Imagine strolling along a beach, hand in hand with your love, the salty breeze curling around you, the sun dipping low on the horizon. Romantic, right? Now, imagine bending down, picking up an old glass bottle, and discovering a 132-year-old message inside.
There are a lot of great habits out there—exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep—but let’s be honest: nothing feels quite as good as curling up with a great book and getting lost in a story. And here’s the best part: it turns out that reading isn’t just a fantastic escape—it’s actually good for you.
Why Reading Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Yourself Read More »
If you’ve been around my books long enough (and if you haven’t—welcome!), you might have noticed something odd. Unlike many authors who settle into one or maybe two genres and build their empire there, I hop between romance sub-genres like a caffeinated rabbit.
Why I Jump Across So Many Romance Sub-Genres Read More »
That said, the latest romantasy trend making the rounds is the so-called “Shadow Daddy” archetype—a morally complex, brooding hero with shadowy powers and an unshakable devotion to his love interest. Fans swoon over these characters, lured in by their blend of dangerous allure and unexpected tenderness.
The Rise of “Shadow Daddies” in Romantasy—Or, How We’ve Been Here Before Read More »
This was a guest post, some years back and some of you who toured around guest blogs with me might remember it. I’ve been talking about crafts a bit lately. I think, mostly, because I don’t have time to actually, you know, craft. Although there’s an argument to be made that writing a book is
Meandering Paw Prints Scarf Read More »
Have you ever watched a romance movie based on a book you loved only to leave the theater (or your couch) shouting, “What was THAT supposed to be?!” It’s a universal truth: Hollywood struggles to capture the magic of a romance novel. Instead of swooning, we’re rolling our eyes. Instead of rooting for the couple,
Why Can’t Hollywood Get Romance Right? Read More »
In light of recent allegations against Neil Gaiman, I find myself grappling with the complex relationship between an author’s personal conduct and their creative work.
When Stories Collide with Scandals: Neil Gaiman and the Reader’s Dilemma Read More »
If you’ve been in the book community for any length of time, you probably already know that publishing has transformed in a huge way. Digital books, self-publishing platforms, and audiobook giants have given authors so many new avenues to share their stories with you. But let’s step off the well-trodden paths of traditional publishing and big online bookstores for a moment and explore a more exciting alternative: crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Patreon.
Other Places to Find Good Books: Wattpad Read More »
Let’s talk about something we all know and love: the romance reader community. If you’ve ever swooned over a hero or squealed over a perfectly written grand gesture, chances are you’ve shared that excitement somewhere—with friends, book clubs, or, more likely these days, online. And one of the biggest platforms for romance fans to connect is Goodreads. It’s where we track our endless TBRs, leave reviews, and, every year, collectively lose our minds over the Goodreads Choice Awards.
If you’ve ever picked up a romance novel and thought, “Wait, that’s supposed to be the hero? Didn’t the author say he has a scar, dark curls, and a brooding stare? Why is this guy blond and smirking like a toothpaste model?”—you’re not alone. Romance readers have been puzzling over this for decades. Let’s unravel
Why Don’t Romance Cover Characters Look Like Their Descriptions in the Book? Read More »