Lex.Btw.TheLines...

We sit down with author Samyra Alexander to talk twists, dark psychological thrillers, and how Road To Malevolence unexpectedly grew from a standalone into a full trilogy. We also unpack Janet’s choices through the lens of trauma, family secrets, and the uncomfortable truth that adults can create the very chaos they blame on kids. 
• Samyra’s early influences from Hitchcock-style storytelling and twist endings 
• Why Road To Malevolence was meant to be standalone then became a trilogy 
• The reality of self-publishing costs and wanting fair pay for creative work 
• Janet’s origin story and the theme of paren...

outro

We talk with author Anna J about Rainy Days, her first romance, and why writing a “soft” love story takes just as much courage as writing a thriller. We also get honest about divorce, faith, red flags, and the kind of love that feels safe enough to be real. 
• shifting from thriller author to romance writer without following “protocol” 
• reader reactions to Rainy Days and the appeal of Reggie’s softness 
• pulling from real life and faith to shape character and story 
• learning to live with the quiet after divorce and starting over 
• not ignoring red flags and dr...

We sit down with author S.M. Love and get honest about why her romance stories feel like real life, from messy past wounds to mature choices that actually make sense. We talk communication, boundaries, and the kind of self-love that changes who you date and what you will never compromise again. 
• S.M. Love’s approach to women’s fiction romance that makes readers reflect 
• Why The Space Between lands like a therapy session on the page 
• How her psychology background shapes emotional realism and character voice 
• Writing love stories with mature characters, careers, and sisterhood a...

We sit down with thriller author and audiobook narrator JR Mason to unpack how she turns books into fully immersive audio with sound effects, music, and performance level acting. Along the way, we get honest about burnout, reviews, writing from real life, and what it means to build suspense that actually earns the “thriller” label. 
• getting into audiobook narration after a layoff and learning production the hard way 
• re-recording early work for consistency and upgrading a home recording space 
• dual narration versus duet narration and why duet editing takes more time 
• performing sex scenes, breath control, and bui...

We sit down with author Adrian Thomas to talk about her nine-year writing hiatus, her return to indie publishing, and why Hooked On Onyx hits so hard even when it makes you mad. We unpack dark urban fiction choices, reader expectations like trigger warnings, and the craft behind characters who feel too real. 
• stepping back from writing because of procrastination and discouragement after leaving a publisher 
• the shift from publisher support to indie self-publishing and learning the new industry 
• trigger warnings as a courtesy and how the “new batch of readers” changes book culture 
• how Adrian creates c...

We sit down with Anna J, Octavia Grant, and Olivia Renee Wallace to unpack Vengeance, a thriller built around a funeral home legacy and a family inheritance that comes with rules, secrets, and consequences. We talk craft, research, and how three distinct writers create a single voice while still keeping the story wild, funny, and grounded. 
• how Vengeance is born through community connections and DMs 
• why trust matters more than writing sprints for co-authoring 
• building character profiles and letting characters drive the plot 
• using afterlife narration and flashbacks to reveal motive 
• shaping Celine and Solana as inten...

We sit down with therapist and author Geletta Shavers to unpack the real emotions and ethical choices behind her Dragged Into Darkness books. We talk horror, trauma, bullying, manipulation, and how indie publishing lets her protect her voice while building a supportive author community. 
• how a mental health background shapes writing and boundaries around trauma 
• what inspires Jasmine’s vengeance arc without depicting sexual assault 
• why the victims face a 30-day countdown and what that choice signals 
• how the series shifts from horror into psychological thriller territory 
• Michael’s obsession, trauma, and the mental health lens behind...

We talk with erotic romance author Skyline A. Millbow about writing My Kind of Love with heat, consent, and emotional weight after life changed her relationship to romance. We dig into Club Inana, character inspiration, indie publishing lessons, and what it takes to keep writing when the story keeps talking back. 
• moving from erotica reader to debut author and choosing erotic romance on purpose 
• writing infertility and a hysterectomy without defaulting to pregnancy tropes 
• building Club Inana as a consent-centred lifestyle club with clear boundaries 
• using research and beta readers for lifestyle and BDSM-adjacent accuracy 
• creatin...

Get ready for a literary experience like no other! In this episode of Lex.Btw.TheLines, we’re sitting down with event coordinators Toni Larue and Tanisha Stewart to talk all things Licensed 2 Thrill one of the first-ever events dedicated to celebrating the brilliance of Black authors in thriller, horror, suspense, and speculative fiction.

We’re diving into everything you need to know before you go—from ticket sales and how to secure your spot, to insider details on what attendees can expect over this unforgettable two-day experience. Think powerful panels, meaningful networking, and a chance to connec...

We trace Lex’s path from closed-door romance to dark romance and into horror, breaking down why anti-heroes, revenge arcs, and detailed prose changed how we read and review. We trade messy trope confessions, memory hacks for multi-reading, and how BookTok helped us show up on camera with our full voices.

• shifting from soft romance to dark romance, thrillers and horror
• why revenge horror and splatterpunk land on the page
• when spice enhances plot and when it distracts
• favorite tropes including enemies to lovers and secret baby
• reading anywhere with zero shame and some strateg...

We meet author Anna J, trace her path from urban drama to erotic thriller, and dig into how she builds unforgettable characters like Monica and Dylan. We unpack why representation matters, how warnings protect readers, and what’s coming next in her expanding thriller universe.

• creating the book she wanted to read when no one else was writing it
• designing Monica as a disruptive, cautionary force
• flipping zodiac traits to subvert character expectations
• crafting The Hunt as an erotic thriller with a Black lead
• balancing realism, terror and informed consent with trigger warnings
• using...

Thriller author Toni LaRue shares her journey from urban fiction to becoming an NBCC-nominated author with several number one releases on Amazon. She discusses her meticulous character development process, representation challenges for Black thriller writers, and how she approaches trauma and emotional depth in her stories.

• NBCC-nominated thriller author with 10+ novels and multiple #1 Amazon releases
• Discovered thriller writing after reading Lisa Gardner's "The Other Daughter" during a graveyard shift
• Creates detailed character profiles before writing, including birthdays, traits, and preferences
• Works full-time with unhoused populations while maintaining her writing career
• "Juneteenth" explores themes of racial...

Keira N James, bestselling indie thriller author, joins us to discuss her journey from a small town in Georgia to becoming a powerful voice in the thriller genre with 15 books under her belt.

• Drawing inspiration from real-life experiences to create what she calls "exaggerated realities"
• Transition from urban fiction to thriller writing after finding her voice in the "dark side of fiction"
• Finding success with bestsellers like "The Grave Mistake" and the spicy short story collection "Embodied"
• Challenging stereotypes about Black women and creating morally ambiguous characters readers can't help but root for
• Using writ...

Louisiana author Lakisha Burkett shares her journey from avid reader to published writer, revealing how personal experiences and her grandmother's stories shape her emotionally charged novels.

• Writing journey began with husband's support, who bought her first book cover
• Draws story inspiration from real-life experiences and family stories
• "Dear Diary" inspired by grandmother's stories, written in just one month
• Creates realistic endings that don't always resolve happily
• Book "Everybody Ain't Your Friend" based on a real toxic friendship
• Balances motherhood, working from home, and writing at her own pace
• Upcoming book "Let You Down" expl...

In this episode, we explore the creative journey of Selena Brooks as she discusses her latest projects, including "Southern Sizzle" and the upcoming "Southern Scramble." Her insights provide a unique look into character development and the spice of Southern drama.

• Introduction and trigger warnings 
• Background of author Selena Brooks 
• Overview of "Southern Sizzle" and its impact 
• Insight into "Southern Scramble" and character relationships 
• Discussion of drama and romance intertwined in storytelling 
• Exploration of reader expectations and tropes used 
• Engagement with marketing strategies and influencers 
• Selena's thoughts on balancing personal experiences in writing 
• Futur...

This episode explores the rich themes of love, trauma, and personal growth depicted in Christian Cashelle's book 'Loving You Blind.' With discussions on character development, the writing process, and the publishing journey, listeners gain insight into how real-life experiences shape fictional narratives.

• Christian introduces herself and discusses her accomplishments 
• Trigger warnings regarding adult language and emotional topics 
• The importance of Google Alerts for authors and engagement 
• Nicole's character journey and the lessons from her relationships 
• The impact of music on character development 
• Insights into Dynamic Image Publications and its mission 
• Christian shares her...

The episode features an engaging conversation with New York Times bestselling author Katie Ashley, highlighting her transition from indie author to bestseller, her insight into the evolving landscape of publishing, and her success in the Mafia romance genre. Katie shares personal anecdotes about her writing journey, upcoming projects, and the emotional connections that drive her stories.

• Katie's experience navigating the current publishing landscape 
• Discussion of her breakthrough book "The Proposition" 
• The inspiration behind her Mafia romance series 
• Personal account of balancing teaching and writing 
• Insights into her creative process and character development 
• A preview of her...

This episode delves into the captivating world of writing within the mafia romance genre, featuring author Darma Day, who shares her inspiring journey of character development and storytelling. Throughout the discussion, we explore various tropes, the creative process behind writing, and the vibrant community supporting indie authors.

• Exploration of inspirations behind writing and character creation 
• Discussion on the accidental pregnancy trope and its significance 
• Insight into the transitional journey from paranormal to mafia romance 
• Importance of feedback and editing within the writing community 
• Conversations about the darker themes in literature and their impact 
• Dharma's...

The episode illuminates the challenges and triumphs of writing diverse characters in romance fiction. With insights from authors SK Presley and Ashley, the discussion touches on representation, emotional journeys of characters, and how personal experiences shape narratives.

• Exploration of the inspiration behind creating Frank and Lola as relatable characters
• Importance of diverse representation in literature 
• Insights into the emotional realities of authors facing reader feedback 
• The art of crafting cliffhangers that leave an impact 
• Future plans for character development in upcoming books

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This episode features an engaging conversation with debut author B. Bewtie, who explores her unique experiences in the creative process and the emotional connections within her storytelling. Bee shares her journey of writing her debut novel, which touches upon themes of identity, resilience, and community support.

• Introduction of B. Bewtie and her debut novel 
• Exploration of LGBTQIA representation in characters 
• Discussion on character inspiration from real life 
• The impact of trauma and mental health on writing 
• The journey of editing and publishing her book 
• Importance of community in indie publishing 
• Future plans and potential...

This episode features author Selena Brooks discussing her debut novel, "Southern Sizzle," and her journey through the challenges of self-publishing and character creation. The conversation emphasizes the complexities of writing relatable characters amid drama and trauma, offering valuable insights for aspiring authors. 
• Introduction of author Selena Brooks 
• The long journey to publishing "Southern Sizzle" 
• Insights into the vanity press experience 
• Discussing family dynamics and character relationships 
• The emotional themes of trauma and healing 
• Preview of the upcoming sequel, "Southern Scramble" 
• Tips for aspiring authors navigating self-publishing

Zola Fontaine, a ghostwriter known for her work in serialized fiction, discusses the challenges and rewards of writing for others while striving for her own creative fulfillment. She shares insights on the financial realities of the ghostwriting industry, the importance of mentorship, and her exciting projects, including a unique urban fantasy romance. 

• Zola's background as a ghostwriter and her work in serialized fiction apps 
• The intricate business model behind serialized fiction and monetization strategies 
• The financial aspects of being a writer today and the need for multiple income sources 
• The transition to independent publishing and personal...

Dive deeper into the story of Lex with this powerful introduction! Discover the essence of Lex's journey, their motivation, and how they embody the spirit of resilience and determination. In this installment Lex takes center stage, sharing their background, challenges, and ultimate drive to succeed. Whether you’re here for inspiration, motivation, or simply to learn more about what makes Lex unique, this video promises to deliver. Watch now and get ready to be inspired! #WhoIsLex 

We're taking a dive into Cyril Mezden's Debut Novel "An Empty Embrace" which is a Fantasy Queer Dark Romance. It's based off of Curse of Strahd Dungeons and Dragons campaign. It is unapologetically queer which I absolutely love, it contains flamboyant vampires, you get a Gothic ambience, and of course we have some elves, orcs, and halflings.Ohhhh and we discuss the spice which heats up a lot.. But warning! There are Spoilers in this episodes and what some would consider explict language!!

I'm just a #Pantropesual being just giving my little two cents on books I've read. Dark Romance, Billionaire, Mafia, Stalker Romance, Fantasy, Thriller, pretty much anything with smut or morally grey men. Don't get it twisted, though I love a good RomCom, and I'm entering into my paranormal era along with so many others. We all know how hard it is to find a local book club that reads what you're into without giving you the side eye. So I've created a space where I can discuss the type of books I absolutely love with like-minded people. Hey, "Book Besties."I...