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Interview with Ross Buzzell, Author of Legacy Earth

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Legacy Earth?

I’ve always wanted to write a sprawling space opera, growing up on things like Star Wars and Star Trek I’ve always been enthralled by the expanse of the universe and alien species, taking world-building to a galactic level.

What inspired me to write Legacy Earth actually stretches back several years. When I first got into writing I was asked to write a short as a way to “apply” for a ghostwriting job. The piece that I wrote was only a few pages long but it got me the job and over the years I’ve been building off that short into the expansive story it is now  

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

Theme songs for the main characters is a tough one. I actually don’t listen to much mainstream music while I write. I usually listen to YouTubers that make music based off video games like JT Music, Dan Bull, Daddy Phatsnaps, and Nerd Out to name a few. But for the “big four” of the series so far would be The Boys rap by JT Music for Dexter, Star Wars BattleFront Rap by JT Music for Justin, Endgame by Fabvl & Divide for Stephanie and for the main character Lance Warder “We are one” by JT Music, there are at least a dozen other songs I’d attribute to them but those are the top four.  

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

This is another tricky one because lately it’s only been parenting books but I’m sure no one would be interested in a blurb on those. It’s be for Thunder God by Paul Watkins: Amidst the turbulent expansion of the Catholic Church one young Viking boy is stuck by lightning. With his hair turning a fire red he and his village believe he’d been chosen by Thor himself to keep the Norse religion alive by embarking on a quest to confront his own gods and those who worship another that makes the savage nature of the Vikings appear tame.

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

My favorite genre to read is a split between fantasy and science fiction and I’d have to say, even though I’ve dabbled in horror and suspense, sci-fi and fantasy are my favorites to work in.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? Where did you write Legacy Earth?

I wouldn’t say I have quirky habits when I write, but I may not notice them, I usually get my writing done before my wife gets up and she’s the one that usually points out my quirks.

I usually split my time where I write between my couch and at my desk in my office, it’s mechanically adjustable and I enjoy making it go up and down throughout the day.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever received is another tough one. I’ve been blessed to have a mentor in the wildly successful writing team of Jonathan and Jynafer Yanez where the knowledge they’ve passed down to me is enough to fill a book itself. But if I’d have to pick only one it’s “Be consistent” because a little forward progress every day gets you one step closer to your goal.  

Ross Buzzell is the author of the new book Legacy Earth

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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | September 21

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 Shannon Bradley-Colleary, Richard R. Becker, D.A. Galloway, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!



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New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | September 21

Set off on an adventure to new worlds this week! This selection of new science fiction and fantasy books will surely please! Science Fiction fans should be excited about the latest from bestselling authors Ross Buzzell, Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and more. If Fantasy is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from Kay L Moody, D.R. Perry, J.S. Kelley, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!


Fantasy


Science Fiction


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New Young Adult Books to Read | September 21

Are you an avid reader of Young Adult books? This week you are in luck! With all of these new novels, you’re bound to find a new favorite book to add to your reading list. This week includes new novels from bestselling authors Jo Watson, Jay Coles, Kendare Blake, and many more. Enjoy your new young adult books. Happy reading!



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New Biography and Memoir Books to Read | September 21

Looking for some new biography and memoir books for your library? There are so many new releases this week that you’re bound to find a new favorite. You can pick up new books from Rena "Rusty" Kanokogi, Danny R. Smith, Bob Woodward, Robert Costa, and many more. Enjoy your new biography and memoir books. Happy reading!



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Interview with Danny R. Smith, Author of Nothing Left to Prove

If you were in an elevator with a stranger and had one minute or less to describe Nothing Left to Prove before the doors opened, what description would you give?

It's a brutally honest narrative about being a cop in L.A. and the aftermath of numerous deadly encounters on the streets and years of working in the elite sheriff’s homicide bureau.

What part of Nothing Left to Prove was the hardest to write? What part was the easiest?

The hardest parts are the deaths that touched me the most—murdered children and colleagues, and the death of a baby girl named Vanessa. It was also very difficult writing about the things that sent me over the edge toward the end of my career when I was unknowingly living with chronic PTSD. I found that many of those emotions came back, none of them good.

The easiest part was telling about the early days, an innocent childhood, and an exciting path to law enforcement. Those were the days where I lived without baggage and scars and a heavy burden to haul around with me.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Right now I’m consuming everything by Dennis Lehane—he is a phenomenal writer and all of his stories are off the charts! The stories are magnificent, but sometimes I just pause and drink in the beauty of his prose. Seriously, everyone should read Lehane. I also have some James M. Cain, James Crumly, Jake Needham, and Jack Carr novels. I did take a brief moment out from my pile of novels to read a former colleague’s memoir, Black, White, and Gray All Over by Frederick Reynolds. It’s a great read for anyone who enjoys law enforcement memoirs, and Fred is a great writer.

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

Yes, I pretty much only read crime fiction, true crime, and the occasional military thriller (Jack Carr, for instance). I also enjoy an occasional Western, but really have to be in the mood for it.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? Where did you write Nothing Left to Prove?

Hahaha great question. I write in my office and usually before the rest of the world comes to life. My Australian Shepard, Bobby (“Babbaloo”) comes into the office with me and hangs out while I eat a danish, drink my coffee, and type away until it’s time to do chores. (I live on ten acres with livestock and lots of furry friends to care for.) After chores, it’s either writing or golf, now that I’m mostly retired. Which means I get more writing done during the winter than I do the summer. (:

What's the best advice you've ever received?

“Never forget where you’ve been.” I was told that by a mentor as I sought to enter the field of law enforcement, and I’ve pondered it long and hard and often throughout my life. Simply put, we all have a past, we’ve all made mistakes, we’ve all had victories, and none of us are without flaws and shame and regret. I think it helps with having some humility in a time when that’s not always easy to find.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading Nothing Left to Prove what would it be?

The cops will all relate to many parts of the book, and unfortunately, they will revisit times and places they have hoped to forget. For everyone else, I hope they see the sacrifices that are made from those of us who choose public safety. And that includes all first responders as well as our dispatchers—I’d rather be under fire than hearing it on the radio and trying to keep it all together from the helm. Those are the world’s most underappreciated professionals. Them and nurses.

Danny R. Smith is the author of the new book Nothing Left to Prove

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Interview with Pru Warren, Author of Dash & the Moonglow Mystic

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Dash & the Moonglow Mystic?

I wrote my romcom Dash & the Moonglow Mystic because Dash was a secondary character in Cyn & The Peanut Butter Cup and I fell in love with him—so I wasn’t ready for him to be out of my brain! (I did the same two more times; I fell in love with a character in Dash who became the lead in Ellyn & the Moonglow Mystic, and then another secondary figure in Ellyn got her own story in Farrah & The Court-Appointed Boss. I can’t seem to let go of some characters!)

Dash is an uber-competent FBI agent, so I needed to figure out a way to get him off-balance. I put this capable urban guy in the most jarring environment I could come up with: confronting people who insisted they were psychics, and at a dude ranch deep in the wilds of Wyoming. Comedy gold! (I spent two summers in high school working at a Wyoming dude ranch, where I was hopelessly out of place and actual cowboys laughed when I showed up in what I proudly referred to as “cowboy boots.” I did not cover myself in glory, but I sure had a good time!) 

What's your favorite scene from your new release, Dash & the Moonglow Mystic?

I snigger every time (is it self-aggrandizing to admit it?!) that I read the scene where people repel the threat of (not real) zombies by loudly singing “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s so ridiculous; it just delights me! I also love the post-sex pillow talk between Dash and Eve.  

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

Oh, I can’t read books while I’m writing. Someone else’s authorial style would bleed over into mine, like a “Great British Baking Show” disaster involving the dreaded soggy bottom.

What romantic couple from literature makes you swoon? Which one is over-hyped?

I’m going outside my genre for this one, into steamy young adult: Kresley Cole’s supernatural “Arcana Chronicles” has a romantic triangle going between sexy Cajun Jack, powerful Latvian Aric, and the poison princess herself. Mrwaow; yum! One more book is promised. I know how I’d end it; can’t wait to see if I’m right!

As for overhyped, here’s an ancient burn for you: Cathy and Heathcliff in “Wuthering Heights.” Petulant, childish, hugely annoying. I should like to shake them both. Emily Bronte smack-down!

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

I love romcoms. I’m distressed by how many books are marketed as romcoms (to take advantage of the world longing for something fun and light to read amid all this crazy) that aren’t at all laughable…but when I find one? Oh joy! And yes, that’s the same genre I love to write. Life’s too short to be serious. I run from most book club selections!  

Do you have any quirky writing habits? Where did you write Dash & the Moonglow Mystic

I need to come up with a good lie about my quirks. The truth is so dull: sitting at my desk in my office, chuckling to myself and muttering “yeah—that’s funny!” Hang on; lemme think of a good falsehood. Umm…I can only write in the stateroom of a yacht on the St. Lawrence Seaway. (That sounds a bit more entertaining, doesn’t it?!)  

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Short form: Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Actual, long-winded answer: Find the smartest person you can who disagrees with you; debate a point with them. If you can’t argue your side effectively, then maybe it’s time to rethink your position. Don’t be afraid to admit you might have been wrong. (Thanks, Dad!)  

Pru Warren is the author of the new book Dash & the Moonglow Mystic

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Must-Read Mystery Books | September 2021

Must-Read Mystery Books | September 2021

Are you in the mood for an exhilarating new mystery book to escape in? This month we have seen a host of wonderful new novels and here are our latest recommendations from bestselling authors Lee Chappel, Valerie Davisson, Stuart Neville, Denise Mina, Mike Lupica, and J. D. Robb. Enjoy your new mysteries!



Crickets

by Lee Chappel

Release Date: September 13, 2021

A San Francisco Book Review and Midwest Book Review acclaimed novel by Lee Chappel...When her father passes away unexpectedly, Kara’s forced to return to Paige. It should be a safe little town, especially for the daughter of its favorite sheriff, but something’s not right with Kara’s memories. There are times that have gone missing. In fact, there are more and more of them the longer she stays in town. Maybe it’s her hometown getting to her. Or maybe it’s just him...

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Whisper Creek

by Valerie Davisson

Release Date: September 14, 2021

Book 7 of the Logan McKenna Series by Valerie Davisson...One murder. Four suspects. Endless motives. Can Logan untangle a web of lies before the bodies start piling up? Whisper Creek is the thrilling seventh book in the Logan McKenna Mystery series. If you like dynamic heroines, page-turning suspense, and satisfying twist endings, then you’ll love Valerie Davisson’s danger-laden tale.

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The House of Ashes

by Stuart Neville

Release Date: September 7, 2021

"A gut-wrenching novel of psychological suspense" (Publishers Weekly) by Stuart Neville...Perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn and Tana French, a chilling story of a Northern Irish murder sixty years buried. Through the counterpoint voices—one modern Englishwoman, one Northern Irish farmgirl speaking from half a century earlier—Stuart Neville offers a chilling and gorgeous portrait of violence and resilience in this truly haunting narrative.

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Rizzio

by Denise Mina

Release Date: September 7, 2021

From the multi-award-winning master of crime, Denise Mina delivers a radical new take on one of the darkest episodes in Scottish history—the bloody assassination of David Rizzo private secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots, in the queen’s chambers in Holyrood Palace. A dark tale of sex, secrets, and lies, Rizzio looks at a shocking historical murder through a modern lens—and explores the lengths that men and women will go to in their search for love and power.

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Robert B. Parker's Stone's Throw

by Mike Lupica

Release Date: September 7, 2021

The newest novel in the Jesse Stone mystery series by Mike Lupica...The town of Paradise receives a tragic shock when the mayor is discovered dead, his body lying in a shallow grave on a property on the lake. It's ostensibly suicide, but Jesse's has his doubts, especially because the piece of land where the man was found is the subject of a contentious and dodgy land deal.

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Forgotten in Death

by J. D. Robb

Release Date: September 7, 2021

In the latest novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, by J.D. Robb, homicide detective Eve Dallas sifts through the wreckage of the past to find a killer...The body was left in a dumpster like so much trash, the victim a woman of no fixed address, known for offering paper flowers in return for spare change—and for keeping the cops informed of any infractions she witnessed on the street. But the notebook where she scribbled her intel on litterers and other such offenders is nowhere to be found.

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New Romance Books For Your Reading List | September 2021

New Romance Books For Your Reading List | September 2021

From sci-fi and suspense to historical and sweet romances, this week's romance picks cover a wide range of romance subgenres. Enjoy your new romance books by USA Today and New York Times Bestselling Authors Jess K. Hardy, Kirsten Osbourne, Susan Stoker, Jude Deveraux, Tara Sheets, Mina Carter, and Teri Wilson!



Love in the Time of Wormholes

by Jess K. Hardy

Release Date: September 9, 2021

A new science fiction romance by bestselling author Jess K. Hardy...Sunastara Jeka meets the needs of the varied species who holiday aboard her interstellar pleasure cruise during the day, and avoids attachments when the occasional guest meets her needs at night. Freddie has never forgotten his night with Sunny. Will they let the gravity of their pasts keep them apart, or risk it all for love and fight for their future together?

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Mail Order Mishap

by Kirsten Osbourne

Release Date: August 27, 2021

A new addition to the Brides of Beckham series by USA Today Bestselling Author Kirsten Osbourne...Wade Kelso loves ranching, but he knows something is missing from his life. When Ada arrives, she’s nothing like he imagined a mail-order bride to be, but she’s so beautiful and has such a happy spirit, he marries her without a second thought. Can these two mismatched people find love together? Or will they both spend their lives wishing they’d done things differently?

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Shielding Ember

by Susan Stoker

Release Date: September 14, 2021

A new standalone novel in the Delta Team Two series by New York Times Bestselling Author Susan Stoker...For as long as she can remember, Ember Maxwell’s life hasn’t been her own. A world-renowned influencer, she’s a brand unto herself, created by her parents—who also want Olympic glory for their only daughter. Years of grueling training have led to Seoul, Korea, and a spot on the modern pentathlon team. It’s a turning point for Ember in more ways than one. Chafing against her parents’ tight reins, she opts to stay in the Olympic Village, a decision that leads to a gravely harrowing event…and a man unlike any she’s ever met.

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An Impossible Promise

by Jude Deveraux & Tara Sheets

Release Date: September 21, 2021

Book 2 of the Providence Falls Series by New York Times Bestselling Authors Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets...Liam O’Connor has one purpose in this life—to push the woman he loves into the arms of another man. The Irish rogue unknowingly changed the course of destiny when he fell in love with Cora McLeod over a century ago. Now police officers in Providence Falls, North Carolina, Liam and Cora are partners on a murder investigation. The intensity of the case has drawn them closer together—exactly what Liam is supposed to avoid. The angels have made it clear Cora must be with Finley Walsh. But headstrong Cora makes her own decisions and she’s starting to have feelings for Liam—the only thing he’s ever really wanted.

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Alien Mercenary's Destiny

by Mina Carter

Release Date: September 7, 2021

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Mina Carter brings us a new sci-fi alien romance...He saved her from certain death. She didn’t count on him being a nerd. He nearly died. Then he became something else. Something not human. She’s an alien. And a princess. He needs to up his game to have any chance. But he’s not the only one with eyes on his beautiful alien princess. She’s someone else’s means to an end, and this scientist must use everything at his disposal: new skills and old alike to try and save the woman he loves…

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A Spot of Trouble

by Teri Wilson

Release Date: September 7, 2021

Another wonderful sweet contemporary romance from USA Today Bestselling Author Teri Wilson...Violet March and Sam Nash are as different as night and day and have been enemies ever since Violet accused Sam of dognapping her beloved Dalmatian. Sam knows that would never happen—his well-trained fire safety demonstration dog never steps out of line, whereas Violet's problematic pooch has never met a command she didn't ignore completely, much like her bubbly owner. So when Sprinkles and Cinder accidentally switch places during the annual police vs. fire department softball tournament, Violet is thrilled by her dog's sudden perfect behavior, while stubborn-yet-charming Sam is horrified to find that his dog no longer listens. But when they eventually realize and switch the dogs back, Sam and Violet are shocked to find that not everything is as simple as it seems. And a little puppy love might be just the thing they've been missing!

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Must-Read Science Fiction Books | September 2021

Must-Read Science Fiction Books | September 2021

Escape to a new world this week with these new space opera sci-fi books! This week's picks are written by bestselling authors Daniel P. Douglas, Ryan W. Aslesen, Ross Buzzell, Nick Webb, Stanisław Lem, Jamie McFarlane, and Rachel Aukes! Enjoy your new science fiction books!



Showdown at Jupiter's Edge

by Daniel P. Douglas

Release Date: August 17, 2021

A 5-star Reader's Favorite by bestselling author, Daniel P. Douglas...Space cop Maxo Magnaveer, desperate for a major career boost, takes a wild left turn at Mercury to pursue a greedy pirate, Colonel Zaza D'Rump, setting himself on a collision course with destiny. Will he survive the showdown at Jupiter's Edge? Find out in this energetic, humorous, and heroic space opera!

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Blood & Steel (War's Edge Book 2)

by Ryan W. Aslesen

Release Date: June 6, 2021

Book 2 of the bestselling War's Edge series by Ryan W. Aslesen...As the Alliance launches its first offensive of the war, Rizer and his Marines find themselves in the midst of a brutal campaign to retake the planet Stavanger. Outgunned and outmanned, Rizer realizes his platoon is more than just a cog in the vast Marine Corps war machine...they're the glue holding the entire operation together. Failure isn't an option if the Alliance is to survive.

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Legacy Earth

by Ross Buzzell

Release Date: September 16, 2021

The debut novel of a new series by Ross Buzzell...With an 85% dropout rate, find the strength within or go home. So far, Officer Candidate School is living up to its cutthroat reputation. Still, the merciless mental, physical, and psychological torture may be worth it for Lance Warder to have a chance to fight in space. The space that awaits isn’t for the faint of heart. He’ll have to shed his mental chains to prove his mettle. Because no one cares who your father is when you’re faced with unknown threats in a dark, infinite void. To help deal with the everyday grind of survival, evasion, resistance, and escape training, Lance will join a boxing league and even find himself in the middle of a mysterious AI takeover that may spell doom for mankind.

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Leviathan (The Legacy Fleet Book 8)

by Nick Webb

Release Date: September 11, 2021

An instant Amazon bestseller by Nick Webb...Earth has fallen to the Findiri, and the resistance to their rule led by Admiral Shelby Proctor is scattered across the galaxy. All races and worlds gather: human, Dolmasi, Skiohra, Valarisi, Eru, and Itharan, to confront the Findiri, and make one last stand against their mortal enemy: the Swarm, which seeks the end of all life, across all universes and existence.

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The Truth and Other Stories

by Stanisław Lem

Release Date: September 14, 2021

Twelve new sci-fi short stories by bestselling author Stanisław Lem...The stories display the full range of Lem's intense curiosity about scientific ideas as well as his sardonic approach to human nature, presenting as multifarious a collection of mad scientists as any reader could wish for. Many of these stories feature artificial intelligences or artificial life forms, long a Lem preoccupation; some feature quite insane theories of cosmology or evolution. All are thought provoking and scathingly funny.

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Rebel's Run (Space Troopers Book 2)

by Jamie McFarlane & Rachel Aukes

Release Date: September 7, 2021

A new military science fiction series by bestselling authors Jamie McFarlane and Rachel Aukes...With countless bounties on their heads, Jai and Peyton Foster will risk everything just to survive. When corporations will stop at nothing to silence the young patriots, the orphaned siblings realize that being powerless is something they can’t afford. Separated by circumstance and with every civilized port closed to them, they’ll take full advantage of the skills taught to them by the very people who seek to hunt them down.

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