? Severe agoraphobia. Will can’t go outside. So he makes his home a skyscraper with everything he needs in life—everything but the freedom to walk the streets of his city.
Case, an orphan Will’s age, survives on those streets with her younger brother, Fader. Survives because she too has a gift. She hears voices warning her of danger. And Fader? Well, he fades.
When street kids start vanishing, the Dream Rider joins the hunt. Will’s search becomes personal when Case breaks into his tower to escape her own abduction. Fader isn’t so lucky.
As Will and Case search for Fader and the missing kids, an unlikely romance grows between the boy with everything and the girl with nothing except the freedom Will longs for.
But as they push deeper into the mystery, they confront an ancient power feeding on these forgotten kids to restore itself. And once restored, no one in the world will be safe.
To defeat this creature, Will must do the impossible.
Go outside.
Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).
Praise for The Hollow Boys: “This arresting series kickoff grips from the start as it introduces its inventive milieu, its flawed but fantastically powered hero, its playful worldbuilding, and a host of tantalizing mysteries. … [A] vigorously imaginative scenario. … Takeaway: Thrilling YA fantasy” —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)
“An assured, confident novel … A must-read story for YA fantasy fans.” —Blueink Review (Starred review)
“Inventive, engaging, and boundless fun.” —The Ottawa Review of Books “A fun supernatural tale with well-developed characters and a touch of romance.” —Kirkus Reviews Praise for Douglas Smith:
“The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don’t give those up easy.” —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
“A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice.” —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
“His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
Sequel to the AURORA AWARD WINNER and the Juried IAP AWARD WINNER, The Hollow Boys
“Give me the Crystal Key!”
Will Dreycott is the Dream Rider, the agoraphobic teenage superhero who can walk in our dreams but never in the streets of his city. Case is his girlfriend, a survivor of those streets who hears voices that warn her of danger. Fader is her brother, who is very good at disappearing. Together, they defeated a body swapper and a witch to save the world (The Hollow Boys).
Now, Case battles guilt over living sheltered in Will’s tower home while her street friends still struggle. Blaming his affliction for Case’s sadness, Will searches for a way to live a normal life with the girl he loves—a way to go outside.
But his efforts draw the attention of dark forces. Sinister figures hunt Will in Dream. Intruders scour the vast warehouse of antiquities “acquired” by Will’s missing parents. And a masked swordswoman attacks Will, demanding “the Crystal Key” before disappearing into thin air.
Are they all searching for the same thing? Something from Will’s parents’ shady past? For the swordswoman leaves behind a flowery scent, Will’s only memory from the lost expedition eight years ago that gave him powers in Dream but cost him his parents and his freedom.
A trail of dark secrets leads Will, Case, and Fader to a mysterious world. Trapped between warring cults willing to kill for the Crystal Key, the three friends must master strange new powers that grow stronger and wilder the closer they draw to the truth.
This time it’s not just the fate of the world at stake…but the multiverse.
~ ~ ~
Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).
Praise for The Crystal Key: “The richly inventive Dream Rider adventure continues in this second appealing entry…with an exciting plot… always enlivened by the Smith hallmarks of crack dialogue, fun sleuthing and puzzle-solving, a strong throughline of emotion, a swift pace…and a principled refusal to settle for the familiar. Takeaway: This thrilling superpowered urban fantasy series continues to grip.” (New readers should start with book one.) —BookLife (Editor’s Pick) “The engrossing second installment of Douglas Smith’s Dream Rider Saga trilogy. … Smith continues to demonstrate an ability to expertly weave multiple complex fantasy elements into a cohesive whole. … This fast-paced story delivers in a big way—and Smith has all his ducks lined up for an explosive conclusion [to the series] that readers won’t want to miss.” —Blueink Review (★ Starred review) Praise for Douglas Smith:
“The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don’t give those up easy.” —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
“A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice.” —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
“His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
“Stories you can’t forget, even years later.” —Julie Czerneda, multi-award-winning author and editor
The Thrilling Conclusion to the Multi-Award-Winning Trilogy
Will is the Dream Rider, the superhero who walks in our dreams but never in the streets of his own city. Case is his girlfriend, a survivor of those streets who hears voices warning her of danger. Fader, her brother, is very good at disappearing.
In The Hollow Boys, they defeated a body swapper and a witch to save the world. In The Crystal Key, they battled warring cults to protect an ancient artifact tied to Will’s affliction.
The Chakana. The Crystal Key. But the key to what? To finding answers, they hope, to the questions that rule their lives.
What caused their strange powers? And Will’s crippling agoraphobia? Can he be cured? Why did their parents travel to the jungles of Peru eight years ago? Are they still alive?
Behind every question is the Chakana. What is the mysterious relic? Why will people kill to possess it? What hold does it have on Will?
As creatures from Inca myths haunt the three friends, another attack on the Chakana threatens Will’s life. To save him and solve the mystery of the lost expedition, only one choice remains.
Return to Peru. With the Chakana.
There, they find friends and foes, both old and new. And behind it all, an unseen enemy moving them like pieces on a chessboard.
To win this deadly game, Will, Case, and Fader must master new powers to defeat the most dangerous adversary they’ve ever faced—a god.
At stake this time? Every life, every world, every universe. Everything.
Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).
Nina Soden 