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Increasingly Public Topic
Courageous follows a woman tormented by the pain of her past who meets and develops feelings for two members of a Motorcycle Club while working in their tattoo shop, giving her a sense of hope for the first time. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Mental health is becoming an increasingly public topic, but there is still much more to explore. We can gain valuable insights from each other and from stories like Courageous, which highlight how individuals cope with trauma and its impact on their relationships and daily lives. This was the inspiration behind Courageous.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
The mindset of the main protagonist, Clark: her emotions, how she handled triggers, and her ability to communicate these feelings to her friends, family, and readers.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
I typically start with a broad concept or rough outline sketched in my mind, but more often than not, I end up going in a different direction. I allow my characters to take the lead. I try to put myself in their shoes and think, ‘What would I do?’ Naturally, I infuse the narrative with embellishments for entertainment.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Fearless is the upcoming book in the Iconic Sons MC series, set for release in 2026. Without revealing too much, it explores the lives of Mallory, Gage, and Pen. Mallory was kidnapped as a teenager by someone she trusted, and this traumatic event has made her guard her heart against love. Gage and Pen, however, are determined not to let this happen.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
However, Clark’s life takes a significant turn when she unexpectedly meets Vin and Gun at their tattoo shop, Blood Tattoos, and starts working for them. For the first time in a while, Clark finds a newfound sense of purpose and hope that inspires her to refrain from harming herself.
Vin and Gun, the quintessential alpha males, grew up in the Iconic Sons MC, a motorcycle club known for its strict code of conduct and brotherhood. Clark’s protective nature springs to life, and she tries to shield Vin and Gun from the dangers of the MC. But Vin and Gun, determined to uphold the club’s honor and traditions, will never allow Clark to interfere in their affairs.
Despite their initial conflicts, the simmering sexual tension eventually blossoms into a complex relationship between Vin, Gun, and Clark.
There’s one problem. Vin and Gun don’t know about Clark’s self-harming. How will they react when confronted with her disfiguring scars? Will they choose to run away, or can they accept her with all her flaws and imperfections?
Resilience
Resilient follows a young woman hardened by growing up in the foster system who develops an attraction to not only her boss and VP of a motorcycle club, but his cousin as well, leading her on a journey of self-discovery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Resilient started as a small idea planted in my mind. My main goal was to create a strong female protagonist who embodied the admirable trait of resilience. My initial visions often took unexpected turns, but in the end, I hope I conveyed the message of resilience to the readers.
Your story features some unique and interesting characters who have their flaws but are still likable. How do you go about creating characters for your story?
Some of the characters are based on my own life and those of those close to me. While I incorporate elements of embellishment and fiction to heighten the excitement and intrigue for the audience, the essence of the characters remains grounded in genuine authenticity.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The title says it all: resilience is a topic that requires more discussion. Charly’s story emphasizes the importance of dealing with trauma and the ability to persevere despite the hardships she endured. Additionally, the support of friends and family played a significant role in how she navigated the obstacles placed in her path.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book, Courageous, delves into the lives of three characters: Clark, Gun, and Vin. Their story explores the complexities of mental health, a topic familiar to many individuals. Through their experiences, I aim to shed light on the importance of understanding mental health and the various ways people cope with it. I’m genuinely excited to share their journey and the lessons they learn. Courageous was published in April 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
After a harrowing attack one night, Charly and her friend Jess seek refuge within the MC’s protective walls. At the clubhouse, she encounters Dominic’s charismatic cousin, Jax, and the air crackles with an undeniable spark.
When the men reveal their interest in her, Charly’s insecurities emerge. Soon, jealousies erupt from her coworkers, including Jess, prompting Charly to set aside her fears. She begins a journey of pleasure and self-discovery with Dom and Jax.
Unfortunately, their relationship is fraught with resentment, betrayal, and sabotage. And when her life is threatened, Charly’s only option is to escape.
Resilient: She Will Not Be Defeated
Resilient follows Charly, a young woman hardened by a brutal childhood, as she finds her footing in the gritty and dangerous world of the Iconic Sons Motorcycle Club. The book is about survival, longing, and the messy beauty of human connection. Charly’s path collides with Dominic, the imposing and magnetic leader of the club, and what unfolds is a mix of danger, desire, and a fragile hope for something better. The story swings between raw trauma and steamy intimacy, never shying away from either.
The writing pulled me in fast. The prologue set a heavy tone, and from there I couldn’t look away. The way the author builds Charly’s voice, tough yet achingly vulnerable, hit me harder than I expected. Some scenes had me clenching my jaw, especially when Charly’s past resurfaced. Others left me flushed, not just from the romance but from the sharp tension that hangs over everything. I appreciated the way the author blends grit and softness without ever letting one overpower the other. It gave the story bite, but it also gave it heart.
There were moments that made me stop and roll the words over in my mind. Sometimes it was the heat of a love scene, other times it was the sudden sting of a memory Charly couldn’t escape. I liked how the relationships, even the side ones, felt messy and real. At times, I found myself annoyed with Dominic, which I think was the point. He’s not the classic flawless hero. He’s complicated, rough-edged, and often infuriating, yet he’s magnetic all the same. That contradiction made the romance more believable for me, even when it was frustrating.
Resilient isn’t just a romance novel; it’s a story about scars and survival, and how people learn to keep going when the world keeps throwing punches. It’s raw and passionate, but it’s also about tenderness in unlikely places. I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes their romance intense, their characters flawed but resilient, and their stories with enough grit to leave a mark.
Pages: 336 | ASIN : B0D1MY68J8
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
LITERARY TITAN 