SEELIE KAY: Postcards from The Ledge: This week in The Loft: Author Denise N. Wheatley!

Joining me today in The Loft is fellow eXtasy author Denise Wheatley! Denise is best known for her 2004 novel, "I Wish I Never Met You," but has written numerous novels and novellas that encompass all aspects of romance, including contemporary, paranormal, sweet, and steamy. She strives to produce characters who are strong, colorful, and relatable. Born and raised in Chicago, Denise remains a resident of the Windy City, where she enjoys visits to movie theatres, tennis, true crime television, and chatting on social media.

Author Denise Wheatley

S: Welcome, Denise, and congratulations on your Valentine's Day release!

Why write a Valentine's Day tale?

D:  I love holidays as well as romance, so Valentine’s Day gives me the perfect foundation for storytelling. But this year, I decided to do things a little differently. I thought it would be fun to write a sexy, anti-Valentine’s Day fantasy novella, where otherworldly creatures go to war on the love-filled holiday, and one leader bravely steps up to try and end the beloved tradition.

S: (Smiles.) That does sound like fun!

What was your best Valentine's Day ever?

D:  My boyfriend once surprised me with a suburban staycation for Valentine’s Day. We spent the weekend pretty close to home but went places and did things that neither of us had ever experienced, but always wanted to try. I loved the thoughtfulness and spontaneity of it.

S: Sounds like a gift from the heart, which is what it should be.

Is Valentine's Day your favorite time of the year?

D: No. I love Christmas day because it's such a warm, cozy, festive holiday filled with friends, family, love, food, and of course, gifts! And yes, I'm that person who decorates my home way too early and watches every single holiday movie.

S:  Christmas is also my favorite holiday. Between the baking and "A Christmas Story," I am in heaven!

Where do you do your best thinking?

D: In the car and in the shower.

S: What do you crave?

D:  Chocolate chip cookies, French fries, love, happiness, and books.

S: (Chuckles.) Chocolate is pretty much on everyone's list.

If you could have any animal in the universe as a pet, what would it be and why?

D: I would have a koala bear, because not only are they adorable, but they live an enviable lifestyle. Koalas don't have to drink much water, they sleep 20 hours a day, and they spend the remaining four hours eating and seeking companionship. (Laughs.) Now that's the life!

S: They sure have that "cuddly thing" going on!

Tell me about your book, "Valentine's Slay."

D: It's a steamy Sci-Fi, fantasy romance novella. Here's the blurb--

In the land of Zanalia, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of war. When two of the realm’s fiercest foes go head-to-head over the sacred ritual, sparks unexpectedly fly, igniting an explosion of love, lust, and ultimately, broken traditions.

In a world filled with warriors, Valentine’s Day means war for the creatures of Zanalia. Mina, queen of the disciplinarian tribe, is responsible for spearheading attacks on the land’s worst enemies.

Spike, the son of king Theo and Mina’s biggest adversary, no longer believes in provoking battles on this love-filled holiday. He secretly encourages the Zanalians to put away their weapons and spend time with their loved ones instead. The absurd suggestion goes against the territory’s oldest tradition and is rejected by many, to the point where Spike receives death threats. His father grows worried for his son and orders Mina to stage his kidnapping, then provide him with personal, around-the-clock protection.

Mina is infuriated by the mission as she’s being forced to protect a disloyal traitor. She vows to make Spike’s time with her as torturous as possible until she unwittingly finds pleasure in the pain she inflicts upon him, while he seemingly relishes in her harsh punishments. Emotions run high between the pair, and Mina realizes that Spike’s wish to spread love this Valentine’s Day just may come true after all.