From the Publisher: “Becoming a ruthless mob boss like his father is the last thing Frankie wants, but when Sofia’s father is gunned down, Frankie must become the very thing he loathes to protect the woman he loves. Sofia was a devoted girlfriend to Frankie, until he stood her up and she questioned his fidelity. Now that she’s alone and rich, mafia suitors slither around her. Marriage to him might be her only hope…”
More info About the Author: Kaia Misk is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, otherwise known as a “Yinzer.” Her parents grew up across the street from each other in a small town where most people worked in the steel mills. Their Italian and Slovak families were a strong part of her childhood which included foods, holidays and religion. Several of her characters are based on her family members and other Pittsburghers.
Kaia has a background in legal and technical writing including training manuals, training presentations and legal documents. She is also an excellent tailor and patternmaker. Her IMDb page lists her work on two full-length films as a costumer.
She is particularly inspired by the Hat Squad books of Karen Rose and Joe Lansdale’s novels, although her first love was Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. She follows numerous other authors and reads every day. She currently lives in suburban Pittsburgh with her Norwegian Elkhound, Boss.
See more at her website: www.kaiamisk.com
Author Site
What should Littsburgh readers know about The Firstborn Son?
The book is set in Pittsburgh with Yinzer-type people. It even has scenes at the Sons of Italy in Glassport. I write characters based on real individuals. Uncle Nutsy, for example, is a blend of my real great-uncle and a prior Italian co-worker. The accent I used in writing the character is softer than the real-lifer I knew, toned down for readability. Then there’s the brother who acts as a partner in crime, the love interest, and the aunt in the role of the family matriarch. Yes, there’s a little reality in each one of them.
I started writing novels a few years ago when co-workers dared me to try it during NanoWrimo, which takes place each November and asks participants to write 50,000 words inside of a month. No small feat, but I did it, and have been writing ever since.
What are you working on now?
I am working on The Second Son – Book 2 in The Renzi Affairs series. The third book is also in the works. My brother is helping me create the audiobook for The Firstborn Son. He has experience in sound recording.
An audio excerpt where Uncle Nutsy speaks to the main character:
So our readers can get to know you a little better, we have a few quick questions about yourself. What makes you laugh out loud?
The humor in everyday life that can’t be put on paper, like my little nephew who complains about his sister’s singing.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Pizzelles, an Italian cookie.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
If it’s summer, I like to be near the water, swimming or kayaking. In winter, I read, watch movies, and stay inside with my dog. I spend most of my time with family.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less.
Sometimes outspoken, but means well.
Tell us something unique/quirky about yourself.
I’ve never held a day job more than 2.5 years. Hoping to stay longer at the one I have now.
Short Excerpt from The Firstborn Son by Kaia Misk:
Her hands went to her hips. “I mean someone that puts me first. Like my father.”
“Oh, I’m not signing up to be your father, sweet. I want way more than that.”
Lust, anxiety, and fear of a lonely future came to a fiery head within him. He prowled closer, grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. Heedless of the open window, he braced his arm behind her back with one hand behind her head. When he pressed his mouth against hers, she struggled for a moment. He almost let her go.
Slowly, her body settled. Chest to chest, hip to hip, her voracious kiss gave him hope. But he had to be clever, had to keep her mouth occupied so she wouldn’t argue. He stripped off his shirt and broke the kiss for a second.
Big mistake. She slapped him. The magic ended.
This excerpt is published here courtesy of the author and should not be reprinted without permission.
From the Publisher: "In this “smart, irreverent secret history” (Stewart O’Nan) Sewickley set novel by highly praised Pittsburgh native author Anna Read more
From the Publisher: "In his debut collection of nonfiction, Jim Daniels writes about trees, backyard swing sets, above-ground swimming pools, Read more
New York, NY — The Community of Literary Magazines & Presses (CLMP), the national nonprofit organization that for 58 years Read more
From the Publisher: "Imagine that you are a child who was born in a large family, and during your childhood, Read more
From Mt. Lebanon Magazine by way of Facebook: "On February 18, the Mt. Lebanon Public Library Board of Trustees passed Read more
Littsburgh's founder Rachel Ekstrom Courage (now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author!) recently stopped by KDKA to Read more
"The Drue Heinz Literature Prize recognizes and supports writers of short fiction and makes their work available to readers around Read more
"Applications are now open for Read Local Eat Local 2025! This is event is on Saturday, September 6, from 11 Read more
PITTSBURGH, PA – It’s time to book your spot! Registration for the 2025 Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books is officially Read more
From the Publisher: "The Mackenzies and the Flahertys, two of the founding families of Port Kenneth, TN, have been feuding Read more
"The Northern Appalachia Review welcomes submissions of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction written about, representing, or engaging with the experience of Read more
But this too is true: stories can save us The writer Tim O’Brien calls storytelling an essential human activity. "The Read more
"'Where do you end and I begin?' is the question which haunts Shaheen Dil’s remarkable memoir-in-poems. Dil’s journey is at Read more
"A poignant memoir exploring small town baseball as a lens into what’s right and wrong with modern America—written by an Read more
City of Asylum Pittsburgh and International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN) collaborate to present 30+ free,transformational events over 4 days Read more
From the Publisher: "In 1958, a midwestern family was uprooted from Canton, Ohio to Bukavu in the Belgian Congo during Read more
"From New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict and Courtney Sheinmel comes a historical adventure about a young girl plucked Read more
From the Publisher: "It’s Anny’ s first day of middle school and, after years of being homeschooled, her first day Read more
"A light snow fell on January 30, 2005, a typical cold Pittsburgh winter morning. Inside Calvary, the congregation had gathered Read more
We are so excited to help spread the word about the excellent Woolly Bear Books and Gifts in Carnegie, PA Read more
