Book Review: Five Nights by Rachel Wolf

his is a fabulously glamorous and twisty thriller that takes place on a luxury cruise ship.We travel with Emily, who is stepping back onto a cruise ship for the first time in years after the highjacking incident that left her running from her life working on ships, and her best friend Belle. Belle has invited her to join this cruise with her incredibly rich husband and his many adult children who constantly compete for his attention and approval.

Read More

Book Review: One by Eve Smith

First the Book Description One law. One child. Seven million crimes… A cataclysmic climate emergency has spawned a one-child policy in the UK, ruthlessly enforced by a totalitarian regime. Compulsory abortion of ‘excess’ pregnancies and mandatory contraceptive implants are now the norm, and families must adhere to strict consumption quotas as the world descends into chaos. Kai is a 25-year-old `baby reaper´, working for the Ministry of Population and Family Planning. If any of her assigned families attempt to exceed their child quota, she ensures they pay the price. Until, one morning, she discovers that an illegal sibling on her Ministry hit-list is hers. And to protect her parents from severe penalties, she must secretly investigate before anyone else finds out.  Kai’s hunt for her forbidden sister unearths much more than a dark family secret. As she stumbles across a series of heinous crimes perpetrated by the people she trusted most, she makes a catastrophic discovery that could bring down the government … and tear her family apart. My Review

Cover Reveal: Starfolk Rising, Book 3 of the Starfolk Trilogy

I am delighted to bring you the cover for my new book, Starfolk Rising. The third and final book in the urban fantasy Starfolk Trilogy about psychics, tarot and finding love across lifetimes, Starfolk Rising will be released in March 2024. The first two books in the series, The Starfolk Arcana and Starfolk Falling, are on offer at just 99p/99c in the UK and US this week. So do start the trilogy now while they’re on offer. And now the Book Description Forced to say goodbye, Beth and Jonan fight, separately, to stop Amelia’s destruction and to hold onto each other. But the mood is changing and people are coming to their side. Will it last, or is it merely an illusion? Twisted, diminished, desperate and dangerous, Amelia hangs on as her personality cult collapses. She wants to punish those who hurt her. But as she lashes out, she damages herself most of all. As Beth and Jonan’s soul-family fractures and loyalties shift, Doriel fights to bring the Triad back together. But when disaster strikes, the road back is obliterated. Beth and Jonan have to end Amelia’s attacks, protect those they love and stand together at last. If they can’t fulfil that destiny, fear will win once and for all. The final instalment in the urban fantasy Starfolk Trilogy about destiny, reincarnation, tarot, and love that lasts lifetimes. Thanks to my fabulous designer, Ravven, for the gorgeous cover.

Book Review: Hiding from Hollywood by Ellie Darkins

I absolutely loved this Hollywood Romance and got totally drawn into Abby and Ethan’s story. Abby was a famous soap actress in the UK, but when she decided to try out her skills in Hollywood, a traumatic experience led her to hide from the spotlight instead. Working in a diner in an undesirable part of town, she changes her name and does her best not to be noticed. But when big-shot producer Ethan Walker turns up and makes a beeline for her, she is forced to choose between maintaining her secrecy, and responding to her undeniable feelings for him.

Read More

Book Review: The Staycation by Cressida McLaughlin

The Staycation is a gorgeous, indulgent treat of a book that takes you on fabulous journeys built entirely on the strength of emotion and longing. Hester Monday is a fabulous character who dream of freedom but feels shackled by a traumatic childhood experience. Her longing to travel and inability to act on it is a beautiful depiction of the constrictions we’ve all felt over the past couple of years, but the book never once mentions Covid, lockdown or social distancing.

Read More

Wild Shadow, a Sweet Paranormal Romance

Wild Shadow, my sweet paranormal romance about a woman who astral projects as a tiger, is available now. I have really loved writing this book, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Click through for the blurb, book trailer, and an author reading, as well as buttons to show you where you can buy the book online.

Read More

Cover Reveal: Wild Shadow

I am very excited to share the cover of my new standalone novel with you. Wild Shadow is a sweet paranormal romance and it’s coming really soon. Click through to see the cover and blurb.

Read More

Into the Mists: A Cosy Chat with author Serene Conneeley

Serene Conneeley is an Australian writer with a fascination for history, travel, ritual, and the myth and magic of ancient places and cultures. She’s written for magazines about news, travel, health, spirituality, entertainment, and social and environmental issues, was editor of several preschool magazines, and has contributed to books on witchcraft, history, psychic development and personal transformation. She’s studied magical and medicinal herbalism, bereavement counselling, reconnective healing, reiki and many other healing modalities, plus politics and journalism. She is the author of the Into the Mists Trilogy – Into the Mists, Into the Dark and Into the Light – the Into the Storm Trilogy – Into the Storm, Into the Fire and Into the Air.

Read More

Interview with Martha Dunlop by Kathryn Cottam

Welcome to The Story Cave everyone.  I am here today with gothic author Kathryn Cottam, who has come to ask me all about my new paranormal novel, The Starfolk Arcana. So today I am on the other side of the interview coffee table, answering the questions. Welcome Kathryn! 

Hello Martha! 

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
I would tell myself to seek expert input sooner. It would have made the learning process a lot faster! I worked on the same book for a long time before finally sending it to a structural editor for critique. That was when the real learning started. 
 
What’s your favourite under-appreciated novel?
I adored A Thin Slice of Heaven by P.M.Terrell, which is a Romance, and a ghost story that delves into reincarnation. Is set in a wonderfully atmospheric Irish Castle. I’ve just treated myself to a signed paperback of this, and am looking forward to re-reading it soon. 

Read More