Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring D.A. Kelly

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is D.A. Kelly! Author of the Arabella Black Paranormal Cozy Mysteries.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I can’t say I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I sort of drifted in and out of my author-aspirations. If a book fired up my imagination, I would start writing something similar in an effort to recreate the magic. Unfortunately, I never finished anything. I kept everything I wrote though, even if it was only a few words mashed together. 

When I was a child I would try to emulate Enid Blyton’s books like The Magic Faraway Tree and The Wishing Chair. I even illustrated them. Cough, cough… they weren’t very good. 🙂

Once I had my first son I decided to really give this writing/author thing a go. It took me over 30 years to put a book out after that decision. Self-doubt is a killer of dreams.

What time of the day do you usually write?

My brain doesn’t fire up until after lunch, and then my words come in fits and starts. Imagine an old car trying to start with backfires, stalls and lots of cursing, and that’s how things go. I rarely get into ‘The Flow’ where words pour out like magic.

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

Not much. I make my stories up word by word, so I’m a Pantser by nature. If I try to pre-plot and pre-design my world I get stressed and write nothing at all.

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

I loved writing Book 2 in the Arabella Black Magical Mysteries, Sequins of Events. The characters were so much fun. On the other hand, I had no clue where the story was going, or who committed the crime until I was almost at the end of the story. Believe me, I was super stressed by then thinking I had no clear ending. But everything came together. I really need to learn to trust my process.

Who is the author you most admire in your genre?

My preferred genre is fantasy. (My books, though termed cosy mysteries, are stuffed with magical moments, creatures and events.) 

It’s difficult to say which author I admire most because there are so many of them. I do admire J. K. Rowling because when she started writing she was doing it tough in her day-to-day life. Then, once she hit the big time, I admire her because she managed to get the last books out while under a huge amount of pressure. Can you imagine trying to be creative knowing the world was waiting, expecting magic on the page?

Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?

I occasionally receive emails. Not as many as I’d like, but they do trickle in. Where I do interact with readers is on my Facebook Group. They are wonderful, and very supportive. The readers who love my writing tend to really love it. They love Grimsmead, the wacky characters, and the magical world building, saying my books are like no others they’ve read. I’ve asked them to help me to pigeonhole them, but the readers can’t give me a definitive answer. They say, ‘Your books are unique.’ A wonderful compliment, wouldn’t you say?

Favorite book when you were a kid.

Were the Enid Blyton books, The Magic Faraway Tree series, The Wishing Chair books, The Famous Five books, The (various colours) Story Books like The Blue Storybook. I loved the magic and escapism.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Imaginative. Creative. Loyal.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Every writer is different, so one piece of advice isn’t a perfect fit for everyone. We are all wired differently. We all had different backgrounds. We all have different stresses and pressures in our lives.

My best advice is to embrace the knowledge that you are you. You are unique. Only you can write the books that live inside you. Find your creative process and don’t get swept away by someone else’s writing process because they say they found the best way to get books written. They may have found what works for them, but that doesn’t mean it will work for you. It might totally derail you. I learned this the hard way, and it took me until I was in my mid-fifties to finally get a book out in the world. My 2nd best piece of advice is don’t be like me.

Try different writing processes if you are at the beginning of your writing career. See what works for you, then follow your instincts.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I am always creating something whether it be graphics, stories or stuff around my house. My mind tends to work sideways, then zigzags, then flies in circles. It’s what makes me me, and my books unique. Give me a try, you might enjoy playing with me for a spell.

As to my books, they are lighthearted, fun, humorous and quirky. (I do write dark fantasy also, and that’s when you meet my other side. I am a Gemini, after all.)

Thank you D.A. Kelly for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her series today!


~Synopsis~

A quirky, otherworldly mystery.

Fun, wacky with snort-chuckle moments, Brooms Away will have you up way past your bedtime.

An enchanted world. A missing sister. And suspects with dangerous supernatural abilities around every corner.

When Arabella Black is swept away to a fantastic and faraway land by her cat, who she thought was an everyday Maine coon, she discovers everything she knew about her life was a lie. The biggest lie of all: she’s not human. Not even close. And to top that off, her sister is missing, her family home is threatened and a mysterious shapeshifter is following her. So what’s a half-banshee, half-dryad to do, but get her sleuth on.

Can Arabella harness her new powers to unlock her family heritage, help her sister and save the family home in this place of secrets and sorcery?

If you like murder with a splash of magic, a dollop of wonder and a cast of quirky characters then you’ll love book one in D. A. Kelly’s new fantasy cozy mystery series.

Unlock the fun of Brooms Away today!

Check out the series here!

A. Kelly is a writer and delighter in all things magic.

Her stories are relentless, spellbinding mysteries stuffed full of quirky characters, wicked humour and magical murder. 

Sparkles are the best thing ever. If it’s shiny she stops everything to look at. Cake and chocolate turn her head. Mainly so she can get them in her mouth. She loves old keys, secret doors and hidden tunnels because they spark her imagination.

She lives in Queensland, Australia with her much-loved partner Darren and a hoard of boomerang kids. Seriously, she needs a revolving door built in her house.

She’d like nothing better than to have a cosy, witchy hovel built in her backyard to use as her office. Hint, hint, Darren.

dakellyauthor.com

books2read.com/Brooms-Away

books2read.com/SequinsofEvents

https://www.facebook.com/groups/arabellablackmysteries/

https://www.tiktok.com/@authordakelly

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Emily Bex

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Emily Bex! Author of Rhiannon’s Circle (The Bohannon Witches Duology Book 1) and The Blood Covenant: A Vampire Paranormal Romance (The Medici Warrior Series Book 1).

How long have you been writing?

I’ve only been writing fiction for 11 years. I had been working in marketing for a large international company for about 20 years, creating catalogs, sales brochures, sales promotions, and packaging design. A friend suggested that I write a novel since I wrote so much. She had been a fan-fiction writer in a group of other writers, always about vampires, and suggested I write about vampires. I think I responded with an eye-roll. She said, “No, really!” When she had been writing with her group (they all collaborated on stories, but they had an admin who called the shots), she had a character she wanted to include, but the admin always said no. “Write about him. I always wanted to see him come to life.” To be polite, I said, “Okay, well, tell me about him.” She said, “He’s a vampire I named Shade Valentino from Milan.” 

Me, in my snarky voice, “Sooo… Valentino, as in the famous fashion designer, who lives in Milan, Italy’s fashion capital? I’m not seeing it.” 

That ended the conversation, but a funny thing happened. A tiny seed was planted. In that marketing job, I got to travel internationally. I have visited Italy several times, and my favorite city in Italy is Florence. I loved the architecture, the food, the people, and the history. And without the real Medici family, there would be no Florence. You can’t walk two steps in Florence without stumbling over another piece of history about the Medici family. I wondered, “What if I made this Shade dude a Medici? He has a ready-made back story I can tap into and build upon.” 

So, from that push from a friend, and a little manipulation of the original concept, the six-book Medici Warrior Series was born.

Do you have a writing quirk or ritual?

I write at night, in complete silence—no phone calls, TV, or people around. On rare occasions, I listen to specific music to get me in the emotional mindset to write a difficult scene. If I develop my characters fully, then I don’t write the book, they do. I’m like a stenographer, typing as fast as possible as they play out these scenes in my head. They will shut down if I try to force the story to fit my original outline, and it’s not the direction they want to go in. It’s not writer’s block, it’s me not listening to what the characters say. As soon as I let go of how I intended the story to go and let them take over, the writing flows again.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Well, I already mentioned where I got my inspiration for Shade Medici. That series was about a powerful bunch of alpha males dominating a patriarchal culture. I wanted to flip the script completely when deciding where to go next. I felt like I had channeled enough testosterone. I tried to channel some feminine energy and write about women who controlled their culture, so I decided to write a story about witches. I had no clue about what the story would be. I was scrolling through Pinterest one day and saw this picture of a young woman with snow-white hair. I stopped scrolling and looked at her and knew immediately who she was. “There you are, the protagonist for my next book series! You shall henceforth be known as Eilish Bohannon.” 

I’m a very visual writer. I write a lot of detail, describing everything I see in my head and what every character feels. I create storyboards on Pinterest for every character, every locale, and every house. I want to see it in my head as I write. Where are they in the house, what are they wearing, what’s the expression on their face? I think this is why my readers connect so profoundly to my characters. They aren’t one-dimensional characters created to deliver the dialogue. They feel like real people, and you are standing in the room with them as this drama plays out before your eyes.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

How freakin’ hard it is! I marvel at these authors who can crank out several books a year! As hard as writing is, promoting and marketing your book is ten times harder! Without a good PA to help you break through all the noise, your entire day would be spent on marketing, and you’d have no time to write.

What gave you that final push to press the publish button?

I’m not an Indie author. I have a small publisher. But since I had never written before and everything online I read about getting a publisher sounded like I had a better chance of winning the lottery, I decided to write the entire 6-book Medici Warrior Series in its entirety before approaching a publisher. (It took seven years!) I thought a publisher would be more inclined to accept my manuscript if they knew the entire series was already completed. In hindsight, I’m glad I did it that way because it allowed the publisher to schedule the books for release every six months instead of publishing book one and then waiting a year or longer for the next book. 

However, I will say book 6 of The Medici Warriors has a controversial ending (but, as I mentioned, an ending the characters led me to.) When we were getting close to the release date of book 6, I called the publisher and asked them if we could delay the release and let me rewrite the ending. I was terrified of how my growing fanbase was going to react. My publisher said, “Trust your initial instincts. This ending fits the story, and your readers will get your message.” She was correct… as usual.

When writing a series, how do you keep things fresh for your readers and yourself?

Oh man, do you have any idea how hard it is to write a sex scene, then mix it up for another one, and another one, and another one? If anyone reading this interview has any unfulfilled fantasies, please send them my way! You might see them fleshed out in my next book! I told my sister, “This is like when you’ve been married a long time, and you’re trying to keep things fresh in the bedroom, but then one day, you look at each other, and you say, “Okay, well, we checked off everything in the Kama Sutra, now what?”

What do you hope your readers take away from your books?

That happily ever after doesn’t always look like what you expected. Life isn’t always perfect and rarely predictable, and that’s okay. It’s still beautiful and worth the ride.

I write beautiful, magical, sometimes funny, sometimes tragic escapes. When the real world beats you down, come on in. I’ve got you. 

When my readers message me and say, “I’m on my eighth read,” or “I loaned my books to my mother/friend/sister, she won’t give them back! I had to repurchase them for myself,” then I know I got it right.

Are you working on anything at the present that you would like to share with me?

The final book of the Bohannon Witches, Rhiannon’s Revenge, is due for release in September, and a non-fiction “companion” book for the Bohannon Series is scheduled for release in December. 

When I finished the Medici series, I thought I was finished with the vampires! I was, as I noted earlier, moving on to the witches. My Facebook was blowing up with cries for more vampires, more Medicis! I gave in and added a vampire to the Bohannon Witches Series and discovered that, dang, he did make the story better!

But you know what I still hear all the time on Facebook. More Medicis! So, in the immortal words of Dr. Seuss, ‘I thunk, and I thunk and turned on my thinker-upper’ and found a way to bring the two series together. The book I am currently writing is called “Wilder: The Bohannon’s Meet the Medicis. It’s in the early stages, and I don’t have any projections for when it will be ready.

What advice would you give to other authors?

First, write the story you want to read, some sage advice I received from Anne Rice. She said if you like the story, then chances are there are others out there who will like it too. (It’s up to you to identify your target audience and find a way to get the book in front of them.)

Secondly, if you’re writing because you think you’ll make a lot of money, step away from the computer and find another way to spend your time. It can be an expensive hobby. 

Third, building a fan base is a marathon, not a race.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I have been a lifelong reader, and I love reading a book that speaks so deeply to my heart that when the final page is read, I hold the book to my chest in a tight hug because I just can’t let these characters go.  I loved how the writer was able to draw me in, make me laugh, make me cry, and take me on a journey that left me so captivated by the story that when I would look up from the book, I’m surprised to find myself still sitting in my bed.

That is what I strive to create for myself and my readers: a world so vivid and experiences so real they feel like they have fallen into the pages and become a part of the story.

Thank you Emily Bex for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her books today!

~Synopsis~

Eilish Bohannon is the witch destined to lead the coven, but only if her older sister doesn’t kill her first.

Set in Charleston, SC, the Bohannons lead a coven whose legendary powers date back to ancient Ireland. In each generation, one witch is destined to rise to High Priestess. Oldest sister, Seraphina, is certain the role is hers and will do anything to ensure Eilish doesn’t interfere with her plans.

Even if it means getting rid of her baby sister for good.

If Eilish is to survive and claim her rightful role, she’ll need the support of her middle sister, Anya, and a lot of help in the form of a vampire named Ian Cross…who was seemingly placed right in her path by the goddess Rhiannon. Their attraction to each other is immediate. Searing. And, ultimately, forbidden, since no coven will follow a Priestess who has bonded with his kind.

On their quest to find the answers needed to stop Seraphina, they consult with one of the oldest members of the coven, a crone named Henwen, who presents them with another problem – a Bohannon grimoire exists and has been purposefully hidden. Eilish and Anya will need to find the book if they have any chance of survival…

…as it holds the power of the Bohannon coven and can only be controlled by the witch destined to own it.

This dark and imaginative paranormal story by International Bestselling Author Emily Bex has romance as hot as a steamy Charleston summer with a pinch of Wiccan magic, a little mystery, and a lot of murder.

~Synopsis~

When he met her, he knew how it would end.

Shade Medici, a warrior king and sole male heir to the dynasty, is expected to mate and produce an heir to secure the continuation of the Medici coven. He’s waited over five hundred years for the right mate, and when he meets Kate Reese, his attraction is more than primal – it’s merciless.

She’s also mortal.

Kate is fresh off a broken engagement and reluctant to open her heart, but her hesitations are no match for the unrelenting pursuits of the vampire king. Their passion for each other is searing…and not everyone is happy about it. Namely the ruling Council.

As they fight against deceit, treachery, and those who aim to see their love fail, Shade also struggles to control his impulses as Kate is immersed into his dark and dangerous world, but it’s imperative he prepare her for the changes that will be demanded of her should she choose to bind herself to him through the blood covenant. All that scorches and glitters isn’t gold, and she quickly learns that falling in love with a vampire comes at a hefty price:

It may just cost her everything.

Emily Bex is an avid lifelong reader and the international best-selling author of the epic six-book paranormal romance The Medici Warrior Series. As she says, “Why start small?” She worked for over twenty years in marketing, developing ad campaigns, catalogs, product launches, and promotional literature. She figured if she could write creatively about products, she could surely write something about these characters rattling around inside her brain. She currently lives in Virginia but has used her extensive love of foreign and domestic travel to create the backdrop for her characters to play out their
story.

Follow on Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Emily-Bex/e/B07NYB7WPB

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Review

Whom the Fury Rolls: a paranormal shifter romance (Syn City Shifters Book 2) by Luna Joya – My Review

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Title: For Whom the Fury Rolls: a paranormal shifter romance (Syn City Shifters Book 2)

Author: Luna Joya

Release Date: April 9th 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

We’re fated mates with a love so strong that I refuse to let death keep us apart.

When my mate Kiva died, I bargained away everything to a mysterious supernatural. She brought my mate back to life with a curse that would forbid her to remember me, to remember us. The spell can only be broken by true love’s kiss. Not the easiest task when it took me seven proposals to convince my fated mate to say yes the first time.

Two years later, I find her living as the mortal daughter of the mythological Furies. An amnesiac, Kiva doesn’t remember me, my bear shifter clan, or how she died, but I’m here to remind her no matter what it takes.

Except someone in Syn City is out to end her life permanently and steal her away from me forever. No way am I letting that happen.

A Steamy Second Chance Romance with a Murder Mystery, a Bear Shifter Determined to Win Back His Lost Love, a Warrior with Amnesia, and Roller Derby

There are two things that are certain will happen when reading a Luna Joya book. One, you’ll get an amazing story with an ending you won’t see coming. Two, her ability to make you ugly cry is top notch. Seriously. I already have tissues near me before I start any book of hers.

Ah Kiva and Stone. Their story touched my heart. Their story is paved with pain, regret, and ultimately revenge. Right from the start I was rooting for them. Their story got me right in my feels! The twists she threw in were awesome. I loved every minute I spent reading and crying.

If you haven’t checked out this or the first book in this series, what are you waiting for? Get them and binge read them today! You won’t be disappointed. I give this 5 stars!

Review

Waiting for Darkness Book 1 by Tony Reyes – My Review

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Title: Waiting for Darkness Book 1

Author: Tony Reyes

Release Date: July 30th 2013

Genre: Vampire Thriller, Horror

Cruz Espinoza, a brilliant young surgeon, has his life ripped from him as he is pulled into the supernatural world of the Darkling. Cruz looks for answers to millennia old questions. Where did the Vampire myth come from? Who gave them these powers? And why? He finds the answers, answers that shake his faith.

Vampires? Horror? Yes, please!

Cruz’s life was changed forever in one night.

The story as a whole was interesting and entertaining at times. The beginning was a little shaky for me and sometimes I couldn’t separate past events or scenes from what was happening in the present. All that aside, I did enjoy the story. I enjoyed how different it was from other vampire stories I’ve read. The ending was a total surprise!

If you like horror and vampires, check out Waiting for Darkness! I give this 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

Wicked Grace (The Wicked Book 3) by Luna Joya – My Review

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Title: Wicked Grace (The Wicked Book 3)

Author: Luna Joya

Release Date: February 14th 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romance

He’s a grumpy demon prince. She’s a sunshine magical orphan who’s his fated mate and forbidden. But can he survive rejecting her?

Demon prince Alexei is ruthless in business and deadly in battle. The mafia boss will do anything to protect his family, even consider an arranged marriage with a royal he doesn’t love.

There’s just one problem.

When the grumpy hero rescues a sunshine princess locked away in a tower, he knows she’s his fated mate. She also seems to be a freakin’ forbidden angel. Like the villain he is, Alexei rejects her without saying why.

Despite her tortuous childhood, Jolene is determined to find her real family and win her grumpy prince. Come on—the man has wings! But loving her antihero makes him a target of her human enemies who are out to destroy all supernaturals.

These two opposites attract in all the wicked ways. But when supernatural children in Alexei’s hometown start disappearing, the two must work together, and Jolene will have to reveal that her sunshine-and-sparkles magic isn’t what it seems. Can they find their happily ever after or will their differences and enemies destroy them both?

From the first time he was introduced, I was intrigued. I wanted to know more about Alexei. Wicked Grace did not disappoint! There was much more to my demon prince.

The connection between Alexei and Joelle was magnetic. Their chemistry was fire. No matter what either did, they still came together. I could feel the struggle Alexei had. Within the story, there’s a lot of pain and healing with a huge side of vengeance. I was here for all of it. Did I cry? Yes. Did I cry a lot? Also yes.

The final book in The Wicked series was beyond awesome. Everything I wanted and more! I’m always amazed by Luna Joya’s writing. Her ability to take you from ugly crying to fanning yourself over those steamy scenes. It’s gift and she has it. I highly recommend this book and series. I give this 5 stars.

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Kelly Coulter

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Kelly Coulter! Her book, Blood Witch (Blood Witch Chronicles Book 1) released on December 29th 2021.

What inspired you to start writing?

I have always been a big reader, but more importantly, I have always had a big imagination. I’ve only just found out that it’s got a name. Maladaptive Daydreaming. I can’t actually believe people DON’T imagine entire worlds and characters and that they have conversations in your head. *So strange* But anyway, I reached a stage where I needed to get these people out of my head and into their ‘real’ homes (the pages of a book) But turns out, they just get replaced with more people and ideas; so I guess that means I will have to keep writing to give these poor colourful characters a home.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

When I get an idea in my head, I will research everything I can about it. And then I end up thinking things like *I swear I read a book with this character called (insert name)* then I have to stop everything to google everything about this other character. Then I think *I swear there’s a character from (insert TV show here) that looks like him. It’s a fixation and I can’t get back to writing until I have satisfied this weird need to know everything in the back of my mind that randomly pops up at the most annoying times.

How do you deal with the emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

The emotions don’t hit me while I am writing it. I can completely detach myself from the story, my fingers just fly over the keyboard and the story comes out. It’s when I’m reading it all back over a few days later that I think *wow that’s sad, did I really write that?* then I give myself a pat on the back because I managed to upset myself which is no easy feat (I’m a horror fan, I totally expect character deaths)

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I’ve learnt that I have an unwavering commitment to the author world. I had books I wanted to write but never realized that I would become so completely engrossed in ‘the life’ that it’s all I want to do. Unfortunately, I have a day job and small kids that takes up most of my time, so writing is (at the moment) a side job that I do when I have a tiny amount of free time, normally school holidays is when I get most of my writing done. It’s now a goal of mine to be able to write full time, it’s surprising that my entire career goals changed so easily.

Favorite book when you were a kid?

Watership Down. I’ve read it and watched the original film so many times.

What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

J.R Ward. Her world building and characters are amazing. The dynamic between the main characters has also been something I aspire to create. I tried to keep the relationship between the Brothers in mind when I was writing the sibling bond and sarcasm between them.

Do you have any new series planned?

OMG YES! I have a whole MC series planned which I need to do more research on. As a Brit, I don’t know much about the US but it’s going to be based in Ohio (there’s a great reason why it needs to be there specifically) So far, I have four books plotted out with the titles and character arcs done. I have also arranged for the Logo to be created for my MC and I’m super excited to share it with everyone! I’m hoping the first book will be out by the end of 2023/Jan 2024.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Don’t allow yourself to be fit in a box. I’ve written PNR books, but I don’t want to be pigeon-holed into being *only* a PNR author, I have a whole host of ideas swimming around in my brain, fighting other stories to be released first, and none of them fit the genre that I originally started out in. So, if you want to, write every single genre, write whatever story you want to. I guarantee there will be people out there who will read whatever the hell you write just because it’s YOU.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I’m dedicated to the cause. I’m dedicated to getting original, amazing stories out to people. But, please be patient with me. In the past 2.5 years, I’ve been able to get out 3 books with the 4th one being written. But it’s a slow process and it’s hard. I don’t want to be forgotten, but I also cannot physically get any more books out than what I currently do. With family life, work and a deployed husband, life is stressful. But writing helps; when I’m at home, and the kids are asleep, and I’m by myself with my brain swirling and characters arguing, writing helps. So please bear with me, I’m always here, I’m just writing at the only pace I can manage.

Thank you Kelly Coulter for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her book, Blood Witch today!

~Synopsis~

Weird. Unwanted. Orphan.

I’d been called all these things and more only to find out that I was also a blood witch – the last one.
Now everyone wanted a piece of me, and I not only had to figure out my place in this new world, but also
what I could do and who I could trust.

Bastard. Loner. Monster.

I was all these things and more. I had spent so long with my grief that it became my new normal.
The losses that I experienced created who I am now. Until her.
For her I want to be better, for her I will destroy everything and everyone in my path to keep her safe…
she’ll just have to get used to me.

Warning: This book contains scenes of abuse that some readers may find triggering. As well as sexual situations, violence, miscarriage, non-con, excessive swearing, British humour, and scenes that may offend you. Recommended for 18+

Born and raised in North London, Kelly found a love of reading at a young age, demolishing books at a rapid rate. She would often get in trouble at school for reading when she should be studying, hiding her romance novels within science texts to try and keep them hidden from teachers.

Her teachers would be shocked to know that at the ripe old age of 27, she went back to university to get her English degree, and subsequently did her teacher training. She now teaches Secondary English to fabulous students who will never read her books until they leave school and/or have reached the age of 18!

A lover of all things romance and horror, Kelly decided to combine aspects of the two to create her first book: Blood Witch. A story about a woman who finds out her secret heritage through a weird series of events – and the last of her kind. The main protagonist has to navigate a brand new reality full of back-stabbing witches and psycho Lycans out to hunt her for her power.

As someone from London, her PNR series is set around London and features a variety of slang terms that may confuse or annoy people who don’t understand the lingo, but for her first book, Kelly thought it would be a great idea to ‘write what she knows’. And so, the characters are a mix of snarky Londoners with foul language and sarcastic remarks. And despite being a lover of everything ‘Zombie’, there are unfortunately no walking dead within those pages – though there are definitely plans to write a Zom-Poc in the future!

Kelly currently resides in Oxfordshire with her awesome husband and crazy, beautiful sons who have told all of their teachers that their mum is an author…this does not bode well for those poor Primary school teachers who may ‘clutch their pearls’ in shock at some of the content. (Beware trigger warnings)

With three Paranormal Romance novels under her belt, Kelly has decided to branch out into a different genre. Her fourth novel is set in the Groveton College shared world and releases on the 6th November, featuring a range of taboo romance novels with a whole host of dark and taboo romance authors.

https://linktr.ee/kellycoulter

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Alex Raine

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Alex Raine! Her debut Only Human: Paranormal Academy Romance (Legends Springs Series Book 1) released on October 25th 2022.

How long have you been writing?

A little over a year. It actually started as a dare from one of my author friends. Now, I have the bug.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know if it’s interesting or not but I’m very slow, and I can’t follow an outline to save my soul! I have to write as it comes to me or no words hit the page.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

How hard it is to actually make a profitable career out of this. The income vs expenses is crazy different.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

Humor. I hope that when they read my characters they laugh. I want my books to brighten someone’s day. I also want people to read it if for nothing else than to give my poor PA Angela someone to talk to about it lol. Bless her, she really needs that. 😉

What gave you that push to press the publish button?

My bestie author E.A. Shanniak. She gave the dare and pushed me to do it.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Crazy. Weird. Nerd. And none of those are insulting.

What was the highlight of writing this book?

Coming up with my characters. They pretty much wrote my first book and I’m waiting for them to finish telling me the story for book two.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

I just published my first Vella story from the POV of one of my characters in Only Human. Cosa. I’m also working on Book two Only Blood.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Never give up. Always spring for an editor. Have friends or someone look your work over for errors and while it’s great to take advice, don’t let others change your voice.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

That even though I don’t produce works extremely fast, know that what I do produce is straight from the heart. My characters are relatable and fun. All I ever ask is to give me and my book a chance.

Thank you Alex Raine for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her debut release, Only Human today!

~Synopsis~

Welcome to Legend Springs University, the most elite university in the world.

Kimble –
I knew two things growing up: One, that my girls and I would always be BFFs. And two, that we were going to attend the best school in the world together, like we’d always dreamed.

What I didn’t know when I got my acceptance letter from Legend Springs University was that it was actually a school for the magical elite.

What? I don’t even believe in magic, so why have I been accepted to Legend Springs?

Riftyn –

I knew growing up that I was meant to be the next Alpha of the Wintercrest Pack. But my boys and I had always been a pack unto ourselves. As strange as it sounded for a werewolf, a dragon, a vampire, and a demon to be friends, we were. Brothers for life.

At Legend Springs, the girls wanted me for a night, but no one seemed to want to tie themselves to me long term.

But the moment I met Kimble Sawyer, our bond was instant, and everything changed.

Mysterious forces are trying to pull us apart.

How can I hold on to Kimble’s heart and become the Alpha I’m destined to be?

Publisher’s Note: Only Human is a New Adult, paranormal, magic academy, romantic comedy, filled with fated mates, shifters, vampires, demons, angels and more. Only Human is for mature readers only.

Alex Raine is the epitome of a country girl. Born and raised in the South, she enjoys riding horses and atvs, and hanging out with her family. She is an avid reader who likes anything from YA to Horror, with Paranormal Romance being her first love. If she isn’t spending time with her family and friends, you can find her curled up reading a good book or watching kitschy, B-rated movies.
Alex’s first book, Only Human, which is a humorous, slightly steamy PNR, debuted in October of 2022. She enjoys making new friends and encourages stalking so look for her on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon and Goodreads.

Website- www.alexrainebooks.com  

IG- https://www.instagram.com/alexraine_author

FB- https://www.facebook.com/AlexRaineAuthor/ 

FB Page- https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexRaine/ 

FB Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/rainstorms/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/151193100-alex-raine 

Bookbub- https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alex-raine 

Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/author/alexraine 

Newsletter- https://mailchi.mp/09bff913d85f/newsletter-signup 

Patreon- patreon.com/AlexRaineAuthor

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring Poppy Jacobson

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Poppy Jacobson! Her latest release, Lies like Rubies, Part One: A Dark, Reverse Harem, Mafia Romance (Savage Jewels Book 2) releases on April 7th 2023.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hiiiiiiiii.  My name is Poppy Jacobson. I write dark and kinky contemporary romance where the consent is dubious, and no one ever has to choose between their love interests. My debut story, Diamond in the Dark, is a dark, why choose, mafia romance about a woman who takes her sister’s place in a Faustian bargain with three men to protect her family.

The sequel, Lies like Rubies, Part One, is another dark, why choose, mafia romance about a woman who’ll do anything to protect her daughter from her abusive ex.  Anything.

How long have you been writing?

I first put pen to paper in November 2021, for NaNoWriMo. I didn’t publish my first novel, or my second, but my third was Diamond in the Dark, which came out in August 2022 (get your copy here: https://geni.us/DiamondInTheDark).

Do you have a writing quirk or ritual?

I do my best writing first thing in the morning, before work.  I get up before dawn, log into discord to sprint with friends, and then get to writing. Aspirationally, I write a thousand new words a day, but I don’t often actually hit that number.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I like to joke that all of my books start out with a vibe and one scene idea, and then everything flows from there. It’s sort of true, though!

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

My favorite character is always the FMC I’m currently writing. Right now, that’s Morgan, an ex prom queen who’s hellbent on taking revenge on some men who wronged her. I love women who think they don’t have any power, any choices, and then slowly realize that in fact, they hold ALL of the power.

How do you deal the with emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

I am a cold-ass motherfucker. Heh. I think of my stories in terms of the emotional impact they have on the reader, but I don’t tend to get so deep into my characters’ heads that their emotions affect me.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Writing isn’t a solitary activity! I have been delighted to find an amazing community of readers and authors who’ve supported me every step of the way.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

Hah. I haven’t written so many books yet that I even worry about keeping it fresh. Each book is new and exciting to me, and I hope it’s new and exciting to the reader too.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

YES!  I’m working on two books right now and I am so so so excited about both of them.  Queen of Vengeance is about a woman returning to her hometown for her high school reunion, who takes murderous revenge on four men who wronged her on prom night.  You can preorder it here: https://geni.us/BHSQueenOfVengeance.

I’m also working with a good friend, Willow Sinclair, to cowrite a dark cowboy romance.  She writes steamy small-town romance, and I write dark and kinky (very dark, very kinky) mafia romance.  We put our heads together and asked, what if we smashed the two together?  Keep an eye out for a dark and taboo western romance coming out from the two of us in late summer.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Stop futzing around and publish. It’ll never be perfect. You’ll learn more from discovering what your readers like and by diving into the next book than endless rounds of editing to get it just a little bit better.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I contain multitudes, and so do my books.  I write stories about women who not only discover their own power but learn to wield it.  But they’re also deliciously smutty stories about women being railed by multiple men.

If you’re interested in a free story to get a taste for my writing, you can get one here: https://BookHip.com/LWFZMTP.

Thank you Poppy Jacobson for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Lies like Rubies today!

~Synopsis~

The dangerous mafia world is no place to raise a child. Nobody knows that better than me.

When my abusive ex returns from exile to snatch our four-year-old daughter away from me, I’m on my own against him, until three men with their own agendas show up and consume my life.

Dante, a violent and unpredictable arms trafficker, promises protection for my daughter in exchange for my body and my tears.

Lorenzo, my brother’s best friend, my father’s enforcer, and my first heartbreak, comes barreling back into my life in the name of keeping me safe.

And Nick, my daughter’s persistent and sexy pediatrician, dives back to the violent life he left behind in order to save us from the dark current pulling us under.

In a world where a woman’s value is defined by her purity, I’m damaged goods, but these men don’t care that I’m a single mom. And I’m going to use every weapon in my arsenal, including these deadly men, to keep Lizzie safe.

Will it be enough?

Lies like Rubies, Part One, is a dark, why choose romance that ends in a cliffhanger. Lies like Rubies, Part Two, concludes Sofia’s story. For a full list of content notes, please see the author’s website. The Lies like Rubies Duetand Diamond in the Dark are interconnected, but may be read separately.

Poppy Jacobson writes dark and kinky contemporary romance where the consent is dubious, and no one ever has to choose between their love interests.  When she’s not peddling smut, she lives in Virginia with her husband and children, making soup and hiking on the weekends.

Author links: https://linktr.ee/poppyjacobson

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring Leslie Crowne

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Leslie Crowne! Her debut, Ella’s Rise: A Fairy Tale Retelling (Fairy Tale Realm Series Book 1) released on May 2nd 2023.

How long have you been writing?

All my life, in one form or another! But I published my first novel in 2016.

Describe a typical writing day.

I work on Author business for the first few hours, and in the afternoon I write or edit, whichever is needed for the book I’m working on.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Usually from threads on social media. Readers talk about what they like or are looking for, and that sparks plot bunnies for me.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

This is the debut of my new pen name, Leslie Crowne, so I hope Ella’s Rise brings interest for the Fairy Tale Realm series.

What gave you that push to press the publish button?

The desire to connect with readers.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

A highly organized dreamer!

What was the highlight of writing this book?

The world building. It’s a retelling of Cinderella, so the bones of the story are there, but it’s set in my invented magical kingdom, and has some fun twists.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

Book 2, a Beauty and the Beast retell, will be released soon. I am working on Book 3, untitled at present.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Never give up! This business is always changing so there are opportunities everywhere. Keep growing and trying different things until you find your niche.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

They’re romantic, fun, and twisty, with a good bit of spice.

Thank you Leslie Crowne for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Ella’s Rise today!

~Synopsis~

A forgotten princess, bent on vengeance. A reluctant prince, thrust into a role he never wanted. When fate brings them together, there is more at stake than either of them could imagine.

Ella’s Vow…

I was raised by a family of blacksmiths since my parents, the King and Queen of Sartoon, were killed in a coup. No one else in the kingdom knows my true identity. I may be the forgotten Princess, but once I get my revenge on the current royal family, everyone will know my name.

What I didn’t count on when I snuck into the palace was meeting Thal—he’s not what I imagined, or expected in a Prince. To avoid being arrested, I agree to his demands. But can I trust him, or is he like his despicable father, the King?
And why does my heart beat out of my chest when he’s near?

Thal’s Dilemma…

I wasn’t supposed to be the heir to the throne—I’m the second son. Now I’m being pressured to find a bride and secure the kingdom. When I catch Ella Briggs sneaking into the palace, we strike a bargain. She’ll be my decoy, so I can avoid having to dance with so many hopeful women at the upcoming ball.

But soon I’m embroiled in her plans, and falling for her. When she’s in my arms, nothing else matters. As we grow closer, the stakes get higher, for Ella has secrets that could ruin us both.

And she is not who she pretends to be.

Ella’s Rise is an Adult Fairy Tale Retelling of the timeless tale, Cinderella, with an unexpected twist.

When her mother told her to get her head out of the clouds, Leslie Crowne didn’t listen. Good thing, because her vivid imagination has allowed her to spin tales of enchanting worlds and epic love affairs. Going deep into each character’s heart and building worlds that enhance each story, Leslie delivers layered plots with satisfying twists.

In the real world, she lives near Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, three cats, and a turtle named Myrtle who rules the house. She’s an avid reader and so grateful to live a life centered around books.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090284144642

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/30394488.Leslie_Crowne

Instagram- @lesliecrowne

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/leslie-crowne

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lesliecrowneauthor/

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Sylvia Black

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Sylvia Black! Her book, Master Descallia : Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 1) released on April 30th 2021.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

A large thank you for having me! I’m excited to get to spend time with all of you. My name is Sylvia Black. I am an International Best-selling author of paranormal romance. I currently have six of an anticipated twelve book series published. They are dark vampire romances, in a world of witches, rogue shifters and the syndicate.

What inspired you to start writing?

My family traveled extensively when I was growing up. We lived in England for years, and when traveling, I would always have my nose buried in a book or a pencil in my hand to write my own. A grandmother born and raised in the Baltic sea region nurtured the love for old-world history and folklore of Europe.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

 I don’t know if there’s a quirk that I can think of other than constantly trying to keep one of my golden cocker spaniel puppies from taking over the keyboard. He loves to type!!

How do you deal with the emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

Great question! Sometimes as an author the emotions of your characters turn you inside out emotionally. I think the process of helping them find their way to a happily ever after is what helps me reconcile the emotions.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

 I didn’t realize that once I started writing, the stories would literally write themselves. I’ve heard authors say that before but didn’t really understand what they meant until I started to write myself and got a few books into the series. Sometimes it’s hard for me to keyboard fast enough to keep up to the stories spilling from the characters themselves.

What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

The characters, probably because all of my stories tend to be in the same world. There is always another hot, possessive master vampire called upon to help the plight of the vampires, and a woman he doesn’t want to get to know at first but falls head over heels for.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That winding myths and lure into a plot would be so intriguing to me. Actually bringing pieces into the story at the right time is oddly challenging and fun!

What gave you that push to press the publish button?

I met a group of women at a writing conference years ago – before I had published my very first book. They have become my closest friends over the years, and they were instrumental.

Do you have any new series planned?

There are two spin-off series rattling around in my mind right now. If you are familiar with the Masters of the Consulate series, you probably already have a good idea of what comes next, but officially it’s being kept under wraps for the moment.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Just keep writing. Read in your genre, get to know your genre, and then just keep writing. A close friend offered me this advice years ago.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

That the vampire masters are alpha, possessive, sinfully hot and end up falling hard for the women they come to love.

Thank you Sylvia Black for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her book, Master Descallia today!

~Synopsis~

Salvatore Descallia, a purebred and Overlord to the Consulate of Masters, rules and fights with an iron fist. When he learns of the coup planned to blame his clan for disappearing women, he must move swiftly to deal with his enemies. He has every intention of killing everything in his way, until a new challenge presents itself, one with crystalline green eyes who is close to death.
To save her life, Salvatore gives her immortality in exchange for a life of servitude in the underworld.
Consumed by coursing desire, Lucianna Denaro is helpless against the dark-eyed dominant stranger who expects her to learn the dangers and rituals of his world. While the underworld is new and death lurks at every corner, it is his touch that threatens to scorch them to ashes with its heat.

Sylvia Black is a master’s prepared and International Best-Selling paranormal romance author with a special love for old-world history and the folklore of Europe. A grandmother born and raised in the Baltic sea region nurtured this love and it grew more profound as a young child living for years in England and traveling extensively. 

Sylvia likes to keep her readers on the edge of their seats one minute and fanning themselves as the heat rises in the next. Her novels feature handsome, dark-minded males who will stop at nothing to protect their mates. 

The perfect day for Sylvia would be spent sitting on a balcony overlooking the Amalfi Coast in Italy while enjoying an espresso as she writes. 

While not writing, she spends time with her husband and family, including an adorable fur-baby. She enjoys traveling extensively, especially when researching for her next novel. 

She also loves to spend time interacting with you, her readers, so please feel free to connect with her on social media! 

For a very limited time, you can download a free copy here of The Beginning, which is the prequel to the much-loved vampire series, Masters of the Consulate. It is the old world back story and gives readers an understanding of how the group of hunky vampire leaders came to be in the modern-day world. Download now

You can also find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tik Toks and Instagram. Connect with me and say hello while checking out all the interesting pictures, videos, and fun!

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