New Books - NewInBooks

Interview with Kenna King, Author of Cocky Score

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Cocky Score?

I love the world a story can transport you into. Sports romances are some of my favorite to read and write and as a West Coast girl, I wanted to write these stories in a place I know. That’s why this series takes place in Seattle, Washington. This book is written with one of my very favorite tropes and it practically wrote itself because these characters demanded to be written.

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

Romance is my favorite genre, by a landslide. It's so easy to get into and I love knowing that it will all work out in the end. I want the story to make me smile, I want to laugh a little… I may even like to shed a few tears depending on my mood at the time, but at the end… I know I’m getting that HEA!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Oh! There is always a big pile of those. I primarily read my books on my Kindle app on my phone and if you were to open it, you would see titles from Tessa Bailey, Vi Keeland, and Lauren Blakely... among many other amazing authors. Unfortunately, right now, I have several deadlines for this series and haven't picked up a book in over FOUR MONTHS! Someone help me!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The first three chapters for sure! The characters just jumped out of the page and solidified their personalities too quickly. Those chapters I wrote so fast my fingers could barely keep up.

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

With three little kids, I usually do most of all my writing late at night when my kiddos and hubby have all gone to bed... that's when the magic happens. I make myself a cup of Folgers coffee... dose it with far too much creamer and then proceed to heat it three to four more times throughout the night before the night is over. I will say... I'm a perpetual snacker while I'm writing.

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

"There's a backspace for a reason." I try to remind myself to write ALL the words and then if it doesn't work out later... it's easy to cut.

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

How happy they are that the two characters found each other. I want the reader to be rooting for the main characters and I want the HEA to be as satisfying to read as it was to write.

Kenna King is the author of the new book Cocky Score

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Interview with Geoffrey M. Cooper, Author of The Fifth Student

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Fifth Student (Brad Parker and Karen Richmond Medical Thrillers Book 6)?

The Fifth Student, like my other novels, is based on my prior professional life as an academic scientist, which included cancer research and teaching at Harvard Medical School and Boston University, as well as serving in the administrative positions of department chair and dean. Those years taught me a lot about the inner workings of academia, which has provided a host of material for writing medical and academic thrillers.

The inciting incident in The Fifth Student is a group of students cheating on an exam—something that happens all too frequently in real life. But the case rapidly evolves into a much more complex and deadly situation, including elements of the contemporary scandals plaguing college admissions. The cheating and admission scandals in The Fifth Student are anchored in my experience. The transition to a murder mystery—not so much. At least as far as I know.

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

I most enjoy reading mysteries and thrillers, especially the same genre that I write—medical and academic thrillers.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Right now, I have books from two of my favorite authors waiting. Under Review by Sid Stark (an academic thriller) and Mainely Wicked by Matt Cost (a mystery set in Maine).

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I especially enjoyed writing the climax chapter in which Brad and his student are rescued by the Maine State Police and Marine Patrol. Lots of action, which was fun to put together.

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

If there’s a takeaway from The Fifth Student, it’s simply that academic ambition can be a dangerous thing!

Geoffrey M. Cooper is the author of the new book The Fifth Student (Brad Parker and Karen Richmond Medical Thrillers Book 6)

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Interview with Beth Gelman, Author of Making Perfect Sense

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Making Perfect Sense?

That's a loaded question! Making Perfect Sense is the conclusion to The Perfect Lessons. My intention with this story was to help people understand that we all have our past and baggage that weighs us down in ways we can't articulate. Specifically, childhood traumas. This story concentrates on non-physical traumas that are equally imprinted on our hearts and minds. I wanted my readers to know that they are strong enough and deserve to put the past down and walk away victorious.

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

"I Can't Fight This Feeling," REO Speedwagon is the theme song for this book. Alex & Trudie try to figure out their childhood traumas alone and find they get more success working within their relationship.

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

I love to read any romance genre with a heat level of 3+. I love to read great romcom banter, dark themes, and historical swoons.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Rich In Your Love by Pippa Grant, Hiding Places by Skye Warren, and His Good Girl by Eve Newton, are 3 out of 50. LOL.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene in Making Perfect Sense was when Dr. Alexander Pierce's persona of sex teacher, is blurred with Alex, the man Trudie has fallen in love with. Both are integral parts to her story, yet figuring out which persona was the man she wanted to be with was fascinating to me.

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

No quirky writing habits unless you count petting my dog, eating Mike & Ikes, and utilizing my new standing desk.

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

Speak your truth. Live your truth. Be kind to others and do deeds of kindness wherever you go.

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

The Perfect Series drills down to one thing-YOU ARE ENOUGH. Bumps, bulges, and baggage. You're still beautiful inside and out.

Beth Gelman is the author of the new book Making Perfect Sense

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Interview with Richard R. Becker, Author of Third Wheel

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Third Wheel?

I didn’t pick Third Wheel as much as it chose me. After the success of my debut short story collection, 50 States, I had this idea to follow it up with another collection of short stories linked to those in 50 States. I wrote ten of them, one of which was set in Nevada, and published them as a Kindle exclusive called Ten Threads. Originally, I was going to write 50 stories and release them as a complete second collection. But once I wrote the Nevada story, I knew it had to be my debut novel. The story was personal, had momentum, and I immediately knew where it was going.

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

This is such a fun question. It’s fun because the chapter titles of Third Wheel hint at a hidden playlist from the late 70s and early 80s. Not all the chapter titles match the song titles, but most people will figure them out.

I have two answers to this question; the first provides a cipher of sorts to the playlist. Brady Wilks identifies with “Behind Blue Eyes” by The Who. There is a moment in Chapter 20: Bad Man when he plays this song over and over. He’s asked to turn it down. So he turns it up. From a broader, more modern perspective, there is a song called “Brother” by Kodaline. It expresses his worldview on friendship.

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

My reading is like my writing, eclectic. Some of my most recent discoveries include Fredrick Backman, Joe R. Lansdale, Jandy Nelson, S.A. Cosby, Pierce Brown, and Haruki Murakami. Genre aside, they tell the truth. I enjoy cross-genre writing. It is primarily grounded in literary fiction, albeit darker and infused with something else. My next novel is a psychological thriller, with a literary fiction bent.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

There are 256 books in that pile, and I’m never afraid to add more because I usually read four books at a time. I’m most anxious to start reading Light Bringer by Pierce Brown and Holly by Stephen King, and I’m overdo to pick up a lesser-known indie author.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There is a scene early in the book when Brady helps an 18-year-old girl wash her orange Pinto. He is crushing on her, which is a problem. He’s only 14, and she doesn’t know it. There is a tenderness to the scene that doesn’t happen very often in Third Wheel, which is probably why I enjoyed writing it. It’s a dark book.

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

Brady Wilks is a Dungeons & Dragons aficionado. Before his friend group began to change, he was their dungeon master. Sometimes, he tries to understand life through that lens, which is dubious. He faces real-life dangers with no chance of resurrection. He inherited his interest in D&D from me. The rug under my desk and chair is a map of Greyhawk, a fictional world where early game campaign settings occurred. I’m surrounded by a few other talismans, too.

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

We’re here to give to life, not take from it. My novel is fiction, but I did use some personal experiences to inform it. In doing so, I’ve never felt better about what happened to me, the challenges I faced, or where I am today — not as a measure of success or income level or job title or owner of things — but as a person.

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

It’s never too late, until it’s too late.

Richard R. Becker is the author of the new book Third Wheel

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Interview with Sky Jones, Author of Chain of Secrets

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Chain of Secrets?

My inspiration is the courage and intelligence of teenage girls, who strive to make a difference in the world.

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

Never Give Up by Chronixx.

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

Mystery. Mysteries are my favorites!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Fear Nothing, by Lisa Gardner, Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell, and Shattered Promises, by Linda Trout.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene was when Emma climbed into the attic. She discovered who or what caused all the creepy noises she heard above her head at night. I’d tell you, but it’s a secret!

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

Occasionally, I stuff a pillow behind my back and write in bed with my jammies on.

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

Be kind.

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

Don’t make promises that you should not keep.

Sky Jones is the author of the new book Chain of Secrets

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Interview with Pete Fellows, Author of Zeroworld

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

I’ve had the idea that I wanted to write a book since my early twenties but life got in the way. Then I was in Canada for a work trip in back in 2014 and decided I was going to do it. It was a trickle of writing for the next few years, whenever I had the time, but the pandemic forced my hand. I had very little work at the time (I run a recruitment company) so decided to finally focus and finish the novel.

In terms of the story itself I had been reading about some of the lengths people go to prolong their lives. From cryogenic freezing to near obsessive health regimes, I wondered if my story could focus on someone who had some of those same motivations. What would happen if whatever she had done worked and what would be the consequences to society if there was no longer any jeopardy? Centuries of living perhaps without any consequence. This idea was the backdrop, then I mixed in elements of concern over AI, creation of virtual realities, and a conspiracy as the cherry on top. Madeline was a potential name on our shortlist for my daughter so I thought as we didn’t use the name, she would be a different kind of daughter, as my main protagonist. Alex, I think I subconsciously named for one of my best friends growing up who is one of the strongest women I know. My hope is my story is an easy going read, fun but with some more serious themes underlying the narrative.

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

Madeline loves elements of pop culture and would have been a kid through the 1990s and maybe the late 1980s. I think she would have gotten into the grunge scene, so I'm going to suggest something by Nirvana perhaps? Or Pearl Jam.

Alex isn't born yet and music is not a key part of her personality. However, she is an extraordinary martial artist so perhaps some dramatic drums or maybe even 1970s style Kung Fu theme music?

Zoe is complicated, I’ll leave that music decision to the reader.

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

Of late I've tended to go for stories that are arguably a little more easy-going. Less Sebastian Faulks and more Kelley Armstrong. Both are extremely talented authors of course but I think I've preferred to read for escapism rather than driving deep emotion in the way that Faulks’ ‘Birdsong’ does, for example.

When I was younger, I was the opposite, reading more than my share of 19th Century literature. I would like to go back and read Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment again at some point to see if it has the same impact on me now as it did then but currently it’s less about genre, and more about an action packed, gripping and entertaining story that lets you escape for an hour or two. My novel is genre straddling – a mix of science fiction, fantasy and conspiracy perhaps reflecting the flexibility I have in the books I read.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I'm reading through the John Milton series of books by Mark Dawson. There are so many! But each one is gripping, and you want to immediately step into the next installment.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The sequence where Madeline first encounters the den, I threw just about everything at it - the speed required to drive through the tree, her hatred of elevators, the boat. I pretty much shoved every idea I had into the melting pot.

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

It's more about mood for me, sometimes I can write a lot in one go, other times I barely make a word. I'm guilty of procrastination at times, just one more minute doing anything else before I finally get to writing.

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

Not particularly, but I've always quite liked the serenity prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

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

That even if you have all of the time in the world, life is for living.

Pete Fellows is the author of the new book Zeroworld

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A Brief Look at She Paints My Soul

A brief look at She Paints My Soul, a Native American Historical Romance

If you were to take culture shock, mix it up with an innate fear of Indians as well as becoming an enemy's captive, then add to the mix a spiritually gifted, yet moody and misguided Crow warrior who keeps rescuing you from harm, you might have described the confusion between the hero and heroine as well as the passion within the story of She Paints My Soul.
Strikes Fast, a Crow scout, is a lost soul. Once on the medicine path, he feels he is no longer human, and he has no hope of ever returning to the man he used to be. The last thing he needs in his life is a romance with a white woman.

But Sharon, a white woman engaged to a man unworthy of her, keeps getting herself into predicaments that could be deadly, requiring a man to come to her aid; her fiancé is not that man. A friend of a friend, Strikes Fast doesn't dare approach her except to save her once, then twice.

Sharon, who is afraid of Indians, yet who is encamped with them because of a friend, suddenly finds she is indebted to and intrigued by a young, Indian man. How could she not love him for what he's done for her, and at the threat of his own life? She doesn't love him romantically, of course. Yet, his touch springs passion to life within her…

In a world fraught with war parties, evil spirits, and winter weather that could kill a man within seconds, how can a man who has lost his way and a woman who is frightened of the very man she dares to love, ever find their way to a love everlasting?

She Paints My Soul is a story of romance, of adventure, of hope, and redemption in a country filled with beautiful, yet rugged mountains, broad prairies, and swift waters that could take a man's life.

Come and leave your troubles behind as you journey with me into the mountains of Montana at a time when women were brave and men daily lived the life of a hero.
Pick up and read She Paints My Soul today.

Karen Kay is the author of the new book She Paints My Soul

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | August 22

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 Patrick O'Donnell, Geoffrey M Cooper, David Boito, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

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New Romance Books to Read | August 22

Looking to fall in love with some new romance reads? You’ll adore these exciting new novels! This week you can get your hands on books by bestselling authors Beth Gelman, Karen Kay, Kenna King, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!

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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | August 22

Literary fiction readers are in for a treat. This week’s latest releases list is full of intriguing reads you won’t want to miss! The new releases list includes so many bestselling authors like Richard R Becker, Claire North, Amanda Prowse, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!