Fresh FIction Box Not To Miss
Jo Jakeman | Books Inspired by Cornwall, England
Author Guest / September 25, 2020

Like the main character in Safe House, I moved to Cornwall on the south-western coast of England recently. Only I wasn’t running away from my past, or starting over again with a new identity. And, as far as I know, no-one is after me to make me pay for past misdemeanours! I’ve always been devoted to Cornwall, having been on holidays here when I was a child to quaintly named villages such as Mousehole, and explored the ruins of Tintagel Castle imagining myself an Arthurian Knight. One of my all-time favourite books is based here too–Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. The new adaptation is soon to be released by Netflix and I wonder whether people’s interest in books based here will increase. I hope more people will fall in love with Cornwall, just as I have. If you’ve got a hankering to read more Cornish novels after Rebecca and SAFE HOUSE, here are five of the best. 1-Jumping straight in with the best non-fiction book I’ve ever read. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. Raynor and her terminally ill husband walked the entire South West coastal path after losing their home and being left almost penniless. Not just Cornwall but…

Jennifer Vido | Jen’s Jewel’s Interview: THE SILENT CONSPIRACY by L.C. Shaw
Author Guest / September 25, 2020

Jen: What inspired you to write THE SILENT CONSPIRACY? LC: Jack and Taylor’s story wasn’t finished in THE NETWORK and I wanted to continue it with a new storyline in THE SILENT CONSPIRACY. Themes that I felt drawn to include were those of bias in the media, the health care crisis in this country, and the continuing theme of spiritual warfare. As both characters are investigative journalists, there are so many different stories that could pull them in. I’m also very attached to both characters and was excited to have the opportunity to have their journey continue. For those readers not familiar with THE NETWORK, what is the premise of the story? In THE NETWORK, a shadowy group is manipulating society through the media, entertainment, and legislature. Jack Logan, an investigative reporter, is drawn into the conspiracy when Senator Malcolm Phillips comes to him with a desperate plea to protect his wife, Taylor. Taylor is the one woman Jack truly loved, and when Jack hears the news that the senator has indeed been found dead, he springs into action. Jack and Taylor embark on a harrowing search for the truth as they are pursued by unknown assassins until they uncover…

Jane Igharo | Exclusive Interview: TIES THAT TETHER
Author Guest / September 25, 2020

Hi, Jane! Welcome to Fresh Fiction. Please introduce yourself and tell us about your new book, TIES THAT TETHER.  I’m a Nigerian-Canadian author, and my debut novel, TIES THAT TETHER, is a contemporary romance about a Nigerian woman who promises her dying father she will marry a Nigerian man even after immigrating to Canada. But when she meets and falls for a man who is Spanish, she’s caught between her family’s wishes and her own. As a result, she tries to reconcile her identity as a Nigerian woman and her identity as an immigrant. This is your debut romance–congratulations! What has your journey into publishing been like?   Like many writers, I’ve had to deal with a lot of rejections before getting to this point. I wrote two books in two different genres–literary fiction and paranormal romance–before moving to contemporary romance. I learned a lot from those two novels that didn’t get published, and in 2016, I started writing my third novel, TIES THAT TETHER. I knew this one was something special, but I knew it wasn’t perfect. In 2018, I entered Pitch Wars, a mentorship program for writers. I was selected to be mentored by someone who completely understood…

Robin Wells | Exclusive Excerpt: SHE GETS THAT FROM ME
Author Guest / September 25, 2020

I open the door. The guy is tall—probably six foot one or two—and fit, like a runner. He’s clean-shaven and good-looking. “Hello,” I say. “Hi. I’m Zack Bradley.” His eyes are like little pieces of sky, and a dimple winks in his jaw as he smiles. The smile transforms him from attractive to devastating. “Are you Brooke Adams?” Chill bumps chase up my arms, and it’s not cold outside. He looks familiar, but his name doesn’t ring any bells. “Uh, no. She’s not here right now.” For some reason, I can’t bring myself to say, She’s dead. His smile fades into disappointment. “Can you tell me when she’ll be back?” “Not, um, really. Is there something I can help you with?” I realize I sound like a clerk at a shoe store. I smile and stretch out my hand. “I’m her best friend, Quinn Langston.” “Nice to meet you.” He takes my hand, and my palm is encased in warmth. More goose bumps instantly prickle up my neck. It’s definitely a sign of something, but I don’t know what. “Her phone doesn’t seem to be working,” he says. Miss Margaret has Brooke’s cell phone. I’m not sure if she’s already…

N.J. Walters | From a Song to a Series
Author Guest / September 24, 2020

One of the most asked questions any author gets is, “Where do your ideas come from?” My answer is always the same–everywhere. I’ve gotten ideas from magazine articles and television shows, snippets of overheard conversation, ideas that pop into my head just before I go to sleep at night–some authors dream their plots, but I’ve never been that lucky–and music. All I can share are my experiences, but I’ve found that something I see or hear sparks my imagination. For example, I did an online quiz once: Which Carnival Ride Are You? I could have answered without taking the quiz, but I did it and got the answer I’d anticipated–a carousel. Not exactly adventurous. But it got me thinking about the carved animals on these rides. Not all of them are pretty horses. Then I started asking the “what if” questions. What if they were wild and exotic animals? What if they were really trapped immortal warriors, placed there by a curse meant to protect them? And what if there was a way for them to escape? Those questions became the foundation of my Hade’s Carnival series featuring a curse, the devil himself, immortal shapeshifting warriors, betrayal, and redemption. Not…

Priscilla Oliveras | Double Cover Reveal: HOLIDAY HOME RUN & ANCHORED HEARTS
Author Guest / September 23, 2020

We are THRILLED to feature a DOUBLE COVER REVEAL from USA Today bestselling author, Priscilla Oliveras! What a treat–especially because she’s also sharing an exclusive excerpt from the highly-anticipated second book in the Keys to Love series, ANCHORED HEARTS. Read on to see the gorgeous covers and to read more about her upcoming releases.  *** For me, one of the best moments of author life is when my publisher and I finalize a cover for one of my upcoming books. Even though I’ve spent countless hours pecking away at the keyboard striving to bring my characters to life, seeing that cover makes the book feel more real. A giddiness tickles my chest. A palpable excitement courses through me at the thought of sharing the image that captures the essence of the love story. Getting a chance to share a DOUBLE cover reveal for my novella HOLIDAY HOME RUN and ANCHORED HEARTS, book 2 in my Keys to Love series, thanks to Fresh Fiction is. . .  ¡Bueno, it’s fantastico! Definitely a first time I’ll always remember! HOLIDAY HOME RUN features Julia Fernandez, a cousin of my beloved Fernandez sisters in the MATCHED TO PERFECTION series. Julia’s an event planner, in…

Cynthia Breeding | Scandinavia
Author Guest / September 23, 2020

Scandinavia. . . Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. . . are beautiful countries. Until COVID raised its ugly head this year, most travelers chose cruise ships for these destinations since all the major cities can be accessed by ship as well as the spectacular fjords, but taking a bus/land tour with a much smaller group of people has its benefits. It presents the opportunity to learn more about the people and the land than what a short day excursion while in port can provide. Denmark is, as they say, “flat as a pancake” and everyone (everyone!) owns a bicycle.  Part of the reason is that there is a 150 percent surcharge on personal cars, although the Danes can get a “business” plate. Cycling also keeps them incredibly fit and healthy in spite of a penchant for ice cream and waffles. Historically, the Danes were powerful, having control of both Norway and Sweden for centuries. (Remember Hamlet?)  Odense is the home of Hans Christian Anderson and a museum there has beautiful editions of The Little Mermaid. Sweden is very pastoral, with forests and a huge lake (Lake Vattern) that nearly bisects the country. Stockholm is actually a city of many islands crisscrossed…

Kerrigan Byrne | Exclusive Interview: ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED
Author Guest / September 23, 2020

Welcome back to Fresh Fiction, Kerrigan! Can you give us a little bit of background on the Devil You Know series and what you’re most excited about in book 2, ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED?   Hi! I have to say this is one of my favorite places in the world to virtually be! Here at Fresh Fiction with you guys. The Devil You Know Series follows three rebellious, red-headed girls who demand the same privileges, freedoms, and education as men. So, in finishing school they formed a society called “The Red Rogues” where they dressed in trousers, read banned books, drank like they weren’t supposed to, and promised never to marry. Of course, they meet the man who entices them to go back on their word! Now, what I love about All Scot and Bothered is that it might be the most fun I’ve ever had with enemies to lovers and opposites attract. Ramsay (the hero) is the opposite of the anti-heroes I’m used to in that he never bends the rules. He’s a perfectionist. He’s grumpy, critical, dangerous, and it was OH SO satisfying to watch as Cecelia unravels his entire world and makes him lose control. At a surface level, Cecelia…

Annie Sullivan | Author-Reader Match: A CURSE OF GOLD
Author Guest / September 22, 2020

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors as a reader you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Annie Sullivan! Writes: Young adult fantasy and fairytale retellings A TOUCH OF GOLD and TIGER QUEEN, with my latest release A CURSE OF GOLD, book 2 in my A Touch of Gold series, hitting shelves on September 22, 2020. About: Thirty-something young adult author seeks readers who want to leave this world behind to enter one full of adventure, high seas battles, Greek mythology, and princesses with magic powers. Must be young at heart, willing to believe in magic, like handsome sea captains with a heart of gold, and want a happy ever after. What I’m looking for in my ideal reader match: Their idea of the perfect date includes a Saturday aboard ship sailing toward an island most people don’t believe exists Loves a strong heroine and fun supporting cast Likes action-packed adventures with touches of humor Dreams of facing the unknown horizon Falls in love easily with seafaring heroes Wants to learn to love themselves, flaws and all Not afraid…

Rachel Reid | NHL Players over 35
Author Guest / September 22, 2020

The fourth book in my Game Changers series, COMMON GOAL, focuses on NHL goaltender Eric Bennett as he plays his final season at the age of forty-one. I turned forty myself earlier this month, so writing Eric felt personal. Even though I basically have nothing in common with Eric besides the fact that we are both extremely hot. Speaking of very hot adults, I have compiled a list of five dreamboat active NHL players who are thirty-five or over. These are the mature hunks that you need to watch now before they retire (presented in no particular order). Henrik Lundqvist – New York Rangers I like my men like I like my bookshelves: tall, dark and Swedish, and King Henry ticks every box. That trim beard, those bespoke suits, those silver blue eyes…damn. He’s two years younger than me, but I would still call him Daddy and not even feel weird about it. Does he do a little underwear modeling on the side? Of course he does. Did he openly weep when his best friend was traded last season? Yes, because he’s a confident king who isn’t afraid of his feelings. Will he ever win a Stanley Cup? Probably not,…