Friday, October 6, 2023

This week in The Loft: Author Amber Daulton!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Amber Daulton. Amber writes romantic suspense, including the series, Arresting Onyx, and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now. They are available in eBook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats. Amber lives in North Carolina with her husband and her demanding cats.

Author Amber Daulton

S:  Good morning, Amber. Thanks for joining me today.

How do you determine the "heat level" of your stories?

A:  It all deals with language. If I use euphemisms for body parts and keep the characters’ bedroom actions short, then the heat rating is 3 flames. For 4 flames, I use more descriptive language and give more detail to lengthen the scenes. Five flames takes that even further with scorching love scenes that leave nothing to the imagination. Erotic romance features explicit language and a high number of sexual scenes, as well as toys, anal play, BDSM, multiple couplings, etc. My books typically range between 4 and 5 flames, but I do have a few clean romances and erotic ones, too.

S:  Book banning is back in the news and even some very popular romance authors' books are being removed from school libraries. How do you feel about this trend? How do we fight it?

A:  It’s horrible. Books are meant to be an escape from everyday life. Everyone has different tastes, and that’s fine, but that doesn’t mean one group of people should censor what another group reads. When it comes to children, it should be the parents’ responsibility to monitor what the child reads, not the state or school. If the child reads an adult book and has questions, then show them some respect and answer them honestly. Open communication is key in any type of relationship, whether it’s between a romantically involved couple, or a parent and child. How to fight this trend? Education and self-discovery! The people who are making waves and trying to restrict the type of media other people choose to partake in need to take a long, hard look in the mirror. Instead of blaming the woes of life on books, movies, video games, and other media, take responsibility for your own actions. Not only does censorship hurt creators, but other readers and viewers who may have enjoyed that book/movie/game but never got the chance to try it for themselves.

S:  I can't help but think back in history when censorship and book banning were used to prop up fascist regimes. Have we learned nothing?

Do you think romance books have become “too spicy?”

A:  (Laughs.) No way. The spicier the better. While I do read and enjoy clean romances, I always prefer the hot stuff.

S:  After the publication of the “Fifty Shades” trilogy, it was reported that some readers ventured into the BDSM world seeking their own Christian Grey. Some were scammed, sexually assaulted, or otherwise harmed. Does an author bear any responsibility for those types of consequences?

A:  Does the author bear responsibility? Not technically, but I do think the author should feel sympathy for the readers who were wronged or harmed. Authors should also be aware that their books may encourage readers to try out new things, but that’s why safety disclaimers are so important, and often found at the beginning of books with questionable material. I’ve read countless books over the years, and many were BDSM books. I find that world fascinating, and though I’ve never personally ventured into it as in going to private clubs, I certainly wouldn’t lay fault at an author’s feet if I did and things went badly. Everything in life is a choice, and there are consequences to those choices. Be smart, weigh your options, and follow your gut. If the book you’re reading isn’t a self-help book, then don’t trust it to be a guide in how to live your life--not that you should trust self-help books in full either—always use your best judgment.

S:  It's so easy to blame others when things go wrong. However, steamy stories don't dictate behavior. Those who embrace the ideas set forth in BDSM tales have to take personal responsibility for their own actions. As my mom used to say, "If XYZ told you to jump off a 12-story building, would you?" A certain amount of common sense is called for.

What inspired "Trevor’s Redemption?"

A:  I never meant to write "Trevor’s Redemption." As I was revising the last book in the Arresting Onyx series, a pestering voice in the back of my head kept telling me to squeeze in two novellas into the middle of the series. Believe me, I fought this—hard—but that little voice wouldn’t stop. You see, I’d introduced two secondary characters in Book One that I had no intention of giving a HEA. Shea, however, wasn’t having any of that and had already picked out the perfect man for herself—albeit, an unconventional one. So, since I’ve long learned to obey my characters when they threaten to nag me to death, I jotted out a plot for Shea and her man, Trevor. I had a blast bringing their romance to life, so I’m grateful I let her have her way.

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Trevor’s Redemption?"

A:  Yes. It can be read as a standalone, so if you haven’t read the previous books, you can jump right into this one and follow along without problems. However, the couples from the other books return as secondary characters, so you might get a few spoilers. For the sake of enjoyment and fully immersing yourself in my fictional world, I do suggest you start at the beginning with "Arresting Mason," but it’s not necessary.

Here's the blurb--

The danger and lies are more than she can handle.

Shea O’Bannon feels like a fifth wheel around her romantically paired-off friends, but there’s too much slime in the dating pool for her to bother with it. Then she sees her two-timing ex, Trevor Madero, serenading the mostly female crowd at a live-music bar. God knows trouble follows him around, but her desire for him rushes back in anyway. After he rescues her from a handsy drunk, temptation takes over.

Determined to prove he never stepped out on Shea, Trevor slides back into her life—and her heart—with forever in mind. Even with the wall he keeps up to protect her, his secret criminal life weighs heavy on his soul and drives a wedge between them.

When the truth comes out and his enemies target them both, they’ll have to fight for their love, or kiss it goodbye.


S:  This sounds like a good read! Where can readers buy your book?

A:  It's available at major booksellers, including--


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Sunday, October 1, 2023

Happy Halloween!

This month, I'm participating in two Halloween giveaways! Stop by and enter to win paranormal romance books!

https://www.kate-hill.com/halloweenpage


https://ellenmint.blog


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Friday, September 29, 2023

This week in The Loft: Author Madison Michael!

Joining me today in The Loft is Chicago's own Madison Michael. The author writes steamy romance, including the Beguiling Bachelor series, and several stand-alone romance novels. Today, Maddy is visiting The Loft to chat about "Tall, Dark and Rich," a billionaire romance anthology that includes stories from 25 romance authors. Born and raised in Chicago, Maddy covered the four corners of the U.S. before returning to her roots, friends, family and the best pizza anywhere. She loves cats, cat jokes and cat videos, anything with too much sugar, and everything writing. 

Author Madison Michael

S:  Good morning, Maddy! It's so nice to chat with you again.

You write "spicy" romance books. How do you determine the heat level of your stories?

M:  I have a rule that I follow on this one, but I freely admit it is based on my own biases about love and sex. My heroes, and heroines have been around the block. They are usually in their late twenties or older, and I feel at that age, romance includes sex. So, rule number one, for me, is that with older couples, I assume they are already sexually active. Number two, I write pretty explicit sex scenes, but they must contain elements of romance and promote the love story. Otherwise, they are gratuitous, and frankly, writing hot sex scenes is too much work to make them superfluous to the story. When I write sex, I try to make it about the  connection. For example. they "caress" instead of "touch." I use the scene to show how the pair gives to each other, takes care of one another. Oh yeah, and I make it sizzle!

S:  Like you, I believe romance includes sex. In most instances, it's the natural progression of a romance--mutual attraction, dating, love, sex--but not necessarily in that order.

Do you think romance books have become too steamy/spicy?

M:  I think there is no such thing as too spicy, but I also believe we have a responsibility as authors to be clear with our readers what they are getting. Readers can make their own decisions about what they read, including the level of "spice." That said, I think many of our sexiest books lose sight of the story, the characters, and the plot in their effort to write about sex. These elements need to go hand in hand.

S:  Book banning is back in the news and even some very popular romance authors' books are being removed from school libraries. How do you feel about this trend? How do we fight it?

M:  I have a big problem with the way that state governments are engaging with educators and librarians around the U.S. I have the benefit of a great, broad education, and access to libraries. In fact, my mother was a librarian. She is responsible for teaching me to love books. As for banning, and threats to libraries and everything else people are attempting to restrict knowledge, I believe it will come back to bite us all—with an aroused curiosity for banned books, with an uneducated population and workforce, and by diminishing authors, teachers and librarians from pursuing their work. How do we fight it? The same way we fight over-encroachment in every aspect of government. Learn where your candidates stand on issues, become an informed electorate, and then vote. Don’t let anything stop you from voting, be it for school board, governor, or president. Local elections matter. Just ask your local librarian!

S:  Every time I read about book banning/burning, moments in history flash through my mind. If we truly prize freedom of speech in this country, we must be willing to fight for it at all levels.

What is the best/worst thing that has ever happened to you as a writer?

M:  Best and worst sounds so dramatic, but my first fan letter was pretty exciting. Finishing each book I actually publish feels like the best thing, in that moment. The worst was my first bad review—but I read the feedback, realized the reader was right, and did a complete overhaul of my first books. How else do we learn, right? But it was painful.

S:  Have you ever shelved or thrown out a manuscript? 

M:  I have three shelved books right now. One simply needs my attention, one I put away half-finished because I wasn’t clear about what I was writing, and the third got away from me. It was supposed to be a short story, but it keeps growing. So I put it away for a while with the hope of having a fresh perspective when I return to it. Many writers shelve manuscripts so that they can return to them with fresh eyes. I try to do this whenever I can.
But throw one away? Never!

S:  When a story idea strikes me, I quickly write the first chapter and then jot down plotlines and character ideas. Sometimes, the idea leads to a book, sometimes it doesn't.

What inspired "A Crazy Rich Dilemma," your contribution to this anthology, "Tall, Dark and Rich?"

M:  I was very excited when author Stephanie Morris announced she was doing a billionaire romance anthology this year and invited me to be included. I was in the middle of my All’s Crazy in Love series, about eight childhood friends who meet at a reunion an dare one another to get married within a year. It only made sense to write a billionaire romance that was adjacent to the Crazy series. So, I created a sister for one of the characters and went looking for a suitable plot. Lucky for me, a friend had a great truth is stranger than fiction story of how she met her boyfriend. Using Leah’s story for inspiration, “A Crazy Rich Dilemma” was born. 

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about “Tall, Dark and Rich?”

M:  I hope readers with order and share this limited-time offer with their friends, book clubs, or anyone who loves indulging in addicting love stories. Over one third of the writers are already best-selling authors, and as of this writing, more than 25 of us are contributing. Also, the anthology will be available for a short time and at an unbelievable cost of only $ .99. "Tall, Dark, and Rich" is available for preorder now.

Here's the blurb:

Money, suits and style.

Possessive, dominant, and used to getting their way.

Tall, dark and rich.

These powerful men will stop at nothing to claim the women they want. From boardrooms to bedrooms, these billionaires live a life of luxury and excess, but it's the women who captivate them and hold their hearts.

Follow the journeys of these powerful men as they navigate the turbulent waters of love, lust, and power while they explore their deepest desires.

With intense chemistry, blistering sensuality, and unforgettable characters, this anthology is a must-read for anyone who loves their romance with a healthy dose of heat. So pour yourself a glass of wine, get comfortable, and be swept away by the intoxicating world of steamy billionaire romance.

The anthology includes stories from--

Melissa Stevens - NYT bestselling author
Stephanie Morris - USA Today bestselling author
Megyn Ward - USA Today bestselling author
Sahara Roberts - USA Today bestselling author
Gina A. Jones - USA Today bestselling author
Dawn Brower - USA Today bestselling author
Zee Irwin - USA Today bestselling author
Lenora Cowan - USA Today bestselling author
Charmaine Louise Shelton
Madison Michael
TL Reeve/Michele Ryan
Grace Grahme
Anne Roman
V.K. Holt
Kitt Lynn
Erika Vanzin
MacKenzie Stowe
JC Jaye
Jess Peters
Eliza Renton
Anika Lynn
Susanna Eastman
E.S. McMillan
Vic Leigh
Elizabeth Kozloff


S:  The anthology sounds amazing. Where can readers purchase it?

M:  It's available at-- 


S:  Maddy, thanks for joining me today. If you'd like to learn more about Madison Michael and her books, please visit--

Website:  www.madisonmichael.net


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Saturday, September 23, 2023

"Seelie Kay has plunged straight into the deep end!" (A book review)

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Friday, September 22, 2023

This week in The Loft: Author T. S. McNeil!

Joining me in The Loft is fellow Extasy author T. S. McNeil. A writer of romantic comedy, his stories center around likeable misfits finding love and a place for themselves in a largely random and uncaring world. Born in the far north, T.S. McNeil grew up on novels and comedy movies. Moving down south, he earned a degree in Art History form the University of Victoria in 2009. Discovering the legit jokes in "Four Weddings and A Funeral," and realizing romance really could be funny, he took on romantic comedy as his main genre. He lives in a cabin in the woods with his dog and several squirrels, and firmly believes The Smiths would have been better as a trio!

Author T. S. McNeil

S:  Welcome to the Loft! 

Book banning is back in the news and some very popular romance authors' books are being removed from school libraries. How do you feel about this trend? How do we fight it?

TS:  I absolutely hate it and it represents the sort of thing I am most against. I fight it by, with a large group of like-minded friends, going through the banned list and doing everything we can do to bolster banned and potentially banned books. Whether it means letting others know about a potential or current ban, or going out of my way to read them, whether or not the ban has officially gone through or not. No book should be illegal. Regulated and annotated like "Mein Kampf "and "The Anarchists Cookbook," but not illegal.

S:  It's hard to believe that book banning has again reared its ugly head. You expect that in dictatorships, not in the "free" world.

Are you self-published or traditionally published? Why did you choose that path?

TS: Technically, I am traditionally published, but I have found a bit of a middle-ground by focusing on either eBook publishers or at least publishers who do eBooks. I am much better at novellas than longer books and am far more likely to get them published in digital form. eBooks also have the advantage of a relatively quick turnaround compared to print publishing. 

S:  Do you write in other genres?

TS:  Not anymore, at least in fiction. Romance, with all its various sub-genres, gives me everything I need. I do still write a lot of nonfiction though, particularly in terms of literary history. It is something I have always done and have a deep interest in. It's sometimes a bit of a challenge to balance between fiction and nonfiction.

S:  Do you think romance books have become too spicy?

TS:  I don’t think there is such a thing as too spicy. Like food, it is more of a matter of taste and preference. I only care if the writing is good and properly researched, consistently representing the characters and the reality of the world.

S:  After the publication of the “Fifty Shades” trilogy, it was reported that some readers ventured into the BDSM world seeking their own Christian Grey. Some were scammed, sexually assaulted, or otherwise harmed. Does an author bear any responsibility for those types of consequences?

TS:  Absolutely. It was a total misrepresentation of BDSM and how it is done. Christian isn’t a dominant, he is a sadist, as he said. The author clearly knows as much about BDSM as I do about nuclear physics. The difference is, I don’t claim to know anything about nuclear physics. Anastasia never signed the contract which is a huge no go, and some of the things they imply, like using zip-ties for bondage, are just plain dangerous and potentially fatal.

S:  I have to admit, the scene where he shops for zip-ties was alarming. However, by the time I finished the entire series, I was irate. Sure, it was fiction, but it was also misleading. 

How do you get in the mood for writing?

TS:  Music, usually something neoclassical or some of the more melodic/atmospheric metal.

S:  My son is a metal musician. Between practices and house shows, it is always playing in the background. Unfortunately, not all of the bands who play know what a melody is and that is not conducive to writing. They make noise-deafening headphones for a reason.

What do you want inscribed on your tombstone? How do you want to be remembered?

TS:  "Don’t Let the Buggers Get You Down." I want to be remembered as someone who was who they were and stood up to bullies no matter what guise they might take.

S:  I like that.

What inspired you to write "Sweet Memories?"

TS:  There were two things that inspired me to write Sweet Memories. The first was a desire to try and do a modern version of the classic pastoral novel. The second was the idea for a subversion of the small-town girl in the big city trope. As fun as tropes can be, they also perpetuate some stereotypes, both fair and not. My goal was to confirm the fair ones and subvert the negative ones.

Here's the blurb--

Following the sudden death of her beloved older sister, big city girl Astra Read relocates to a tiny town fuelled by cottage industries, inheriting her sister’s house and bespoke teddy bear business.

Focused on doing her dearly departed proud, which are some big shoes to fill, Astra vows to keep her head down, but love works in mysterious ways and more than one sort of temptation lurks in the bakery across the street.

S:  That sounds like an entertaining story.

Where can readers buy "Sweet Memories?"

TS:  It will be released October 27 by Extasy Books (https://www.extasybooks.com/Sweet-Memories) and will be available shortly thereafter at all major booksellers. 

S:  T. S., thanks for joining me today and good luck with sales on "Sweet Memories!" If you' like to learn more about T. S. McNeil and his books, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/t-s-mcneil-5a1552259/.

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Friday, September 15, 2023

This week in The Loft: Author RM Olivia!

Joining me today in The Loft is author RM Olivia. She writes erotic, LGBT, contemporary, and paranormal romance. A part-time author, RM has contributed to several anthologies, and has also written for a variety of publishers. In addition, she has self-published on Amazon Kindle. RM currently works in sales. When not writing she enjoys sleeping, shopping, watching black and white movies, reading, and exploring new restaurants. RM lives in Pennsylvania with her two Siamese cats.

The logo for RM Olivia

S:  Welcome, RM. I'm so happy you could join me today!

Why did you start writing romance?

RM:  I enjoy writing about interpersonal relationships. I feel that romance in particular has many interesting possibilities for writing.

S:  The number of sub-genres in romance certainly confirms that. 

I know you are self-published and traditionally published? Why did you choose that path?

RM:  I chose the path of self-publishing as some of my stories did not fit a publisher’s criteria, such as word count and themes. I chose traditional publishing because I wanted to work with a particular publisher.

S:  Do you write in other genres?

RM:  I am looking to branch into other genres with time. It is usually not a planned thing. My writing takes me in different directions.

S:  I think you need that flexibility. 

If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books?

RM:  Yes. I love expressing my creativity through the written word. I enjoy the outlet and escape writing provides.

S:  How do you get in the mood for writing?

RM:  I get in the mood by having a snack, and my pen and paper ready. I like some R&B in the background or some 90’s hip hop.

S:  What inspired "Healing His Broken Heart?"

RM:  My imagination inspired "Healing His Broken Heart." Besides my imagination, the news influenced me. I have a bad habit of obsessing over tragedies such as accidents and deaths. I can read the newspaper and my mind starts clicking.

S:   Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Healing His Broken Heart?"

RM:  The special part of "Healing His Broken Heart" is that the story is being told through the male prospective, the lead male protagonist. Usually, I have found the story is being told through the female protagonist. Another point is that the story has an open ending, a happy for now. I believe that in real life there is no such thing as a permanent happy ending. We all experience different situations with the passing of time. People change. I wanted to express that in my writing.

Here's the blurb--

In an effort to move on from a painful past, Randy decides to put his photography skills to good use and advertises for a model in the local paper. Little does he realize that a sexy photo shoot would be just the thing to reunite with his childhood sweetheart, begging the question—does time heal all wounds?


S:  That's a question I've often ask! 

Where can readers buy your book?

RM:  It's available at most booksellers, including--

Publisher:  https://www.extasybooks.com/Healing-His-Broken-Heart

Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/healing-his-broken-heart-rm-olivia/1143821791

Amazon:  https://a.co/d/cxNnOEl

S:  RM, thanks for joining me today. If you'd like to learn more about RM Olivia and her books, please visit--

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/R.M-Olivia/author/B01DOHMBIE

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/rmoliviawrites

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/rmolivia

Instagram:  https://instagram.com/rmolivia

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Friday, September 8, 2023

This week in The Loft: Author Kayla Cunningham!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Kayla Cunningham. Kayla just published her first contemporary romance novel with Extasy Books. A former high school history and adult English as a Second Language teacher, she now works in an adult prison as a GED instructor. She also volunteers as a Hostage Crisis Negotiator. Kayla is currently working on her Ph.D. in Teaching English as a Second Language. She enjoys taking flying lessons with her husband, and also has a passion for traveling and meeting people from different cultures around the world. She is an advocate of exploring issues of racism and current events, including the rise in Asian hate crimes caused by the pandemic. 

Author Kayla Cunningham

S:  Good morning, Kayla! Thanks for visiting my loft today!

Let's start at the beginning--Why did you start writing romance?

K:  I started writing romance with the aim of bringing diverse voices and underrepresented couples into the genre. It's essential to me to showcase a wide range of love stories, representing different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Love knows no boundaries, and through my writing, I hope to celebrate the beauty of love in all its forms while providing readers with stories that resonate and reflect the rich tapestry of human connections.

S:  Love does come in all shapes and sizes, and that makes diversity in romance books essential.

Book banning is back in the news and even some very popular romance authors' books are being removed from school libraries. How do you feel about this trend? 

K:  Words are powerful. As adults, we should have the fundamental right to choose what we read. Freedom of choice in reading is a cornerstone of individual liberty and intellectual freedom. It allows us to explore a wide range of ideas, perspectives, and genres, which can enrich our understanding of the world and our own lives. As an author and advocate for free expression and diverse literature, I have deep concerns about the recent trend of book banning, especially when it affects the work of popular romance authors. Literature is a powerful medium for exploring diverse perspectives, challenging societal norms, and promoting empathy. Therefore, attempts to ban books, particularly those that belong to the romance genre, are concerning for several reasons. Firstly, banning books limits the freedom of readers to access a wide range of voices, experiences, and ideas. Romance novels, like all forms of literature, have the capacity to educate, entertain, and enlighten. They often explore themes of love, relationships, and personal growth, which are relevant and relatable to many readers. By removing such books from school libraries, we deprive students of the opportunity to engage with these narratives and potentially broaden their understanding of the world. Secondly, book banning sends a troubling message about censorship and the suppression of free speech. It suggests that certain topics or viewpoints are unacceptable, which is contrary to the principles of open dialogue and intellectual freedom. Literature, including romance novels, should serve as a space for readers to explore different perspectives and make informed judgments.

S:  How do we fight book bans?

K:  To combat this trend of book banning, it's essential for authors, educators, librarians, and concerned individuals to take action, including raising awareness, supporting libraries, organizing "Read-Ins," lobbying for inclusive curricula, collaborating with advocacy groups, engaging in respectful dialogue with those who support book banning, and promoting author voices.

S:  All worthy strategies.

Do you think romance books have become “too spicy?”

K:  As a romance author, I believe that the spiciness or sensuality of romance books is a matter of personal preference and choice. Romance is a diverse genre, and it caters to a wide range of readers with varying tastes and comfort levels when it comes to intimate content. The popularity of the "Fifty Shades" trilogy highlighted that there is indeed a significant audience for more explicit and adventurous romance narratives. However, it's essential to remember that the genre is not homogenous. There are countless romance novels, from sweet and chaste to sizzling and steamy, allowing readers to find the type of romance that resonates with them. The key here is choice and consent. Readers should have the freedom to select books that align with their preferences, and authors should have the creative freedom to write the stories they are passionate about. It's all about offering a variety of romantic experiences to cater to different tastes. Ultimately, what matters most is that readers can find the romance novels that speak to them personally, whether they prefer mild or spicy narratives. Romance is a genre that celebrates love and human connection in all its forms, and it should continue to do so in a way that respects individual choices and desires.

S:  Choice and consent are indeed key words here.

After the publication of the “Fifty Shades” trilogy, it was reported that some readers ventured into the BDSM world seeking their own Christian Grey. Some were scammed, sexually assaulted, or otherwise harmed. Does an author bear any responsibility for those types of consequences?

K:  As a romance author, I believe it's essential to approach this question with sensitivity and responsibility. Authors have a profound influence on their readers, and while they may not bear direct responsibility for the actions of individuals, there is an ethical obligation to consider the potential impact of their work. While authors create fictional worlds and characters, it's crucial to remember that readers can be deeply affected by what they read. In the case of the "Fifty Shades" trilogy or any similar work exploring complex relationships, authors should take care to provide clear disclaimers or content warnings if the material deals with sensitive or potentially harmful themes. This helps readers make informed choices about what they are engaging with. Additionally, authors can use their platforms to encourage responsible exploration, consent, and communication in real-life relationships. Promoting healthy relationships and emphasizing the distinction between fiction and reality can be a responsible way to handle the potential consequences of their work. Ultimately, while authors cannot control the actions of readers, they can contribute to a responsible and considerate literary environment by acknowledging the potential impact of their stories and taking steps to mitigate any harm that may arise.

S:  If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books?

K:  Absolutely, without a doubt. Writing has been a remarkable journey for me. It's a way to bring stories to life, explore complex emotions, and touch the hearts of readers. It has also been a form of activism for me. While it comes with its challenges, the ability to create worlds, characters, and narratives that resonate with readers is a privilege I wouldn't trade for anything. The joy of sharing these stories with readers is immeasurable. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would wholeheartedly choose to write books, especially in the romance genre, where the power of love and connection can truly transform lives.

S:  What inspired "Fated to Love You?"  

K:  “Fated to Love You” was born out of a tumultuous time in our world’s history. When the pandemic swept across the globe and schools closed their doors, I found myself teaching from home and working on my YA fantasy novel, “Storm Breaker.” However, with everything happening in the world, I needed a break from fantasy. It was during this time that I stumbled upon an old journal from my high school creative writing class and rediscovered a nineteen-page short story I had written as a junior called, “Broken Dreams.” The story was about a college-aged male who found out he had cancer. As someone in my thirties, I was fascinated to come across a handwritten story that was 20 years old. It was a window to the past, a reminder of simpler times before the pandemic had upended our world. My aunt was battling cancer at the time, and as I read the handwritten story from my high school journal, I reflected on the struggles that people like my aunt had to endure during the pandemic. It was truly heart-wrenching to imagine the added challenges they faced, including the sudden requirement of masks, restrictions on visitations, and constantly changing mandates in hospitals, treatment centers, and doctors’ offices. The thought of battling cancer during such unprecedented times was unimaginable, and yet so many people had to do just that. 

During the pandemic, our country also saw a rise in Asian-related hate crimes. As a teacher and basketball coach, I had the honor of hosting six young men from various Asian countries. These students quickly became like brothers to me, and their presence in my life was incredibly meaningful, especially since I had grown up as an only child. My parents welcomed them into our family, and we celebrated holidays, birthdays, and special events together. While some of them continued their studies in the United States, others returned to their home countries. I even had the privilege of visiting a few of them in China and Taiwan, strengthening our bonds even further. One of them, Jimmy from China, lived with me for over six years. He completed his degree at an American university and has since returned to China, where he is now married with a beautiful daughter. The surge in anti-Asian racism during the pandemic deeply affected me. I witnessed the hurtful and derogatory comments made towards my "brothers" solely because of their nationality. This experience filled me with a sense of shame and guilt for not doing more to effect change. It became clear to me that I had a responsibility to utilize my voice and platform to shed light on this issue. That's when I made the decision to write "Fated to Love You," a novel that not only explores the intricacies of contemporary romance but also delves into deeper themes such as cultural identity, family dynamics, and the resilience to overcome adversity. Through this book, I aimed to take readers on a journey through different countries and cultures, providing a window into the incredible diversity of our world.

This novel is a testament to the power of love and resilience, as it follows the journey of a relatable and complex character who faces her own challenges and triumphs in the midst of real-life events. From the very first word to the final page, “Fated to Love You” became more than a love story between a biracial couple. It’s the journey of Cassandra “Cassie” Temperance Steel, a multifaceted character who escapes to Colombia to mend a broken heart. The novel’s setting is interwoven with real-life events that occurred between 2016-2019 (Book 1) and 2020-2023 (Book 2-3), crossing borders and cultures, and showcasing the diversity of our world. The first book, “Fated to Love You,” is set before the pandemic, while the second book, “Threads of Fate,” chronicles the main characters navigating through the pandemic and other significant events, much like Forest Gump

S:  The world changed so much during and after the pandemic. I think that is worth exploring.

Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Fated to Love You?"  

K:  The Chasing the Comet series will consist of three books. "Fated to Love You" serves as the first book in the trilogy, and I'm delighted to announce that I have already finished writing Books II and III. The second book is titled, "Threads of Fate," while the third book is titled, "The Invisible Thread." The second and third novels will be combined into a special 2-in-1 edition, scheduled for release in 2024. I am eagerly looking forward to sharing the remaining chapters of the story with my readers as the characters delve deeper into the intricacies of fate and the profound strength of love.

Here's the blurb for "Fated to Love You"--

Cassandra Steel’s passion for science opens doors to an incredible opportunity—a study abroad program in Colombia’s Amazon Rainforest. Still reeling from a devastating breakup, Cassie throws herself into research, convinced that love is not in the cards. However, fate has other plans.

Enter Zhang Xuan, a captivating fellow scientist who unexpectedly captures Cassie’s heart. As they begin to explore their feelings for each other, they are forced to confront the harsh reality that their time together may be limited.

With their time abroad coming to an end, Cassie undertakes a final humanitarian project, delivering school supplies to local children. But tragedy strikes when a devastating mudslide hits. Against all odds, Cassie and Xuan cling to the hope that their connection is more than mere chance—a result of a powerful twist of fate.

Join Cassie and Zhang on a journey of true love, blazing as fiercely as the stars, as they navigate the complexities of destiny and defy the odds that stand in their way.

S:  Where can readers buy "Fated to Love You?"  

K:  It's available at all major booksellers, including--

Publisher (eXtasy Books):  https://www.extasybooks.com/Fated-to-Love-You

Bookshop Santa Cruz (Paperback):   https://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/book/9781487437633




Two Birds Books at Pleasure Point:  https://twobirdsbooks.com/

S:  Kayla, thanks for joining me today and good luck with your series! If you'd like to learn more about Kayla and her books, please visit--

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