Blog Archives
Resistance as Inspiration
Defending Engagement follows two brothers and the woman they love in an unconventional polyamorous relationship as the trio navigates judgment from family, societal expectations, and their own emotional minefields. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you were writing the novel?
The initial spark for this story came from reader reactions to Overruling Judgment, Book One. Reader interest in the characters’ lives prompted some readers to want more, while others strongly objected to two brothers sharing one woman. I quickly realized I would not convince everyone to embrace the dynamic. Instead, I used that resistance as inspiration. I created side characters who embodied those critical voices, turning them into narrow-minded, often hypocritical figures within the story. It became a way to reflect real-world attitudes while still centering the story around love, complexity, and choice.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
What draws me to writing about the human condition, especially about love, is the emotional depth and delicious complexity of it all. I’m fascinated by polyamorous relationships because they push characters (and readers) to rethink what intimacy, trust, and commitment can really look like.
There’s something undeniably compelling about multiple hearts in motion and how people navigate desire, jealousy, vulnerability, and connection when the rules aren’t pre-written. It creates space for raw, honest emotion, and unique character arcs. I write these stories to expand the conversation around love and offer stories where passion and partnership don’t have to fit in a single box.
I want to write bold stories that are a little daring and rooted in the belief that love can be real, messy, and beautiful all at the same time.
What was one of the hardest parts in Defending Engagement for you to write?
It may come as a shock, but the hardest part wasn’t the family confrontation. I had powerful feelings about how Sasha, JD, and Ian would stand up to their family. I stepped back into my law student mindset when writing that scene. Each character’s voice rang out with confidence, love, and a refusal to be shamed for what they share.
The real challenge? Restraining myself from turning the novella into a full-blown novel. But I knew that Defending Engagement shouldn’t end with a glossy ten-years-later epilogue and a picket fence. They deserved something real, grounded, and just a little raw. Sasha, JD, and Ian didn’t need a fantasy ending.
What they have is sold. They faced judgment, fought for each other, and came out stronger. That’s the story I wanted to tell. Not a neat bow, but a fierce, ongoing choice to love boldly, live honestly, and keep showing up for each other, no matter what.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
They’re not just surviving, but thriving. By the time they reappear in Book Three, they’re more confident and connected than ever. What started behind closed doors is now something they’re willing to defend in daylight. You’ll see them out holding hands while skating in the middle of a Chicago public ice rink. No dodging glances. No hiding in the crowd. Just three people choosing each other, over and over, with the world watching.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
At the O’Malley family’s annual St. Patrick’s Day party, whispers turn to outright condemnation—immorality, illegality, and taboo desire. JD and Ian fear the scorn will drive Sasha away. They underestimate Sasha’s ability to eviscerate closed-minded arguments and fire to defend what’s hers.
It is time to take a stand and defend their engagement.
Defending Engagement
Defending Engagement by Liz Ellyn picks up where its predecessor left off, thrusting us right back into the unconventional but fiercely loyal triad of Sasha, Ian, and JD. This steamy, heartfelt romance explores the complexity of a polyamorous relationship between two brothers and the woman they love. The trio navigates judgment from family, societal expectations, and their own emotional minefields. Set in Chicago, the novel blends domestic drama, erotic tension, and tender moments, all while the three protagonists try to preserve their bond in the face of rising stakes, both personal and public.
I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect to be pulled in so completely. From the jump, Ellyn’s prose is bold and immersive. The sex scenes are explicit, yes, but they’re more than just spicy—they’re deeply connected to character development. I felt the love between these people. I believed it. The intimacy wasn’t just physical; it was emotional, awkward, messy, and often beautiful. JD’s vulnerability, Ian’s internal battles with control and image, Sasha’s desire to keep them together—it was raw and real. Their love feels earned. And that’s no small feat in a setup that could have easily veered into gimmick.
At times, the story leans into its erotic edge, occasionally slowing the plot’s momentum with scenes that start to blur together. I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in the external challenges they face, beyond disapproving relatives and holiday drama. Still, Ellyn earns her emotional beats. The writing is unflinching. The dialogue rings true. And when the characters hurt, I felt it. I was frustrated with them, rooted for them, even rolled my eyes with love at their little quirks.
Defending Engagement is a love story that’s unorthodox, tender, explicit, and ultimately hopeful. It’s for readers who want more than just fluff in their romance. If you’re into character-driven storytelling, steamy dynamics, and the kind of emotional vulnerability that makes your heart squeeze, this book delivers. If you’re curious, open-minded, and a sucker for complicated love, this book is perfect for you.
Pages: 118 | ASIN : B0F549X4HK
Unconventional Love
Willful Parties follows three law school graduates, bound by a shared secret & intense love, who face challenges from adulthood and are searching for a way to reconnect emotionally & physically. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration for exploring themes like navigating life in your twenties and the challenges of establishing a career stems from my own personal journey. After graduating from law school, a series of unexpected events led me away from the traditional role of practicing law, and that shift has deeply shaped my perspective.
Like many demanding careers, being a lawyer often comes with the challenge of balancing personal life, including relationships. As for the threesome aspect in my novel, I consider myself an open-minded person and believe in promoting a healthy, open perspective on unconventional relationships.
These themes run throughout my book series, with the first installment titled Overruling Judgment. I’m excited to say that Book 3 is on track for publication in 2025.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I believe the novel provides a meaningful arc for both the characters individually and their relationship as a whole. All three main characters find their own inner strength, enabling them to work towards a strong bond between them. I’m excited about the possibility of continuing their journey by exploring new challenges and testing their bond further in a future novella.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Acceptance of unconventional love
Struggling with prioritizing others’ needs over your own desires
Confronting societal and familial biases against bisexuality
Navigating the pressure of familial expectations
Exploring sexual identity and self-discovery
Navigating challenges of defining career paths early in life
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m currently finishing the next book in the series, which also features a love triangle, though in a very unique way. Book 3 delves into different LGBTQIA+ issues. All of my books are stand-alones. This one will focus on three new characters, but two were briefly introduced in earlier books. I hope to publish book 3 in 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Seth is the vibrant bisexual marathoner who sparked the relationship with Kat and Dylan. He remains undeterred in pursuit of their perfect love, even when confronted with a devastating blow. Kat, their sharp-witted pixie, treasures good moments as gifts due to past experiences. She hesitates to wholeheartedly commit based on a deep-rooted fear of heartache and pressing her luck. Dylan exudes irresistible confidence and brilliance and is marked for an impressive political future. However, his internal struggle with identity and career decisions poses a significant hurdle in committing to their love affair. They share a sizzling three-way passion but are destined to part ways after graduating from their Chicago law school. Legal battles, heart-wrenching losses, and mounting obligations challenge the prospect of reclaiming their love.
Willful Parties
Willful Parties by Liz Ellyn stands out as a captivating addition to the erotic romance genre, skillfully blending drama, passion, and romance into an engaging narrative. The novel is filled with excitement and tension, as Ellyn weaves a tale of secret love and unconventional relationships. At the heart of the story are Kat, Seth, and Dylan, three recent law school graduates bound together by a shared secret and an intense, unusual love. Dylan is set to pursue a political career under his parents’ guidance, while Kat supports her father in his bar and prepares with Seth for a critical exam that will shape their futures. Yet as their professional lives pull them in different directions, the trio faces growing challenges in maintaining the closeness they once enjoyed. The demands of adulthood leave them searching for fleeting moments to reconnect, both emotionally and physically.
Ellyn’s strength lies in her ability to create charged, intimate scenes that vividly portray the deep desire and emotional connection between the characters. The writing is light and fun, yet it doesn’t shy away from moments of drama and unpredictability, making the story feel dynamic and authentic.
Through her story, the distinct personalities of Kat, Seth, and Dylan emerge clearly. Dylan’s reserved nature contrasts with Seth’s wild, free-spirited attitude, while Kat, seemingly quiet and dutiful on the surface, unveils a passionate side in private. These character nuances, along with the secrecy of their relationship, infuse the story with complexity and intrigue. The chemistry between the trio is palpable, with their encounters radiating heat and tension. Even when life pulls them apart, the intensity of their connection lingers, creating a mounting sense of anticipation. Ellyn’s writing draws readers into this tantalizing web of love, lust, and secrecy, ensuring they remain hooked from start to finish.
In Willful Parties, Liz Ellyn delivers a seductive and tension-filled erotic romance that keeps readers eagerly turning pages to discover how Kat, Seth, and Dylan navigate the delicate balance between their professional lives and their passionate affair. Despite the distance, their bond remains unbreakable, and their journey is one filled with both excitement and emotional depth.
Pages: 364 | ASIN : 1509258507
I Want Readers to Connect With My Characters
Overruling Judgment follows an independent and successful woman who falls in love with two brothers without knowing they were related at the start, and they all build a relationship. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Like the characters in my story, I attended law school in the Chicago area. Shortly after graduating, life changed the direction of my career when my four-year-old son was diagnosed that he was going deaf. I feel that the need to adjust one’s career is something that is relatable to many people.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
I want my readers to feel that the characters are real and connect with them. My characters have intense feelings for one another but are not always perfect. I speak my dialogue aloud to ensure realism.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Although the actions themselves differ greatly from my own life, I can strongly empathize with the emotions of regret felt by Ian, the sense of loss experienced by Sasha, and the feeling of disappointment expressed by JD
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently finishing the next book to follow Overruling Judgment where the story focuses on Kat, Seth, and Dylan. I hope to publish in the spring 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Instagram
JD’s the hot art teacher with the body and stamina of a former professional hockey player. He’s a creative master, in and out of the bedroom, who captures the affection of the brilliant young attorney, but he second-guesses if he’s enough for her.
Sasha won’t settle for less in her career or love life. It’s all or nothing. After a twist of fate and a proclamation of love, Sasha escapes choosing between Ian and JD. The alternative is far more arousing.
With careers in flux and hearts on the line, how will they all find the fortitude to come out on top?
Overruling Judgment
Overruling Judgment by Liz Ellyn delves into the captivating realm of polyamory, a romance trope that has gained significant momentum in recent years. This enthralling novel aims to seize the essence of this popular trope and succeeds admirably. Our protagonist, Sasha, finds herself unexpectedly entangled in a relationship with not just one but two remarkable men. Although she never intended for this situation to unfold, circumstances lead her to inadvertently fall into this unique dynamic. The two men, JD and Ian, happen to be brothers, adding an intriguing layer of complexity to their shared connection.
The true strength of this book lies within its skillfully crafted erotic scenes. These intimate moments are depicted with great finesse, allowing the reader to vividly experience the pleasure that radiates from the pages. Moreover, the inclusion of alternate points of view adds an enriching dimension to the narrative. Through the eyes of all three main characters, readers are granted a distinctive and multifaceted perspective, further enhancing their engagement with the story. However, while Overruling Judgment excels in many aspects, it falls somewhat short in its portrayal of a polyamorous relationship. Notably, neither of the characters consciously sought out this type of relationship initially. Sasha finds herself dating both JD and Ian simultaneously, without their knowledge of each other’s involvement. The fact that they are brothers may also introduce a sense of unease for some readers. Furthermore, the book’s depiction of the character’s reactions to the relationship lacks a certain level of realism. Although a degree of skepticism is expected, the resolution of these concerns is swift and glossed over too hastily. Given more room to develop, a lengthier narrative could have allowed for a more nuanced exploration of the plot and its implications.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Overruling Judgment remains an alluring and captivating read. Its exploration of the polyamorous dynamic, coupled with the exquisitely crafted eroticism, offers readers an unforgettable journey. Liz Ellyn’s ability to bring forth the emotional and physical connections between the characters is commendable, providing a deeply satisfying reading experience. It is a book that celebrates love in all its complexities while also leaving room for growth and potential in its exploration of relationships. Fans of romance novels seeking a fresh and daring twist will undoubtedly be enthralled by this enthralling tale.
Pages: 334 | ISBN : 1509250808
LITERARY TITAN 