In this episode, we’re joined by Valerie Pepper and discuss her journey to becoming a romance author, how she was able to write a dozen books in three years, why she loves being an indie author and the challenges associated with it, and why writing a spicy scene takes her much longer than a non-spicy scene. We also spend the majority of the conversation discussing her latest romance book, Worth the Try, featuring a rugby romance where the single dad falls for the nanny. We discuss why she wanted to write a rugby romance, how she incorporates her personal experience in her writing, how the character development for the main female character was almost accidental, and why she likes to have readers go on an emotional rollercoaster in her books. 

Also, make sure to check out all of Valerie’s books:

• The Atlanta Granite
  • Worth the Try
  • The No Try Zone (Coming Spring 2026)
• Guided to Love
  • The Mechanic's Guide to Getting the Boss's Daughter
  • The Widow's Guide to Second Chances
  • The Barista's Guide to the Perfect Steam
  • The Grump's Guide to Chaos
• Lucky in Love
  • Dining for Love
  • Dashing For Love
  • Late to Love
  • Hate to Love
• Scared River
  • Love Potion No. 69
  • Karaoke Chemistry
• Lightning in a Bottle

All of Valerie’s books are available on her website or Amazon. 

About Valerie Pepper

Valerie Pepper writes steamy small-town and sports romance hot enough to fry an egg on. Naturally, she’s an incurable optimist and a firm believer in happily ever afters, even if it takes more than one try. She’s living out her own second-chance romance in Birmingham, Alabama, with her family.  

Connect with Valerie Pepper:

Website: https://www.authorvaleriepepper.com 

Instagram: @authorvaleriepepper

TikTok: @authorvaleriepepper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorValeriePepper 

Threads: @authorvaleriepepper

Connect with Late Night Reads:

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Instagram: @latenightreadspodcast

TikTok: @latenightreadspodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LateNightReadsPodcast/

Threads: @latenightreadspodcast

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