Fresh FIction Box Not To Miss
Miranda Owen | Favorite Reads of 2021
Author Guest / December 16, 2021

As a woman, I sometimes feel like I’m too critical of female protagonists. Tess Greene, the heroine in DISASTER GIRL by Michelle Dayton, is realistically flawed, but I admire her determination, intelligence, and her mix of toughness and plenty of heart. It’s something the hero in this story admires too, and why he ends up falling for her. Tess had a somewhat chaotic childhood, constantly doing damage control. As a result, that became kind of what she does for a career. This story involves revenge porn, and Tess collaborates with potential employee and tech geek she’s hopelessly attracted to, Max Hampshire, to bring down the sleezebag behind it all. I like characters who are multifaceted, and Tess qualifies for sure. She’s not the stereotypical cold-hearted businesswoman. She’s had some life experiences that have made her more guarded, but she cares about a lot of people and is fiercely loyal. Since the story is told strictly from Tess’s perspective, you naturally sympathize with her, and you relate to her insecurity about Max’s feelings for her. The chemistry between Tess and Max is phenomenal and the witty banter makes the steamy scenes even better when they eventually happen. I have fallen down…

Codi Hall | 20 Questions: NICK AND NOEL’S CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST
Author Guest / October 5, 2021

1–What is the title of your latest release? NICK AND NOEL’S CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST 2–What is it about? Two lifelong friends falling in love over the course of a holiday season. 3–What do you love about the setting of your book?  The small town of Mistletoe, Idaho is set in the mountains above Fairfield. The area is gorgeous and the close-knit, mountain town backdrop always makes me feel at home because it’s a homage to the towns I grew up in. 4–How did your heroine surprise you?  Her ability to say exactly what’s on her mind with no qualms. Sometimes, I wish I had that skill. 5–Why will readers love your hero?  Nick is such a genuinely good guy and funny to boot! Who doesn’t love a good sense of humor and a heart of gold? 6–What was one of your biggest challenges while writing this book (spoiler-free, of course!)?  Balancing the weight of Noel’s past with the hopeful joy the holiday season brings. 7–Do you look forward to or do you dread the revision process?  I shine during edits. First drafts are torture. My version of hell is writing a first draft over and over with no input and relying…