Posted in excerpt, Short Story on February 3, 2024

 

 

Synopsis

 

This is a short, sharp collection of well-told stories by Jim Bates who once again brings us some evocative writing with a strong literary voice. We meet a plethora of characters, each with their own concerns and triumphs. They face life’s challenges and often have to turn situations around. Will they succeed? Will they make their lives good again?

In this collection of flash fiction and drabbles, Jim packs a lot of story into a few words.

 

 

 

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Excerpt

 

Desert Wind

 

Dave was grateful for the final emotional push as he clamored up and over the edge of Lizard Peak onto the top, a large flat area.

“Thanks, man,” he said to Lyle, his life companion for the last forty years. He was nearly out of breath.”I needed that.”

Lyle was also his best friend, and Dave fought back an urge to give him a nostalgic hug. They’d been making this climb for all of those forty years, and right now it felt good to be with him.

Dave walked over to the edge, took off his day pack, and turned to admire the view. He never tired of it: The half-mile wide spot in the Colorado River known as Lake Havasu; its namesake, Lake Havasu City, a few miles away to his right stretching up into the Sonora desert foothills; the serpentine flow of the Colorado River and, beyond it, the mountains of California rising west into the distance as far as the eye could see. It was a view he never tired of. Birds and hawks and eagles, even the occasion condor, were often seen soaring close enough to touch. Lyle had loved it up here just as much as he did. It was their special place. In fact, it was the first place they’d ever kissed and declared their love for each other. Forty years ago. A lifetime of love, was how Dave looked at it. Their lifetime together now over.

He opened his pack and took out the container that contained Lyle’s ashes. He’d died less than a week earlier after a mercifully short battle with brain cancer. Dave had been by his side throughout and was there when Lyle had briefly regained consciousness, squeezed Dave’s hand and said, “I’ll always love you, man.” Then, after a few moments, added, “Take me to the desert.”

He knew exactly what Lyle had meant.

Dave held the container reverently. There was so much to say that he didn’t know where to begin. Finally, he spoke to the wind, saying all that was needed, “Lyle, I’ll love you forever, my friend. I’ll never forget you.”

He moved right to the edge, six hundred feet above the desert floor, opened the lid, and waited. When the wind was right, he tilted the container and watched the ashes spill out, caught by a sudden gust as if it had been waiting for just that moment; Lyle’s ashes swirling away out over the desert that had formed the backdrop for their lifelong love. Then he put the container away and made ready to climb back down, already planning for his next trip when he would scale the mountain once again to stand in the wind overlooking the land and be with Lyle and tell him again how much he missed him and again how much now and forever he would always love him.

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Jim’s stories and poems have appeared in nearly five hundred online and print publications. His collection of short stories, Resilience, is published by Bridge House Publishing. Short Stuff, a collection of flash fiction and drabbles is published by Chapeltown Books. Periodic Stories, Periodic Stories Volume Two, Periodic Stories Volume Three – A Novel, and Periodic Stories Volume Four are published by Impspired. Dreamers, a collection of short stories, is published by Clarendon House Publishing. Something Better, a dystopian adventure novella, and the novel, The Alien of Orchard Lake, are published by Dark Myth Publications. In the fall of 2022, his collection entitled Holiday Stories was published by Impspired as was his collection of poetry, Haiku Seasons. In February 2023, Periodic Stories Volume IV was published, as was his collection of poems, The Alchemy of Then, both by Impspired. In June 2023, a collection of flash fiction, Dancing With Butterflies, was published by Impspired.In July 2023, his YA novella The Battle of Marvel Wood was published by Impspired. His short story “Aliens” was nominated by The Zodiac Press for the 2020 Pushcart Prize. His story “The Maple Leaf” was voted 2021 Story of the Year for Spillwords. He was voted December 2022 Author of the Month for Spillwords. He also reads his stories for Talking Stories Radio and for Jim’s Storytime on his website. He lives in a small town west of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

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Posted in Action, Adventure, Cover Reveal, Fantasy, fiction, Historical on February 2, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

TO RESCUE A WITCH

 

By LISA A. TRAUGOTT

 

 

 

Historical Fiction / Action & Adventure / Fantasy

Coming March 1, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s 1739. An abused girl accused of witchcraft must be defended by a man married to an actual witch.

William MacLeod, a fierce Scottish lawyer with a kind heart, takes on a daunting task—rescue young Annaliese from the clutches of her tormentors in the untamed wilds of Virginia colony and deliver her safely to her aristocratic father in London. But lurking in the shadows are enemies eager to expose MacLeod’s own wife, Fiona, as a witch with a dark secret.

Their perilous journey takes an unexpected turn when their ship wrecks, and Annaliese’s haunting nightmares and unexplained “Devil marks” trigger suspicion among the crew. Tension peaks when MacLeod must become Annaliese’s unwavering protector in a witch trial, where Fiona’s clairvoyance and a murder are unveiled.

To Rescue a Witch navigates themes of betrayal and redemption, in a spellbinding narrative that blends history, magic and the unyielding resilience of the human spirit.

 

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa A. Traugott is an award-winning author and World Championship public speaker semifinalist — who also spoke five lines on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She lives in Austin with her husband, two kids, and English bulldog, Bruno.

 

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Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

 

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Posted in excerpt, Historical, Review on February 2, 2024

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

What if a woman ruled Germany in 1914? This alternate history explores that very question. An elaborate attempt to rid Germany of the Hohenzollerns has left a young sole heiress, Christiana, to take the throne of the German Empire. But this is no typical princess, hidden away in a gilded cage. This college educated, expert fencer, and accomplished equestrienne is not the meek little girl the politicians think they will be able to control. She has her own ideas how to rule!

 

 

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Excerpt

 

Anna, Christa, and Louise Margaret retired to the sitting room in their guest quarters. A light snow was just beginning to fall, but the Prince of Wales had assured them that the weather would be clear enough for their travel to the English mainland in the morning.

“So, Christa,” began Maria Anna. “What do you think of Queen Victoria and her family?”

“Oh, Mama! They are all so very nice. The Queen is the most amazing woman! To think that she rules over one-quarter of the entire world! It is staggering! Mossy, as you know, is my best friend but I will be writing to the English princesses as well.” Turning toward her elder sister, she added, “And of course I will write to you and my niece, Margaret, and to little Arthur and Patricia when they are older. They are all so sweet.”

“What did you think of the young princes?” asked Louise Margaret.

“The sons of the Prince of Wales, Albert Victor and George, were very kind to me when we went shooting,” answered Christa diplomatically. “The other boys also were pleasant but, aside from croquet and a few other pastimes, they pretty much stuck together and played their own games away from the girls.”

“Christa, come sit with your sister and me,” said Maria Anna, sitting down on a divan, patting the space next to her. Christa could not help but note the somewhat serious tone in her mother’s voice, as if she was about to discuss an important matter. Christa glanced at Louise Margaret with an inquiring look as her elder sister took a seat in a plush, winged chair nearby, but her older sister gave no response.

“What did you think of Prince Henry?” asked Maria Anna.

“Henry?” Christa frowned. “Why do you ask about Henry?”

“You are getting older, Christa,” responded Louise Margaret. “In a few short years you will be presented at court and then…” Christa’s sister looked over at their mother.

“You will need to begin preparing for your eventual engagement and marriage,” finished Maria Anna.

“Marriage?” answered Christa slowly, with a puzzled expression. A moment later it struck her. “Oh, Mama! You cannot possibly mean to Prince Henry!” she exclaimed, leaping to her feet and biting her lower lip, her fists clenched at her sides in agitation.

“Christa, calm yourself! Lower your voice and sit down!” insisted Maria Anna. Christa stubbornly remained standing.

“Sister, it is the duty of parents of the high born to arrange appropriate marriages for their children,” put in Louise Margaret, soothingly. “Surely you understand this.”

“Henry is a prince of the British royal family,” added Maria Anna, archly. “You are both of equal station and he is an entirely appropriate match.”

“B-but to Henry? Why, the boy absolutely loathes me, Mama! And I think he’s a nasty little fool!”

“Christa!” exclaimed both her mother and sister.

“He doesn’t want to marry me any more than I want to marry him!” continued Christa. Another thought popped into her head. “Wait, does Henry know about this?” she asked accusingly. Her mother and sister glanced at one another, but neither responded. “Well, no wonder he hates me! He blames me for this arrangement,” murmured Christa, answering her own question.

“Henry will do his duty as a royal prince, as you must do as a royal princess,” responded Maria Anna, haughtily.

“Mama, I am telling you right now that I will not, under any circumstances, marry Henry of Edinburgh!”

“Christa!” exclaimed her mother once again.

“Well then, if not Henry, whom do you think you are going to marry?” asked Louise Margaret.

“I have not yet decided if I will get married,” answered Christa, calmly.

“What?!”

“Oh, I may marry and have children someday, but first I have other plans.”

Louise Margaret and her mother again looked at one another. “Such as?” asked Christa’s older sister.

“I plan to attend university.”

“Oh, Christa! Don’t be absurd!” exclaimed her mother.

“Christa, women cannot attend university in Germany,” pointed out Louise Margaret. “Not even those of noble birth.”

“No, but they can in Great Britain and France. There are even proposals to open Austrian universities to women. It is only a matter of time before German universities admit women as well. Please excuse me, Mama, Louise Margaret,” concluded Christa. “We are departing early in the morning and I must prepare for bed.” With that, Christa ended the discussion by striding purposefully out of the room. Maria Anna and Louise Margaret stared at Christa in astonishment as she departed, and then turned toward each other with stunned looks on their faces.

“What am I going to do with this child?” moaned Maria Anna.

“Oh, Mama,” soothed Louise Margaret, reaching over and patting her mother’s hand. “Christa is still young. She will come around.”

“Oh, no, my dear. You do not know this girl as I do. She is the epitome of stubbornness,” sighed Maria Anna. “There is too much of your father in her.” She stood, walked over to the window, and watched the tiny snowflakes waft in the frosty breeze.

“Perhaps she shouldn’t marry,” mused Maria Anna, with a bitter chuckle. “I think she probably would drive any future husband mad.”

 

 

Guest Review by Nora

 

What do you do when everything in your life changes in one fell swoop? When do you go from being a forgotten royal way down in the line of succession to being the queen? This is the question that confronts Christiana in the book, ‘Iron Maiden,’ by J.T. Maicke, and the question that she will have to answer all on her own.

For much of her life, only one thing was expected of Christiana: to marry a prince and have children. As a daughter of the royal house of Hohenzollern and cousin to the Kaiser, Christiana’s family considers her well-behaved so long as she does not bring any embarrassment to the family.

However, in this, Christiana does not always succeed.

Rather than wanting to marry and serve as a bargaining chip for her cousin in international politics, Christiana—or ‘Christa,’ as she is called by her family—wishes to carve her own path in life.

From a young age, she enjoys pursuits that many people in that time would not have thought fit for a young woman of her social standing. She hunts, she fights, and, worst of all, she wishes to go to University.

Christa chases her dreams and finds herself securing many of them, becoming college-educated and regularly winning saber duels, but her carefree lifestyle is abruptly shattered when tragedy knocks at her door one chilly Easter morning.

The Kaiser and his entire family are assassinated, wiped out simultaneously in what becomes the bloodiest day in German history. Utilizing her unique training, Christa escapes her own assassin, becoming one of the only members of her family to survive. As one of the few royals left—and the only one eligible to become queen—Christa must step up and lead the country through the many dark days ahead.

‘Iron Maiden’ is a knockout of a novel that I found myself absolutely loving! If you love alternative history, like me, you will definitely love this book! I’m giving it five stars across the board!

 

 

About the Author

 

A self-described Germanophile, J.T. Maicke writes historical fiction novels that take place in Germany or among German-American communities in the Midwest. He has spent most of his life studying German history, geography, language, culture, customs, and cuisine. Maicke also spent several years living in and traveling throughout Central Europe, and he has visited many of the locations depicted in his novels. Maicke’s debut novel was ‘The Humble Courier.’

 

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Posted in 4 1/2 paws, Review, romance on February 1, 2024

 

 

Synopsis

 

Phishing: When hackers send malicious emails designed to trick people into falling for a scam.

Phishing test: When organizations send deceptive emails to their own staff to test their response to phishing attacks.

It all started with a cat video. A video that Tess Miller, a sassy and talented greeting card writer, shouldn’t have clicked on. But cat videos are her kryptonite. And how was she to know the video embedded in the email was a phishing test designed to take down the company she works for?

The infuriating man who tricked and humiliated her? Aaron Sinclair, cybersecurity consultant brought on by her paranoid boss to whip their company into peak security shape. A dark-haired man with a dark past, and an unrelenting thorn in her side.

Buried beneath their mutual animosity, however, is an attraction they both have reasons to fight. Thanks to Aaron, Tess’s boss has labeled her a high security risk and her professional reputation is at stake. A fierce battle of wits ensues as Tess uses every trick not to fall for Aaron’s random phishing tests.

With the end of Aaron’s six-month contract fast approaching, Tess is faced with the looming risk of losing not only her job but also her heart to the man who has tested her in every way possible.

Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Katherine Center, Phishing for Love is a swoony, laugh-out-loud, enemies-to-lovers, workplace romance.

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Review

 

This book was the right book to read at this moment. I needed a sweet romance with a little bit of tension between the main characters to liven my day.

Aaron has a troubled past, which has him job hopping to not form any attachments. He thinks that this is the answer until he meets Tess. Tess has a sassy mouth and the chemistry between these two lights up the pages. They may not succumb to their desires until much later in the book, but the heat between them kept me reading late into the night.

Tess is in a relationship that seems to be going nowhere. Will it continue? She also has a caring family that just wants to see her happy. Her sister may have her own issues, but they love each other at the end of the day and only care about each other’s happiness.

This romance is full of wit, snarky comments, friendship, emotional pasts, and so much more. It engaged me and made me smile, laugh, and fall in love with the characters. And Grandma is a hoot with her issues with Google! I won’t even go into her other comments that can be misinterpreted…you will have to read the book to discover those gems.

I do wish that the ending reflected a little more of what happened other than a brief mention in the epilogue. But the epilogue does tie everything up for us. And I didn’t recognize the tie to her previous book with Lucas and Nina until I read a few other reviews. So, while not a series, it could be considered a spin-off.

This is a delightful romance; we give it 4 1/2 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Lara Martin writes books about imperfect people living messy lives, falling in love and getting their perfect happily-ever-after. She’s lived in South Africa and Australia and now calls a cozy village in England her home. She’s tried a variety of amazing and awful jobs: video game reviewer, graphic designer, insurance claims agent (she has no idea how she landed this one), proof reader, feature writer, and magazine editor. She lives with her husband (always the first reader of her novels), two slightly terrifying teenagers, and the requisite psychotic cat. When she’s not writing, she can be found haunting local coffee shops.

 

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Posted in excerpt, Short Story on January 31, 2024

 

 

Synopsis

 

In the early summer of 2022, an idea came to me. Why not write a collection of stories using holidays as a theme? I took out a calendar and selected the first ones that came to mind, coming up with thirteen. These became the focal point for the subsequent thirteen chapters in the book. I wanted to link the stories together so I devised a family and introduced them with the first story set on Valentine’s Day, 1954. I was off and running. The project took on a life of its own as the characters were fleshed out with each subsequent chapter, becoming more and more alive as the book progressed. I found out that for this family not all holidays were enjoyable, but thirteen of them were certainly memorable. I hope you enjoy reading about them.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Excerpt

 

From Orange Juice the first story in the collection “Holiday Stories.”

Back then, Mom was what you would call a little sensitive to things. Seeing new babies or puppies or kittens made her tear up. Same with certain shows on television. Holidays, too.

She loved to get gifts, and it’s my belief that she knew Dad had planned on doing something special for her on that day, the day I spoiled so momentously when I’d heaved the orange juice at Eric. She just didn’t know what it was that he planned to do, and my behavior spoiled the surprise. In her mind, she saw a nice, mellow, trouble-filled day (mostly with my dad) and I’d ruined the mellowness part of it. Who knew? It was my first exposure to how complicated life really was.

But on the day of the orange juice incident, I had no idea about any of that stuff. All I knew is that I’d made Mom sad and I wanted to do something about it. So, I did.

After Eric and I got back from skating, I went to our bedroom and got out some color construction paper and sat at desk (on a pillow for my sore butt) and went to work. Eric didn’t even bother me. He must have known I was serious because I was. I made Mom a Valentines’ Day card. It was the first one I’d ever made, but once I knew it was Valentine’s Day, I remembered seeing pictures of them.

The card I made was on white paper that I folded in half. On the front I glued concentric construction paper hearts I’d cut out, starting with a big red one and then filling it in with smaller and smaller cut out hearts colored, green, yellow and blue. Inside I used a red crayon and printed, Happy Valentine’s Day, Mom! I love you!! I signed it with my name, Ben.

I gave it to her later that afternoon when Dad went to get Aunt Bea. In spite of my behavior, Mom and Dad were still going on their special outing, I guess out to eat at some hotel in Minneapolis.

“Here, Mom,” I said, handing her my card. I’d even found an envelope for it. Mom was sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee and smoking one of her ever-present Kools.

She set her cup down and looked at me. “What’s this?” she asked, surprised. She snubbed out her cigarette and took my card in her hands. She smiled when she realized what it was and held it carefully, like she was holding a valuable gemstone. She grinned. “Oh, Ben. Whatever have you done?”

“It’s for you, Mom,” I said. “Happy Valentine’s Day.” Then I shuffled my feet, hung my head and added, “And I’m sorry about the orange juice.”

“Oh, sweetie,” she said. Her face broke into a huge smile, and she gave me a big hug. “Thank you so much.”

It made me happy to see her happy. Which was a valuable lesson I learned that day: It was good to make people happy. I didn’t always remember that as I got older, but I tired.

“Open it,” I said.

And she did. She read the words and she cried, but they were tears of joy this time. I sat with her while she read and re-read my little card.

I gave her a handmade card every year after that. Even last year. And you know what? It always makes her happy. I know because she always cries. Tears of joy.

Sometimes I do too.

 

 

About the Author

 

Jim’s stories and poems have appeared in nearly five hundred online and print publications. His collection of short stories, Resilience, is published by Bridge House Publishing. Short Stuff, a collection of flash fiction and drabbles is published by Chapeltown Books. Periodic Stories, Periodic Stories Volume Two, Periodic Stories Volume Three – A Novel, and Periodic Stories Volume Four are published by Impspired. Dreamers, a collection of short stories, is published by Clarendon House Publishing. Something Better, a dystopian adventure novella, and the novel, The Alien of Orchard Lake, are published by Dark Myth Publications. In the fall of 2022, his collection entitled Holiday Stories was published by Impspired as was his collection of poetry, Haiku Seasons. In February 2023, Periodic Stories Volume IV was published, as was his collection of poems, The Alchemy of Then, both by Impspired. In June 2023, a collection of flash fiction, Dancing With Butterflies, was published by Impspired.In July 2023, his YA novella The Battle of Marvel Wood was published by Impspired. His short story “Aliens” was nominated by The Zodiac Press for the 2020 Pushcart Prize. His story “The Maple Leaf” was voted 2021 Story of the Year for Spillwords. He was voted December 2022 Author of the Month for Spillwords. He also reads his stories for Talking Stories Radio and for Jim’s Storytime on his website. He lives in a small town west of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

Website

 

Posted in fiction, romance, Spotlight on January 30, 2024

 

 

Synopsis

 

Two societies collide: the trendy, upscale, ultra-hip universe of Atlanta and the alluring, bound-by-tradition world of old India! Pressured by her challenging mother, Harlow Kennedy, an aspiring jewelry maker, agrees to marry politically ambitious pretty-boy Addison Whitmore. The match will elevate Harlow’s non-existent social standing and guarantee financial security for life. The wedding is scheduled to take place as soon as Harlow returns from her BFF’s wedding in India. On the other side of the world, the parents of Tej Mayur, the “it” chef of Atlanta’s hottest new Indian restaurant, are fretting about their son’s unmarried status. They summon him home. When Harlow meets Tej on a flight from Atlanta to Delhi, sparks fly. Unfortunately, Tej’s nuptials are already being arranged by his privileged East Indian family, and Harlow is not Indian. After touching down at Indira Gandhi International, they flee one another’s company–or so they think.

*Expanded edition now available, which includes recipes, discussion questions, acknowledgments, and author’s note.

 

 

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Praise

 

“Hudson-Maggio’s crisp, engaging prose and quick-paced storytelling will please readers of lively, travel-minded international fiction. Extreme poverty, enormous wealth, Ayurvedic spas, extravagant weddings, unyielding tradition, fantastic Indian cuisine, snake charmer-all the boxes for depicting India as an exotic backdrop for romantic adventure get checked.” –Publisher’s Weekly

“Readers will find this to be a gratifying and heartwarming story featuring two characters that they will be likely to find endearing despite their flaws. Each chapter alternates between the two main players’ perspectives as they grapple with their futures; this format results in a delightful and easygoing read that some will find to be reminiscent of Indian romance films.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Love Hudson-Maggio has written a fun, hip, and poignant debut novel. KARMA UNDER FIRE is a gem – you’ll fall in love with Harlow and Tej in a hot Atlanta minute!” –Addison Fox, author of Always Her Cowboy

“I was really interested in the premise of this book. The concept of an interracial love story where both parties are POC is unique, which I appreciate. I loved the characters and enjoyed seeing the layers and depth that they had. Overall a sweet heartwarming story!” –Alexa Esperanza, NetGalley Reviewer

“A fun, easy-to-read romance! [Hudson-Maggio] included awesome footnotes for some of the phrases and items I wasn’t aware of, making it easy to understand. The whole arranged marriage with the matchmakers was new to me and fun to learn about. The characters are cleverly crafted, funny, determined, and I really enjoyed the story.” –Janelle Will, NetGalley Reviewer

 

 

About the Author

 

Love Hudson-Maggio is CEO and Founder of a marketing technology firm with offices in Atlanta, GA and Manhattan, NY.  She writes southern women’s fiction with a travel flair about smart people with a lot to learn about life and love.  Love’s passion for travel shows up in her books as her characters find themselves transported between the southern sweetness of Atlanta, GA to other international picturesque locations like India. Love lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband, two sons and their dog.  Love was admitted as a screenwriting fellow at Columbia University for her short play As the Vow Breaks. Upon completion of her screenwriting fellowship her play Eating for Two was performed at a small theater in New York’s Lower East Side as a part of a female ensemble.  Love believes that the love you give away will find its way back to you.  Her books reflect this truth.

 

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Posted in Action, Adventure, excerpt, Giveaway, Historical, Review, romance on January 29, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

When Defending the Homeland Means Defending Your Heart.

Siberia 1581. When Umey, a young outcast woman, stumbles on a ravaged village, she uncovers a plot that threatens to devastate her beloved homeland. It’s furs—soft gold—the invading Cossacks crave, and the greediest of them is Yermak, the man who saved her life and raised her.

Armed with fearsome muskets, the Cossacks plunge deeper into the Siberian forest, crushing the tribal folk who stand in their way. Although prejudices are arrayed against her, Umey emerges as a tribal leader, albeit a reluctant one. She and Alexey, a Russian soldier who has seen too much war, are soon caught in an unfolding crucible of destruction where their courage and incipient love will be tested in a final collision with Yermak and his horde.

 

 

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Praise

 

“I was immediately drawn in by the atmospheric and descriptive effort that Czech put into his writing to bring the wilds of Siberia to life. I was fascinated by the customs and tribal people as well as the beauty of nature … Umey’s gentle but unwavering courage makes her a protagonist whom you grow to feel deeply for during the adventure. Overall, Kiss of Frost and Flame is a work that fans of historical adventures and cross-cultural writing are sure to enjoy as much as I did.”-K. C. Finn, author of Caecilius Rex and The Book of Shade 

 

 

Excerpt

 

The first metallic rays of the rising sun peeking above the hilltops caused Umey to stir, but it was the low, husky warble of a snow bunting that woke her. Perched on a bare branch a few feet away, the little white and black bird tilted its head as if to say, you do not belong here. When she stretched, it flew away.

Outside of her cedar tree shelter, the sun glinted from a dazzling layer of hoarfrost that coated the bare boughs of birch and poplar with a delicate skin of purest white. Thick, snowy shawls mantled the scattered pines and cedars. Against the azure sky, the awakening world resembled a crystal palace like the kind found in the tales of ice castles and princesses that Mama had once told her.

Umey studied her surroundings. White-clad peaks loomed to the north, while snow-covered ridges and valleys lay to the west. If she followed the ridges and valleys, she was certain she would eventually reach the flatlands where reindeer roamed. With luck, she might even stumble across a trail left by the herders. Luck! That was her Russian half thinking of such. Samoyeds did not believe in luck. They believed in skill and patience.

A horse neighed from far behind her, the sound carrying in the still air. Umey shaded her eyes and scanned the horizon. A single horse appeared, tiny in the distance. From the animal’s movements, its rider seemed to be following the path left by her skis. They would lead him to where she had bedded for the night, and after that he would find more telltale tracks.

Mother Forest! It had to be one of the Cossacks. What if Bugatov or Ivan Koltso tracked her? Whoever it was, he must have left the Cossack camp while she slept and made up ground on her.

Umey maneuvered along the next ridge. Using her ski pole as a sort of rudder, she glided downhill. The bottom of the ridge formed into a ravine. She glanced at the next slope. Too steep to climb. Better to stay down here.

Cattails poked out of the snow on the ravine’s floor. Animal tracks led in and out of the cover provided by the long stems. Water trickled at the base of the ‘tails and splashed over her boots. The ravine appeared to be the bed of a half-frozen stream.

The height of the ravine’s walls began to diminish. She took her eyes off its floor for a moment to look behind her and missed the thick, broken tree branch poking through the snow. Her ski hooked the branch, and with a loud cracking sound sent her sprawling. The contact with the frozen ground drove the wind from her. Pain knifed her chest and she clawed at the snow in agony until her breathing returned. She kicked out of the bindings and discovered her left ski had snapped near its tip. Muttering a Samoyed curse, she tossed the useless slats aside.

The horse neighed again, now much closer. She had laid in the snow for too long. Escape from the horseman would have to be on foot.

“Umey! I am coming for you!” the rider called, his words echoing among the hills.

Bugatov! That grating voice belonged to Stefan Bugatov!

Umey began to run. The wet snow dragged at her boots and slush speckled her trousers. The ravine’s floor widened and opened to a vast, flat, white expanse that glistened under the sun. She skidded to a stop. An ice-covered lake stretched into the distance. Patches of wind-driven snow laced its surface.

“Mother Forest, protect me,” she murmured as she dashed onto the lake, her arms twirling for a moment to keep her balance. Under her, the lake’s glazed surface groaned. The ice she slid over appeared grayish-white, not the stronger clear layer needed to support much weight. Bubbles, looking like boiled eggs, hung suspended inches below the surface. She knew what it meant. The combination of water from the stream flowing under the ice, the warm caress of wind, and the bold eye of the sun had weakened the lake’s coating in this area. Gray ice, soft and deadly.

From behind her, the crunch of the horse’s hooves as it broke through the crusted top layer of snow at the lake’s edge sent her heart skipping.

The wind carried Bugatov’s raucous shout of triumph. “Umey! Stop, or I will shoot you.”

She spun about to face him, her hands clenched. In his heavy bearskin coat, he appeared more beast than man. Frost rimed his beard and snot had frozen in his mustache. He clutched a pistol in one fist and held the leash in the other. Foam flecked his horse’s jaws and neck; a loop of saliva hung from its mouth. Gouts of white air blew from its nostrils and its whicker more a whimper of pain. Bugatov had ridden it hard to catch her. She doubted the poor horse was strong enough to carry him back to Koltso.

“Go ahead and shoot me,” she cried. “Then you can explain to the tsar what happened.”

 

 

Guest Review by Nora

 

A masterpiece of fiction from author Ken Czech! ‘Kiss of Frost and Flame,’ is a novel of pure genius from an author who always writes such wonderful books. Czech has a talent for atmosphere and setting that is unparalleled! I noted this when reading his last book, ‘The Tsar’s Locket,’ and time has only improved his craft.

‘Kiss of Frost and Flame,’ takes place in Western Siberia, in the year 1581.

Living on her own in the forest, Umey’s only thoughts are of survival and hunting. Though this is not always how she has lived, she finds the freedom edifying, and prefers to make her own rules and live in her own way. However, it is into this relatively peaceful life that chaos comes knocking.

Umey accidentally stumbles across a village that has been burned down, it’s people slaughtered.  Almost as soon as she discovers the village, she is attacked by what she thinks are Tatar warriors. Barely managing to escape, she is hit by a musket ball and almost dies before being taken in by a nearby village of Voguls.

As the Voguls care for her and nurse her back to full health, Umey believes that she owes them a debt of gratitude. She agrees to find out everything that she can about the attack on the village. In doing so, she travels to a nearby Russian army outpost, where she meets the man that will change her life forever.

Although he is not really guilty, Alexey Danilov was tried—and nearly executed—for treason against the Tsar. After being saved at the last second and sent to fight in the wilderness, Alexey knows that he must follow the rules if he is ever to earn back his rank of Lieutenant.

But falling in love with Umey is not in his game plan. Of course, things don’t always go as planned.

This story is not just a romance, but an action-filled historical novel that will keep any reader guessing from start to finish!

 

 

About the Author

 

Ken Czech is a retired history professor whose passion has turned to writing fiction.

His previous novels include BEYOND THE RIVER OF SHAME (All Things That Matter Press, 2017); LAST DANCE IN KABUL (Fireship Press, 2018); and THE TSAR’S LOCKET (Fireship Press, 2020). As a member of the Historical Novels Society, he has attended HNS conferences and workshops.

 

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Giveaway

 

This giveaway is for 2 print or ebook copies; print is open to the U.S. only. The ebook is open worldwide.

This giveaway ends on Feb 8, 2024, at midnight pacific time.

Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

Posted in 4 paws, humor, Thriller, women on January 28, 2024

 

 

Synopsis

 

Gina Marie Cototi is a feisty Sicilian sparkplug, a Brooklyn-based PI with a fondness for family, friends, and one roguishly handsome Casanova named Rocco Benelli. Hey, nobody’s perfect.

This headstrong sleuth drives a split-window ’63 Corvette coupe and never, I mean never, misses Sunday dinner with Ma, Dad, and her sister Theresa.

Broke, brooding, and breathtaking, Benelli, an out-of-work parole officer is cursed with more charm than any man deserves. Deep down, Gina knows she shouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole, but she’s got more cases than she can handle, and Benelli’s ready, willing, and able-bodied, the perfect partner to help her get the goods on Vlad “The Scud” Rzhevsky, a disreputable boxer running point on dirty deeds for Luca Mura, a mobster as evil as he is dangerous.

Gina must somehow close the case without losing her life to Mura or her virtue to Benelli, but a moth working alongside a flame is always in danger of catching fire.

For fans of Janet Evanovich. Think of Man-Killer as Stephanie Plum meets Moonstruck.

 

 

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Review

 

This book was quite a surprise. It was action-packed, funny, and had some over-the-top characters. I might admit that I read this book with a New York accent in my head. I think that made it more authentic.

I really liked Gina’s character. She is smart, modest, and tries to stay above the law, especially since her father is a retired police detective. Rocco was (and still is) a lady’s man with many conquests to his name. I think he has something for Gina, but she isn’t giving in to him despite wanting him. These two pair up to help her clear some of the insurance fraud investigations she has on her plate. Rocco is out of work and agrees to give her a hand for a hefty fee…in advance. Despite the plan to work on different cases, they cross paths when the family classic Corvette is stolen from the front yard. This event sends the pair down some shady and questionable paths.

I haven’t even mentioned Gina’s sister, Theresa. She is an over-the-top character. She is probably my least favorite character because I couldn’t relate to her at all, and she lacked some redeeming qualities other than being a devoted older sister. She is a good woman, just a bit too much for my tastes. But despite that, she isn’t afraid to jump in and help Gina out whenever possible.

I am unsure if this will be a series, but I think it should be. There are so many possibilities for Gina, Rocco, and the rest of the gang.

Overall, I give this 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

Excerpt

 

Sitting at the café table with my back to the door I could feel my excitement building. Rocco’s scent sailed in on a breeze as he walked through the door, the unmistakable fragrance of his aftershave, his shampoo, and his musk, a perfect storm of sensory eroticism as evocative as hickory burning in the fireplace on a bitter and snowy night. He was well behind me and out of sight but I was sure it was him. The back of my neck tingled with the dance of a thousand rising hairs as his image took shape in my mind. I could picture his swagger as he came toward me—the slapping of his leather boots on the café’s oak floor, the rising and settling of his broad chest. Heart thumping, I reached for my coffee and knocked over the paper cup. A pool of rich brown awkwardness spread across the table before me. I caught my reflection in the liquid and thought, klutz!

I jumped out of my chair and right into his brawny arms. Somehow, I managed to suppress one hell of a telltale gasp, an I’m-swept-away gasp.

“Hey, Gina Marie, are you all right?” he asked in his throaty baritone, a voice that made me vibrate like a pitchfork all the way down to the tips of my toes.

His breath carried the mystery of every woman he’d ever been with, titillating and taunting me. “Hey, biyatch, we kissed Rocco,” they trilled, “mouth-to-mouth, tongue-to-tongue. Suck it!”

I couldn’t think of a thing to say to him while I stood there, dumbstruck, gawking at the iron of his stubble-clad chin and the fathomless depth of his brown eyes that matched the hue of his wavy ringlets. Time stood still while I was in his arms. I felt safe and protected. I kid you not, the man’s embrace was as enveloping as a fucking womb.

Hey, Gina Marie Cototi, snap out of itGet your head out of your ass. Slamming my open palm into the center of his chest, I shoved him away. “Getting a little handsy this morning, Rocco?”

Palms out, he backed away. “Whoa, easy, Gina. I was just trying to help.”

I felt my armor shoring up, the interlocking of a trillion nanobots erecting an impenetrable shield around me. “Yeah, right—you mean helping yourself to an early morning grope is more like it.” Meanwhile, coffee was dripping off the edge of the table, running down my leg, and puddling at the bottom of my left boot. The sticky liquid squished between my toes. Yuck.

 

 

About the Author

 

Lawrence Kelter hails from New York but now calls North Carolina his home. He is the bestselling author of more than twenty-five mystery and thriller novels including the Stephanie Chalice Mystery Series that has topped bestseller lists in the US, UK, and Australia. In 2017 he penned BACK TO BROOKLYN, the studio-authorized sequel to the cult comedy classic “My Cousin Vinny.”

Early in his writing career, he received direction from literary icon, Nelson DeMille, who edited portions of his early work. Well before he said, “Lawrence Kelter is an exciting new novelist, who reminds me of an early Robert Ludlum,” he said, “Kid, your work needs editing, but that’s a hell of a lot better than not having talent. Keep it up!”

His novels are quickly paced and crammed full of twists, turns, and laughs.

 

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Posted in Biography, Book Release, excerpt, Historical on January 27, 2024

 

 

Synopsis

 

Set in the author’s homeland, Colombia, this is the heartbreaking story of Leonor, former child soldier of the FARC, a rural guerrilla group.

Paula Delgado-Kling followed Leonor for nineteen years, from shortly after she was an active member of the FARC forced into sexual slavery by a commander thirty-four years her senior, through her rehabilitation and struggle with alcohol and drug addiction, to more recent days as the mother of two girls.

Leonor’s physical beauty, together with resourcefulness and imagination in the face of horrendous circumstances, helped her carve a space for herself in a male-dominated world. She never stopped believing that she was a woman of worth and importance. It took her many years of therapy to accept that she was also a victim.

Throughout the story of Leonor, Delgado-Kling interweaves the experiences of her own family, involved with Colombian politics since the 19th century and deeply afflicted, too, by the decades of violence there.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Excerpt

 

From Chapter 8

 

After Mercedes whipped her, Leonor lost track of the number of nights that she slept on the street. Having learnt the lesson from her father’s behavior, Leonor dressed like a boy, and she believed it was insurance against men touching her. But by her dainty hands and her walk, and by her small waist (and perhaps she already possessed that habit of hers, of coquettishly swaying her shoulders), it was easy to tell—even by her voice—that here was a beautiful girl.

On the street, Leonor met Redhead. He was a boy her age—she called him “el pelirojo”—because he had paprika-like freckles sprinkled on his cheeks and hair like the head of a matchstick. To know that Redhead—though lanky and feeble—kept a piece of a broken bottle within his grasp consoled Leonor. She was sure he would protect her, and so she followed his lead, and they squatted inside deserted buildings. With him securing the space, she was able to give in to slumber for a few hours.

Some days, Leonor and Redhead sold slices of watermelon at streetlights. They were employed by an old woman who had approached them. But Leonor was often starved, and she devoured the watermelon, its juices jetting down her chin and arms. The woman slapped Leonor when she came back without money, and so Leonor went car-to-car begging drivers for pocket change. Most cars were scraps of tin, spewing dark smoke. Once or twice, a luxury car, overdone with tinted windows, shiny hubcaps and immense headlights, circled the neighborhood. As Leonor approached the cars, the drivers rolled up the windows. She stood by the car windows, and the drivers looked elsewhere or pretended to fiddle with the radio. She caught glimpses of her reflection on the cars’ side-view mirrors, and she was repulsed by her tattered clothes and soiled face.

Redhead was shrewd, and one day, he returned with plates loaded with mountains of rice and arepas. By word of mouth, he discovered they would be offered food if they showed up at FARC camps located in Mocoa’s jungle periphery. Feeling faint, aware she could not go another day without food, Leonor ventured into FARC camps to be fed. She accepted seconds of rice, beans, and lentils, and soon, she helped herself to them. She became a regular at the encampments, and she began thinking of FARC members as friends and allies, compassionate to her situation. A FARC nurse disinfected the wound on her leg, from her mother’s beating, and covered it with bandages after white pus oozed from it.

Some nights, Leonor lingered by the fire in the middle of camp while someone strummed a guitar and others sang. It was then she was able to sleep uninterrupted, without worrying whether Redhead and his broken glass were watching over her.

Members of the FARC intermingled in the daily life of her town and of the entire area, and many of them were people she knew. Some locals wore FARC fatigues, others didn’t—but nearly all of Mocoa’s residents were sympathetic to the group’s Communist roots. For Leonor and for many teens in Colombia’s southern communities, the FARC camps offered diversions. There was booze, and sometimes there was dancing, and there was also the thrill of being allowed to handle a gun. The camps were akin to a right of passage, a way to rebel against parents.

Mercedes kept the door of their home locked. When Leonor strolled by, Sergio rushed to the window and waved kisses at his sister.

 

 

About the Author

 

Paula Delgado-Kling holds degrees in comparative literature/French civilizations, international affairs, and creative writing from Brown University, Columbia University, and The New School, respectively. Leonor, for which she received two grants from the Canadian Council for the Arts, is her first book. Excerpts of this book have appeared in Narrative, The Literary Review, Pacifica Literary Review, and Happano.org in Japan. Her work for the Mexican monthly news magazine Gatopardo was nominated for the Simon Bolivar Award, Colombia’s top journalism prize, and anthologized in Las Mejores Crónicas de Gatopardo (Random House Mondadori, 2006). Born in Bogota, Colombia and raised in Toronto, Canada, Delgado-Kling now resides in New York City.

 

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Posted in 4 paws, excerpt, Review, romance, Science Fiction, Space Opera on January 26, 2024

 

 

Synopsis

 

Alien swarms.
Ceaseless wars.
Hive worlds, pirates and conflict without end.

For hundreds of years, the Conviction has kept these threats at bay. So why now are its forces suddenly disappearing?

Adroa is a bleak, backwater world on the edge of known civilisation, with every day a struggle to survive for Ellie and her two siblings. Yet when a heavily armed Conviction soldier falls from the sky and into her lap, she must face dangers even greater than the ravenous Rike swarms that threaten to consume her and her entire colony.

Something is stirring in the dark between galaxies as the greatest military power humanity has ever known empties its garrisons and leaves its worlds undefended. Can a simple melon farmer rebuild her shattered home in peace, or will Ellie and her family be dragged into a galactic conflict that could determine the future of the Conviction itself?

In this romantic, action-packed space opera of life and love, C.J. Watson weaves a captivating story of upheaval in a cold and uncaring universe – and the tenacity of those fighting to survive another day.

 

 

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Excerpt

 

Four: High Score

 

Ellie saw the captain was indeed out as they crested the top of the ramp to the spaceport’s main platform. It was next to impossible to miss him and his distinctly booming voice as it carried across the distance.

Ellie could see he’d already dealt with many of the larger farmers as large stacks of shipping containers were being loaded up the ship’s ramp by their respective mechs.

It was surprising, however, to see a number of the ship’s heavy loaders carrying many separate payloads out of the cargo hold. Giant construction haulers floated by above them with a throaty rumble. Of course, Ellie expected some offloading; it was the one delivery of the year that brought people whatever they may need from off-world. But as quadrupedal loaders stomped past the two of them and their little cart, Ellie could make out construction supplies, large metal and plasteel plates, as well as bags of instant cement stacked high atop one another. Even some large panels of framed glass moved past, reflecting the world in their mirrored finish.

Ellie tilted her head in curiosity. Almost all the buildings outside the area immediately surrounding the spaceport were earthen or wooden or else small, prefabricated dwellings like her own, a necessity of self-reliance on the tiny fringe colony. Metal for building material was used almost exclusively for swarm bunkers.

Not that it did the Sayers much good.

Ellie screwed her eyes shut, turning her head away from the procession and batting away the thoughts. Emotions welled deep down as she’d yet to fully process her grief over the loss of the Sayers and the multitude of emotions between which she’d been flung during her ordeal with Hunter.

But right now, Ellie couldn’t afford to let it affect her mood. She slammed the window shut on the emotional storm clouds gathering in the distance, simultaneously trying to harden her heart and soften her smile. Soon, she would have all the time she needed to process her emotions. But now was the critical moment that would determine what she would be able to feed Jonathan and Alayna for the next year.

Ellie nudged the cart and Jonathan along, pulling to one side and joining the short line of smaller farms shuffling forward bit by bit. Even at the back of the line, only a handful of people stood ahead of them.

“Are you okay with taking the cart the rest of the way?” Ellie turned to ask Jonathan softly.

Jonathan simply nodded, taking the full weight of the yoke so Ellie could slip under. Facing her back to the line ahead, Ellie tugged on the bottom of her skirt and straightened all the frills along its edges. She took care to pull up and position her bosom as well as she could, letting her natural curves accentuate the fullness of her chest and the graceful silhouette of her neck.

Reaching up, she quickly retied her ponytail, ensuring it looked fresh and making sure her fringe was swooping down just low enough to cover one eye perfectly.

“How do I look?” Ellie asked.

“You look… You look good,” Jonathan replied.

Ellie smiled at him, running her fingers through his hair one last time to straighten it neatly.

Ellie took position next to him, doing her best to stand easy and look casual. They shuffled along as the line progressed. Ellie did her best to discreetly listen to the deals the other farmers were cutting with the captain, specifically the prices they were negotiating for their goods so she’d have an idea of the window in which she had to manoeuvre. The captain held a monopoly over their prices as their primary link to space, excluding the occasional prospector or explorer. They were prices that could be decided on his whim and were affected by his mood. What they were able to negotiate the year before was no guarantee of what they’d get today.

But try as she might, their voices naturally dropped to an almost conspiratorial level when it came to actual negotiation. Ellie could make out the sounds, but not the words. The distance, noise of the heavy machinery and general bustle of the area proved too much for her ears to overcome.

“Captain, please. The colour is only due to nitrates in the soil. Trees can’t be rotated like other crops; the fruits more than make up for it in their extra size and juiciness from the rains!”

Ellie turned her head slightly, careful not to look over-interested in the scene playing out. The farmer ahead of her had raised his volume, a distinct note of desperation and pleading entering his voice.

A cold stone dropped in Ellie’s stomach. The farmer had just made a grave mistake, tipping his hand and letting his desperation show. No one liked a charity case except for the captain, and even then, only for all the wrong reasons.

“Ah, Mr Thomas, how many years have we been trading? I fully understand the difficulty of farming, and if it were up to me, I’d be paying you all twice the asking price currently on the market,” the captain replied, his words sympathetic, but his smile predatory. His tone indicated he knew that everyone else was aware of what he was doing. And yet he’d put on the theatrics anyway because there was nothing anyone could do about it.

“But the only ones I can sell it to are the colonies that don’t grow enough for themselves. Why, the cost of fuel alone to fly your produce all the way to Etheria, or even Newgate Station, let alone the cost of crew and maintenance… Imagine if I were to go to all of that expense, only for half the stock to rot on the shelves for not being ‘pink’ enough,” he said, holding up one of Mr Thomas’s Pink Lady apples that was almost entirely a pale yellow.

“Why, such a thing would ruin me. And then how would you or the rest of the colony feel when I have to close up shop and can’t make a run next year, or any other year, for that matter?”

“But…” Mr Thomas began, indignant but unsure of his footing.

“Now listen here. I can offer you twelve dols per tonne,” he continued as if Mr Thomas hadn’t said anything at all. “That seems more than fair; since each apple is, as you said, so much larger than last year’s, it should be much easier to hit that same weight with fewer fruits. Oh, and no need to thank me directly. Just keep it to yourself that I cut you such a good deal, yes?” he finished in that slimy, coy tone.

Ellie tried not to baulk, very aware she would already be in the captain’s peripheral vision. Twelve dols a tonne was nothing short of thinly veiled robbery.

Mr Thomas seethed, clearly backed into a corner.

“You’re a wretched bastard, Captain,” he said in earnest, holding out his hand.

The captain smiled.

“Why thank you. I take that as a compliment. Wouldn’t make it out here to buy up your slop if I wasn’t,” he said, nodding once.

Two blue circles appeared over the backs of their hands to confirm the transaction. The light had barely dissipated before Mr Thomas snatched his hand away and stormed off, a dark cloud hanging over his expression.

Grabbing his coat with both hands, the captain pulled down to straighten it before turning to acknowledge Ellie.

Captain Slackvore was a complete dichotomy of character. He wore a long, brown trench coat, tattered in places and well-weathered. Its creases ran deep, and its surface was cracked from years of use. Yet underneath, he wore vibrant, tailored pants and a complexly embroidered vest, the material a shimmering purple interlaced with intricate floral patterns, and its shades perpetually shifting from slightly lighter to slightly darker than the rest of the outfit. Equally ornate boots with black velvet trim worked together with a dark, wide-brimmed Stetson to vertically frame the odd man.

A slimy smile that always made Ellie feel as if she was on the wrong end of a bad deal she couldn’t understand hung below a pair of cunning, calculating eyes. His exact age was unclear. Older than Ellie for sure, but still far younger than one would expect of a man running a pirate crew. Then again, the man exuded a fierceness not difficult to pick up on.

“Melon girl!” he bellowed in welcome, a deep, booming voice scratched raw by the various questionable spirits Ellie knew the crew brewed, and occasionally sold.

“Captain Slackvore! It is so good to see you!” Ellie responded with a bright smile and a light, excited tone. Stepping forward, she threw her arms around his shoulders and pressed her entire body tightly against his, pretending the scene with Mr Thomas hadn’t just happened.”

 

 

Review

 

Sometimes, I like to try a genre or book that is a little out of my normal reading sphere. This novel is a cross between science fiction, fantasy, romance, and maybe even a little dystopian, and it was a delight to read.

Ellie is a tough young woman. She is only 21 but is taking care of her two siblings and trying to make it as a melon farmer on a planet that doesn’t have a lot going for it. One of her siblings, Alyana, is a bit of a hothead. So, the nickname she is tagged with from Jake (more on him in a moment) is more than appropriate. He calls her Spitfire. Jake is a savior, but does he have an ulterior motive? He has combat skills and is able to help Ellie and her family in some difficult situations. I like how he was raised to be kind and see the goodness in people. It does seem to contradict his career path, which is never fully defined, and we are left to guess what he did before coming to this planet.

I was taken away to a world that has little hope for anyone. The inhabitants are attacked by something called a Rike. We are never really told what a Rike is or why it attacks the people of the planet. The best description is some sort of beast that bleeds purple. We do know that everyone does what they can to protect themselves from this creature, including adding turrets to their homes to fight them off.

I admired Ellie for doing what she needed to do for her family to survive. It isn’t easy accepting Jake’s help, and she is suspicious about his true intentions. I can’t blame her; why should she trust him? But I think she is going to be surprised at how easily he will fit into her life if she will allow him to.

The author does a good job of building this world and bringing it to life, from the dark and gritty characters to those with compassion. While there are many unanswered questions, this is the first book in a series, and I have a feeling all of those will be answered soon.

There is an epilogue that gives a hint as to what Jake might be running from in his life. Only future books will tell.

We give this book a solid 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Christopher is an Author, Cosplayer, ravenous reader, and all-around avid imaginer.
Writing stories since he was five, he decided sometime around 2018 that he should actually kick them out of his mind and into the world before they completely take up his rapidly diminishing head space. Having grown up on hard SciFi stories and grand space operatics, he hopes to pay homage to the great authors who influenced his developing years and, in turn, write stories that will inspire the next generation of bright young thinkers.

When he’s not running various I.T. departments for his day job, he can be found spoiling both his partner and their many, many cats somewhere around the desolate hellscape of Sydney, Australia.

 

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