Tag Archives: book-review

Writing Heat When the World is Cold: Queer Sex and Survival

There’s something radical about writing queer romance in a world that doesn’t want it to exist. That’s especially true when the world in question is the crumbling Soviet Union, and the lovers are two men who can barely speak the truth out loud, much less live it.

In The Fire Beneath the Frost, I tell the story of Dimitri and Petyr, two factory workers in late-Soviet Leningrad who fall in love under the grinding weight of silence, shame, and survival. They work side by side producing endless rows of scratchy green wool blankets—function over comfort, just like everything else in their lives. And yet, amid the roar of the looms and the stink of machine oil, something tender takes root. Something dangerous. Something warm.

And then they touch.

Writing high-heat romance in this kind of setting isn’t just a challenge—it’s a statement. These aren’t just sex scenes. They’re acts of defiance. They’re love letters in code. They’re the only time Dimitri and Petyr can fully be themselves in a world that insists they don’t exist.

Queer sex in fiction—especially historical fiction—is often a risky proposition. Too many stories fall into tragedy, where sex becomes a symbol of downfall or shame. But I wanted to do something different in TFBTF. I wanted their intimacy to be a lifeline. A place where they could fall apart and be whole at the same time. Yes, it’s erotic. Yes, it’s explicit. But above all, it’s about survival. Emotional survival. Identity survival. Love, scraped raw and held close like contraband.

There’s one scene I keep coming back to as I write. Something terrible has happened—something Dimitri couldn’t control. And Petyr, understanding exactly what kind of pain Dimitri is carrying, offers himself up. “Take it out on me.” It’s not a simple line. It’s a confession, a dare, and a door flung wide. What follows is sex that teeters on the edge of violence and collapses into safety. It’s beautiful. It’s terrifying. It’s not what they’re supposed to have, but it’s what they do have—and it’s theirs.

Writing these moments isn’t just about heat for heat’s sake. It’s about showing that queer people have always found ways to express love and desire, even when the world is cold, repressive, and watching. It’s about saying that we’ve always been here, burning quietly, even when history tried to bury us under wool and silence.

If that kind of love story speaks to you—if you’ve ever longed for queer romance that aches, that fights, that burns hot against the cold—then I invite you to meet Dimitri and Petyr.

You can preorder your copy of The Fire Beneath the Frost now from your favorite online bookstore. Trust me: their love might be forbidden, but once you feel the heat, you won’t forget it.

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Exclusive Interview: Austin Page on Love, Loyalty, and Life in Blackwood Prison

Interviewer: Austin, thank you for taking the time to talk to me today. Not everyone gets the chance to hear directly from an inmate at Blackwood Prison—especially one with your background.

Austin Page: (chuckles) My pleasure. Not much else to do in here besides read, write, and, well… think. A lot of thinking.

Interviewer: Let’s start with the obvious. You were a professor before you ended up here. That’s quite a leap. Can you tell us how you landed in prison?

Austin Page: (smiling) Now, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Let’s just say… love makes you do things you never thought you would.

Interviewer: That’s a bit vague.

Austin Page: (shrugs) Some things are better left unsaid. But I will say this—when you love someone the way I do, the rest of the world fades away. Consequences, reason, even fear. None of it matters.

Interviewer: You’re talking about Mario Cruz.

Austin Page: Of course I am. (soft laugh) Who else? Mario is—he’s the kind of man who shouldn’t need saving, but if he ever did, I’d throw myself into the fire without a second thought. He’s hard, rough around the edges, but there’s something in him… something raw and real. He doesn’t lie. He doesn’t pretend. He’s the first person I’ve ever met who sees me—not just as some soft-spoken professor, but as a man willing to fight for what I love. And I do. Every day.

Interviewer: What was it about Mario that drew you to him?

Austin Page: (smirks) Is ‘everything’ an acceptable answer? Look, I know what people think. That I’m some naive fool with a penchant for bad boys, that I threw my life away for someone who wouldn’t do the same for me. But they don’t know him. Not like I do. Mario doesn’t say much, but when he looks at me—really looks at me—I know I belong to him. And he belongs to me.

Interviewer: That sounds… intense.

Austin Page: Love is intense. If it isn’t, what’s the point?

Interviewer: So, to clarify—you didn’t end up in prison because of Mario?

Austin Page: (pauses) I ended up here because of my choices. And I’d make them again. No regrets.

Interviewer: But what were those choices, exactly?

Austin Page: (grins) You ask a lot of questions, you know that?

Interviewer: It’s kind of my job.

Austin Page: (leans forward) And mine is to keep a few secrets.

Interviewer: Fair enough. Final question—if you could go back, would you change anything?

Austin Page: (softly) No. Because in the end, every road, every decision, every damn mistake led me to him. And that? That’s worth everything.

Interviewer: Thank you, Austin.

Austin Page: Anytime. Just don’t expect all the answers.

The first episode of the Prisoners Of Sodom serial is now available for purchase exclusively at the Cruz Publishing bookstore. It will soon be available on other online bookstores.

My Love Affair with Pulp Fiction – And Why I’m Writing Prisoners of Sodom

Books are in my blood—always have been. My grandmother was a librarian, my father was a printer and publisher, and my uncle was a pulp fiction fanatic who had boxes upon boxes of wonderfully trashy, over-the-top novels. Growing up, I was surrounded by the printed word, from my dad’s love of Louis L’Amour, Isaac Asimov, and classic sci-fi to the stacks of dime-store paperbacks my uncle hoarded like hidden treasure.

As for me? I grew up on literary greats like Gore Vidal and William Burroughs, devouring books that were praised for their sharp wit, biting social commentary, and bold storytelling. But I had a secret—I loved trashy books. The kind of lurid, scandalous, melodramatic pulp fiction that made respectable readers clutch their pearls. I couldn’t get enough of the exaggerated drama, the hard-boiled prose, and the wildly sensational covers that practically screamed “FORBIDDEN PLEASURES WITHIN.”

And now, for the first time, I’m writing my own gay pulp fiction series—Prisoners of Sodom. It’s gritty, sexy, unapologetically bold, and dripping with all the things I love about classic pulp: scandal, passion, betrayal, and a setting so intense it becomes a character in itself. I can’t wait for everyone to read it.

What is Pulp Fiction? And Why Mine is Unapologetically Gay and Scandalous

Pulp fiction was the beating heart of mid-20th-century popular literature—cheap, fast, and bursting at the seams with sex, violence, and high-stakes drama. Named for the low-quality wood pulp paper they were printed on, these books were mass-produced entertainment, the kind of stories you could devour in an afternoon and still feel the lingering sting of their boldness long after. They spanned genres—crime, sci-fi, westerns, horror—but the best of them had one thing in common: they didn’t hold back.

Pulp books weren’t afraid to be too much. They were gritty, exaggerated, full of morally ambiguous antiheroes and shocking twists. And the covers? Pure art. Think hand-painted illustrations of brooding detectives, femme fatales, scandalous affairs, and danger lurking in every shadow. These books were meant to grab your attention and never let go.

But classic pulp fiction had one glaring flaw—it was overwhelmingly straight. Sure, there were coded queer characters, villains dripping with barely veiled homoerotic subtext, and a handful of rare underground gems that dared to put queerness front and center. But mainstream pulp, for all its sensationalism, never truly embraced the raw, unapologetic gayness it deserved.

That’s where Prisoners of Sodom comes in. My take on pulp fiction is everything the classics were—gritty, melodramatic, scandalous—but with an unabashedly queer lens. This series is full of desperate men, dangerous temptations, and forbidden desires trapped behind prison bars. It’s pulp the way I’ve always wanted it—lurid, sweaty, and unapologetically gay.

Why Prisoners of Sodom is More Like a TV Series Than a Novel

I’m a huge fan of serialized television—the kind of shows that sink their hooks into you and won’t let go. Recently, I binged Orange Is the New Black and loved its sprawling, character-driven storytelling. I also attempted to watch OZ, but—yeah, no. That show was intense. Too intense for me. But what both of those shows got right was their ability to create a living, breathing world full of complicated, flawed characters whose lives constantly intersect in unexpected ways.

That’s exactly what I want to capture with Prisoners of Sodom. This isn’t just a single novel—it’s an experience, a long-running project I plan to write for a long time to come. There’s simply too much going on to cram it all into one book. The power struggles, the betrayals, the alliances, the raw, desperate need for love in an environment that crushes hope—it all demands room to breathe. So, rather than trying to fit it into a traditional novel structure, I’m approaching it like a TV series, with multiple “episodes” that build on each other, each packed with tension, drama, and of course, plenty of heat.

To do this story justice, I’m writing in third person, which lets me step inside the minds of more than just my two main characters. There are so many moving pieces, so many lives entwined, that limiting myself to a single perspective just wouldn’t work. But romance readers, don’t worry—at its core, Prisoners of Sodom is still a love story. Mario and Austin’s relationship remains the beating heart of the series, even as the world around them threatens to tear them apart.

So if you love steamy, character-driven drama with twists, betrayals, and passion that burns white-hot, picture Prisoners of Sodom as the kind of TV show you can’t stop watching. Only this time, it’s in book form—and unapologetically gay as hell.

Using Side Characters to Enrich Your Novel: A Look into Laura’s Story

In fiction, side characters often function as more than just background noise. Done well, they can add emotional depth, thematic resonance, and nuance to the main story. One way to accomplish this is through vignettes—short, evocative episodes that reveal a side character’s perspective, history, or inner life.

Take Laura, a dominatrix introduced in Money Shot, as an example. While she isn’t the protagonist, her chapter—detailing an evening that blends professional detachment, personal reflection, and emotional vulnerability—shows how vignettes can elevate a narrative. Let’s break down what her vignette adds to the story.

1. Humanizing a Professional Persona

In Laura’s scene, readers glimpse the duality of her life. Professionally, she’s confident, composed, and dominant, creating content for her FantasyFans platform. But as soon as the camera stops rolling, we see her as a layered individual—someone grappling with wistful memories and the gap between her dreams and reality.

This balance between strength and vulnerability doesn’t just make Laura relatable; it challenges stereotypes about her profession. Through Laura, readers are reminded that no one is defined solely by their job, and every character has a hidden complexity.

2. Reflecting Themes of the Main Story

Laura’s flashback to Seth—the man who shattered her youthful faith in love—echoes themes of disillusionment and second chances that permeate Money Shot. Her longing for something real and meaningful mirrors the struggles of the main characters, Liam and Jack, as they navigate their feelings in a complicated world.

By tying her personal heartbreak to broader themes, Laura’s vignette strengthens the emotional core of the novel, making her a narrative bridge between side plot and central story.

3. Introducing Subtle Plot Developments

The vignette also moves the plot forward in small but meaningful ways. When Laura stumbles upon a video of Liam and Jack, her reaction—shock at their chemistry and recognition of genuine love—foreshadows the emotional payoff in their relationship. As a seasoned observer in the adult content world, her perspective carries weight, validating what readers may already suspect: Liam and Jack aren’t just partners for the camera.

These subtle nods to the main plot keep the vignette relevant, ensuring it feels like a natural extension of the story rather than a detour.

4. Adding Texture to the Worldbuilding

By diving into Laura’s personal and professional lives, the vignette expands the world of Money Shot. Her experiences add texture to the broader community of creators, giving readers a sense of the diverse personalities and stories within the industry. This rich backdrop makes the story more immersive, as readers feel they’re stepping into a fully realized world.

5. Engaging Readers with Unique Voices

Laura’s voice—pragmatic yet tinged with longing—stands out. Her commentary on life, love, and work is sharp, insightful, and occasionally self-deprecating. This distinct voice keeps readers engaged, even when she’s not driving the main plot. It’s a reminder that side characters can shine as much as protagonists when given the chance.

Conclusion: More Than the Sum of Its Parts

Laura’s vignette demonstrates how side characters can contribute depth, complexity, and resonance to a story. By giving them space to reflect, connect, or react to events, you’re not just adding texture to your novel—you’re inviting readers to explore its emotional and thematic undercurrents in new and meaningful ways.

When crafting your next story, consider giving your side characters the spotlight for a moment. You might be surprised at how much they have to offer.

The Money Shot will be released this December.

Creating Side Characters Who Steal the Show: Meet Nessa Martinez from Money Shot

When I start a new story, side characters come to life almost as naturally as the main ones do. They add color, balance, and a deeper sense of reality to the world my protagonists inhabit. In Money Shot, my upcoming novel in the Boys On Film series, one character has really captured my imagination (and, I hope, will capture yours too): Vanessa “Nessa” Martinez.

Why Side Characters Matter

Side characters aren’t just there to fill space; they’re essential to making a story feel whole. They provide the friction, humor, and contrast that allow main characters to reveal hidden parts of themselves. Think of them as the characters who will say or do the things that the main characters wouldn’t—or couldn’t. They’re bold, unpredictable, and real. They also play another crucial role by grounding the story. In Money Shot, for instance, Liam and Jack’s emotional journey is intense and deeply personal, but it’s through Nessa’s eyes that the larger themes of friendship, loyalty, and love are often brought into focus.

Meet Nessa Martinez: The Heart of Money Shot

Nessa isn’t just any side character; she’s one of those people who steals the scene every time she appears. She’s the building manager for the upscale (yet slightly chaotic) New York apartment building where Liam and Jack live. Nessa has seen it all in her years on the job, and she isn’t shy about sharing her wisdom, whether it’s solicited or not. With a signature cherry-red bob, killer heels, and an unapologetically New York attitude, Nessa brings warmth, humor, and a touch of motherly interference to her relationships with Liam and Jack.

But Nessa’s importance goes beyond her quirky personality. She becomes a maternal figure to these young men, two friends grappling with financial strains, career setbacks, and complicated feelings for each other. Nessa is often the first to see what they’re blind to in themselves. She has a natural gift for reading people, and her intuition is spot-on when it comes to recognizing the spark between Liam and Jack—even before they’re ready to acknowledge it.

Comic Relief with a Purpose

One of my favorite things about writing Nessa was the freedom to let her be herself—funny, nosy, a little loud, and always with a clever comeback. Side characters like her provide an essential release valve in stories that tackle heavier themes. As Money Shot delves into Liam and Jack’s complicated relationship, Nessa’s moments of comic relief keep the tone balanced. And her insights, often wrapped in humor, help them see the humor in their own situations and not take themselves too seriously.

The Side Characters Who Stay with Us

Ultimately, side characters like Nessa are about connection. We may not always remember every detail about a story’s plot, but the side characters who make us laugh, cringe, or feel seen often stay with us the longest. In Money Shot, Nessa’s larger-than-life personality and unfiltered love for her “boys” add layers to the story, turning moments of vulnerability into ones of strength and making the romance richer and more real.

So when you dive into Money Shot, I hope you’ll fall for Liam and Jack’s love story—and that you’ll find a little piece of yourself in Nessa’s fierce loyalty, humor, and unbreakable spirit. Side characters may not be in the spotlight, but for me, they’re as essential to the story as the main characters are. I can’t wait for you to meet Nessa and experience all the ways she keeps Liam and Jack on their toes! Money Shot is a gay romantic comedy and is releasing this December.

Review of Robert Bryndza’s Coco Pinchard Series: A Perfect Blend of Humor, Heart, and Wit

If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted, laugh-out-loud read with just the right amount of emotion, then Robert Bryndza’s Coco Pinchard series is for you! This collection of stories is nothing short of fabulous, combining witty British humor with relatable life moments that will leave you chuckling, teary-eyed, and thoroughly entertained.

While the Coco Pinchard series may not fall under the “classic romance” genre, it has plenty of heartwarming and romantic moments that fans of the genre will adore. What truly sets it apart, though, is its strong comedic voice. If you’re a fan of Bridget Jones’s Diary, you’ll find a kindred spirit in Coco, a character who navigates the chaos of life with endearing optimism and quirky charm.

What’s Inside the Boxset?

1. The Not So Secret Emails of Coco Pinchard

In this opening novel, we get a hilarious and often touching glimpse into Coco’s life as it unravels through emails. Coco, navigating life post-40, sends candid updates to her friends and family as she deals with a crumbling marriage, awkward dating escapades, and in-laws that are nothing short of eccentric. The epistolary format makes the story even more engaging, and you’ll quickly find yourself rooting for Coco as she faces life’s mishaps with humor and resilience.

2. Coco Pinchard’s Big Fat Tipsy Wedding

Things are finally looking up for Coco — a successful career, great friends, and a new man to love. But, as life would have it, her “happily ever after” doesn’t come without complications. Bryndza once again brings the laughs as Coco is left hanging when her boyfriend mysteriously disappears. There’s a healthy mix of intrigue, romance, and witty banter that keeps the story fresh and addictive.

3. Coco Pinchard, the Consequences of Love and Sex

Coco’s life seems like it’s on track, but the third installment throws in some unexpected challenges. Her relationship with her grown son, Rosencrantz, takes center stage as he encounters his own troubles. The mother-gay son dynamic here is one of my favorite aspects of the series, with Rosencrantz’s dry humor and Coco’s unflinching love adding real emotional depth. There’s also the ever-present meddling ex-mother-in-law, a surprise pregnancy, and more. It’s a whirlwind, but one that’s full of laughs and heart.

4. A Very Coco Christmas

Who doesn’t love a Christmas prequel? Set in 1985, this novella is a throwback that gives us a glimpse into Coco’s life before everything went haywire. We meet some unforgettable characters like Ethel, Coco’s future mother-in-law, and a turkey hilariously named Jean Paul Belmondo. It’s short, sweet, and a delightful addition to the series — perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

5. Coco Pinchard’s Must-Have Toy Story

The final installment takes us back to the ‘90s, where Coco is in full holiday survival mode, scrambling to get her hands on a coveted toy for her son Rosencrantz. The frenzy over “Tracy Island” and Coco’s determination to make Christmas perfect encapsulate every parent’s holiday stress — but Bryndza keeps it funny and relatable, making this the perfect feel-good finale.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been listening to the Coco Pinchard series every morning on my walks, and let me tell you, there have been multiple times I had to stop walking because I was laughing so hard. I definitely got some odd looks from people, but hey, I’m used to that! This series is perfect for brightening up your day, whether you’re out for a stroll or relaxing at home.

What’s even better is that this gem is available in ebook, print, and audiobook formats. And the audiobook? It’s over 28 hours long! Considering that it’s priced at just $9.99, I’d say that’s off-the-charts amazeballs value! You’re getting an entire saga of humor, heart, and British wit for a steal.

You can find it at all major online retailers, but here’s the best part: If you sign up for a free trial of the Audible Plus subscription program, you get a free month to test out the service, and you can listen to the entire Coco Pinchard boxset for free! It’s an incredible deal and the perfect way to dive into Coco’s world without spending a dime upfront. Whether you’re new to Audible or just looking for your next great listen, this series is a must-have!

To sign up for a free Audible Plus trial and listen to the series for free, click here. If you’ve already got an Audible membership click here to get the audiobook.

To read the ebooks, you can purchase the boxset or read the books individually. They’re available on Amazon, Kobo, Google Play, and Nook.

Inspired by “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”: The Creation of “Suddenly Single”

If you’re a fan of classic romantic comedies, you might remember the delightful 1941 film “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Yes, you read that right—Hitchcock, the master of suspense, took a surprising detour into the world of screwball comedy with this gem starring Carole Lombard and Robert Montgomery. The story of a couple who discover their marriage isn’t legally valid struck a chord with me and inspired my novel, “Suddenly Single.”

In “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” the comedic chaos that ensues after the couple learns their marriage certificate is a dud provides the perfect blend of humor and heart. The movie’s playful take on love, commitment, and the trials of marital life got me thinking about the concept of sudden singleness and its impact on relationships.

That’s where the idea for “Suddenly Single” came from. I wanted to explore what happens when life throws an unexpected curveball at a seemingly stable couple. The novel delves into the lives of Asher Bartholomew Yates and Carter Camden Yates, who must navigate the emotional rollercoaster of discovering they aren’t legally married and the personal growth that comes from such a revelation.

Asher comes from one of the first families of Virginia and has just made partner in the family law firm. He went to the right schools, belongs to the right clubs, and like his peers, is happily married—most of the time. The love of his life, Carter, is a handful on the best of days, but Carter’s unwavering devotion and unpredictable antics ensure he will always have Asher’s heart.

Carter is the most successful interior designer in Richmond and is married to an up-and-coming lawyer who looks perfect on his arm. His talents are as colorful as his personality, and he’s the star of any room he enters. He loves Asher more than life itself and hasn’t once regretted getting married.

Out of the blue, a legal mixup jeopardizes everything. After three years of ups and downs, the couple discovers they’re not legally wed. Will this bombshell tear them apart, or will true love win once and for all?

Adding to the chaos is their crazy family: an alcoholic mother, a deranged maid, and a stoner old lady, who all bring their own flavor of drama and humor to the mix. Carter’s theatrical reactions and Asher’s attempts to maintain sanity create a whirlwind of laughs and touching moments.

“Suddenly Single” is the third book in the Southern Discomfort series. It is a gay romantic comedy filled with sweet tea and sour words, served alongside men discovering their deepest desires. This novel has it all: a couple on the rocks, a second chance at happiness, and a love that refuses to die. So relax on your porch swing with a mint julep and a slice of pecan pie, and enjoy the journey to true love.

You can purchase Suddenly Single from Apple Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play Books, and Kobo. Oh, and for the month of July, Suddenly Single is 50% off exclusively on Smashwords.

Stroke of Genius- How I Create Electrifying Sex Scenes

I might have a thing for this model…

Let’s talk about sex…scenes. How do I turn up the heat on the page? Read on to find out.

Ever wondered what goes into writing those scenes that leave you hot under the collar? Today, I’m pulling back the curtain to give you a glimpse into my process for crafting steamy moments in my romance novels. 

When I first began writing fiction, I started out by writing short erotica stories under the name Enrique Cruz. At the time I was still working a dreadful day job as a dispatcher for a locksmith company. I wrote on the bus rides to and from work, on my lunch breaks, even in bars. You can only imagine what it was like writing sex scenes on a crowded bus full of people. But I was determined to make it as a writer, so I forced myself to get past the embarrassment and just did it. Save your money. The stories I wrote under the pen name Enrique Cruz were horrible. But they served the purpose of erotica: they were sexually stimulating with little regard to actual plotting and character development. 

Setting the Stage

For me, creating the perfect setting for a sex scene is essential. Whether it’s a moonlit beach, a cozy cabin, or a bustling cityscape, the location sets the mood and adds depth to the intimacy between my characters. And if they are well written, they further the romance in the most delicious ways possible.

For example, in my novella Making It Fierce, the main characters begin to have sex behind the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, under a magnolia tree. Yes, outdoor sex is fabulous, but normally most sex scenes begin and end in a bedroom. I had the MCs begin the sex outside as a means of showing how passionate they were feeling about each other, then they rushed home to the safety of Lucas’s apartment, and Elijah lost his virginity. 

Why is Elijah’s virginity so important? Read on to find out.

Character Chemistry

 But it’s not just about the setting—it’s about the chemistry between the characters. Before I even think about writing a sex scene, I spend time developing my characters’ relationships, ensuring that their connection is palpable and their desire for each other is undeniable. 

With Elijah I wanted to show you, the reader, how intense Elijah’s emotions for Lucas were. Elijah had spent years hiding away in his grandmother’s basement because of scars on his face and scalp. He truly never thought he’d meet anyone who could see who he was on the inside. When he finally did, he made himself the most vulnerable he’d ever been, showing you how much he craved Lucas’s love.

It’s a must when writing sex scenes for your characters to have sizzling chemistry. If not, what’s the point of the romance? Nobody wants to read a sex scene that is limp from the start. Trust me on this.

Building Anticipation

One of the most thrilling aspects of writing romance is building anticipation. From flirtatious banter to stolen glances, I love creating tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the moment when my characters finally give in to their desires.

In most of my novels, the main characters don’t do the nasty until they’ve developed feelings for each other. This usually means the sex takes place toward the end of a story, but that’s not always the case. In my upcoming novel Ignited, Finn and Alex are hitting the sheets on the high seas at the beginning of their love story. You’ll have to read the book to understand why I made that choice.

Emotional Connection

At the heart of every sex scene is emotion. Whether it’s longing, vulnerability, or pure passion, I strive to convey the depth of my characters’ feelings as they come together in intimate moments. I typically lean into vulnerability in sex scenes, where one or both of the MCs is making himself vulnerable to the other, and sharing part of himself he rarely does with anyone else.

Sensory Details

To bring my sex scenes to life, I rely on sensory details to immerse readers in the experience. The scent of a lover’s skin, the sound of their heartbeat, the taste of their kiss—each detail adds layers of richness to the scene.

Balancing Explicitness 

Finding the right balance between explicit detail and subtle suggestion is key. While I want my scenes to be steamy and sensual, I also want to leave room for readers’ imaginations to fill in the blanks. With that being said, if I don’t have to stop and take a, um, break, in the middle of writing a sex scene, then I know it’s not very good. You’ll have to guess what I usually do on that break…

Personal Touch

Of course, every writer has their own approach to crafting sex scenes, and mine is no exception. From my unique writing rituals to the inspirations that fuel my imagination, I bring my own personal touch to every scene I write.

Challenges and Rewards

 Writing sex scenes isn’t always easy, but the rewards are well worth the effort. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating a scene that resonates with readers on a deep, emotional level.

Conclusion

So there you have it—the secrets behind my steamy scenes. I hope this glimpse into my writing process has given you a newfound appreciation for the art of crafting romance. Until next time, happy reading!

If you haven’t signed up for my newsletter, do it now and get a free copy of my novella Making It Fit! My newsletter goes out weekly, and features all the news about my upcoming releases, sales, and fun articles like this one.

All About Alex

A couple of weeks ago I interviewed Finn from the upcoming novel, Ignited. This is how I get to know my characters better, and I typically use the style of Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine from back in the 1980s. Now, it’s Alex, the love of Finn’s life turn!

So Alex, If you had to pick a theme song for “Ignited,” what would it be, and why should readers hit play on their preorder to groove along with your story?

If I had to pick a theme song for “Ignited,” it would definitely be “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. The song speaks to me on a personal level, as I’ve recently come out of the closet and embraced my true self. Just like the lyrics say, I was born to be brave and to embrace who I am, no matter what society says. My journey in “Ignited” mirrors the message of the song—finding the courage to be authentically me, despite the challenges and doubts along the way.

If you could take a road trip with any three characters from “Ignited,” who would  you choose as your co-pilots?

Well Ian, If I could take a road trip with anyone from “Ignited,” it would definitely be Finn, the love of my life. There’s something about hitting the open road with him by my side that just feels right. Plus, I could use the quality time together to deepen our connection and perhaps have a few naughty adventures!

And of course, I couldn’t imagine a road trip without my sister, Willow. She’s not only my sister but also my best friend. Having her along would guarantee endless laughs, heartfelt conversations, and probably a few sibling squabbles along the way. But hey, that’s all part of the fun, right?

Last but not least, I’d have to invite Daniel. Not only is he an incredible friend, but he’s also an amazing cook. I can already picture us pulling over at scenic spots and Daniel whipping up some delicious meals for us to enjoy together. Who wouldn’t want to hit the road with such an awesome crew?

 Imagine you’re stranded on a deserted island with only one character from “Ignited” for company. Who would you want by your side, and why should readers preorder to discover the unlikely alliances formed in your novel?

If I found myself stranded on a deserted island from “Ignited,” there’s only one person I’d want by my side: Finn. Being alone with him, surrounded by nothing but the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun, sounds like a dream come true. We could explore the island together, build a shelter, and spend our days just enjoying being together.

Just the thought of being alone with Finn fills me with excitement! I can imagine us watching the sunset together, holding hands as we talk about our hopes, dreams, and fears. And as the stars light up the night sky, we’d cuddle close, and do what we love doing best. You’ll have to read the book to know what that is. (wink)

Thanks for agreeing to this interview Alex! I know you’re busy with your many business interests, so I really appreciate you answering a few questions.

If I were being smart I’d keep my mouth shut. But since you twisted my arm I’ll answer your questions.

My big, audacious dream? Well, on the surface, it might seem like I want to rule the world of business. And sure, that’s part of it. I’ve always been driven to succeed, to climb the corporate ladder and make a name for myself. But if I’m being honest, there’s something even bigger driving me—a dream that goes beyond corner offices and boardrooms.

What I really want, more than anything, is to feel comfortable in my own skin. For so long, I’ve hidden behind a mask, afraid to let anyone see the real me. But now, thanks to Finn, I’m starting to shed that mask and embrace who I truly am. He’s shown me that love isn’t about hiding your flaws; it’s about celebrating your strengths and accepting your vulnerabilities.

So, yes, part of my dream is to conquer the business world. But more importantly, it’s about conquering my own insecurities and fears. With Finn by my side, I know I can achieve anything—both in business and in life. He’s not just part of my dream; he’s the heart and soul of it.

This is our last question. What prompted you to go on a gay cruise in the first place?

Why did I choose to go on the bear cruise? Well, let’s just say I had recently experienced a significant shift in my world—a change that left me seeking something I couldn’t quite name. And what better way to embark on a journey of self-discovery than on a gay cruise?

The allure of being surrounded by hot guys, free from the constraints of societal expectations, was too tempting to resist. It felt like an opportunity to explore a part of myself that I had long kept hidden, to embrace a side of me that yearned to break free.

So, I boarded the ship, eager to unravel the mysteries of my own desires and to discover what awaited me on the open sea. And what I found was beyond anything I could have imagined—a voyage of self-discovery, passion, and unexpected connections that would change the course of my life forever.

If you’re intrigued by the allure of the unknown and crave a journey that will keep you guessing until the very end, preorder “Ignited” now and prepare to set sail on an adventure you won’t soon forget. Reserve your copy today from your favorite retailer by clicking here.

I Am Tessa Vidal

Embracing My Truth: Coming Out as Tessa Vidal

Dear readers,

Today, I’m sharing something deeply personal with you all, something that I’ve carried with me for quite some time but never found the courage to express openly. My name is Ian O. Lewis, and I am Tessa Vidal.

For years, I’ve been writing under the pen name Tessa Vidal, crafting stories of love, passion, and connection within the sapphic romance genre. But what many of you may not know is that I am not a woman—I am a gay man.

The decision to write under a female pseudonym was not one made lightly. In fact, it was born out of fear—fear that readers of lesbian fiction would reject my work if they knew the truth about my identity. As a member of the LGBTQ community myself, I felt a deep responsibility to contribute to the representation of queer love in literature. However, I also felt the weight of societal expectations and preconceptions about who should be telling these stories.

I want to make it unequivocally clear that I never intended to exploit readers of lesbian fiction. My decision to write under the name Tessa Vidal was driven by a desire to continue writing and producing fiction for the LGBTQ community, even if it meant doing so under a guise.

Initially, Tessa Vidal was a collaborative effort with other authors, but for the past two years, I’ve been the sole writer behind the name. It has been a journey of self-discovery and growth, and I am immensely proud of the work I’ve created as Tessa Vidal.

One of my favorite books that I’ve written under this pseudonym is “Jody, A Dark Lesbian Romance.” This novel holds a special place in my heart as it tells the tale of two women, both navigating the complexities of their lives as criminals, who find solace and love in each other’s arms.

Moving forward, I want to assure you all that I will continue to write books under both my own name, Ian O. Lewis, and Tessa Vidal. My commitment to telling stories that resonate with the LGBTQ community remains unwavering.

Thank you for your support and understanding as I embrace my truth and continue to share my words with the world. Tessa’s books are available exclusively on Amazon, and can be read for free with a Kindle Unlimited Subscription.

With love and gratitude, Ian O. Lewis (aka Tessa Vidal)