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Literary Fiction Recommendations | August 2021

Have you been searching for your next favorite literary fiction novel? Don’t miss our list of must-read literary fiction books from bestselling authors Melissa Bobe, Gwydhar Gebien, Jimmy Clifton, Ellen Airgood, Charlotte McConaghy, and Azareen Van der Vliet Oloomi. Enjoy your new books!

Electric Trees

by Melissa Bobe

Release Date: July 9, 2021

A collection of magical realism short stories by accomplished author Melissa Bobe...This book has monsters and murders, elephants and polar bears and wolves, of a kind. It has crappy jobs and happy escapes. It has funerals and hospitals and hope. Its homes are haunted by people haunted by the things they cannot face. Its halls are quiet, its colors are loud, and it will take you on a journey if you’re willing to stay the course. Are you?

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Opening Acts (Enfant Terrible Book 1)

by Gwydhar Gebien

Release Date: June 28, 2021

The first book of the Enfant Terrible Series by Gwydhar Gebien...In a last-ditch effort to revive his career, Damen returns to Chicago on the promise of playing Lollapalooza and his life quickly spirals into a vortex of sex, drugs, rock and roll, colorful language, explicit content, and poor taste. Antagonizing everyone in his path, Damen struggles to reinvent himself and to come to terms with his estranged family as he plummets face-first to rock bottom.

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Powerballs

by Jimmy Clifton

Release Date: May 6, 2021

A humorous adventure from Jimmy Clifton...A cautionary tale if there ever was one about the perils of sudden wealth, and what the almighty dollar can do to a man’s, or woman’s, soul. In the immortal words of Jimmy Clifton: Be careful what you wish for. “A mysterious author delivers the comical tale…a raucous adventure around the globe.” — Kirkus Reviews

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Tin Camp Road

by Ellen Airgood

Release Date: August 3, 2021

An exciting new literary fiction novel from Ellen Airgood...Set against the wide-open beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, a wise, big-hearted novel in which a young single mother and her ten-year-old daughter stand up to the trials of rural poverty and find the community they need in order to survive.

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Once There Were Wolves

by Charlotte McConaghy

Release Date: August 3, 2021

From the author of the beloved national bestseller Migrations, a pulse-pounding new novel set in the wild Scottish Highlands...Propulsive and spell-binding, Charlotte McConaghy's Once There Were Wolves is the unforgettable story of a woman desperate to save the creatures she loves—if she isn’t consumed by a wild that was once her refuge.

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Savage Tongues

by Azareen Van der Vliet Oloomi

Release Date: August 3, 2021

A new novel by PEN/Faulkner Award winner Azareen Van der Vliet Oloomi...Equal parts Marguerite Duras and Shirley Jackson, Rachel Cusk and Samanta Schweblin, Savage Tongues is a compulsive, unsettling, and bravely observed exploration of violence and eroticism, haunting and healing, and the profound intimacy born of the deepest pain.

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New Steamy Romance Recommendations | August 2021

Looking for some sexy new contemporary romance novels to add to your reading list? You’ll adore these fantastic releases that are perfect for any fan of a good love story. Enjoy your new books by bestselling authors Gail Haris, Tracey Jerald, Prescott Lane, Monica Murphy, Maggie Cole, and Amanda McKinney!

My Best Shot

by Gail Haris

Release Date: July 21, 2021

A new exciting romance from Bestselling Author Gail Haris...It only took one disastrous selfie sent to the wrong number and I caught the attention of Vincent Goodman. Worse, I can’t let dear, sweet Vin find out that the scandalous photo sent to him was originally intended for his notorious older brother, Tristan Goodman. I also can’t let my older brother, Sam, discover I’m falling in love with his boss!

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Perfect Composition

by Tracey Jerald

Release Date: August 2, 2021

Book 3 of the Midas Series by Bestselling Author Tracey Jerald...I spent years thinking this gorgeous, tattooed rock god was a monster. The problem is, I just found out he isn't. But there's one that threatens my family. And I'll have to confront it because my daughter needs her dad.

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The Right Side of Wrong

by Prescott Lane

Release Date: July 29, 2021

From USA Today Bestselling Author Prescott Lane comes a steamy new standalone romance...I can tell you all the reasons Paige and I shouldn’t be together. But love overlooks a lot. Right or wrong, we’re going to have to fight for our happily ever after. And I don't plan on losing.

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Things I Wanted To Say: (but never did)

by Monica Murphy

Release Date: July 29, 2021

From New York Times Bestselling Author Monica Murphy comes a brand new dark and twisted bully romance full of secrets and lies...Whit Lancaster burst into my life like a storm. Dark and thunderous, furious and fierce. Cold, heartless, and devastatingly beautiful, like the statues in our prep school gardens. The school with his family name on the sign. He can do no wrong here. This is his domain. Now he knows all my secrets. My hate. My truth. And he promises to use my words against me. I’ll be ruined if my darkest secret gets out. That’s when I strike a bargain with the devil. I’ll let Whit Lancaster ruin me behind closed doors instead.

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Savage Tracker

by Maggie Cole

Release Date: August 1, 2021

The jaw-dropping fifth installment of the Mafia Wars series by Maggie Cole...Meeting my neighbor, Obrecht Ivanov, confuses me. The moment he walks through my door, I desperately want him to command me to kneel. I swore I would never return to anything like life with my ex-husband. So why do I feel as if I can’t breathe? Each passing day that I don’t cave into my desires, the tension in my soul exponentially tightens. I convince myself to go take care of it and stop the itch once and for all. Just one time and then I’ll be fine. It’s bad enough my ex-husband is doing everything in his power to find me. The choice I make puts me in a dangerous and vulnerable position. It’s a good thing Obrecht is always watching me...

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Redemption Road

by Amanda McKinney

Release Date: August 3, 2021

From the Bestselling and Multi-Award-Winning Author, Amanda McKinney comes a new romance...Antique dealer by day, a secret painter by night, Rory Flanagan arrives home to find a man, battered and bruised, sprawled out on her newly upholstered Victorian sofa. The brash, six-foot-four stranger takes an unusual interest in Rory’s vintage gold pendant—given to Rory by her mother the day she was killed. They say Christian Locke is a loner, an orphan, a mysterious cowboy the small-town gossips deem an outsider. They tell her to stay away. But Rory can’t ignore the connection she feels to the mulish recluse or the interest he has in the cursed necklace she wears around her neck. Christian says he doesn’t believe in fate, but every twist and turn of the pendant’s story seems to lead her to the same place...

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Interview with Monica Murphy, Author of Things I Wanted To Say: (but never did)

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Things I Wanted To Say: (but never did)?

The title came first. This doesn't always happen to me, but every once in a while, I find a saying or whatever and think, "that would make a great book title," but I have no idea what the book will be about. I've been sitting on this title for YEARS! Second, I saw a photo of a really handsome dude in a hideous sweater last fall. This guy looked sooooo arrogant and very rich. I knew I wanted to write a book for him. I found another image (that is now on the cover) of the model and knew I wanted to write a book about an incredibly wealthy guy who harbors very dark thoughts. Oh, and the name came from a news reporter for ABC. I kept seeing good ol' Whit doing his nightly reports and thought, "I want to make that name sexy." My own mini-challenge. Ha ha.

If you woke up in the world of Things I Wanted To Say: (but never did), what is the first thing you would do?

Go hang out with Whit and stare at his pretty face while he insulted me (ha, I'm weird. I think this all stems from me watching American Idol back in the day and how I'd claim I'd let Simon Cowell criticize me all he wants - there was something cruelly appealing in how he tore contestants down). Soak up his opulent world for a while. Go comfort Summer and tell her I'd be her friend. Though she probably wouldn't trust me and act wary around me. Wouldn't blame her. Poor girl can't trust anyone.

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

Oh I went so old school recently and reread Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins - what a book! Very 80s but very scandalous for its time. So I'd say, "This book has it all! Sex, greed, sex, money, murder, sex, celebrities, scandal...did I mention sex? Feels like a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Hollywood fast life back in the day."

Where did you write Things I Wanted To Say: (but never did)?

I wrote it at my desk in my office, which sounds very boring, right? But I don't really go anywhere else to write.

Pretend you qualified for the Olympics this year. What sport would you compete in?

Synchronized swimming! I've always been fascinated in how glamorous and elegant they look in the water swimming in perfect sync. I of course would be an utter fail at it, but a person can dream.

Monica Murphy is the author of the new book Things I Wanted To Say: (but never did)

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Interview with John Garrett, Author of The Life-Taker

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Life-Taker?

I wrote the kind of story that I wanted to read. Basically, I wanted something where the main character (Kurzhon) was not too conflicted or remorseful. It just had to be more fun than drama.

If you woke up in the world of The Life-Taker, what is the first thing you would do?

The first thing I would do is make sure I was nowhere in the vicinity of The Life-Taker, himself!

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

"The most ruthless industry in the world isn't in Hollywood, or Oil, or Wall Street, it's in Video Games.

These are the stories of the biggest video game failures, and what happens to the people who make them."

~from 'Press Reset', by Jason Schreier

Where did you write The Life-Taker?

I wrote this entirely at my apartment stronghold in beautiful southeastern Wisconsin.

Pretend you qualified for the Olympics this year. What sport would you compete in?

I would say Power Walking, but honestly I'm too lazy even for that. I'll go with 100 meter Leisure Walking. That sounds doable.

John Garrett is the author of the new book The Life-Taker

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Interview with Gail Haris, Author of My Best Shot

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write My Best Shot?

My Best Shot was inspired by my fanbase, honestly. It's the second book in the new K.O. Series. Worth a Shot, book one, was from a dream I had. The first chapters are directly from what I dreamt, but unfortunately, I woke up. I kept wondering about these characters, and what happened to them! So, I wrote the book. The book was never intended to continue on, or become a series. It was going to be a stand-alone, and that was that. But I had an overwhelming response from readers wanting to know what happened to the side characters. My Best Shot focuses on the brother and the barista from book one. I sat down, closed my eyes, and let the characters tell the story. I hope with all my heart that the fans of book one are happy with this standalone, and in November I'll give them the third and final book. Well, I say final, but if they ask for more I'll always try to make it happen.

If you woke up in the world of My Best Shot, what is the first thing you would do?

I would go have a drink at the K.O! I want to party with Tori, Alexa, and Britney. I know I'd be in for a night full of laughs.

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

This is very difficult because I struggle to write my own blurbs. haha. I haven't had a chance to read anything just yet because I was finishing a novel for the Salvation Society. But I plan to start reading Cure Bound by M.L. Philpitt! It's a paranormal romance which is my go-to escape from the world, and I've been hearing wonderful things about it. I'm super excited!

Where did you write My Best Shot?

My Best Shot was written from my couch, my kitchen table, from the backroom of a restaurant my husband owns, outside in my car during my daughters' twirling lessons, and basically whenever I find time between Mommying, wifing, and life.

Pretend you qualified for the Olympics this year. What sport would you compete in?

Track because I feel like I'm constantly running around - joking, I'd be out of breath in no time and it'd be a sad sight. I'd be in ping-pong because I could see myself talking smack and dancing around. Have you ever watched the episode of "Friends" with Paul Rudd playing against Ross? Can you talk smack in the Olympics? That's probably unsportsman like, but I'd be the Paul Rudd of the Olympics.

Gail Haris is the author of the new book My Best Shot

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Interview with Kevin Corbin, Author of Weeping Willow

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

What inspired me to write Weeping Willow is my love of history. I enjoy all historical time periods, especially because of the fascinating settings they can offer. In Weeping Willow, I went with 1950s America because I wanted a setting that lent itself to an outlaw tale. The technology was just enough where a moderate amount of movement could occur (i.e., cars with decent speed,) but not so much that catching the bad guys would be easy (i.e., modern investigative abilities.)

If you woke up in the world of Weeping Willow, what is the first thing you would do?

I would purchase an era-appropriate automobile and cruise around. As stated above, I adore period pieces, and it would be amazing to cruise through the south and take it all in. Not only that, I would venture across the United States and absorb the breathtaking display of 1950s retro Americana.

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

Many books attempt to imitate Downton Abby without success. This one doesn’t quite succeed, but it comes close. The time period might be more advanced, but the familiar concepts are there—glorious estate, wealthy family with deep roots, social tensions between the family and the commoners, global unrest as the backdrop. The cast of characters is multi-dimensional, the tension is constant, and the setting is astoundingly accurate. It doesn’t quite capture the genre-defining masterpiece that is Downton Abby, but fans of such work would appreciate the noteworthy attempt.

Where did you write Weeping Willow?

Weeping Willow was written in my bedroom. In effect, this is how I spent the entirety of the Covid lockdown. The idea, outline, first draft, and revisions all occurred while I was home on work restrictions. And writing the book was the perfect escape because it transported me out of the current reality (at least for the mornings and afternoons) and into a fictional place of cops and robbers and classic cars.

Pretend you qualified for the Olympics this year. What sport would you compete in?

The 5,000-meter run. As an avid runner who enjoys shorter distances at speed, I would love to compete in this event. I would surely come in dead last, but it would be fun!

Kevin Corbin is the author of the new book Weeping Willow

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Interview with Tracey Jerald, Author of Perfect Composition

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

Two things sparked the initial idea. The first is I was a musician growing up. I played four instruments up to the time where I sustained an injury to my wrist while I was in college. It was such a pleasure to make music, I started from a young childhood and had the pleasure of touring Europe playing the cello. I parlayed that into becoming a rights and clearances paralegal for a worldwide internet company later in life. With both experiences, I know there is so much more that occurs behind the scenes than what the public sees. There are high flying emotions that affect every aspect of an artist.

If you woke up in the world of Perfect Composition, what is the first thing you would do?

Immediately race to work at the law firm that represents the hero of the story, Beckett Miller, because I'd be super late! I loved that job.

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

You are both the first and last line of defense between you and a nebulous world of darkness. Trust your instincts and let me give you some insight on how. For the record, the book was Hackable: How to do Application Security Right by Ted Harrington

Where did you write Perfect Composition?

I wrote Perfect Composition in my home office and my couch. The main thing I needed while writing were my headphones and lots of music. After all, how can you write about a sexy rockstar and not have music?

Pretend you qualified for the Olympics this year. What sport would you compete in?

It's funny you ask this particular question because I actually was a competitive swimmer. Trust me, I have the shoulders to prove it! Before life happened, I predominately swam the distance butterfly and freestyle events, so I'd hope to compete in the 200m butterfly, the 800m freestyle, and the new 1500m freestyle that Katie Ledecky crushed.

Tracey Jerald is the author of the new book Perfect Composition

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Interview with Jim Lively, Author of Surreal Absurdity

What's the story behind the story?

The story was influenced by my real-life experiences and some of the characters I encountered as an attorney transitioning into life as an artist/author.

What inspired you to write Surreal Absurdity?

While Surreal Absurdity is a stand-alone novel, it is a sequel to my earlier novel Aberrant Behavior. Several of the characters of the earlier novel resurface in Surreal Absurdity.

If you woke up in the world of Surreal Absurdity, what is the first thing you would do?

If I woke up as Charles Pierce in the world of Surreal Absurdity, the first thing that I would do is hire a bodyguard.

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

The last book that I read was Long Range by C.J. Box. The lead character, Joe Pickett is a rugged game warden whose jurisdiction is located in Wyoming. He is recruited to assist in the investigation of the killing of a judge's wife. The killer used a high-powered long-range rifle. His long-time friend is arrested for the crime by an inept sheriff. Joe is determined to find the real killer. Box does an outstanding job developing believable characters.

Where did you write Surreal Absurdity?

I wrote Surreal Absurdity in my small study in Richardson, Texas.

Pretend you qualified for the Olympics this year. What sport would you compete in?

As a former avid runner, I would compete in the marathon.

Jim Lively is the author of the new book Surreal Absurdity

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Interview with Prescott Lane, Author of The Right Side of Wrong

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Right Side of Wrong?

Sometimes inspiration for a story is clear. Someone says something and boom, it hits you. That didn’t happen with this book. This one just walloped me over the head. One minute I’m working on one book and the next, Paige and Slade have taken control of my mind. I had to stop the book I was working on and write their story. For me, writing has to be that way. It’s not something I can control. When I try, the story doesn’t feel right. As soon as I let go, the words, the characters come freely.

If you woke up in the world of The Right Side of Wrong, what is the first thing you would do?

Well, I guess that depends on what page I woke up on. LOL! But I think the first thing I’d do is hug Paige and Slade. They both could use a good, long hug.

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

So blurbs are the worst. I find them incredibly difficult to write. It’s hard to capture the essence of a story in a couple of lines. I’m required to do it for my books, but I’m not about to try to do it for someone else’s work.

Where did you write The Right Side of Wrong?

I almost always write my books in bed, and my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is almost always right beside me.

Pretend you qualified for the Olympics this year. What sport would you compete in?

First off, I’m not very sporty. But I do love to watch the Olympics. I would probably want to compete in tennis because my hubs and my daughter both play.

Prescott Lane is the author of the new book The Right Side of Wrong

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Interview with Stephanie Kreml, Author of Truth Unveiled

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Truth Unveiled?

I’ve always loved a good mystery or thriller, especially those with a stunning twist. And I wanted to bring to light the struggles of everyday physicians. In the way that John Grisham shows a different side of the legal profession, I aim to show a different side of medicine, where doctors are the underdogs.

It may be hard to believe, but I originally intended to write a cozy mystery. However, as the story unfolded on the page, I couldn’t avoid more serious issues with overlying themes around the aggression women face.

Of course, I relished creating the reveals in Truth Unveiled and planting the seeds along the way to ensure a satisfying read. I hope to continue growing as a writer so I can keep providing readers the savory endings found in the books I enjoy.

If you woke up in the world of Truth Unveiled, what is the first thing you would do?

The world of Truth Unveiled is the world we already live in, and Samantha Jenkins is the version of me who has the courage to dig deeper and affect the injustices she sees. As the series progresses, Sam will ask the questions we all have, and in seeking out those answers, she will put herself in harm's way. She will learn that motivations are not always as they seem and that her perceptions of the people and the institutions she’s trusted may be distorted. It’s going to be a fun ride, and Sam has the skills and the verve to make an impact.

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

I thoroughly enjoyed Michael Connelly’s Fair Warning, and I strive to achieve his level of craft someday. So here’s my blurb:

When investigative journalist Jack McAvoy is accused of murder, he discovers that genetic information collected by an ancestry website allows a serial killer to take advantage of weaknesses unknown to his victims. Michael Connelly brilliantly weaves the promise of genetic technology with the darkest of human nature in this fast-paced thriller.

Where did you write Truth Unveiled?

I wrote Truth Unveiled a spare bedroom we turned into an office during the pandemic. My desk faces a window overlooking our backyard, allowing me to reconnect with the nature surrounding our home. While I write, I catch glimpses of wildlife, including rabbits and foxes, cardinals, and eagles. And the most precious thing I’ve witnessed was a doe with her twin fawns, frolicking and chasing each other across our yard on a spring morning.

Pretend you qualified for the Olympics this year. What sport would you compete in?

I’m definitely not an athlete—I was one of the kids who participated in math and science contests rather than sports competitions. But I do remember watching Mary Lou Retton during the 1984 Olympics and trying to perform my own floor exercise in my grandmother’s living room.

This year, I applaud Simone Biles for her courage to put herself first, knowing that if she had continued in the gymnastics competition when she wasn’t ready, she could have suffered a devastating injury. But it was also a selfless act, allowing other team members to rise to the occasion and continue the US dominance in the sport. I’m amazed by these women, and I’m thankful that the environment is changing so that women—and really anyone—can put their mental health first.

Stephanie Kreml is the author of the new book Truth Unveiled

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