Jan Sikes Jagged Feathers Blog Tour #NewRelease #MilitaryRomance #RomanticSuspense @WildRosePress @JanSikes3

FEATURED AUTHOR: JAN SIKES

Welcome to Day 3 of the Blog Tour for Award-Winning Author Jan Sikes which is being held the month of February 2022 at various websites. Join me in celebrating the launch of her Military Romance, Romantic Suspense, Jagged Feathers (Book 2 The White Rune Series), which was released by The Wild Rose Press, Inc on 31 January 2022 (334 pages).

It was a pleasure to interview Jan and learn more about her and the background of her book. One of the aspects I enjoyed about Jan’s stories is how she weaves in paranormal elements. As a fan of Jan Sikes, I find her stories to be heartfelt with engaging characters. It was fascinating to learn that she previously lived in Colorado and began studying runes extensively beginning in 2012. See Jan’s interview below to learn more about her.

Having read Book 1 Ghostly Interference, I found Jagged Feathers to be a faster-paced book with lots of action and suspense, which works well for the main character —a war vet wounded in Afghanistan. Below is my review of her book which I recommend that you read.

Also below are highlights of Jagged Feathers and the author bio for Jan Sikes.

To follow the complete blog tour, CLICK Blog Tour

HIGHLIGHTS: JAGGED FEATHERS

 

Jagged Feathers

(Book 2 The White Rune Series)

by Jan Sikes

(Blurb)

Vann Noble did his duty. He served his country and returned a shell of a man, wounded inside and out. With a missing limb and battling PTSD, he seeks healing in an isolated cabin outside a small Texas town with a stray dog that sees beyond his master’s scars. If only the white rune’s magic can bring a happily ever after to a man as broken as Vann.  

On the run from hired killers and struggling to make sense of her unexplained deadly mission, Nakina Bird seeks refuge in Vann’s cabin. She has secrets. Secrets that can get them all killed.

A ticking clock and long odds of living or dying, create jarring risks.

Will these two not only survive, but find an unexpected love along the way? Or, will evil forces win and destroy them both?

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON ♥   BARNES & NOBLE ♥   GOODREADS  ♥   BOOKBUB

AUTHOR BIO: JAN SIKES

 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

WEBSITE   BLOG   TWITTER   FACEBOOK   PINTEREST     GOODREADS     BOOKBUB     LINKEDIN    AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: JAN SIKES

Would you provide an overview of the books you’ve published in The White Rune Series?

I had the idea for Ghostly Interference in 2015 when I was writing the second book in my Biographical Fiction series. At the time, all I could do was jot down some notes and move on. It wasn’t until I finished that series that I returned to the story, which had a working title of When Two Worlds Collide. The White Rune came into the story quite unexpectedly, and it was the catalyst that gave me a three-book series. I pitched the series for three years before a publisher gave me a contract. Patience seems to be a big part of being an author, and I am not, by nature, a very patient person. But it all paid off, and now I have finished the series, having just turned in the manuscript for book 3, Saddled Hearts, which Wild Rose Press will release later in 2022.

Please tell us more about your most recently released book, Jagged Feathers: Book 2.

I loved writing Jagged Feathers. It covers some complex issues such as amputation and PTSD. I had first-hand knowledge of both through my late husband, and it gave me a unique insight into the struggles. I wanted my female character to have a paranormal gift, so I gave her psychic visions. In the story, she struggles with these as she can’t always tell if they are from the past, present, or future. Throughout situations that arise, she learns to trust and accept her gift more. Neither character believed anyone could ever love them with all their flaws and scars. But love looks beyond the physical.

What inspired you to write the paranormal series centered around the white rune?

I have been a student of all things metaphysical since the seventies, but while I lived in Colorado in 2012, I studied the runes intensively. So, when it came to creating this series, it fell into place that a white rune with the Wunjo symbol (which signifies a happily-ever-after) would get passed from book to book. Each character needed to have something to believe in – that someone might love them despite their faults and flaws. Since beginning the series, I have studied the runes more and have dabbled with doing rune readings. The Universe constantly amazes me with the accuracy of the readings.

How much research was involved in writing your books about the significance of runes and elements of paranormal associated with each book in the series?

As I said above, the study of the runes began for me in 2012. They were part of a psychic development class I took while in Colorado. So, much of my research came from looking back at my class notes and reference books. I have a dear friend who is a fantastic psychic medium, and I have always admired her gifts. I drew from my personal experiences of sitting in readings and séances with her and others, to develop some of these same gifts in my characters.

Is there any sub-character in The White Rune Series that is your favorite? Explain why.

My favorite sub-character in this series is Charlotte Peters, Jag Peters’ mother, in Ghostly Interference. Charlotte has bits and pieces of myself woven throughout her makeup, but she also came to me and told me her entire backstory, which I wrote as a short story. It has not been published, except in an obscure anthology. Someday I may publish her story as a prologue to the series.


How often do your characters surprise you by doing or saying something totally unexpected?

I’m laughing out loud at this question. The answer is, “All the time!” For example, the big reveal in book one about Jag Peters’ father only came after Charlotte told me her story. But it gave me an excellent twist to add to the storyline.

Have you received reactions/feedback to your work that has surprised you? In what way?

I think I’m always surprised when a reader praises my work or tells me a story brought out emotions in them as they read. When that happens, I’m not only surprised but shocked and humbled. That is always my goal. I want my readers to feel what I feel as I’m creating the stories.

Are there more books on the horizon that will be added to The White Rune Series?

Yes. I just signed a new contract for book 3 in the series, Saddled Hearts. It brings a satisfying ending to the magic of the White Rune. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say the rune goes to its final owner in book 3. Saddled Hearts should release sometime in late 2022.

What are three things you think we can all do to make the world a better place?

  • First and foremost, always show kindness toward everyone. When we look past our differences, we start to see we are all connected.
  • Secondly, treat our planet with more love and respect. I’m afraid if we don’t, Mother Earth will throw a big fit that we won’t be prepared for.
  • Thirdly, keep our little corners of this big ol’ world as peaceful, honest, and filled with love as we possibly can.


What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

The best gift I ever received was the epic love story that started my writing journey. I never aspired to be a writer, but I lived a story someone needed to write. When I realized I was the only one that could tell it, my entire world shifted and hasn’t stopped. I’ve now published six novels, a book of poems and art, and twelve short stories. I see no way to stop!

What makes you laugh?

Many things can bring a chuckle, but I cannot listen to a baby laugh and not laugh along with him/her. It’s impossible not to feel the purity of their laughter. They live totally immersed in the moment.  

What simple pleasure makes you smile?

The laughter and happiness of my grandchildren. As they grow and develop, I see traits in each of them that are unique, and it brings me great joy to watch them. It is a gift to have the opportunity to offer my love, support, and guidance.

 

BOOK REVIEW: JAGGED FEATHERS

 

Jagged FeathersJagged Feathers by Jan Sikes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jagged Feathers by Jan Sikes is Book 2 in The White Rune Series. This is a fast-paced military romance set in Texas with strong elements of action and suspense. As compared to the multi-layer, heartfelt Book 1 Ghostly Interference, the second book has a faster pace fitting for the main character Vann —a military veteran from the Afghanistan war who is haunted by emotional wounds. He feels like the shell of the vibrant man he once was, as he struggles to adjust to a prosthetic leg. A character from the first book (Rena Jett) gives Vann a white rune, symbolizing a happy ever ending which his former military buddy (Sam), who died in the war, had given her.

After receiving the rune, Vann is unaware that his life is about to change when he rescues a mysterious woman running away from a ricochet of bullets. Although the woman is seriously ill with a hacking cough, she refuses to go to the hospital. Vann’s military training kicks in as he takes the woman back home to take care of her. As she recovers, he learns that her name is Nakina and that she is being chased by a drug cartel. The crime organization wants a package she is safeguarding for her boss who has gone missing. Since Nakina is hesitant to go to the police, Vann is drawn into danger with a woman he hardly knows but is attracted to. Can he find love with Nakina with a dubious past? Is he willing to risk everything, including his life, to gamble that he will find his happy ever ending with this mysterious woman?

Author Jan Sikes has taken the series to another level in which the elements of action and adventure are critical for Vann to accept his disability and to find a reason for living. I was immediately immersed in Vann’s despair in the first chapter but then swept into an action scene when he must rescue Nakina. Overall, the characters are engaging and the dialogue is natural. For those who love dogs, Vann has a part German Shepherd, part Border Collie companion that helps him deal with his PTSD. Riveting action scenes juxtapose steamy love scenes. There could have been more built-up of suspense in later scenes to make the climax resonate.

What I like most about the story is the character development of Vann. His strength of character shines through when he is put in life-threatening situations and must use his military experience to get through it. Not only must he take a chance to trust and to love Nakina, but he must also risk being hurt if she does not accept him with his disability. He is the epitome of what many women like to see in a romantic partner—strong-minded, protective, and caring.

For those who enjoy reading the blend of fast-paced suspense and steamy military romance with an engaging war vet longing for true love, I recommend Jagged Feathers.

View all my reviews

50 Comments
  • Jan Sikes
    Posted at 21:02h, 02 February Reply

    Thank you, Linnea, for hosting me here today for Day 3 of the blog tour! I appreciate your support!

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 22:05h, 02 February Reply

      Hi Jan–It is a pleasure to support you, Jan, and to learn more about you from the interview. Best wishes on a successful launch!

  • Roberta Eaton Cheadle
    Posted at 22:00h, 02 February Reply

    HI Linnea, thank you for this excellent author interview. I learned some new things about Jan and Rick here. A lovely review of Jagged Feathers which I will be reading soon.

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 22:06h, 02 February Reply

      Hi Robbie–Thank you for commenting on the blog tour for Jan Sikes. I also learned a lot more about Jan which I found fascinating. Hope you enjoy reading Jagged Feathers!

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 06:46h, 03 February Reply

      Thank you, Robbie, for stopping by and leaving a comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview!

  • Patricia Anne Pierce-garcia Schaack
    Posted at 03:47h, 03 February Reply

    Hi Jan, Hi Linnea,

    Jan, I like the interview. I always learn something new about you. Thank you for sharing yourself.

    Linnea, I loved Book One of this series. My favorite character was Charlotte Peters. Now, I’m reading book 2 and can say the character that sticks out the most for me is Vann. So far, he gives the story stability.

    Once again, thank you, Jan for revealing yourself, and thank you Linnea for the review. and hosting Jan.
    Shalom aleichem

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 11:58h, 03 February Reply

      Hi Pat–Thank you for visiting and commenting on Jan’s blog tour. I also loved Book 1 and the multi-layers of the book, including the background of Charlotte Peters. The interview provide so many insights into Jan which resonated in both the books in her trilogy. Go in peace.

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 12:04h, 03 February Reply

      Hi, Pat! Thanks for stopping by this tour stop! I’m glad you enjoyed the interview and I love that Charlotte Peters was a favorite character of yours in Ghostly Interference. I appreciate your support!!

  • D. Wallace Peach
    Posted at 07:10h, 03 February Reply

    What a great interview, Linnea and Jan. I can’t wait to dive into this series, and that’s great news that the trilogy will be complete later this year. I didn’t realize that Jan has close-hand experience with PTSD and amputation, and I believe that knowledge adds to the emotional depth and richness of a read. Congrats on the release, Jan. Thanks for hosting Linnea.

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 11:55h, 03 February Reply

      Thank you for commenting and visiting. What moved me most about Jagged Feathers is Vann’s struggle to overcome both his mental and physical wounds. It was an eye-opener that Jan had close-hand experience with this. Have a fantastic day!

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 12:06h, 03 February Reply

      I totally agree, Diana, that first-hand experience allows a different kind of insight into any situation. You can learn about things through research, but you don’t get the emotional depths as when you experience it. Thank you so much for stopping by!

  • D.L. Finn
    Posted at 12:13h, 03 February Reply

    Great post and interview! I found it fascinating the classes you took and your long study of runes. I loved both stories and look forward to reading the third book! Thanks for hosting, Linnea 🙂

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 12:33h, 03 February Reply

      Thanks for stopping by, Denise. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. The psychic development classes were so expansive and I learned a lot. I am happy I can incorporate some of what I learned into my stories. Thank you for adding your recommendations for the books! I appreciate the support!

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 17:04h, 03 February Reply

      Hi D.L.–Thank you for dropping by and commenting. I also found it fascinating that she began her studies in Colorado, my home state, and that she has blended the paranormal elements into her novels. I am also looking forward to reading the third book in the series.

  • Staci Troilo
    Posted at 12:20h, 03 February Reply

    I really enjoyed this interview. And I loved this book. Especially Champion, who stole my heart.

    Best wishes, Jan. Thanks for hosting, Linnea.

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 13:57h, 03 February Reply

      Thank you, Staci! I am so glad you enjoyed the story, and yes, Champion stole my heart too. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and leave a comment today!

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 17:02h, 03 February Reply

      Hi Staci–Thank you for visiting and commenting on Jan’s book. I love how Champion was brought into the book to help Vann on his road to recovery. The interview brought so much insight into Jan as a person and how she uses her experiences to create her stories.

  • Joan Hall
    Posted at 13:12h, 03 February Reply

    Great interview! I’ve just begun reading Jagged Feathers. Congrats to Jan and a big thanks for hosting today, Linnea!

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 16:58h, 03 February Reply

      Hi Joan–Thank you for visiting and commenting on the blog tour for Jan Sikes. I really enjoyed Jan’s interview that really provided insight into her as a person and writer. Hope you enjoy reading Jagged Feathers.

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 20:16h, 03 February Reply

      Thank you, Joan! I am thrilled that you are reading Jagged Feathers! And thanks for your support!

  • Mae Clair
    Posted at 13:26h, 03 February Reply

    What a great interview! Jan’s character really shines through. I’m so excited for her with her latest release. I plan to start reading it tonight. Having enjoyed Ghostly Interference, I can’t wait to see how Jagged Feathers plays out.

    Wishing you all the best with your book tour, Jan. Thanks for hosting today, Linnea!

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 16:55h, 03 February Reply

      Hi Mae–Thank you for visiting and commenting on Jan’s interview. It was so much fun to interview Jan and learn more about her as an author and person. So much of her life experiences are brought into her stories. I think that is why her characters always resonate with me. Hope you enjoy reading Jagged Feathers.

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 20:20h, 03 February Reply

      Thank you so much for your comment, Mae! I am thrilled that you are reading Jagged Feathers and hope you enjoy it!

  • John Howell
    Posted at 14:17h, 03 February Reply

    Super interview and post supporting Jan’s launch. Congratulations to Jan and thanks. Linnea.

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 16:53h, 03 February Reply

      Hi John–Thank you for visiting and commenting on the blog tour for Jan Sikes. It was such a pleasure to interview Jan and learn more about her as an author and person. So much of her experience is brought into her stories which have always resonated with me.

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 20:16h, 03 February Reply

      Thank you for stopping by, John!

  • Sandra Cox
    Posted at 14:47h, 03 February Reply

    What a great review. And the book sounds like an edge-of-the-chair read.

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 16:52h, 03 February Reply

      Thank you, Sandra, for visiting and commenting on the post. This book has so many great elements–action, suspense, romance, and engaging characters.

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 20:19h, 03 February Reply

      Thank you, Sandra! I am thrilled that you stopped by!!

  • Beem Weeks
    Posted at 15:04h, 03 February Reply

    Wow! What a wonderful interview. Congratulations to Jan on her new release. Thanks for sharing your support, Linnea.

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 16:50h, 03 February Reply

      Hi Beem–Thank you for visiting and commenting on the blog tour for Jan Sikes. It was such a pleasure to support Jan Sikes, an author on an incredible journey in her writing.

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 20:17h, 03 February Reply

      Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, Beem. I appreciate your support!

  • Yvette M Calleiro
    Posted at 16:23h, 03 February Reply

    This was a great interview, Linnea and Jan! And your review at the end was fantastic! I can’t wait to read this story. 🙂

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 16:48h, 03 February Reply

      Hi Yvette–Thank you for visiting and commenting on the blog tour for Jan Sikes. It was such a pleasure to interview Jan and learn more about her. This was a fun read that provided insight into the challenges that wounded veterans face when returning home.

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 20:18h, 03 February Reply

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Yvette. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment!

  • Pingback:Jan Sikes Jagged Feathers Day 3 Blog Tour #MilitaryRomance #RomanticSuspense @WildRosePress @JanSikes3 | Apollo's Raven
    Posted at 16:37h, 03 February Reply

    […] Below is a reblog of Day 3 of the blog tour for Jan Sikes announcing the release of Military Romance / Romantic Suspense, Jagged Feathers. The original post is located at Linnea Tanner Website […]

  • Author Wendy Scott
    Posted at 18:03h, 03 February Reply

    I’m super excited to read Book 2!!!!! Jan’s books always sing to the heart.

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 20:18h, 03 February Reply

      Thank you for your kind words, Wendy! I hope you enjoy the story!

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 10:29h, 04 February Reply

      Hi Wendy–Thank you for dropping by and commenting. Hope you enjoy Jan’s new book, “Jagged Feathers.”

  • Patty Perrin
    Posted at 20:19h, 03 February Reply

    I loved getting to know you more through this great interview, Jan. What an interesting background! Your personal experience would add depth and realism to the story. I was already chomping at the bit to dive into the book, but Linnea’s great review gave me the incentive to stop reading the book I’m in, and start reading Jagged Feathers right away. Blessings on your new release!

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 10:27h, 04 February Reply

      Hi Patty–Thank you for dropping by and commenting. The interview gave so much insight into Jan and how her experiences have impacted her books. This gave me even a greater appreciation for her heartfelt stories. Hope you enjoy reading “Jagged Feathers.”

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 20:07h, 04 February Reply

      Oh my goodness, Patty! I just now saw this comment and my heart skipped a beat! Thank you for picking up Jagged Feathers! I sincerely hope you enjoy it!

  • Dianne Rich
    Posted at 07:22h, 04 February Reply

    What a wonderful interview! The White Rune Series is one of my favorites. Thank you for giving more insight into the series and Jan.

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 10:25h, 04 February Reply

      Thank you, Dianne, for visiting and commenting on the blog tour for Jan Sikes. I agree that the interview really provided insight into Jan and showed how her experiences have impacted her books.

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 20:07h, 04 February Reply

      Thank you for your wonderful comment, Dianne! I am so glad you enjoyed the interview!

  • Rox Burkey
    Posted at 18:45h, 06 February Reply

    Linnea, love learning more about Jan. Your presentation here is awesome. Thanks for hosting. Jan created a must read story.

    • Jan Sikes
      Posted at 09:11h, 08 February Reply

      Thank you, Rox, for stopping by and leaving a comment! Much appreciated!

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 11:03h, 08 February Reply

      Hi Rox–Thanks for dropping by and commenting. The background information in her interview provides interesting insight into runes and how her life experiences have influenced some of the characters in the books. I really liked Vann in “Jagged Feathers,” as he had to overcome so much. Take care.

  • Luciana
    Posted at 01:27h, 13 February Reply

    A great interview, and always enjoy learning about new authors I haven’t read as yet.
    Congratulations!

    • Linnea Tanner
      Posted at 13:20h, 14 February Reply

      Hi Luciana–Thank you for dropping in and commenting on Jan’s interview. She is a lovely author who uses her real-life experiences that gives an emotional impact to her stories. Hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day. Take care, my friend.

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