Author: Alia Luria Release Date: August 12, 2025 Series: Genre: Memoir, Cultural, Japanese Culture Format: E-book Pages: 196 pages Publisher: Unsolicited Press Blurb: Geri o Shimasu: Adventures of a Baka Gaijin invites readers on a witty, unfiltered romp through 2008 Japan as experienced by Alia Luria, a self-proclaimed “clueless foreigner.” Luria dives headfirst into the quirks and challenges of Japanese culture, from decoding onsen etiquette and enduring public embarrassment to exploring the oddities of love hotels and the loneliness of bustling crowds. With laugh-out-loud anecdotes and moments of poignant self-reflection, she unpacks the universal hilarity and humanity of navigating the unfamiliar. Whether she’s fumbling through train etiquette, braving bizarre foods, or embracing the messy beauty of cultural exchange, Luria’s candid storytelling is blunt, occasionally cringeworthy, and always unapologetically real. This collection is a hilarious and heartfelt reminder of the chaotic, awkward, and transformative adventures that shape us all.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Geri o Shimasu: Adventures of a Baka Gaijin by Alia Luria is a brilliant, ballsy, and wildly unpredictable collection that reads like a love letter to Japan written by someone who knows exactly when to laugh, when to cry, and when to just say, “Geri o’shimasu!”—whatever that means in the moment.
This is not your traditional travel memoir. It’s sharp, fast-paced, and unapologetically personal. Through a series of biting, irreverent, and occasionally heartwarming vignettes, O’Shimasu invites us into her Japan — not the glossy, curated version, but a chaotic, intimate, sometimes hilarious, sometimes heart-splintering ride through cultural collisions, language mishaps, and moments of deep insight.
This isn’t a book that plays by the rules. And yet, beneath the humour, there’s a steady current of vulnerability such as reflections on identity, aging, desire, loneliness, and belonging. Author Luria knows when to let the absurdity shine and when to peel it back and show us something raw and real.
Stylistically, it reminded me of a cross between David Sedaris and Banana Yoshimoto — razor-sharp observational humour meets quiet emotional resonance. Each chapter’s accompanying reflections serve as both cultural footnotes and emotional pivots, adding layers of meaning to even the most outrageous tales.
As someone who reads across genres and edits with a focus on voice and tone, I found this collection to be an exceptional example of voice-driven non-fiction. Author Luria’s writing isn’t just fearless, it’s fiercely hers. There’s nothing performative here; it’s messy, it’s real, and it’s electric.
Highly recommended for readers who want to travel, reflect, laugh, and occasionally wince — all in one sitting. Geri o Shimasu: Adventures of a Baka Gaijin is a memoir that dismantles Japan’s culture, devours it, and dances in Japan’s weird little alleys with a bottle of sake in hand.
Author: Rowena Hawkins Release Date: June 24, 2025 Series: Genre: Memoir, Cultural Literature, Asian Literature Format: E-book Pages: 232 pages Publisher: Earnshaw Books Blurb: “The two of us against all of them? How unfair for them.” Seeker Hokuren’s big break is coming: the prince of Velles hires her to find his missing daughter. Tracking down all those lost pet cats for a pittance has finally paid off. Together with her eager but raw elven assistant Cinna, Hokuren quickly sees the case spiral into much more than a mere missing princess. There’s an elf kidnapping scheme, magic said to no longer be possible (never trust the wizards), a long lost goddess, and a monstrous captain of the guard in the middle of it all.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
My Father is Police, Lah! is an absolute delight of a memoir that dances between personal anecdote, cultural snapshot, and a rich, layered historical narrative. Author Rowena Hawkins invites us into her childhood in 1960s colonial Singapore, painting each memory with wit, honesty, and a keen eye for detail that only someone deeply immersed in the literary craft can achieve.
What struck me most was the authenticity of her voice. Author Hawkins achieves that rare balance: a conversational, often hilarious tone that is deceptively light, yet beneath which runs a profound undercurrent of nostalgia, family dynamics, colonial politics, and cultural intersections. The book isn’t simply about her father, a Malay prince-turned-police officer, but about a sprawling community of characters: the richly drawn servants, eccentric neighbours, and Singapore itself, captured at a very particular moment in its evolution.
The episodic structure works beautifully, each chapter reading like a self-contained story that contributes to a greater mosaic. From run-ins with supernatural forces to harrowing moments during the racial riots, from family feuds to hilarious childhood escapades, every vignette is vibrant and alive. The prose flows with effortless clarity, peppered with cultural nuances and linguistic texture, Singlish, Malay, Cantonese, and Tamil, woven organically into the narrative.
And yet, under the humour lies a deeply affectionate portrait of a father’s dedication, a mother’s resilience, and a nation’s complex colonial legacy. Hawkins doesn’t shy away from the messy, the awkward, or the painful, and renders them with such grace and candour that you come away feeling both entertained and oddly moved.
For readers who love richly detailed memoirs, cross-cultural narratives, or intimate histories of Southeast Asia, this book is an absolute must-read. As someone who reads and edits memoirs regularly, I found myself admiring Author Hawkins’ ability to maintain both levity and depth, and her mastery in capturing the sensory world of her childhood so vividly. I highly recommend this book to all the readers not just as a memoir, but as a literary time capsule of Singapore’s multi-ethnic, post-colonial identity. This book is an absolute gem!
Author: P.S. Bartlett Release Date: June 13, 2025 Series: Genre: Science-Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Aliens Format: E-book Pages: 295 pages Publisher: – Blurb: They told her she’d be studying human behavior. They never said the subject wasn’t human. Lana Delaney isn’t the kind of girl who chases adventure. A champion swimmer and psychology major, she keeps her world small—school, training, and staying invisible. But when her bold, unpredictable new roommate Willie bursts into her life, Lana starts to believe maybe she doesn’t have to hide forever. Everything changes when she accepts a summer internship at a classified research facility. Her assignment? To observe an unusual subject known only as Project J.
His name is Hiro. He isn’t human. And he’s been waiting for her. Trapped in a saltwater pool and fading fast, Hiro speaks through thoughts, memories, and something deeper Lana can feel. With the help of Logan—a conflicted but charming tech specialist—Lana begins to unravel a web of secrets, cover-ups, and buried truths. Now, caught between two powerful connections and a dangerous conspiracy, Lana must decide how far she is willing to go to save the only being who has ever truly seen her. Perfect for fans of Starman, Arrival, and The Host, Hiro-J: Energy is a romantic sci-fi thriller about memory, trust, and the invisible energy that binds us all.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Hiro-J: Energy by P.S. Bartlett is an absolute delightful read. It is a genre-bending fusion of science fiction, psychological drama, light romance, and quiet suspense that had me fully immersed from the first chapter. At its heart, this is not just an alien contact story — it’s an exploration of connection, trust, and the profound complexities of human (and non-human) empathy. Lana is written with remarkable tenderness: a young woman carrying subtle wounds, whose growing relationship with the alien being Hiro (or J) feels natural, emotional, and at times, surprisingly profound. The depiction of the telepathic bond between them is particularly well-handled — neither rushed nor over-sentimentalized. Instead, it unfolds with an intimacy that makes every moment between them compelling.
What impressed me most was the restraint in the pacing — the story takes its time, allowing us to sit with Lana’s doubts, her growing intrigue, and the psychological weight of being at the center of something far bigger than herself. The ethical layers — about science, exploitation, and autonomy — give the narrative extra depth without overwhelming its core. And Hiro as a character who is non-human yet beautifully relatable, stays with you long after the book ends.
Structurally speaking, the book balances dialogue and introspection quiet well, and despite the heavy themes, it never feels bogged down. The prose is crisp, accessible, yet thoughtful and that’s just the way a novel like this should read.
For readers who enjoy character-driven sci-fi with a touch of mystery and emotional resonance, HiroJ: Energy is a highly rewarding read. It is emotionally intelligent and has enough intrigue and suspense to cater to different kinds of readers.
Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome P.S. Bartlett, author of HIRO-J: Energy, for an author interview with The Reading Bud.
About The Author
P.S. Bartlett
P.S. Bartlett (pen name), an award-winning author, was born on Valentine’s Day in Baltimore, Maryland, near the historic sites of Fort McHenry and Federal Hill. As the youngest of eleven siblings, she was surrounded by history and enjoyed cycling to explore these national landmarks with her friends during her childhood. She released her debut novel, Fireflies, in 2013 and has since self-published twelve books. During the pandemic, Peggy used her writing skills to freelance in copywriting, editing, and beta-reading, which helped her regain lost income and grow her freelance business. Collaborating with authors has become a fulfilling passion, as she enjoys helping others achieve their writing goals. She has also added publishing and social media management to her list of offerings to her clients. Alongside her literary endeavors, she loves reading, painting, drawing, and learning anything new. While writing and coaching other authors takes up much of her leisure time by choice, she treasures the moments spent with friends and family. Currently serving as a full-time marketing director, Peggy hopes to transition into a full-time writing career upon her retirement in 2026 and continue her work supporting other authors. “Always remember to go for what you want, no matter your age, because whatever makes you happy and fulfilled is always worth your time.”
Her motto: I’m taking a fantastic voyage. Won’t you join me?
Welcome to TRB! Could you provide our readers with a personal introduction beyond your official Author Bio?
P.S. Bartlett (pen name), an award-winning author, was born on Valentine’s Day in Baltimore, Maryland, near the historic sites of Fort McHenry and Federal Hill. As the youngest of eleven siblings, she was surrounded by history and enjoyed cycling to explore these national landmarks with her friends during her childhood.
She released her debut novel, Fireflies, in 2013 and has since self-published twelve books.
During the pandemic, Peggy utilized her writing skills to freelance in copywriting, editing, and beta-reading, which helped her regain lost income and grow her freelance business. Collaborating with authors has become a fulfilling passion, as she enjoys helping others achieve their writing goals. She has also incorporated publishing and social media management into her offerings for clients.
Alongside her literary endeavors, she loves reading, painting, drawing, and learning anything new. While writing and coaching other authors occupies much of her leisure time by choice, she treasures the moments spent with friends and family.
Currently serving as a full-time marketing director, Peggy hopes to transition into a full-time writing career upon her retirement in 2026 and continue her work supporting other authors.
“Always remember to go for what you want, no matter your age, because whatever makes you happy and fulfilled is always worth your time.”
Her motto: I’m taking a fantastic voyage. Won’t you join me?
Beyond the blurb, can you share a unique aspect or background detail about your book’s setting or characters?
I’m guessing a scientific institute that is secretly housing an alien being is pretty unique, but who knows? I suppose that’s subjective to the reader.
Every book begins with an idea. What was the initial inspiration that led you to write this particular story?
Sometimes, or rather, most of the time, I hear a voice in my head that starts getting louder. It starts telling me a story. This particular time, I thought of an ordinary person who is caught up in extraordinary circumstances. How Hiro joined the party is still a mystery. I started outlining and thought, how cool would it be to meet an alien being and make that ultimate connection—love!
Fantasy often tackles profound themes. What central message or theme do you hope readers will take away from your book?
That emotional intelligence is important to our survival, and that we love who we love, even if it happens to be an alien.
Of all the characters in your book, is there one you feel particularly close to? Why?
Definitely, Lana. She and I are very much alike—introverted extroverts. I believe she’s an INFJ-A personality type, just like me.
How do you approach character development in a fantasy setting to ensure they are relatable to readers?
I draw all my characters from life. Having been on Earth for a long time, I have met, known, and loved people from all walks of life. I’m very observant, much like Willie in the story, and I can quickly identify a character’s attributes and flaws.
What served as the primary inspiration for this book? Was it an existing myth, a personal experience, a dream, or something else entirely?
I honestly don’t know. I think I wanted to dispel the “Little Green men” from Mars myth and tell a story about people who were the exact opposite of what we’ve seen in the movies. Hiro is like a big, beautiful, sweet E.T. type of person.
How long did the process of writing this book take from inception to completion?
I started the book in late October 2024, if I remember correctly. I began three books within a few weeks of each other, but this one kept calling to me. As a writing coach and editor for other authors, my work kept me so busy that I had to schedule time to work on Hiro-J. All in all, it’s not a huge book, so it only took me about three months total.
Are there other stories or fantasy worlds you’re currently developing?
No, I’m going to stick with Hiro for a while. I’ve already started forming the plot for Book Two.
What attracts you to the fantasy genre specifically? Do you explore other genres as well?
My first novel, Fireflies, was a blend of fantasy and magical realism. I believe life is full of mystery, and we don’t always need to look to aliens, dragons, fairies, and vampires to find that magic. I believe that if we shut off our electronics, sit quietly in the world, especially in nature, for a while, and “touch grass,” as they say, we can feel the magic of the real world around us. However, I’ve a whole series about female pirates, also known as Historical Fiction. I’ve written Historical Romance, Fantasy, and Contemporary Romance, and now I’ve added Science Fiction Romance. I write what I want to read and what excites me at the time.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Was the journey straightforward, or did you face challenges along the way?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, as well as an artist and dreamer. However, I didn’t publish my first book until 2013. Challenges? Try being married, raising children, working a full-time job, and taking care of an elderly parent. Writing has been and continues to be my escape from the real world, as is reading. I make time to escape, I guess. It’s much easier now, though. It’s only the full-time job that holds me back.
Can you describe your typical writing routine?
I brew a pot of coffee, have some dinner, go into my home office, and play with my cat for a bit. Then, I sit down to play a computer game or scroll through BookTok for about 30 minutes to clear out the day’s cobwebs. After that, I open my manuscript, read back the previous chapter from the night before, and start banging on the keyboard.
Editing is a crucial part of the writing process. How do you approach revisions and self-editing in the context of a fantasy narrative?
I’m a fixer and I love it. Anything that can improve the story, I’ll do it, no matter how long it takes. Mistakes you better. I’m lucky to have a great beta reader who isn’t afraid to tell me the truth… the cold, hard truth.
With the growing popularity of audiobooks and multimedia adaptations, have you considered these formats for your work?
I have several audiobooks for my other books. I have so much on my plate right now, trying to market Hiro-J, that the audiobook is way down the list for now. However, I am looking forward to having it created.
If you had to describe your writing style in three words, what would they be?
Outline. Adjust. Write.
What tools or methods do you prefer for writing – computer, typewriter, voice recording, or traditional pen and paper?
Good old Microsoft Word and my PC. Nothing fancy.
Could you share five books or authors that have influenced your writing, especially within the fantasy genre?
Definitely George R.R. Martin. I re-read A Song of Ice and Fire at least once a year. He is a master. There are five books in that series, so there you go. Seriously, though, he is my ultimate writing hero. Now, I can tell you about my favorite authors in other genres, such as Stephen King, for Horror, Elisa Braden, Elizabeth Johns, Julia Quinn, and Mimi Matthews, for Historical Romance. J. R. Ward—The Warden is my queen of Dark Romance. The list goes on and on.
How do you tackle Writer’s Block when working within the expansive boundaries of fantasy?
Read something else by another author or a different genre. I read, read, read, and listen to an audiobook. It cures me every time.
What piece of advice would you offer to budding writers, especially those looking to venture into fantasy
Read a bunch of fantasy books in the area you wish to write in. Fantasy is a vast genre with numerous subgenres, so be discerning. Read as much as you can to understand the genre and then sit down and just write!
Thank you, author Bartlette, for taking the time to answer our questions and for all your insightful answers!
About the Book
Hiro-J Energy
They told her she’d be studying human behavior. They never said the subject wasn’t human. Lana Delaney isn’t the kind of girl who chases adventure. A champion swimmer and psychology major, she keeps her world small—school, training, and staying invisible. But when her bold, unpredictable new roommate Willie bursts into her life, Lana starts to believe maybe she doesn’t have to hide forever. Everything changes when she accepts a summer internship at a classified research facility. Her assignment? To observe an unusual subject known only as Project J. His name is Hiro. He isn’t human. And he’s been waiting for her. Trapped in a saltwater pool and fading fast, Hiro speaks through thoughts, memories, and something deeper Lana can feel. With the help of Logan—a conflicted but charming tech specialist—Lana begins to unravel a web of secrets, cover-ups, and buried truths. Now, caught between two powerful connections and a dangerous conspiracy, Lana must decide how far she is willing to go to save the only being who has ever truly seen her. Perfect for fans of Starman, Arrival, and The Host, Hiro-J: Energy is a romantic sci-fi thriller about memory, trust, and the invisible energy that binds us all.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author: Quinn Lawrence Release Date: April 17, 2025 Series: Cinna and Hokuren (Book 1) Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Humour Format: E-book Pages: 310 pages Publisher: Fondence City Press Blurb: “The two of us against all of them? How unfair for them.” Seeker Hokuren’s big break is coming: the prince of Velles hires her to find his missing daughter. Tracking down all those lost pet cats for a pittance has finally paid off. Together with her eager but raw elven assistant Cinna, Hokuren quickly sees the case spiral into much more than a mere missing princess. There’s an elf kidnapping scheme, magic said to no longer be possible (never trust the wizards), a long lost goddess, and a monstrous captain of the guard in the middle of it all.
When Cinna is caught in the crosshairs, Hokuren is working for more than the needed pay: she’s got to uncover every secret to save Cinna’s life. They’ll need to work together against militant librarians, crazed acolytes, and even her former boss in the City Watch. Because as Hokuren’s bond with Cinna grows, it seems everyone believes the biggest secret of them all is hiding within her unassuming assistant. . . A lighthearted and fast-paced fantasy adventure full of action, mystery and sly humor, Cinnamon Soul is also the heart-warming exploration of an unbreakable bond of friendship forged between two women as they struggle against the forces of the elite and powerful.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Wow! What a ride. Cinnamon Soul by Quinn Lawrence is a deeply character-driven exploration of identity, trauma, and the complicated inheritance of power. At the heart of this story is Cinna, an orphaned elf with no illusions about her place in the world. She’s sarcastic, stubborn, and scuffed by life—but that’s what makes her so compelling.
From its opening pages, the novel delivers a whip-smart narrative voice that’s impossible to ignore. Cinna is a force, barreling through the alleyways of Velles chasing criminals one moment, and then stumbling, quite literally, into a spiritual awakening the next. When it’s revealed that a goddess named Senara has been secretly living in her soul since birth, the narrative pivots into something far more layered: an examination of consent, purpose, and self-determination.
What I found particularly affecting was how the novel treats divinity with skepticism. Cinna doesn’t revere Senara; she challenges her. And the more the goddess reveals about Cinna’s past and future, the more the novel begins to interrogate the very idea of divine right. It’s bold, philosophical, and filled with ethical grey zones that I loved wading through.
But don’t let the existential themes fool you because this book is also funny, fast-paced, and full of brilliant world-building. The magical systems are creative, the politics are messy and real, and the supporting cast grounds the narrative in emotional truth. Hokuren’s steady presence and fierce protectiveness offer the perfect foil to Cinna’s recklessness.
The soul-world segments, dripping with surreal detail, gave me Spirited Away vibes but laced with a distinctly adult kind of grief and growth. There’s something truly special in how author Lawrence renders the soul: moss-covered ground, blueberry-dotted dresses from forgotten childhood dreams, and monsters that speak like mentors.
By the time I turned the last page, I was exhausted in the best way. Cinnamon Soul confronts and demands that we question who gets to shape a destiny, and whether inherited power, divine or otherwise, is ever truly benign. Highly recommended for readers who crave emotionally rich fantasy with brains, heart, and teeth.
Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author P.S. Bartlett for her latest release,HIRO-J: Energy.
About The Author
P.S. Bartlett
P.S. Bartlett (pen name), an award-winning author, was born on Valentine’s Day in Baltimore, Maryland, near the historic sites of Fort McHenry and Federal Hill. As the youngest of eleven siblings, she was surrounded by history and enjoyed cycling to explore these national landmarks with her friends during her childhood. She released her debut novel, Fireflies, in 2013 and has since self-published twelve books. During the pandemic, Peggy used her writing skills to freelance in copywriting, editing, and beta-reading, which helped her regain lost income and grow her freelance business. Collaborating with authors has become a fulfilling passion, as she enjoys helping others achieve their writing goals. She has also added publishing and social media management to her list of offerings to her clients. Alongside her literary endeavors, she loves reading, painting, drawing, and learning anything new. While writing and coaching other authors takes up much of her leisure time by choice, she treasures the moments spent with friends and family. Currently serving as a full-time marketing director, Peggy hopes to transition into a full-time writing career upon her retirement in 2026 and continue her work supporting other authors. “Always remember to go for what you want, no matter your age, because whatever makes you happy and fulfilled is always worth your time.”
Her motto: I’m taking a fantastic voyage. Won’t you join me?
They told her she’d be studying human behavior. They never said the subject wasn’t human. Lana Delaney isn’t the kind of girl who chases adventure. A champion swimmer and psychology major, she keeps her world small—school, training, and staying invisible. But when her bold, unpredictable new roommate Willie bursts into her life, Lana starts to believe maybe she doesn’t have to hide forever. Everything changes when she accepts a summer internship at a classified research facility. Her assignment? To observe an unusual subject known only as Project J. His name is Hiro. He isn’t human. And he’s been waiting for her. Trapped in a saltwater pool and fading fast, Hiro speaks through thoughts, memories, and something deeper Lana can feel. With the help of Logan—a conflicted but charming tech specialist—Lana begins to unravel a web of secrets, cover-ups, and buried truths. Now, caught between two powerful connections and a dangerous conspiracy, Lana must decide how far she is willing to go to save the only being who has ever truly seen her. Perfect for fans of Starman, Arrival, and The Host, Hiro-J: Energy is a romantic sci-fi thriller about memory, trust, and the invisible energy that binds us all.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author: Alisanya Release Date: June 28, 2025 Series: The Adventures of Chii (Book 1) Genre: High Fantasy, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Format: E-book Pages: 333 pages Publisher: Nekomancer Books Blurb: Would you have the strength to get back up after losing everything? Chii’s peaceful life is shattered when a dark mist engulfs her village, turning everyone into shadowy specters… except for her. Terrified, she flees into the woods, stumbling upon a group of bandits who sell her into slavery. After a long, agonizing year, Chii escapes the horrors of captivity and encounters unexpected allies who help her find her strength. With newfound skills, she sets off adventuring, determined to uncover the mystery behind the shadowy fog that stole her life. Little does she know, the eerie mist—and her own self—harbors a far more sinister secret than she could have ever imagined…
This high fantasy tale of a charming, resourceful heroine features an intricate and unpredictable plot, strategic combat scenes, and shocking revelations. The outcome of the action-packed battles hinges on clever tactics and teamwork, as each individual—friend or foe—possesses their own unique abilities and weaknesses. And with stunning illustrations scattered throughout, the world and its diverse characters truly come to life. Don’t miss out—begin your adventure today!
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
The Adventures ofChii by Alisanya is one of those books that reads like a heartfelt anime adventure with surprising emotional depth and an unexpected undercurrent of darkness. What starts as a coming-of-age tale of a sweet, spirited catgirl quickly morphs into a layered journey through trauma and power reclaimed.
Chii, the titular heroine, is a petite catgirl whose idyllic childhood is torn apart by a mysterious mist that turns her entire village into howling, shadowy spectres. From that moment on, her life spirals into slavery, survival, and slowly—painfully—freedom. I found the setup heartbreakingly vivid. There’s a real sense of emotional texture in how author Alisanya portrays the grief, betrayal, and vulnerability of a child thrust into a brutal world not of her choosing.
But Chii is no passive victim. As the story unfolds, she evolves—emotionally and magically. She finds allies, trains with fae warriors, joins tournaments, investigates disappearances, and grapples with the demonic power pulsing within her. It’s all set in a richly imagined fantasy world. The magical systems are well thought-out, the dialogue feels anime-authentic, and the tone blends charm with stakes in a way that kept me engaged throughout.
What I loved most was Chii’s voice is that it’s innocent without being naive and determined without becoming jaded. Whether she’s facing bandits, rival mages, or emotional betrayal, her spirit remains luminous. The supporting cast—Akila, Leon, Samir, Ethan—each bring different energies to the story, and some of their arcs genuinely surprised me. That said, I did find a few scenes leaning into genre tropes a little heavily, and the pacing, particularly around the middle chapters, occasionally stalled.
For fans of Sword Art Online, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, or The Rising of the Shield Hero, Chii will feel both familiar and fresh. And with its hint of darker themes like demonic influence, moral ambiguity, and emotional sacrifice, it’s clear that this is only the beginning of a much engaging saga. I am looking forward to Volume 2!
Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author P.S. Bartlett for her latest release, HIRO-J: Energy.
Book: HIRO-J: Energy Author: P.S. Bartlett Publication Date: September 16, 2025 Genres: Sci-Fi Romance, Fantasy Romance, Magical Realism Page Count: 285 pages Publisher: P.S. Bartlett
About the Book
They told her she’d be studying human behavior. They never said the subject wasn’t human. Lana Delaney isn’t the kind of girl who chases adventure. A champion swimmer and psychology major, she keeps her world small—school, training, and staying invisible. But when her bold, unpredictable new roommate Willie bursts into her life, Lana starts to believe maybe she doesn’t have to hide forever. Everything changes when she accepts a summer internship at a classified research facility. Her assignment? To observe an unusual subject known only as Project J. His name is Hiro. He isn’t human. And he’s been waiting for her. Trapped in a saltwater pool and fading fast, Hiro speaks through thoughts, memories, and something deeper Lana can feel. With the help of Logan—a conflicted but charming tech specialist—Lana begins to unravel a web of secrets, cover-ups, and buried truths. Now, caught between two powerful connections and a dangerous conspiracy, Lana must decide how far she is willing to go to save the only being who has ever truly seen her. Perfect for fans of Starman, Arrival, and The Host, Hiro-J: Energy is a romantic sci-fi thriller about memory, trust, and the invisible energy that binds us all.
P.S. Bartlett (pen name), an award-winning author, was born on Valentine’s Day in Baltimore, Maryland, near the historic sites of Fort McHenry and Federal Hill. As the youngest of eleven siblings, she was surrounded by history and enjoyed cycling to explore these national landmarks with her friends during her childhood. She released her debut novel, Fireflies, in 2013 and has since self-published twelve books. During the pandemic, Peggy used her writing skills to freelance in copywriting, editing, and beta-reading, which helped her regain lost income and grow her freelance business. Collaborating with authors has become a fulfilling passion, as she enjoys helping others achieve their writing goals. She has also added publishing and social media management to her list of offerings to her clients. Alongside her literary endeavors, she loves reading, painting, drawing, and learning anything new. While writing and coaching other authors takes up much of her leisure time by choice, she treasures the moments spent with friends and family. Currently serving as a full-time marketing director, Peggy hopes to transition into a full-time writing career upon her retirement in 2026 and continue her work supporting other authors. “Always remember to go for what you want, no matter your age, because whatever makes you happy and fulfilled is always worth your time.”
Her motto: I’m taking a fantastic voyage. Won’t you join me?
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
The Reading Bud 