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Romance Reads You’ll Love | February 2022

Romance Reads You’ll Love | February 2022

In the mood for a new romance read this week? Check out our favorite new romance paranormal and romantic suspense books from bestselling authors Tricia Lynne, LM Fox, R.L. Caulder & M.J. Marstens, Karla Sorensen, Ella Goode, and Kristen Ashley. Enjoy your new romances!



Model Behavior (The Unlovabulls Book 2)

by Tricia Lynne

Release Date: February 15, 2022

A reckless football player forced to retire. An uptight PR pro with a past that could ruin her career. When the former college sweethearts reunite to raise money for rescue dogs, they’ll struggle with their attraction. But restarting the relationship could expose her secrets, and when the NFL calls, which second chance will he take—the one that got away, or gridiron glory?

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The Bitter Rival

by LM Fox

Release Date: December 9, 2021

Arrogant, sexy surgeon Sebastian Lee should come with a warning! The Bitter Rival is the first interconnected stand-alone spin off from The Deprivation Trilogy. Angsty medical romance, enemies to lovers, hot alpha surgeon, sassy strong-willed Heroine, hot and steamy, and a fiery single mom to a special needs son.

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Captured by the Monsters

by R.L. Caulder & M.J. Marstens

Release Date: February 7, 2022

Our leaders said it’s an honor to be chosen to go to The Below. I said f*ck that. My only chance of living long enough to escape—give in to the monster's desires. Only they could give me what I needed. In return, they’d use me for their own needs. Needs that I shouldn’t want, but found myself craving. Was this why no one ever returned to The Above?

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The Plan

by Karla Sorensen

Release Date: February 9, 2022

Erik’s words might say that the lines have to stay firm between us, but those dark eyes of his? They tell another story when he looks at me. He’s just as stubborn as I am, but when our fake dating plan starts to feel a lot more real, it's only a matter of time before his professional walls come crashing down. I just have to hope my heart doesn't get buried in the rubble.

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My Secret Valentine Baby

by Ella Goode

Release Date: February 9, 2022

After attending her best friend's wedding at the Valentine Hotel in Vegas, Mila threw caution to the wind—along with her virginity —to a hot stranger at the bar. It was the best thing that had happened to Mila in a long time. What woman doesn’t need a little crazy fun once in a lifetime? But when the pregnancy test comes back positive, Mila panics. With no money and no way to contact the father of the child, she feels like she committed the worst sin in Sin City.

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Taking the Leap

by Kristen Ashley

Release Date: February 15, 2022

Alexandra Sharp has been crushing on her co-worker, John “Rix” Hendrix for years. He’s her perfect man, she knows it. She’s just not his perfect woman, and she knows that too. Then Rix gives Alex a hint that maybe there’s a spark between them. This leads to a crash and burn, and that’s all shy Alex needs to catch the hint never to take the risk again. However, with undeniable timing, Rix’s ex, who broke his heart, and Alex’s family, who spent her lifetime breaking hers, rear their heads, gearing up to offer more drama. With the help of some matchmaking friends, Rix and Alex decide to face the onslaught together... As a fake couple.

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Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense Books to Read | February 2022

Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense Books to Read | February 2022

Don’t miss out on these exciting new mystery, thriller, and suspense books that are perfect to add to your reading list this winter! Check out these new books by bestselling authors Traci Andrighetti, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, M. C. Beaton, Elle Gray, Deanna Raybourn, and Mark Greaney. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense books!



Valpolicella Violet (Franki Amato Mysteries Book 7)

by Traci Andrighetti

Release Date: November 26, 2021

Valpolicella Violet is book 7 in the Franki Amato Mysteries, but it can be read as a standalone. If you like zany characters and laugh-out-loud humor with a splash of suspense, then you’ll drink up this fun series by USA Today Bestselling Author Traci Andrighetti. Cin cin!

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Diablo Mesa

by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

Release Date: February 15, 2022

Lucas Tappan, a wealthy and eccentric billionaire and founder of Icarus Space Systems, approaches the Santa Fe Archaeological Institute with an outlandish proposal—to finance a careful, scientific excavation of the Roswell Incident site, where a UFO is alleged to have crashed in 1947. A skeptical Nora Kelly, to her great annoyance, is tasked with the job.

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Death of a Laird

by M. C. Beaton

Release Date: February 15, 2022

A wealthy laird's guests are trapped in his estate during a furious storm--but when the laird turns up dead, Scotland's most quick-witted but unambitious policeman, Hamish Macbeth, is on the case in this delightful new short story in M.C. Beaton's New York Times bestselling series.

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A Time to Die (Blake Wilder FBI Mystery Thriller Book 10)

by Elle Gray

Release Date: February 15, 2022

When a series of bombings rock the Pacific Northwest, FBI Agent Blake Wilder leaps into action. The investigation though, brings her back into contact with an ATF agent she has clashed violently with in the past.

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An Impossible Impostor (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery Book 7)

by Deanna Raybourn

Release Date: February 15, 2022

While investigating a man claiming to be the long-lost heir to a noble family, Veronica Speedwell gets the surprise of her life in this new adventure from the New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

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Sierra Six (Gray Man Book 11)

by Mark Greaney

Release Date: February 15, 2022

Before he was the Gray Man, Court Gentry was Sierra Six, the junior member of a CIA action team. In their first mission they took out a terrorist leader, at a terrible price. Years have passed. The Gray Man is on a simple mission when he sees a ghost: the long-dead terrorist, but he's remarkably energetic for a dead man. A decade of time hasn't changed the Gray Man. He isn't one to leave a job unfinished or a blood debt unpaid.

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Interview with Miranda Kate, Author of Dead Lake

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Dead Lake?

I host a weekly writing event called Mid-Week Flash Challenge, where I provide a picture prompt to inspire writers to write a piece of flash fiction (anything under 1000 words – or in the case of my challenge, under 750 words). I started this back in 2017 as a way to keep me writing regularly. It helps me come up with fresh ideas and characters, and Tricky, the main character in Dead Lake, arrived in one of them.

After that, she started to pop up fairly regularly and once I had about twelve pieces, I realised she had a much larger story to tell, and started working on what that would be. And then I realised there was a series in her tales, so I’m busy polishing up the second book and about to draft up the third book. I know where this trilogy ends, but I have a suspicion that Tricky has more to tell me in the future. She’s quite a persistent character when she has something to say, and one I really enjoy writing.

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

Horror is my favourite genre to read. I like dark tales: sinister, paranormal, or psychological. I can do gory, but I prefer it when it isn’t the main feature. I do write horror too. I have two collections of horror shorts as well as a psychological thriller under another penname (M K Boers).

But I do also enjoy reading epic fantasy, high fantasy, and science fiction. So, in my writing I tend to mix all of them together, creating dark sci-fi fantasy and dark paranormal fantasy, as well as horror. I find that no matter what I write, it usually has a dark edge.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Gosh so many! I have at least 100 paperbacks and I don’t dare count up how many ebooks. I have the latest Stephen King books starting to pile up – Later, Institute, and Billy Summer, because he produces faster than I can read. As it is I have only just got round to reading Clive Barker’s Books of Blood Volumes 1-6 which have been sitting on my shelves for at least twenty years (even though I’ve read all his other books). I have the Long Earth series by Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter waiting, which I bought as someone told me that one of the stories in my sci-fi collection, Slipping Through, reminded them of it.

I am also one of the lucky few to still have unread Terry Pratchett discworld books waiting on my shelf. I’m not sure how many but Raising Steam, The Shepherd’s Crown, and Snuff are among them. I have a lot of Agatha Christie books which I have been collecting. (I’ve got 57 out of 70). And I’m still working through The Conclave of Shadows Saga by Raymond E Feist; I’ve got the last one, Flight of the Nighthawks, waiting and the first three books of The Firemane Saga. On my ereader I see Six by Mark Cassell and Below by Kev Harrison waiting for me. Both horror, and both indie authors whose books I love.

As you can see, I’m not short of reading material.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

That’s quite tricky (pun intended), because Tricky is so funny and doesn’t let people mess with her. I love how she interacts and talks in general. But I like the scene where Randolf Carter attempts to get information out of her, and also the dream scene when Annie comes to speak to her when she’s in the cell in the dungeon. And of course when she comes to John Thatcher’s rescue and sorts out Carter once and for all.

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

I have to write in silence, which apparently seems to be quite quirky. Although I used to write in a busy office when I was a secretary and had no issues with that, but music, television, or my children making too much noise, will pull me straight out of the zone and stop me from writing further.

I print off a first draft and always do the first round of edits on paper with a red pen, before doing a second edit when I input the first edits on the computer.

I have a cat that insists on coming for cuddles. He comes and stands on my desk in front of me and puts a front and back paw on my chest until I pick him up so he can snuggled into my neck. That’s become a daily habit. I can’t have mugs or glasses on my desk because I have another cat who likes to come and drink out of them, and will knock them over if she can’t reach the water with her face,

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

One of my favourite quotes is: ‘The killer of life is not death, but disenchantment’ from Shagbark, a short story in Book of Dark Wisdom, The Magazine of Dark Fiction by A.A. Attanasio. We spend so much time comparing ourselves and limiting ourselves by others, we miss the real joy and beauty in life. I try and think, look at what you bring to the world, not at what you lack.

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

If you enjoyed it, there is still more to come, and to look out for the next book.

 

Miranda Kate is the author of the new book Dead Lake

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Interview with Clark Graham, Author of Girl on Honeysuckle Avenue

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Girl on Honeysuckle Avenue?

I moved back to my beloved Idaho after retiring. When I drove through town I saw the Honeysuckle Avenue sign. That would make a great title, I thought. Girl on Honeysuckle Avenue. That's all I had at the time - the title. Later, I began plotting it out. I decided to make the girl mysterious. That's how the Girl on Honeysuckle Avenue came to be.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Girl on Honeysuckle Avenue, what would they be?

Only the Lonely by Roy Orberson.

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

I love reading history books, but I write in all sorts of genres.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

A spy novel by Susan Cady Allred.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The shootout scene.

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

I write five hundred words and then go eat breakfast. Come back and write five hundred more and then go about my day.

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

Just write!

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

If life tries to change for the better, let it.

 

Clark Graham is the author of the new book Girl on Honeysuckle Avenue

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Interview with Theophilus Monroe, Author of The Curse of Cain

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Curse of Cain?

Cain (yes, that Cain) was a character in a previous series I wrote. He was the character from Biblical lore who, on account of his "mark" never died. Six thousand years later, he was the chief psychiatrist at an asylum for the magically and mentally deranged.

After I wrote that series I polled my readers and asked which of my side characters they'd like to see as the heroes/heroines of their own series. I almost forgot about Cain and added him at the end of the poll. He won by a landslide. So, I decided to craft his own series!

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

"Hungry Like the Wolf," by Duran Duran. Since Cain's curse is that he's also a werewolf, it fits.

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

I like to read epic fantasy, usually. I do write epic fantasy though not as often. My first epic fantasy series will be coming out under the name of my elven half-brother T.R. Magnus towards the end of this year. So, I do write epic fantasy, and I'll be publishing it soon!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

"The Iron Prince," by Bryce O'Connor and Luke Chmilenko. I'm also still trying to get into the latest installment in Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive, "Rhythm of War."

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There's a scene where an Ogre in the asylum, who thinks he is the reincarnation of Michael Jackson, enthralls the entire asylum through a spell to do the Thriller dance.

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

I don't know how quirky it is, but I don't write on a computer. I use a Freewrite.

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

"If the world were going to end tomorrow, I'd plant a tree." Martin Luther

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

This book his a strong "redemption" message. Obviously, Cain has a lot to atone for. But the mistakes of someone's past don't have to be a prison that defines a person's life.

 

Theophilus Monroe is the author of the new book The Curse of Cain

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Interview with Tricia Lynne, Author of Model Behavior

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Model Behavior (The Unlovabulls Book 2)?

The short answer is my dog, Brennan.

The Long answer is that a few years ago, we adopted a four(ish)-year-old Cane Corso from a local rescue. They believed she had been a puppy mill mama. These are a 130-140 lbs. bully breed that are NOT for first time dog owners. They are strong willed, intelligent, confident, dogs that were bread to guard the castle for hundreds of years. They also happen to be an “in” dog to have right now.

I wanted to tell Brennan’s story because so many people buy dogs that come from puppy mills without even realizing it simply because they don’t research the breeders or the breed itself. Bad breeding and owners who can’t meet a dog’s needs, are how bully breeds get a bad rap, and how shelters get overcrowded. Brennan is a heart dog. Her face is starting to turn grey now––adopting an older dog is so very rewarding. They deserve a second chance at their forever, too.

As for football, my husband played in college. The Unlovabulls series is set in Dallas–– football is a way of life, but as former athlete, I wanted to highlight how contact sports can affect the body. The parallels I drew between old dogs (Sadie) and old football players (Hayes) practically wrote themselves.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Model Behavior  (The Unlovabulls Book 2), what would they be?

Oh, I’m a hardcore music person! It helps me invoke the emotion I’m trying to pull out of my characters.

For my heroine, Olive, her theme song is definitely Wings by Birdie. The music really embodies the nostalgia Olive would have for the person she’d been in college, and how she felt about the hero, Hayes.

With Hayes, I’m going to give away my age group here, but The Reason by Hoobastank. It IS Hayes! He needs to make changes in his life but isn’t sure he can without help. It’s perfect for him

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

Yes, of course. Romance is my favorite, and I love all genres, but I gravitate to adult contemporaries. Though, if I ever write in another genre, it will probably be horror. I know, it’s a jump that usually makes people look at me like I’ve lost it.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m currently reading The Southern Book club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix and Summer Proposal by Vi Keeland. I’ve also got Mexican Gothic by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia, Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon, and Helen Hoang’s The Bride Test.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There’s a scene where the Heroine—who owns her own PR firm—arranges for a TV show to come shoot an episode about the Unlovabulls rescue. That scene was so much fun, watching it unfold and Olive did her thing, kicking ass and taking names. As an aside, I once filmed a TV show (Dude Perfect) with my dog at my local training center, so I had a head start on the research

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

Twizzlers. When I’m on deadline, I want Twizzlers to chew on. I mean, they’re good but not the best licorice I’ve had, so I’m not sure why it has to be Twizzlers brand, but it does. Maybe because they can be chewy so I can really work my jaw on them instead of grinding my teeth? I also always have music playing when I write. I almost always have a dog on my feet, too.

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

There are a few. I’m super-protective of my dogs. Especially Brennan. She is such an amazing dog, yet I know—because of her breed—if she were ever to get into a fight with another dog, even if she didn’t start it, she will always be the bad guy. As a bully breed owner, I’m hyper aware of that. It’s my duty to make sure my dog is well-behaved and under my control at all times, because breed bias is a thing.

I like to tell people “Don’t Bully My Breed.” The other saying I love that relates to my dogs is “That wasn’t my dog growling at you. It was me.” It’s fits.

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

I want people to remember to educate themselves and become knowledgeable dog owners. Dogs shouldn’t be an impulse purchase. Put in the time and research, and get the right dog for you and your family. I hope that’s a rescue dog, but if it’s not, make sure you know where your dog is coming from. Buying a puppy mill puppy only perpetuates the cycle of shelter overcrowding and lining the miller’s pockets.

Also, a dog is a commitment for their lifetime, not a throwaway. Be prepared to meet the needs of the breed you chose. You wouldn’t buy a house with researching the builder or history--don’t buy a dog without researching the breeder and breed.

 

Tricia Lynne is the author of the new book Model Behavior (The Unlovabulls Book 2)

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Interview with Traci Andrighetti, Author of Valpolicella Violet

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Valpolicella Violet (Franki Amato Mysteries 7)?

The Franki Amato mysteries are set in New Orleans, but my readers had been asking for a mystery set in Italy. So, one morning when I was walking my dogs and trying to decide whether to set Valpolicella Violet in Venice, a completely crazy thing happened. I saw a man in a Medico della Peste (Plague Doctor) mask and costume talking to a woman in workout clothes on a bridge over a creek behind the Elisabet Ney Museum in Austin, Texas. The timing was so synchronistic that I took it as a sign the book had to be set in Venice.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Valpolicella Violet (Franki Amato Mysteries 7), what would they be?

Two come to mind, and they’re both oldies. For Franki’s sixty-something ex-stripper landlady, it’s definitely David Rose’s famous jazz instrumental, “The Stripper.” And for Franki, I’d have to go with Dean Martin’s “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” both because of the trials of her love life and because she’s investigating cases in New Orleans—which is no “Big Easy.”

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

I don’t read much straight-up cozy, which is reflected in my books. I love comedy in general and SO wish that comedy mystery was a genre in book stores. But I also read traditional mysteries and historical novels.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I read in English and Italian—at least one book in each every month. Next up in English is Sophie Kinsella’s My (Not So) Perfect Life, which showed up in my Little Free Library to remind me that I’d never read it, LOL. And in Italian, I’m going to read La regola di Santa Croce by Gabriella Genisi, who writes about two female police inspectors and is the author who inspired me to write.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Probably when Franki and a loud librarian row to the island of San Michele, which is Venice’s cemetery, in the middle of the night to investigate a gravesite. Lots of creepy AND comedy in that scene.

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

Yes, I have a writing ritual. Right before I start writing every day, I shake a Trevi Fountain snow globe I bought in Rome. It’s a magical fountain, so I’m always hoping that it will lend me some of that magic when I write.

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

Oh, for sure: When life gives you lemons, make Limoncello. And drink it!

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

The fascination and fun of culture, and I don’t only mean the culture of Venice or Italy in general. I’m so interested in various personality types, and culture of various groups and professions. And I get a kick out of playing with stereotypes and putting a spin on them, e.g., the loud librarian I referenced above. Her name is Shona Helper, and she’s very resourceful, as librarians typically are, but she’s also loud and not always helpful to Franki, which creates some fun conflict. 😀

 

Traci Andrighetti is the author of the new book Valpolicella Violet  (Franki Amato Mysteries 7)

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Interview with Christine Herbert, Author of The Color of the Elephant

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Color of the Elephant?

This story is a true account of my Peace Corps service in Zambia as a health educator from 2004-2006. It's been many years in the making.

The journey was two-fold: first was surviving the years in a mud hut in Africa, then the years afterward, analyzing and writing about these harrowing experiences when I returned home to the USA. Both of these journeys were more difficult and more rewarding than I could ever have guessed.

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

"All by Myself" by Eric Carmen (more recently popularized by Celine Dion). Years of solo living in a mud hut definitely had me singing that to myself (full-on Bridget Jones style) on more than one occasion!

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

My favorite genre to read is supernatural, adventure, & romance, especially young adult. Not what I write at all! I find it a wonderful escape. I read all genres, but I find I am particularly fond of stories that involve no bigger quandary than if the vampire (or werewolf, or alien) they like likes them back, and if so, will they be the ones to bestow their first kiss upon them?

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

There are so many! On the top of the pile are two memoirs, also written by returned Peace Corps volunteers who served in Zambia. The Unheard by Josh Swiller, and A Few Minor Adjustments by Cherie Kephart.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

It's hard to pick a favorite, but probably the scene describing my worst meltdown, where I chased a busboy around the depot demanding my money back. It was truly my worst failure as an ambassador from another country, but writing it out, really airing my dirty laundry, so to speak, helped me release the shame of it and extend myself some grace. Laughter, especially at one's self, is truly the best medicine.

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

I have the hardest time writing at home, where it is peaceful and quiet. I prefer to be surrounded by the ambient sounds of humanity bustling around me while I work, which is why I love writing in coffee shops. During COVID restrictions, when this wasn't a possibility, I would stream youtube videos of ambient coffee shop sounds or fingers typing away on a keyboard (ASMR videos) to help get me in the writing mood.

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

If it scares me, it is probably worthwhile doing.

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

Embrace the adventures your life presents to you.

 

Christine Herbert is the author of the new book The Color of the Elephant

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Interview with LM Fox, Author of The Bitter Rival

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

The story is inspired by a young surgeon I worked with who retired abruptly after a life-changing diagnosis.

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

Confident by Demi Lovato.

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

Yes… enemies to lovers contemporary romance!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Those written by my friends 🙂

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene in the strip club.

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

No, not really. I just like to write late at night when everyone else is asleep.

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?

Real life is beautiful and romantic too.

 

LM Fox is the author of the new book The Bitter Rival

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Interview with David E. Kinney, Author of Metatalta, Daggered Wings

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Metatalta, Daggered Wings?

There was a time when I read a book a night. All the old sci-fi novels from the 60s, 70's & 80's. I really wanted to write, using my life's experiences and aspirations, a series that would endure and inspire generations of future readers and dreamers like the great authors of the past did for me.

I’m a Bio-medical engineer, former Marine officer, and aerospace engineer with experience developing the B-2 bomber and the F-22 fighter. After my time in aerospace, I started a company that designed, built and operated flight simulation facilities for the general public. The most notable of which was Fightertown, located in southern California. I also wrote and developed several flight simulation games before pursuing full time that which I believe I was put on Earth to do – tell stories. Wanting to walk a wire without a net, I ridded myself of every procession. And after eight years of sleeping in garages and on couches finally – Metatalta, Daggered Wings.

The above information is not, in any way, to extol passed accomplishments – far from it. Someone who owns nothing and has absolutely no social life, save for conversations with fictitious characters, is in no position to do such. But it is offers merely as a footnote - possible evidence of life experiences - that might contribute to the success of a military based science fiction novel.

As for the book itself, though it was not born from any conscious decision, elements of Dune and Star Wars are easily recognizable. Also, like Star Wars, with Luke, Leia, and Han, or even Harry Potter, with Harry, Ron, and Herminie—Metatalta follows the adventures of Sam, Bo, and AJ.

The book cover was created by legendary sci-fi artist, Peter Andrew Jones. It is his first cover in over thirty years! What made him agree to design a new book cover now?

Here's what Peter said after reading an early manuscript:

"Receiving you’re your story, I thought I’d just sift through it, give it a once-over, because I needed to get on with stuff, but instead... I just had to read it right through to the end. And I can truthfully say, as I read through it, I felt I was 21 again, visualizing my first E.E. Doc Smith cover, transported back to my London studio the mid-1970s. Obviously, I react to things from a visual perspective, being an artist, and it did, to me, what those 70s books did. So... the point I am making is, if it was your intention to write a 70s style SF book – you cracked it - 100%. Well, for me, it did anyway. It reads like fun, enthusiasm, and I assume, created with passion. Of course, I admit, I'm totally biased, because it conjured up memories for me, of unfettered creativity."

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

For Sam & Bo - 'Somewhere' (Westside Story).

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

All types of science fiction and select fantasy books (Harry Potter, Wizard of OZ).

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

New cadets traveling from the Star Corp debarkation center to the orbiting Officer Evaluation school. It was drawn from an experience I had while in the Marine Corps.

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

Believing is Seeing.

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

Friendship and loyalty out last time itself. And an understanding that the little things that make us different, pale to the things where in we are bound together.

 

David E. Kinney is the author of the new book Metatalta, Daggered Wings

Connect with David E. Kinney

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