PIPER’S PURGATORY evolved from an old recollection. Really old. A million years ago—back when I was in high school. Creative Writing was my favorite class. Our teacher was innovative and kept all the students engaged. I wrote an 8-page short story called WIDOW’S TALE in that high school course. Flash forward many years, and that short story evolved into a 300-page romantic suspense novel that finalized at the RWA’s Golden Heart awards.   But, let’s get back to that class. It was high school. I was young. Too young to appreciate the classics. We were assigned to read Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. And wow, love it, I did! But, this class was more than just about reading a classic. To help us fully grasp the characters, our teacher turned the class into Purgatory, and we held a trial on whether Heathcliff should head north or south. This wasn’t a philosophical or an inspirational class. The assignment was to dissect Heathcliff and delve deep into his motivations. Each student played a character in the book and took turns questioning the poor student who portrayed Heathcliff. I was Joseph, the old servant. It wasn’t a reach for me to portray an…

What made you want to do a reimagining of the classic Peter Pan story? Was it always a favorite or, given the dark turn this story takes, not-so-favorite of yours? I’ve always loved fairy tales in general, especially the dark ones. And I’ve always loved Peter Pan — the original is such a slim volume, but so beautiful and complex. But I hadn’t thought of it in years, until I had a crazy dream featuring a Wendy in a stone tower and Peter Pan boys flying in and out of the windows. When I woke up, I thought “Hmmm. That’s interesting,” and started reading everything I could about J.M. Barrie and his work.   Besides Wendy and Peter Pan, do you bring back any of the other characters from the classic? Yes. Tinker Bell makes an appearance, as well as one or two other characters I don’t want to give away!   Your story, like many fairy tales, taps into deep fears that many people have – sickness, a child’s disappearance, aging. Have you entertained the idea of using these elements in a more traditional thriller? Fairy tales were some of the original thrillers. Think about it — missing children,…

Luke Dempsey, your hero in TURN TO ME, is a man who’s been to prison. What made you decide on a hero with that history? Luke’s younger brother died when Luke was 14.  Luke tried to save him, couldn’t, and then blamed himself for Ethan’s death.  That trauma sent him on a reckless and self-destructive path.  I had that path end with a stint in prison for two reasons: One, because I wanted the challenge of prison to toughen him. Two, because I wanted prison to serve as his motivation to get his life in order. When Turn to Me begins, he’s been out for a few months.  He’s cynical and withdrawn but he’s also dead set on never breaking another law.   How would you describe the dynamic between Luke and Finley? Grump and sunshine!  I had a ball writing these two.  Luke’s an irritable bad boy hero type and Finley’s an idealistic, Boho animal lover.   Because there’s some treasure hunting in this story, is there a mix of romance and suspense? Or does one dominate the story more than the other? There’s definitely a blend of romance and mystery with a dash of suspense thrown in.  But…

1–What is the title of your latest release? THE SWEET LIFE 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? A mom and daughter start an ice cream shop on Cape Cod, with high hopes for success…but you know how complicated that relationship can be. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? My dad grew up on Cape Cod. I’ve traveled there several times and have relatives in Chatham—the jewel of the Cape. What could be better than a summer day in Chatham, Mass? 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life? I would definitely hang out with Marnie Dixon, the mom in this story. She’s kind of a middle-aged hippie. Opposite of her daughter Dawn, who’s very literal, very detail minded. On the other hand, I would happily eat Dawn’s ice cream. I’d worry that Marnie would be careless and accidentally cause food poisoning. 5–What are three words that describe your hero? Actually, two heroes. Marnie: Spontaneous. Creative. Adventurous. Dawn: Logical. Attention-to-detail. Risk-adverse. 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? I learned a lot about the making of ice cream. Quite a lot. My husband attended Penn State’s Ice Cream School (yes…there’s…

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Lily Chu!   Writes: Fun rom-coms set in Toronto and featuring Asian characters. I love including some glitz and glamour (and a good red lipstick) but I want my characters to also face issues that we encounter in the real world, from mental health challenges to doubts about identity to building relationships and supporting family. And of course, falling in love!   The Stand-In is about Gracie Reed, a biracial Chinese-Canadian who loses her job and reluctantly agrees to help her doppelganger, Chinese movie star Wei Fangli, by impersonating her at events. The money will help move her mother to a better long-term care home, and it’s no hardship to be partnered by Fangli’s co-star and usual escort, actor Sam Yao. However, as Sam and Gracie grow closer, she begins to question herself, and whether Sam sees her for who she is, or only as Fangli’s stand-in.   About: I live in Toronto with my family, which includes two almost toothless cats. One of…

THE HUNT BEGINS: How much heartbreak can one person take? Perizada, high fae, ambassador, mate, and friend to those in the Romanian pack, has lost her way. Everything about the fae is in question: her loyalty, her love, even her very existence. Still, her friends refuse to give up hope. The Order’s compound has been brought to the ground, reduced to ash, but can Perizada’s attack even be considered a victory given the sacrifice made to achieve it? What of the innocents trapped within the compound’s walls? Were any of those lives spared? Even with all they have faced, the challenges, the loss and pain, Fane, Jacque, their pack, and allies remain steadfast in their fight against evil. Past experiences give them hope that not all is as it seems. Perhaps there are hearts that still beat where others perished. And always with them is their Creator, the Great Luna, an ever-present help in trouble. She offers light when there is only darkness, love when the heart is broken, and forgiveness when transgressions overwhelm them. Their battle is far from over, but there is no victory without sacrifice. There is no light without darkness. There is no joy without sorrow….

1–What is the title of your latest release? DARK CLASS 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? A librarian wakes up on a secret moon base, far from Earth, and finds herself caught up in a long-running conflict between two alien races. Luckily, she has a few powerful friends on her side. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? This is the fifth book in my Class 5 series, and the setting was a natural extension of what had come before in the series – the logical next step in the story arc. 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life? Absolutely! 5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? Fierce, loyal, empathetic 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? That once something is in movement in space, it doesn’t stop until it hits a barrier. 7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done? I edit as I go, especially when I’m stuck on what to write next. Going back to the beginning always helps. 8–What’s your favorite foodie indulgence? Right now, croissants. 9–Describe your writing space/office! I have a perfectly good study, but I prefer…

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Avery Daniels!   Writes: As Avery Daniels I write cozy mysteries.  Previously I’ve published four books in the Resort to Murder series where a manager-in-training at a luxury resort is the amateur sleuth.  I have written one thriller in the Elizabeth Grant series under the pen name C.G. Abbot.  I wanted to write a fun paranormal mystery and I’m happy to share FIRST BITE, the debut novel of the Accidental Vampire PI series. About: FIRST BITE is the first in my new breezy paranormal cozy mystery series. Cozy mysteries contain no gore, on-page violence, or on-page sex.  This makes them the comfort food of mysteries, great anytime.  FIRST BITE is a light paranormal tale with humor, a touch of potential romance, and a murder to investigate.   What I’m looking for in my ideal reader match for FIRST BITE: You like quirky positive-thinking vampires A clean murder mystery to figure out Some humor A little romance with some complications A talking cat Plus Witches,…

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors as a reader you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Cassandra Rose Clarke!   Writes: Dark paranormal romance with an edgy twist like in SINGING WITH THE DEVIL. Think demons-turned-rock stars playing in smoky dive bars and demon-hunters-turned-accountants getting drawn back in for one last demon hunt. Think forbidden romance blooming in the sultry swamps of Louisiana, evil cult leaders threatening to tear our lovers apart, and enough dark magic to stop the apocalypse.   About: I’m a life-long Texan currently living in Virginia, where I’m delighted to experience four distinct seasons for the first time (autumn really is as magical as everyone says). Non-writing interests include quilting and embroidery, watching more TV than I probably should, perfecting my lavender latte recipe, and attempting to land a flawless double pirouette as a second-chance adult ballet dancer. Somehow, I wound up with four cats.   What I’m looking for in my ideal reader match: My ideal reader loves: Brooding monster boys Heroines learning to trust in their own abilities Spooky vibes Seriously…

With her new book WHEN SHE DREAMS out, we here at Fresh Fiction thought it would be a fun way for readers to get to know her characters better (from her many many fab books) to play a little game we call “The Character Most Likely“. I love this because it satisfies my romance nerd self AND because I love Amanda Quick’s books. If you’re new to her Burning Cove series – it takes place during the 1930s and has a wonderful mix of romance and mystery.   Most likely to successfully masquerade as somebody else to get information? ANSWER: Sam Sage (WHEN SHE DREAMS).  Hey, he’s a profession private investigator.  He knows how to do this stuff. Most likely to slip in and out of a locked room undetected? ANSWER: Simon Cage (THE LADY HAS A PAST). He’s got a psychic vibe. Most likely to have a plan blow up in their face? ANSWER: Maggie Lodge (WHEN SHE DREAMS).  She’s the overly-enthusiastic type. Most likely talk their way out of a sticky situation? ANSWER: Luther Pell (THE BURNING COVE series).  He’s got connections.  All he has to do is pick up the phone. Most likely to fall in love…