Tag Archives: reviews

How Gore Vidal, Silent Film Chaos, and One Very Dramatic Producer Created The Naughty Ex

Every book starts with a spark, but the inspiration for my upcoming romance, The Naughty Ex, came from a rather unexpected place: a historical novel set in early 20th-century Washington and Los Angeles.

While reading Gore Vidal’s Hollywood, I came across a historical figure who completely stole every scene she appeared in: silent film legend Mabel Normand.

Who Was Mabel Normand?

If you aren’t familiar with early cinematic history, Mabel Normand was an absolute force of nature. In the 1910s and 1920s, she was one of silent film’s greatest pioneers—an actress, director, writer, and producer who helped build the foundations of slapstick screen comedy.

She starred alongside Charlie Chaplin and Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle at Keystone Studios, had her own production studio named after her, and was credited with throwing the very first filmed pie in the face. Beyond her comedy, she was famous for her vibrant, wildly energetic, and inherently chaotic personality.

Naturally, after reading about her, I was fascinated. I kept asking myself: How can I take that infectious, high-octane Hollywood energy and channel it into a contemporary romance?

Enter Gregory Normand

That was the lightbulb moment. What if I created a character who inherited all of Mabel’s wild theatrical energy—her descendant, modern-day film producer Gregory Normand?

Now, to be clear: Gregory spared himself the notorious real-life tragedies of early Hollywood (no mysterious deaths or early 1920s vice scandals follow him around). But when it comes to raw, unfiltered, dramatic spectacle? Gregory is 100% Mabel’s heir.

In The Naughty Ex, Gregory is madly, hopelessly in love with his ex, Blaine.

There’s just one tiny problem: Gregory is virtually incapable of sitting down like a reasonable adult and stating his feelings out loud.

Where a normal person might send a text saying, “I miss you, can we talk?” Gregory instead orchestrates elaborate, over-the-top, cinematic productions designed to draw Blaine back into his orbit. Every attempt at reconciliation turns into a sprawling masterpiece of utter chaos—because why have a simple heart-to-heart when you can stage a dramatic spectacle instead?

Ready for the Chaos?

Watching Gregory maneuver, scheme, and grandstand his way back into Blaine’s life was some of the most fun I’ve ever had writing a character. Beneath all the grand gestures and Hollywood flair, The Naughty Ex is ultimately a story about two people learning how to truly communicate—even if one of them has to be dragged kicking and screaming away from the director’s chair to do it.

The Naughty Ex is available for preorder now! Lock in your copy today so it lands on your e-reader the second it goes live. It’s available at all major online bookstores for the low preorder price of 3.99. On release day, October 15, 2026 the price goes up to 4.99. Click here to reserve your copy today from your favorite online retailer!

Interview with Benjamin Kensington: Ambition, Redemption, and the Weight of Legacy

Today, we’re sitting down with Benjamin Kensington, a man whose life has been a whirlwind of ambition, love, and self-discovery. From the bustling financial world of New York City to the crumbling halls of his family estate in Montpelier, Virginia, Benjamin’s story is one of transformation, redemption, and wrestling with his own identity.

Interviewer: Benjamin, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with your return to Montpelier. What’s it like being back at Kensington House after all these years?

Benjamin: It’s… complicated, to say the least. Kensington House is home, but it’s also a reminder of everything I wanted to escape. Coming back has stirred up emotions I thought I’d buried—nostalgia, guilt, pride… and a lot of regret. The house is in shambles, which, in some ways, feels like a metaphor for my life right now.

Interviewer: That’s an interesting comparison. The estate represents your family’s legacy, but it sounds like it also weighs heavily on you. What does Kensington House mean to you?

Benjamin: Growing up, it was a symbol of privilege, but also of obligation. My mother always emphasized the importance of preserving the estate and our family’s name. But I was young, restless, and ambitious. I didn’t want to spend my life fixing old staircases and hosting charity tours. Now, I see the house differently. It’s more than bricks and mortar—it’s history, memories, and potential. Saving it feels less like a burden and more like an opportunity to redeem myself.

Interviewer: Speaking of redemption, your return has also brought you face-to-face with Deacon. How has it been seeing him again after all this time?

Benjamin: (Pauses) Seeing Deacon has been… difficult and wonderful all at once. He’s everything I remember—steadfast, kind, and frustratingly grounded. I know I hurt him when I left, and I regret it every day. He represents a life I could’ve had if I’d made different choices. Being around him again reminds me of what I’ve lost, but also what I might still have, if I’m lucky.

Interviewer: It sounds like Deacon has had a profound impact on you. What do you think is the biggest obstacle between the two of you now?

Benjamin: Trust. I broke it when I chose my career over him, and I can’t blame him for being wary now. I’ve spent so much of my life chasing status and wealth, and I think Deacon sees me as someone who only cares about the surface of things. Proving to him—and to myself—that I’m capable of more is the hardest challenge I’ve ever faced.

Interviewer: Shifting gears a bit, let’s talk about your career. You’ve mentioned how important ambition was to you in the past. Do you still see yourself returning to the world of finance?

Benjamin: Ambition has always been a driving force for me, but I’ve started questioning what that word really means. Does it mean climbing the corporate ladder, or does it mean building something meaningful that lasts? For now, I’m focused on restoring Kensington House. Whether that means turning it into a wedding venue, a museum, or something else entirely, I’m determined to make it a success.

Interviewer: That’s a big shift from the fast-paced world of New York City. How has your time back in Montpelier changed your perspective?

Benjamin: It’s been humbling, honestly. In New York, everything was about appearances—how much you made, what you wore, who you knew. Here, none of that matters. What matters is community, relationships, and legacy. I’ve had to confront parts of myself I didn’t like very much. It’s been uncomfortable, but also necessary.

Interviewer: You’ve mentioned legacy a few times now. What does it mean to you, and how does it play into your current journey?

Benjamin: Legacy used to mean power and prestige—carrying on the Kensington name in a way that turned heads. Now, it’s more about connection. It’s about honoring the people who came before me, like my mother, and creating something worthwhile for the future. Restoring Kensington House isn’t just about the building; it’s about proving to myself and others that I can leave something good behind.

Interviewer: It sounds like you’re on a path of transformation. If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

Benjamin: I’d tell him to slow down. To stop chasing things that only look good on paper and pay more attention to the people who truly matter. Ambition isn’t inherently bad, but when it blinds you to love and authenticity, it can destroy you.

Interviewer: That’s beautifully said. Last question—what do you hope for your future?

Benjamin: I hope to find balance. I want to build a life that honors both my ambition and my heart. Whether that means rebuilding Kensington House, rekindling my relationship with Deacon, or simply finding peace with myself, I just want to be proud of the man I’ve become.

Interviewer: Thank you, Benjamin. Your honesty and vulnerability are inspiring. We wish you the best as you navigate this new chapter of your life.

Benjamin: Thank you. It’s not easy, but I’m learning that the hardest paths are often the most rewarding.

Making It Real publishes on February 26, 2025. It’s available on Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, Nook, and Smashwords. Preorder your copy today for the low price of 2.99. On the day it publishes the price goes up to 3.99, so reserve your copy today and save!

Exclusive Interview with Ben Mercer from Making It Wicked

Interviewer: Welcome, Ben! It’s great to have you here. Let’s dive right in—working at a Halloween Scream Park must be quite the experience! How did you end up at Haunted Hollow?

Ben: grinning You could say it was a mix of curiosity and needing some extra cash. I’ve always had a thing for places that give off a weird vibe, and Haunted Hollow? It’s practically buzzing with energy. Plus, I’m all about new experiences, and this place? Yeah, definitely unlike anything I’ve done before.

Interviewer: I bet! So, we’ve heard you’re quite the wanderer. How does working in one spot, even if it’s a scream park, fit with your free-spirited nature?

Ben: laughing I guess you could say I’m more used to moving around than staying put. But even while working here, I’ve found ways to keep things interesting. Haunted Hollow is more than just a gig—it’s a puzzle. There’s this haunted forest, strange noises at night, the stories people tell. It’s like an adventure waiting to happen every day. Keeps me on my toes, you know?

Interviewer: Sounds like the perfect playground for someone with your sense of adventure. Now, let’s get personal—what’s the deal with Theo Hawthorne? Rumor has it you two have some undeniable chemistry.

Ben: grinning mischievously Theo? Yeah, he’s… something else. We’re total opposites. He’s all about planning, making sure every detail is perfect. I kind of just go with the flow. But there’s something about him—beneath all that seriousness, there’s a lot more going on. Plus, getting him to loosen up a bit? That’s my current favorite challenge.

Interviewer: Sounds like sparks are flying! But with your tendency to wander, do you think someone like Theo, who seems more grounded, can keep you interested?

Ben: That’s the million-dollar question, right? Thing is, I’ve always thought love had to be this big, epic thing, full of passion and adventure. But sometimes, it’s the quieter moments that sneak up on you. Theo’s got this way of making me think maybe there’s more to sticking around than I thought. Maybe stability doesn’t have to mean being tied down—it could be about finding someone who gets your need to roam but still offers a reason to come back.

Interviewer: That’s a great way to put it. Speaking of challenges, you and Theo stumbled upon a restless spirit at Haunted Hollow. How’s that been?

Ben: leaning in with a gleam in his eye That’s where things get wild. This spirit? He’s not just any ghost. There’s a whole tragic story behind him, something that ties into the park’s history. Theo and I are trying to piece it all together before things get out of hand. It’s dangerous, sure, but it’s also kind of exciting—figuring out his story, what he wants. I just hope we can help him move on before something bad happens.

Interviewer: It sounds like you’re diving deep into something darker than usual. Does dealing with the supernatural freak you out at all?

Ben: You’d think it would, right? But nah, not really. It’s more intriguing than terrifying. There’s something about the unknown that draws me in, even if it’s creepy or unsettling. Plus, I’ve always wondered if there’s more out there than we can see. Meeting a ghost? Just another adventure on the list. And hey, I’m not doing it alone—Theo’s got my back, even if he pretends not to believe in all this stuff half the time.

Interviewer: What’s next for you, Ben? Do you see yourself staying at Haunted Hollow after Halloween, or is there another adventure calling your name?

Ben: Oh, there’s always another adventure calling. Whether it’s here or somewhere far off, I can’t say yet. But Haunted Hollow feels like it’s got more secrets to reveal, so I might stick around a little longer.

Interviewer: laughs I think a lot of people are rooting for that! Thanks for chatting with us, Ben. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.

Ben: Anytime. And trust me, wherever it is, it’s gonna be one hell of a ride.

Making It Wicked releases on October 30, 2024! It’s available at Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, Nook, and Smashwords.