Blog Archives
Grief, Identity, and Found family
Inked Into Your Soul follows a spirited, passionate woman whose life is shattered by tragedy and slowly rebuilt through love, art, family, and hidden heritage. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Diedra and Locran’s story started revealing itself during the first book. There’s a moment when Locran sees her through the tattoo shop window, and something just clicks. That one glance stayed with me… it was magnetic. At first, I hesitated to go deeper because I didn’t want her to feel like a “diversity token.” I wasn’t sure I knew enough about the cultural heritage she represented, and I wasn’t willing to do it halfway. But their story wouldn’t leave me alone. It kept unfolding in my mind. It was/is steamy, complicated, beautiful, and I knew I had to honour it. I wanted their connection to be more than just physical or magical. I wanted it to feel real. Their issues, their struggles, their love… they’re rooted in the kind of emotional truth that makes characters feel like they’ve lived a life before the first chapter.
Your characters go on a deeply emotional and transformative journey in your novel. Is this intentional or incidental to the story you want to tell?
Very intentional. I’m obsessed with character growth, especially messy, non-linear growth. Life rarely gives us clean arcs, and I wanted my characters to reflect that. They cry, they rage, they screw up, they love too hard, and through it all, they transform. Not because life hands them answers, but because they dig through the pain and choose to evolve. That was the heartbeat of the story for me. Plus, if you have been betrayed by someone whom you loved, you know that it is very hard to come back from that. So, Diedra might come off as dramatic at times, but her heart is fighting with logic… and that can be chaotic.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Grief. Identity. Found family. The fear of being too much and the ache of not being enough. This book is about surviving the fire and realising that sometimes the version of you that rises from the ashes is the most powerful one. It’s also about how love, romantic or otherwise, doesn’t save you, but it can be the thing that reminds you you’re worth saving.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
I see them still healing, but thriving. Dee doesn’t just survive her past; she reclaims it and uses it as fuel. She and Locran have this fiery, chaotic love, but they’re learning how to soften with each other too. The rest of the characters? Let’s just say their stories are far from over. There are bonds still forming, and secrets waiting to be unearthed. So yes, Inked Into Your Soul ends, but the journey is still unfolding.
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Meet Diedra, a tattoo artist with a rare gift hidden beneath her ink, and Locran, a high-profile lawyer with a shadowed past. Their worlds intertwine in an unexpected dance of fate, where ancient legacies blend with the city’s futuristic pulse.
As secrets unravel and emotions intensify, they find themselves at the heart of a mystery that defies time and logic. Will the enigmatic forces that drew them together become their salvation or their undoing?
In a world where technology meets mysticism, “Inked into Your Soul” weaves a tale of passion, mystery, and the unbreakable bonds that form when two souls are destined to collide.
Inked Into Your Soul (Book 2 of the Whispers of Destiny series)
Inked Into Your Soul is book two in the Whispers of Destiny debut series by author Ava Rogue. Inked Into Your Soul is a bold and genre-blending dive into romance, trauma, identity, and mysticism. Set across vibrant backdrops like Cuba and London, the story follows Diedra, a spirited, passionate woman whose life is shattered by tragedy and slowly rebuilt through love, art, family, and hidden heritage. Told from multiple perspectives, primarily Diedra and Locran, the brooding Irish law student, the novel weaves erotica with ancestral spirituality, exploring Santería, grief, sexuality, and soul connections in a deeply intimate way. It’s part romance, part coming-of-age, part spiritual revelation, with plenty of fire.
Rouge doesn’t hold back in this second book in the Whispers of Destiny series. Whether it’s a sex scene, a panic attack, or a mystical vision, the emotions hit hard and fast. Some moments felt downright cinematic, vivid, and aching. I admired how the sensual scenes didn’t just feel like shock value; they were often layered with tenderness, vulnerability, or power. Some chapters soared while others took their time as it meandered through the weight of its own emotional intensity. The dialogue occasionally slipped into melodrama, and while the characters were distinct and layered. I found myself swept up in Diedra’s journey and rooting for her, flaws and all.
What I appreciated most, though, were the themes Rouge tackled head-on. This wasn’t just about love or lust. It was about healing intergenerational wounds, reclaiming spiritual heritage, and standing firm in one’s power. The Santería elements weren’t tokenized; they felt personal, reverent, and textured. I didn’t expect a story that started with beachside sex to also make me think about cultural erasure, ancestral responsibility, and the complexity of grief. There’s something gutsy about that. I also liked how Locran’s own trauma mirrored Diedra’s. They were two souls shaped by loss and pulled together by something they couldn’t quite explain.
Inked Into Your Soul is messy, passionate, and unfiltered. And that’s its strength. It’s not a story that tries to be neat. It just tries to be true. I’d recommend this book to readers who love steamy romance but also want depth, character-driven stories, and a touch of the mystical.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0CTYLC6CK
The Lost Princess
The Lost Princess is a romantasy novel that blends high-stakes political intrigue with personal discovery. It follows Elena, a young woman raised in an orphanage, who discovers she is the last surviving heir to the throne of a secretive realm called Zurdonia. Thrust into a life she never asked for, she must face assassins, unravel hidden truths, and confront a destiny tied to her mysterious lineage. Alongside her fiercely loyal best friend Hannah and her enigmatic protector Alexei, Elena navigates a world of danger, romance, and ancient secrets.
This book pulled me in right from the start. Kutney’s writing style is punchy and vivid. There are lots of quick dialogue, emotional sparks, and fast-moving scenes. There’s something deeply satisfying about how Elena’s voice carries the story. She’s grounded and relatable, but also sharp, stubborn, and wonderfully defiant. I loved how the book didn’t waste time. It throws you into danger within the first few pages and keeps that tension simmering the whole way through. Alexei, the stoic protector with his secrets and steel, is exactly the kind of brooding mystery you want in a romantasy. Their chemistry crackles, and even though some of the tropes are familiar, Kutney injects enough personal warmth and emotional stakes to make it feel fresh.
The book’s ideas about duty, destiny, and identity hit harder than I expected. There’s a rawness to Elena’s internal conflict—choosing between freedom and responsibility—that made me pause more than once. I felt her hesitation in my gut. The exploration of found family versus birthright tugged at me emotionally, and I liked that the book didn’t tie everything up in a neat bow. Not everything was clear-cut. Some of the pacing toward the end could’ve been tighter, and a few side characters blurred together, but it didn’t take away from the emotional core. What stuck with me most was the dreamlike intensity of Elena’s journey—both the external battles and the personal ones.
I’d recommend The Lost Princess to anyone who loves fantasy with a romantic edge and emotional grit. If you enjoy books where secrets unravel, relationships deepen under pressure, and ordinary girls discover they were anything but—this one’s for you. It’s a story about strength, sacrifice, and the power of knowing who you really are when everything else is taken away.
Pages: 254 | ASIN : B0F5KJVQQV
A True Redemption
Affliction is a harrowing dark fantasy that follows a captive prince grappling with trauma, identity, and survival under the rule of a ruthless Alpha in a world where magic is a weapon of oppression. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story was inspired by the desire to write something different, where people of all walks of life could feel represented. I felt like there wasn’t much for options as far as a queer romantasy, and as cliche as it sounds, the story sort of wrote itself. I wanted a story that wasn’t a coming-out story, I wanted to write something where the characters just happened to have different preferences beyond the mainstream.
What inspired you to create such an emotionally raw and psychologically intense character in Nicolas?
Nicolas represents a lot of friends I had growing up who struggled with not only their sexuality but also their worth. Women and men can both struggle with feeling as though their worth ends with what they have to offer; some of them like the power their bodies hold, while some of them become slaves to it, and I wanted to shed light on that. I wanted Nicolas to have a true redemption, and I wanted to touch on the trauma that someone in a situation like this might have actually gone through. It’s not always pretty, and I hope people can enjoy him for what he is. A human.
How did you approach balancing the brutality of the world with moments of introspection and humanity?
I really wanted to try and add dark humor to break up the intensity. My own sense of humor can be dark, and I think when a topic like this comes up, it suited the story to keep up with the theme of, ‘these guys are having a really hard time, but they’re doing it together, even if they don’t want to.’ The villain isn’t always the villain in everyone’s story, and sometimes the good guy is the villain.
Affliction is book one of the Alpha Series. What can readers expect in book two?
The series has 9 books, with 8 finished and the 9th in the works. Book Two is sort of the ‘coming of age’ part of the story. It’s a bit more serious, a lot more magic, and a whole lot more drama.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Fiona’s Fury
Fiona’s Fury, by Roxy Blue, presents an intricate narrative exploring themes of love, jealousy, and the pursuit of freedom. Central to this story is Fiona Turner, a character skillfully depicted as navigating the complexities of a constrictive marriage and an emerging, intriguing connection. The storyline gains momentum as Fiona’s husband, Quade, grapples with intense jealousy and anger, precipitated by a florist’s interest in Fiona. This scenario unfolds into an engrossing journey through human emotions, with Quade’s insecurities prominently featured, threatening the stability of their outwardly perfect marriage.
Fiona, depicted as the CEO of a florist company, is a blend of resilience and independence. Yet, she finds herself drawn into a complicated relationship with a mysterious new character. Blue deftly portrays Fiona’s internal conflicts, offering readers a window into the intricacies of her emotional landscape. The narrative escalates as Fiona considers leaving her domineering husband, introducing unexpected twists that engage the reader. The florist’s role transcends a mere romantic interest, symbolizing the emergence of repressed desires and challenging traditional societal expectations. Roxy Blue succeeds in delivering a story that adeptly dissects the nuances of love, jealousy, and self-revelation. The prose is both vivid and engrossing, maintaining a tension that resonates throughout the book. Incorporating multiple perspectives, the novel offers a multifaceted view into its romance thriller plot, making for a compelling read.
Fiona’s Fury is a novel that effectively captures the reader’s interest, leaving one eager to discover the unfolding events. Ideal for those who appreciate stories that question societal norms and delve into emotional complexities, this book is a notable addition to the romance thriller genre, offering an unconventional and emotionally resonant narrative.
Pages: 325 | ASIN : B0CQBGL4LD
Belief in Inherent Goodness
In The Taste of Light, a woman finds herself helping to uncover a conspiracy against the owner of a neighboring vineyard. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Taste of Light germinated from Pedro Daun’s character arc, the antagonist in The True Purpose of Vines. Pedro’s journey from Portugal’s pinnacle of power to a fugitive status was crucial for his redemption. This drastic shift in his life, viewed through Anne’s unwavering belief in inherent goodness, facilitated his path to self-forgiveness and transformation.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
Crafting Pedro Daun involved balancing his moral ambiguity with a deep-seated personal code and unwavering loyalty. My focus was on delicately revealing his dual nature, ensuring that his humanity resonated with readers.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
My foray into writing was sparked by an enchanting journey through Portugal. The nation’s cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes captivated me, igniting a perpetual love affair with writing.
Can you give readers a glimpse inside book 3 of the Winemakers series?
In The Truth About Myths, Princess Isabel de Orleans embarks on a perilous mission to Spain, compelled by duty to her brother, the king. Her unlikely guardian, Henrique, Viscount Penafiel, a dashing rake, finds his loyalty torn between wanderlust and the task at hand. Their journey intertwines with Alfonso, a Bourbon with designs on Isabel and Portugal’s freedom. This tale, set against the 19th-century monarchy’s grandeur, is a dance of passion, patriotism, and the unforeseen. A must-read for those enthralled by an era of elegance and intrigue.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
After losing his bride to a hated Englishman, Pedro Daun shuts himself in his winemaking property. Drowning in port, he hopes to find oblivion from his military past.
A girl with dawn in her eyes…
Kind and whimsical, Anne Maxwell moves to Portugal to help her new sister-in-law. She dreams of finding the perfect suitor to give her the unconditional love she never had.
Shadows can taste light…
A twist of fate brings them together. Anne glimpses in Pedro’s eyes a yearning for love that rivals her own, but the cynical Count isn’t the perfect prince of her dreams. Pedro craves Anne’s touch more than the air he breathes, but he is unwilling to taint his angel with the sins from his past.
A conspiracy is revealed…
A false accusation turns them into fugitives. Running from a treacherous enemy, they plunge into an ocean of intrigue. As their passion grows, Anne discovers that love isn’t the perfect matter of fairy tales. But can Pedro forgive himself for his past and allow Anne into his heart?
If you love antiheroes in desperate need of redemption, this historical romance will conquer your heart. The Taste of Light received the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence by The Historical Fiction Company and is a Booklife’s Editor’s Pick.
LITERARY TITAN 