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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Boy with the Beautiful Name (The Beautiful Boy Book 1)?

I wanted the world to see the kind of boy who, in my mind, was absolutely perfect.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Boy with the Beautiful Name (The Beautiful Boy Book 1), what would they be?

Sara - "Good Vibrations" from The Beach Boys.

Love Interest - "Alive" from P.O.D.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre is romance. I have written several novels in multiple genres - Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I like Jane Austen.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Sara goes to a party. I love parties and since I am from New York City, I wrote a NYC-style party.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Just a great laptop and lots of determination are what work for me. Imagination is what it really takes and I think that is a gift by itself.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I never give up.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I want my book to be the foundation readers compare all other romance novels against.

Liz Ald is the author of the new book The Boy with the Beautiful Name (The Beautiful Boy Book 1)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Love Painted in Lies?

Living in Maida Vale London and struggling to survive schools, parenting and art forgery.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Comedy. Yes it is.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Anxious People.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The taking her parents on a date scene.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I write on my phone a lot.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Play the glad game from Pollyanna.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

My parents, they're in it. I even kept their names the same!

Holly Denham is the author of the new book Love Painted in Lies

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Mirage Guild?

The inspiration for this book snuck up on me like the realization that maybe, just maybe, I’m not as young as I used to be. It’s a continuation of my debut series, The Prism Society, where originally I planned to tell a different tale. Yet, when I sat down to write, Izzy’s story just poured out. Turning 35 felt like I was suddenly racing against time, a sentiment Izzy embodies perfectly. This book became a channel for all my career changes, uncertainties, and the existential dread of nearing 40. It’s basically wallowing in uncertainty but making it smutty.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Mirage Guild, what would they be?

If 'Be Our Guest' from Beauty and the Beast had a spicy, adults-only version, it would be the anthem of The Mirage Guild. And for Izzy, I’d pick 'I Did Something Bad' by Taylor Swift. She’s always second-guessing her wild choices, but by the end, she’s pretty much owning her chaos.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I oscillate between thrillers and romances like a literary pendulum. When the world gets a bit too dark or deadly in my thrillers, I switch to romances for a mood lift.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR pile is a mountain, but at its peak right now are 'Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door' by Lucy Score, and 'Ninth House' by Leigh Bardugo. Depends on the day whether I’m in the mood for laughs or dark academia vibes.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Oh, the wine cellar scene hands down. There’s something deliciously naughty about sneaking around in a childhood home. It brought out a rebellious spark in Izzy that was just too much fun to write. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of sophisticated wine talk before things get... less sophisticated?

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I’m basically part of the furniture at my local coffee shop. I’ve written nearly every word of my books from one specific chair at one specific table there. If I don't land that spot, my entire writing day feels off.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I signed my books with 'stay spicy' - that applies to all parts of life, not just the sexy ones.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That life doesn’t have a set timeline. We’re all just winging it, trying to find joy wherever we can. There’s no such thing as being behind in life; there's just life, messy and beautiful in its own timing.

Gabi Salas is the author of the new book The Mirage Guild

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Sword of Forgotten Dreams?

I was looking for a fantasy/fiction story and thought this would be an interesting story.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Fiction, cozy mysteries, suspense and thrillers!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Lots from a number of genres, all of the above. short, long, you name it.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The chase scene with Reba leading Ernest and Fredrick on a merry chase.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Music, I have to have music.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Dreams are important, it is perfectly OK to dream.

Callie A. Viera is the author of the new book Sword of Forgotten Dreams

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Good Day To Die?

Speaking to someone like Jim Brazzil, time seems to pull you into a kind of dance. In his presence, you feel the here and now—the there and then. His stories swirl around the table, and all you can do is join in. You’re ten years old and have just been given a death sentence. You expect to die before your twelfth birthday, but you’re so young and curious about life that what you really want is to live and serve God. You’re locked in a cell. You’re in an execution chamber with your hand on a murderer’s ankle. You’re listening to a confession. The hours we spend together between life and death. Faith and hope. Joy and sorrow. Memories and confessions. I knew it had to be a book.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of A Good Day To Die, what would they be?

Jim’s theme song would be “Stairway To Heaven"

Carina Bergfeldt is the author of the new book A Good Day To Die

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Echo Island: The Clan Games?

Picture this: me, buried in books and ancient scrolls, living and breathing Celtic mythology like a modern-day druid. I became so enchanted by the tales of old that I had to share the magic! So, I conjured up a fantastical realm where mystery, magic, and wonder dance together in a mesmerizing waltz. This book is just the opening act of a grand saga—think of it as the first nibble of an epic five-course meal. At first glance, the world might feel like your cozy medieval fantasy, but hold on! The story will unveil the rich tapestry of Celtic lore and other enchanting secrets one tantalizing piece at a time. Trust me, by the end of the series, you’ll be a full-fledged mythology aficionado with a thirst for more!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Echo Island: The Clan Games, what would they be?

You know I had to find something Celitc! For my main character, Calum, the ultimate choice is “Soldier, Poet, King” by The Oh Hellos. Calum is a clever kid, but he’s also smart and maybe just a little wise beyond his years. What better song to help represent him? As for the others? Here’s a quick list:

Brenan - "The Blood of Cu Chulainn" by Mychael Danna & Jeff Danna. What better song for Brenan than one named after a mythical hero!?

Tomas - "Medieval Anthem" by Peter Crowley. This song is quick, and power, but also shares Tomas’s versatility and depth.

Saph - "New Season" by Nadiiife. Just as intense, real, and thoughtful as Saph is.

Lucky - "Dragonfly" by the Gothard Sisters. Light, airy, and a touch of magic. It’s the perfect song for Lucky’s upbeat personality!

Berns - "Tribal King" by Clann An Drumma. Strong, rhythmic, and powerful—just like Berns.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I'm a total fantasy and sci-fi fanatic. Whether it's getting lost in a world of magic and mythical creatures or exploring the far reaches of the galaxy, I can't get enough! Reading and writing in these genres lets me unleash my wildest imagination and go on the most epic adventures. It’s like being handed a ticket to limitless worlds, and I’m always ready to hop on that ride! So yes, the genres I love to read are the same ones I adore writing in—because who wouldn’t want to create and live in realms where anything is possible?

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I know, I know—this is wild, but I’ve never read The Lord of the Rings! It's the holy grail of fantasy and somehow I missed that boat. Plus, I'm super excited to dive into Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Space adventures and brilliant scientists? Yes, please!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

One of my favorite parts to write was when I finally introduced Tuatha De Danann! They’re a much larger part of the book than first meets the eye and it felt so good to finally bring them in!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I’ve got this slightly self-destructive fidgeting habit—whenever I’m deep in thought, I need something to twiddle with. If my hands leave the keyboard, it’s game over; I’ll start grinding my teeth and twiddling my thumbs like a maniac. I even keep a mouth guard handy for those extra-intense brainstorming sessions! Fun fact: I once sprained my finger from all the fidgeting. Ouch! Now I make sure to keep a stress ball or some silly putty nearby to save my poor fingers.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

"Hope for the best, prepare for the worst." I’m all about balancing optimism with realism. Dream big, but always pack a parachute just in case!

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Just like the world of Echo Island, there’s so much depth and mystery in our own world. Don’t take anything at face value—always keep questioning, exploring, and diving deeper!

Robert Cade Thompson is the author of the new book Echo Island: The Clan Games

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Timeless Masquerade?

My steamy time travel and historical romances include actual historical figures, and when turning to Regency England I found a great lady from history to include. Bridgerton involves an earlier generation of British royalty, with George III and his wife, German princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Thair arranged marriage produced 15 children, and the two loved one another despite George's growing mental illness. However, their eldest son George, Prince of Wales, and his marriage to Caroline of Brunswick could not have been more different than his parents'. While they remained married until Caroline’s death in 1820, their strained marriage ended in separation after less than 2 years – with a single daughter as heir to the throne who predeceased both parents in 1817. Caroline of Brunswick plays a central role as a femme fatale in Betrayal in the Ballroom (the prequel to the book), and a central role in the action of A Timeless Masquerade, as well as the royal history in the Regency period which was named for her husband’s role as Prince Regent.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love time travel romances – though with that focus I read a lot of non-fiction history for research. But in the end, my love of the HEA wins over the historical facts every time!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I found myself deep into other Regency romances, especially those where masquerade balls, mistaken identity, and dastardly dukes play a major role – The Necessary Arrangements series by Sadie Bosque, and Tammy Andresen’s The Lords of Scandal books were inspirations for me. But I always have other time travel books that I collect as they interest me, regardless of time period, like Irina Shapiro’s The Hands of Time series, and one of Matt Haig’s novels – How to Stop Time.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I found my enemies-to-lovers couple’s frigid relationship thawing when my female love interest searches the empty ballroom for a mask that might return her home – and the man who despises her arrives. There they have an impromptu waltz, with no music, and yet the two move perfectly in sync, as if they were two halves of the same whole. I think they were already in love and didn’t know it!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

My cats have the “assistant’s chair” where they can sit and quietly observe, making sure I’m writing well, when not napping!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Eat dessert first, life is uncertain.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Even the depths of time and separation by history can’t part two lovers destined for one another.

Audra Hershey is the author of the new book A Timeless Masquerade

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