Blog Archives
Second Chances
Just Not My Type follows a high-powered fashion editor and single mom, who moves back to her hometown and finds life takes an unexpected twist when her childhood nemesis reenters her life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of going back to where you came from—not just physically, but emotionally. What happens when someone who has built this glossy, “big city” life suddenly finds themselves back in the small town where everyone knows their teenage nickname? That tension between who you were and who you’ve become is such a rich space to explore. Add in a certain childhood nemesis who refuses to stay in the past, and it became the perfect storm for drama, humor, and a little swoony chaos.
I found all your characters entertaining and engaging. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I really enjoyed writing about Keith. He’s one of those characters who seems simple on the surface—a little smug, always quick with a smirk, but underneath that is a deep well of kindness and loyalty. Capturing that balance, his “smirkiness” alongside his quiet softness, was surprisingly challenging. Finding the right words to show both sides of him without making him feel contradictory took some work, but that complexity made him one of my favourites to bring to life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Second chances—whether in love, career, or self-discovery—were a big one for me. I wanted to explore what it truly means to start over, not as a wide-eyed twenty-something but as someone who has already weathered life’s messes and learned from them. There’s also a strong thread of identity: Who are you when you strip away the titles, the job, and the carefully curated image? And, of course, family. No matter where life takes you or what stage you’re in, there’s something grounding and often healing about returning to your roots.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to continue the story. Is there a second book planned?
Not with this story. When I finished writing Just Not My Type, I felt a sense of closure—like Amber’s journey had come full circle. By the end, she was exactly where she needed to be, ready to live her life on her own terms. For me, that felt like the right place to leave her—happy, grounded, and complete.
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Just Not My Type
Neha Singla’s Just Not My Type follows Amber Carter, a high-powered fashion editor navigating the chaos of single motherhood, career transitions, and an emotional return to her small hometown, Nelson Bay. The story begins in the hustle of New York City, where Amber juggles her glamorous job with raising her young daughter, Charlotte. When life pushes her toward change, she makes the bold move back home, prompting a heartwarming and hilarious rediscovery of family, friendship, and love, with a hefty dose of small-town drama, awkward first dates, and designer birds.
Reading this book felt like catching up with an old friend who has a knack for storytelling. Singla’s writing is breezy and full of life. She’s got a real talent for capturing the everyday absurdities of parenting, dating, and work life without ever making it feel heavy. I laughed more than once, especially during Charlotte’s wild bird-feeding episode and the painfully relatable dinner date with Ray the stitch-counting doctor. Singla’s sense of humor is one of the book’s biggest strengths. Even when things get emotional, the tone stays grounded. There’s warmth in every chapter, and even the side characters (shoutout to Nana and the artistically dramatic Sam) feel like people I’ve met somewhere before.
But what I liked more than the laughs was the heart of it all. Amber’s inner struggles, feeling torn between ambition and motherhood, being pulled by roots and wings, felt real and raw. There were moments I had to pause because the emotions hit home. The way Singla explores the messiness of modern womanhood without sugarcoating it was refreshing. I didn’t always agree with Amber’s decisions, and there were times the plot felt a bit too neat or whimsical. But I cared. I was rooting for her. I felt like I’d lived in her shoes, even just for a little while.
Just Not My Type isn’t just a rom-com or a cozy family drama. It’s a story about choosing joy, about finding clarity in chaos, and learning to laugh at life’s ridiculous timing. If you’re someone who enjoys heartfelt stories with quirky humor, smart women, and the occasional seagull mishap, this one’s for you. It’s a perfect beach read or a pick-me-up on a rainy day.
Pages: 191 | ASIN : B0DVPNS1GL
The Ghost Who Wouldn’t Leave
The Ghost Who Wouldn’t Leave is a witty, immersive novel about a burnt-out writer, Lesley Tierney, who buys a crumbling country cottage hoping for solitude and a creative reset, only to find herself face-to-face with Nathaniel Ashcroft, the smug, brooding ghost of a long-dead Victorian actor. What follows is not a typical haunting. It’s a simmering standoff between two stubborn souls, one alive, one not. It’s filled with sarcastic banter, strange happenings, and slow, unexpected companionship. As Lesley unravels the mysteries of Nathaniel’s past, she also wrestles with her own creative doubts and emotional baggage, all within the creaky walls of a house that seems to watch her just as much as she watches it.
I didn’t expect this book to be so funny. The narration is sharp and self-aware, filled with dry British humor and a kind of biting internal monologue that had me laughing more than once. The pacing is tight, with eerie moments slipping into emotional ones, and then, just when things threaten to get too heavy, it throws in a perfectly timed quip or a floating teacup. Lesley is relatable in the most chaotic and relatable way. She doubts herself constantly but still finds the grit to stand her ground, even when the house (or the ghost) quite literally fights back. And Nathaniel? He’s annoying in the best possible way: smug, theatrical, and gradually, devastatingly real.
What I loved most, though, was how this ghost story wasn’t about fear. It was about being stuck. Stuck in houses, in stories, in past lives and unfinished business. The supernatural elements were clever and creepy, sure, but they always served something deeper. The slow emotional thaw between Lesley and Nathaniel is tender, strange, and oddly moving. There were moments that gave me chills, and others that hit far closer to the heart than I expected from a story that begins with a sarcastic property viewing and a possibly haunted Aga. The writing is rich but never stuffy, full of texture and mood.
I’d recommend The Ghost Who Wouldn’t Leave to anyone who likes their ghost stories with more heart than horror. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate layered characters, slow-burn relationships, and stories that blend the emotional with the uncanny. It’s especially for those who’ve ever felt a little lost or needed a reminder that sometimes, even haunted houses can be homes. I closed the book feeling like I’d been part of something strange and lovely.
Pages: 331 | ASIN : B0FH7LGB4Z
Flawed but Loveable
Seen follows a morally grey antihero in jail for a crime he didn’t commit, who obsesses over clearing his name and getting revenge, till he spots a young woman and she becomes his obsession. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was walking to work one morning and a prison van drove passed me on its way to the courthouse in the centre of Belfast City. I noticed that it had blacked out windows and I wondered if the prisoners inside could see out. My brain immediately made the jump to ‘what would happen if someone inside saw a person on the outside and that obsession became everything’. That small notion continued to grow in my mind until I had the makings of a whole organised crime family, perhaps a sign that I had ventured too far down the dark romance/mafia rabbit hole.
While doing research for the book I visited some of the main locations and even managed to get a tour of the inside of a prison van as well as the cells within the courthouse. I wanted to show an authentic story when it came to the characters, locations, and storylines. Therefore, each book in the series contains certain societal issues prevalent within Northern Ireland e.g. Drugs and criminality in book 1, human trafficking in book 2, and book 3 will be slightly different in that it will be a sports romance, specifically boxing, and features 2 men as the main characters. Northern Ireland is still far behind other countries in relation to the acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community so I am aiming to highlight the internal struggles of this for one of the characters in particular.
Aodhán and Nora are interesting characters who have their character flaws but are still likable. How do you go about creating characters for your story?
I always knew I wanted Aodhán to be a flawed but loveable character, someone who could be morally grey but would be a cuddly teddy bear for the right person. Nora is the epitome of every dark romance reader who loves a bad boy on paper. A woman who is both terrified and intrigued by a man with such clear red flags. When developing them and the surrounding characters I built individual profiles of their personalities, likes, and dislikes, and some of them are even loosely based on people within my life.
Are you a fan of the dark romantic comedy genre? What books do you think most influenced your work?
I was first introduced to the dark romance genre in October 2023 and became a firm fan, reading as many stories-mostly by indie authors as I could. Books to me are an escape from reality and the indie author community offered a much-needed space for raw and unadulterated stories. The romance comedy element came naturally when writing Seen as I wanted it to be authentically Belfast and we Irish are known for our dark humorous nature.
I would say I am probably most influenced by Brynne Weaver’s Ruinous Love Trilogy, CJ Riggs’ No, For An Answer, Luna Mason’s Beneath the Mask series, and Nikki J Summers’ Soldiers of Anarchy series. These stories all contained elements that resonated with me while I was building my characters and storylines.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is the first of a 3-book series. Each book focuses on one of the O’Neill brothers. I don’t have a publication date for either of the follow-up books and I am currently writing book 2. It focuses on the eldest brother Cormac and the female character is Eireann Collins. Book 2 centres around the aftermath of Eireann, who was captured and tortured at the hands of a human trafficking ring. It focuses on her healing journey and ultimately her revenge on those who hurt her. Cormac is also working to take down the same perpetrators. Their journeys will intersect but it is made more complicated by their shared history. Book 2 is already shaping up to be darker than Seen, however, it does still retain some of the Belfast humour.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Nora Kavanagh was just a girl who loved nothing more than chilling with her friends and fantasising about the men she read about in her books. That was until she unwittingly became snared in the sights of a man who both terrified and intrigued her.
Try as she may, to fight what the future holds, now he has seen her, nothing will stop him from capturing his shining light in the darkness and making her his.
Seen
Shauna Adams’ Seen is a wild, gritty plunge into a dark romance that’s anything but gentle. Set against a backdrop of Belfast’s criminal underworld, the story pivots around Aodhán, a morally grey antihero, and Nora, a woman whose accidental encounters with him ignite a dangerous obsession. Told through dual perspectives, the book peels back layers of trauma, lust, revenge, and vulnerability as their lives entwine. It’s a bold mix of intense attraction and criminal intrigue, stitched together with raw, explicit prose and themes that are not for the faint-hearted.
The writing is sharp and unapologetically in-your-face, and it works. Adams doesn’t mince words. Her dialogue has bite, the pacing sprints, and the steam is downright volcanic. Aodhán’s voice drips with menace and charm, while Nora feels real, grounded, and complicated. Still, parts of the book made me uncomfortable. Aodhán’s obsessive, stalker-like behavior is painted with romantic undertones that had me questioning whether I was supposed to swoon or scream. The emotional push-pull is gripping.
And yet, I couldn’t put it down. The plot twists hit like punches, and the chemistry between the leads was electric in a way that felt almost reckless. Adams pulls no punches on violence or sex, so you need a thick skin (and a strong stomach). The story has that addictive “just one more chapter” pull, even when you’re shaking your head at the sheer audacity of what’s happening. There’s a certain poetic tragedy in how flawed and raw everything is—it’s messy and unapologetically human.
In the end, Seen is not for everyone. But if you’re someone who loves dark romance, doesn’t shy away from taboo topics, and craves stories that don’t play it safe, this is your book. It’s intense, provocative, and a little unhinged—in the best way. Personally, I walked away a bit stunned, a bit disturbed, and a whole lot impressed. Adams knows what she’s doing, and she’s not afraid to break the rules to do it.
Pages: 253 | ASIN : B0DWFXCF54
Cruise Crush
Cruise Crush by Kathleen Allen is basically the ultimate vacation rom-com wrapped in cruise ship glamour. It follows Andrew, a hot workaholic on the brink of becoming CEO of Pinnacle Cruise Lines, and Delaney, a witty former Olympic gymnast turned travel writer, as their lives crash—literally—into each other during a seven-day cruise through the Caribbean. It’s dual POV, packed with hilarious inner monologues, a slow-burn romance, gorgeous settings, and a whole lot of sexual tension.
I love how Kathleen Allen writes people. Andrew isn’t just your typical brooding rich guy—he’s got depth, manners, and a thing for Bath & Body Works candles. I laughed when he proudly talked about knowing the difference between tampons and pads thanks to his sisters. And Delaney is so relatable it hurts. Her hungover airport dash had me wheezing. She’s sharp, sweet, a little chaotic, and totally someone I’d follow on Instagram. Also, she’s secretly reviewing the cruise under a pen name, and I love a girl with secrets.
One scene that absolutely did it for me was their first real dinner together at Emilio’s. The way she panics when she sees him across the restaurant was classic. He thinks she’s married because of her fake ring, and she thinks he’s just being nice until he sends over a $250 bottle of Dom with a note. My heart melted. And when she tells him, Their chemistry was giving “slow-burn with tension so thick you could cut it with a steak knife.”
The writing itself is super fun. Fast-paced, flirty, and loaded with inner thoughts that feel so real. Like when Delaney’s ogling his forearms and planning his tattoo location. And the ship descriptions made me want to pack a bag. From the buttery towels to the fancy spa to the lobster-stuffed ravioli, Allen nails the vibe of a luxury cruise without being over-the-top. Even the side characters—like Kristen the badass assistant and Ally-Cat the cruise director—are well-drawn and add layers.
If you love rom-coms, flirty banter, “whoops I fell for him” plots, and cruise ship fantasies, this is for you. Perfect for beach reads, bubble baths, or days when your real life feels like a sad salad. It’s playful, sexy, and gives off strong “Hallmark movie but with better sex appeal” energy. I’m already hoping for a sequel.
Pages: 205 | ASIN: B0DZZ43D6C
Love and Trust
Walking by Your House follows a man struggling to express himself to a woman he has feelings for who keeps trying new ideas hoping to catch her interest and win her heart. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Much of this part of the story was developed from my own and my friends’ adolescent experiences. I also interviewed some teenagers in my community and found that fifty years later, similar problems occur with similar results. Those experiences provided the basic framework for the story.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
It was important for both main characters to have strong religious beliefs. I wanted both to have an air of innocence and commitment to purity. Emma has a much stronger commitment to family, including extended family. Alan has perseverance, dedication to hard work, and being a good provider.
What were the themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important theme in this book was trust. At times, it was tempting for Alan and Emma to lose trust in one another. They experienced similar issues with their friends. Unconditional love was another theme. Can you continue to love and trust someone when the world is crashing around you? Finally, a husband and wife’s need to support and help one another in difficult circumstances is essential in marriage.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Walking by Your House is the second story in the Finding Love in the Heartland series, each a standalone tale. The next book is Blue Jeans and Lavender Gowns, which will be published in May 2025. It will examine domestic violence, forgiveness, and second chances.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Follow Alan’s misadventures as he struggles to find a way to say the things a girl wants to hear.
Alan embarks on a topsy-turvy, humorous journey filled with mistakes, pitfalls, disappointments, and laughter.
One moment, he stammers and flees from her presence. Next, he thinks shooting basketball with a girl is the key. You will feel his pain as he fails again and again.
Finally, Alan comes up with a strategy he hopes will allow him to succeed over his rivals.
You will enjoy this humorous, charming romance as Alan faces life’s struggles, experiencing laughter, surprises, drama, love, and faith.
Walking By Your House tells the story of an inept and socially awkward boy growing into manhood and the girl who ultimately accompanies him on that journey. But is he mature enough, and is their love strong enough, to sustain them when their world is torn apart?
Walking by Your House: A Wholesome Christian Romance
Walking by Your House by A.W. Anthony is a gentle, heartwarming story about love, faith, and the unexpected paths life takes. The book follows the journey of two characters, both navigating their own struggles and beliefs, who find themselves drawn together by fate (or perhaps something greater). The story unfolds with slow-burn romance, personal reflection, and moments of quiet beauty, making it a comforting read for anyone who enjoys stories grounded in faith and genuine emotion.
What I loved most about this book was its simplicity. The writing doesn’t try to be flashy or overcomplicated. Instead, it focuses on real, everyday emotions. The dialogue feels natural, like something you’d overhear at a coffee shop or after Sunday service. One scene that stood out to me was when the protagonist takes a long walk, lost in thought, questioning their purpose. That moment felt so real, like something we’ve all experienced at some point. The book doesn’t rush these moments. It lets them breathe, which makes them hit even harder.
That being said, there were times when the pacing felt a little slow. The characters spend a lot of time thinking, praying, and reflecting. That’s not a bad thing, but if you’re looking for a romance that’s full of dramatic twists and turns, this isn’t that kind of book. The romance itself is quiet and unfolds in a way that feels true to life, with small conversations, fleeting glances, and little moments that add up over time. Some of the most touching scenes are the simplest ones, like when the love interest leaves a note with a Bible verse that perfectly speaks to the protagonist’s worries.
The faith element is woven in naturally. It doesn’t feel preachy, which I appreciated. Instead, it’s just a part of the characters’ lives, influencing their choices, their relationships, and the way they see the world. If you enjoy books that explore faith without feeling like a sermon, you’ll probably connect with this one. There’s a sincerity to it that makes the story feel personal, like reading a friend’s journal.
Walking by Your House is a cozy, introspective read that will appeal to fans of clean romance, Christian fiction, and heartfelt storytelling. If you love books that focus on character growth, faith, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments, this one is worth picking up. It’s not for readers who crave fast-paced drama, but if you’re looking for a book that feels like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day, this is it.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0DTGC5WGJ
