Backstage With The Book Babes

Summary:In episode 19 of Backstage with the Book Babes, we interview hockey romance author, Ruby Rana. She writes romcoms featuring driven women, the hockey players who fall for them, and super fun meet disasters.Ruby shares with us all about her Ottawa Regents series including the comedy, the spice, and the reason she chose Ottawa as the home for her fictional hockey team. Even though Ruby is not Canadian, she has family there and has visited many of the locations she mentions in her books, but she has a special love for Ottawa.She shares with us how the difficulties of bringing physical comedy elements into book form, but how a lot of the inspiration comes from her own life. We even get to hear true story that led to a scene in one of her books.Some of her favorite tropes to write that are included in most of her books include found family and forced proximity. And she tells us how her own found family in real life is just as important as her fictional found families. Although she also enjoys flipping tropes in her books, such as a reverse age gap.We talk a lot about the many hats us indie authors wear and how important it is to be able to pivot when something isn’t working or a new strategy becomes more important. And also how it can be useful to hire help for some of your admin tasks when you’re able to.Ruby’s dream is to get her books on a list in a magazine. This would be the ultimate sign of making it for her. Anyone in magazine publishing listening out there?And her question for readers is: What is the one thing that draws you to a book? Is it a cute cover, the title, the tropes, or the blurb? Let us know in the comments, or post it on The Book Babes Instagram post.It was fantastic getting to know Ruby. We hope you enjoy the show, and if you do, leave us a review on Spotify, Apple, YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.Music by Christopher TallonIf you listen and it brings you joy, make sure to leave a review or help support the podcast through Buy Me A Coffee. Help Support the podcast:Buy Alby a tea: https://buymeacoffee.com/albyblakeBuy Nikki a tea: buymeacoffee.com/nikkijewellAbout Our Guest:Ruby Rana is an elder millennial who writes spicy, funny, and heartfelt romance about sassy brown girls. She excels in sending messages where autocorrect is adamant in embarrassing her.When she's not battling typos, you can find her explaining Midwestern slang to her East Coast-raised husband, being used as a jungle gym by her young children, or really leaning into her plant mom-era.Here’s where you can find Ruby:All linksInstagramThreadsFacebookOttawa Regents on AmazonKeep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

In episode 18 of Backstage with the Book Babes, we interview contemporary romance author, JD Harbor. He writes cruise ship based romances that are humorous, heartfelt, and character driven.JD tells us all about his love of cruising, and shares how he met his wife on a singles cruise. These experiences inspired him to write romance novels where the characters meet on a cruise ship and carry their relationship back to the real world.His current books are all connected as part of the Romantisea Serenades series. The first two books feature a unique dual POV perspective with the first book, Scarlet Wave telling the story from the female main character’s POV and the second book, Golden Shores, telling the same love story from the male main characters POV.The mystical cruise host matchmaker of the series, Maude, was inspired by the real life cruise host who helped JD connect with his wife. And he tells us about how he was able to reconnect with her later on to share their story and her part in his books.He tells us about the very unique experience of traveling on board the LoveLit cruise with a small group of readers and other authors. We learn all about the deeper connections he was able to form with readers during this five day adventure.And what skills has JD learned to support his writing? He’s become an amateur mixologist learning how to mix all kinds of fun drinks. His wife really appreciates this skill.JD’s dream is to have a contract with a cruise line to stock his books. Any cruise ship operators listening out there?We had so much fun talking with JD. Enjoy the show.Music by Christopher TallonHelp Support the podcast:If you listen and it brings you joy, make sure to leave a review or help support the podcast through Buy Me A Coffee. Buy Alby a tea: https://buymeacoffee.com/albyblakeBuy Nikki a tea: buymeacoffee.com/nikkijewellAbout Our Guest:JD writes contemporary romance that feels like a true escape, set in sun filled destinations where connection comes easily and emotions run deep. His stories focus on slow burn chemistry, found family, and characters who discover love when they least expect it. Expect sharp banter, heartfelt moments, and relationships that feel earned from the first spark to the final page.Here’s where you can find JD:linktr.ee/jdharbor, jdharbor.com, instagram.com/jdharbor Keep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:In episode 17 of Backstage with the Book Babes, we interview contemporary romance author, Monique Fisher. She writes spicy but cosy romcoms featuring lovable characters. These include her Richardson siblings trilogy and the Decadence series.We chat about the reasons behind Monique choosing to write romcoms including her love of 90s romcom movies like Pretty Woman and Boomerang. Her background in theater has also been a big influence on her writing career. She has tried her hand at various writing mediums, but really found her love with romance novels. She calls her books low angst, cozy romcoms, and believes the world needs this sort of fiction.Monique also talked about the opposing sides of life as an author. The stress of balancing a job with her family and her writing. But on the other side, the joys of creating fictional worlds. She particularly loves writing in series, so readers can follow the Easter Eggs as they read through.Revisions are one of her favorite parts of the writing process. She likens them to rehearsals from her theater days. And she loves to analyze sentences, dialogue and character arcs in order to make her books the best they can be.One of Monique’s other endeavors has been to create an amazing community of black romance authors. Not only does she collaborate with black cover designers, beta readers, and sensitivity readers, she also connects and uplifts other black authors. She tells us about how she created an online community of black women authors and all about their weekly video meetups.Monique’s question for readers is, will you buy my books and tell your friends to as well.What a fascinating conversation.Music by Christopher TallonIf you listen and it brings you joy, make sure to leave a review or help support the podcast through Buy Me A Coffee. Help Support the podcast:Buy Alby a tea: https://buymeacoffee.com/albyblakeBuy Nikki a tea: buymeacoffee.com/nikkijewellAbout Our Guest:Monique Fisher is a theatre and comic book geek who always has her hands glued to the keyboard conjuring up happily ever afters. She writes modern, fun, real-life romances set in cities and small towns featuring a diverse cast of big-hearted, lovable characters. She has written and released nine books including seven which serve as the introduction to her MRCU (Mo’s Rom-Com Universe). She lives in Los Angeles with her two boys Michael and Alexander. Her dream is to write full time without the aid of anine to five. Fingers crossed!To connect with Monique, you can find her here:HOME | Monique FisherIG/Threads: @moniquefisherauthorTik Tok: monique.fisherauthorSubstack: moniquefisherKeep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:In this episode of Backstage with the Book Babes, we interview Canadian romance author, Cortney Murchie. She writes in a variety of contemporary romance subgenres, but her current published works include the Unmatched series, where she gets to dig into her personal experiences with online dating and share the chaos. If you’ve got any online dating horror stories, she’d be happy to hear about them.We get into the varying spice levels of her books including Sleigh Your Name, her self-professed Smutty Christmas Romance book. This includes some research into candy cane toys and questionable uses of tinsel.We learn about some of the staples of her writing process including snacks and trashy reality TV shows. We also discuss her poetry books and her failed foray into using a typewriter to create typewritten poetry. Apparently it’s a lot more work than a regular computer keyboard.She tells us about her experience making audiobooks with her narrator Casey Montgomery, and the editing services she offers other authors.Book Babe Nikki initially met Cortney at the Romance, Eh? Event in Edmonton, Alberta, so we reminisce a little about that and hear about her first signing events.If you love a little chaos, a lot of heart and similar vibes to the book babes, you’ll love this episode.If you listen and it brings you joy, make sure to leave a review or help support the podcast through Buy Me A Coffee. Music by Christopher TallonHelp Support the podcast:Buy Alby a tea: https://buymeacoffee.com/albyblakeBuy Nikki a tea: buymeacoffee.com/nikkijewellAbout Our Guest:Influenced by her wild imagination and life experiences, Cortney loves to explore the depths of emotion and the unconventional. When she isn’t lost in her writing, you can find her nose buried in a good book, watching hockey or spending time with her favourite people—her twins.Cortney pours her heart and soul into every piece she creates and has been writing from a very young age. She likes to take her readers on a journey through shadows and light and reflects on the complexity of human nature and the beauty you can find in the darkness.To connect with Cortney Murchie, follow her on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coocachooHer books can be found on Amazon ( https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Cortney-Murchie/author/B0DFYXCSXD?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true ), at Under The Covers and Grismby Books, with more coming soon. And can be purchased directly from her.Keep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:In this episode of Backstage With The Book Babes we have a very interesting chat with Madeline Nixon. Madeline is a Canadian Contemporary Romance Author who writes in a variety of subgenres and spice levels.She started her publishing career writing ghost stories but moved on to explore her love of the romance genre. She’s also taken her interest in the paranormal to to add in some mystery and ghost hunting threads to some of her new romance books.We talk about manifesting and scheming to make your author dreams come true.And Madeline tells us what it’s like writing with a group of authors to create themed anthologies and a shared author series.We chat about the Rose City Romance Conference in Windsor, ON where we’ll get to see each other. And Madeline catches us up on other events she’ll be attending in 2026.Madeline’s question for listeners is: What do you want to see more of on authors’ social media accounts. Do you want a peek behind the scenes of author life, pictures, videos, or something else? What is it that keeps you engaged? You can answer in the comments on our YouTube channel or on our social media accounts.Music by Christopher TallonHelp Support the podcast:Buy Nikki a tea: buymeacoffee.com/nikkijewellBuy Alby a tea: https://buymeacoffee.com/albyblakeAbout Our Guest:Madeline Nixon has been a dog walker, a nanny, a baker, a shoe saleswoman, a chocolatier, and an editor, but the title she’s most fond of is author. She writes books with swoony romance and spooky ghost stories. Sometimes, she publishes a combination of the two. She is also included in three romance anthologies. When she’s not writing, you can find her hunting ghosts, planning elaborate theme parties, and baking new recipes. She lives in a suburb outside of Toronto.To connect with Madeline Nixon, follow her on social media:https://madelinenixon.comSocial media: @markedwithanmKeep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:Join The Book Babes as we chat with Romantasy and Sci Fi Romance author Catie O’Neill about her writing journey and process. We talk to her about her love of writing interest genre mashups. As an engineer, she loves writing STEM FMCs in her Sci Fi Romances and other strong female characters in her Romantasy books. She tells us about designing her own covers, and her connection with an incredible artist who creates gorgeous sprayed edges for her. She tells us about the very different MMCs in her why choose Romantasy series and which character is the most like her.Catie’s question for listeners is: “Which type of MMC do you prefer? The morally grey bad boy or the kind considerate green flag character? Drop your answer in the comments or visit The Book Babes’ social media to answer there.Support The Book Babes:https://buymeacoffee.com/nikkijewellhttps://buymeacoffee.com/albyblakeMusic by Christopher TallonAbout Our Guest:Growing up in upstate New York, I rarely saw females in STEM fields. While earning my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, I was often the only woman in the room. Those experiences now fuel my stories, featuring fierce female protagonists who aren't afraid to prove their worth in male-dominated spaces. Because let's face it—we've all had that moment when someone assumed we were the secretary instead of the engineer in charge.When I'm not building worlds or crunching numbers in my infamous spreadsheets (yes, I'm that kind of organized), you'll find me hiking with my beloved Corgi, Kieran (named after the FBAA character—fellow book lovers, you know who I mean!). My other passions include experimental cooking (my crispy smashed potatoes are legendary) and tending to my vegetable garden.To connect with Catie, follow her on social media:Website: https://catie1024.wixsite.com/catieoneillauthorInsta & Tiktok: @catiereadsandwritesBooks: Amazon.com: Catie O'Neill: books, biography, latest updateKeep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Sports Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:In this episode The Book Babes chat with spicy contemporary romance author Kate Smoak. She also happens to be the founder and organizer of the fantastic Canadian book signing event Rose City Romance.We talked with Kate about her extra spicy romance books and how she likes to subvert tropes and expectations. Things got a little spicy when we dug into her search history. But we also chatted about her nerves over her first ever book signing event. And how her experiences at signings led to her decision to organize her own romance event in Windsor, Ontario.So, you get dual POV in this one, learning about Kate’s own books and inspiration as well as her event planner side.Both the Book Babes are attending the signing in its second year, so we had a great time talking about the event.Music by Christopher TallonAbout Our Guest:Kate Smoak is a Canadian spicy contemporary romance author, event owner/organizer, and unapologetic book lover. She loves to write broken heroines and subverting expectations. As founder of the Rose City Romance, she loves to bring readers and authors together to share in the love of falling in love with a good book. When not writing her next love story or planning an event, you’ll find her cheering on other indie authors & creators, and reminding everyone that romance readers are the best!Here’s where you can find Kate & The Rose City Romance Conference:Books: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Kate-Smoak/author/B0CKPW9W9L?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueAuthor: www.katesmoak.caAll the Kate Smoak links: bio.site/katesmoakAuthor Socials: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads @katesmoakwritesEvent Site: www.rosecityromance.caEvent Tickets: https://rosecityromance2026.eventbrite.caEvent Socials: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Threads @rosecityromanceKeep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Sports & Contemporary Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:In this episode The Book Babes have a chat with the fantastic Canadian romance author, Hannah Brixton. She writes small town romance with neurodivergency, and mental health representation. We had an amazing chat with Hannah where we discussed everything from research into ocean themed toys to the constant exhaustion of an ADHD brain. We talked a lot about managing life and writing, and trying to get better at celebrating our book launches.Hannah shared her story of how a real life landscaping project inspired her first book, and how her fictional small town evolved around this. She also shared her pride in being a Canadian author and evolving to embrace this in future projects.Hannah is an artist and shared her process of creating her own book covers. Turns out since we filmed this with her, she’s starting creating premade book covers for other authors.She told us about her recent foray into live events and the enjoyment she finds connecting with readers.We also dug pretty deep into preventing burnout and not stretching ourselves too thin.Overall, it was a great conversation with funny moments, real moments, and great connections.Hannahs Question for Listeners: Do you have an interest in more stories set in Canada?Music by Christopher TallonAbout Our Guest:Hannah Brixton is a contemporary romance author who lives with her husband, three children, and two cats on beautiful Vancouver Island. A self-proclaimed word nerd, Hannah has a long-standing love of language. She loves writing neurodivergent characters and hopes to normalize mental health struggles through her writing. Her books are steamy romantic comedies with more serious topics woven throughout—romantic dramedies, perhaps—always filled with heart, spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after.Here’s where you can find Hannah:https://www.hannahbrixton.com/https://www.instagram.com/hannah.brixtonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@hannah.brixton.authorhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/41609459.Hannah_Brixtonhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Hannah-Brixton/author/B0CHDN9YDVKeep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Sports & Contemporary Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: ⁠authornikkijewell.com⁠Event Links: ⁠://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks⁠Find Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.com

Summary:In episode 11, The Book Babes interview romance author Samara Knight. We had such a fascinating conversation with Samara. She writes in multiple subgenres including her spy series and her Viking fantasy romance.But that’s not all. Samara is also a talented artist who has created her own graphic novel as well as her own book covers, and the interior illustrations.We learned all about her visual artist side as well as the super fun sketch parties she runs. Attendees get to sketch their own morally grey men.The Book Babes only wish they lived out in the prairies so they could attend one. She also recorded her own audiobook, so make sure to check that out as she’s working on the next one in the series.From Nikki's cat, Simon trying to steal the show to some deeper moments of introspection, this episode has it all. We hope you enjoy the ride as we get to know romance author Samara Knight and learn all about her writing process and author life.Music by Christopher TallonAbout Our Guest:Samara Knight wears many hats as an indie author and artist. She delivers romance forged through danger, desire, and mind-bending twists. Her stories cut across eras and worlds, but they always center on intense chemistry, moral complexity, and the thrill of secrets unraveling under pressure.Before writing fiction, she worked as a journalist, a travel writer, and a manga illustrator. Born on the equator, she now lives in the Canadian prairies with her found family.To connect with Samara, find her here:Website: samara-knight.comBooks: linktr.ee/samaraknightSpecial edition books: heastorical.etsy.comInsta, Threads, TT: @samaraknightauthorKeep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Sports plus Romances:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:Backstage with the Book Babes podcast episode 10. In this episode the Book Babes chat with fellow sports romance author Stef CR. It was fantastic getting to know her and learning all about her journey from hockey romance to tennis and her upcoming MM pickleball romance novella, Dill-lightful. She told us all about her writing process and vibes, where she gets her inspiration, and her interest in focusing on female athletes in her future books. We also got down and dirty into the origin story of Sports Romance Con, and what it’s like planning an event of this scope with two other amazing authors. This epic book signing event is going into its second fabulous year and Book Babe Alby will also be attending. She also told us about quitting her corporate job to go full time as an author, and we love seeing author’s dreams come true like this. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we loved recording it with her.Music by Christopher TallonAbout Our Guest:Project leader by day, romance author by night, Stef C.R. lives in West Michigan with her husband and not one, not two, but three cats.When she's not working or writing stories, she spends her time reading fantasy and romance, endlessly cheering on the Red Wings, Charles LeClerc, and listening to Noah Kahan.You can find Stef CR at the link below:https://www.hopp.bio/stefwritesstoriesKeep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:Join The Book Babes as we chat with small town romance author Sienna Mills about her journey into the world of romance writing, discussing her inspirations, the charm of small town settings, and the importance of community among authors. Learn about her debut full-length novel, The Principal Project, and discover how she creates engaging small town rom-coms filled with Easter eggs, spice, and relatable characters. She reflects on her book launch experience, the role of ARC readers, and her plans for future projects, all while emphasizing the significance of reader engagement and feedback. Sienna also touches on her writing process, the challenges of balancing family life with her writing career, and her excitement for upcoming works that explore new tropes and themes.We had a fantastic and very fun chat with Sienna, and hope you enjoy it as much as we did.Takeaways:Journey to publishing a debut novelCreating engaging small town rom-comsBuilding and marketing a book seriesUsing Easter eggs and layered details in booksEffective strategies for ARC campaignsMusic by Christopher TallonAbout Our Guest:Sienna Mills lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where she spends most of her time dreaming up her next book boyfriend and the woman he’s obsessed with. If she isn’t writing, she’s with her family.To connect with Sienna, follow her on social media:www.siennamillsromance.comInstagram: @siennamillsromanceGet The Principal Project: https://www.amazon.com/Principal-Problem-Sienna-Mills/dp/B0G52B7H3VKeep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:In this episode The Book Babes have a chat with the amazing Aubrey Taylor. She writes romance in a variety of genres including sports, small town, and cowboy romance. We chat about all things author life including her 2000’s CW TV show inspiration, wildly varied playlists, and some real life inspiration. She shares info about her baseball romance series, her co-authored cowboy romance series, and her amazing supportive family. There was definitely laughter and some shenanigans, but if you love our chaotic vibes then we know you’re going to love Aubrey.Takeaways:Aubrey Taylor is an indie romance author who writes in a variety of subgenresHer writing origin story started in the fanfiction spaceShe’s got some majorly rabid fans who even get tattoos inspired by her booksAubrey creates her own branding and social media herselfCreating a safe space for her readers is very important to herShe’s got her own found family in the writing communityHer spice levels vary by book and depend on her characters and their storiesShe’s got an amazing, supportive familyEmpowering women in sports in the real world and in fiction is crucialMusic by Christopher TallonAbout Our Guest:Aubrey Taylor is a 33-year-old mom living in chilly Canada with her two kids and wonderful husband. Raised by Dean Winchester, Percy Jackson, and horror movies. She's a loud, nerdy, sarcastic lover of stories. Her favourites always include chosen families and adventure. With massive emotions of her own, she puts her entire heart into her characters and stories.Here’s where to find Aubrey:Website: https://www.aubreytaylorauthor.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorauthor/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1007852113638005Find her books on Amazon and KU here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aubrey-Taylor/author/B0BKLPNN4Z?Keep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:The Book Babes talk to sports romance author Charlie Dee about the highs and lows of life as an indie author. They discuss the journey of becoming an author, the intricacies of writing sports romance, and the importance of community support in the indie author world. They explore the creative process, marketing challenges, and the significance of celebrating milestones in an author's career. Charlie shares insights into her writing rituals, the inspiration behind her books, and her plans for future projects, including a new hockey series. The discussion also touches on reader engagement, cover design, and the fun of writing fiction, making it a rich resource for aspiring authors and romance readers alike.We had a super fun and hilarious conversation with Charlie, and we hope you enjoy the ride.Takeaways:Charlie Dee is an indie author specializing in sports romance.The journey to becoming an author often involves community support.Writing rituals can enhance creativity and focus.Marketing is a constant challenge for authors.Celebrating milestones is important in an author's journey.Charlie draws inspiration from her love of baseball.The spice factor in romance varies by character and story.Readers enjoy interconnected stories within a series.Cover design plays a crucial role in branding for authors.Engaging with readers through questions fosters community.Music by Christopher TallonAbout Our Guest:Charlie Dee loved reading romance so much she decided to write the stories in her head. She lives on the East Coast with her family and her dog that looks like a mini cow. When she's not escaping reality with her writing she's spending time with her family & friends, cheering on her favorite sports teams or reading. She loves being able to meld her favorite things in life into her writing.Here’s where to find Charlie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcharliedeeFacebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WdxYrwH6/?mibextid=wwXIfrNewsletter: https://substack.com/@authorcharliedee?r=47ayzk&utm_medium=iosFind her books on Amazon and KU here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Charlie-Dee/author/B0D4889JDQ?Keep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Bridging Shakespeare and Romance: An Interview with Nuhaa BardienJoin the Book Babes as we dive into the creative process of Nuhaa Bardien, a South African author who reimagines Shakespearean tragedies into delightful contemporary romance and rom-coms. Discover how she blends classic storytelling with modern love, and get insights on writing diverse characters, crafting spicy scenes, and balancing motherhood with authorship.Key Topics:Nuhaa’s inspiration for her Shakespeare retellings and their adaptation into light romantic comedies.The process of developing characters inspired by real people, including diverse representation.Her approach to creating engaging, nostalgic scenes reminiscent of 2000s rom-coms.How she balances her roles as an author and a mother.The significance of illustrated covers and collaboration with cover artists.Strategies for staying motivated during long writing journeys.Stories behind her books, personal inspirations, and reader interactions.Managing cultural references and language differences between South Africa, the UK, and the US.The joy of sewing, gaming, and the importance of mental breaks while writing.Nuhaa was an absolute delight to talk to. Enjoy the laughs and the insights.Music by Christopher TallonAbout Our Guest:Nuhaa Bardien is a romance author from Cape Town, South Africa, known for her By the Book series, a collection of standalone novels inspired by Shakespearean plays. She has a standalone Christmas Novella, One Turned True, that features a side character from the By the Book Series.Nuhaa writes romance novels with "swoon worthy men and strong women" and "happily ever afters". Her books often feature spicy, open-door scenes.To connect with Nuhaa, follow her on social media:Instagram: @nuhaawritesTikTok: @authornuhaabardienWebsite: https://nuhaawrites.com/Books:By the Book series:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP2RG4CW?binding=kindle_edition&ref_=ast_author_bsiChristmas Novella: https://www.amazon.com/One-Turned-True-Christmas-Novella-ebook/dp/B0FG8DS8DNKeep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comLearn about Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Sports & Contemporary Romance:Instagram/Threads/TikTok: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

In episode five of Backstage with the Book Babes, Melissa Whitney shares her journey as a contemporary romance author who focuses on disability and mental health representation. She discusses her unique writing process, the adaptations she makes as a blind author, and the importance of authentic mental health portrayals in literature. Whitney also highlights her experiences connecting with readers at events, the significance of book covers, and the challenges of balancing her writing career with full-time work. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the impact of reader feedback and the importance of self-care in the writing process. In this engaging conversation, Melissa Whitney shares her experiences as an author, discussing the balance between writing and personal life, her writing rituals, and the characters that inspire her. She delves into the importance of research, especially in paranormal romance, and explores the themes of consent and character development in her works. Whitney also reflects on her future goals as an author, the significance of celebrating book launches, and the joy of engaging with readers. With insights into her upcoming release, 'The Recovery Run', she emphasizes the importance of authenticity in storytelling and reader connections..Music by Christopher TallonAbout our Guest:Melissa Whitney hails from Western New York but resides in Southern California with her sports-obsessed husband and rescue pugs. With a master’s in social work from the University of Buffalo (UB), Melissa’s career has focused on people. What’s romance but the exploration of people? The transition from healthcare to romance author was a logical one (at least for Melissa).When not in search of the perfect scone at a local bakery, Melissa writes contemporary romances that, much like the perfect cup of tea, are steamy, warm the heart, and nourish the soul. As a legally blind woman married to an autistic man, Melissa’s stories explore themes of disability, mental health, trauma, and family through a steamy, comedic, and sometimes heartbreaking lens. Life is not always a romcom nor a drama, neither are Melissa’s stories.To connect with Melissa, follow her on social media:Instagram - @Melissa_WhitneyAuthorTikTok - @melissasuewhitneyFacebook – Melissa Whitney Author PageKeep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesFind Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFind Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

In this episode of Backstage with the Book Babes, hosts Nikki Jewell and Alby Blake chat with author Ruan Willow about her diverse writing journey across multiple romance subgenres. They discuss the challenges of balancing reader expectations, market trends, and the importance of female empowerment in romance literature. Ruan shares insights on her writing process, the significance of book events, and the impact of reader feedback. The conversation also touches on the role of humor in romance and the influence of real-life experiences on character development.Music by Christopher TallonAbout Our Guest:Ruan Willow is a multi-pen name author who writes in spicy HEA romance subgenres, spicy romcom, alternative lifestyle (Ruan Willow), both queer and heterosexual, and open door Romantasy/magical/paranormal/dark romance (R.U. Ann). Her writing ranges across various levels of heat—but don't pen her in a box! Writing about love and relationships, especially open door, are her jam. She writes about empowered women seeking pleasure with their partners for mutual satiation, no needs ignored and mutual enjoyment a must. Her characters love to explore their sexuality and pleasure in unrestricted consensual ways. She's also a podcaster at Oh F*ck Yeah with Ruan Willow, and an audiobook narrator..Links:http://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/https://linktr.ee/RuanWillowhttps://ruanwillowauthor.com/http://instagram.com/ruanwillowhttps://www.facebook.com/ruan.willow/Threads: ruanwillow and ruanwillowauthorTikTok ruanwillow.Keep Up With The Book Babes:Social Media: BackstagewiththebookbabesEmail: [email protected] & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabes.Find Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.com.Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:Social Media: @nikkijewell_booksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comEvent Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

In this episode of Backstage with the Book Babes, hosts Alby Blake and Nikki Jewell welcome authors Gala Russ and D.L. Croisette, who co-write under the pen name Willa Drew. The conversation explores the origins of their unique pen name, their co-authoring journey, and the evolution of their writing process. They discuss the importance of character development, the themes and tropes in their romance novels, and the varying spice levels in their books. The authors share their experiences meeting readers, memorable moments from book events, and their writing rituals that help them stay focused and creative. Listeners will gain insights into the challenges and joys of being a co-author and the emotional connections that come from writing romance. In this engaging conversation, the authors discuss their writing processes, the significance of character names, and how personal experiences shape their narratives. They explore cultural insights through their characters, the quirks of research, and the importance of reader engagement. The discussion also touches on the challenges of writing certain tropes, the emotional depth in romance, and their upcoming projects, providing a comprehensive look into the world of writing and storytelling. Backstage with the Book Babes is perfect for romance readers, authors, and anyone interested in the romance book community.Music by Christopher TallonMeet Willa Drew:Two authors. Two countries. One obsession with love stories.Willa Drew’s contemporary slow-burn romances are full of feels, playful banter, cinnamon roll vibes and high-stakes emotions. Their globetrotting characters fight for love as they discover who they are and where they belong.Willa, a proud Canadian and devoted Leafs hockey fan, and Drew, a Russian American with a lifelong love of languages, always search for the perfect words to capture heartbreak and connection.Their romance books guarantee swoon-worthy kisses and happily ever afters.Come hang out with them @willadrewauthor or at willadrew.comFind the Book Babes on social media: @backstagewiththebookbabesSend us an email [email protected] us as an author guest: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesConnect with Nikki Jewell on socials: @nikkijewell_booksOr visit her website: www.authornikkijewell.comHang with Alby Blake on socials: @author_alby_blakeOr visit her website: www.lovelunapress.com

In this episode of the Book Babes podcast, hosts Alby Blake and Nikki Jewell welcome their good friend author Kade Charest to discuss her journey in writing romance novels. They explore Kade's experiences at the Author Nation Conference, her writing process, and the various sub-genres of romance she writes. The conversation touches on character development, the spice levels in her books, and the influence of her nursing career on her writing. The hosts also share personal anecdotes about their romantic lives and the challenges of adapting books into films. With humor and insight, they delve into the world of romance writing and the connections formed within the author community. The book signing event Kade mentioned she'll be attending is Romance Atlanta Writers and Readers. It will be held on June 27th, 2026 in Columbus, Georgia.Music by Christopher TallonYou can find Kade Charest at https://authorkadecharest.com/https://www.instagram.com/authorkadecharest/https://www.threads.com/@authorkadecharesthttps://www.facebook.com/authorkadecharesthttps://www.tiktok.com/@authorkadecharestHer books are available on bookshop.org or check her website for links to independent book stores who carry her works. They're also available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited.Find the Book Babes on Instagram, Threads, and Tiktok @backstagewiththebookbabesSend us an email to [email protected] or if you're an author interested in a guest spot, you can find our application at linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesYou can find Alby here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/479556357934706Bro Amazing: https://books2read.com/BroAmazinghttps://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

In the first episode of 'Backstage with the Book Babes' you'll get to know your hosts, romance authors Nikki Jewell and Alby Blake. We'll let you know all the details of our brand new author interview podcast. The Book Babes are all about sharing knowledge, building a community, and being inclusive. We'll share our 'fated mates' meet-cute story, discuss upcoming events and signings, and delve into the life of a romance author. We'll even be spilling the tea on our upcoming sports romance books in a brand new subgenre. This podcast episode is a fun little way to dip your toe in and get to know the babes behind the books.The writing gloves Nikki mentioned are by Storiarts. We are not affiliated or sponsored by them, just happy to share.Follow us on social media: Instagram, Threads, and TikTok @backstagewithebookbabes. Send us an email: [email protected] Or apply to be an author guest at linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabesYou can find Alby here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blakeWebsite: www.lovelunapress.comFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/479556357934706Bro Amazing: https://books2read.com/BroAmazingYou can find Nikki here:Link tree https://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooksWebsite: authornikkijewell.comInstagram: Instagram.com/nikkijewell_booksTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@nikkijewell_booksThreads: @nikkijewell_booksBookBub: BookBub.com/profile/Nikki-Jewell Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/author?ref=dbs_G_A_C&asin=B0C94MJ2LXFB Profile: https://www.facebook.com/nikki.jewell.authorReader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nikkijewellreaders