New Books - NewInBooks

Interview with Beatrice B. Morgan, Author of The Blood Enchantress

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Blood Enchantress?

I wanted a vampire vs. vampire-hunter love story, and while The Blood Enchantress isn’t quite what I’d envisioned, I wouldn’t change a thing.

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

For Ryn, it absolutely would be "Look What You Made Me Do," by Taylor Swift. Zain is harder, but definitely something by My Chemical Romance or Fall Out Boy.

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

I love high fantasy. I love the sword and shield atmosphere, magic and curses, and the quests to save the realm. No other genre calls to me like high fantasy. I write high fantasy as well, and while I've tried to write in other genres, it lacks the magic.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Too many, but on top I have Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer, The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem, and What Stalks the Deep by T. Kingfisher.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There is a scene near the end of the book, near the start of Act 3, that I wrote years before I started drafting the novel that would become The Blood Enchantress. Without giving spoilers, the birth of this book revolved around that one scene. This scene shows the feral side of vampires.

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

I have an oil diffuser that I use while I write. The scent changes depending on how I'm feeling that day. This book was written to the scents of sandalwood, jasmine, and spearmint.

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

I am a believer in "healthy body, healthy mind." Maintaining good physical health goes with maintaining good mental health. They can both influence the other. We only get one body in this life, so we should take care of it. Now, does that mean I didn't eat a row of Oreos last night? No. With writing, when I feel good inside, I write better.

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

That love exists out there for everyone, even when it feels like it isn't.

Beatrice B. Morgan is the author of the new book, The Blood Enchantress

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Interview with Jonathan Epps, Author of The Never Not Yes

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Never Not Yes?

I had become disillusioned by the quality and character of our culture and foresaw catastrophic events if we could not find a way to cooperate.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Never Not Yes, what would they be?

99 Red Balloons.

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

I have written in many different genres. I like a challenge, so I typically try a new genre for each book.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Iliad and Melville's Omoo.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

This was not a fun book to write. I was more compelled to write it.

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

My only quirk is intense adherence to daily discipline. I write for 3-4 hours each morning and edit those words in the afternoon. I can write roughly 1,000 words per day doing that.

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

"But oppositions have the illimitable range of objections at command, which need never stop short at the boundary of knowledge, but can draw forever on the vasts of ignorance." Mary Ann Evans

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

Tribalism and vilification of your countrymen are a recipe for collapse.

Jonathan Epps is the author of the new book The Never Not Yes

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Interview with Marian McCarthy, Author of Murder and the Brewer

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Murder and the Brewer?

My daughter and her husband are both professional, award-winning craft brewers, so I got to sample many of their wares in my research. I wanted to bring a craft brewery into the small town in my book because brewing is all about creativity and community. Since women were the first brewers in the Middle Ages, I created a female brewer named Hildegarde Yourish, named after St. Hildegarde of Bingen, a mystic and polymath who introduced hops to the brewing process. My Hildegarde is also a practicing witch and a distant cousin to Perrie Spock, my main character, who is a psychic mortician.

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

Hildegarde, the brewer: Season of the Witch, Donovan.
Perrie, the mortician: The Dead Dance, Lady Gaga.
Reg, the sheriff: The Weight of the Badge, George Strait.

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

Mysteries. All kinds of mysteries.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner; Low April Sun by Connie Squires; Magic Maker by Pam Grossman; Case Histories by Kate Atkinson.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

When Perrie and her aunt set up wards around Hildegarde’s brewery.

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

I do some automatic handwriting in a notebook, with keywords that describe the scene I have in mind. Every scene must have a purpose. I write scene by scene.

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

Carpe diem. Seize the day.

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

Honoring the dead is a sacred duty.

Marian McCarthy is the author of the new book Murder and the Brewer

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Interview with M. Kevin Hayden, Author of Willow Rose

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Willow Rose?

The layered synchronicity of how this story arrived is far too complex to spell out completely here, but I’ll do my best. Last summer, I was alone in a remote cabin when I heard a soft knock at my door in the middle of the night. It was so unnerving that it made me freeze in place. What an eldritch feeling. The events that followed became the seed for *Willow Rose.* It wasn’t just a tiny knock on the door—it was a rap at the door of my imagination. Then the idea of Comet Goodwin came to me in a sudden flash of thought, and the rest of the story followed, almost fully formed, like a memory of something I hadn’t actually lived. I didn’t choose to write it; I was compelled to and couldn’t stop. I was stuck in that seat until the final page, with stiff knees to prove it. I like to joke that this story held me by the throat and wouldn’t let go until I was done—I was bound in place, like the bull elk in the story (IYKYK). Parts of this story are drawn from real events… but I’ll leave which ones a mystery.

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

Ha! They already have theme songs—every single one of them. Some have more than one. They’re tucked into the playlists included with the book. I’ll let readers decide which belongs to whom. I often drop tiny story breadcrumbs in the music choices as well. Listen to those lyrics. “Heartbeat” by Taana Gardner is one.

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

My favorite genre to read is time-travel fiction. There’s just something about bending time that tickles my brain. I’m excited to tell my own time-travel story—when the moment is right. Or when I decide to travel to that perfect moment.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I just finished In the Woods Somewhere by Sam Evans—I loved it. Now I’m buddy-reading Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro with a friend. As for my TBR? It’s dumb-high. There’s probably snow on The Long Walk (Stephen King) as I climb this mountain toward Katabasis (R.F. Kuang).

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There’s a scene that centers around our “perfect purple presence.” When it came to me, I was bristling with chills, and the tears were flowing. I didn’t start this story with the intention of that happening—it just did. It felt like the story was writing me. I won’t spoil it here… but trust me, you’ll know when you get there. I only hope it moves readers the way it moved me.

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

I often write with a cheap little planetarium projector, throwing stars across the ceiling. My favorite slide is of the moon. The room has to be as dark as possible, with my desk light dialed to its lowest setting. My keyboard glows, so I can still see what I’m doing anyhow. But the non-negotiable? Music. I have to have it. Right now I’m listening to ‘Spill the Wine’ by War. The lyrics kind of fit the answer to my last question in a fun way.

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

I sincerely believe we’re not here for ourselves, but for one another.

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

I wrote this for them. Every word. And I hope they feel that.

M. Kevin Hayden is the author of the new book Willow Rose

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Interview with Sandra Boyle, Author of The Forgotten Self

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Forgotten Self (Echoes of the Forgotten Book 2)?

Always liked science fiction. I admire those who create entire civilizations, planets, and languages.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Forgotten Self (Echoes of the Forgotten Book 2), what would they be?

Elara Vale — “Dream On” (Aerosmith, 1973)

Elara’s core is resilience wrapped in doubt. “Dream On” captures her slow-burning determination to reclaim her memories and her identity, even when the world tells her she’s a ghost. The lyric “Half my life’s in books’ written pages, lived and learned from fools and from sages” could be her thesis statement — someone who has been rewritten but still insists on authorship.

Milo Vance — “Who Are You” (The Who, 1978)

For a man who questions every reflection, this is spot-on. “Who are you? I really wanna know.” fits Milo’s moral and psychological struggle — he’s both protector and possible saboteur, haunted by what he’s done (or been programmed to do). The raw guitar energy mirrors his volatility and buried guilt.

Maren Ishida — “Edge of Seventeen” (Stevie Nicks, 1981)

Maren is steel wrapped in silk — fiercely loyal, constantly underestimated. The pulsing rhythm and whisper-to-wail vocals of “Edge of Seventeen” reflect her independence and that aching drive to keep going, no matter the loss. She carries the story’s emotional grit.

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

Fiction, some fantasy. I write nonfiction, contemporary romance, and science fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Brandon Sanderson and Dean Kunz.

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

None, really. I’ll write anywhere I have my computer.

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

You can do anything you want if you want it badly enough.

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

Memory is fallible — but empathy and intent are what make us human.

Sandra Boyle is the author of the new book, The Forgotten Self (Echoes of the Forgotten Book 2)

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Interview with Author Jennifer Farwell, Author of On the Way Down

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write On the Way Down?

There’s a Wilson Mizner quote: “Be nice to people on the way up, because you’ll meet the same people on the way down.” This quote inspired the premise for On the Way Down and also its title. Much of the rest came in a rush of ideas that I wrote down and set aside for a month while the story took shape in my mind.

The concept of two people drifting apart and reconnecting years later—after success, failure, life-altering events, and growth—was something I wanted to explore as a second-chance romance. I was also inspired by real-life reflection on how you can know someone during one part of your life, then reconnect later and discover they’re someone you hardly recognize. You have to learn who they are all over again.

Phoenix destroying his relationship with Del while rising to fame, then battling his demons in the spotlight and sabotaging his career before crossing paths with her again, follows the idea of the Mizner quote. Del experiences the flip side of this, since she’s now at the height of her career and thought she’d moved on from Phoenix. She soon realizes her old feelings and unanswered questions are still there—but she may not know who Phoenix has become.

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

I have an entire playlist for my characters and the book, so this is a fun question! For Del, the song is “Justified” by Kacey Musgraves. The chorus mirrors her emotions as she reconnects with Phoenix, reflects on their past, and learns to trust him—and her own heart—again. Without giving too much away, there’s a subtle change in wording during the third chorus that captures a shift in how she feels later in the story.

For Phoenix, the song is “Feel” by Robbie Williams. When the story begins, Phoenix has lived through the highs and lows of fame, lost himself, and found his way back. Now, he’s determined to redeem himself and earn Del’s love and trust once more. The lyrics and mood of “Feel” perfectly capture the journey he’s taken—and the future he hopes to build.

If you’d like to listen to the full playlist, search for “On the Way Down – The Playlist” on Spotify, or visit: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6bipGkPT4daqC3ztNLu2Od

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

I’m all over the place when it comes to what I read. If a book’s description and first chapter grab my attention, I’m in—no matter the genre. Thriller, mystery, romance, true crime, women’s fiction, historical fiction—I enjoy them all. I take a similar approach to my writing, experimenting across genres, though all of my books so far fall under the romance umbrella. Some are adult contemporary, some are young adult, some explore the world of celebrity, and others carry a touch of suspense.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Deadly Book Club by Lyn Liao Butler
Gone Before Goodbye by Harlan Coben and Reese Witherspoon
Name Your Price by Holly James
Dream On by Jennifer Hartmann

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Without giving anything away, my favorite scene to write was when Ava—Del’s best friend—grills her about the day she spent with Phoenix. Ava might be a supporting character, but nothing gets past her, and she was an absolute joy to write.

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

The first thing I do when I write is put my phone on silent and stuff it under a pillow. It stays there until I need a break, or sometimes for the whole day. I also listen to the same two or three songs on repeat for days or weeks on end, with the songs being ones that pull me into a particular headspace for the scenes I'm working on. Daily long walks are a big part of my writing process as well, since I use that time to mentally work through scenes.

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

What I live by is more of a behavior, and that's being intentional with my energy and focus and where these are invested. It's something I remind myself to do daily, because we live in a time with endless sources of distraction and nonstop competition for our attention. Taylor Swift said it well on the New Heights podcast earlier this year: "What you spend your energy on—that's the day."

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

Whether romantic or a close friendship, relationships require honesty and accountability—not only with the other person, but with ourselves.

Jennifer Farwell is the author of the new book On the Way Down

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Interview with R.L. Merrill, Author of For The Witches

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write For The Witches (Sapphic Collections)?

I love to write stories of women-loving-women, and I frequently write short stories for anthologies and other projects. I wanted to be able to give back to my community this year, so I decided to bundle my short stories into two volumes and donate the proceeds to organizations fighting for reproductive justice.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of For The Witches (Sapphic Collections), what would they be?

The novella in this collection, All I Wanna Do, is inspired by the song "All I Wanna Do is Make Love To You," originally by Heart, and also covered by Halestorm. I've always loved it, it makes me cry every time, and it inspired a Rock Legends love story that crosses the veil between the living and deceased.

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

I read a variety of genres, but I've been on a queer romantic suspense kick lately. I've also been listening to a lot of audiobooks in the urban fantasy/paranormal romance genre. I love to write paranormal romance, which suits me because I LOVE horror and I need an HEA.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I don't really have a TBR pile, I have a vault of promises haha. Currently, I need to finish Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil for Queerly Beloved, the queer book club that I host at Books Inc in Alameda, CA. I'm also looking forward to listening to Tim Curry's memoir, and Lousy With Trouble Boys by Connor Peterson.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I love the stories in this collection so much, and there are a few moments I love. In A Kept Woman, I loved the reveal of who Bride really is. I also love writing poetry, and the story in verse Sold As Is was so fun to write.

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

Lately it's a writing battle royale in my home. We recently inherited a Chinese Crested and a black cat to add to our two black cats and a Great Dane. The new cat Scruffy LOVES to climb over me while I'm writing and step on the keyboard. Spike, the new dog, also loves being a lapdog, so balancing a 17 lbs purse dog in my lap while typing is a challenge as well.

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

When people believe in something, it gives it power. The more people, the more power. This can be good or not so good. I like to examine this theme in my books.

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

Things happen for a reason, so pay attention.

R.L. Merrill is the author of the new book For The Witches (Sapphic Collections)

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Interview with KD Pryor, Author of The Fomorians

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Fomorians?

The Fomorians is book 3 in my Of Gods and Monsters series. The series follows Aisling Doyle, a 45-year-old mom from New Hampshire who discovers her husband has died in a manner eerily similar to a dream she had the night he left her for a younger woman. I had the idea for a book about women who have powerful dreams that can change reality when I was living in Galway, Ireland. After a bit of research and a discussion with my writing group in Galway, I discovered the Celtic goddess of dreams, Caer Ibormeith. In my series, Dreammasters are descended from Caer and have special dreams that can change reality. The first three books of the series, the now-complete trilogy, started as one book. But as I wrote, the story grew, and one book became three.

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

For Aisling, the 45-year-old protagonist, I think “Dreams” by The Cranberries would be a favorite. Her mother probably liked listening to The Cranberries too, as they’re an Irish band, and Mary, Aisling’s mom, was from Galway. Aisling also grows to love traditional Irish music while in Galway. Tommy Kennedy is another point-of-view character. He’s the son of a king of the Otherworld, the land of the Fae. He’s been in Galway for 46 years, and he’s come to love Ireland. He loves going to pubs to listen to traditional music. I think he’d love traditional Irish ballads like “The Foggy Dew” and the traditional version of “Galway Girl.” Fergus Hennessey is another integral part of the story. He’s a singer and fiddle player and is part of a band that plays in local pubs around County Galway. He also favors traditional Irish tunes like “The Star of the County Down” and “Morrison’s Jig.” Because he also sings, I think Fergus would like beautiful ballads like “The Fields of Athenry.”

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

I’m drawn to richly layered mysteries and gothic suspense, particularly stories that weave between the past and present like Kate Morton’s novels. I have a special fondness for British and Scottish murder mysteries, from the complex psychological investigations of Elizabeth George to T. G. Reid’s Scottish noir novels. My other favorite is classic gothic literature like Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I also enjoy reading other Paranormal Women’s Fiction authors, including Jilleen Dolbeare, Lydia M. Hawke, Tara Heavey, and D. M. Fike. One of my favorite authors is Agatha Christie. I’ve collected most of her books over the years, and I love rereading them. Each of them is my favorite. I do love reading nonfiction as well as fiction, and I have several nonfiction titles on my TBR pile, as you’ll see below.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My nonfiction TBR pile includes Bliss Brain by Dawson Church, Write to Riches by Renee Rose, and Getting Things Done by David Allen. My fiction TBR pile includes Sugar, Spice, and Magical Midlife by Tara West, The Killing Parade by T. G. Reid, and The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I don’t have a favorite scene, but I did enjoy creating my version of the Underworld, the land of the Fomorians. I also loved the end of the book, but I can’t explain why, or I risk spoiling the events that unfold within the story.

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

I like to write at home in my office. I’m not a café writer except when I’m plotting and working through a book. For the actual writing, I prefer to be in my personal space. I have my coffee with me as I start the day.

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

“Always go with the choice that scares you the most, because that’s the one that is going to require the most from you. Do you really want to look back on your life and see how wonderful it could have been had you not been afraid to live it?” — Caroline Myss

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

That it's never too late to become the person you were meant to be. Life is a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery, which is what I love about the Paranormal Women’s Fiction genre. These stories show midlife women discovering there's so much more waiting after the intensive years of parenting and career-building. Sometimes it's uncovering magical abilities, but more importantly, it's about rediscovering those inherent powers and strengths we all possess—the ones we might have set aside while focusing on everyone else's needs. When we finally remember and embrace these powers, we don't just change ourselves; we change the world around us. As my series tagline says: Creating stories for women who understand that becoming who you're meant to be is a journey that keeps unfolding.

KD Pryor is the author of the new book The Fomorians

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | October 28

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 Marian McCarthy, John B. Marek, M. Kevin Hayden, and more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | October 28

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 Alice McVeigh, Jonathan Epps, Jonathan Satterlee, and more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!