Good books don't give up all their secrets at once. – Stephen King
Author: authoranthonyavinablog
Anthony Avina, (Born March 1990), is an author, a journalist, and a blogger. Born in Southern California, he has battled through injuries, disabilities, moves back and forth across the country, and more, yet still maintains a creative voice that he hopes to use not only to entertain but to inspire hope in even the darkest situations.
He writes short stories and novels in several genres, and is also a seasoned journalist for the online magazine, On Request Magazine, as well as the popular site TheGamer. Having grown up reading the books of Dean Koontz and Stephen King, they inspired him to write new and exciting stories that delved into the minds of richly developed characters. He constantly tries to write stories that have never been told before, and to paint a picture in your mind while you are reading the book, as if you could see every scene of the book as if it were a movie you were watching. His stories will get your imaginations working, and will also show that in spite of the most despairing and horrific situations, hope is never out of reach. He am always writing, and so there will never be a shortage of new stories for your reading pleasure.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An alien species arrives on earth to prevent the human race from destroying themselves, but not everything is as it seems in author Alan M. Weber’s “A World Apart”.
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The Synopsis
Existential Threats & Human Survival: A Cerebral Sci-Fi Epic Tackling Racism, War, Environmental Destruction and Societal Divisions.
Delve into the mind-bending universe of Alan M. Weber’s latest masterpiece, A World Apart. This gripping narrative takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the depths of human existence and the looming threats that could lead to our extinction.
The story unfolds as mysterious entities, having observed our self-destructive tendencies through centuries of war, injustice, and environmental degradation, decide to intervene. They present humanity with a seven-point survival program. But is this a lifeline or a leash? Are these entities our saviors or colonizers? And what else have they brought with them? The answers to these questions form the crux of this riveting tale.
Weber, known for his thought-provoking works like The Mensch, What Kimi Discovered, Miens of Existence, and The Wedge, once again showcases his knack for crafting socially conscious narratives. His storytelling prowess shines through this science fiction epic, reminiscent of a novel-length version of The Twilight Zone.
A World Apart is not just a tale of survival; it’s a mirror reflecting our societal divisions. It’s a call to action against the existential threats we face – environmental degradation, racism, war, and the erosion of freedom and justice. It’s a commentary on the gun control debate and a plea for unity in a world torn apart by fear and hate.
This book is a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts and political thriller aficionados alike. Its speculative elements are sure to captivate the former, while its exploration of contemporary issues will resonate with the latter.
In A World Apart, Weber has created a world that is simultaneously familiar and alien, a world that forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about our existence. It’s a world that asks us a simple yet profound question – must we save our Earth from them or from ourselves?
The Review
This was such an insightful and compelling sci-fi novel. The fast pacing of the narrative helped showcase the seriousness and urgency of the novel’s themes, and the character development helped reflect relatable individuals and drive the plot forward naturally. The tension that grows and the heavy atmosphere surrounding this book’s premise shows a depth of intrigue that keeps the reader engaged with these characters.
The heart of the story is in the prominent themes that are featured. Sometimes, to see a problem clearly, one must be willing to take a step back and get an outside perspective on the situation. The author takes this to an extreme yet shockingly necessary place, with an alien race showing the hostility and destructive nature of mankind throughout the centuries and the threat to both ourselves and the planet mankind is. The question of morality, survival, decency, and camaraderie come into play brilliantly here, and the back-and-forth struggle as those seeking change come against those who refuse to see a brighter future charges the action moving forward in this narrative.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, shocking, and entertaining author Alan M. Weber’s “A World Apart” is a must-read sci-fi meets philosophy and political thriller novel. The realistic depictions of the divided political lines so many people reside in nowadays and the shocking twists in the narrative will keep readers on the edge of their seats and paying attention to the realities mirrored in this book from our world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Alan M. Weber was born in the Bronx, NY, and now lives in Woodstock. Always a writer, he gave poetry readings around Manhattan’s Greenwich Village in his early twenties, engaged in political activism in college, and wrote extensively in his professional field of Education. Approaching his retirement from a field in which he had worked as a teacher, school administrator and professor of early childhood education, he began a second, long-delayed career as a novelist. He has authored seven books, two for children, five for adults, spanning themes of politics, meta-psychology and the power of love.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman must solve the murder of the bookie she took an odd job with as the mob, the police and a killer seek her out in author Steven Max Russo’s “The Debt Collector”.
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The Synopsis
Abigail Barnes is young, pretty and petite, but her looks and size can be deceiving. She’s a tough as nails drifter who makes her living collecting outstanding debts for low-end bookies and loan sharks, Abigail arrives in Hackensack, NJ, from Baltimore, MD, and gets a job collecting for a small-time bookie, who winds up dead.
With a large Wall Street firm moving into town bringing jobs, prestige, and money, the press is soon up in arms about the killing. So the cops to put the squeeze on Ronnie “Slacks” Falcone, a mobster who heads organized crime in the Jersey City area, to help find the killer.
Soon Abigail finds herself being sought by a gang of hoodlums, the mob, and the police. She knows she can’t run and she won’t turn herself in because she has a past that could send her to jail. She has little choice but to try and find out who killed the bookie – without getting killed in the process.
The Review
This was a thrilling and compelling narrative. The author immediately establishes the protagonist as a strong, pull-no-punches woman who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. The way the tables turn, and she must solve this murder, speaks to the strength of the character and the grit of her determination. Her budding friendship with Hector, which begins in the midst of his robbing a gas station and evolves into so much more, showcases the humor and wit that the author infused into the dialogue.
The fast pace of the narrative speaks to crime thriller meets noir storytelling. Gabby’s fearlessness in facing the challenges of this murder case and her becoming hunted by so many different factions involved in this case, both criminals and law enforcement, add to the tense atmosphere and richly developed setting of this story.
The Verdict
Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining author Steven Max Russo’s “The Debt Collector” is a must-read crime thriller. The adrenaline of the fast-moving parts of this investigation and the steely determination that the protagonist shows in the face of danger at every turn add to the mystery and suspense, with twists and turns that will keep the reader invested in this narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Steven Max Russo has spent most of his professional career as an advertising copywriter and agency owner. He got interested in writing fiction after one of his short stories was accepted by an online literary journal in 2013. Then he caught the bug and began writing seriously. The publication of his first novel, THIEVES, has garnered praise from renowned crime and thriller authors from around the globe. With a gritty writing style and unique voice, he is quickly winning a legion of new fans. Steve is proud to call New Jersey his home.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinIons are my own.
A young boy hoping to stop the monster in the woods discovers he may have misjudged a poor soul in author and illustrator Steffanie Costigan’s “A Stony Gaze”.
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The Synopsis
Medusa is not the only one with a stony gaze. Things are not always what they seem and gossiping words do not define an individual. Deacon learns that perhaps he judged someone a little too quickly.
“Within the mob the monsters we became. Pride blinded us and we became the very thing we thought we were fighting against. Ideas quickly escalate within a mob and reality becomes blurred hurting innocent individuals.”
The Greek mythology of Medusa with a fun learning twist to it. A Stony Gaze helps kids to learn in a safe environment about group polarization, mob mentality, gossip, bullying and the harm it can do to others. This story encourages kids to communicate and think as an individual before making harmful judgments, in a safe environment. A read that promotes anti-bullying and shares strategies to help kids understand there are two sides to each story.
The Review
What a unique, creative, and thoughtful read! The children’s approach to the Ancient Greek myth of Medusa was engaging right from the start. They developed Medusa as a myth of the woods, a quintessential boogeyman hiding under the bed, to give the story’s protagonist the driving force for this book’s more prominent themes. The warm colors in the illustrations helped capture Medusa’s contrasting views between the myth and legend of her monstrous ways and the truth about the person she is underneath.
The themes of bullying, its impact, the way rumors spread like wildfire, and not judging a book by its cover are all prevalent within this book. The legend of Medusa has always been a cautionary tale, and yet the author beautifully flips the script on that story as humanity becomes the true monsters of their story, destroying without having the whole truth and criticizing anyone different from themselves, teaching the protagonist a heartfelt lesson.
The Verdict
Engaging, thoughtfully crafted, and remarkable author Steffanie Costigan’s “A Stony Gaze” is a must-read children’s book. The twist in the Medusa narrative and the heartfelt lessons bestowed upon the reader create a reading experience that will resonate with children and parents alike. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Author Steffanie Costigan began her passion for writing at the young age of three years old. Despite her ongoing challenge with Dyslexia, she began to develop her skill in writing.
Steffanie would visit her next-door neighbors often, who was an elderly couple from Germany; they shared with Miss Costigan their war stories, which sparked her interest in the history of World War II. At the age of twelve, Steffanie began writing Land of The Dragon and refused to write anything else until she was satisfied with the finished book.
Steffanie Costigan got the opportunity to volunteer for her church and serve as a missionary in Adelaide, Australia. There she befriended many and met the Love of her life Jarom Costigan whom she married and started a family with.
Steffanie is continuing to develop and sharpen her writing skills as she is in the process of schooling through the Lethbridge College.
Steffanie Costigan remains passionate about her writings of Land of The Dragon and is critiquing five more books to follow Land of The Dragon’s ongoing volumes.
In 2013, I ventured into the publishing world with my first novella in my romantic suspense series titled Kept. For my tastes, novellas arguably clock in between 20,000 and just shy of 40,000 words in length. But I soon discovered readers preferred novels to novellas. And pricing between these books were as different as night and day.
To sell books at the price I wanted, I needed to write novels and not novellas. But I lacked patience and qualifications to write a novel. Besides, I preferred writing short stories and novellas. I still have some shorts and novellas that I need to dust off, slap a book cover on and upload for the world to see. Since I always dreamed of becoming a best-selling author, and I always considered myself a writer, I decided to obtain the qualifications and patience to write that elusive novel, and perhaps, join the ranks of becoming an indie best-selling novelist.
Almost three years ago I enrolled in the Master of Arts Program in Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University, and I never looked back. In the first two classes of the online program, I learned about fiction fundamentals, structure and outlining a novel. In fact, it was in one of those classes that I outlined my debut mystery All Money Ain’t Good Money as my final project. I transformed that outline into a 68,000-word novel. My educational investment paid off in more ways than one.
Don’t get me wrong. Writing novellas are great practice for expansion into writing the novel. With novellas, the writer concentrates on developing the main character and one or two plot lines. But in a novel, a writer can develop multiple characters and can run multiple plot lines simultaneously to keep the pages turning. Engaging the reader and securing future book sales is the goal. So, there is no shame in writing novellas. It’s just cuing you up to write for a bigger audience, readers seeking the page-turning novel.
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Book Summary
Jinx Curry is a single mom who spends her days spying on cheating wives and husbands, but she aches for more importance. When her boss, Capricorn Hayes, finally assigns Jinx a missing persons case involving a congressman’s missing granddaughter, Jinx jumps at the chance. Not only to solve it, but to earn the fifty-thousand-dollar bonus that would pay her bills, and get a menacing creditor off her back.
But the investigation proves more dangerous and costly than Jinx believes. After an unknown individual in a black Corvette nearly runs Jinx down and begins stalking her, Jinx has to sacrifice her relationship with her daughter by sending Arielle to live with her father. Can Jinx find the congressman’s granddaughter while surviving her stalker? Or will this job be her last?
Publisher: Tralam Publishing Company (July 26, 2024)
When she is not writing, Tracey Lampley loves attending and watching sporting events such as WNBA, NBA, college football and NFL football. Currently Tracey is completing her MA in Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University. She already holds an MS in Publishing from Pace University and a BA in English/Technical & Scientific Communication from Miami University of Ohio. She resides in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area with her pooch Neo and near her daughter Asia.
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Tracey Lampley’s novel All Money Ain’t Good Money. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of her book.
Struggle with what your characters should say? Author Tracey Lampley’s guest post is about writing realistic dialogue. They’ll also be a review of her novel All Money Ain’t Good Money.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman who thought she escaped her toxic marriage discovers she has been poisoned and must discover the identity of her poisoner in author Eve Penrose’s “The Blue Prussian”.
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The Synopsis
“A modern-day Gaslight”
The Blue Prussian is a spellbinding story told by Blake O’Brien, a beautiful, young executive with a globetrotting career. Blake returns to her native Manhattan from San Francisco after escaping—or so she thinks—her marriage to a dashing man who turned out to be a prince of darkness. She had been hoping for a fresh start but learns that she has been poisoned with thallium—a deadly neurotoxin referred to as the poisoner’s poison.
Blake is treated with the only known antidote—Prussian blue—the same synthetic pigment with the deeply saturated hue used in dazzling masterpieces like The Starry Night and The Great Wave. Almost unfathomably, the alchemist who invented Prussian blue was the rumored inspiration for Mary Shelley’s character, Dr. Frankenstein. The similarities to Blake’s financier ex are striking as his true nature is revealed—including the discovery of a secret room in the brooding Victorian home where they lived their married life together.
The stylish enclaves of Beekman Place in New York City, Nob Hill in San Francisco, and the Mayfair neighborhood in London provide the backdrop as this chilling tale of treachery and betrayal unfolds. Blake’s resolve triumphs and the camaraderie of her loyal and charismatic friends fortifies her, as she takes the reader on a tantalizing international pursuit to try to catch her poisoner, who is known to the FBI as The Blue Prussian.
The Review
This was a genuinely thrilling and engaging story. The author perfectly laid out this narrative’s high stakes and particular horrors. The history and detail the author poured into the use of poison and how it influenced many aspects of British culture, even going so far as to showcase how the antidote physically shows itself when ingested by the victim, brought out the characters and story in a cinematic way.
The heart of this story was in the strong character development. Blake is a relatable and strong protagonist, facing the far too common domestic abuse and toxicity that so many relationships spiral into behind closed doors. The mystery of the Blue Prussian and the heinous crimes they committed seamlessly blends with the suspense surrounding Blake’s own life, and the reader will instantly be drawn into this narrative as the psychological aspects of this thriller begin to make their way into these characters’ lives.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author Eve Penrose’s “The Blue Prussian” is a must-read psychological thriller that readers won’t be able to put down. The unique and original character designs and the detail put into both the history of poisoning and the deep-seated deviousness that resides in a killer’s psychopathy make this a story that will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
EVE PENROSE is an author and a storyteller. Her craft and her active imagination provided plenty of fodder for the plot and characters in The Blue Prussian. She is currently writing the sequel. For more information and to download the Book Club Discussion Guide for The Blue Prussian, please visit the Eve Penrose website.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman must save her friend from enemy hands or risk losing her identity forever in author TC Marti’s “Rise of the Sentrys”, the third book in the Sentrys of Terrene series.
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The Synopsis
Sabre Kjaergaard and her gang’s victory celebration couldn’t have been more short-lived…
…And the always-sinister Venn Order is out to collect them with the help of a few more notorious factions
Sabre is still reeling from all the lies that have piled up following her less-than-ideal Maalivahti training. But she doesn’t know the extent of the lies everyone has thrown at her. Yet when she’s on the cusp of uncovering the truth about more than just her own past, Sabre is about to learn that these lies from friends and foes alike are just a few of her more minor problems.
With her best friend captured behind enemy lines, Sabre must lead a daring mission to rescue them; one that will test her physically, psychologically, and most importantly, spiritually. If Sabre accomplishes her mission, the World of Terrene will live to fight another day. But if she fails, Sabre will fall to the Venn Order’s temptation and shed her identity as Sabre Kjaergaard forever, dooming her home world.
Rise of the Sentrys is the third and final installment in the Sentrys of Terrene Trilogy, whose plot elements entwine in TC Marti’s shared universe, the Renegades Epic, which also comprises Elementals of Nordica and Terrian Chronicles. If you love dystopian fantasy, elemental magic, and intriguing plot lines where Avatar: The Last Airbender meets George Lucas, Rise of the Sentrys and the entire Sentrys of Terrene Trilogy is what you’re looking for.
The Review
A truly fantastic and action-packed entry into the author’s greater universe, this novel utilized prominent imagery in the author’s writing with suspense and atmosphere that kept this reader invested in the narrative. The detail that went into the action scenes, even the cinematic quality of the opening chapter as military action blended with magical properties as the protagonist launched into the fray to protect her allies, allowed the reader to feel immersed in the story and the action firsthand.
The personal journey that protagonist Sabre went on did a fantastic job of closing out this trilogy and adding to the mythos of this universe the author has created. The emerging secrets and history of her mother, as well as the role and impact she has on her world and her destiny, kept readers invested in the story as it went on, allowing the rich tapestry of supporting characters and antagonists to feel alive and engaging as Sabre continued her journey.
The Verdict
A truly memorable and thoughtful sci-fi and fantasy action story, author TC Marti’s “Rise of the Sentrys” is a must-read novel and the perfect end to this trilogy while continuing the story the author’s shared universe has created. The twists in the story, the prosperous development of Sabre as a protagonist, and the open ending that leads these characters into the world of Elementals of Nordica in future novels make this a compelling book you won’t want to miss. Be sure to grab your copy on August 26th, 2024 or preorder your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
TC Marti is an avid workout warrior and author of the dystopian fantasy shared universe, the Renegades Epic. After spending years devouring the works of J.K. Rowling, George Lucas, and some of the greatest Libertarian thinkers in world history, Marti has fused his imagination with free market principles whenever he metaphorically puts pen to paper.
For those of you who are just meeting me, hi! I’m Ro, I’m a huge music fanatic and I love to write stories inspired by the music I love. You Can Save Me is a departure of sorts from my typical hard rock/heavy metal musical vibes. It’s full of folk music, a lot of which I hadn’t listened to prior to writing this book. I’ve always been a big fan of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, and I knew a lot of the hits, but I did a huge deep dive into The Mamas and Papas, including Cass Elliot’s solo music. I fell hard for Gram Parsons and The Flying Burrito Brothers. I also became a huge fan of Love, the band that would have been all the rage like their label mates The Doors if their label had been willing to market them like they did The Doors. The folk singer Melanie also passed away while I was writing this book, and I did a dive into her catalogue. I discovered so much more music to love and even bonded over a lot of the music with my son, who has very discerning tastes when it comes to music.
Besides the Laurel Canyon documentary, I also watched Rolling Thunder Revue, which was directed by Martin Scorsese and follows Dylan and company on the road just as the US was readying to celebrate their bicentennial. Fascinating stories in that film and it gave me a greater appreciation for his music. It just so happens that Bob Dylan is coming to the Bay in August, so I’m going to see him with Willie Nelson, John Cougar Mellencamp, and a fantastic country artist, Brittney Spencer. Super excited. But I digress. There are some great songs on this list as well as some obscure ones.
I definitely had a voice in mind when I wrote Dane’s character. I hear Jackson Browne when I think of Dane. Browne’s early career is also how I saw Dane’s. He is a brilliant songwriter and he was quite young when he joined the second wave of Laurel Canyon folk singers. He wrote the beginning of “Take It Easy” and then gave the song to Glenn Frey and Don Henley to finish for the Eagles to record.
And just as You Can Do Magic had a theme song, I found one for this book… I’ll See You Again is a song by Noel Coward, which came out in 1929 and became a standard. The words can be interpreted as sweet…but it also has a very creepy vibe, which fit the story perfectly.
I hope you enjoy immersing yourself in the music of You Can Save Me! Stay Tuned for more…
R.L. Merrill has a new MM paranormal romance in the Carnival of Mysteries series, the sequel to You Can Do Magic: You Can Save Me.
Sixties folk singer Dane Donovan vanished from a desolate highway rest area in 1979. Forty years later, he’s found hitchhiking in the California desert on a cold winter’s night. He hasn’t aged a day, but the roadmap of scars he wears tells a chilling tale.
Veteran detective Walter Muse took over the case twenty years ago, but his haunting connection to Dane Donovan goes back to a peculiar run-in as a child with The Troubadour and his Talking Board at a traveling carnival. He receives a late-night call with Dane’s whereabouts and races to Laurel Canyon to see for himself whether Dane is real — or a ghost. Walter’s carefully honed detective instincts are thrown out the window when his obsession with the case turns into an undeniable attraction to the mysterious singer.
Dane is on a mission to stop a new killer hell-bent on picking up where Dane’s kidnapper left off, and Walter is determined to protect him, no matter the personal and psychological cost. They’ll have to rely on new friends and trusted colleagues as well as the power of a mystical spirit board to stop the killing, and have a chance at a real future together.
Warnings: discussion of suicide, serial killer attempted murder
On a dark desert highway somewhere in California, I walked alone on the dusty shoulder with a borrowed acoustic guitar strapped to my back and my sole possession tucked under my arm in a brown paper bag. I shivered as though evil was breathing down my neck, when in reality, I was the one in pursuit. The sky had a purplish hue with some storm clouds off to the north but directly above me, the stars flickered in a surreal dance.
I walked with purpose, and it was a very important one.
I’m the only one who can stop him.
I passed a sign that said Highway 58 to Mojave, and I pulled my salvaged coat tighter around my scrawny self. The ground was warm beneath my tattered boots, but the air bit into my skin like an icy monster gnashing its teeth, hungry.
I turned to look behind me and spotted headlights coming my way. It had been at least an hour since another car had passed. I stuck out my thumb, hoping they’d stop. The boots I wore were also borrowed, as were my clothes and hat. I chose them because they were the only ones in the carnival storage that were the right size and fit.
I had only one memory from before I’d started working with the traveling carnival, and it was awful enough to make your blood run cold.
The lights hurt my eyes, and my energy flagged, but I kept my thumb out. I had something important to do, and if this car didn’t slow down, I’d keep going until the next one came. Someone had to stop. How else did people get anywhere if not for thumb power?
The headlights grew nearer and were impossibly bright. I had to cover my eyes briefly as I was nearly blinded. I heard the crunch of gravel as the vehicle pulled over and coughed at the cloud of dust that rose. A door opened and a male voice called out.
“Hey, man. What are you doing out here?”<
The bright lights faded and only a set of yellow ones down low on the front of the…pickup truck were left on. It was a massive thing, jacked up high, with big tires and a shiny chrome grill.
What does it look like I’m doing? The large concrete sign with the strange name loomed in my consciousness, and though every cell in my body struggled against my purpose, I stood tall and called back, “Need a ride. To Buttonwillow.”
The truck door closed, and I saw the man’s shape pass in front of the dim lights. What was he doing getting out of his ride? I backed up a step, trying to play it cool. He wasn’t the person I was worried about.
Then the passenger door opened, and a much larger man got out.
“Ryan, don’t.”
There were two of them. I didn’t like my odds, but I had no choice. I had to get there. I had to stop…
“Forget it man, I’ll walk.”
“Wait, come back. You can’t walk that far. That’s, like, almost a hundred miles away.”
The driver came closer, but the big man stepped in between us. I reached for the guitar on my back. Maybe I could whack him with it and run away. I was pretty fast.
“Do you have any weapons?” Then the passenger barked an order at me. “Let me see under your jacket.”
“Come on, man. I just need a ride. I don’t have anything.”
The driver pushed past him. “Kal, it’s okay. Hey, kid, what’s your name?”
“Dee Dee.”
The driver held his hand out, and I shook it. “Dee Dee, I’m Ryan, and this is my husband, Kal. Damn,” he said, letting go of my hand and slapping his together, the loud crack making me jump. “I love saying that.” He turned and smiled at the large man, whose scowl seemed to lessen the slightest bit. “We just got married in Vegas.” He held up a hand and the light flashed off of his wedding band.
“Congratulations?” It came out like the question it was. How were they married? Two men? Guess they really do let anything happen in Las Vegas.
“Where’d you come from?” Kal asked, standing next to Ryan as if to protect him from me. Not sure I’d ever been seen as a threat to anyone, but I didn’t blame him for being cautious. Wish I’d had someone to look after me like that.
“Back that way. Was working at a carnival, and I needed to—”
Ryan put a hand on my chest and his eyes went wide. “Did you say carnival? Like, ‘Welcome, Traveler’ carnival?”
“How’d you know?” I tried to step back and my heel caught on a rock. I was about to go down, but Kal caught me—and then I was caught up in his gaze.
“I came from there, too,” Kal said.
And then I heard it. In my mind. Calliope music.
I’d never gone to see it. I hadn’t done much exploring. I’d only gone from my trailer to my booth and back for however long I’d been employed there. Didn’t seem long, but then, time did weird things at the carnival.
>“The Troubadour’s Talking Board,” Kal said. He gripped my arm a little tighter as he brought me back up to standing. “The booth in the arcade. I know you.”
“That’s right. That’s me. Well, it was. I left. Got something I gotta do.”
Ryan grabbed Kal’s arm. “The promise. Babe, we have to help him.”
Kal continued to stare down at me, and though he seemed good—the big man oozed honor from his pores—he was a scary guy. His hand could have wrapped around my bicep twice. Or my throat. He looked from Ryan to me, and then he let go of my arm.
“We shall help you along your path.”
Seemed like a strange way of saying “sure, we’ll give you a ride,” but I’d take it.
“Thank you.”
Ryan gestured to the truck. “Hop in.”
Kal remained at my side and when we reached the cab, he opened the front of two doors. I’d never seen a pickup with two sets of doors before. This thing was unreal.
“You ride up here,” Kal said, taking the guitar from me. “I’ll be right behind you. If you hurt my husband, I will hurt you.”
“God, Kal. That’s hot, but babe, don’t scare the kid. We promised we’d help him.”
“Promised who?” I asked as I climbed into the tall pickup. “And I’m not a kid.”
Kal shut my door after I sat, and then he climbed in. I turned my back to the door. I didn’t like having him behind me. Didn’t like anyone at my back, especially after what had happened to land me at the carnival in the first place.
“I think you know,” Kal said as Ryan started the pickup. “Ryan and I are married because someone else made a promise to help us on our path. Ryan made a promise to Mr. Ame. Now we will do the same for you.”
I’d known cats who lived together, maybe even called themselves husbands, but marriage couldn’t happen between homosexuals. This was all too much. It was like I’d left one odd place and wound up in another.
But what he said about promises put my purpose front and center in my mind.
I sighed and turned just a bit, still able to see Kal out of the corner of my eye as he sat in the middle of the backseat. He rested a hand on the seat behind Ryan’s shoulder, his fingers tangling in the man’s shoulder-length copper hair.
“Thank you for stopping,” I said before I let my eyes drift closed. I needed to rest. I would need my strength when we arrived.
“What’s in Buttonwillow?” I heard Kal ask Ryan.
“All I know about it is there’s a pair of rest stops on either side of the highway. Creepy-ass place. Every time I stop there, I’m sure a murderer is going to jump out of the bushes.”
You don’t know how right you are.
Author Bio
Whether she’s writing contemporary romance featuring quirky and relatable characters or diving deep into the paranormal and supernatural to give readers a shiver, R.L. Merrill loves creating compelling, diverse, and inclusive stories that will stay with readers long after. Winner of the Kathryn Hayes “When Sparks Fly” Best Contemporary award for Hurricane Reese, Paranormal Romance Guild’s Best Rockstar Romance for You Can Do Magic, and Daphne DuMaurier finalist for Connection, Ro spends every spare moment improving her writing craft and striving to find that perfect balance between real-life and happily ever after.
You can find her connecting with readers on social media, advocating for America’s youth, cruising around town with Great Dane Velma, cuddling with twin black cat familiars Frankenstein and Dracula, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more…
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I was fortunate to have good parents who introduced us to books as soon as we could see and took us to libraries often making sure that we understood the importance of libraries, the good books I read inspired me. I have always enjoyed creative writing. My friends encouraged me to “take the plunge” and release my books.
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What inspired you to write your book?
There were a lot of factors. I had friends that I would visit on a military base where I got to experience the comradery and sense of community there. My father was a research scientist so I met some of his colleagues and heard tales of competition in the research field. I had many ideas of my own which when combined together became the “brain soup” I needed to start “The Base – Book 1.”
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I hope the readers will question much more of what surrounds us. The things I wrote about in the book are not completely factual, but are becoming more and more probable. I would also hope that the readers choose not to participate in economies that enslave people. We do have a lot of power when we speak by not contributing our money to destructive forces.
What drew you into this particular genre?
I liked challenging the reader and I was doubly challenged with the research for the book. I really enjoyed the detective work necessary to make the story as factually accurate as possible. I find it interesting now how many research races are on now especially with AI. It keeps me inspired and interested in our future.
If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
Venus kept me up at night, especially as I was writing the sequel. I was looking up the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath and trying to understand people who were lacking in a human connection so much so that money always came first. I think if I met Venus, I would want to listen to her more than talk to her. I would want to study her, and figure out what made her tick.
What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Facebook has been good to me. The audience has been more responsive when I have made posts. I am thankful for the people I have met there.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Read and write a lot. Both of these things will help your hungry brain and your writing muscles.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
The sequel to “The Base – Book 1” has been written and we have a very ambitious book cover photo shoot scheduled. I was able to get several very interesting artifacts and a few actors for the occasion, as I type this I am surrounded by props. I am also exploring ways that I can get “The Base” made into a film or series. It is a lofty goal, but I believe it can be worth it. I am also writing another book which is very different but very challenging to the readers – and author alike.
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About the Author
Dante Terese is a dynamic new voice in fiction, blending deep themes with compelling narratives in her work. Her debut novel, Sex, Death, & Diane, celebrates the courage of those who dare to think independently and speak their truths, exploring the quiet power within each of us.
Her recent science fiction release, The Base, takes readers into the high-stakes world of military research, where ethical dilemmas and espionage intertwine in a suspenseful tale of innovation and integrity.
