Interview with Bella Barwin, Author of Claiming His Dragon

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Claiming His Dragon?

My journey into BDSM romance began when I read The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice. That book showed me how sensual storytelling could be daring, emotional, and deeply human all at once. Later, it was the modern sci-fi romances by authors like Renee Rose, Golden Angel, and Lee Savino that inspired me to take the leap and write in the genre myself.

For years, I had a science fiction story simmering in my mind—a tale set aboard a spaceship—but it never quite took shape. Then I reimagined my hero, not as a human commander, but as an alien from a culture where kink was simply part of life. Suddenly, everything clicked. The heroine became a homeless shapeshifting dragon, desperate for her independence. The hero became a powerful alien, offering her a dangerous bargain. That tension—the push and pull between desire and control—sparked the first book in the Alien Masters of A’Llure series to life.

At its heart, the story is about surrender—not just of the body, but the delicate, dangerous dance of trust and passion.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Claiming His Dragon, what would they be?

Three songs Sam Tinnesz wrote (or co-wrote) give great vibes for the A’Llurian hero, Ahn’Ric, and his shapeshifting Drag’gon, Cassandra, although I slip in one Evanescence song.

Ahn’Ric: “Legends Are Made” is a perfect fit for our ship’s commander. When his father was killed by space pirates, he assumed leadership of the Har Clan fleet. Now, he’s marking his own leadership style, until the Clan’s board of directors orders him to mate a Drag’gon. But no matter what he does, he’s going to be legendary.

Cassandra: “Play with Fire” is a fantastic sensual anthem for a Drag’gon learning that fiery resistance will not result in what she wants. She learns her lesson over Ahn’Ric’s knee. When thinking about songs that capture her core emotional theme, Evanescence’s “Bring Me to Life” is also a good fit, because she’s so afraid to wake up and accept what Ahn’Ric offers.

For Cassandra and Ahn’Ric together: I think “Unleash the Power” captures Ahn’Ric’s dominant powers and the sensual pain-bringing-pleasure these two share when they finally mate.

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

I love lots of genres. Science fiction romance, of course. Kinky BDSM romance of any subgenre? Check. Steamy vampire romance, police procedurals, and urban fantasy are also on the list.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Duke’s Indecent Match by Golden Angel. Historical romance with BDSM… swoon!

Bitter Burn by Sierra Simone, Book 3 in the Lyonesse trilogy. OMG, I can’t wait to find out how the lord of spanking and spy craft repairs the fractures in the threesome he shares with his wife and their bodyguard. The I never meant to fall in love with them vibes are fantastic.

His to Take: A Dark Sci-Fi Romance by Sara Fields. I’m looking forward to Naomi and Ryker’s post-apocalyptic story—sounds hot.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

If I had to choose one, it would be the first time Cassandra is disciplined by Ahn’Ric. He’s a starship commander and CEO of the Har Fleet; she’s a Drag’gon princess, exiled and adrift after her world’s destruction. Her people are only permitted to serve as negotiators—valued for their shapeshifting gifts, but forbidden from true power.

Cassandra’s been coerced into a courtship contract, one that’s as transactional as it is dangerous. If Ahn’Ric breaks it, she walks away with a fortune—enough to rebuild her life. But if she’s the one to end it, all she earns is a negotiator’s wage. So she decides to weaponize her defiance, to make herself the kind of woman a commander would never want to command—or claim.

When that plan backfires and Ahn’Ric finally disciplines her, the moment simmers with confusion and collision. He acts from a place of duty and honor; she, from desperation and fear of losing control. What neither realizes is that his mother’s deceit has blurred the lines of consent, creating a moment that’s both dangerously intimate and deeply human. Writing that scene—balancing moral tension, power, and the slow spark of forbidden desire—was as challenging as it was delicious.

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

When I lie down to sleep, my characters’ fiery interactions start playing like movies in my mind. Sometimes a scene clicks or a plot solution finally gels—and then I can’t fall asleep. I have to roll over, grab my tablet from the nightstand, and tap out notes before the ideas fade. If I wait until morning, all will be lost to Morpheus.

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

Surrender to the fantasy.

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

All relationships are negotiated. In power dynamics, the negotiation is more explicit. But even in a power dynamic, the submissive has purpose, power, and identity outside the dynamic. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I think Cassandra is appropriately recognized at the book’s end for her talents, intelligence, and skills.

Bella Barwin is the author of the new book Claiming His Dragon

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