Today the Magic Book Corner is happy to present Cassidy Reyne, author of the scorching dark contemporary romance series The Sentinels. Those books of hers are dark, heartbreaking and addictive. Among the most gripping romances I've read last year.

1. Hi Cassidy and welcome to the Magic Book Corner. It’s really awesome to have you here! To begin, could you please tell our readers here a little bit about yourself? 

Cassidy is my pen name and I chose to write under a pseudonym as I wanted to keep it separate from my private life. I’m a wife and a mom of two grown up kids. I live in London, England, but grew up in Sweden and try to go back there as much as I can to soak up my roots.

 2. The Sentinels series has two published books up till now. Should we look forward to any sequels in the future? If yes, do you have any expected publishing date in mind? 

I have written the first draft of the third book in the Sentinels Series which will center around Logan Wells. He gets himself into a bit of trouble and thinks everyone is better off if he just leaves — for good — to take care of it, forgetting that asking for help is not a weakness but a sign of strength. 

I’m hoping to publish in late spring/early summer but don’t have a date as of yet. I’m also researching and outlining book no. 4 which will be Gray’s story. He will be going through a really tough time which has its roots in his past. This book will also have a crossover element in the storyline with a series of mafia romance books being written by a very good friend of mine, Jodie Groom. Needless to say he won’t have a very good time in her book either.

3. Are you also planning on another series, or perhaps a standalone or two outside the Sentinels’ world? If yes, could you tell us a little bit about them? 

I have completed the first draft of a standalone (or will it be a series?) which is also on the dark side with abusive relationships, trafficking and drugs in the storyline. It’s a bit different from The Sentinels as the main character is pretty foulmouthed and there’s a fair amount of sex, and thinking about sex, involved. But, he’s a hero, of course, and despite being a bit slow in realizing what he actually wants, he does come good in the end. The female character has suffered greatly previously but has broken free and is trying to live a quiet life. She’s only showing a friendly interest in him and he’s not quite sure what to make of it. Obviously, trouble and complications ensue. 

But, it wouldn’t be much of a romance if there wasn’t a happy ever after, would it?

4. Your books are by far not the typical sweet romance books. They are dark romance full of mystery and suspense, with a light paranormal touch. Why did you choose this particular genre combination? 

I didn’t choose the genre as much as it chose me. I’ve always been drawn more towards thrillers and books with plenty of action, mystery and drama, and rarely read romance. That’s probably because sweet love stories weren’t enough for me. I wanted the suspense more than I wanted the romance but loved the stories where I found both.

5. What readership in particular do you think your books would appeal to? 

I hope my books appeal to a wider audience of adult readers as they aren’t just mushy and cute or just hard hitting and gritty, but obviously, they need to be happy with a good romance story as well, which can be a stumbling block for some. In some ways my novels hit two types of readers; those who love mystery, drama and suspense, and those who love ‘swept off your feet’ love stories. 

6. And what should a reader expect when picking up one of your books? 

Any reader of my books should expect to have their emotions running high and be reaching for the tissues — often — and not put the book down until they’ve reached the last page. They will be shouting, swearing, crying and cursing the characters, whilst also cheering them on, keeping their fingers crossed and holding their breaths. It’s an emotional rollercoaster and not for the faint of heart. And as with any good romance it has a gorgeous alpha man to swoon over and a beautiful, strong willed woman to admire. Or the other way around — whichever takes your fancy. 

7. I loved both your Sentinels books and I must say what made them truly exceptional to me was the feeling. Darkness and hope, suffering and happiness, and above all, a scorching love, your books give it all and make the reader feel it all. Does feeling play a major role in all your books and is there any particular reason for it? 

Feelings, strong ones, definitely play a very big part in my writing. I want the books I read to grip me tight and not let go till the very last page, and that’s what I want my books do to the readers as well. I’m not entirely sure why I write in this way, it’s just how the stories form and what my characters have to go through to get to where they need to be. It’s not in my makeup to write funny, witty and sweet stories. I leave that to those who are good at it.

8. I was impressed by The Sentinels as a group as well as their exceptional abilities. How is it that they came to be? 

The origins of The Sentinels is a bit of a mystery, even to themselves. In S2 we find out that even Rick Harrington, the CEO, doesn’t know their full history, and the doc, Daniel Carson, is unsure of how the Jumeaux bond works and why it exists. It all seems to have been forgotten over the centuries. In S4, Gray’s book, those origins will be explained and also the toxic relationship with the Grits. I can’t really say much more as that would spoil part of the story. And Gray would be pretty annoyed with me. I don’t want to get on his bad side as he can be a little scary. 

9. I absolutely loved the Jumeaux bond between Anya and Nikolas and it reminded me of the tether between the bonded werewolves in Twilight. What is the inspiration behind it? 

The Jumeaux bond (the French word for Gemini, or twins) came from that deep connection Anya and Nikolas felt from the start. Well, he felt it. It also helps Anya understand, and accept, her willingness to trust and get involved with a man she’s only just met. I’m not sure what made me think of it but I needed something more than just ‘love at first sight’, considering both their experiences with previous relationships, and I wanted to explore the feeling of having found your soulmate. To me, it was like they found that last, missing piece of a puzzle. One neither had realized was missing. It gives them a much closer relationship than normal people, but also a vulnerability as they can sense each other’s emotions. You don’t always want your other half to know how, and what ,you’re feeling. It is this vulnerability that both feeds their insecurities and strengthens their self confidence. 

My daughter was at the perfect age when the Twilight films came out and begged me to read the books and watch the films with her, which I did, of course. The bond between the werewolves reaffirmed the sense of belonging I wanted Nikolas and Anya to have, but also the feeling of never being able to get away from the other person. At one stage in S2 It makes Anya fear she will always sense him, even if he’s happy with another woman. It’s something that both fascinates and terrifies me. Most of us would probably love to be that closely bonded to the love of their life, but what happens when things go wrong?

10. Your books are not for the faint of heart. They turn pretty dark at times and touch on both emotional suffering as well as physical abuse. Why did you choose to showcase these? Not that you didn’t do an awesome job at it because I personally felt like alternately punching a scumbag or grabbing my heads in my hands while whispering a shocked ‘Oh my God!’ and reaching for the tissue box. 

In fiction, we can write about pretty much anything, as long as it rings tru to the genre. Most of us read for escapism, and part of that is experiencing hardships without actually having to go through it. I wanted to give the readers emotional highs and lows, and to achieve that, you sometimes have to go into the darkness. It also means exploring subjects that are uncomfortable, and scary, but as they are a reality for some of us, they need to have a light shone on them once in a while. 

Personally, I don’t like stories that are too tame, I see that around me every day, and while there’s nothing wrong with it, I prefer to be a bit more hard hitting. To me, there’s something very satisfying to be immersed in the fictional lives of others, going through both their happiness and suffering along with them, and be able to put the book down for a break every now and then and return to reality. 

I’m glad you reacted that way as it means I found the right words to describe the emotions. To be honest, there were a few times I wanted to punch the scumbags, and shake both Nikolas and Anya to their senses, as well. 

11. You don’t write the typical romantic drama where the hero dashes in to save the poor damsel in distress. Both Anya and Nikolas take turns at being weak and in need of saving. Why write them this way? 

In real life, men aren’t always strong and women aren’t always weak. Every relationship is about give and take, and it’s important to me to portray that in my writing. Most romance lovers enjoy a strong, powerful man to love and protect his woman, but I also believe they enjoy experiencing a man like Nikolas, who can admit when he needs his partner to be the strong one — to save him — as they probably all know they would be just as capable as Anya was at doing it. 

Men and women are equals in life, with different strengths and weaknesses, and we all need a little saving from time to time.

12. Sentinels Book 2 is even darker than Book 1 and deals a lot more with violence against women and drug abuse. Is there any reason in particular that you chose to emphasize these? 

Violence and drug abuse is so prevalent in our society these days but are often swept under the carpet, and I felt a need to bring some of it out in the open, and this is why S2 takes a darker path than S1. I also thought Anya’s past needed to be brought back. It explains a lot of her characteristics and why she is as determined as she is. And also partially why she is so protective of her relationship with Nikolas. After a cheating and demeaning boyfriend, and a psycho stalker, she’s finally found a man who wants her to be exactly they way she is, and who loves her unconditionally. It’s a connection and a relationship she will fight for till the end. But, as we all know, life has a way of doing its own thing and Anya has to face up to what’s being thrown at her.

Nikolas would never willingly touch drugs, and he’s never been aggressive and violent. So, what makes Anya decide she needs to try and deal with the change in his behavior on her own and not ask for help? Why does she go from standing up for herself, knowing it’s not her fault, to take the blame and believe she’s done something wrong? 

I believe it comes back to strengths and weaknesses, and emotions clouding our judgement. No one wants think their partner is capable of violence and most of us would probably, at some stage, wonder if we were doing something wrong. In Nikolas and Anya’s case the reasons are beyond their control, but does that excuse the behavior? 

I also wanted to bring out the sometimes obsessive attraction a person can have for another, and the delusions that make them act in a certain way. In S2 this is partially due to mental instability and a childhood without healthy experiences and role models. Does it explain fully the villain’s behavior? Does it excuse it? These are some of the questions I asked myself while writing S2 and I hope at least some of my readers will think about it as well.

13. The scientific and medical details in particular are exceptionally well described. What is the secret behind it? Research, real life experience or something else? 

I have always been very interested in science, and people taking drugs was something I was very aware of as a child due to my mom’s job at the time. Through her work she came into contact with a recovering heroin addict and he became a close friend of the family. After a few relapses he became clean and stayed that way, getting a job, a place to live, and a steady relationship until his early death when he was only in his mid fifties, caused by the damage done by the drugs. It made me determined never to take any drugs myself, except over the counter or prescribed by a doctor, of course, and I’ve always instilled in my kids never to even think of trying the so-called party drugs, as you never know what could happen.

I did do a lot of research into what drugs would have the effect on someone’s mind and behavior as I wanted it to be as realistic as possible. The drugs that the villain uses are pretty easily obtainable and can do terrible damage when added together, as you can tell from the book.

Any drugs, unless necessary and approved by health professionals, should be avoided at all costs. I have quite recently seen the impact of just one ecstasy tablet on the lives of so many people. One dead teenager, a heartbroken family, and friends whose lives will never be the same. It’s very scary

14. I sincerely admire Anya. This woman goes through hell and still manages to have a backbone. She is badass even while terrified and she would go to the end of the world for her man. How did Anya come to be and where lies the inspiration for her character? 

Ah, Anya, my dear friend. She’s lived in my head for so long now I feel I know her better than I know myself. And Nikolas as well. I really did put them through some tough times, didn’t I?

The basis for S1 came from a dream I had almost 10 years ago. I don’t remember much of it but the woman I saw in my mind when I woke up had a core of steel and courage to the max. I couldn’t get her out of my head and kept thinking about who she was and what made her so strong. Nikolas also came from that dream but he was more of an emotionally closed off, silent, brooding type, so he had to change.

Anya’s character origins are a bit complex, as so many fictional ones are. I molded her from the woman in the dream and parts of close female friends — and a couple of male ones, as well, until she became the person she is in Saving Her. Obviously, the events there, and in S2, will change her and make her grow even more. There’s a little of myself in Anya, but also traits from many close, female friends in my life. I wanted her to be strong and independent, but also able to allow Nikolas to protect her and almost worship her. She’s confident enough not to feel her independence is being threatened by his need to keep her safe, and his sometimes possessive love for her. She will push back when he goes too far. 

I believe most women can be as strong as her in the face of adversity, and do whatever it takes for those we truly love.  

15. Which brings me to another question. Did you plan the entire Sentinels series out or wrote it as it came? Are you a plotter or a pantser? 

I’m a self confessed pantser — when I’m allowed to be. S1 was originally just a one off, but as Anya and Nikolas’ lives developed I found I wanted to tell the readers more of their story. They weren’t quite finished shouting in my head. Neither book was plotted, I totally pantsed it, but had to keep some details straight for S2. S3 has been a bit more outlined as it had to fit in with previous events, but much of it was just written off the top of my head. Once I started telling Logan’s story he couldn’t stop spilling his secrets, his fears, and his hopes. S4 — Gray’s book — is a totally different beast, though. Parts of it weaves in and out of the other stories so I’ve had to do a lot more outlining and, dare I say it, plotting. 

The crossover with Jodie’s book also needs careful planning so it flows and fits with both of our writing styles, and our very different characters. Plotting is a new skill and a new challenge, and I’m trying to tackle it head on.

16. On a little more personal note, did you face any obstacles in your writing career and if yes, how did you deal with them? 

My very first obstacle was to actually start writing. S1 was only meant to be a way for me to challenge myself when I felt I was struggling with finding a purpose in life. It was partially ‘empty nest syndrome’ and partially winter blues that made me crave something new. Ever since having that dream, I had been developing the story in my head, over and over, and it was now bursting at the seems, trying to find a way out. 

For me, writing a novel was the scariest thing I could have ever thought of. When I was in senior high, my English classes consisted of a lot of essay writing. I would get A’s on every single one of them, as long as I concentrated on the analytical texts. Whenever I had to write a piece of fiction I would immediately get a C, or a B if I was lucky. 

One day, my teacher said to me that I shouldn’t even try to write fiction, and only do the analytical pieces. Now, she probably meant that as a way to ensure I would get the best marks possible, but as a teenager that stuck in my head and from then on I always believed there was no way I could write a story, any kind of story. 

That belief was the first, and most difficult, obstacle I had to overcome. Since then, I’ve suffered from impostor syndrome, self doubt, harsh self criticism, and all the other insecurities most writers face. But, with the help of some great friends in the writing community, and World Indie Warriors in particular, I’ve managed to overcome most of them each time. They will always come back but I’m getting better at handling them

17. And our last question, do you have any advice for other aspiring or upcoming writers? 

My first advice to anyone who wants to write, or who has recently started their writing journey, is to just write and not stop. Keep filling those pages with words and sentences until the story has been told. Don’t worry too much about making it sound pretty, or grammatically perfect. That can all be done later. You don’t even have to show it to anyone if you don’t want to, it can be just for you. If you do want to release it to the world, there are so many resources available, and so much support to help and guide you. You just have to reach out and ask for it.

About the Author: Cassidy Reyne

Cassidy Reyne is the Alter Ego of a Swedish girl living in England. She’s been happily married for over 25 years and have two grown up children. 

Cassidy writes contemporary romance with some suspense thrown in for some fun and excitement. The Sentinels - Saving Her is her debut novel. 

Cassidy currently lives in South London where she and her husband run their own business from home. 

When Cassidy isn’t writing she enjoys spending time with friends, visiting her family on an island in Sweden and drinking a glass or two of a good wine. Sometimes the wine is replaced with vodka or rum. Cocktails anyone? 

If you would like to connect with Cassidy you can find her on several social media sites.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassidyreyne?ref=br_rs

Instagram: @cassidyreyne

Twitter: CassidyReyne

Follow Cassidy on Amazon and check out her books while staying up to date with new releases here:

https://www.amazon.com/Cassidy-Reyne/e/B07PN6JKS6?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1581172526&sr=1-1