book review

New Release: Indigo by Karen Hulene Bartell

Posted on by Chelsey M. Ortega

I had the honor of being an ARC reader for Indigo by Karen Hulene Bartell. Let me tell you, this book earned its 5 stars. Indigo starts off with the popular being-left-at-the-altar beginning; and then it goes in a completely different direction. With perfect timing, our main character Raluca learns that she has inherited a cabin from a deceased aunt she didn’t know existed. While attempting to clean the place up in order to sell it, Raluca uncovers family secrets, curses, and diseases. Intertwined with these investigations is the brewing of a new relationship that can mend her broken heart.

I loved that the paranormal aspect of the story focused on windigos. In a world of vampires, werewolves, and dragons, I thought this was a wonderfully unique choice for the monster. Karen also really leaned into the suspense in a way that I enjoyed. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a story that made me read with the lights on. The non-romantic parts of the plot stood well on their own. I didn’t feel anxious to get back to the romance like I have experienced with other stories. All around, this was a great read, and I highly recommend it.

In addition to my review, I have interviewed Karen, so let’s give her the floor!

Can you introduce your story, world, and characters?

Starting over after a broken engagement, Raluca Olson inherits a Northwoods cabin from a mysterious relative. Bloodcurdling shrieks, hanging trees, and stories of hellhounds make the log cabin inhospitable, but then she meets Dylan McCoombs. The attraction is immediate and mutual as he answers questions about her Grand Aunt Winny. He also shares the Anishinaabe legend about windigos. Some believe they’re spirits that inhabit people. Others say they’re simply morality tales for children about social taboos like cannibalism or incest, but psychiatrists define the concept as a culture-bound syndrome.

Raluca wants to flip the cabin quickly and resume her life in Chicago. But realtors contend that the rustic cabin needs an overhaul, and she is short on funds. Dylan helps her renovate, and as they spend time together, the magnetism evolves into a relationship.

During renovations, she discovers a diary and scrapbook that offer clues about her aunt, the area’s founding family, and a “certain family member” that never left. Gradually, she learns she’s related to the Marchands and “all the Marchand women are carriers, but the men bear the family curse.”

What is the family curse? The diary reveals that the family suffers from hemophilia and porphyria. But the journal suggests that a third inherited trait is passed from one generation to the next…something evil…

Because porphyria leads to anemia and causes acute light sensitivity, sufferers are pale, which is why porphyria inspired vampire stories. Another symptom of porphyria is excessive facial hair, which caused the disease’s association with werewolves. When the European settlers’ folklore collided with the Anishinaabe legend of the windigo, the Marchand myth was born.

Is a windigo an unclean spirit, a morality tale, or a culture-bound syndrome? Is that what’s leaving gutted animals on her doorstep?

Grappling with bloodthirsty prowlers, unscrupulous realtors, and neurotic neighbors isn’t challenging enough. Just when Raluca relearns to trust her instincts in a new relationship, her blindsiding ex arrives with an engagement ring and an attitude.

How does this HEA unfold? Raluca must solve an eight-generation mystery of family dysfunction, as well as deal with greed, murders, meth labs, and forest fires to marry the man she loves. Then, just as she discovers marital bliss, a package is delivered.

That sounds like a lot of twists and turns! What inspired this story?

Three years ago, we moved into a new neighborhood, where I’d walk my dog past a nearby cemetery. Each day,  I’d see more elements for a story that was slowly developing: a “devil’s chair;” a creaky, hanging sign; a bare patch with just a footstone, a “hanging tree;” swerve marks on the road beside the cemetery; a mailwoman who chewed and spit; and a neighbor whose family suffered from hemophilia and who swore some of the events (that I ultimately wrote about in Indigo) actually happened to her in another cemetery. Elements of truth embellished with an overactive imagination is how Indigo came to be.

I love how much of our lives make their way into our stories. Can you give  us a brief look at your writing process. Are you a plotter or pantser? How much time did you spend on this project? What is your writing schedule like?

I’m definitely a pantser – although I did plan Indigo a tad with a story arc, and it took about 18 months to write. I try to write every day, but sometimes it’s 350 words, and other days, when I’m on a roll, it can be 4-5,000 words.

Who are you outside of writing?


I’m a Master Naturalist, a Master Gardener, and a member of the Native Plant Society of Texas, so it seems I’m always outside – gardening, kayaking, hiking, or helping with the various projects, plant sales, and flotillas. I walk our dog Tory every day, and my husband and I sing in the church choir every Sunday.

Meet Karen and her latest book, Indigo.

The author of 29 published books and Indigo (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249818067), Karen Hulene Bartell was born to rolling-stone parents who moved annually. Her earliest playmates were fictional friends in books. Paperbacks became her portable pals. Ghost stories kept her up at night–reading feverishly. Novels offered an imaginative escape, and she began her first novel at nine, learning the joys of creating her own HEAs. Professor emeritus of the University of Texas at Austin, she lives in the Texas Piney Woods with her husband and *mews*–three rescued cats and a rescued CATahoula Leopard dog.

Reeling after her fiancé dumps her, Raluca Olson inherits a rustic cabin from an unknown relative. Eerie incidents and rumors of a mythical windigo alarm her, but she’s determined to learn the truth about her dysfunctional family before she flips the property.

Despite unscrupulous realtors, bloodthirsty prowlers, and a devious ex, her life improves with a rescued puppy, and passion ignites when she meets Dylan McCoombs, but…

What does a demonic half-beast share with a psychosis and porphyria? Are monsters born or formed? Nature or nurture? Is a windigo spirit genetic? More importantly, does she carry the gene?

Stay up to date with Karen at www.KarenHuleneBartell.com/

An Oldie But a Goodie: In the Crosshairs: The Body on Leffis Key by M.S. Spencer

Posted on by Chelsey M. Ortega

Wednesday is the 2nd book birthday for In the Crosshairs: The Body on Leffis Key by M.S. Spencer! Ms. Spencer is celebrating this special milestone here on my blog. I had the honor of asking her a few questions about her book.

How long has your book been out? When was it originally released?

This will be In the Crosshairs’ second anniversary. It was published by The Wild Rose Press on May 27, 2024.

Can you tell us about your story, world, and characters?

In the Crosshairs: the Body on Leffis Key, combines several interests of mine—Florida, birdwatching, and national politics. It takes place on a small key adjacent to Longboat Key, on the gulf coast of Florida. A strip of low dune and mangrove swamp, Leffis Key is home to the Marine Rescue Facility and a nature walk. Palmer Lind, the heroine, is a birder on a trek down the east coast after losing her husband. The stranger who helps her is a refugee from Capitol Hill, hiding from those who may have murdered his boss, a senator. He rents a conch house and owns one each of many vehicles, from planes to boats to a refurbished classic Airstream camper.

That sounds fascinating! What inspired this story?

I started writing this book after I came across an obscure news item about the Chinese buying up US farmland. It intrigued—and concerned—me. I decided to insert it as a plot element in a novel—and what to my wonderment should happen but two years later it’s a full-blown global issue!

I set In the Crosshairs on the gulf coast of Florida because that’s where I live. Let me explain with a short excerpt from the book: 

“A beam of red light shot through her window. Sunset already? She got up, fixed herself a drink, and took it to the balcony. She watched as the sun sank into the gulf, long, needle-like pincers of light stretching out as though it wanted to hook the horizon and hang on for dear life. Like Kilroy, whatever was pulling it from below won the battle and the sun dipped, leaving its signature green spot as a token of affection for the world.”

This is what it’s like to live on the Gulf Coast of Florida. By day the sky is the deep blue of Paul Newman’s eyes; at close of day it’s flooded with a full palette of reds, oranges, pinks and purples. Put it this way: I have a lot of pictures of my children—I have even more pictures of sunsets in Sarasota!

View from Leffis Key

That does sound beautiful. I would love to make it to Florida one day. Can you give us a brief look at your writing process? Are you a plotter or pantser? How much time did you spend on this project? What is your writing schedule like?

I have the luxury, being retired—kids grown, husband looking down on me from above, no mortgage—of being able to write whenever I want. Which usually means every day for at least four hours. Producing a full-length novel takes about a year, from first draft to release. My first draft is usually an expansive outline, about 30,000 words. After the plotline is set I can focus on building the characters and elaborate on the setting and atmosphere. Once those are established, I concentrate on ironing out any inconsistencies, creating red herrings, and refining the mystery. So I guess you could say I’m a plontster. 

I love that combination word. I think most authors are somewhere between the two. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

My interest in national politics stems from my years working on Capitol Hill—for the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, as a speechwriter for a Senator, and then at the Dept. of the Interior. Once you’ve seen the inner workings of federal government, you’ll never believe a single news article again!

Palmer Lind, recovering from the sudden death of her husband, embarks on a bird-watching trek to the Gulf Coast of Florida. One hot day on Leffis Key she comes upon—not the life bird she was hoping for—but a floating corpse. The handsome beach bum who appears on the scene at the same time seems to have even more secrets than the dead man.

His story begins to unravel as the pair search for answers to a growing pile of dead bodies. Spies, radical environmentalists, and wealthy businessmen circle around each other in a complex dance. Which one is lying? What do a seemingly random group of individuals have in common, other than being targeted by a crossbow?

Pick up a copy of In the Crosshairs: The Body of Leffis Key at your preferred retailer:

Amazon  Barnes&Noble  ITunes  Kobo  Google  BooksAMillion

Books2Read  WildRosePress    AmazonCA   AmazonUKAngus&RobertsonIndigoGooglePlay

Librarian, anthropologist, research assistant, Congressional aide, speechwriter, nonprofit director—M. S. Spencer has lived or traveled in five of the seven continents and holds degrees in Anthropology, Middle East Studies, and Library Science. She has published eighteen mystery or romantic suspense novels. She has two children, an exuberant granddaughter, and currently divides her time between the Gulf Coast of Florida and a tiny village in Maine.

Follow M.S. Spencer on your preferred social media:

Blog: https://msspencertalespinner.blogspot.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msspencermysteries

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/msspencerauthor

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/msspencer
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/msspencerauthor/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-s-spencer

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002ZOEUC8

BookDNA: https://bookdna.com/search/author/21204

My Top 5 Reads of 2025

Posted on by Chelsey M. Ortega

Okay, it’s technically my top 8 reads of 2025, but 4 of them are in the same series, so I’m reviewing them together. 

I read 41 books this year – 2 more than my goodreads goal! 5 (8) of them I loved so much, I need to share them with you.

Remember When We by Khardine Gray. 

Khardine Gray also writes under the name Faith Summers. Whether she’s writing as Khardine or Faith, her series are all mafia romances. Remember When We is my absolute favorite of hers. It’s the third installment of her Gangster and Dolls series. It’s a second chance romance with the older brother’s best friend and secret baby tropes weaved into the plot. Lyssa and Gio haven’t seen each other in almost a decade. The death of Lyssa’s brother, Gio’s best friend tore them apart. Now they’re back in each other’s lives, and Lyssa owes money to the wrong man. Gio must not only win back her heart, but also save her from dangerous men who want to harm her.

Khardine/Faith write very spicy love scenes, and most of her MMCs are morally grey and very alpha-like. Several of her stories cross the line for me; but knowing that she has stories like Remember When We keeps me reading her stuff.

Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes

Unlike the other Bridgerton stories, Queen Charlotte the book was released after Queen Charlotte the limited Netflix series. But like most film-book comparisons, the book is better! What I love about reading is that we get to experience the characters’ emotions in their heads. On screen, we guess what they’re feeling by their body language and tone of voice. Like the mini-series, Queen Charlotte follows Charlotte and George’s early days as newlyweds, Brimsley and Reynolds’ relationship, and Lady Danbury’s fight to keep her children’s rightful status after her husband dies. The book also gets a couple of scenes that aren’t in the show. My guess is they are scenes that either got deleted from final edits, or were never filmed due to time. And finally, Brimsley and Reynolds’ love story is so much better in the book. I didn’t like their story in the show. I thought Reynolds was toxic and verbally abusive. In the book, Brimsley calls Reynsolds out on this unequal behavior, and Reynolds changes for the better by the end of the book.

I’m all for Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes continuing to give side characters their own story. 

The Rokesby Series by Julia Quinn

  • Because of Miss Bridgerton
  • The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband
  • The Other Miss Bridgerton
  • First Comes Scandal

These four books are considered the Bridgerton Prequels. The MMCs of each book are a son in the Rokesby family – the family whose countryside property is next to the Bridgerton’s Aubrey Hall. And three of the FMCs are a Bridgerton girl; either a sister or cousin to Edmund Bridgerton (Violet’s husband and father to the eight main Bridgertons). I argue that these four books are better than the original eight Bridgerton books. But I’m sure it’s because Julia Quinn started with the Bridgerton books, and simply improved her plot creativity and writing skills as she wrote and published more. Let’s dive in to a brief summary of each:

Because of Miss Bridgerton is about the oldest Rokesby, George, and the oldest Bridgerton Billie (Sibylla). They think they hate each other, but their mothers know better and hook them up with an elaborate scheme of dinner parties and visiting London.

The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband takes us to the colonies on the North American continent during the American Revolution. Edward, the second oldest Rokesby is serving the King in his Majesty’s army. Cecilia has traveled to the colonies to find her injured brother, who happens to be Edward’s best friend. In order to get the answers she seeks, Cecilia needs the Rokesby name, and pretends to be married to Edward.

The Other Miss Bridgerton is about the third Rokesby, Andrew, and a Bridgerton cousin, Poppy. Andrew is a ship captain. His ship participates in some legit business and some pirate-level business. Poppy gets kidnapped by some of his crew, and he has to take care of her while they make an important and deadline-driven journey to Portugal. 

First Comes Scandal is about the youngest Rokesby, Nicholas, and the youngest Bridgerton Georgie (Georgiana). Georgie’s reputation has been compromised by a malicious young man who wanted to force her to marry him. Nicholas’ father asks him to marry her in order to save her from a life of spinsterhood and a soiled reputation. Their love story begins after their marriage. 

In usual Julia Quinn fashion, these four stories are full of witty women, temperamental men, and comedy. I love her writing, and this is my favorite series of hers (so far).    

Romney: A Reckoning by McKay Coppins

I didn’t know who Mitt Romney was before he became a real contender in the 2012 Republican primaries. Part of that is because I was too young to vote or care before then, and part because I took a political science class during that time, so of course my professor used class time to closely follow the campaigns. Over the years, I have grown to greatly respect Mitt Romney, especially during his time as a Senator representing Utah. Reading this biography that covers both his personal and political life was very enlightening, and I like him even more now. Mitt Romney always tries to do what he thinks is right, even when others disagree with and disparage him. I think he’s a great role model for future politicians. 

Zalis by Nancey Cummings

Nancey Cummings writes science fiction romances, and her longest running series is the Warlord Brides/Warriors of Sangrin series. Zalis is the 13th installment in that series (16th, if you count the three side stories, which I do). It popped up on my “Because you read…” recommendations on my kindle, and I bought it right away and started reading immediately. Zalis is an alien warrior, his species is called Mahdfel, and he is of the Sangrin line. He meets his human mate when he rescues her in a group of kidnapped human women to be sold on the sentient being trafficking market. Gemma does not want to go back to earth, so she accepts a match with Zalis in order to stay near her twin sister. What will start as a marriage of convenience, has the chance to bud into love. I love Nancy Cummings’ writing. She is creative in her world building. She develops humorous and witty characters. Most authors cannot continue a series for this long and keep it entertaining with readers still wanting more. But I do want more, and her acknowledgements at the end of Zalis do promise more in due time!

What were your favorite books that you read in 2025? Share them in the comments!

World Building Expansion in Onyx Storm

Posted on by Chelsey M. Ortega

I have had to percolate my thoughts on Onyx Storm for several weeks. I read the last chapter on July 31st. The next day I posted a thread that said, “I just finished Onyx Storm and I am not okay”. Then I finally posted my review on Goodreads on August 3rd. And after that, I still didn’t know how I wanted to write a positive analysis for my blog because the end absolutely destroyed me. 

And I finally figured out why I’ve been struggling: 1. I thought Onyx Storm was the final book in the series for the first half of reading it, and then my hair stylist told me there’s going to be more. 2. The cliffhanger ending is too hard (for me) when the next book isn’t out yet.

Both of those issues can be pushed aside for an analysis of the actual story. So let’s dive in.

Representation

This has been going on since the first book. I really like Rebecca Yarros’s way of introducing a character’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. My favorite example is with a side character whose preferred pronouns are they/them. I apologize to the super fans, but I can’t remember this character’s name. They aren’t one of the primary side characters because they aren’t on Violet’s squad, and I don’t think they’re in Violet’s wing. Whenever they are in a scene, Violet’s inner dialogue and actual dialogue call the character they/them without a big info dump on why, nor is there a side plot where other characters have to learn to accept that character as they identify themselves. They just simply exist and the acceptance was already part of the culture before page 1 of book 1. 

We see something similar with Jessinia. She is deaf. And from the moment we meet her, Violet already knows sign language. In fact, the majority of the characters know sign language, implying that it is a cultural expectation in most provinces.

Gay and lesbian characters also don’t have a coming out plot. They just simply are there and we learn their identity when they get a love interest. Which is something I’m attempting in my own writing as well. 

Several characters are supposedly persons of color, but I have to admit I didn’t catch on to Rebecca Yarros’s hints and descriptions of said characters. The only two that were obvious to me were Xaden and Bodhi. But I’m going to give her grace because I’m also still learning how to let my readers know my characters’ race in an obvious but still respectful way. The racial issues that are written into the story are more about regional differences, not skin colors. We see this a lot in modern fantasy world building, and I personally like it. It’s something I’m trying to do in my own writing as well: put in diverse characters, but the issues they face don’t surround their skin color.

Disabled characters seem to be the one exception to the culture of Navarre. Violet was born disabled, and she’s raised to believe her disability will never allow her to be a dragon rider. Which, if you’ve read the first book, you know how she overcomes that. Now, one could argue that society itself has no problems with disabled people in Navarre, they just can’t be dragon riders. But I would argue back that dragon riders are considered the elite of the kingdom, so yes, society as whole probably does look down on the disabled. We see another character, Sawyer, become disabled during a major battle at the end of the second book, and he spends the third book learning to accept his new limitations and readjusting his riding style so he can still ride his dragon and fight – just like Xaden and Tairn did for Violet. 

Overall, I think what Rebecca Yarros is doing with representation in this series is a good step toward representation in fantasy stories. I can’t speak for any of those communities because I don’t belong to any of them. I have seen some criticisms from readers who belong to those communities, so she’s not doing it perfectly. But I do think she deserves props for trying, and will hopefully inspire other authors who can learn from her example and the criticisms in their own writing. 

Government Corruption

It’s hinted very early in Fourth Wing that the Kingdom of Navarre is corrupt, and has been for centuries. What I wasn’t prepared for was the revelation that all the kingdoms Violet and Quest Squad visit are just as corrupt. It definitely made the quest for the Irids frustrating. However, we do get to learn about several other kingdoms with their people, customs, and history. I hope we get to return to some of them in the remaining books. I also think it was really intriguing to make every government have some form of corruption. It definitely made the governments more realistic and applicable to our human world.  

Travel Plot

As mentioned above, the entirety of Onyx Storm is them traveling around trying to find where the Irid dragons ended up moving to and asking other kingdoms for help fighting the Venin. And like stated above, the results are very disappointing for Violet. This is not a new storytelling technique, but it’s usually done in a smaller chunk of the book, not the entire book. At first, I was really frustrated and didn’t feel like I read a complete story. But here’s the thing: Rebecca Yarros already showed us in the previous two books that this is the plotting style for this series. A lot of craziness happens and then we end the book on a huge cliffhanger. And as mentioned above, all of that craziness introduced us to several new communities, and poses the question: Is Navarre truly the villain? Or are all the governments villainous and selfish in their own ways?

Only one resolution

There are a lot of tensions going on throughout Onyx Storm: Violet and Xaden vs. General Aetos, Violet and Xaden vs. Theophanie, characters popping up all over the place with second signets, etc. And at the end of Onyx Storm, only one resolution happens. Which was quite strategic. Because of course I want to know what’s going to happen to everyone who showed off their second signet. Of course I want to know if General Aetos will either “come to Jesus” or if he’s going to die still being an asshole. I want to know more about Violet’s hair, because after teasing us for three books about how it’s so unique, the tidbit we got in this book was not enough to cleanse my palatte.

So, yeah. I’ll be purchasing the fourth book because I simply need to know what happens. Also I love Xaden and Violet.

In the meantime, I have a YA fantasy tangent to go on. 

Romance Tropes in Iron Flame

Posted on by Chelsey M. Ortega

Iron Flame is the second installment of The Empyreon series, and it starts right where Fourth Wing left off. This sequel also ends on a major cliffhanger, and Onyx Storm picks off right where Iron Flame left off. Because of that, Iron Flame doesn’t feel like a complete singular story. Now that I’m almost done with Onyx Storm, it’s clear this series is one larger story instead of multiple parts that are connected. So, because of that, I did thoroughly enjoy reading Iron Flame and rate it 5 stars. And I have three main takeaways to discuss. 

What flaws are okay in a love interest?

Something I’ve noticed among online forums where favorite romance couples are discussed: each individual reader has their own lines in the sand on what is and isn’t forgivable among the flaws and mistakes that characters make. I had an experience with my own writing where in a set of beta readers one vehemently did not like the male love interest and was disappointed my female main character ended up with him. I did take his comments seriously, and made one tiny adjustment in one scene based on what he didn’t like. But it made me realize that not every reader is going to be okay with the choices the love interest makes, which will affect whether they root for that love interest to get their HEA or not. And that’s okay. 

For me, I had a similar issue with Xaden for a good chunk of Iron Flame. At the end of Fourth Wing he accidentally shares with Violet a pretty big secret. Violet is understandably furious that he kept something like that from her, and is even more angry that the only reason she now knows is because Xaden’s original plan went awry. At the beginning of Iron Flame, Xaden agrees to no more secrets under the caveat that Violet has to ask questions, and he’ll answer them honestly. But Violet can’t ask questions if she doesn’t know what information she’s missing. Xaden also won’t be intimate with Violet again until she says she loves him, which she won’t do until she can trust him. The two are at an impasse of Xaden’s own making. 

I have read so many romances with similar tensions where the female character gives in and the male gets his way. It creates an unequal dynamic that doesn’t sit well with me. And I was so fearful Violet was going to do the same thing. And if she did, would I still love this story? Would I enjoy reading their relationship scenes? Luckily, I was not forced to answer those questions. Both Violet and Xaden were able to compromise in a way that I found valid, and I’m back on Team Xaden. 

A new take on the jealous ex

The jealous ex causing tension and problems is my least favorite trope in a romance. So when Cat was introduced as Xaden’s ex who is still hung up on him, I was none too pleased. I was ready to throw the book across the room if Violet walked in on them and “it’s not what it looks like!” 

Lucky for me, and my copy of the book, that did not happen. Rebecca Yarros takes the jealous ex trope in a different direction that I ended up enjoying. Cat admits to Violet that she doesn’t love Xaden, she just wants what a marriage to him would provide: a crown. Xaden is the heir of Tyrrendor. Depending on how far back historians go, that makes him a duke at the lowest and a king at the highest. Cat is of royal blood from another kingdom, and Violet has no nobility in her lineage (that we know of so far in the series). The fact that Cat has no qualms with admitting her ambitions in front of an audience shines light on the culture these characters live in. Status and titles are more important than love. But like all characters like Xaden, he doesn’t care, and openly keeps Violet as his girlfriend.  

Correct representation of twenty-year-olds

Oftentimes, younger characters are depicted as much more mature than is realistic. While there are people in this world who are more intelligent and mature than is typical for their age group, the staggering number of such people as fictional characters probably doesn’t match reality. Rebecca Yarros does an amazing job of depicting people in their early twenties correctly. 

Violet is your typical brainiac main character who “isn’t like other girls.” But she also is like other girls in the fact that she falls in love quickly, overthinks Xaden’s words and actions in their relationship, and gets insanely jealous.

Xaden is the begrudging aristocrat who is thrust into leadership much too young. But he also has a temper that would get weaker characters into trouble and is willing to sacrifice the world for Violet.  

Rhiannon is a natural leader who still enjoys hookups, drinking, and partying.

Ridoc is the comedic relief who still has talent and grit that come in handy during battle. 

Garrick is the best friend who isn’t afraid to put Xaden in his place, but enjoys hook ups and flings. (Though I’m really hoping he and Imogen will end up together in the end.)

Imogen holds nasty grudges and talks back, but is fiercely loyal to her people. 

Sloan allows trauma and heartbreak to guide her emotions and choices, but shows incredible growth by the end.

Brhodi also provides comic relief and wisdom as he gives advice to Violet and Xaden.

There are many more characters to discuss, but the above are the ones I wanted to highlight for this post.

Overall, Iron Flame took me on an emotional journey that I’m still not quite recovered from. I love the world Rebecca Yarros has created, and her characters are the perfect cherry on top.

Have you read Iron Flame? What are your thoughts on it?

When expectations are challenged: Fourth Wing

Posted on by Chelsey M. Ortega

A year ago, I wrote about my journey as a reader to loving flawed characters and appreciating how their flaws shape the story. And since then, I’ve been more aware of how a story can challenge the reader regarding their belief about the real world or literary expectations for specific genres and character types. I recently had a wonderful experience being challenged by Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. 

How corrupt governments are viewed by the protagonist

The first chapter already had me raising my eyebrows. It didn’t make any sense to me why the government would set up tests and challenges that could kill a citizen who is willingly trying to be part of the military. Right away my question was, “Why don’t they have some sort of magical something to catch the people who fall from the parapet so that they can pick a different career since they aren’t cut out to be a dragon rider?” And it made even less sense that those who made it into the rider’s quadrant were not only allowed but encouraged to kill their classmates. Once again, why isn’t something set up to protect their lives, but they can still fail and be sent back to civilian life? This violent and deadly setup was my first major clue that the government was corrupt.

The next early clue is the fact that children of separatists (a rebellion/secession that happened before the story started) are forced to walk the parapet and to [hopefully] die in the rider’s quadrant, though many make it through, like Xaden, Imogen, Garrick, and Liam. 

But where I got stuck was Violet’s (the main character) acceptance that this is how it is. She doesn’t question it. She doesn’t want to be part of it herself, but she doesn’t view it as bad or evil, just not for her. And it took her a long time to start to question what was going on. It was very frustrating for me because there was a very clear Hunger Games vibe with many of the training, tests, and games that the riders do to strengthen themselves for war. And because of that, I erroneously expected Violet to be more like Katniss in knowing right off the bat that her government is awful.

But Violet doesn’t come from an oppressed part of the kingdom. She’s moved around as a “military brat” with her mom rising in fame and power as a war general. So, of course she’ll have a different view of things. It’s not how she starts, it’s how she ends. And in the end, Violet accepts the truth.  

Whose job is it to flirt in fiction?

Violet and Xaden are both dealing with enemies-to-lovers and forbidden love tensions that make them fight their attraction toward one another for the first three-quarters of the book. Before they give in to their feelings, the reader gets 300 pages of Violet’s inner thoughts about how beautiful, muscley, and hot Xaden is. And at first, it was a little cringe for me. 

Tangent time: I was in high school when Twilight came out, and I fell hard for that series. My dance coach decided to read the first book because all of us teenage girls were constantly talking about it. Her response: “I got really bored of Bella constantly moaning about how ‘he’s so hot, I can’t stop thinking about him.’” It made me laugh then, and it still makes me laugh now. 

Anyway, that’s how I felt being in Violet’s thoughts about Xaden when it appeared he didn’t feel it back, yet. (Keyword: appeared) 

So, Violet and Xaden eventually give in to their attraction and they have two kisses before they finally do the deed. After that, Xaden doesn’t quite say “this was a mistake” (thank Gods), but he does say they’re not going to be in an official relationship. Violet decides she has more self-respect than to be his dirty little secret, so she decides they won’t have anymore physical relations if they aren’t going to also have an emotional relationship. Xaden respects her boundaries, though he’s confident he can break through them again. During their “dry spell”, Violet continuously reminds Xaden how great they could be together and how she’s certain he does feel something for her. 

During these moments I felt second-hand embarrassment for Violet. She was coming off as clingy and crazy.

But then I had a realization and metaphorically slapped myself in the face. If Violet was a male character, all of her thoughts about Xaden being beautiful and her attempts to convince Xaden to give them a try would be viewed as cute and expected for a romance. I realized I was still stuck in the society I had grown up in: the boy chases the girl, the girl does not chase the boy. 

And I got to thinking about my own relationship. I offered my number to my husband first. I asked him on a date first. 

So in our 21st Century of trying to retain equal rights: girls can chase the relationship if they’re comfortable doing that. And Xaden loves Violet’s confidence. 😉    

Cliff Hangers 

Rebecca Yarros ends almost every single chapter on various levels of a cliffhanger. Which writers have been strongly encouraged to do. You want the reader to NOT pause at the end of the chapter. But I’m not the kind of reader that needs every chapter to end that way. When the story is amazing, I don’t need a cliff hanger to convince me to keep reading. And Fourth Wing is more than good enough on its own. I’m happy when a chapter ends with temporary breaths of relief, resignation, or something more calming. In addition to that, several cliff hangers didn’t lead into the next chapter. The scene would skip several hours, days, and sometimes weeks. So It was a little frustrating when that happened. In my opinion, a cliffhanger should only happen if the next chapter starts where the previous chapter left off.

At the same time, I think I understand why Rebecca Yarros wrote Fourth Wing this way. This book takes place over the course of an entire calendar year, and we have to go through action packed military college scenes mixed with spicy romance. There was a lot to cover, and the book is already incredibly long, so some things did need to be skipped over and left up to the reader’s imagination or summarized through telling. 

Overall, Fourth Wing was a wild ride that I enjoyed immensely. In fact, I’m so hooked on Violet’s journey, that I moved the sequel, Iron Flame, to the top of my tbr list. I’m 300 pages in and can’t wait to write my analysis for that one.

In the meantime, subscribe to this blog to get access to my monthly newsletter, which provides updates on my own writing.

New Release: Railroad Ties: the Marmion Grove Murders by M.S. Spencer

Posted on by Chelsey M. Ortega

I would like to introduce M.S. Spencer to you. She has had a long academic and writing career, and would like to share her latest release with you, which came out yesterday.

Thank you so much for having me today! I’d like to introduce you to the setting of my new mystery, which happens to be my hometown!

Railroad Ties: the Marmion Grove Murders, is the only one of my novels set in my home town and in the house I grew up in. Marmion Grove is modeled after a town near Washington DC. Founded in 1891 next to the B&O railroad line, it was developed as a getaway for DC dwellers during the hot and humid summers. Filled with hundred-year-old trees, including the majestic swamp magnolias, there are no sidewalks and no through streets. Fifty-four houses, including mine, are on the National Register of Historic Places. The town is peopled by a quirky assortment of academics, scientists, and eccentrics. Writing Railroad Ties reminded me of what a great place to live.

Another autobiographical detail is my heroine Sophie Childress’s involvement with the Vassar Book Sale. Now closed down, for forty years it was one of the largest and most successful used book sales in the country, raking in an average of $100,000 for scholarships. The sale lasted a week, but preparations, including book pricing, had to be done year-round. She follows in my footsteps to learn rare book evaluation—which leads her into the mystery.

Librarian, anthropologist, research assistant, Congressional aide, speechwriter, nonprofit director—M. S. Spencer has lived or traveled in five of the seven continents and holds degrees in Anthropology, Middle East Studies, and Library Science. She has published eighteen mystery or romantic suspense novels, and divides her time between the Gulf Coast of Florida and a tiny village in Maine. Follow M.S. Spencer on her blog: https://msspencertalespinner.blogspot.com

When Sophie Childress discovers a letter written in 1920 by the witness to a murder, she enlists Noah Pennyman—owner of the house where it took place—to investigate. Who was the victim? What did the killer do with the body—not to mention a carpetbag full of money? Together they expose a complex web of family ties and lies that has persisted through four generations in the historic village of Marmion Grove. When two more corpses are unearthed, Noah and Sophie are faced with too many victims and not enough murderers.

Excerpt: Sophie and Noah Meet

She parked at the curb, where a hedge of yellow forsythia marked the property line. The front lawn led up to a porch completely engulfed in a reticulated wisteria vine as thick and complex as fine lacework. Halfway up reared an ancient tree, its knobbed and serrated trunk perhaps five feet in diameter. The pendulous branches were the size of fully grown trees and were only kept from falling by a steel chain wrapped around them. Its broad leaves were gigantic. They must be almost two feet long!

As she sat gawking, a pleasant male voice said, “It’s a swamp magnolia. At least a hundred and fifty years old.”

Startled, she knocked her knee on the steering wheel. “Ouch!”

A young man came around the car and peered in her window. “Are you all right?”

She looked up into cornflower blue eyes partially obscured by a shrubbery of sandy hair. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to stare. It’s just… I’ve never seen such big leaves before.”

“We used to use them as dinner plates, but they’re a bitch to wash.” He leaned in. “May I help you?”

She left off gazing at him and shook herself. “Oh. Oh, yes. Is this”—she checked Connie’s directions—“Peveril Hall?”

“It is indeed.”

“Do you live here? I’m supposed to collect a load of books for the Vassar Book Sale.”

“Ah. No. I mean, no, I don’t live here. Anymore. I used to. I grew up here, but I’ve been away a long time.”

“Then you can’t help me?”

“Huh? No! I mean, yes, I can help you. This is my house.”

“But you just said…”

He pointed to his left. “Head on up the driveway there. I’ll meet you out back.” And he loped off across the grass.

Okey doke. Sophie followed a lane along the side of the house to a gravel lot fronting a two-story garage. The backyard was dotted with small buildings. She got out and scanned the area. A small octagonal hut stood near a stately sycamore. Next to it crouched a one-room shanty with a chimney. That must be the servants’ quarters. She looked up at the garage. A huge hook painted green was attached to the wall just under the gable. “I wonder what that’s for.”

Just then the young man came around the corner of the house. “Hey there. I’m Noah, by the way. Noah Pennyman. My mother was the Vassar grad. And you are?”

She took a moment to admire his mobile, angular features. He seemed always on the verge of speaking…or maybe singing. The shock of blond hair fell negligently across his brow. When he shook her hand, a very masculine aroma of citrus and spice enveloped her. She suppressed the urge to inhale. “Sophie Childress. I’m from the—”

“Vassar Book Sale. So you said.” He reached out and flicked her hair. “Nice French braid. I never could figure out how it’s done. Come on inside.”

Railroad Ties is available at Books2Read, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple/IBooks, Goodreads, and Bookbub.

May 2025 Newsletter

Posted on by Chelsey M. Ortega

Everyone says that March is the longest month of the school year for students and teachers. But I actually think April is. After spring break, there are no more holidays or teacher work days. My kids also have a million end of the year performances – though I do love attending those and watching my little performers. 

What do you think? Is March or April the “longest” month of the school year?

Writing News

A couple of months ago, I finished writing my first short story. It took me two years! Short stories are hard because you have to write a complete story with fewer words. And everything I attempt always turns into a full length novel. And I finished just in time to submit it to an anthology whose theme matches my story’s. A few days ago, I received an email from the publisher that they want to include my story in their anthology! As details get hammered out, I will be sharing them here in the newsletter.

The Wolf Whisperer and the Warrior won the Fiction from the Heartland contest put on by Mid-America Romance Authors! I know in the last newsletter I said being a finalist was exciting enough, but I am so thrilled to have won. It really helped with some imposter syndrome I’ve been feeling recently. A literary agent was the judge for the final three stories, and so, this makes me think that maybe I could get this traditionally published. I haven’t made any concrete decisions yet. I still think that because it’s a fated mates werewolf romance it has the potential to do well on a reading app. Plus, having some stories available for free is nice for readers. *sigh* Decisions. Decisions. (In Dakota Fanning’s Jane voice in the Twilight series.)

Book Reviews

I’ve been rereading a lot of favorites, but here are the new ones for the month:

Killing the Witches: The Horror of Salem Massachusetts by Bill O’Reilly is unfortunately not what it’s advertised. There are three sections: 1. The Salem Witch Trials, 2. A short biography of Benjamin Franklin, 3. The event that inspired the movie The Exorcist. Each section on its own was an interesting read. But from cover to cover as a comprehensive claim? The sections don’t connect. I would have loved if the author fleshed out the Afterward and made that part of the book instead of the Revolutionary War stuff and The Exorcist stuff. 3 stars.

Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn is the first of the Bridgerton prequels. Billie Bridgerton, the FMC, is the oldest Bridgerton of Edmund’s generation, making her the aunt of the OG Bridgertons. She helps run Aubrey Hall and is jealous that Edmund will one day inherit it instead of her. George Rokesby and his siblings have grown up with the Bridgertons, and he’s always seen Billie as too free spirited, until one day, he realizes he loves her free spirit. This is one of the slowest slow burns I’ve ever read. And the payoff was so worth it. Billie’s version of “not like other girls” is refreshing and it’s more about going after her dreams than trying to be different. George is a better heir than Anthony, hands down.

Dear reader, be patient. It takes a while to get to their first kiss, but I promise, after that, it’s amazing. 5 stars.

I’m chugging along on my ACOTAR series reread reviews on TikTok. My latest is Ch. 22-28 of A Court of Mist and Fury.

@chelseym.ortega

ACOMAF Ch. 22-28. Sorry for the long video, but these chapters have to go together! #booktok #acomaf #archeronsisters

♬ original sound – Chelsey M. Ortega

Hang in there. It’s almost summer.

Sincerely,

Chelsey M. Ortega