Showing posts with label futuristic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label futuristic. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Book Review: Dark In Death by J.D. Robb

 


Dark In Death by J.D. Robb
Thriller/Romantic Suspense/Police Procedurals
St. Martin Books
Available at Amazon


My Rating for Dark In Death by J.D. Robb: 5 Stars and Series Recommended Read


Lt. Eve Dallas has solved many cases in her career but her latest murder is one that has her on her toes as she surveys the scene of the latest murder in a theater showing old movies like Hitchcock's Psycho. With a serial killer on the loose dropping bodies with no reason, Eve is struggling to find her way into a killer's mind. With each passing day, she tries to figure out what motivates this killer as she and her team draws ever closer to a person so twisted, they took the murders right from a popular authors crime novels and making fiction a reality.


My Review for Dark In Death:

J.D. Robb is an autobuy author for me and in this installment in her beloved In Death Series, we find Lt. Eve Dallas standing over a dead body in a quiet movie theater showing the classic film Psycho. What makes this murder more strange isn't the fact the murder is twisted but it's taken fiction murder's to a whole new reality. With more bodies dropping in a weird ways, Eve is pressed to figure out who, what and when the killer will strike next even as she races to stop the killer. Ms. Robb delivers an amazing story that literally had me glued to the pages till the very end. A few twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat and I loved the way this author cleverly incorporates different story subplots within the main story. They lighten up the story at times while also showing a more human side to Eve and the gang. 

In Dark In Death, we find Eve up against a killer who is literally taking murder scenes right from the pages of a popular book series. With each book Eve goes through, mre bodies drop. With a killer racing to finish their kill list, Eve will need everything at her disposal to bring this killer to justice all before another life is lost. I love, love, love this series and the characters just flow off the pages and into my living room each time I open one of these books. This is an author who is a master storyteller at keeping the reader engaged and flipping pages as quick as they can. With this being book 46 in the series, you would think the series would get old and stale but with each release, I am always amazed at how this author keeps the series fresh even as they have the characters grow within the pages. To me this is the work of a mast storyteller and one I know I am not the only one grateful for. 

Dark In Death is full of twists and turns right fromt he beginning and as the climatic ending comes to the forefront, we see Eve and the team up against a twisted killer determined to get her due regardless of Eve, Peabody and the rest of her team's determination to stop her will stand in their way.  If you enjoy complex characters that are fun, well written and step off the pages of the book, then grab an In Death book but I highly recommend starting right from the beginning as there are mentions throughout the series of pasty books and characters. I know I am not the only one who is eager for more in the series everytime I finish one of these books. 


Sunday, May 25, 2025

Book Review; Faithless In Death by J.D. Robb

 


Faithless In Death by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death Book 52
Crime Fiction, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Police Procedurals
St. Martin's Publishing
 Release Date: February 1st, 2021
Find all Buy Links HERE

When an artist is found dead, secrets start to be exposed as Lt. Eve Dallas and the NYPD Homicide dept. finds more than even they expected.

My Rating for Faithless In Death: 5 Stars and a Series Recommendation

When the scene of a lower East Side artist shows a crime of passion, it should be an open and shut case but when Lt. Eve Dallas of NYPD's Homicide dept. looks deeper, she finds things not like it should be. A 911 call from the Upper West Side, a hidden romance, secrets and when the truth comes out, it's much more than even Eve and her partner, Peabody thinks as it includes cults, craziness and a lot more than murder. Join Eve, Peabody, Roark and the rest of the NYPD Homicide unit as Eve races against the clock to find a killer and take down a group who just might be her toughest case yet.

My Review of Faithless In Death:

J.D. Robb (AKA Nora Roberts) delivers another stellar installment in her wildly acclaimed and totally addicting In Death series starring Lt. Eve Dallas of the NYPD in FAITHLESS IN DEATH and frankly, this book is one that delivers more than even I anticipated. Yes, it has the perquisite murder crime but as the reader gets into the story, the author begins to show the reader how much more is hidden within those first few pages. This is a series that's an autobuy for me. I preorder this author's books the minute they become available for preorder and I reread these books as they are my comfort go to reads when I am not sure what I am in the mood to read. J.D. Robb delivers stories that delve into the minds of killers, characters that fairly brim with life on those pages and become like family to the reader. I can't say how many nights I stayed u p to read into the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't wait to see where the characters will lead me. This is a series that is addicting on all levels for me as a reader and one I regularly recommend to people.

FAITHLESS IN DEATH is by far one of the more intricate and all consuming of a story for a reader like me. It has main characters that have grown within this 50+ series of books in a way the reader can't help but fall in love with. I know I am not the only reader who longs for an autochef and a Roark of their own.

In this book, we meet Gwen Huffman and the secrets she carries unravel the more Eve and the gang look into her background and past. Add in a cult disguised as a church, more victims that pop up and a bigger crime that blows the lid off more than even Eve ever thought. This is a story full of twists and turns and a few red herrings that even I, as a reader, fell for immediately. With each book in the series, this is an author who knows their characters intimately, lets them run with the story and delivers a tour de force with each book they write.The way this author tells a story is masterful and one I love to read. Ms. Robb is a true master in her craft and one I admire immensely. With each page in FAITHLESS IN DEATH, the author draws her readers in, giving them glimpses of the main players before springing a twist on them that has them scrambling to the point of falling off the couch just in surprise. I can't help but fall in love with this series books each and every time one comes out. With each new release I always think 'there's no way they can top the last book', and then they do. 

FAITHLESS IN DEATH is an intricate story that is told in such a way by the author that the reader can not help but fall into the story, losing track of time as they flip the pages to see what happens next, to see where the clues will lead Eve and the gang even as they get closer to the killer(s) and solving the crime. As with all of this author's book, FAITHLESS IN DEATH delivers an ending that will satisfy you, the reader and make you want to reread this book again just to experience it all again. 


If you haven't tried one of J.D. Robb's books before I do highly recommend starting with Naked In Death (Book 1) as it sets up the series and the main players in the series and I bet you that you'd fall in love with the series as well like millions of readers have done. I know I am not the only on who wants to see where this author goes next for the series because at 50+ books, the skies the limit on it.

Check out all the books in the series at jdrobb.com 




Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Tour Stop/Giveaway: Diplomatic Immunity

Title:  Diplomatic Liability

Series: Devlin Taylor, Earth Ambassador, Book Two

Author: Rebecca Cohen

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: 01/28/2025

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 65900

Genre: Science Fiction, tentacle/tail sex, aliens, interspecies, scientist, ambassador, space travel

Add to Goodreads


Description

Devlin Taylor is Earth's first ambassador, seeing the universe with his alien boyfriend Zal by his side. But nothing is straightforward when you're the first human on board a spaceship. Devlin and Zal need to keep their relationship hidden for now, and many others on the ship would like to get the chance to explore a new species’ anatomy.

New planets, strange worlds, and exciting adventures await Devlin, but when an unknown species tries to board the Chroalian ship, something doesn't add up, and Devlin is left wondering what is going on. Add in homesickness, jealousy, and cultural differences, and Devlin has a lot to learn. Good job Zal is by his side every step of the way.

Excerpt

Diplomatic Liability
Rebecca Cohen © 2025
All Rights Reserved

Devlin fastened the buttons of his suit jacket. “How do I look? Suitable for drinks with the captain of a starship?”

“As much as I love you in a suit, and probably even more out of one, I do have to ask if it’s really the right attire for your new position.” Zal was sitting up in bed, his bright orange hair sticking out at all angles and looking like he’d not long before engaged in several rounds of energetic sex. Which was unsurprising because that was exactly what had happened.

“The Ministry said the office dress code extended to my position as Earth Ambassador, but you might have a point that I should probably consider this the equivalent of your dress uniform.”

“I don’t have one of those yet. While I wait, the closest thing I have are my ambassadorial robes or my formalwear. And the latter didn’t survive the evening after our leaving gala. The ship’s quartermaster told me in no uncertain terms that he wasn’t a seamstress when I asked him to repair the side seam that somehow got split.”

Devlin chuckled at the memory. They had thought it would be their last night together, with Zal leaving Earth at the end of his visit. At that time, Devlin thought he had no way to leave with him. They had been very enthusiastic. “You did get a bit excited, but at least you have a chance of repairing your robe; my poor shirt ended up being put in the rag recycling box.”

“I’m sure I can find a way to make it up to you.” Zal patted the space next to him on the bed with the point of his tail. “I promise not to damage the one you’re wearing.”

“Nice try, Zal, but you should be getting ready. You’re supposed to be my liaison officer, and I’ve got a drinks reception in my honour to attend. I don’t want to be late.”

Zal muttered something Devlin’s translator either couldn’t or wouldn’t translate but got out of bed. “We’ve plenty of time yet. Let me grab a quick shower. I can hardly turn up reeking of sex with a human.”

“For all the crew would know, the smell could be a new cologne you picked up on Earth.”

Zal laughed and stole a quick kiss as he headed to the bathroom, naked. “Eau d’Devlin does have a nice ring to it, but the last thing I want is someone else liking your scent. That, and your fuzziness, are all mine.”

Devlin loved the pattern of scales that ran over Zal’s skin and his tail which now, like often was the case, writhed as if it had a mind of its own. Zal was hairless and, because of it, had a fascination with Devlin’s body hair from the first time he’d got his hands on his hairy chest.

Staring around his new cabin, Devlin still couldn’t believe he was here. There was no mistaking that the vista outside his porthole was space. He was the first Earth Ambassador and would be travelling on this ship for the equivalent of ten Earth months before reaching Zal’s home world, Chroalia. The idea of all the fascinating people he would meet was the icing on the cake of being with Zal. They had thought it impossible, both having given up on finding their happy ever after, yet here they were.

A ping came from a panel on the wall by his bed. He wandered over to it. It pinged again, and he saw written in green font: incoming communication.

For want of a better option, he tapped the writing and when nothing happened there was a third ping. “Hello?” he tried.

The screen came to life and a face appeared. They had bright pink skin and a neatly trimmed purple beard but not a wisp of hair on their head, which made their ears look bigger than they were, especially with their elaborate earrings. “Ambassador Taylor?”

“Yes?”

“I am Dr Golic. You’re supposed to report to Medbay once you’ve settled into your cabin. Where is Lieutenant Catenmir? He was aware of the requirement.”

He had a vague recollection that he would have a medical once he came aboard, but Zal hadn’t said when. Zal was currently in his shower, removing the evidence of how they’d christened his new bed, and since no one was meant to know they were in a relationship yet, it might give the game away. “Er…”

“According to the location sensors he is in your cabin.”

“He’s just using the bathroom. Once he’s done, I’ll have him bring me to Medbay.”

“Good.” Dr Golic gave him a strange look, which Devlin couldn’t decipher. He suspected he was going to get quite a few of those in the first few weeks aboard ship. “Come immediately. That way I can take your base levels before they are contaminated from anything you might imbibe, as I understand you’ve a welcome reception to attend.”

“I’ll trot right along.”

“Walking will be acceptable, Mr Taylor. There is no need to engage in Earth equine activities.”

Purchase

NineStar Press | Books2Read

Meet the Author

Rebecca Cohen spends her days dreaming of living in a Tudor manor house, or a Georgian mansion. Alas, the closest she comes to this is through her characters in her historical romance novels. She also dreams of intergalactic adventures and fantasy realms, but because she’s not yet got her space or dimensional travel plans finalised, she lives happily in leafy Hertfordshire, England, with her husband and young son. She can often be found with a pen in one hand and sloe gin with lemon tonic in the other.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Rebecca Cohen's Ramblings

One lucky winner will receive a $50.00 NineStar Press Gift Code! 


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Monday, January 13, 2025

Discover Wild Ones by Zoey Daniels & a Tour Wide Giveaway

Title: Wild Ones

Author: Zoey Daniels

Cover Art: Bryan Keller

Genres: Action Adventure, Box Sets, Futuristic, New Releases, Paranormal, Romance, Sci-Fi , Suspense, Wildest West

Themes: Age Gap (Older Woman), Alien Encounters, Bisexual, Multisexual, & Pansexual, Multiple Partners, Shapeshifters, Werewolves & Wolf Shifters

Series: Wild Ones (#5)

Book Length: Box Set

Page Count: 167

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

Four women choose to homestead on lunar colony Leman in search of new beginnings. They're in for a wild ride!

A pair of shapeshifting wolves have adopted Lainey's new farm on the agri-moon Leman as their home. Though wild, winning their favor is considered lucky. They have a sense of sexuality that other women would pay anything to taste. And they've chosen her. Lainey's not crying wolf. She's crying "God, yes, harder!"

Bold, independent, and free, Callie's worked hard to become the best courier on Leman. And she's not the only one to notice. Two stallions shadow her every move. They may be young, but these native shapeshifters are as adventurous as Callie, and they're set on proving they're old enough to handle her.

Some folks are victims. Some are survivors. Delia's not sure she believes the stories about Leman's beasts, animals who can take on man shape. But they believe in her -- and in what they've scented waiting under the armor she's plated around her heart. These two great cats plan to show their human cougar how much they appreciate what they see.

Rosemary, unofficial guardian of Leman, has waited -- patiently, and not so patiently -- in fierce hope of one day drawing the attention of the agri-moon's strange and wonderful animals who become men. But after her fortieth birthday, she's begun to doubt her dreams, and let her hopes drift away. Until, that is, she finds herself receiving an unexpected visitor. The first, in fact, of three...

Publisher's Note: This box setcontains the previously released novellas Prowl, Wild Horses, Purr, and Who? in the Wild Ones series.

Excerpt

Wild Ones (Box Set)
Zoey Daniels
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2025 Zoey Daniels
Excerpt from Prowl

Lainey closed her eyes and lifted her face toward the sun. Had any sun on any world ever felt so fine? She thought not. Leman's sun caressed her skin as gently as an accomplished lover, but it was no weakling. Its rays burnished the world brown, carried forward over fields of gold in heated breaths of wind that reminded her of hot kisses traced down her body.

A fine world to live in. She'd like it here.

"It hits us all that way at first," Rosemary remarked. Lainey could hear the smile in her voice. "Don't ever get used to it. Then it'll lose most of its charm."

Lainey let her eyes drift open and let out a soft breath of satiated desires. She gazed across the gold and brown of the fields and unpaved roads, the green tops of trees already afire with the reds and golds of autumn. It was only natural to take her hat off and rest it not over her heart, but her hip, as a woman of her professional background might in a sign of respect.

"I don't ever plan to take this for granted," she said. She wished she could strip naked in the sensual warmth of this world and stretch herself out in the grass to let it saturate her through and through.

Rosemary chuckled; she had an infectious laugh and she was around the same age as Lainey. They'd probably led the same kinds of lives before they came here, to the world no man wanted and every woman dreamed of. Any woman with any sense, that was.

"Good," Rosemary said. "Let me check once more to be sure..." Proprietress of the small mercantile that was the only place one could buy supplies without traveling a few hundred kilometers in any direction -- not that that bothered Lainey -- she indicated they should get back to business by removing the stylus she'd tucked behind her ear and pointing it at her digital slate.

Lainey knew as well as Rosemary what she'd need and wouldn't need and that she hadn't forgotten a single thing on that list, but no harm in letting the woman do her job. She stood by with her hat at her hip, half-daydreaming through the double-check. "I have gold, not credits," she reminded Rosemary.

"Good. Gold spends; credits are almost worthless out here." Rosemary patted the side of the wagon. "Right, then. I'll go total up your bill."

Politeness, that. Lainey watched Rosemary retreat inside the mercantile and approved of it. She'd have the bill already totted up on her tablet, of course, but it would have been bad manners indeed to stand by and watch a lady retrieve her money from its hiding place. Even if she likely already knew where that'd be after packing the sturdy farm wagon with everything from seeds to vegetable growth supplements to pitchforks and a tin washtub big enough for Lainey to stretch out in.

Homesteading on a new frontier or not, Lainey was stubborn enough and fond enough of her few creature comforts that she'd no plans to give up any time soon.

Though Lainey liked Rosemary just fine, she was glad enough to have the peace and quiet back to herself for a moment. She extended her arms wide, as if she'd embrace the heat from the sun, and let the golden light wash down over her, better than rain.

A slight scuffing sound broke the silence that'd fallen. Not much of a noise, but Lainey's ears were sharp and some training lasted throughout a lifetime. She could tell even without looking that whoever had come visiting wasn't Rosemary, nor any of the other women settlers she had a nodding acquaintance with.

No, this was a Man. Lainey could smell the musk, wilder than most of the polished rich boys she'd dealt with once as mistress and madam in turn, before selling off all that hubris and heading out here to make her way, by her choice.

Not just a man, Lainey's senses told her. A strong man, one who walked with the confidence of a fellow who had no fear of anything, but who stopped far enough away to show her he meant no harm. And -- she cocked her head, intrigued -- another man, not far behind him.

She wasn't afraid of them; they'd given her no reason. Lainey let her eyes drift open and got her first look at this pair from between the sweeping curtain of her eyelashes.

Oh my. Lainey's skin heated from more than the baking warmth of the planet. These were a fine pair to look at, weren't they? One tall and rangy, dark hair clinging to his forehead, cheeks and nape; the other slighter and fairer and springier of step. Both had smiles broad and white enough to rival the sun and the moons, and stood close enough to reach out and touch if she wanted. Teasing her, just a little, by being that close and no closer.

There were no men this far West, not that Lainey knew of. Some fishermen still lived along the coastlines, but not one man who'd come inland to ranch or farm had managed to stay. Bully boys, most of those, or so she'd heard, and it seemed like the land had taken objection to them. Might be a story made up to scare folks, might not be, but for whatever reason, the men had left these prime ranch lands. Left them for women fool enough to try to tame them. And try they had. Leman liked women. Liked them fine. Her sun and moons were kind to the ladies, and they treated her as best as they could in return.

But one look at this pair and Lainey knew down in her gut that while this planet might be kind to the female strangers who'd colonized her... it loved these men without rhyme or reason. They were the sun and moons, somehow.

Lainey couldn't help smiling at that pair. Five seconds' worth of acquaintance or not, they brought it out in her. "Now if you aren't a treat," she said. "Something I can help you with?"

The men glanced at one another, communicating silently in the way long-time friends sometimes developed. A quirk of the eyebrow and the tilt of a wicked grin spoke volumes.

Laughing, the taller jostled the smaller aside. He had a strange laugh, one that made Lainey sit up and take notice. Something between a rumble and a ruff, ruff, ruff. Not unpleasant to hear, Lord no. Quite the contrary. Gave her a pleasant sensation of warmth in her belly not unlike the sun on her skin. It belonged here, same as they did even if they weren't supposed to.

Curiouser and curiouser.

"Need help?" the taller asked, gesturing toward Lainey's loaded wagon. "I Asher. No. I... am, yes, I am Asher. He is Russ. You have long road back to cabin. We help you."

Lainey's eyebrows lifted, despite her years of training. Not supposed to be here and didn't speak the language? Call her intrigued, yes ma'am.

And... they knew where she lived. Lainey figured she ought to be more alarmed about that, but so help her, she couldn't be. She didn't believe these two would hurt her, but if they tried? She had a rifle in the wagon, and she knew how to use it.

The taller took one half-step closer, his shorter companion jostling him in play as he followed. "Help with more than this," the tall man murmured. He reached to touch her face, taking clear care not to startle her but not about to be denied. His fingertips were rough, as tough as paw pads, but his touch was gentle. Almost worshipful.

Lainey's lips parted. So help her if she didn't want to promise them anything for the pleasure of their company. It made her laugh. The shoe was on the other foot now, wasn't it? Good thing for her she liked the fit of it just fine.

Purchase at Changeling Press LLC

Meet the Author

Zoey Daniels likes strong women, equally strong men, and faraway worlds filled with sci-fi cowboys and alpha shapeshifters. She also loves older woman/younger men. Yum, yum. Come enjoy!

Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a $10.00 Changeling Press Gift Code! 


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Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Welcome author Kelli A. Wilkins & Extraterrestrial Encounters

 


Sci-fi Spotlight on… Extraterrestrial Encounters

By Kelli A. Wilkins

www.KelliWilkins.com

 

Hi everyone!

To celebrate the release of Surreal Escapes - 7 Speculative Stories, I’m sharing a look back at my sci-fi anthology, Extraterrestrial Encounters: A Collection of Sci-Fi Stories.

Right now you might be asking yourself, “Wait… What? Sci-fi? Don’t you write romances and horror stories?”

Well, yes. I’m mainly known for writing sensual romances and spooky horror fiction, but every so often I like to surprise myself – and readers.

I’ve always been attracted to the unusual, peculiar, and “weird” that exists in the sci-fi and horror genres. I grew up watching Tales from the Dark Side, Amazing Stories, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, The Outer Limits, and of course, The Twilight Zone.

I read every sci-fi and horror short story I could find, and I believed in the Ancient Astronaut Theory long before Ancient Aliens ever aired. So I guess it’s no surprise that when I started writing, I wrote what I loved reading: sci-fi and horror. 

For me, science fiction is imaginative fiction, and it’s fun to make up all sorts of strange things. Sci-fi stories explore anything possible (or that may be possible one day), such as time travel, parallel universes, alien contact, lost civilizations, cloning, repressed societies, UFOs, mind control, futuristic societies, and more.

Sci-fi authors are free to dream up anything and use it in a story without having to do too much explaining about how or why these unusual or fantastic things are possible. In general, readers of sci-fi/fantasy are more open-minded about different plotlines, characters, and settings than readers of a romance novel, for example. Readers know the story isn’t “real” and most likely couldn’t happen, but they’re fine with it. They enjoy escaping into the world of the fantastic.

I like writing in multiple genres because I get to explore different plots, characters, and styles of writing in a horror or a sci-fi story I couldn’t do in a romance – and vice versa. After writing a few romances I like to switch up and focus on horror or sci-fi for a while. My horror stories tend to be more psychological and creepy than bloody, and my sci-fi stories are about strange things that happen to ordinary people.

Authors are always asked, “Where do you get your ideas?” so when I wrote Extraterrestrial Encounters, I decided to share a peek at my writing process. I’ve included a brief note at the end of each story in the collection, explaining what inspired me to write it, where I got the idea, or general comments about the plot or characters.

I hope you enjoy these stories. Some are humorous, some will make you think, and others might scare you a bit – but they will all take you on a journey into the realm of the unknown for a little while.

Here is the book summary and buy links:

 

Extraterrestrial Encounters: A Collection of Sci-Fi Stories

Are you ready to step into the unknown?

In these 18 sci-fi stories, you’ll encounter aliens of all shapes and sizes, curious (and sometimes unlucky) space explorers, and ordinary Earthlings having otherworldly experiences.

Some of the out-of-this-world tales in this short fiction anthology include:

“The Hoax” - A reporter learns that a creature from another planet is a dangerous thing to fool with

“It Grows on You” - A strange kind of mold has invaded an office, and it’s the perfect tool for revenge

“What Lurks Below” - Everyone knows there’s no life on Mars, but nobody thought about what might be lurking under the surface…

“The Con” - An alien becomes an unlikely ally to a down-on-his-luck petty crook

“Space Cowboy” - When a second-rate rodeo star is abducted by aliens, he makes the most of the situation

 “They Just Keep Eating” - A Nebraska farmer encounters a menace from space… and it’s hungry

This collection of speculative fiction will stimulate your imagination, unnerve you just a little, and make you wonder… “What if we’re not alone?”

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W5JG1DC

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/3JVJ9e

 

And if you would like to read seven speculative stories where even more strange things happen to people… check out my new release, Surreal Escapes. Read more about the book here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror/surreal-escapes

I welcome questions and comments from readers. Let me know which story you loved best, which one made you laugh, or why you love reading sci-fi.

You can learn more about my current titles on my site (www.kelliwilkins.com) sign up for my newsletter, or follow my blog and social media posts for updates on new releases.

Keep watching the stars!

Kelli A. Wilkins

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, and 8 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories.

In August 2024, Kelli released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.

Kelli released her fourth gay romance, A Thousand Summer Secrets, in April 2024. This tender contemporary romance takes place over a summer weekend, where two friends reconnect while seeking love and acceptance.

She published The Route 9 Killer, a mystery/thriller set in Central NJ, in May 2023.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

 

 


Saturday, August 3, 2024

New Release Spotlight Tour Stop/Giveaway: Newton's First by Areana Senoj & Stephanie Burke

 

Title: Newton's First

Series: Motherboards & Magic (#1)

Author: Stephanie Burke & Areana Senoj

Publisher: Changeling Press LLC

Release Date: August 2, 2024

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Length: 175 pages

Genre: Action Adventure, Futuristic, New Releases, Sci-Fi , Suspense

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

Newton’s First Law: An object in motion remains in motion. Until an outside force screws it all up.

As a grieving child in a burned-out husk of a body, Asher Syphamus was given an impersonal room within the Company’s cold labs -- until he was offered a second chance with illegal and painful cybernetic augmentations. Now, after many decades of martial arts training and mental conditioning, Ash is the all powerful DPL’s top agent and never misses a target. Along with his beautiful, hyper-sexed purple partner, Vers, the unstoppable duo hunts down the most dangerous hackers and criminals for punishment or elimination.

Korya Funo is full of privileged DPL information downloaded into her brain. If caught, she would be deleted from the census. That keeps her running -- until her luck runs out in Paradise, Nevada. When she’s captured by Ash and Vers, Korya accidentally reveals the truth about Asher’s parents’ deaths, and then all hell breaks loose.

Now with all their lives on the line and the fate of the planet riding on their backs, they trio will show the world why Newton’s First Law is not to be screwed with.

Excerpt

Newton's First (Motherboards and Magic 1)
Stephanie Burke & Areana Senoj
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2024 Stephanie Burke & Areana Senoj

“Fuck, Vers. Where are you?” Asher Syphamus muttered softly, knowing the cochlear implant installed just above his jaw bone and below his ear would pick up his words.

The wind whipped back the few tendrils of hair that escaped the tight bun containing his long hair. The bun hid locks tipped a rich blue almost matching the color of his cybernetic left eye.

As he walked away from the Virt Dive, the virtual reality diving bar where his mark had been lost earlier in the Blue, he wondered why people even bothered to hide from real life. The fucking Blue was where everyone logged in, turned on, and turned up in cyberspace. The Blue was a whole world inside the actual world, one that many used to escape life, spread joy, disappear into a sea of information, of education… to be your avatar while you fled your body and got lost in a way that only total computer immersion could bring. And above the Blue was the White.

The White was a shady, dangerous place where only the most experienced divers dared to venture -- the environment was just too dangerous for a diver used to only dealing with the Blue. The White was physically a small blank plane existing between the connection of the Blue and the person putting out information. Here, the world’s best hackers snatched dangerous information from accidental info dumps from those who purposefully stole and sold the data to the highest bidder. No matter how many protocols were put in place to protect the vulnerable space, the White divers always found a way in. And his latest ping had come from the mark he’d finally tracked down to this dive.

He felt the signal he was tracking start to move again and watched as his target slipped out, looking over her shoulder as if she knew he was there and following her. As he walked past the large, mirrored wall to the shop, he caught a quick glimpse of himself as he passed. His face was pale, creamy tan, the same as his mother’s. He had her eyes too, large but with an epicanthic fold that proclaimed his Asian ancestry. His eyebrows had some thickness but with a natural arch that made his eyes rather pretty. He had his African father’s full lips, though not the same concentration of melanin, more’s the pity. He could use more sun protection in this bright-assed desert. His nose was broad though, its bridge straight as a knife, and his cheekbones were high and sharp, like his dad’s. His thick, wavy hair was kept long and confined now so it wouldn’t get in his way.

Though he only caught a glimpse of himself as he followed after his mark, he could barely stand to look at his reflection. He was a damn near perfect combination of both his parents from what he could recall, though he didn’t dwell on that much. The pain of it all was still too crushing.

The air circulating through his lungs was quiet as he pulled in his emotions. Barely a sound emerged from his body as his booted feet slammed down on the concrete when his body lurched forward. His little trip into nostalgia had given his mark time to run and now he had to give chase.

His heart would be racing if it actually had the capacity to pump hot blood through his veins. His target was pulling a jackrabbit, dodging in between early morning foot traffic on the busy city street as she looked around her, prey knowing she was being stalked by an apex predator. Only the bright and very visible green of her plaits kept him from moving any faster. No matter how much he wanted to knock people aside to reach his target, he knew that drawing more attention to himself would be detrimental to their mission.

“I’ve been at this since the ass crack of dawn and I would really like to get some accurate intel from you, you one-being orgy.”

Don’t get cheeky, Vers responded. You’re just upset you don’t get laid.

Vers’ answer through Asher’s implanted microphone sounded more amused than insulted. That wasn’t what Asher had hoped for. When Vers was annoyed, his work efficiency increased by almost three percent and he could use some of that efficiency now, at least until he caught up with the woman who pinged on his internal sensors.

“Hmph,” Asher huffed. “Can you keep your mind out of your pants and on the job? I need to know if she’s the one.”

The green-haired woman in question cast one more furtive look over her shoulder before trying to hide herself in a gaggle of schoolchildren, all racing and gleefully dodging through the streets teeming with people traveling to get to their jobs and appointments in the watery light of a new sun. With their connection pads in hand, the tourist masses were an explosion of color, a flock of bright, chattering birds that raced through the smiling crowds. Their laughter was contagious, and it made Asher grit his teeth. In a firefight, mundanes always seemed to run right in the path of danger. He wished they would all just disappear.

I’m working on it. Give me a mo. Paradaise has a complicated network of --

“You just don’t know what the fuck you’re doing.” Asher managed to dodge several children, keeping one eye on the green of his mark’s hair as she ducked around a corner. He was closing in.

He moved faster, desperate not to lose her or give his position away. She couldn’t know if he was actually chasing her and he wanted to stay in that pocket of the unknown. She might sense someone or something was hot on her tail, but she had no idea from which direction the attack would come. And it wasn’t like there were a lot of places to hide in Paradaise, Nevada.

And then he wanted to smack himself stupid for thinking that a woman who could possibly be the government hacker he was sent out to find wouldn’t be wily enough to actually give him the slip. Underestimation was going to cost him dearly because the moment he turned the corner, he lost sight of her in a sea of green, low-flying kites.

Hey buddy, guess what? Did you know there’s a butterfly kite flying festival today? There’s gonna be a lot of kids and old people so maybe you wanna keep an eye out for that.

“Gee, thanks, Vers. You couldn’t fucking tell me that five minutes earlier?” As he spoke, he heard a cheer, and a wall of sound rushed past him as the hum of several hundred robotic and some basic silk cloth kites took to the sky. People looked up in awe as dancing holograms of colorful transparent butterflies took to the sky, spinning and dancing as safe holographic fireworks exploded over them.

Well, it’s a point of historical interest, as they’ve been having the butterfly festival for over a hundred years. Get some culture, you asshole. You need it more than you need to get laid.

“What I need is a way around this mess.” Asher looked around at the mass of people, made up mostly of children and old people gathered in groups, each holding massive butterfly kites of their own. Some held remotes that controlled the flight of the butterfly kites, both real and illusory. Most of them, unfortunately, glittered and glowed the same primarily green color that matched his mark’s hair.

Pinging your location, Vers purred in his ear after a moment of quiet while more and more people filed onto the special moving sidewalk heading toward the restored MGM Grand, singing and chanting as they moved. Oh! You aren’t far from the New Bellagio. One of these days I’m going to get you there for a real upgrade instead of the crap the powers that be keep sending you to.

“Vers --”

I mean it. You’re in a town right outside of Vegas, baby! Almost to the cybernetic playground of the whole entire continent ever since the redesign of the area. To get anything better you’d have to hop a streaker across the Pacific to Japan. It’s amazing what they can do with both artistry and circuitry.

“Whatever the fuck,” Asher grumbled, casting his gaze around. He ignored the small vibration in his brain as the ocular implant adjusted and repositioned, sending his mind a feed of information calculating the height of the buildings and the large vehicles passing by.

Turning to a small three-story building to his right, Asher took three fast, bounding steps then flexed his leg muscles. With a mechanical whisper, he launched himself skywards, a blurred silver flash through the backdrop of colorful fluttering kites, before he landed on the flat solar tiles of the roof.

Bent over, he raced along the edges of the closely placed buildings, jumping the odd ones that bordered on alleys, leaping up to the higher ones, his eyes constantly searching, feeding him data so he could adjust his flight.

He was contemplating going back to the ground and following her along the crowded streets when he saw a blur of green headed away from the celebration and toward a small, dark street that led away from the sound of laughter and merriment.

There, in between a closed toy shop on one side and ironically, an adult toy shop, was where his prey was fleeing.

To the left, Casanova, Vers confirmed softly with the just the right amount of sarcasm for the nickname. And you better move swiftly. She’s about to head to a parking lot and if she has her vehicle shielded, well, we are shit out of luck, Ash. If she gets away, you’d be better off hitting a pleasure palace and getting your freak on ‘cause that signal is going to be scattered and lost. And I urge you to take advantage of the many wonderful and erotic amenities that this run-down trash heap of a city provides. Besides, your cherry needs plucking ‘cause that bitch is overripe.

Purchase at Changeling Press LLC

Meet the Authors

Stephanie Burke 

Stephanie is a USA Today Best Selling, multi published, multi award-winning author, Master Costumer, handicapped, wife and mother of two.

From sex-shifting, shape-shifting dragons to undersea worlds, sexually confused elemental Fey and homo-erotic mysteries, all the way to pastel-challenged urban sprites, Stephanie has done it all, and hopes to do more.

Stephanie is an orator on her favorite subjects of writing and world-building, a sometime teacher when you feed her enough tea and donuts, an anime nut, a costumer, and a frequent guest of various sci-fi and writing cons where she can be found leading panel discussions or researching varied legends and theories to improve her writing skills.

Stephanie is known for her love of the outrageous, strong female characters, believable worlds, male characters filled with depth, and multi-cultural stories that make the reader sit up and take notice.

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Areana Senoj 

Areana Senoj is a multi-genre writer of erotic romance, paranormal, and sci-fi fantasy fiction. She’s been an actress, singer, dancer, educator, and, briefly, a stay-at-home “tennis, soccer, and band mom,” as well as a small business entrepreneur. Now she’s enjoying a new career living life as a full-time writer. She’s thrilled to join Changeling Press, where she's teamed up with USA Today Best Selling Author Stephanie Burke, co-authoring Motherboards and Magic.

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One lucky winner will receive a $10.00 Changeling Press Gift Code! 


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Friday, April 19, 2024

Guest Author Day with Vijaya Schartz

 


Welcome author Vijaya Schartz to the Reading Nook as we talk about their latest book, Angel Guardian, and a few other fun things.

Interview with Vijaya Schartz 

Tell us about your latest book, who are the main character(s) and what can we expect when we pick it up?

ANGEL GUARDIAN, Book 2 of the Blue Phantom series, features a newly trained female angel, crew member of the angel ship, and a hero whose memory was wiped, who finds himself doing hard labor on a frozen mining planet. There is also a strange telepathic feline with an important role.

Like with all my books, you can expect action, adventure, and strong romantic elements. In the Azura universe, featuring a group of angels protecting the balance of good and evil in the galaxy, you can also expect epic space battles between angels and demons.

 

Do you come up with the hook first, or do you create characters first and then dig through until you find a hook?

The characters and the hook are usually linked. In Angel Guardian, the memory wipe was the first hook. Who is this hero? Why is he doing hard labor? What has he done? What is his destiny? Even he doesn’t know, and the reader discovers it with him.

 

Which of your characters would you want to share a campfire with, and why? 

If I shared a campfire, it would be with the handsome Dragomir, hero of BLACK DRAGON, Book 1 of the Byzantium series. One of my first loves, a man of many talents, a rebel, a smuggler, a gambler, a spy, a telepath with fascinating peridot green eyes. Need I say more?

 

Tell us about what you are reading at the moment or anticipate reading in the future? Any favorite authors you enjoy to read in your spare time?

I read in a wide spectrum but I prefer historical fiction and sci-fi romance. My current author of choice is Rosemary Morris, historical author. Her novels are so well researched, I learn something new each time I pick up one of her books. As for sci-fi romance, Linnea Sinclair, who pioneered the genre, is still my favorite.

 


Are there any specific themes or messages that you strive to convey through your writing? What impact do you hope your books have on readers?

I may be old-fashioned in my taste for heroes. I like the good guys. Captain America comes to mind. Good and evil are always in the mix. Angels and demons, sacrificing for the greater good, saving the galaxy, and even the universe. Whatever our problems are, the heroes and heroines in my books are facing far worse. And if they can overcome their hurdles, we can certainly deal with the difficulties of our daily lives.

 

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an author, and how have you overcome them?

Challenges? I’ve met them all. The blank page, public speaking, the negativity, the challenges of author promotion. Especially in this age of Social-Media, you have to follow your heart, do what you must, consider the negative critiques and improve as you go, ignore the jealous barbs, and listen to the professional people who support and appreciate your work: editors, publishers, fellow writers in the same stable.

 

How do you approach character development in your stories? Do you have any specific techniques or methods that you find particularly effective?

There are many “techniques” to develop characters, but they only go so far, and half-way through writing the book, I completely forgot my character interview sheet, because my characters grow organically as I write. Of course, I often have to go back to the beginning to implement the character traits that came to me later in the book. Interestingly, they are the details readers love and remember.

But I do have a trick, gleaned from a conference long ago, for when I get stuck. It works for me, and I’m willing to share. Here goes: WHEN YOU ARE STUCK, IMAGINE THE ABSOLUTE WORST THING THAT COULD POSSIBLY HAPPEN AT THIS POINT IN THE STORY… MAKE IT HAPPEN… THEN WATCH YOUR CHARACTERS GET OUT OF THAT STICKY WICKET.


What do you believe sets your writing apart from others in your genre, and why should readers choose to read your books?

I mix genres. I write science fiction adventure with romance. In other words, science fiction women can enjoy. It’s not technical, it’s not just romance in a sci-fi setting, it’s what I enjoy reading. “Never a dull moment” a reviewer once said, then compared my books to Indiana Jones, and I agree. Also, very important, even though I put them through the wringer, the good guys always win in the end and get their just reward.

 

Can you talk about the marketing and promotion strategies you employ to reach and connect with your target audience? How do you utilize social media and other channels to build your author brand?

I have a publisher, who does some marketing for me. I’m not good at soliciting reviews. I have a website, a professional facebook page, a twitter and an Instagram account. I belong to many groups and post on them at least once a week. I post on my blog, on my publisher’s blog, and on other blogs, like that of the Arizona Authors Association. I do interviews on blogs like this one. Still, this is a tough market, especially since I do not conform to a specific genre.

 

How do you handle feedback and criticism from readers and reviewers?

Don’t let the turkeys get you down. It’s a saying that applies. In all cases, consider the source. Maybe you presented your book as a mystery but it’s more of a romance, and the mystery reviewer didn’t like it. Live and learn. Sometimes Science Fiction reviewers don’t like the romance element in my books. Sometimes, the romance reviewers think my books are not hot enough. Nothing you can do about it. People have very specific tastes. Just try to find the right audience.

 

Can you discuss any upcoming projects or books that you're currently working on? What can readers expect from your future works?

I’m currently writing Book 3 in the Blue Phantom series. Angel Revenge, to be published in October 2024. The heroine is a Valkyrie, and I’m having lots of fun pitting her against a stiff but very handsome general. It will be the last angel book.

I’m already thinking about the next series that will introduce peaceful martial arts in a science fiction setting. No title or series name yet. Book 1 will be published in November 2025 and will feature a Tai-Chi practitioner. To be clear, I’m a Martial artist, black belt in Aikido, practiced Judo and Karate since childhood, and I practiced Tai-Chi for many years. I am presently a Tai-Chi instructor.

 

Thank you for this opportunity to share.

Wishing everyone a great reminder of the year.




ANGEL SHIP
Blue Phantom Book One
Science Fiction with Romantic Elements

amazon B&N - Smashwords - Kobo 

Desperate to save her people from the Marauders swarming her space freighter, Kefira prays for a miracle. Blake Volkov, legendary captain of the Blue Phantom hears her plea and deems her and her refugees worthy of his help. Grateful for the rescue, Kefira finds his price shocking. But despite his glowing wings, handsome looks and impressive abilities, Blake admits he is no angel… although Kefira’s feline bodyguard strongly disagrees.

Meanwhile, an old enemy bent on revenge unleashed an unspeakable evil on the galaxy. Time to face past mistakes… time for innocent blood to flow. Nothing prepared Kefira for the upheaval ahead.

Can Blake find redemption? Can Kefira save her people? Can she ever trust and love again?

 



BLACK DRAGON
Byzantium Book One
Romantic Science Fiction
amazon B&N - Smashwords - Kobo 

A gambler is cheating in a den of the Byzantium space station, and Lieutenant Zara Frankel intends to catch him in the act. She always gets her man, but this one could prove more than she can handle.
Captain Czerno Drake, code name Black Dragon, has come under cover to break his innocent uncle from the most secure penitentiary in the galaxy, on the Byzantium space station. He will stop at nothing to succeed, even enrolling the help of Zara, the lovely straight arrow GTA enforcer. When Zara realizes that she’s been duped by a shrewd but seductive rebel, her reaction surprises everyone, most of all herself.

"I love this one by Vijaya Schartz. As always, her action-packed, well-plotted out prose kept me glued to the pages of Black Dragon from start to finish." TwoLips Reviews 5-kisses and a RECOMMENDED READ

"I like the balance of humor and danger in this story, and the action kept me glued to the pages... I enjoyed watching as suspicion turned to admiration, and admiration became the first flickers of love between Czerno and Zara... Pick up a copy of Black Dragon, by Vijaya Schartz, and enter a world of adventure, romance, and a spoiled cat named Marshmallow." 4½ stars sensual, Long And Short Reviews

"Vijaya Schartz is known for her strong female characters and Zara is no exception... gives the reader lots of action and a sweet love story." Single Titles Review 4½ stars

 



ANGEL MINE
Azura Chronicles Book One
Romantic Science Fiction
amazon B&N - Smashwords - Kobo 

What in the frozen hells of Laxxar prompted Fianna to pursue her quarry to this forbidden blue planet? Well, she needs the credits... badly. But as if crashing in the jungle wasn't bad enough, none of her high-tech weapons work. She'll have to go native, after the most wanted felon in five galaxies. It's not just her job. It's personal.

Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement.

Fianna's instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.

 

 

About the author

Born in France, award-winning author Vijaya Schartz never conformed to anything and could never refuse a challenge. She writes strong heroines, brave heroes, and cats. She likes action and exotic settings, in life and on the page, and is a Martial Artist. She traveled the world and claims she must be a time traveler, since she writes with the same ease about the far past and the far future. With over thirty-five novels published, Vijaya Schartz writes action adventure laced with sensuality and suspense, in exotic, medieval, or futuristic settings. Her books collected many five- star reviews and literary awards. She makes you believe you actually lived these extraordinary adventures among her characters. "Phenomenal world building, characters the readers care about, and an intriguing mystery... all the elements one expects from a Vijaya Schartz story! Easily recommended!" Debbie - CK2sKwipsandKritique. Find out more at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com


Book Blast & Giveaway: Heidenröslein: The Little Rose on the Heath

 This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions . Christopher Whittaker will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gif...