Justin Boring's Blog

First a thank you to author B. Lybaek and the team at Unalive Promotions for sending me an ARC copy of this amazing book to read!

The idea of hockey intertwining with the mafia intrigued me so much that I just had to read this book! The author did an amazing job of piecing together the storyline while also building her characters. At first I wanted to dislike Sawyer, the alphahole hockey player who thinks he is God's gift to women, but the building of his protectiveness and care for Lucia really brought me around to falling in love with his character. Lucia is all hardness on the outside, she has to be due to her past, but the author does an amazing job of keeping her strength and toughness while also showing her vulnerable and broken personality. These two together just absolutely jump off the page. The mystery and surprises built into the story will keep you on the edge of your seat as you fall in love with Sawyer and Lucia and root for their HEA! If you like your romance with some darkness, and twisted steaminess then this is an absolute must read.

Make sure to grab your copy now and enjoy! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSB77ZKM

If you haven't read my interview with the lovely Imogen Wells, be sure to check it out here on my blog. Imogen was kind enough to answer all of my invasive questions about herself and her writing!

I was lucky enough to find Imogen Wells recently on facebook and she was kind enough to send me a copy of her newest release, Poisoned Pawn, and I am so glad that she did! This book is absolutely amazing and such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down. I will absolutely be going back to read all of Ms. Wells' books! Read on for my thoughts on the book and to find links to Imogen Wells' books.

I would love to share everything about this awesome read but I don't want to give any spoilers away so I will keep my review to just a few of the fantastic parts of the book. This is my first book of Imogen Wells' and I was blown away. It was easy to be sucked into the story and I was able to follow the ties to past characters and books. Poisoned Pawn is definitely a steamy dark romance but also has a thrilling action plot. Imogen pulls in the Chess references, not only with the characters pseudonyms, but also in the moves of the deadly "game" being played.

Star is trying to live a "normal" life after going through hell as a child. She is dealing with a scarring past and the feeling of being abnormal and dirty for the physical desires she now has. A chance encounter during her one attempt to give in to her desires will change her life forever, and may just be the thing that saves her. I absolutely loved Star's character! While she is struggling with her past and unsure of her desires, she is also a strong, independent woman with all the sass to combat Carter's alpha, protectiveness. Imogen really gives her depth throughout the story and Star gains more self-assurance and strength.

Carter is the epitome of the dark romance book boyfriend. He is former Shadow Guard turned hitman. His past has led him down this dark underworld but it is because of his alpha, protective nature and not the darkness within him. He is drawn to Star and her own dark desires match his. Imogen does a wonderful job slowly revealing his true nature and what seems like an uncaring, cold soul, becomes the alpha protector who won't allow anyone to protect or touch Star, even her own family.

I love Star's sister, Roxy, and her men, Maddox and Zak and I can't wait to go read their story. Aidan is a wild card, and I definitely didn't get enough of him in this book. He is still an enigma to me and I can't wait to read more about him. Even with past characters and ties to other books, the story isn't confusing or missing any elements. It can be read as a standalone, just be aware it will absolutely make you want to read more of Imogen's books to find out about all these amazing characters.

Poisoned Pawn has it all, plenty of the dark and disturbing, a thrilling suspense and deadly game play that will have you on the edge of your seat, lots of dark, sexy scenes, and so many twists that you will question everyone involved. I can't express how much I loved this book and how enthralled I was throughout the entire read. No doubt I will be reading more from Imogen Wells and I suggest you make room in your reading schedule for her books!

If you are interested in her books be sure to check them out below! Thank you again Imogen Wells for this amazing read and I can't wait for more.

, Book 1 - http://mybook.to/RiskBook

, Book 2 - http://mybook.to/RecklessTripleR

, Book 3 - http://mybook.to/RedemptionTripleR

: http://mybook.to/LawlessDeception

: http://mybook.to/RuthlessVengeance

: http://mybook.to/EmbersofYou

& : https://mybook.to/Whiskey-Lace

: ,,https://mybook.to/PoisonedPawn 

Follow Imogen Wells here:

Facebook: http://bit.ly/AuthorIWFB

Reader Group: http://bit.ly/AuthorIWRG

Amazon: http://bit.ly/AUTHORIWZON

Instagram: http://bit.ly/AuthorIWINSTA

Bookbub link: http://bit.ly/AuthorIWBB

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@imogenwellsauthor?_t=8XGhpVv7tYr...

Website: imogenwells.com

I would like to thank the wonderfully talented author Imogen Wells for taking the time to answer all my crazy questions and share a little about herself and her writing. Read my author interview with Imogen now to get to know her a little better and be sure to check back soon for my review of her amazing book, Poisoned Pawn!

When did you first start writing?

As a child I always enjoyed writing, as well as reading, of course. It wasn’t until I was studying for my degree around six years ago, having entered back into the wonderful world of reading again, that I began writing my first novel. I wrote the famous words ‘the end’ of my first book during the first Covid lock down of 2020.

Why did you start writing?

Aside from always having a love of reading, I had a story inside my head that needed to be told. I took a chance, and I’m very happy I did. Although it seems to have opened a door for more stories and characters to invade my mind.

What or who inspires your writing?

My characters do. They are the guides and I’m purely the vessel for their story to be told.

Is writing a therapeutic process for you? How does your writing help you?

Yes, absolutely. I find it extremely therapeutic. As someone who suffers from anxiety, it allows me to channel my emotions into my words.

What is the most difficult part of your writing process?

Blurbs! Without a doubt writing and summing up the synopsis of a book that is generally around the 100k mark is incredibly difficult. It is a fine balance to give enough to hook the reader with but also keep them guessing.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am irrevocably and without doubt a pantser. I tried to plot or—slightly more accurately—push the characters of my second book in a direction they didn’t want to go. This resulted in a rebellion and forced me to rewrite the first 40k. Lesson learnt, and now I let them lead me.  

What comes first for you – the plot of the characters – and why?

The characters always. I have the bare minimum of a plot, more the idea of one, and the rest comes as I write.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

They develop naturally over the course of the story, reacting to situations they, invariably, find themselves in, and I get to know them as my reader would.

How do you use social media as an author?

I have the usual Facebook author profile and reader group along with Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Bookbub and a few others that I don’t use as much. I also have a newsletter. Social media is the top platform for sharing releases, teasers etc. It is also a fantastic way for me as an author to connect with my readers.

How do you handle writer’s block?

There are times when I have tried to write through it, which doesn’t always work. Most often, I’ll step away from my laptop and do something else. Maybe reading or watching TV.

How do you process and deal with a negative book review?

Negative reviews are hard. It is never nice to read that someone didn’t like your work, but when I started writing, I knew not everyone would enjoy my books and that’s okay. Constructive criticism is a tool and should be used to improve and hone your craft.  

What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?

I’d tell them just to focus on getting the words on the page first. The way to the end is at the beginning. And don’t worry about your process. Everyone is different. There is no wrong or right way.

What is your favorite part of publishing? What is your least favorite part?

It would have to be reading reviews, seeing how much my words meant to a reader. I also love the tease of a new release. Building the suspense and sharing those little snippets. As for my least favourite part, I’m not sure there is one. Not for me anyway.  

What do you think is the most important part of publishing after you finish writing your manuscript?

There are two areas I think it is important to have help with: your cover and editing. Your cover, despite the idiom of not judging a book by its cover, is the first thing your readers will see/use to determine whether they want to read it or not. The other is a good editor.

Did you choose to write romance or did it choose you?

I think it chose me.

Which book is your favorite that you have published so far?

That’s like asking a mother who her favourite child is. I love each of them for their differences.

Are any of your books part of a series or are they all standalones?

I have a trilogy and a duet, but the others are standalones. However, all but one of my books—Embers of You, an American set small town romance and part of the Silverbell Shore series—are set in the same world. This means characters from previous books make an appearance quite often.

Do you base your characters on real people?

No, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say there are likely elements of people I’ve met in real life.

Which of your characters do you relate to the most and why?

I think I relate to each of them in some way or another. They say to write what you know, so inevitably some elements of my stories are based on my own life experiences or emotions. Being able to relate to characters in any story is what makes the story.

How much research do you need for your books?

Research is incredibly important, so I endeavour to do as much research as possible, particularly on subjects I don’t know much about or have no experience with. Google is my best friend.

What was the hardest scene to write, and why?

The dark romance genre in which I wrote is synonymous with emotional and traumatic scenes. For my debut novel there were some flashback scenes of domestic violence and rape, and in subsequent books there are scenes/descriptions of childhood abuse including sexual abuse. They were incredibly difficult to write, but they are a part of my characters. They represent reality for some, and I’d like to think, although difficult, they give hope to anyone affected by those things.

If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?

This is tricky because it depends on who and at what point in their story lol. I think what I really want to say is thank you. Thanks for choosing me to tell your story.

What is your favorite quote from one of your books?

Again with the choosing just one lol. This is so hard. Okay, if I have to give you just one, then it has to be the devil, Aidan Kavanagh, in Whiskey & Lace.

They say Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but Hell hasn’t seen the full force of the devil when he loses his queen.

What tropes are in each book?

They vary from book to book, but overall tropes include enemies to lovers, mafia/organized crime, suspense, touch & die vibes, Dub-con/CNC, MF and MFM, alpha males and kick arse females.

What is your favorite trope to write?

Hands down, enemies to lovers. I love the angst, the banter, the tension that all builds to the moment when they give in to their desires.

How long did it take you to write each book? If one book took longer to write, why?

My first book took me just six weeks, but as a rule it takes between two to three months. Embers of You took longer because it was out of my comfort zone being set in the US. Which is strange considering the number of books I’ve read set in the states.

How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?

My ideal reader is someone who enjoys the darker side of life. Who enjoys an action-packed plot with a healthy side of spice. If you like alpha males, who sometimes fall first but always fall hard and tough badass females who can give as good as they get with no third act break up, then you’ll enjoy my books.    

Are your books wide or only in Amazon?

Currently, all my books are in Kindle Unlimited, but that will change in January 2024. I will slowly be moving them wide, starting with my Triple R Security series. I will also begin selling direct with the launch of my new website and store where you’ll be able to purchase signed paperbacks, eBooks (only those not in KU) and also merchandise.

Tell us a little about each book or a little about a new release?

My latest release is Poisoned Pawn and follows the story of Star and Carter. Star was kidnapped and sold into a child sex ring as a child, so she has some demons. The biggest is her proclivities regarding sex. As for Carter, he is a give no f*cks hitman hired to kill her. When the two of them meet, the sparks fly. This book had me delving into tropes I’d not written before, such as primal and praise kinks.

What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

I actually don’t need much, and quite often work with my husband in Teams meetings for work or with my kids in and out. My must have is a notebook. As a pantser who writes each chapter in order, I need a notebook for when those moments of inspiration or flashes of a scene at a later point come. This most often happens when I’m in the shower, which has me rushing to get out while desperately trying to hold on to the thought.

What is your favorite writing snack or drink?

Tea. I’m a true Brit and can’t function without a cuppa. But I’m partial to a Costa Latte. Yum. Don’t really have a favourite snack to munch when I’m writing.

If you could spend a day with another author, whom would you choose and why?

Ooh, that’s hard. I can’t possibly pick one, so first it would have to be J.R.R. Tolkien. The Lord of the Rings is one of my favourite fantasy epics. I read it as a teen and several times since, and each time I learn something new or find something I missed before. My second would be Martina Cole. I have read pretty much everything she has written. She is a huge inspiration for me.  

How do you celebrate when you finish your book?

I’d love to say I celebrate in style, but honestly, I just breathe and take some me time before starting on edits. In the new year, I plan to start celebrating my accomplishments more.

How many hours a day do you write?

I don’t have a set number of hours, but I do try to write each day no matter how little because every word counts. It’s not always possible though because as well as being an author, I’m a proofreader, a mum and I work a part time job.

What are your favorite or most helpful author resources?

One of my top resources—every author that writes spice should have it—is a book called Naughty Words for Nice Writers. Some of the pages are well worn. Another of my must haves is The Emotion Thesaurus. There are several books in the series, and they are an invaluable resource for any writer.

Be sure to follow Imogen for all the fun bookish things and book news. Find out about her books and her upcoming releases. And be sure to check back for my review of her fantastic book, Poisoned Pawn!

Facebook: http://bit.ly/AuthorIWFB

Reader Group: http://bit.ly/AuthorIWRG

Amazon: http://bit.ly/AUTHORIWZON

Instagram: http://bit.ly/AuthorIWINSTA

Bookbub link: http://bit.ly/AuthorIWBB

TikTok: ,https://www.tiktok.com/@imogenwellsauthor?_t=8XGhpVv7tYr,...

Website: imogenwells.com

I was lucky enough to find this amazing read on Kindle Unlimited! I am so glad I have found the author Virginie Marconato. The White Devil's Shadow is the first book I have read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. Historical romance is a genre I have read before but don't go back to very often. However, this author does a fantastic job with the historical details and makes you feel like you are living the story.

For The White Devil's Shadow the author really places you in the medieval time period. Her details in the story are strong and her relationship with the characters really ties it all together. If you are familiar with this time period you will know that marriages were often set up by families and the women rarely had a choice, especially within nobility. Husband's were often abusive, cruel, unfaithful, or at the very least uncaring, seeing their wives as possessions instead of partners. The author wanted a true love story and while French nobleman Amaury de Malfete is lost to battle and presumed dead for four years just after his marriage to Welsh heiress Eirlys he returns, determined to show his wife that he is not like his forefathers and truly sees her. The author does a wonderful job of building her characters and pulling you into their story. The story is beautifully written and draws you in right from the beginning. You want to see the love develop between these characters, you want to see them get their happy ending. They both have a past and demons to fight along with typical societal norms from the medieval time period but the author does a terrific job of pushing and pulling to allow the characters to fight for what they really want.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more from this author. If you are interested in historical romance then be sure to pick up one of her books to read now! You can find her books at the links below!

Virginie Marconato's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0B2KPFCKV/allbooks

Thank you to the lovely and talented author, Virginie Marconato, for taking the time to answer some fun bookish questions. She writes amazing medieval romance novels that you will absolutely want to check out. You can find my review of The White Devil's Shadow, which she mentions in this interview, in a few days, so be sure to check back! Read on to find out all about her writing, books, and a few fun personal facts.

When did you first start writing?

Not very original, but I’ve always written in some form of other. It’s the natural evolution for someone who loves to read, I think, and as soon as I could read I devoured books. One day out of the blue I thought, others do it, why not me? At first I dabbled at poetry, contemporary romance then one day it hit me. What was I doing? My path was historical romance! There was no looking back.

That book is now the White Devil’s Shadow.

Why did you start writing?

Because I couldn’t not start, I think. My fingers would have itched too much and my brain might have exploded.

What or who inspires your writing?

Everything ang anything! Inspiration is everywhere. It’s sorting out what’s promising and what’s just fluff that is more difficult. Of course visiting ruined castles helps but it could be anything., Listening to a historical documentary, looking out over a beautiful landscape, listening to a piece of music, seeing an animal, anything can trigger an idea. Then generally I take a long walk to let it develop in my head. I suppose it’s a bit like picking a flower bud and then waiting for the petals to unfurl. Sometimes it takes longer than you would like but you have to be patient. It will open eventually.

Is writing a therapeutic process for you? How does your writing help you?

I don’t see it that way. It’s pure pleasure for me.

What is the most difficult part of your writing process?

Writing is the fun part the part for me, I could do all day!!! I love everything about it. It’s what comes after I find more challenging… The marketing and trying to reach readers who will love your stories, finding the exposure.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Definitely a pantser! I cannot be doing with rigid structures, especially in creative endeavours. Seems counterproductive and restrictive to someone with my personality.

What comes first for you – the plot of the characters – and why?

It’s usually a key scene. Then I work out what type of people would find themselves in this situation and why, and it goes from there, like watching an ink drop fall on a wet page and then blossom into many ramifications all at once. I would be unable to explain this method to anyone, or even advise anyone to work this way but it works for me.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

I watch my ink stain develop, to expand on my metaphor, and see what has possibilities. Sometimes you meet a dead end, sometimes a detail that was unimportant at first becomes the key to everything. It really depends. Every book is different. I really don’t have a method, that’s what makes it exciting. If I followed one I would get as bored as I do following a recipe in the kitchen.

How do you process and deal with a negative book review?

It’s not easy, I will not lie. At least when it’s pertinent. Sometimes you get reviews that are bad only because this person and your book were never going to be a good match. So I manage not to take them too personally. For example the exact same book as been literally been described as too steamy by person A, lacking in spice by person B and just right for person C… So you can only do what you judge best. If I serve Mexican food to a person who doesn’t even own a pepper mill, they will not give it the time of day. It doesn’t mean it’s not good, just that it’s not for them.

When the criticism is about something less subjective, then of course you go back and try to rectify it.

What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?

Persevere. If deep down, no matter what, you’re enjoying writing stories and you think you’re doing it right, you probably are, and someone else will agree with you eventually. You won’t appeal to everyone every time but then, no one does.

Did you choose to write romance or did it choose you?

Both. Like the best things in life it’s a partnership. Romance appeals to me so I chose this path, but then again I think I’m the right kind of person to do it justice because of the way I approach life.

Which book is your favorite that you have published so far?

Wow! I think there would be a problem if I didn’t love each of them! It would mean I didn’t write them as good as I should have… But… I do have a fondness for Dark Highlander, which is out in a few days. This is one of those books that just wanted to be born. It would not leave me alone until I wrote it even though I was in the middle of two others. I had to drop everything and see to it. And Cormac is the stuff of dreams!

Are any of your books part of a series or are they all standalones?

They’re all standalone but a series is not out of the question.

Do you base your characters on real people?

Aspects of them, yes. Not full characters.

Which of your characters do you relate to the most and why?

Ooh, I don’t know. As I said, I tend to create them with bits from everywhere, so none of them really resemble me in the end. I can relate to Blanche’s need for independence, I feel for Rose’s predicament, I understand Hazel’s rebellious nature, for example but I don’t feel I have ever really been in their shoes.

How much research do you need for your books?

A little. But not too much as I have spent the last 25 years reading about Middle Ages and visiting every castle I can. I know enough to give me a good head start each time.

If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?

Thank you for giving me so many hours of pleasure and turning out to be so compelling! It’s like my children. I created them but then as they grew they took a life of their own and made their own path. It was a privilege to see them do it.

What is your favorite quote from one of your books?

Oh, that’s hard… Perhaps this from Dark Highlander, when Hazel realises she has fallen in love with Cormac.

“It was not a love that had turned her world upside down all at once, but a love that had grown day by day, with relentless constancy, until it was the only thing she could see when she examined her soul. It was the love of a mature woman, motivated by respect and understanding, not a blaze started by a girlish admiration in front of a beautiful man.”

Now, this I can relate to. We are told that love will strike like thunder but sometimes it just creeps on you.

What is your favorite trope to write?

I love so many of them… Enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, forced proximity, second chance are amongst my favourite.

How long did it take you to write each book? If one book took longer to write, why?

It depends, between 2 and 6 months. Some come more easily, and I don’t really know why.

How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?

Someone I would love to have a chat and a drink with. I imagine that if they like me, they will like my books and vice-versa.

Are your books wide or only in Amazon?

Some are self-published only on Amazon, some have been published with publishers and available through their website.

Tell us a little about each book or a little about a new release?

I’m in love with all my heroes and I wish I were all my heroines… I wish I could live with them.

What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused.

I don’t have a writing space per se, but I do need calm. So it’s best if the children are away!

What is your favorite writing snack or drink?

Ooh, a nice cheese with crusty bread is always welcome! And a glass of wine. How French am I?

If you could spend a day with another author, whom would you choose and why?

Just one? Amy Jarecki, Lecia Cornwall, Heather McCollum all write books in a similar style and appear to have a genuine love for what they do so I would learn a lot and from the few exchanges we’ve had I can tell they would be good company and a good laugh.

How do you celebrate when you finish your book?

By starting the one I tried to hold on to while I finished it! I don’t really do anything special.

What risks have you taken with your writing that have paid off?

With my writing… I tried to write a book with many flashbacks in it. That was hard to put in place but very satisfying.

What has helped or hindered you the most when writing a book?

As I said, the writing of the book is really not something I have struggled with. It’s the aftermath!

How many hours a day do you write?

It depends on my availability. It could be between 30 min to 6 hours… Again, no rigid schedule! Sometimes it flows more freely than others.

Be sure to follow Virginie Marconato to see her books and find out all her upcoming bookish news!

Amazon.com: Virginie Marconato: books, biography, latest update

Virginie Marconato | Facebook

Virginie Marconato (@MarconatoVirgi1) / Twitter

Virginie Marconato (@virginie_marconato) | Instagram

www.virginiemarconato.com

Thank you to Breysbooktours and Tara Gallina for the copy of Enchanted Kisses: Uncut and Extended special edition book! I love to find new authors to read.

I loved this wonderful story and the way the author wove the mythological/fantasy world with the real world. The author did an amazing job of bringing you into the fantasy world by bringing Lily from the real world into her true place in the Realm of Life. The author keeps you on the edge with what is truly going on and you can't help but be enthralled by the unfolding story. Who really is good and bad? Is anyone or is it just a balancing act between the realms of life and death? In the Uncut version we also get all of the spice between Lily and Caiden and while truly steamy it is also sweet and full of the love that they share and that can't be severed. This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last. I enjoyed her storytelling, her characters and character development, and the way she unfolds what is happening to keep you turning pages throughout the entire book!

Be sure to grab your copy to read now!!!

https://www.amazon.com/Enchanted-Kisses-Uncut-Extended-Special-ebook/dp/B0C4G34JWM

If you haven't read my review with the talented Brenda Cothern be sure to head over and check it out after reading about her book!

So this was a little different from any book I have posted on my blog so far. Fair warning this is a darker story with a number of triggers so not for the faint of heart.

First I would like to say how wonderful it was that the author takes the time in the forward to explain differences between the gay BDSM community compared to the straight BDSM community. Along with information about the Russian Mafia and male human trafficking. This not only helps for those that are not informed about those communities and differences but also helps inform the reader of what the story involves.

I won't go through a recap of the story, you can find out all about it in the blurb when you go to grab your very own copy to read. I will say that this is an MM romance read and amazingly done.

The author did an amazing job piecing this story together and I loved her characters. You get the strong, morally grey, tenderness, and darkness all in one read. I was pulled into the story right from the beginning and absolutely loved the suspense and the morally grey characters. The author does a wonderful job of keeping things in grey, life is never black and white, and neither are the topics in Undercover Love. The author does a wonderful job with some very sensitive and dark topics. I really appreciated the attention to detail and all of the research the author must have done to keep the book accurate and real. She blurs the lines between good and bad and has you question everything you know. This story has it all; intrigue, romance, disturbing darkness, and plenty of kink. If you enjoy a fantastically written, dark romance, with amazing characters then be sure to check out this book! Links below to purchase your own copy to read.

https://amzn.com/dp/B01HAKBX2Q

You can find all of her books on her Amazon profile

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0083UX4PC

I had the chance to interview the wonderful author, Margaret A. Dyer about her books, her writing, and a few fun facts about her! Make sure to read on and follow her on social media! Check back for my review of her fantasy book, Forbidden Love for Fire.

When did you first start writing?

I first started writing during the Covid pandemic, I would just write little things here and there but when I quit my job in fear of losing it anyway because I worked in the Travel industry I had to put all my focus on finding another job, eventually after a while I found a job that was your usual 9-5 Monday to Friday, I had moved into my new flat so I got back to my writing that is when I started the series and haven’t stopped since.

Why did you start writing?

I have always loved creative writing, in school I was told I was never creative enough so I stopped for a long period of time because I believed her I was placed in all the bottom sets with the naughty kids and no one really cared about us, that’s why I failed all my exams fast forward to my third year of college when I was doing Level 2 Hairdressing I was also doing Level 2 English my teacher looked at me square in the eyes and told me how creative I was in my writing I may have failed the exam but my creative writing had the most marks I still remember the thrill from it, many years went by in those years my Epilepsy got worse, my depression and anxiety got the better of me if you get what I mean, I was in therapy I needed a hobby so I took to writing again I wanted to make a difference not just to myself but to others too.

What or who inspires your writing?

My love for it that’s all I have to say, my family and friends have been supportive as has my workplace.

Is writing a therapeutic process for you? How does your writing help you?

My writing helps me in more ways in one, the very first week of the year I was in hospital I managed to develop a new type of seizure called Dissociative Seizures, they are non-epileptic and brought on by emotions I had around 30 seizures that week but my mum knew that it wasn’t going to stop me from reading or writing so she brought me a new book (November 9th by Colleen Hoover) and my laptop I would sit there all day writing my book then lay there of an evening reading it helps keep my emotions in check and makes me feel like I have achieved something, I know my books won’t be for everyone but there will be people out there that will love it.

What is the most difficult part of your writing process?

Writing the heartbreaking scenes, when I am writing the heartbreaking scenes I always feel what the character is feeling my heart breaks as well as theirs but that is what makes a good author and a good person when you are reading or writing a characters POV you need to feel what that character is feeling.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Pantser 100% - I tried the plot but new ideas just exploded in my head it could be 2am in the morning and all of a sudden a new idea would rise that’s it I was awake thinking how I could place that into my story line the series started off with 4 books then it turned into 6 all for the sake of character development.

What comes first for you – the plot of the characters – and why?

The characters personality, their background, their body type and their role within the series they could be one of the main characters like Gemma, Daniel and Jay or they could be a secondary character like Vang-Chi and Richard but I like to give my characters equal power, their own special talent *spoiler* for example Vang-Chi can transform into a dragon that is his strength he is the big bad boss of him, Dan Val Gule and Richard, he maybe a secondary character but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his own story.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

On the spot decisions and middle of the night thoughts - like I explained in my last answer my plot was extending from book one every character has their own background people will want to know more about the secondary character’s that’s why after book 6 there will be side stories.

How do you use social media as an author?

I use TikTok and Instagram mainly as there is a strong reader audience out there that love a good Dark Fantasy Romance series, I do cover reveals, I keep up with TikTok trends and keep my followers up to date with the book process for example Making of a Mackenzie being out very soon which is exciting.

How do you handle writer’s block?

I welcome it, gives me a chance to scroll through TikTok or Instagram to see what others are reading, do a TikTok trend, focus on my health and wellbeing and read another book until inspiration strikes, once it strikes, I can’t stop.

How do you process and deal with a negative book review?

You’re not an Author if you haven’t had at least one negative book review, if you have had all four or five stars, I congratulate you and will 100% buy your book! But if you have had a rubbish review yeah it will get you down but it is one review out of the billions of reviewers out there that read books it will only get better I currently have a 3 star sitting on my goodreads but that is also followed by a 4 and a 5 star so yeah my books are for some but not others.

What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?

Keep going! If this is something you really want, keep trying, attend book fairs, read other Authors books, visit places for inspiration do whatever you can to get that book typed up and finished! Aim high but don’t get your hopes up.

What is your favorite part of publishing? What is your least favorite part?

Receiving the news that my submission is accepted and seeing my cover for the first time but to be honest my least favorite part is not only paying for it but waiting for it to hit the shelves I have only seen it on the self once but that on its own felt amazing and made the money worth it!

What do you think is the most important part of publishing after you finish writing your manuscript?

Believing in it! You have to believe in your book in order for it to succeed, if I didn’t believe in A Forbidden Love For Fire Series I wouldn’t be publishing it and working hard to get it on the self! It takes time, money and a lot of effort but it is all worth it in the end.

Did you choose to write romance or did it choose you?

I chose romance I have always loved a good romantic story plus being single it makes me feel better and I know what I want in a man.

Which book is your favorite that you have published so far?

Well at this current point in time, The Power of a Dragon is fully published but my favorite is yet to come which is Making of a Mackenzie, female empowerment and same sex relationships make me smile, a strong female and people being who they are it was a privilege to write.

Are any of your books part of a series or are they all standalones?

A Forbidden Love For Fire Series:

Published:

The Power of a Dragon

Making Of a Mackenzie

Not yet Published:

The Knight is Dark

Broken Barriers

The Return of Earth and Air

The Rise of the Karne Twins

There will be others but I’m still thinking of Series names

Do you base your characters on real people?

Guilty as charged, the character Gemma is based on me because she is the woman I want to be, powerful, talented and beautiful.

Which of your characters do you relate to the most and why?

Yes but because he is in one of the later books I cannot reveal but if I had to relate to one now it would be Gemma because I based her on myself.

How much research do you need for your books?

Not much, I just needed to check how many countries there were but thanks to my job description I know exactly what currencies they each take just in case I need to mention it.

What was the hardest scene to write, and why?

In one of the later books there is a suicide scene, it was from the fathers POV and it was one of the hardest scene’s I had to write because I have been there I have tried before I thought from my mum and dad POV that’s what made it heartbreaking for me, every tragic story in my series is my way for raising awareness to real world issues, that is why it is set in the real world.

If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?

I would probably slap a few of them, avoid a few of them like the plague, hug a few of them and tell a few of them that they should embrace and love who they are.

What is your favorite quote from one of your books?

Never let history define the course of your future – Steve Karne

How long did it take you to write each book? If one book took longer to write, why?

Half a year or so, Th Power of a Dragon took the least amount of time Making of a Mackenzie took about 3-4 months that was with writing everyday but I know that The Rise of the Karne twins will take the longest.

How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?

Someone who loves a good Dark Fantasy Romance, good forbidden love stories, LBGTQ+ lovers, Dragon lovers, Wolf lovers, those that are into the likes of Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon and Avatar: The Last Air Bender (please note: A Forbidden Love For Fire is completely different in more ways than one than either of these)

Are your books wide or only in Amazon?

It is available on multiple book sites such as Waterstones as well as Amazon Kindle Unlimited and Paperback.

Tell us a little about each book or a little about a new release?

The Power Of a Dragon:

For years, the four nations have lived together in a fragile harmony: air, earth, fire, and water, united. Now, Great Britain has disrupted the balance and threatened the very stability of the four nations. The problem: Gemma. When Gemma is appointed the new Great British water nation general, the first woman to ever earn that title, she sets in motion a series of events that could bring destruction on her people. And it all begins with a dance. Daniel, the Great British fire nation general, still new to his role and trying to prove himself, is eager to make the acquaintance of his new colleague. But when he does, a spark is ignited. Their relationship, a forbidden union of fire and water, will make them question everything they know about their world, and their own pasts. They will quickly learn that uncovering the secrets of your own history can bring untold consequences...

Making of a Mackenzie:

After Gemma, a Water Manipulator, gives birth to twins Lucas and Lily (and survives), family tensions flare. Daniel’s family refuse to believe he could be the father. Afterall, he is a Fire Manipulator.

When the twins present as a Water and Fire Manipulator respectively, and a strange tattoo appears on Gemma, these tensions explode. Secrets are clawed out. This family is trapped between warring factions and history and nations.

Can this family survive it?

As the others aren’t yet published I cannot give you a blub but The Knight is Dark is about the return of Charles Knight so it will be a brutal one.

What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

I need complete silence I cannot write around noise, I attempted to write in a library once and that really did not work out for me, I had to go home and continue writing there.

What is your favorite writing snack or drink?

Tea, hot chocolate or Pepsi it really depends what I’m feeling at the time, my usual go to is Milkyway Chocolate stars for a snack.

If you could spend a day with another author, whom would you choose and why?

Ana Hung, I have read the entire Twisted Series and the first book to the King of Sin series also pre-ordered King of Pride I have said more than once she has made me single for life I sure hope she enjoys my books as much as I enjoy hers.

How do you celebrate when you finish your book?

After sorting my book out I simply sit in front of the TV and watch my favorite episodes of Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon or the Big Bang Theory or I simply scroll through TikTok, look for holidays, I am very much an introvert – I think most Authors are, but I would love to meet more people like me.

What risks have you taken with your writing that have paid off?

We shall see, there are a few risks I am taking but they are mainly part of the plot.

What has helped or hindered you the most when writing a book?

Inspiration, I live somewhere surrounded by countryside so it really helps get my imagination going also music, I’m not your ordinary girl that listens to One Direction, I listen to the Narnia, Game of Thrones and Harry Potter soundtrack to visualize my wars that I will be writing.

What advice would you give to help others create plotlines?

What type of movies/books or comics do you love, character names and backgrounds then figure out how those backgrounds are going to come together also keep the read on their toe’s create twists and turns.

How many hours a day do you write?

I intend on doing around two hours but when I am on a roll I lose track of time it could be 1pm one minute then I look at the time and its 7pm.

What are your favorite or most helpful author resources?

Google…. I literally google everything! The publisher I am with also has a Author hub which is helpful but one day I’m hoping to see A Forbidden Love For Fire on the big screen, LinkedIn is my only source for that as I don’t know where to start when it comes to that.

Make sure to follow Margaret on social media to find out all about her books and upcoming news!!!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Margaret_a_dyer

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Margaret_dyer4

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088596686705

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Margaret.a.dyer

Website: www.margaretadyer.co.uk

https://olympiapublishers.com/book/a-forbidden-love-for-fire-the-power-of-a-dragon

I would like to thank the wonderfully funny and talented Brenda Cothern for sitting down to answer a few of my questions! Please check out her interview with me and find out all about her books, her writing style, and some fun personal facts. Come back on Thursday to read all about my review of her book, Undercover Love!

When did you first start writing?

Brenda: I first started writing in 2007, but writing didn’t become my full-time career until 2010 when I published my first book.

Why did you start writing?

Brenda: I am an ‘old school’ gamer even though I play multiple MMORPGs online now. I was always the DM when we played Dungeons & Dragons, so I was the one to weave the tales that became our adventures. I created a character in 8th grade and they stuck with me for so long that the backstory for them just had to be written. So, I started to seriously organize the story in 2007.

What or who inspires your writing?

Brenda: The voices in my head inspire me. I am sure many authors say that, but in my case it is true. I have mild schizophrenia (to hang out with my bi-polar). I used to think I was like other authors until I casually referenced them to my doctor when he asked about work. It turns out, there is a high risk for bi-polar people to have schizophrenia. So, my doctor told me to keep writing about the voices because it is a good coping mechanism.

What is the most difficult part of your writing process?

Brenda: This answer may seem facetious, but my pens dying. I write my novels ‘long hand’ in composition books. Crazy, right? I use a certain type of pen because it flows good, but I tear through them like crazy. My husband has them on auto-order from Amazon. Aside from my pens, though, I would have to say ‘transcribing’ my books into MS Word. I used the Dragon software (speech to text) and it can be a pain training it new ‘made up’ words.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Brenda: Oh, I absolutely write from the seat of my pants! I have a start, middle, and end of a story, but these seems to just fill itself in.

What comes first for you – the plot of the characters – and why?

Brenda: The characters always come first. Remember those voices I mentioned? Their story (the plot) usually isn’t far behind when I start hearing them.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

Brenda: They develop themselves. I am really just the medium that gets them on paper to keep my sanity.

How do you use social media as an author?

Brenda: Yes. I have a fan group and used to have a dedicated author page until it was hacked and deleted by the hacker. And, of course, I have my regular page and belong to some groups. I used to have Twitter, but have closed my account there. I was very active on social media when I first joined Facebook, but not so much anymore. It has changed so much that I can no longer spend hours a day on it because I get frustrated over the ads and all the other BS that seems to have become the norm.

How do you handle writer’s block?

Brenda: I’ve never had it. I get the opposite, actually, since my head gets really crowded sometimes.

How do you process and deal with a negative book review?

Brenda: I usually just take them with a grain of salt. I can’t please everyone all the time and sometimes what I write isn’t what the reader expected it to be.

What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?

Brenda: Invest in an editor (get references so you don’t get ripped off) or have a really good and diverse Alpha & Beta team. And, don’t rush to publish. There will always be readers.

What is your favorite part of publishing? What is your least favorite part?

Brenda: My favorite part is the feeling I get when the story is finished and set free into the world. My least favorite, now, is marketing. I used to get a rush from advertising my latest release, but now I just can’t stomach social media.

What do you think is the most important part of publishing after you finish writing your manuscript?

Brenda: Marketing, marketing, marketing. Ironic, huh?

Did you choose to write romance or did it choose you?

Brenda: My first book was a high fantasy, but my second was more erotic than romance. However, that book seemed to open the floodgates for the rest to be romance. So, I guess it chose me.

Which book is your favorite that you have published so far?

Brenda: Wow. Hard question. I guess it would be a toss up between The God of Fate and Undercover Love.

Are any of your books part of a series or are they all standalones?

Brenda: I have both. My standalones tend to be set in the same universe and relate to one another but aren’t a series.

Do you base your characters on real people?

Brenda: Not to my knowledge, but I am sure there are occasionally some aspects of my characters that my subconscious has pulled from people I know or met in passing.

Which of your characters do you relate to the most and why?

Brenda: Brew from Undercover Love. He is a Master (Dom) in the BDSM community in the book and I am a Ma’am (Dom) in the BDSM community in my area. All of the scenes in the book come from my own experiences and are things I have done.

How much research do you need for your books?

Brenda: This is another hard question. My Mad Dogs series is military based, so I had to do a ton of research. A few other books in my I.N.E.T. series needed research, as well, but all of my novels containing EMS/Police/BDSM reflect personal experiences and knowledge.

What was the hardest scene to write, and why?

Brenda: I think sex scenes between men are the hardest. Gay couples don’t behave the same in bed as M/F couples. For starters, the logistics aren’t the same and the verbal exchanges are vastly different. Thankfully for me, I have been active in the gay community since before I have started writing, so I had a lot of real life reference material (including being present for their sex… long story short, Gay BDSM ‘dungeons’ include A LOT of sex as opposed to het dungeons.)

If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?

Brenda: Dwitt (The God of Fate.) I’d say I am sorry.

What is your favorite quote from one of your books?

Brenda: “Rick's memory turned to fantasy as his mind took a different path than what reality had already turned into history.” (Undercover Love)

What tropes are in each book?

Brenda: 80% of my novels are and the other 20% is only contemporary. I have three novels that are fantasy, but the majority of what I write is contemporary paranormal romance, or as seems to be the new label, urban fantasy romance.

What is your favorite trope to write?

Brenda: Contemporary paranormal romance since I can insert my paranormal characters into our real-life settings.

How long did it take you to write each book? If one book took longer to write, why?

Brenda: It usually takes me 2-3 months to finish a story from pen to paper to published. The God of Fate and Undercover Love took longer because of the length of the story. Of course, The God of Fate took a few years, but I wasn’t working on it full time, at the time.

How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?

Brenda: A gay man who can relate to the personalities and actions of the characters.

Are your books wide or only in Amazon?

Brenda: My novels used to be on multiple sites. Smashwords would distribute to many sites including Apple and Barns and Noble. However, I only release audiobooks on Audible (which is owned by Amazon) and digital, paperback, and hardback Amazon directly.

Tell us a little about each book or a little about a new release?

Brenda: Oh, boy. Here goes…

Mad Dogs – military wolf unit fighting a hidden war.

Undercover Love – undercover cops infiltrating a BDSM human trafficking ring.

Shadows – a nightclub in Ybor City, Tampa.

The Witch’s Brew – a nightclub set in Chicago belonging to the brother of Shadow’s owner.

Those Who Dare – Mobsters, also in Chicago.

Guns & Hoses Universe (Standalones) – EMS/Firefighters/Police.

I.N.E.T. (International Narcotics Enforcement & Tracking) – International Agents. Think a cross between the CIA and DEA.

Dragon Saviors – dragons fighting a hidden war (similar to The Black Dagger Brotherhood) set in Las Vegas.

*New Series* L.E.H.D. (Layma Enforcement & Human Defense) – federal vampire & human agents; primarily solving murders.

What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

Brenda: Beer & music. Sounds weird, right? I used to write my novels in a gay bar that I went to for 19 years before it closed. Now, I sit outside under my canopy with a cooler and iHeart year-round.

If you could spend a day with another author, whom would you choose and why?

Brenda: I used to spend hours on the phone with Sandrine Gasq-Dion before she passed away five years ago. We just ‘got each other’ and would lose track of time. Now, I would love to spend the day with Nazri Noor. His series are set in the same universe and I love how he mixes mythology and magic in with his paranormal/supernatural characters. His stories are always engaging and his humor makes me laugh out loud, literally.

How do you celebrate when you finish your book?

Brenda: I don’t really. I tend to take a week off and then start the next novel just to quiet the yammering in my head.

What risks have you taken with your writing that have paid off?

Brenda: I attend conventions that have nothing to do with books. Sci-Fi/Fantasy/ or even medieval festivals. Readers are everywhere and being the only or one of a very, very few, usually pays off well.

What has helped or hindered you the most when writing a book?

Brenda: When characters take off in an unexpected direction and I have no idea why. It’s usually a hinderance at first, but overall helps the story become better in the long run.

What advice would you give to help others create plotlines?

Brenda: Try to stick to what you know or be prepared to do research. The last thing you want to do is throw a reader out of the story by having incorrect ‘factual’ information.

How many hours a day do you write?

Brenda: I write twice a week in 5–6-hour blocks (roughly 8-9k words a week)

What are your favorite or most helpful author resources?

Brenda: My Alpha & Beta teams. I wouldn’t survive without them. Following them, my Dragon software and Grammarly.

Be sure to follow Brenda!

Website (really out of date!) - http://bcothernbooks.com/

Facebook Fan Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/Brenda.Cothern.Fans

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/B.Cothern.Author

Mad Dogs Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/The.Mad.Dogs.Werewolves

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0083UX4PC

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4847560.Brenda_Cothern

Audible - https://www.audible.com/search?searchAuthor=Brenda+Cothern

Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/BCothernBooks

FantasticFiction - https://www.fantasticfiction.com/c/brenda-cothern/

If you have a love of Sherlock Holmes and want to read a romantic twist to Irene Adler and Sherlock Holmes' story then this is the book for you! The talented KD Sherrinford has spun a fantastic tale that takes you back to London's Victorian times and into the life of Irene Adler. Irene is not a prominent character in the original Sherlock Holmes stories but if you are a fan of smart, strong, and witty women then you may be like me and have a fascination of what Irene would have been like if she had been more prominent in Sherlock's life. KD Sherrinford does a wonderful job incorporating the historical details, the accuracy of Sherlock Holmes, and the new depth to Irene Adler.

I have always loved Sherlock Holmes, from the original stories, to all the more modern adaptations, and Song for Someone did not disappoint as a new addition to my Sherlock obsession. The author does a fantastic job of detailing Victorian London and bringing the place, era, and people back to life. Song for Someone is told from a completely new and different point of view. We get to see Sherlock in a different light and get more of the wonderful Irene Adler. We get a story that takes place after the original Scandal in Bohemia where Irene outsmarts the talented Sherlock. We get to see what would have happened between these two talented, strong, amazing personalities. I thoroughly enjoyed the amazing descriptions of the Victorian settings, the strong, intelligent women, and an insightful look of what life would look like if Irene and Sherlock truly came back together.

If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes, mystery or suspense with a historical twist I highly recommend giving Song for Someone a read. Make sure to check the book out and enjoy the read!

Make sure to follow KD Sherringford everywhere!

Https://www.amazon.co.uk/Song-Someone-Sherlock-Holmes-Mysteries/dp/1487436882

Https://www.extasybooks.com/Song-For-Someone

Https://facebook.com/KDSherrinfordAuthor.co.uk

Https://allauthor.com/author/KDSherrinford

Https://uk.linkedin.com/in.kd-sherrinford-41500725

Https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-at-Saporis-KD-Sherrinford/dp/148743684X

Https://goodreads.com/book/show/6390/50975538189

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Https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75538189

Https://www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/authors/K-D-Sherrinford