Author Spotlight: Freya Barker, Writing about Ordinary People with Extraordinary Stories
Late last year 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. 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.
Bonus- Freya writes romantic suspense. And I freaking love romantic suspense!
Knowing absolutely nothing about Freya or her books, I joined her FB group, Freya’s Barks&Bites, immediately. Seriously wise decision.
Yeah, there’s book talk, but there’s also baby pictures and family stories, fun videos of pets, vacation chatter, friendly and helpful advice, family celebrations,... it’s like a book club where you talk books but also talk all the things not books. It’s one of those groups that gives me the warm fuzzies every time I visit.
The more time I spent in Freya’s group, the more I loved everything I saw. From the family photos to the book chatter, it was all relevant and awesome! And when I finally dove into Freya’s books, I was kicking myself for waiting so damn long!
Freya has not just a way with words, but a way with delicate situations, intense personalities, and even intenser storylines that 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 am currently working my way through Freya’s Rock Point series on audiobooks and am trying to find more time to be in the car so I can listen more. Her stories just draw 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’m loving 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.
Just before Indies Invade Philly last year, Freya donated a set of signed books to a charity auction and I was so freaking thrilled when my bid won! Finally, I was going to have Freya on my shelf! Yes, I stalked the mailman. And, yes I hugged the books when I took them out of the box. And yes, I was sad I wasn’t going to get to hug Freya at IIP, but I knew our paths would cross eventually.
And eventually they did. Just last month, actually. I got to hug Freya at Knockout Book Bash. 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??
I am so excited that Freya will be joining us as an attending author at Charm City Romanticon in March 2023. I’ll get to see her at IIP this year as well, and I seriously cannot wait! 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: Cabin 12, but I just started HWY 550 and it is quickly becoming my fave.
Fave character: This is tough. I absolutely love Jasper Green (Cabin 12). He is big time book boyfriend material. But as I listen to HWY 550 I am loving Luna and her badassedness more and more.
Fave cover: Edge of Tomorrow Bearded hunk holding a tiny baby is his huge arms. Yeah- all of that!
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
