Author Spotlight: Freya Barker
Just Ordinary People with Extraordinary Stories
When I went through a bit of a health crisis that could pretty easily be tied to my more, ummm, mature age, I wound up in the hospital for nearly a week contemplating the joys of getting older and the systems in our bodies that start to act up because of it. And of course, I spent my time reading. Because, well, books are my happy place. And I started thinking about all of the amazing young female characters and how they have no idea what’s in store for them as they get older.
Then I started getting a little fussy, because, well, hospital, and I started to realize that while I truly enjoyed reading about all of the amazing 20-somethings in the novels I loved, I wanted to find some heroines closer to my age. So, I put out a call to the hive mind on FB, and one name popped up over and over again: Freya Barker.
Knowing absolutely nothing about Freya or her books, I joined her FB group, Freya’s Barks&Bites, immediately. Seriously wise decision. It’s one of those groups that gives me the warm fuzzies every time I visit.
And I searched the Zon for a Freya book to dive into. I decided to start with her Rock Point series, and when I discovered it was available as part of my Audible subscription, and featured some of my favorite narrators, I dove right in.
What I discovered through listening to her stories, is that Freya has not just a way with words, but a way with delicate situations, intense personalities, and even intenser storylines. And they drew me in immediately. Her romantic suspense is real! I mean, I feel like the things she writes about could happen to my neighbor, a friend, a relative, but they still have an amazing level of drama and detail and energy that immerses you in the chaos of the moment and the hope of the perfect HEA. Which Freya definitely provides- her HEAs are pretty epic, actually.
I was so immersed in her stories, I found myself trying to find more time to be in the car so I could listen more. Her stories drew me in so much, I don’t want to let go. For one, her heroines are badasses. And not all in the typical “badass” way. It’s in the way they carry themselves, care for others, confront their feelings, their demons, and the struggles in their lives. It’s the way they show their love for others and work to better themselves. And her heroes- whoa! I love her cinnamon roll alphas. Strong, seggsy, intense, but total marshmallows when it comes to the women in their lives.
Freya writes series that you can get lost in, immerse yourself in, and then enjoy the hangover from. And the way she weaves her series into spin-offs and other series is brilliant. You get to relive the places, the people, the energy, the intensity, but with new characters you already love and crave. Every new book I read leads me to another new favorite place, person, or story. These are seriously bingeable series, and we all know how much I love a good (in this case great) binge. If you can’t find me, I’m in my car wandering farther down the road so I can wander further down the Freya Barker series rabbit hole.
Our in-person paths first finally crossed at Knockout Book Bash in 2022. I totally fangirled. And I’m not even a little sorry. Julie and I got to chat with Freya for a while, and even though it was the first time we’d “met” it felt comfortable and relaxed and really freaking wonderful. Because Freya has a vibe about her that instantly puts you at ease. I saw it in her FB group, in her personal posts online, and now I got to experience it in person.
And I didn’t leave Freya’s table empty handed. I brought home more signed Freya goodness for my shelves (I have zero shelf control), AND Freya sent me home with a beautiful tote bag and 3 signed paperbacks for my blogiversary giftaway. Her generosity is just one more element of her kindness and connection to the Romancelandia community. And now those beautiful gifts are gracing another reader’s shelves as gifts to be treasured. How freaking awesome is that??
When I saw Freya at Charm City Romanticon in March 2023, I fangirled all over again. And when I see her next time, I will do it again. Along with more hugs, more smiles, and yeah, probably more goodies for my bookshelves.
Just the facts:
First book I read by Freya: Keeping 6 Book 1 in the Rock Point series
What I love most about her books: Main characters in their 30s & 40, strong protector vibes, confident & independent badass heroines.
Fave book by Freya: HWY 550. Growly biker (voiced by Sebastian York on the audiobook), badass female agent, what’s not to love?
Fave character: This is tough. I absolutely love Jasper Green (Cabin 12). He is big time book boyfriend material. But I may love Luna and her badassedness even more. And Ouray (HWY 550)- yeah, definitely Ouray.
Fave cover: Edge of Tomorrow Bearded hunk holding a tiny baby is his huge arms. Yeah- all of that! But also, Opal, because it is just stunning.
Get all the info about Freya on her website: http://www.freyabarker.com/
You can get her books on Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Kobo
You can find Freya on social media here: Facebook Instagram TikTok
Facebook reader group: Freya's Barks&Bites
