Unfiltered Romance Nights

In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, Kolleen and Marjorie sit down with indie dark romance author Selena to dive deep into her gritty world of angst, chaos, and deliciously messy love stories.

Get ready for a raw and unfiltered conversation about writing deeply flawed characters, making some truly irredeemable. From navigating trigger warnings to her love of rain scenes, Selena shares her writing journey, the characters she adores, and the darkness she's willing to explore in her books. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming projects, including some ambitious releases and a few new twists fans won’t want to miss.

Chapters:

00:00:16 - Meet Selena: Drama, Angst, and Rock ‘n Roll

00:00:45 - Selena’s Writing Journey: From Library to Author Life

00:02:41 - Selena’s Hobbies Outside Writing

00:03:17 - Selena's Go-To Authors and Reading Habits

00:04:07 - Family Reactions to Selena's Books

00:05:24 - How Many Books Selena Writes a Year

00:06:17 - Twice as Twisted: The Twins’ Duet

00:09:46 - Three Words to Describe Selena’s Books

00:13:08 - Selena’s Favorite Characters and Standalones

00:18:51 - Thought Process Behind Willow Heights Prep Series

00:26:42 - Selena's Process for Writing Unhinged Scenes

00:28:15 - Trigger Warnings and Reader Expectations

00:34:13 - Who is the Darkest Character?

00:36:02 - Will All Selena’s Books Have Happily Ever Afters?

00:41:14 - Writing the Most Hated Character: Dixie

00:43:23 - Selena’s Future Projects: More Standalones, More Why Choose

00:48:34 - New Genres Selena Might Explore

00:54:01 - Upcoming Book Signings

Follow our guest: 

Selena.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selena.author/ 

Website: https://selenaauthor.com/books/ 

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

Debut author Stephanie Napolitano joins Kolleen and Marjorie for a cozy, chaotic, and laugh-out-loud chat about writing during nap times, finding characters in the shower, and the spicy risks of audiobook listening at the gym. From her postpartum writing journey to her dream of becoming Jenny Humphrey from Gossip Girl, Stephanie opens up about motherhood, book marketing, character redemption, and her secret love for naked book covers. Plus, get the scoop on her upcoming novels, favorite tropes, and unexpected hobbies (hint: it involves sewing machines and dramatic fabric decisions).

Chapters:
00:00:40 - Meet debut author Stephanie Napolitano  

00:03:19 - Writing as a lifeline during motherhood  

00:08:29 - Struggles remembering book titles and naked covers  

00:11:27 - “Five Brothers” love and author fangirling  

00:15:12 - “Put that in your book!” — Rom-com-worthy gym embarrassment  

00:17:42 - Enemies to lovers and underrated CW writing  

00:21:44 - Managing chaos: what matters most as a mom and writer  

00:28:42 - The infamous “shower voice note” scene idea  

00:33:19 - Writing villains you love to hate  

00:39:37 - Supportive (and persistent) family promotion squad  

00:43:14 - What’s next? *Fall From Grace* and *Lie To Me* teasers  

00:45:30 - Will Stephanie attend signing events? 

Check out Stephanie Napolitano:
Website: https://www.stephanienapolitano.com/

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/snapolitano

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, Kolleen and Marjorie dive deep into Rina Kent's latest release, "Kiss the Villain." They unravel the dark and steamy world of this MM enemies-to-lovers romance, featuring the tumultuous relationship between Gareth Carson and Kayden Lockwood.

Get ready for a wild ride as they discuss the complexities of character dynamics, the intense plot twists, and the sizzling chemistry that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Join them as they share their honest opinions on the book's highs and lows, and whether this tale of love and obsession truly captivates.

Chapters:

00:01:15 - Thoughts on the Legacy of Gods series

00:13:55 - Initial Impressions: Kolleen and Marjorie's Ratings

00:14:39 - Character Spotlight: Gareth Carson

00:19:33 - Character Spotlight: Kayden Lockwood

00:21:44 - Relationship Dynamics of Gareth and Kayden

00:31:23 - Favorite Scenes & Quotes

00:36:45 - Filed Under "Likes"

00:40:43 - Filed Under "Dislikes"

00:46:59 - Carson Family Dynamics

00:57:01 - Kayden's Mysterious Past & Family

01:03:30 - Overall Thoughts on Kiss the Villain

01:07:04 - Beautiful Venom by Rina Kent

01:08:23 - Hunt the Villain by Rina Kent

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers. 

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, Kolleen and Marjorie sit down with USA Today bestselling author Sara Cate to explore her captivating journey into the world of taboo and forbidden romance. 

Get ready for an engaging conversation as they dissect the nuances of writing spicy scenes, the delicate balance between taboo and forbidden, and the emotional stakes that make her stories unforgettable. With laughter and heartfelt moments, they uncover Sara's favorite characters, her writing process, and what readers can expect from her upcoming releases.

Chapters:

00:00:48 - Sara's Journey to Becoming an Author

00:02:38 - Her Hobbies Outside of Reading and Writing

00:04:00 - Favorite Authors and Reading Preferences

00:05:06 - Taboo vs. Forbidden Romance

00:06:59 - Writing Spicy Scenes

00:09:57 - Writing Schedule and Process

00:11:29 - Family and Friends' Reactions to Her Books

00:13:58 - Upcoming Release: The Prodigal Son

00:15:29 - Sinful Manor Series Updates

00:18:07 - Navigating Multiple Series

00:19:55 - Salacious Legacy Series

00:26:41 - Turning Books into Movies

00:31:20 - Exploring New Subgenres

00:32:29 - HEAs and Emotional Moments in Books

00:36:50 - Special Editions and Signings

Follow our guest: 

Sara Cate

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

Website: https://saracatebooks.com/ 

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, Kolleen and Marjorie unpack "The Wrong Bride" by Catharina Maura. They break down all the drama: the arranged marriage, the sister's ex-fiancé situation, and the complicated family dynamics. 

Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, as Marjorie's personal connection to the narrative sparks an intense discussion. They don't hold back as they explore the book's steamy side, dissect its complex characters, and deliver the honest truth about whether this romance hits the mark.

Chapters:

00:00:10 - Overview of "The Wrong Bride" & Trigger Warnings

00:01:00 - Initial Impressions: Kolleen and Marjorie's Ratings

00:01:45 - Audiobook Experience: A Different Vibe

00:02:10 - Emotional Reactions: Our Rollercoaster Journey

00:03:32 - Character Spotlight: Raven's Strength and Growth

00:09:10 - Ares: The Complicated Love Interest

00:14:39 - Emotional Trauma: A Realistic Portrayal

00:16:41 - Personal Connections: Kolleen's Insights

00:19:30 - Closure: Did the Story Deliver?

00:20:00 - Favorite Scenes & Memorable Quotes

00:24:32 - Communication in Relationships: A Key Theme

00:30:45 - Likes and Dislikes: Final Thoughts

00:33:27 - What’s Next for the Windsor's Series

00:40:05 - Upcoming Book Reviews: What to Look Forward To

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, hosts Kolleen and Marjorie sit down with bestselling dark mafia romance author Jagger Cole. They dive into his journey from advertising and music to full-time indie writing, his inspirations, and the complexities of crafting morally gray characters. 

The conversation takes a spicy turn as they discuss writing steamy scenes, the challenges of age-gap romances, and the impact of the romance genre on readers. Jagger also opens up about his rapid release schedule, the pressures of the publishing industry, and the importance of work-life balance.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction & Jagger greets the hosts

03:20 - Laughter Over "Magic Mike" References

06:06 - Jagger’s Writing Journey

09:34 - Transition to Dark romance and Mafia themes

12:43 - Number of Published Books

15:13 - Writing from a Female Perspective

19:55 - Writing Spicy Scenes

23:37 - Favorite Authors and Reading Habits

28:23 - Writing Routine  & Work-Life Balance

32:59 - Family & Friends’ Reactions

39:40 - New Release Discussion: Dance of Deception

43:39 - Family Trees in His Books

45:35 - Next-Generation Series Plans

50:11 - Character Discussion: Vito

57:01 - Publishing Schedule & Burnout

01:06:18 - Hardest Book to Write

01:10:00 - Writing a Second-Generation Series

01:20:00 - Potential concepts for a Future Special Edition Series.

01:25:00 - Reading vs. Preserving Special Editions

01:30:00 -   Maintaining Anonymity for Authors and Narrators

01:35:00 -   Challenges in casting Memento Mori audiobooks

01:40:00 - Closing Remarks

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you! 

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers. 

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, hosts Kolleen and Marjorie welcome award-winning romance author Trinity Lemm. Trinity shares insights into her writing journey, balancing her career as a digital marketing manager with her passion for writing. She discusses her love for reading, her hobbies, and the challenges she faces in the writing process. The conversation delves into her popular hockey romance series, 'The Puck Arrangement,' and her future projects, including upcoming book signings and new stories. Trinity's engaging personality and dedication to her craft shine through as she connects with her readers and shares her experiences as an author.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Trinity Lemm
01:55 Balancing Writing and a Day Job
04:03 Hobbies and Interests
07:09 Writing Process and Goals
10:34 Challenges in Writing
13:24 Inspiration Behind 'The Puck Arrangement'
16:08 Support from Friends and Family
16:44 Future Projects and Characters
18:27 Exploring Character Dynamics in Sports Romance
20:39 Reader Engagement and Character Development
21:45 Favorite Couples and Their Unique Traits
23:34 Future Writing Aspirations and Tropes
25:19 The Challenges of Writing Fantasy
26:47 Upcoming Projects and Thrillers
27:31 Special Editions and Book Signings
33:36 YouTube Outro.mp4

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers. 

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, hosts Kolleen and Marjorie dive deep into the book 'Pan Pal' by J.C. Geisinger. They discuss their ratings, character dynamics, the mystery surrounding the letters, and the misrepresentation of mental health in the narrative. The conversation flows through various plot twists, the emotional impact of the ending, and their final thoughts on the book's themes and character relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pan Pal and Initial Impressions
03:07 Character Analysis: Kayla and Aiden
06:09 The Mystery of the Letters and Plot Twists
09:12 Mental Illness Representation and Themes
12:11 Understanding the Ending and Emotional Impact
15:10 Exploring Relationships and Character Dynamics
18:13 Final Thoughts on the Book's Themes and Messages
25:43 Exploring Character Connections
28:33 Unraveling the Past: Flashbacks and Relationships
30:51 Understanding Abuse and Its Impact
33:16 Genre Confusion: Romance vs. Mystery
39:01 Final Thoughts on Themes and Representation
50:48 YouTube Outro.mp4

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode of Unfiltered Romance Nights, we welcome bestselling author Jennifer Milliken, who shares her journey from childhood dreamer to published author. We discuss her writing process, the inspiration behind her latest release 'Penn', and the intricacies of character development in her Olive Township series. Jennifer also opens up about her experiences with book signings, her favorite tropes, and what readers can expect from her upcoming projects.

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you! 

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers. 

Be sure to follow Jennifer Millikin on Instagram and read Penn here:

Penn (e-book) 

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads

In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing our February Book Club Author, Alina May.

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DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Be sure to follow Alina May on Instagram and TikTok. You can purchase her books here:

Signed Copies

Make Me

Don’t forget to rate and/or review us on your preferred listening platform. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Our episodes will contain spoilers and potential triggers.

Follow our social media pages:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredromancenights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredromancenightspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unfilteredromancenightspod

Follow your hosts:
Kolleen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookswith_kolleenirene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolleenirene
Marjorie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marjoriematthews34
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marj_spicyreads