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Interview with Michelle Mankin, Author of Champion

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Champion?

I was inspired to write Champion after his appearance in the book, The Right Song. He had just won the Superbowl and the band in that book was playing at his team's halftime show. I was intrigued to write the full story for a man who was on top of the world in his profession but dissatisfied with his life on a personal level. Cue entrance for his chance meeting with a mysterious beauty.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Champion, what would they be?

Changes by Tara George because both Champion and Electra need to change their lives but they don't know how until they find each other.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I'm a mood reader. I love all romance. I also read a lot of rockstar biographies since most of my books are in the rockstar romance subgenre.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I am anxiously awaiting Rebecca Yarros' follow up to Fourth Wing.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved writing the couple meet up in this story. It was one of the most unique ones I have written so far.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

My quirkiest writing habit is typing up my chapters on my notepad on my phone. I email them to myself and copy them into my laptop.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Who is around you when you reach for your dreams, can be as important as the dreams themselves.

 

Michelle Mankin is the author of the new book Champion

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6 Books to Read for Fans of Robert Jordan

6 Books to Read for Fans of Robert Jordan

From magical kingdoms to distant galaxies, these reads promise wonder and adventure. So, prepare to lose yourself in these captivating worlds of imagination, just as Robert Jordan envisioned them. Happy reading!



Spark (Of Fire And Shadows Book 1)

by Krysta Maravilla

Release Date: September 4, 2023

Phe lives a dual life. Known socially as the weak, sick, and timid Lady Orphne who is the best friend to Kyra in a magicless world. When getting treatments, she trained to be Kyra's secret weapon, an assassin. When Kyra is abducted by magic, it acts as a catalyst to release her bound magic, propelling her into a fantastical world that she is forced to navigate while focusing on saving Kyra.

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Pyramids of Meridian

by Sam Arnold

Release Date: September 1, 2023

Who controls and rules over the afterlife, and what does free will mean when you're dead? Find out in this epic space opera "Pyramids of Meridian." Follow the journey of warriors Nathan Doss and Kelly Pear who are thrust into the world of the dead somehow still living, tasked to stop a force threatening life itself.

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Stone & Sky (The Stone & Sky Series Book 1)

by Z.S. Diamanti

Release Date: August 29, 2023

Stone & Sky is the first book in an exciting new fantasy series! With its classic epic fantasy adventure feel, it's perfect for readers looking for adventure, magic, and just plain fun; a tale where friendships must overcome insurmountable odds and remind readers to never lose hope. Fly into the world of Finlestia and join the Griffin Guard today!

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All the Dead Shall Weep (Gunnie Rose Book 5)

by Charlaine Harris

Release Date: September 5, 2023

#1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author returns with the fifth installment in the bestselling Gunnie Rose series as sisters Lizbeth Rose and Felicia as well as brother Eli and Peter, are reunited in Texoma only to break apart before the Wizard’s Ball held in San Diego, which will determine all their fates.

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Once There Were Heroes (A Time of Dragons: Book 1)

by Philip C. Quaintrell

Release Date: September 4, 2023

Once there were heroes. Brave men and women who showed their quality to be above the rest. Those whose deeds earned them the heart of a dragon. Those whose courage and strength resonated with the unborn, who, in their eggs, can wait thousands of years for a warrior worthy of them. These heroes rose up on young battlefields and defended the weak and oppressed across all of Erador. They did so because they were inspired. They had only to look up and see. Dragons Riders! But there are no more heroes. War with the Andarens is like nothing the Riders, nor the armies of Erador, have ever faced. In the place of heroes there are only soldiers now. Fodder for the machine of war...

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Alpha Wave (The Sleepers War Book 1)

by Jonathan Maberry & Weston Ochse

Release Date: September 5, 2023

NY Times bestseller Jonathan Maberry and master storyteller Weston Ochse launch a new sprawling Military Science Fiction adventure that will span the whole of a galaxy at war!

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5 Books to Read for Fans of Vince Flynn

5 Books to Read for Fans of Vince Flynn

Calling all fans of Vince Flynn's gripping tales! We've handpicked six books that match Flynn's intensity, intrigue, and fearless heroes. From covert operations to relentless quests for justice, get ready for a wild ride of tension and excitement. So, fasten your seatbelts, and let's dive into high-stakes thrills!



Of Sand and Stars

by Brenda Kate

Release Date: June 1, 2023

Amanda and Lucas meet in a shared US-Australian secret facility and a romance develops. As they uncover shocking secrets about each other's work, they become embroiled in a deadly conspiracy with powerful forces working against them. With assassins determined to silence them, can they expose a deadly political endgame before it's too late?

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The House Beyond the Dunes

by Mary Burton

Release Date: September 5, 2023

A tragic accident or something more sinister? A woman’s buried memories put her life at risk in a novel of shattering psychological suspense by New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton.

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Tom Clancy Weapons Grade

by Don Bentley

Release Date: September 5, 2023

The aftermath of a shocking crime sends Jack Ryan, Jr., down a path that leads to international destruction in the latest entry in this #1 New York Times bestselling series.

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Imperfect Lives

by C. J. Washington

Release Date: September 5, 2023

When contract killer Cooper Franklin makes a deathbed confession, his revelations upend the lives of two strangers, setting them on an intersecting and ruinous path that imperils them both.

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Failed State (The Prosecution Force Thrillers Book 4)

by Logan Ryles

Release Date: August 15, 2023

On the heels of an attempted assassination that has left her fighting for her own life, President Maggie Trousdale is once again faced with the impossible task of securing a volatile Free World. When an anonymous informant provides evidence that the assassination attempt was an act of international aggression, Trousdale has no choice but to chase the enemy into the heart of economically devastated Venezuela.

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6 Books to Read for Fans of Jojo Moyes

6 Books to Read for Fans of Jojo Moyes

Get ready to embark on an emotional rollercoaster through the world of love, heartbreak, and second chances—the very essence of Jojo Moyes' beloved storytelling. If you're a fan of heartfelt romances that tug at your heartstrings, don't miss these 6 must-read romances.



Champion

by Michelle Mankin

Release Date: August 23, 2023

What happens when a pro football legend who doesn’t know how to take no for an answer meets a beautiful dancer eighteen years younger than him who just can't tell him yes? You guessed it. Game--maximum heat level--on.

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The Music Within Your Heart

by Isaac Samuel Miller

Release Date: August 9, 2023

After discovering her older brother's mutilated body, Sophia shares her life’s biggest secret with a risky neighbor in a prejudiced town during the summer of 1963. Due to hatred beyond their control, Sophia and her family are forced to flee, leaving behind the young love she forged. Can true love reunite childhood friends ripped apart for decades?

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A Shot in the Dark

by Victoria Lee

Release Date: September 5, 2023

A passionate and powerful romance featuring a transgender man and an ex-Orthodox woman who find each other through their devotion to art, and fall in love despite all odds, from bestselling author Victoria Lee.

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The Starfish Sisters

by Barbara O'Neal

Release Date: September 1, 2023

Heartfelt and layered, The Starfish Sisters is a moving story about the complicated nature of female friendship, the joys and heartbreaks of life, and the resiliency and power that women possess.

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It All Comes Back to You

by Melissa Wiesner

Release Date: August 22, 2023

An absolutely unforgettable and heart-shattering romance, perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Lucy Score and Carley Fortune, that asks: does keeping secrets destroy true love?

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Rest In Pink (The Liz Danger Series Book 2)

by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer

Release Date: August 22, 2023

Treacherous small-town politics, a rust belt biker gang, a widowed ex who doesn’t understand the word “no,” a seven-year-old in need of a temporary mom, a flamboyant blonde boss who needs watched at all times, exploding family secrets, arson, murder, and three hundred and ninety-two soaking wet teddy bears later, Liz and Vince will come face to face with the madman burning down their town, and even worse, with their imploding relationship.

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Interview with Sam Arnold, Author of Pyramids of Meridian

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Pyramids of Meridian?

I’ve always been fascinated by the bigger picture; the greatest questions existence has posed to us. In fiction media there’s always so much death, but I’ve always wondered, what is happening to these characters when they die? Does their journey continue? That’s where the seed of this novel was formed.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Pyramids of Meridian, what would they be?

Classical music for Michael, the bombastic types especially. Kelly and Nathan would enjoy the same sort of vibes, probably something in the more ambient, soothing, zen category, despite them both being hardcore warriors.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre is the same genre I write: epic, far-reaching space opera, but I do have a penchant for the classics.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR feels endless. I try to alternate between a classic and a modern novel when reading. I’m currently finishing up “Children of Time” by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Next up will be the classic “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy. I try to enjoy and learn from the best!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Some favorite scenes would include the conflict dialogue scenes between Nathan and Kelly. I always enjoy watching characters come to a head, revealing harsh emotions and once-concealed truths, and seeing how they grow from those tough conversations.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I wouldn’t say quirky, but a rule I try to follow is music when designing and writing, utter silence when editing. Music inspires me and is a critical part of the first stages of my creative process, but also distracts me when it comes to picking things apart with that ole fine tooth comb.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Better than yesterday.” This motto isn’t even necessarily an active one, I feel it’s encoded deep into my bones. I must improve.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Accept yourself. Love yourself. Because your existence might be a lot longer than you anticipated.

 

Sam Arnold is the author of the new book Pyramids of Meridian

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Interview with Krysta Maravill, Author of Spark

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Spark?

In 2015 I had a dream that was so vivid, so detailed, so awesome, it left me wishing I lived that life. From the moment I’d awoken, I knew I needed to write the dream. Yet, when I sat down to write it, I realized I was a horrible writer. Unwilling to learn how to write with this dream, I set about the task of learning to write. I named my manuscript Fabio, because the name made me smile and rolled off the tongue smoothly, rolled up my sleeves, and began writing.

I sat down one day, after doing morning pages for about 9 months, and started three different fantasy chapters. What is now the prologue, I decided to go with and then I pantsed (meaning I wrote by the seat of my pants) the entire story. As anticipated, the first draft was horrible and only one person has read it from beginning to end I paid… It didn’t deter me though.

As I was writing the book, my reasons and inspirations shifted. At first, it was to learn to write. Then it became about writing a book where we could see a strong character who grappled with her traumatic past and current struggles, use healthy coping skills, and plant the seeds in readers of the possibilities of their own power and thoughts. Yet, it ended with my realization this wasn’t my story, but Phe’s.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Spark, what would they be?

I'm in between Underdog by Alicia Keys or Wild Things by Alessia Cara.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Epic fantasy and paranormal romance

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Right now, I"m reading We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman's Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power. Yes, its a mouth full but totally worth it! I am listening to The Courage to Be Disliked; The Japenese Phenonom That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness, and I'm toying with reading one of Jennifer Armentrout's books.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Chapter 29! It was a blast to write. Walking Phe through a magical training facility where she sees magic being used for the first time and encounters shifters, was so fun! Then, we get a little time with Shadow Unit members where we get a sense of how they are, as a team.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I eat a lot of Nutella. Straight from the jar, the bigger the jar the better, with a long ice tea spoon. I also only listen to Brain.fm focus music while I am writing, this helps literally drop my brain into focus and creative brain waves.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Stay marvelous 🙂 To further explain, my middle name, Maravilla, translates to marvelous. For me, it took years to discover and accept the marvel of who I am. Now that I have, I want to inspire and encourage others to see their own marvel, just as they are.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Phe's a badass!

 

Krysta Maravilla is the author of the new book Spark (Of Fire and Shadows)

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Interview with Brenda Kate, Author of Of Sand and Stars

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Of Sand and Stars?

I was sitting on my balcony one night, looking at an incredible star-spangled sky. Then my crazy-wild imagination kicked in, so I called my scientist friend and asked if an idea I had was possible. He thought about it, (and probably thought I was mad) and said yes, very plausible, but highly unlikely. For me, that was the answer I needed! ‘Of Sand and Stars’ was published eight months later.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Of Sand and Stars, what would they be?

'A Sky Full of Stars' by Cold Play.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

No, not at all. I actually prefer reading Historical Fiction and Biographies.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Burke & Wills by Peter Fitzsimons and Taking Chances by F. Burnham.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Mandy and Luke's survival in the Australian Outback; how they dealt with water, and dangerous insects and wildlife.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

No, just silence and coffee!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Be thankful for each day.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Be aware of our cyberspace and over-connected world. Protect what we have.

 

Brenda Kate is the author of the new book Of Sand and Stars

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Interview with Z.S. Diamanti, Author of Stone & Sky

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Stone & Sky?

Hope. Over the last several years, I noticed that the world was growing into an unknown and scary place. So much has darkened the skies in recent times. In fact, that darkness and overwhelming worry was so prevalent that it began to permeate the entertainment media that we consume. I decided that we needed some more hope in our lives and that it was time to bring hope back into our fantasy books as well.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Stone & Sky, what would they be?

Fly Away by Gloryhammer.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love to read a good classic-style fantasy adventure! But I also enjoy Sci-Fi, Horror, and Thrillers.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Too many to list! But a few of them are: Kings of the Wyld, The Fifth Season, Six of Crows, The Forgotten Stone by E.A. Winters, The Secret Journal by Otto Schafer, and The Pale City by Marshall J Moore. To list a few.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

That’s a tough question to answer. I love writing vast battle scenes, but also very intimate scenes. So, I’ll go with a hybrid. There is a scene where two of the members of the Griffin Guard spar with each other, and let’s just say the sparks between them are more than just those produced by their magical weapons.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Quite a few, actually. I have this alpaca wool poncho that is so cozy to write in, it’s ridiculous. Also, I have a hard time sitting in my chair for a long time, so in between chapters I get up and do one of four things: stretch, jumping jacks, pushups, or sit-ups.

Also, I know this is going to sound weird, but I drink a naturally decaffeinated mushroom blended chicory coffee. It’s delicious. What can I say?

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I try to live by the motto, “Be joyful always.” Seriously, there is far too much negativity out there. I’m all about bringing the positivity with me wherever I go.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I would want readers to remember to never lose hope, even in the face seemingly insurmountable circumstances that rise up against them. There is always hope for the future. As Enkeli the wizard says in my book Stone & Sky, “Do not give up hope so easily. When things are hardest, it is hope that pushes us onward.”

 

Z.S. Diamanti is the author of the new book Stone & Sky

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Interview with Isaac Samuel Miller, Author of The Music Within Your Heart

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Music Within Your Heart?

Ironically, I was out with my wife at a restaurant as I observed a middle-aged Black lady dancing and singing, and that’s when the idea struck me like a bolt of lightning. Instantaneously, I came up with The Music Within Your Heart’s storyline of racial divide, overcoming, pursuing your dreams, music, and a female character as the lead.

I wrote the synopsis while celebrating with my wife…I got in so much trouble because I wasn’t paying attention to her. I had an overwhelming urge, so I knew I had to write the synopsis right then and there. My wife is great; she knew I had to release the music within my own heart during that faithful night.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Music Within Your Heart, what would they be?

Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish for Sophia and I’ll Wait for You by Eillott Yamin for Sammie.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genres to read are: spiritual, self-help, and philosophy.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Don’t Call Me Crazy and Winter Iris.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene is when Sammie and Sophia reunite in The Midnight Forest after several decades of not seeing each other, as Sophia hopes that Sammie still loves her too.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I like to have others read aloud excerpts from various chapters as I listen intently to see if it stirs up my emotions.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Look at a man the way that he is and you’ll only make him worse but look at a man the way that he can be and he’ll become the way that he should be.” -Johann Geothe

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I would like for readers to know that love covers a multitude of sins and that life can be very long without love. True love that is.

 

Isaac Samuel Miller is the author of the new book The Music Within Your Heart

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | September 5

Hold on to the edge of your seat as we hunt for clues and solve the case with these exciting new mystery and thriller books for the week! There are so many bestselling authors with new novels for you to dive into this week including Brenda Kate, J.D. Robb, William Kent Krueger, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!



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