December 2023

Welcome to another edition of Author Spotlight on Literary Inspired, where we shine a light on talented indie romance authors and their captivating stories. This weekly series aims to celebrate the vibrant indie romance community while providing readers with a platform to discover diverse and captivating romance books. I am thrilled to present M.L. Philpitt, a USA Today Bestselling author known for her enthralling dark romance and paranormal romance novels. M.L. Philpitt’s writing transports readers to intriguing worlds where fairy tales collide with the gritty reality of the mafia. Her unique blend of genres takes classic stories and infuses them with a thrilling and morally grey twist. M.L. Philpitt’s book, “The Hunt in Elusion: A Cinderella Mafia Romance.” is the first instalment in the “Fractured Ever Afters” series, a captivating tale that challenges the traditional notions of happily ever after. Set in a world where fairy tales and reality collide, we follow Della Lambert, a maid who defies her stepmother to attend a party and steal secrets, only to find herself entangled with Nico Corsetti, a callous Underboss seeking vengeance. Will real life prove to be just another tale of control and betrayal? Find out in this dark and gripping mafia romance. M.L. Philpitt skillfully weaves captivating narratives, exploring complex characters and delving into sensitive topics while maintaining an immersive and thrilling reading experience. If you’re a fan of dark romance and paranormal romance with a twist of the forbidden, M.L. Philpitt’s novels are a must-read. Can you tell us a bit about your writing journey and how you got started as an indie romance author? I’ve been writing books since I was about 13-years-old. It started as Tinkerbell fanfiction in a notebook, and when I was 14, turned into YA romance. This hobby carried into high school, and given my obsession with reading, I knew then, I wanted to be a published author. In my world, that meant one thing: traditionally published, so I stuck to that dream for a long time. After high school, I gave writing up for a bit because I got busy working full-time. When off in university, I never seemed to have the time, until finally, mid-2020, I got back into it and felt right. By this point, indie publishing was well known and most of the authors I read seemed to be indie. So I made the decision to just go for it, wrote Cure Bound, which became my debut novel, released it in May 2021, and never looked back. Your series, Fractured Ever Afters, takes classic fairy tales and adds a dark mafia twist. What inspired you to blend these two genres together? I’ve always loved Disney and mafia romance is one of my favourite subgenres. One random day, I got struck with an idea of a Beauty and the Beast inspired mafia romance, in which the heroine was the “beast” from being scarred, rather than the male character. This later became the concept for The Beauty in Scars, but then, thinking mafia family structures as well as all the different fairy tales out there, the concept expanded into multiple books. As for where did that original inspiration strike from? Not sure. My ideas always seem to just pop in my head one day, but certainly, my love of both Disney and mafia romance, as well as my drive to try to create plots/characters that stretch the norm are huge factors in how Fractured Ever Afters came to be. The Hunt in Elusion, the first book in your series, explores a Cinderella-inspired story with a mafia backdrop. What drew you to write about a morally grey Cinderella character and a callous mafia prince? My callous mafia prince, Nico Corsetti, is the underboss of his family, slowly taking more and more control in his ascent to becoming the family’s Boss. As such, he was designed from the initial idea to be very driven to do best by the organization. For him, nothing will harm his family or stand in his way to protect them. He’s driven, focused, and certainly, of all his siblings, the most cold-hearted. As for Della, my morally grey character, she as designed to be a fighter. Protecting herself and her sister, she’s fighting what she’s unable to control and strikes a deal with her stepfather involving getting close to Nico. In the traditional fairy tale, Cinderella went to the ball to meet the prince. As mentioned above, I enjoy creating characters to defy the norm, and in this case, I didn’t want her sneaking in to fall in love with him. With her goals and reasons, she went in with malicious intent, creating my morally grey female main character. She doesn’t bow down to Nico and the two are equally matched. Your books often contain triggering content. How do you approach handling sensitive topics in your writing while still delivering a compelling story? Research, research, research, and even more importantly: openness. Ensuring my readers are aware of the sensitive topics within the book’s pages. No story will ever be compelling if the readers feel unsafe with me because they were unaware of the sensitive content, and I strive to ensure no reader feels unsafe with my work. As such, I keep a content warning list available on my website, and it’s linked into all my books. Given my day job as a therapist, I see the outcome of trauma and my worst fear is triggering a reader for something I created. As for the balance between the sensitive topics and creating compelling stories; that comes down to balance. Sensitive topics are everywhere in life, so translating these into fiction in a realistic, trauma-informed, meaningful way helps readers connect with the story and characters, topics aside. Your bio mentions that you also work as a therapist. How does your background in therapy influence your writing, especially when it comes to developing complex characters and exploring emotional journeys? My books took such a positive change once I finished my degree

Welcome back to my Author Spotlight series, where I shine a bright light on the talented authors within the indie romance community. This series aims to celebrate authors who bring their unique voices to the romance genre, connecting them with readers who crave diverse and enthralling love stories. Today, it’s my absolute pleasure to introduce you to the brilliant mind behind numerous bestselling series, J.L. Drake. With a remarkable talent for weaving intricate tales that span multiple countries and genres, she has taken the indie romance scene by storm. She’s here to shed light on her latest release, “Alpha” – the third instalment of her Dark Water Series. You can get your copy of “Alpha” right now on Amazon and immerse yourself in the thrilling world she’s crafted. Can you tell us more about your journey from being involved in acting to becoming a bestselling author? How did your experience in theater, TV, and movies influence your approach to storytelling? I’ve always been creative, in runs in my family. My father was the ultimate storyteller. Often on a Sunday night we’d sit around the dinner table and listen to his stories of the mysteries of our area that he either said were true or he’d make up. I think from there I fell into the acting world which helped me look at the world in a different way. Acting is pretending you’re someone else, seeing things that aren’t always there. It unlocked a gate for me. I can picture everything my characters can, smell, taste, feel, even hear. It’s intense sometimes but it makes for a deep experience for the reader. Your books often involve military, law enforcement, and motorcycle clubs. How do you ensure accuracy and authenticity in your portrayals of these worlds? Can you share some insights into your research process and collaborations with experts in these fields? They say, write what you know, and I say write what you don’t. I have a fascination with the law and the outlaw so if I’m going to write about something, I want to learn it all. I have a great friend whose husband is in law enforcement, head of his SWAT division, honestly, the guy is just a modern-day Rambo. Thankfully, he loves books just as much as I do and lets me pick his brain whenever I want. No question is stepping over the line. Our brains are intrigued by the same things so when I go down a rabbit hole, he joins me for the ride. His expertise helps me make sure I have everything correct. Now for the military information, I again have another friend who husband is always willing to give me the goods. He did a few tours in Afghanistan and worked a lot with the locals there which helped make my Dark Water Series as authentic as I could get! With my motorcycle books I got to work with a president over in the UK whose club is affiliated with the Hells Angels. He was incredibly helpful and, bonus, he was also a prison guard, so I got lots of insight on that part of life too. I’ll be honest, for my research I “stepped” a toe into a club a few years ago and quickly realized some research opportunities aren’t worth the risk. Your upcoming release, “Alpha,” is the third book in the Dark Water Series. Could you give us a glimpse into what readers can expect from this installment? Any exciting plot developments or character arcs you’d like to highlight? As we dive further into Ivy’s side of the story things start to unfold and she soon realizes that it’s time to face her past whether she’s ready or not. Ty continues to hunt for clues that will take down his “brother’s” killer and make a difficult decision that affects Ivy in a negative way. The safe house gets a “code red” and takes a crazy turn. This is a heart-pounding story that when you reach the end, you’ll be left unhinged. (Especially if you’ve read my Broken and Blackstone books 😉 ) “Shadows,” the first book in the Dark Water Series, takes readers back to 1974, while the story also unfolds in the present day. How did you approach weaving together the different timelines and maintaining the connection between the characters and their experiences across generations? If you know my writing, you know I’ve always made an effort to weave my books together in some way. Dark Water is a continuation of my Broken and Blackstone Series. So many readers asked for the history of Shadows, so I decided to start the first quarter of the book in present-day at Shadows to give a quick update on everyone and what’s happening with them. Then I let you know that something dark is brewing. Then I have a character ask how Shadows came to be and Daniel (the main character in Shadows) tells the story from his POV. You also get his father’s POV since Daniel reads from his father’s journal. We shoot back in time, to where I drop you off in Vietnam and the aftermath of coming home from such a war. From fighting mental demons to finding a reason to live, to love, to have a family etc.… I move you forward in time giving you a little glimpse of Daniel’s life while bringing in the older generation that you know and love from the first stories. I leave many little easter eggs for my die-hard readers to find. Then in the last quarter, we’re back in the present day again, the house is buzzing and you get a hint of what’s to come. I blow the minds of my readers in Whiskey, Alpha, and Tango. Your books come with a trigger warning, as they tackle darker themes and include sensitive content. Can you talk about the importance of addressing these topics in your writing and how you balance the darkness with lighter moments and romantic elements? It’s

Today, I’m thrilled to shine a spotlight on the talented author, Claire Gallagher, as she shares her enchanting debut novel, “The Strange Imagination of Pippa Clayton.” Here at Literary Inspired, it’s all about celebrating the magic of romance books and providing a platform for indie authors to connect with readers. So, join me as I delve into the world of Claire Gallagher and her intriguing book that’s sure to capture your heart. Can you share the inspiration behind the unique and imaginative premise of “The Strange Imagination of Pippa Clayton,” where the protagonist has an imaginary friend and experiences fantastical scenes? I was inspired by one of the many random questions which pop into my mind: ‘What if a grown adult had an imaginary friend?’ This led to further questions, such as: ‘How would this manifest? How would the character’s daily life be impacted?’ And crucially, ‘Why would this have happened?’ Pippa Clayton is a character with depth and charm. How did you develop her personality, and which aspects of her character do you find most endearing? Pippa is caring, funny, and resilient, with an interesting combination of vulnerability and inner strength. She is ultimately an optimist and a romantic. She’s also very clumsy, which is a quality that I share with her! Pippa’s natural awkwardness and quirky sense of humor are definitely a mirror of my own nature, but many of her other qualities reflect those that I aspire to! Your book is known for its blend of British humor and heartwarming moments. Could you highlight a scene that perfectly captures both elements and explain why it resonates with you? British humor is often self-deprecating, but Pippa also has a charming cheekiness when she’s feeling confident. Many of the scenes with Tom and Max illustrate her flirty side! The heartwarming moments between Pippa, her family, and her friends illustrate her enviable bonds with others. I particularly love the ‘inside jokes’ that she has with one of the love interests, and the way that she indulges her mother’s eccentricities. As a debut author, what challenges did you face on your path to publishing “The Strange Imagination of Pippa Clayton,” and could you share the most rewarding moments you experienced along the way? I found the thought of self-publishing very daunting, in terms of both preparing the book for publication and how to promote it. I used a reputable company to format the book for me and I’m slowly trialling different ways to market the novel without breaking the bank. A highlight was seeing the book cover for the first time – it was so exciting to see my ideas come to life and my name in print! I now have a literary agent for another book that I’m very proud of, with the aim of securing a traditional publishing deal in the not-too-distant future. Could you provide insights into your writing routine and the sources of inspiration that fueled your creativity while crafting this book? I’m an early riser and I write every morning before my boys wake up and the day starts properly. Multiple cups of coffee are essential! Music is a major part of Pippa’s story (she hears a soundtrack to her life) and thinking of different songs to include was so much fun! The love triangle in the story adds complexity to Pippa’s relationships. How did you approach developing these dynamics between characters, and what message do you hope readers take away from these relationships? I wanted both men to be well-rounded, good guys (no cheating, I promise!), but to have very different types of relationship with Pippa. They have their own personalities, and I’m sure that readers will have their own views on who she should find her happily-ever-after with. Both perform an important role in Pippa’s development through the story; she needs each of them in different ways at different times. I believe that, sometimes, people come into our lives just when we need them. “The Strange Imagination of Pippa Clayton” beautifully balances fantasy and reality. How did you manage this contrast, and what underlying themes do you hope readers discover in Pippa’s journey? Pippa is just like you and me; she’s very relatable. She’s a normal, albeit quirky woman who just happens to have an imaginary friend! She has bounced back after a dark time in her past and maintains her sense of hope. She’s still a warm, caring person despite everything. Her character arc reflects her mental and emotional journey and her growth as a person. So I would say the themes are hope, resilience, and that we all have the potential for change. Sometimes this involves baby steps, sometimes a leap of faith, and we can’t always do it alone. Risks and taking chances can evoke fear in us, but they can also lead to incredible rewards. With your book available on Kindle Unlimited, how do you envision connecting with readers and building a community around your work, especially within the indie romance genre? I have an author page on Amazon, a Goodreads page, and a Facebook page dedicated to my work as an author. I love connecting with readers! Is there a particular scene from your book that you enjoyed writing the most? If so, could you share it and describe the emotions it evokes for both you and readers? So many! The whole book was a joy to write. I was so invested in Pippa and her world throughout the entire writing process, cheering her on at every stage and willing her to get that happily ever after! I did especially enjoy developing the Pass the Parcel scene and linking past threads in the story to the gifts revealed in each layer. I totally felt Pippa’s confusion and amazement as each sentence appeared on the screen before me! As readers become captivated by your storytelling, they’ll be curious about your future projects. Could you provide a glimpse into any upcoming books or writing endeavours you’re excited about? My next book

Welcome back to another edition of Author Spotlight, a weekly series here on Literary Inspired where we celebrate the talented authors within the indie romance community. Today, I have the pleasure of featuring Nacole Stayton, a brilliant author whose debut novel, “The Upside of Letting Go,” soared to become an Amazon top 100 bestseller. Nacole, a resident of the Bourbon Capital of the World, has enchanted readers with her ability to weave intricate tales of love, lies, and deep-rooted betrayal. Her upcoming release, “Beauty in Chaos,” promises to be an exquisite addition to her collection, delving into the complexities of three hearts bound together by fate. In “Beauty in Chaos,” Aurora Bradshaw, a young woman who has endured a tumultuous journey through foster homes, leaving her with deep-rooted trust issues. Set in a small town with a passion for bourbon and horse racing, Aurora finds herself entangled in a web of secrets within her new foster home. It is here that she discovers solace in her neighbours, Trice and Crew Jordan. However, as a jarring family secret emerges, Aurora is faced with an impossible decision between two boys, each claiming a piece of her heart for their own reasons. With a skilful blend of captivating storytelling and relatable characters, Nacole Stayton takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, highlighting the beauty found amidst the chaos of life. This heartfelt tale will leave readers yearning for more as they navigate the depths of love, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit. Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an indie romance author and how you got started in the writing world? Back in 2012, my mom got me a Kindle for Christmas. I wasn’t a huge reader growing up, but as a child I wrote poetry as a form of therapy. I remember, I had replied to a tweet by Abbi Glines and met a “internet” friend named Erika Ashby. We chatted online and then via text for months and became fast friends. One day she said she thought she could write a book. So, we made a pact to both try and publish. That very next year we both published our first novels. “The Upside of Letting Go” was a huge success as an Amazon top 100 bestseller. How did that experience shape your career as an author, and what lessons did you learn from it? I never would have guessed that a book that I poured my heart and soul into and literal tears would have been received so well. After selling 40,000 copies, it still has not resonated almost ten years later. It continues to amaze me when I read a review or hear from a reader across the globe and he/she tells me how much my words influenced them. That is what it’s all about for me. As for lessons, oh gosh. I could sit here all day! The industry as a whole is much different than it was 10 years ago when TULG was published. I supposed I’d say that I learned that art is subjective even in written form and allow myself grace if a reader doesn’t like a plot line or twist. At the end of the day, I write to feed my soul. Having people read and enjoy my art is a bonus. So, staying true to myself, my beliefs and the story I choose to write is probably my biggest lesson. Your upcoming release, “Beauty in Chaos,” explores themes of love, lies, and deep-rooted betrayal. What inspired you to delve into these topics, and what can readers expect from this book? Having gone through a very trying adoption process, I learned a great deal about the foster care system that we have in the United States. My inspiration behind Beauty in Chaos really started from there and just blossomed into the love story that it is today. I feel like God has allowed me this platform and I have been called to use it to educate people on this system that needs some major work. No child should ever show up at a foster family’s house with just a black garbage bag with all his or her belongings in it and if my book can reach thousands of readers across the world and one single reader donates a bag to an agency in his or her city that aids a foster child, then I’ve done my job well. The protagonist, Aurora Bradshaw, has to make a difficult choice between two boys. Can you share a bit about the process of developing complex and relatable characters like Aurora and the Jordan brothers? Aurora aka Rory is a really spunky chick. She’s been through a lot and although she thinks she is unlovable because of her rocky upbringing in the foster care system she lands herself in a small town sandwiched between two brothers. My goal for this story was to create a female lead that readers resonate with. Any one of us could feel unlovable or unworthy for various reasons like a breakup, losing a job or a tragedy. Having this heroine who seems tough on the outside, but on the inside screaming insecurities was important because I think we’ve all felt that way at some point in our lives. The Jordan brothers were like a snowball effect. I originally was going to have her fall for her neighbor, but where is the angst in that? If you’ve read any of my previous publications you know that I’m a sucker for a good plot twist. However, I do not condone cheating, so while Beauty in Chaos gives off love triangle vibes it is NOT one. There is no cheating ever. I wanted one brother to be a light in the darkness that helps pull her out of her shell and one brother to set her soul on fire and I hope when you read the book you will see that I accomplished that goal. Trust issues and rough

Welcome to another exciting installment of Author Spotlight, where I dive deep into the world of indie romance authors. This series aims to illuminate the incredible talent within the indie romance community, giving these authors a platform to connect with readers, share their writing journeys, and shine brightly in the literary universe. Today, I am delighted to introduce you to a truly exceptional author who has carved her path in the world of Young Adult and Romance fiction. With roots in Budapest, Hungary, and a current residence in London, she brings a unique blend of experiences and influences to her work. But that’s just the beginning of what makes her stand out. Our featured author, Mia Kun, has been captivating readers with her exceptional storytelling, often interweaving the world of ballet into her tales. Today, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Mia and her recent release, a thrilling forbidden coach-athlete sports romance titled “Double or Nothing” – the third instalment in her “Elites of Eastview High” series. In “Double or Nothing,” the stakes are high as we delve into the complex world of soccer, where love and passion collide on and off the field. The coach-athlete dynamic, rife with tension and desire, forms the heart of this story. It’s a tale of ambition, heartache, and the magnetic pull of love, even in the most forbidden of circumstances. Let’s dive into my conversation with Mia and learn more about the captivating world of “Double or Nothing.” Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an indie author and how you got started in the Young Adult and Romance genres? When I was twenty I won a novel writing competition and my book was published in my mother tongue Hungarian. It was a trad publishing contract and I hated how they just took my book did the cover and the editing and left me out of the process. During Covid I had more time to think about this and I decided to try my luck on my own and this time in English. It was a rocky journey and I made many mistakes but I’m still learning with each new book I’m releasing. Ballet plays a significant role in your books. Could you share with us how your passion for dancing influenced your writing and why you chose to incorporate it into your stories? I’ve been dancing since I was six and I’m very passionate about it. I even did my dance teacher training and only recently quit as I was getting too old (almost thirty) to dance. I found that many books use ballet dancers as main characters but in very stereotypical way of the girls being tall, skinny, flexible and with an eating disorder. I never found a book that really dug deep into that passion of dance. So when I wrote my first books I wanted to share that passion with the world and show all the layers ballet dancers have. I also found that writing a dance scene makes me feel like I’m dancing and it’s magical to find the right word to describe something that can barely be put into words. Your book, “Double or Nothing,” explores a forbidden coach-athlete romance. What inspired you to delve into this particular trope, and what can readers expect from this book? Even though Double or Nothing is a coach-athlete romance there is a smaller age gap which is important to mention. But I wanted to write a story with different dynamics and power differences where you can see the character’s various personalities. The book is somewhat of a slow burn with a lot of tension and back and forth. And their relationship is unique because Natalie, the athlete, grew up in a soccer family so she knows a lot about soccer while Gabriel, the coach, is coming from being an assistant coach. So there is quite a lot of banter and a bit of hate to love as well within their story. The Elites of Eastview High series showcases a range of romance subgenres, from friends-to-lovers to second chance love. What draws you to these themes, and how do you keep each story fresh and unique? It all started with the idea of three families who were close and a panel of characters. I tried to work out each character to be unique allowing them to have a new story to tell. The key for me was making sure that all the characters had their own voice in my head and that I could distinguish them to make sure they were not blending into each other. After that I wanted to explore different tropes and issues within the series allowing myself flexibility to explore other subgenres within the same series that fit the characters and to challenge myself to step outside of my comfort zone and explore something new. In “High Roller,” the first book of the series, you tackle darker themes within the high school romance genre. What motivated you to explore these complex issues, and what challenges did you face while writing about them? It was a tough book to write but I wanted the plot to be intense and dark while the trope being friends to lovers. It’s a bit contradictory but their friendship and that mutual trust between them allowed me to safely tackle the dark themes and discuss them. There was a lot of research that went into it to make sure the representation was done correctly as well as the character growth. But sometimes I found myself drowning in all their emotions as it was weighing me down. I wrote the book in three months, waking up 2h before my day job every morning to write and it was an all-consuming book. As an indie author, how do you approach the process of self-publishing and marketing your books? Do you have any tips or advice for aspiring authors who are considering going the indie route? Honestly, I’m really bad

Are you ready to embark on a journey into the mysterious world of brujería? Look no further than Sinner, the captivating new book by Carol James Marshall. In this thrilling tale, a bruja named Matea discovers her connection to the enigmatic Santa Muerte from birth, setting her on a path filled with cosmic forces, strange intuitions, and a power that threatens to consume her. Now available for purchase on Amazon, Sinner promises an unforgettable exploration of spirituality, destiny, and the supernatural. Get ready to lose yourself in this gripping horror series that seamlessly weaves together culture, religion, and the human experience. Book Synopsis: From her earliest days, Matea’s life has been intertwined with Santa Muerte, the personification of death. Haunted by a sense of darkness and intensity, Matea struggles to comprehend the unique cosmic forces that shape her existence. Bound to Santa Muerte since birth, she fears the immense power she may possess. As Matea grapples with her identity and wrestles with the unpredictable forces that surround her, she must also reckon with the question of who can protect her from Santa Muerte’s oppressive influence and whether the world can be kept safe from her own potential. To delve deeper into the origins and themes of Sinner, I had the opportunity to interview the talented author herself. Carol James Marshall sheds light on her inspiration, character development, and the significance of control and fear in Matea’s journey. Q: What inspired you to write about a protagonist who is connected to Santa Muerte from birth? A: I had been thinking about writing about brujas/witches for a couple of years. With Santa Muerte belief rising in popularity, I knew that by blending these two elements, I could explore themes of spirituality, destiny, and the supernatural into a compelling horror series. Q: Can you describe the process of developing Matea’s character, particularly as she grapples with the power she may possess? A: I like my characters flawed, real, and raw. To me, a character who’s too evil or too sweet isn’t interesting. All of us are a mixture of both. Matea wants her life to have meaning, to make something of herself, but can’t seem to make headway. When she discovers what Santa Muerte means to her and experiences that power, she gets to see herself in a different light, as something “more than” she thought she was. Q: “Sinner” seems to explore themes of control and fear. How do you think these themes relate to Matea’s relationship with Santa Muerte? A: Losing complete control of oneself is a huge fear for me. The idea that my body is doing things that I am experiencing but can’t control terrifies me. Matea gets a taste of the power of being Santa Muerte but then quickly realizes she can’t control it. Q: What research did you do to accurately portray the religious and cultural elements of the story? A: I didn’t need to do any research. The culture of the church and brujas I depict in the Santa Muerte series is what my life was like as a child and in my twenties. My mother believed in “the church,” but she also believed in her brujas/witches. The belief that a bruja is a counselor, helper, and protector was ingrained in me throughout my life and is prevalent in Mexican culture. I added the Santa Muerte element because of her rise in popularity. Q: Without giving too much away, can you tease what readers can expect from the unpredictable events that Matea experiences? A: I loved that you used the word “unpredictable.” I always aim for unpredictability in my work. Both Matea and Esme will discover who they are at their core and what they are capable of. Being capable of something is not a prediction of going forward with it. We are all capable of many things, but would we do them? Q: What do you hope readers take away from “Sinner”? A: I hope readers are interested enough in the characters and culture that they continue reading the series. I wrote the Santa Muerte series to represent my culture. I wanted to share the beliefs in brujas and Santa Muerte with the readers and show them something they might not have known about before. There are many traditional stories about witches, but I don’t believe many people would know the way witches/brujas are viewed in Hispanic culture. Q: How did you approach balancing the supernatural and realistic elements of the story? A: Mexican culture, the supernatural, and life go hand in hand. They are water and cup. Mixing the two was utterly natural for me. Q: In your opinion, what makes “Sinner” unique among other books in the same genre? A: I believe I am introducing many readers to a belief system they may not be familiar with. In Mexico, brujas are respected and feared. A person goes to a bruja for guidance and help. The bruja will do a spell for you, which is called a trabajo (a work), for a fee which is made to help solve the person’s issues. The belief system is very familiar with countries that believe in “witch doctors” and “voodoo.” I haven’t come across any books, television, or film that truly depicts that. Q: Are there any particular scenes or moments in the book that you found particularly challenging or rewarding to write? A: I love the scene in “Sinner” when Santa Muerte appears to Esme when she has drawn a salt circle. The belief of Santa Muerte devotees is that Santa Muerte loves a good time. I wanted scenes with her to be over-the-top dramatic, where she always makes a grand entrance. Q: Can you tell us about any upcoming projects you have in the works? A: I’m currently halfway done with writing “Salvation,” which will be book 3 in the trilogy. “Salvation” and the Santa Muerte box set will be released this October. Additionally, there will be a companion novel to the Santa Muerte

Welcome to another exciting edition of my Author Spotlight series! This is a platform where we celebrate the remarkable talent within the indie romance community, connecting readers with incredible authors and their captivating stories. Today, we have the pleasure of shining the spotlight on the talented Michele Lenard. Michele is a passionate romance author who fell in love with the genre at a young age. From historical fiction to fantasy, she has devoured a wide range of genres, but her heart always gravitates back to romance. Michele believes in capturing the emotion behind the steam, immersing readers in a world where characters fall in love while capturing their dreams and desires. As part of our Author Spotlight series, Michele has chosen to feature her recent release, “Not So Friendly Intent.” This steamy friends-to-lovers sports novel takes us on a journey of redefining friendship and exploring the complexities of falling in love with your best friend. With strong characters, witty humour, and a satisfying HEA, this book promises to leave readers longing for more. So, let’s dive into the interview with Michele Lenard as she shares insights into her writing journey, her passion for romance, and the delightful world she has crafted in “Not So Friendly Intent.” Can you tell us a bit about your journey as a romance author? How did you transition from being an avid reader to becoming a published author? I never set out to be a romance author, I actually wanted to write children’s books, but when I joined a neighbourhood writing group to get feedback I met several people who wrote romance, and they suggested I give it a shot because the romance genre was very nurturing to new writers. Initially, I was sceptical, but I immersed myself in books and found that they fit my natural style, which is more character driven. I also found that I like an equal balance of steamy and sweet in romances, and to me, it feels like many books are weighted toward one or the other, so I thought I’d explore whether I could write a character-driven story that was both steamy and sweet. That turned into my first six-book series, Mile High Romance. “Not So Friendly Intent” explores the friends-to-lovers trope in a sports romance setting. What made you choose this particular trope, and how did you put your own unique spin on it? When I started reading romance I gravitated toward the sports romance genre. I think that’s partly because I love sports and partly because that trope is relatively low-angst with some humor, some sweet moments and some steam. My unique spin is showing the depth of the friendship in memories instead of starting the book during the MCs’ childhood. I think a lot of friends-to-lovers books either start when the friendship began or tell the reader that the MCs are friends without offering specific details about how the friendship began. I start the book when the MCs are in their mid-twenties, and offer specific memories that show the depth of their friendship. Friendship plays a significant role in your book, with the characters redefining their relationship. How did you approach writing the emotional journey of Elliot and Shane as they navigate the shift from friends to romantic partners? For Shane and Elliot to become more than friends they first had to have a previously unrealized pattern that framed their relationship. In their case, it’s Elliot’s habit of turning to Shane to fix things, mostly her own relationship woes. As her best friend, he’s essentially the “true north” who helps her find herself time and again. After this has happened several times she starts to question why her other relationships don’t function as well as the one she has with Shane, which leads her to question why she’s kept him firmly in the friend space. For Shane, he’s never even attempted to have other relationships, because he’s always known they would have to surpass what he has with Elliot, and since he didn’t think he could find that he didn’t try, he just jumped from fling to fling. It’s only when he can sense a subtle shift in Elliot’s perspective that he allows himself to think of her as more than just a friend. As their relationship starts to shift they have to find a new, healthier, pattern, because despite a solid foundation of friendship, Shane always fixing her problems doesn’t allow her to grow as a character, and navigating a new dynamic is intended to deepen the connection they already have. “Not So Friendly Intent” is part of your Mile High Romance collection. Can you give us some insight into the series and how the books are connected? Are they standalone stories or should they be read in a specific order? Each book in the Mile High Series is standalone, but they are interconnected in the sense that there is one character who appears in all six books, and this particular character thinks of himself as a “relationship whisperer.” Though he has a reputation as a playboy, his vast experience with the opposite sex has given him insight into how women think, which he shares with his friends to help them navigate their happily ever afters, until he finds his own. To understand his evolution it’s best to read in order, though not required. The recommended order is Not So Friendly Intent, Purely Novel Intent, Totally Inevitable Intent, Willfully Malicious Intent, Thoroughly Innocent Intent and Strictly Forbidden Intent. Colorado seems to be a prominent setting in your books. What draws you to this location, and how does it enhance the storytelling and atmosphere in your novels? I live in Colorado, and the lifestyle here is a huge part of who I am. Specifically, the outdoors and the many activity options. Denver boasts a professional sports team in every major sport, and the mountains are a huge source of recreation for everything from snowboarding to mountain biking to hiking. This has allowed me to

Welcome to another exciting edition of Author Spotlight, where I have the immense pleasure of introducing you to some of the brightest stars in the indie romance galaxy. Today, we’re diving into the world of an exceptionally talented author, Heather Lynn, who hails from the scenic north of Toronto, Ontario. Heather’s background in biology and health sciences has nurtured her fascination with herbal healing and the mysteries of the human body. But it’s in the world of words where she truly shines. In this Author Spotlight, Heather will take us on an enchanting journey through her series, Sky Watcher: A Shadow in Time. This series beautifully blends romance, time travel, and Wiccan beliefs, creating a captivating tapestry of storytelling. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of Heather Lynn and “Sky Watcher.” Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration behind the Sky Watcher series? What led you to combine elements of romance, time travel, and Wiccan beliefs in your storytelling? I have always been a fan of time travel stories, from Doctor Who, which I watched with my dad when I was little, and my kids after that, and Back to the Future, to Time Traveller’s Wife, and Outlander. The idea of time travel comes with so many possibilities … Romance plays a part (small or large) in almost every book I enjoy. I also wanted to see a modern woman fall in love in a time when things were looked at differently, more concealed, and less public. When I saw the beginning of Charlotte’s story, I saw the whole thing, all I had to do was find a way to get her to the past that I hadn’t already read or watched. I landed on her be Wiccan, travelling with her beliefs and her stones. Charlotte Harper, the protagonist of the Sky Watcher series, embarks on a journey to save her ancestor from a tragic fate. How did you develop her character and what challenges did you face in portraying her transformation throughout the series? To be honest, as a first-time writer, I didn’t think about her character in those terms—I just wrote her. She had to be brave (braver than me), knowledgeable, firm in her beliefs, determined to accomplish her goal and accept that this might not work. The series explores the themes of love, destiny, and the consequences of meddling with time. How do these themes intertwine in the story, and what messages or insights do you hope readers will take away from the series? Love and destiny, as a theme, develop over the span of the series: kindred spirits, soul mates, and fate form a thin thread woven through the story. “Meddling with time” is an idea that I will always embrace because it makes you think. “If that happened because she went back in time, then what if?…” Some of the events in the story take a minute to think through: I would like to think a reader would enjoy the journey as much as I do. Researching family history plays a significant role in Charlotte’s journey. Did you draw from any personal experiences or research methods while incorporating this aspect into the plot? How important is it for writers to explore their own roots when crafting stories? My mother has been working on her family tree for many years. When she started, the only resources she had were birth/death certificates, cemetery plots, ship/plane manifests, and photos—by mail no less!! Now that the world has easier access to everything, she’s been able to acquire more info but still gets stuck in the places where records weren’t strictly kept. This is where we are in the story. The setting of the series, a small town on the shore of Owasco Lake, New York, adds a charming and nostalgic backdrop to the story. How did you approach creating this setting and capturing the essence of a bygone era? The use of stones and their power is a prominent element in the series. How did you come to incorporate this aspect, and what significance do the stones hold for the characters and their development? While I (and therefore Charlotte) was learning about Wicca, I (she) came across some people’s belief in the “power within stones.” Charlotte believes that stones, being of the Earth, possess certain powers—not magic, but rather energy, and can be carried or worn for things like luck, courage, safety, dreams, etc… With this in mind, she carries/wears stones often, depending on what her day has in store or what strengths she will require. This is a practice that Charlotte maintains throughout her life. Of course, she shares the information with some and may lend one or two on occasion. Each book in the series takes Charlotte on a new adventure through time. Can you give us a glimpse into the challenges she faces in Sky Watcher: Déjà-Vu and Sky Watcher: Between The Shadows? How does her journey evolve in these subsequent books? Oo-oo, let me think while I try to avoid spoilers…Books two three, and four (coming soon) incorporate the consequences of changed events. For instance, what happens to right now, if you just changed something 200 years ago? Huh? It’s something I’ve enjoyed working out! As we move through the series, we move through Charlotte’s life: love, friends and family near and far, and always looming deceit, murder, and death.  At the same time, we follow her intermittent “connection” to her best friend Jessica, who she left in the 21st century. Time travel narratives can be complex to navigate as an author. How did you approach managing the intricacies of time travel and maintaining a cohesive storyline across the series? Were there any particular challenges you faced in this regard? Fun! I love this question!! You’re right, there are intricacies in navigating all things time travel. As an author, I can only apply my view of what would happen if one travelled in time, others would certainly take a different