REVIEW:Blood Wail By Jae Mazer

Every night, sisters Saoirse and Imogen beg their Dadai to read to them from an old storybook, Tales from Ramnon. They’re entranced by the mythical creatures described within its weathered pages. But when tragedy devastates their blissful childhood, the book is closed, and the sisters are forced to cope with a loss darker than they could have ever imagined.

As Saoirse and Imogen grow into adults, they attempt to navigate their lives in County Cork, Ireland. But phantoms from their past have followed them, lurking in the shadows and wailing in the night. In desperation, one sister turns to drugs to quiet the horrors, while the other embarks on a journey to seek answers from the fables and myths of their childhood.   

BLOOD WAIL is a folk horror story about addiction, loss and pain, family and love, and the possibility of creatures beyond our understanding.  

Sometimes the stories are real.

This was a wonderful novel that I was unsure but curious about reading. Very foreign and intriguing start to it. It builds the basis of the story on family and children yearing to have their father tell them folk tales or stories.

All the different stories and creatures that you learn and hear about in these stories he tells are so amazing. These stories make you wonder what is real and what id folk or imaginary. It leaves your curious nature wondering.

This author has a darker side to her storytelling and I absolutley love that. Its so very rare you come across darker not happy perfect ending stories.

I will definitely be looking for more by this author

4 stars

Jae Mazer is a Canadian who was born in Victoria, British Columbia, and grew up in the prairies of Northern Alberta. After spending the majority of her life in the Great White North, she migrated south to Texas. She is a connoisseur and creator of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Many moons ago, a rampant love of reading led her to believe she could weave a good tale herself, and now she is an award-winning author with ten novels under her belt, as well as stories published in various anthologies.

REVIEW: Tentacles and Teeth (Land of Szornyek Book 1)by Ariele Sieling

 The apocalypse wasn't what anyone expected--no rising flood waters, no zombies, no nuclear bombs. Instead, monsters. Their sudden invasion left the world in shatters, and now, decades later, all that's left of human civilization are a few nomadic bands struggling to survive off the land.

Askari was born to this world, and lives, fights, and survives alongside the community that raised her. But when she breaks one too many of the community's rules, her punishment is severe: leave.

Armed with her bow and blade, Askari sets off alone, guided only by a map and the promise that if she can find a book hidden in a nearby town, then she can return. But what can one person do alone in such a harsh, violent landscape? How will she survive?

Askari faces a challenge that will force her to learn not only about the world she lives in, but question what she believes about herself.

Reading the blurb I was super excited to get and read this book. The way it was written is so different. 

While it is does contain a lot of the standard ingredients of the genre, what sets this story apart are the creativity of the MANY types of monsters and the sheer amount of action that takes place. It has a very Horizon Zero Dawn-esque feel (in a good way) and I appreciated how the main character became more thoughtful regarding the "monsters" as the story went along. My only real critique is that there is a final (for this episode, anyway) battle that feels like it gets started without much of a build-up beforehand, but that is a minor and subjective issue. I look forward to reading the next book and learning more about the characters and society they have built.

Survival is the overarching theme of this novel but I had hoped that it would be about Askari figuring it out on her own initiative and ingenuity. I can sympathize with the elders of her tribe because a lone warrior that seeks out danger for her ego is the type of thing that does endanger the community. It makes them short a warrior and weapons in the event of an attack. There is not a consequence for Askari’s actions only rewards. This is a young adult novel so it gives the lesson that it is okay to knowingly abandon and endanger people that are counting on you to feed your ego.

Its great but it could use some more details for the history at the begining. The author jumps straight into it. Kinda in the middle of where everything is going on and it makes it hard to follow.

I see so much potential in this author.

3 stars

A lifetime writer and lover of cats, Ariele Sieling delves into the exciting possibilities of science fiction from her home on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. From Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle to the intricate behaviors of bees, she looks for stories wherever she goes. Find out more about her at www.arielesieling.com.

REVIEW: Ryker's Key By MC Solaris

 Rhyker, tattooed bad boy and lethal jaguar shifter, falls for the sweet and caring healer, Keena. Except, she’s determined to keep him in the friend zone... good thing he’s a predator that enjoys the hunt.

Together, can they heal their past and forge a future bonded with true love?

SECOND BOOK IN THE ORION’S ORDER SERIES

Orion’s Order returns in another addictive installment about their secret world of magic and mystery. A world where the most powerful words in the Universe are discovered in the fight against an ancient evil force.

KEENA OLIVER

I am haunted by my past mistakes. Mistakes that I have no idea how I even made. I am an educated mind and spirit healer after all. So how in the holy healer hell did I end up in a relationship where the male who I thought I loved…

Yeah, it’s probably best not to rehash those nightmares. But if I don’t dare open up that box to my past, then how am I ever going to be able to move on? Especially because I so want to move on with a certain sexy male. A male whose lips devoured mine in a darkened corner that one time. A male whose predatory piercing blue eyes practically track my every move. A male who I shouldn’t be fantasizing about every second of every day. Why? Because it would ruin me.

RHYKER KINGSLEY

I’ve had my eye on a certain female for almost a year now. A female who is damn determined to keep me in the friend zone. A female who's been hurt by her ex but refuses to open up to me about it. So, you could say I go through a lot of smokes… a f*cking lot.

Meanwhile, my pack of lethally trained and skilled hunters and I are gunning for an evil SOB who not only signed his death warrant the second he tried to come after my pack sister and mate to our alpha, but also the f*cker poses a threat to our world as we know it. Yet, said ancient powerful bastard has gone off the grid and is all but impossible to track.

Oh, and did I mention that the past seems to be mixing with the present? I mean, the f*ck is this? The revenge year of the shitty exes? 

So, excuse me while I light up a smoke… or two. 

Devour this addictive series at your own risk...

+ Happily Ever After

+ Sexy Paranormal Jaguar Shifter Romance

+ Multiple POV

+ Mature Content

+ This series is meant to be read in order for the best reading experience

----------------------------------------------

RHYKER’S KEY is an adult paranormal jaguar shifter romance. If you like swoon-worthy males, heroines with feminine strength, an engaging plot, satisfying relationships, steamy love stories, happy ever afters, and getting sucked into a supernatural story, then you’ll want to immerse yourself in the world of species!

This is the 2nd Book in this series by MC Solaris and it was even more amazing than I thought. It was heart wrenching and full of multiple points of view instead of just the main characters views. Which I just loved, it brought multiple characters pasts into the storyline.

Ryker is by far my favorite of the guys of Orions Order. The bad boy tattooed doesn't take shit from anyone personality omg. Yum. Yum. Yum. But in this book you see his soft sensitive side and you find out why he is the way he is. And why him and Keena are so absolutely perfect for each other.

I cried so much through this novel, It was that emotional and amazing. So many heart wrenching things happened and not just to Keena and Ryker either.

Such an amazing author I so cant wait for the next installment of this series which is Deacon's Star. eeeek.

5 stars

Purchase Links:

Books2Read Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/b6K8ME   

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rhykers-Key-Orions-Order-Novel-ebook/dp/B08MZJJRZM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= 

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/rhykers-key/id1539418078 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rhykers-key-m-c-solaris/1138115643?ean=2940162791867 

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rhyker-s-key  

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/M_C_Solaris_Rhyker_s_Key?id=k7QHEAAAQBAJ  

Eden Books: https://edenbooks.org/product/rhykers-key-an-orions-order-novel/  

Excerpt 3

“Does this count as taking it slow?” he drawled, putting his lips where his eyes had devoured her only seconds before. Their brief kiss ended with him sucking in her bottom lip.

Her laugh was all too breathy.

“What about this?” He bent his head and gave special attention to her neck with his mouth. “And this.” His hand slid up her body and cupped her breast. “And this,” he murmured, as sweet kisses traveled along her jaw to her mouth, only to end with a smoldering kiss that shot straight through her and landed in low, feminine places.

“Always so bad.” Keena chortled, while being met with his wicked grin. “Rhyker?”

“Yeah, Fire Gem?” he teased.

“Close your eyes,” she playfully requested. As soon as his eyes were closed, she was grinning. Because two could play the little game he started. She placed her hands on his chest and he allowed her to guide his body so he was pressed up against the wall. “No touching,” she ordered, silently pinning his hands to the wall.

His eyes remained closed but his grin was a mile wide at the command laced with sinful games.

Before he could speak, she pressed her lips to his and then dashed for the door as fast as she could. She barely made it one step out of the room before Rhyker playfully wrapped his arms around her from behind. As soon as he pounced on her, she was laughing with pure delight. Even if it was just a few seconds of chase, it was entertaining.

“I didn’t know you’re a fan of hide and seek,” he drawled with an idea suddenly coming to mind.

“Me neither.” She peeled away from Rhyker’s playful hold. It looked like he was about to protest but her stomach took that moment to make itself known by letting out a low growl.

“You’re hungry.” His voice held a hint of concern.

“And you’re astute,” she teased.

His lips twitched in amusement.

“I’m going to go take a shower… by myself,” she added that last part with a smile when she saw that mischievous look in his eye that said too much.

M.C. Solaris’s life took an unexpected turn during the super blood moon eclipse on January 20, 2019. She woke up and began writing bios for her imaginary friends that she met that day. As soon as the pen hit the paper (or fingertips to the iPhone), she couldn’t stop. It was kind of like one of those fire hydrants, spewing copious amounts of water all over the place. The characters and their stories just flowed out of her. She is honored to be the scribe, getting to share her friends’ stories. You can read all about her gifted friends in the Orion’s Order series (Book 1 is Calypso’s Heart).

On a personal note, M.C. Solaris is actually the pseudonym of Marina Schroeder, women’s health enthusiast and lover of all things paranormal romance (PNR) and happily ever after (HEA). When she is not curled up on the sofa with her partner’s oversized hoodie, a PNR novel, peppermint tea, and one of her three cats, you will find her either at the ocean with her toes in the sand or in a forest hugging a tree. Well truthfully? There is one more place you might find her: trolling the aisles of Whole Foods for a satisfying combination of salty and sweet while hiding in her partner’s hoodie… like any proper PNR-writing introvert. 

Want to get the latest scoop, sneak peeks, and short shares all about her imaginary friends? Go to www.mcsolaris.com/newsletter and sign up for the newsletter.

Welcome to The Order! 

Author web links:

https://mcsolaris.com/newsletter

https://mcsolaris.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mcsolarisauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/mcsolarisauthorofficial

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20295545.M_C_Solaris

https://twitter.com/mcsolarisauthor

https://www.bookbub.com/books/calypso-s-heart-orion-s-order-1-by-mc-solaris

Author Interview Q&A

Feel free to use these in your posts, blog, etc. :) 

• Q: Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

•  A: Hands down, the characters in my head definitely hold the reins. I often just feel like a scribe, writing down the stories I see in my head that play out like scenes in a movie. That is actually how I began writing the Orion’s Order series, starting with Calypso’s Heart. I woke up one day and began writing bios for my gifted imaginary friends that I met that day. I absolutely love sharing their stories and the magical species world!

• Q: Where do your story ideas come from?

• A: Honestly, I can’t logically explain it. The words and scenes are in my mind and play out like a movie. I know it sounds weird but the stories just... come to me. Some come in vivid dreams. Some come right when I wake up (in that magical state of mind between sleep and awake). Some come when I’m at the grocery store or in the middle of a workout or in meditation. Of course, I take inspiration from everyday life but the stories and characters seem to have a mind of their own and are definitely in the driver’s seat, calling the shots. There’s no plot planning or storyline strategizing for me. Instead, the stories are just in my mind, playing out like a movie and I just write them. I often joke that I just feel like a scribe writing down whatever the stories and characters show me. ;) 

• Q: Have you written any other books that are not published?

•  A: Does Book 3 of Orion’s Order count? ;) It is currently in editing and will be released as soon as editing and formatting is done! I also have several stories that are outlined or have the first few chapters written. They are marinating, not quite ready to be finished being written yet. And I am super excited for when the day comes to share these stories with you all!

• Q: Do you use Pen/paper or computer/phone to write your notes? 

•  A:  Shout out to the Notes app on the iPhone! Seriously, I have about a zillion notes in there that house alllll sorts of things to help keep this crazy mind of mine somewhat sane… somewhat being the key word there. ;) Random story ideas, scenes, characters, words and conversations, etc. come to me at all hours of the day.  I immediately write them down in the Notes app. Then, at some later time, I transfer the notes to these word documents that I refer to as my author bibles. Oh, and I should also give an honorable mention to those ancient inventions called Sticky Notes and a pen for those times I am quickly jotting down a random as hell note about something one of the characters decided to show me when my phone or laptop are not nearby. ;) 

• Q: Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.

•  A: Three words: Tattooed. Bad Boy. Still not convinced? ;) Well, Rhyker is a sexy as sin, black jaguar shifter with a side smirk that rivals Ian Somerhalder. He’s dangerous. Wears all black. Has black diamond stud earrings. Smokes indigo (a species plant). And his piercing, predatory, electric blue eyes are dangerously gorgeous. He’s got that tall, dark, and handsome thing down along with a good dose of muscled strength and wildness (in more ways than just his lethal feline within).

• Still not convinced? Although, I struggle with understanding how that can possibly be. ;) Rhyker has his eye on Keena, a sweet and caring mind healer, who has been determined to keep him in the friend zone. Because, if she were to be with Rhyker and it didn’t work out? Then it would ruin her. The only problem is that she already knows what his kiss tastes like. What his big, rough hands feel like on her body. What that sexy smirk of his does to her. In fact, her mind won’t seem to stop reminding her of that one time they shared that hot as hell kiss in a darkened corner of a club.

• Oh, there’s also an ancient evil who The Order, Rhyker’s pack of lethally skilled hunters, is tracking so they can avenge their alpha’s mate and make good on their pack’s sole mission: to rid the evil in their world.

• Q: How long does it take you to write a book?

• A: Good question! As a brand new author, I feel like the answer to this question will morph slightly as I continue to write, learn, grow, and get into a natural rhythm that works for me. Also, I think it might be helpful to call out that the books I’ve written thus far are quite longer than the standard (clocking in around 700 pages each book).

• With that in mind, I wrote Calypso’s Heart in 5 months (but boy the editing process was a long learning process!). I wrote Rhyker’s Key in 6 months (editing process was a little less). And I wrote Orion’s Order book 3 in 7 months (and I’m hoping the editing will be even better this time around too). Soooo, 5, 6, and 7 months.... Here’s to hoping this numerical trend does continue in that direction lol! ;)

• Q: What are some of your writing/publishing goals for 2021?

• A: I’ve actually been thinking about this a lot. As a brand new author where Calypso’s Heart was my first novel, to say I’ve learned a lot about writing and publishing books is an understatement (and yet, there’s still so much to learn). One thing I’ve learned is that writing the book is really the just  beginning and there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes before getting to the glorious step of pushing the publish button. 

• Another thing I’ve learned is that balance is important. And this is something I’m currently focusing on and will be one of my main goals for 2021. In fact, I may nominate the word “balance” to be my theme word for the year. So, here’s to finding some balance, a nice groove, and rhythm with writing and publishing books. 

• On a more specific level, I am going to play around with the goal of publishing 1 book per year in all formats (ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook) while leaving room to allow inspiration to take shape in the form of writing and/or publishing extra bonuses like short stories, novellas, or even more full blown novels.

• Even more specifically, next year, I plan on publishing Book 3 in the Orion’s Order series and set a goal to finish writing Book 4 in the series. 

• Q: What do you like to do when you are not writing/being an author?

• A: Reading romance novels (duh!), eating yummy foods (double duh!), walking on the beach (while listening to audiobooks, of course), and swimming in the ocean (unfortunately, haven’t figured out to listen to audiobooks while in the water but I’ve certainly tried and ruined many earbuds lol!). Oh, and playing with my fur-babies (3 cats who love to run around with a random spurt of energy at 4am lol ;) ).

• Q: Do you see yourself in your characters?

• A: In some ways and with certain characters, yes, I do see some relatable similarities. But there are also many qualities and characteristics that are wholeheartedly not me too. For example, in Calypso’s Heart, Caly and I both love music, morning drinks, and romance books (Oh, and we both love the hot alpha wolf, Blake! ;) ). And in Rhyker’s Key, we learn about just how much yoga, dance, and mindfulness play an integral part of Keena’s life—which I most certainly relate to. On the other hand, both Caly and Keena live alone, which I’ve never done nor do I foresee myself ever doing! And without giving away their stories, I think both Caly and Keena make some decisions that I don’t think I would ever do. ;) 

• Q: Are any of the characters based on real people you know?

• A: I would say that overall there are some characters and events that are definitely inspired by things in the real world, including similar characteristics, tendencies, experiences, etc. However, one of the characters in particular, Starr, does share quite a bit in common with my sister and best friend, Marchesa. They aren’t the same person in my mind and they don’t share everything in common but certainly the strong similarities between them exist. Not only is Starr’s physical characteristics based on my sister but they are also both fiery and independent alpha females that are unapologetically blazing their own way through the world. My sister is most definitely aware of this and we often joke about it all the time—to the point where I often call her Starr-chesa whenever she says or does something that I feel is just “so Starr.”

• Q: Anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?

• A: A big, fat, teary-eyed THANK YOU!!! Seriously, thank you! And somehow those two powerful words full of love and gratitude don’t even feel like enough. Thank you for your support, encouragement, inspiration, interest, excitement, emojis, gifs, comments, reviews, smiles, laughs… all of it and more! Oh, and of course, thank you for all of the incredible conversations and messages all about the Orion’s Order crew of sexy as sin males and awesome females and of course the resident fur baby Felix, and the supernatural world of species So, in case I haven’t said this enough, THANK YOU! The crew and I love each of you very much! :)

Book Tour/Blitz Sign Up Links

XPRESSO BOOK TOURS: http://xpressobooktours.com/2020/11/17/blitz-sign-up-rhykers-key-by-m-c-solaris/ 

BEWTICHING BOOK TOURS: https://www.bewitchingbooktours.biz/2020/11/now-scheduling-one-week-tour-for.html

AUTHOR Q AND A:MC Solaris

• Q: Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

•  A: Hands down, the characters in my head definitely hold the reins. I often just feel like a scribe, writing down the stories I see in my head that play out like scenes in a movie. That is actually how I began writing the Orion’s Order series, starting with Calypso’s Heart. I woke up one day and began writing bios for my gifted imaginary friends that I met that day. I absolutely love sharing their stories and the magical species world!

• Q: Where do your story ideas come from?

• A: Honestly, I can’t logically explain it. The words and scenes are in my mind and play out like a movie. I know it sounds weird but the stories just... come to me. Some come in vivid dreams. Some come right when I wake up (in that magical state of mind between sleep and awake). Some come when I’m at the grocery store or in the middle of a workout or in meditation. Of course, I take inspiration from everyday life but the stories and characters seem to have a mind of their own and are definitely in the driver’s seat, calling the shots. There’s no plot planning or storyline strategizing for me. Instead, the stories are just in my mind, playing out like a movie and I just write them. I often joke that I just feel like a scribe writing down whatever the stories and characters show me. ;) 

• Q: Have you written any other books that are not published?

•  A: Does Book 3 of Orion’s Order count? ;) It is currently in editing and will be released as soon as editing and formatting is done! I also have several stories that are outlined or have the first few chapters written. They are marinating, not quite ready to be finished being written yet. And I am super excited for when the day comes to share these stories with you all!

• Q: Do you use Pen/paper or computer/phone to write your notes? 

•  A:  Shout out to the Notes app on the iPhone! Seriously, I have about a zillion notes in there that house alllll sorts of things to help keep this crazy mind of mine somewhat sane… somewhat being the key word there. ;) Random story ideas, scenes, characters, words and conversations, etc. come to me at all hours of the day.  I immediately write them down in the Notes app. Then, at some later time, I transfer the notes to these word documents that I refer to as my author bibles. Oh, and I should also give an honorable mention to those ancient inventions called Sticky Notes and a pen for those times I am quickly jotting down a random as hell note about something one of the characters decided to show me when my phone or laptop are not nearby. ;) 

• Q: Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.

•  A: Three words: Tattooed. Bad Boy. Still not convinced? ;) Well, Rhyker is a sexy as sin, black jaguar shifter with a side smirk that rivals Ian Somerhalder. He’s dangerous. Wears all black. Has black diamond stud earrings. Smokes indigo (a species plant). And his piercing, predatory, electric blue eyes are dangerously gorgeous. He’s got that tall, dark, and handsome thing down along with a good dose of muscled strength and wildness (in more ways than just his lethal feline within).

• Still not convinced? Although, I struggle with understanding how that can possibly be. ;) Rhyker has his eye on Keena, a sweet and caring mind healer, who has been determined to keep him in the friend zone. Because, if she were to be with Rhyker and it didn’t work out? Then it would ruin her. The only problem is that she already knows what his kiss tastes like. What his big, rough hands feel like on her body. What that sexy smirk of his does to her. In fact, her mind won’t seem to stop reminding her of that one time they shared that hot as hell kiss in a darkened corner of a club.

• Oh, there’s also an ancient evil who The Order, Rhyker’s pack of lethally skilled hunters, is tracking so they can avenge their alpha’s mate and make good on their pack’s sole mission: to rid the evil in their world.

• Q: How long does it take you to write a book?

• A: Good question! As a brand new author, I feel like the answer to this question will morph slightly as I continue to write, learn, grow, and get into a natural rhythm that works for me. Also, I think it might be helpful to call out that the books I’ve written thus far are quite longer than the standard (clocking in around 700 pages each book).

• With that in mind, I wrote Calypso’s Heart in 5 months (but boy the editing process was a long learning process!). I wrote Rhyker’s Key in 6 months (editing process was a little less). And I wrote Orion’s Order book 3 in 7 months (and I’m hoping the editing will be even better this time around too). Soooo, 5, 6, and 7 months.... Here’s to hoping this numerical trend does continue in that direction lol! ;)

• Q: What are some of your writing/publishing goals for 2021?

• A: I’ve actually been thinking about this a lot. As a brand new author where Calypso’s Heart was my first novel, to say I’ve learned a lot about writing and publishing books is an understatement (and yet, there’s still so much to learn). One thing I’ve learned is that writing the book is really the just  beginning and there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes before getting to the glorious step of pushing the publish button. 

• Another thing I’ve learned is that balance is important. And this is something I’m currently focusing on and will be one of my main goals for 2021. In fact, I may nominate the word “balance” to be my theme word for the year. So, here’s to finding some balance, a nice groove, and rhythm with writing and publishing books. 

• On a more specific level, I am going to play around with the goal of publishing 1 book per year in all formats (ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook) while leaving room to allow inspiration to take shape in the form of writing and/or publishing extra bonuses like short stories, novellas, or even more full blown novels.

• Even more specifically, next year, I plan on publishing Book 3 in the Orion’s Order series and set a goal to finish writing Book 4 in the series. 

• Q: What do you like to do when you are not writing/being an author?

• A: Reading romance novels (duh!), eating yummy foods (double duh!), walking on the beach (while listening to audiobooks, of course), and swimming in the ocean (unfortunately, haven’t figured out to listen to audiobooks while in the water but I’ve certainly tried and ruined many earbuds lol!). Oh, and playing with my fur-babies (3 cats who love to run around with a random spurt of energy at 4am lol ;) ).

• Q: Do you see yourself in your characters?

• A: In some ways and with certain characters, yes, I do see some relatable similarities. But there are also many qualities and characteristics that are wholeheartedly not me too. For example, in Calypso’s Heart, Caly and I both love music, morning drinks, and romance books (Oh, and we both love the hot alpha wolf, Blake! ;) ). And in Rhyker’s Key, we learn about just how much yoga, dance, and mindfulness play an integral part of Keena’s life—which I most certainly relate to. On the other hand, both Caly and Keena live alone, which I’ve never done nor do I foresee myself ever doing! And without giving away their stories, I think both Caly and Keena make some decisions that I don’t think I would ever do. ;) 

• Q: Are any of the characters based on real people you know?

• A: I would say that overall there are some characters and events that are definitely inspired by things in the real world, including similar characteristics, tendencies, experiences, etc. However, one of the characters in particular, Starr, does share quite a bit in common with my sister and best friend, Marchesa. They aren’t the same person in my mind and they don’t share everything in common but certainly the strong similarities between them exist. Not only is Starr’s physical characteristics based on my sister but they are also both fiery and independent alpha females that are unapologetically blazing their own way through the world. My sister is most definitely aware of this and we often joke about it all the time—to the point where I often call her Starr-chesa whenever she says or does something that I feel is just “so Starr.”

• Q: Anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?

• A: A big, fat, teary-eyed THANK YOU!!! Seriously, thank you! And somehow those two powerful words full of love and gratitude don’t even feel like enough. Thank you for your support, encouragement, inspiration, interest, excitement, emojis, gifs, comments, reviews, smiles, laughs… all of it and more! Oh, and of course, thank you for all of the incredible conversations and messages all about the Orion’s Order crew of sexy as sin males and awesome females and of course the resident fur baby Felix, and the supernatural world of species So, in case I haven’t said this enough, THANK YOU! The crew and I love each of you very much! :)