Backstage With The Book Babes

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 Tallon

About 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.com

Books: linktr.ee/samaraknight

Special edition books: heastorical.etsy.com

Insta, Threads, TT: @samaraknightauthor

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: [email protected]

Links & 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_blake

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Sports plus Romances:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event 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 Tallon

About 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/stefwritesstories

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: [email protected]

Links & 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_blake

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event 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 novel

Creating engaging small town rom-coms

Building and marketing a book series

Using Easter eggs and layered details in books

Effective strategies for ARC campaigns

Music by Christopher Tallon

About 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.com

Instagram: @siennamillsromance

Get The Principal Project: https://www.amazon.com/Principal-Problem-Sienna-Mills/dp/B0G52B7H3V

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: [email protected]

Links & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blake

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event 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 subgenres

• Her writing origin story started in the fanfiction space

• She’s got some majorly rabid fans who even get tattoos inspired by her books

• Aubrey creates her own branding and social media herself

• Creating a safe space for her readers is very important to her

• She’s got her own found family in the writing community

• Her spice levels vary by book and depend on her characters and their stories

• She’s got an amazing, supportive family

• Empowering women in sports in the real world and in fiction is crucial

Music by Christopher Tallon

About 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.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1007852113638005

Find her books on Amazon and KU here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aubrey-Taylor/author/B0BKLPNN4Z?

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: [email protected]

Links & 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_blake

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event 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 Tallon

About 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/authorcharliedee

Facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WdxYrwH6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Newsletter: https://substack.com/@authorcharliedee?r=47ayzk&utm_medium=ios

Find her books on Amazon and KU here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Charlie-Dee/author/B0D4889JDQ?

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: [email protected]

Links & 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_blake

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Bridging Shakespeare and Romance: An Interview with Nuhaa Bardien

Join 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 Tallon

About 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: @nuhaawrites

TikTok: @authornuhaabardien

Website: https://nuhaawrites.com/

Books:

By the Book series:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP2RG4CW?binding=kindle_edition&ref_=ast_author_bsi

Christmas Novella: https://www.amazon.com/One-Turned-True-Christmas-Novella-ebook/dp/B0FG8DS8DN

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: [email protected]

Links & 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_blake

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Learn about Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Sports & Contemporary Romance:

Instagram/Threads/TikTok: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event 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 Tallon

About 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 Page

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: [email protected]

Links & 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_blake

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event 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 Tallon

About 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.

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Links:

http://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/

https://linktr.ee/RuanWillow

https://ruanwillowauthor.com/

http://instagram.com/ruanwillow

https://www.facebook.com/ruan.willow/

Threads: ruanwillow and ruanwillowauthor

TikTok ruanwillow

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Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: [email protected]

Links & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabes

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Find Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blake

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

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Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event 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 Tallon

Meet 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.com

Find the Book Babes on social media: @backstagewiththebookbabes

Send us an email [email protected]

Join us as an author guest: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabes

Connect with Nikki Jewell on socials: @nikkijewell_books

Or visit her website: www.authornikkijewell.com

Hang with Alby Blake on socials: @author_alby_blake

Or 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 Tallon

You can find Kade Charest at https://authorkadecharest.com/

https://www.instagram.com/authorkadecharest/

https://www.threads.com/@authorkadecharest

https://www.facebook.com/authorkadecharest

https://www.tiktok.com/@authorkadecharest

Her 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 @backstagewiththebookbabes

Send 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/backstagewiththebookbabes

You can find Alby here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_alby_blake/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alby_blake

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/479556357934706

Bro Amazing: https://books2read.com/BroAmazing

https://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks