Blog Archives
A Relationship is a Team Sport
Sparks follows two former friends with unfinished business who wind up working together and navigating the complicated path from friendship to heartbreak to second chances. What inspired the idea for Olivia and Trevor’s story?
Sparks grew from a short story to a full-length novel because I ended up writing a story for my close friends to enjoy. Key elements of the book—like the long separation between Olivia and Trevor despite their chemistry—were inspired by a relationship I saw blossoming and flourishing over years. I think there’s something beautiful about the right person at the wrong time growing to becoming a person who’s the best fit for you no matter what time of life you find yourself in.
Olivia’s determination to solve every problem herself becomes one of her greatest challenges, while Trevor balances confidence with vulnerability in a way that makes him especially appealing. Which of the two characters proved more difficult to write?
Trevor, without a doubt. Trying to write a character who is a strong romantic lead while also seeming like a real person with charms and faults is a balancing act that can easily topple. Once I hit my stride with him, though. I LOVED writing Trevor’s chapters.
The novel presents love as something that can coexist with independence and ambition. Why was that idea important to you?
Independence and ambition doesn’t need to be crushed when entering into a relationship. Compromises might need to be made, sure, but to me, a great partner is one who sees your talents, your weaknesses, and says, “Hey, I want our lives to be about helping each other reach our individual goals together.”A relationship is a team sport.” Something that Olivia finds out in the book!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book is a workplace romance that is not a workplace romance. I don’t want to give too much away, but our main characters find themselves in a bind as they are immediately attracted to each other. Unfortunately, they also work together, and when you’ve got a strong sense of ethics, you don’t date your co-workers! Especially when there’s a power imbalance. There’s going to be a lot of yearning. On both sides. The book will be available next year!
Author Links: Instagram | Goodreads
This contemporary romance is a fast-paced, lighthearted read that stills manages to address issues women face today. The love story between Trevor and Olivia is one of second chances and allows room for both characters to mature and own up to past mistakes, letting readers see a grown-up romance that is both communicative and passionate. With instantaneous chemistry and vivid characters, readers will be drawn into this world and won’t be able to stop turning the pages.
Sparks
Laura DiNovis Berry’s Sparks is a contemporary second-chance romance about Olivia Stork and Trevor McCall, two fiercely competitive college friends whose chemistry finally boils over during their senior year. Olivia, convinced Trevor sees their night together as a casual hookup, retreats to the safety of her relationship with David. Trevor interprets her choice as rejection, and their friendship falls apart. Six years later, Olivia is struggling to save the accounting firm she inherited while hiding the collapse of her engagement. When she reluctantly asks Trevor, now a successful business coach, for help, their reunion brings old resentment, unfinished attraction, and a lot of sharp banter back to the surface. The novel’s two-part structure gives readers both the original misunderstanding and its long-term consequences, which makes the eventual reconciliation feel earned rather than convenient.
The strongest part of the book is Olivia’s emotional journey. She’s competent, funny, stubborn, and so determined to handle everything alone that she repeatedly makes her own life harder. Her reluctance to depend on anyone grows from grief, especially the loss of her mother, and the story treats that fear as more than a simple obstacle standing between her and Trevor. Olivia has to learn that accepting support doesn’t erase her independence. Trevor’s development complements hers nicely. He’s still charming and playful, but adulthood has given him enough self-awareness to recognize how badly he handled their college fallout. Their relationship works because they don’t just rediscover their attraction. They apologize, argue, collaborate, and gradually build a more honest version of the friendship they once had.
Readers of Emily Henry will recognize the mixture of clever dialogue, emotional baggage, and characters whose professional problems are tangled up with their romantic lives. Like Henry’s Book Lovers, Sparks pairs an ambitious heroine with a man who can challenge her without asking her to become smaller. Berry’s style is broader, raunchier, and more openly playful, with explicit sex scenes and a supporting cast that often pushes the comedy toward sitcom territory. The business-coaching plot also gives Olivia and Trevor a practical reason to spend time together, so their renewed intimacy develops through meetings, networking events, meals, exercise, and the small routines of everyday life. That ordinary closeness is where the romance becomes most convincing.
Sparks is a warm, spicy story about what happens when self-protection turns into isolation. The novel has a generous view of friendship, too. Olivia’s eventual confession to Annie and Megan is every bit as important as her reunion with Trevor, because admitting that she’s been struggling finally lets the people who love her show up for her. The ending wisely gives Olivia and Trevor a shared life that still leaves room for separate homes, careers, and an evolving timeline, rather than treating romance as the disappearance of every complication. It’s an affectionate, funny, emotionally candid romance with two flawed people who have plenty of chemistry but ultimately need trust, humility, and a second chance to make it last.
Pages: 222 | ISBN : 1644569159
Communication is Key
Husband Wants Hotwife follows a happily married woman who tests the strength of her marriage when she explores the eroticism of the “hotwife” world. Where did the idea for this book come from?
The idea came from the first paragraphs. As soon as those words “I told him I couldn’t do it” stuck in my head, the remainder of the book fell into place.
Emma’s voice is very conversational, and the pacing moves quickly from one major scene to the next. How did you shape her narrative voice and rhythm to keep readers engaged?
How to explain this? When I’m writing, it’s as though the characters have taken over and I’m merely recording their stories. In Emma’s case, it’s clear from the first page that her hormones have taken over. She’s eager and open to sex, and as a good-looking woman with a kinky husband, things are going to happen.
Consent and communication are central to the story, especially in high-intensity situations — what real-world influences shaped how you portrayed the dynamics in Chris and Emma’s relationship?
Communication is key to any successful marriage, but it’s absolutely essential in a hotwife union where the possibilities of jealousy and misunderstandings are so close to the surface.
Can we look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I just released Creating a Cuckold, and I’m working on a new novella that will take a unique track. Below is the blurb for Creating a Cuckold:
Even though it scared him, Brad wanted his beautiful wife, Isabella, to cheat on him. He planned always to leave her unfulfilled, then to introduce her to his friend Mike as a test. He knew Mike had a way with women, but Brad wasn’t ready for the hold Mike soon had on Isabella. It wasn’t long before he discovered that his wife was being shared at work, and that she was a size queen.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
~~~~~ PG Excerpt ~~~~~
We could hear them going at it upstairs as I made fresh coffee for us in the kitchen. My body was humming like a cord stretched tight for too long. I’d put on a long housedress, but my husband Chris was sitting naked at the table.
“We need to talk,” he said.
I turned to look at him, thinking, “Oh, no.”
“How do you feel about all the things we’ve done today?” He started.
My thoughts went from “Oh, no” to “No way!” I saw nothing good coming from this conversation.
“I don’t know,” I said while attempting to look busy. “How do you feel about it?”
What a chickenshit I was. I was happy to be wearing the old housedress, which covered everything but my head, feet, and hands. It felt like a layer of flimsy armour.
“Did it turn you on?” Chris asked.
What a stupid question! I was still wet down there, and I could feel my lady parts vibrating. So, what did I say?
“Yeah, kinda. What about you?” I needn’t have asked. Chris was sporting a magnificent boner.
“I got excited watching you with her, and now I’m wondering if the same thing would happen if I watched you with another guy.” Chris was so upfront about it that he just blew me away with his honesty.
“How would you feel about watching me with another woman?” There it was, Chris had asked the magic question, the question I suspected was the real reason for his eagerness to share me. He wanted to get himself some strange.
“Nope,” I said. “That’s not happening. You’re mine, exclusively.”
I was happy to see Chris smiling. Happy, but confused. “Why are you smiling?” I asked.
“It’s what I hoped you would say. I don’t want another woman. I just want to share you and enjoy the pleasure it gives me.”
The next day, Chris asked a question that surprised me, and that’s not easy for him to do. I pride myself on being able to anticipate him. I believe all wives in successful marriages possess this skill or something similar. After a while together, you can anticipate where your significant other is usually going. But not this time.
“What would you think of us joining a sex club?”
Husband Wants Hotwife
Husband Wants a Hotwife, by Thomas Roberts, follows Emma, a happily married woman who gets drawn deeper into the “hotwife” world after her friend Alice admits her fiancé wants to watch her with other men. Emma and her husband Chris already have a history with this kink, so what starts as curiosity and shared fantasy turns into bar hookups, carefully staged encounters, and eventually an upscale sex club where Emma becomes a sought–after partner. Along the way, she explores her own bisexual desires, tests the strength of her marriage, navigates jealousy from both sides, and learns how far she is willing to go with other men and women while still seeing herself as a loving wife.
The first-person voice is very chatty, very direct, and it fits the story. I liked how clear the book is about what it wants to be. It is unashamedly erotic, and the prose leans into heat and sensation instead of flowery description or heavy symbolism. The pacing is brisk. Big scenes arrive fast, one after another–I sometimes wanted a beat to breathe. Some sex episodes stretch on, and I caught myself looking for the emotional turn or the next shift in the relationship. The dialogue has a casual, sometimes snarky tone that felt natural, although now and then the banter slips into superlatives (“hottest ever,” “so horny,” etc.), which can somewhat blur together.
What kept me engaged was not the explicit content itself, but the emotional through-line. I enjoyed how the book keeps circling questions of trust, envy, and power in a marriage. Chris’s kink is front and center, yet Emma is not just a prop in his fantasy. She discovers that she enjoys the attention, the variety, the taboo rush, and also the women. That mix of pleasure and discomfort felt honest to me. I also appreciated the way consent and negotiation are woven into the scenes. They talk a lot, sometimes right in the middle of very charged situations, and the story shows how clumsy and thrilling those talks can be. The book rarely digs into consequences beyond the erotic bubble. I occasionally wanted more about their lives outside the bedroom and club, maybe a moment where this secret life brushes up against work, family, or social fallout. That absence keeps the story light and escapist, which is fun.
By the end, I felt satisfied with the ride. Husband Wants Hotwife is not a gentle romance that only hints at sex, and it is not a literary meditation on marriage. It is a very explicit hotwife fantasy with a surprisingly warm heart and a focus on communication between adults who know what they want. I would recommend Husband Wants a Hotwife to readers who already enjoy erotica, who like strong first-person narration, and who want plenty of detailed encounters wrapped in an ongoing relationship story. For its niche, it delivers exactly what it promises and does it with confidence and a sense of fun.
Pages: 60 | ASIN : B0FNKSW7G4
Spirituality Behind True Love
Shilpa’s Blue Crayon follows a down-to-earth African American woman in her thirties who, while devoted to her art and deeply committed to those she holds dear, longs for the love of a husband and children she has never known. What inspired the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a love story that displayed lots of mystery and suspense that would include a surprise ending. Most love stories are extremely predictable and not always true to real life. I wanted to show the insecurities that many women have about their looks, careers, love life, etc. But I also wanted to show when it comes to those you love, most women would do whatever it takes to protect their family and friends with or without a man. That protecting those you care about comes first, even when your safety is at risk. Shilpa embodies many women that I know personally who are strong and successful even when they don’t realize it. And, I truly wanted the reader to take this roller coaster ride with Shilpa until she found love and family even when she wasn’t looking for it. Of course, I’m an African American woman myself, retired, and I’m able to provide the Black perspective of life’s challenges.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
My favorite characters are Jacob (Shilpa’s husband); and Winnie/Vida (Shilpa’s best friends) because they display their love, loyalty, and commitment even when hard truths have to be discussed. Jacob is in an interracial marriage with Shilpa and I wanted to show his love for his wife that transcends boundaries, cultures, and societies. How he truly loved his wife without condition, and how they were on the same page with raising their children. Jacob understood Shilpa’s insecurities and provided patience to help her work through them. He helped her find her strength. Winnie and Vida (from both worlds) are what best friends embody (loyalty, truth, compassion, kindness, trustworthiness, and honesty). I have life-long best friends like this so it was very easy to write about Winnie and Vida. The best way to do all this is for Shilpa to be trapped in two worlds until she found the truth about her life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
What love should be between a man and woman and the spirituality behind true love; love of friendship; the beauty of this world with explanations of the color blue and its importance in our lives; racism, diversity, and multiculturalism; passing for white and what that means; money is not important unless you can use it to serve others; and gaining your power and strength when you need it most.
What is the next novel that you are working on and when will that be available?
My first book, published in March 2024, is called “Kevin and KatheRINe in the Next Lifetime.” I believe it to be a beautiful love story. Personal and professional reviews are amazing. This book displays CC Lane’s brand demonstrating the color blue, love and its spirituality, interracial relationships (black woman/white man), and all that comes with it. And of course, that surprise ending. However, the two books are very different.
I’m currently working on my third book called, Munyori and Johannas, in 72 hours. This book also keeps with the brand of interracial love, the color blue, and lots of surprises that keep your heart pounding. I’m hopeful this book will be published by the end of the year. No writer’s block – the storyline keeps coming. Just have to find the time to finish it.
I would also like to note that Kevin Costner, the actor, is mentioned briefly in all my books. My female friends and I absolutely love him – we are all about the same age as Costner. I’ve used the personality of many of the characters he plays in movies for the love interests. My friends noticed it as well.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
New novel delivers a thrilling romance that explores courage, love and multicultural themes
CHICAGO – From the author of “Kevin and KatheRINe in the Next Lifetime” comes another stirring romance novel that will take readers on a journey that transcends boundaries, races and cultures. In “Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” (published by Archway Publishing), author Crystal Charlotte (CC) Lane invites readers to follow the life of Shilpa, a gifted African American artist whose unusual ocean-blue eyes set her apart in ways that both inspire and isolate her.
Shilpa’s story unfolds within two worlds — reality and the vivid world of make-believe. The novel masterfully intertwines romance, suspense, passion, and societal commentary as Shilpa navigates the complexities of her identity, the expectations placed on her, and the danger that threatens her loved ones. As readers turn each page, they will witness Shilpa’s transformation from a shy, self-conscious young woman into a resilient force of nature determined to protect those she loves. The book’s unexpected twists will keep them engage until the very end.
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” weaves rich, multicultural themes with gripping narratives. It is a story about strength, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace one’s unique qualities. A hallmark of Lane’s storytelling is her portrayal of true beauty that goes beyond physical appearance. “When considering a person’s value in this world, ‘looks’ should not be the most important factor,” the author explains. “Qualities like personality, character, intelligence, kindness, and integrity are far more significant in building meaningful relationships and determining someone’s worth as an individual. It is one’s values that are important.”
The novel also features a special foreword written by four-time Grammy winner Deniece Williams, whose insight adds a layer of depth and meaning to the narrative.
When asked what she wants readers to take away from “Shilpa’s Blue Crayon,” Lane says, “It’s true that strong Black women can be stereotyped and characterized by strength, self-reliance, and caretaking; and strong Black women are often depicted as women who are able to withstand difficult circumstances and provide for others without regard to their own needs. To a point, this is true, but like any woman, Black women want love, joy, and respect in their lives as well; and some want families with a loving husband. And to fight for that is ok too.”
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” is available now at Archway Publishing and other major online retailers.
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon”
By Crystal Charlotte (CC) Lane
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766340
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766326
E-Book | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766333
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Shilpa’s Blue Crayon
Shilpa’s Blue Crayon is an enchanting and unpredictable romance, gracefully penned by Crystal Charlotte (CC) Lane. With lyrical prose and a plot rich in emotional depth, this novel pulls readers into a journey that feels both intimate and otherworldly.
At the heart of the story is Shilpa, a down-to-earth African American woman in her thirties. Devoted to her art and deeply committed to those she holds dear, she lives a quiet, contented life in the picturesque and supportive community of “Little Village.” Though outwardly serene and composed, Shilpa carries a quiet ache, a melancholy tucked beneath the surface, an emotional weight she keeps hidden even from herself.
Everything begins to shift when vivid, almost hyper-realistic dreams begin to haunt her sleep. In them, Shilpa discovers a parallel life, one filled with love, a husband, and children she has never known. These dreams, compelling and intense, blur the lines between imagination and reality. As her longing for deeper connection grows, she finds herself straddling two distinct worlds: the tangible life she has built, and a dreamscape that offers everything her heart desires.
The narrative unfolds with a measured pace. Early chapters gently introduce readers to Shilpa’s current reality, a life filled with creativity, loyal friends, and a nurturing village atmosphere. The third-person narration allows for a sweeping view of her world, bringing her neighbors and community to life in vivid detail. There’s a warmth to this village, a place where kindness and familiarity are a given.
Then, without warning, the story pivots. A startling plot twist reveals that Shilpa is not merely dreaming, but entering a parallel universe each time she sleeps. In this alternate existence, she meets the love of her life and experiences the kind of family connection she’s always longed for. The romance is magnetic, bold, passionate, and impossible to ignore. As readers, we are swept alongside Shilpa into these dual realities, savoring the contrast between them.
More than a simple love story, Shilpa’s Blue Crayon is layered with complexity, emotion, and imagination. Lane blends romance with mystery and self-discovery, crafting a tale that is both heartfelt and unexpected. Wholesomeness pervades the narrative, mirroring Shilpa’s resilient and nurturing spirit.
Shilpa’s journey is not without hardship. As a Black woman navigating personal ambition and emotional vulnerability, she faces challenges, some rooted in societal prejudice, others born of her own self-doubt. Yet through it all, she rises. With grace and strength, she claims her right to live, love, and be loved, boldly, completely, and without apology.
This is a story that lingers. Poignant, surprising, and undeniably human, Shilpa’s Blue Crayon invites readers to explore not only parallel lives but the parallel selves we all carry within.
Pages: 276 | ASIN : B0D4267JRW
Musings of a Romance Addict
Musings of a Romance Addict, by Camille Dunhill, is a fictionalized diary of Stacey Donleigh’s search for love and her personal revelations along the way. Stacey’s narrative is candid and witty, starting with her cautious entry into online dating after the death of her long-term partner. Through a blend of humor and heartbreak, she shares her encounters, her vulnerability to romance scams, and her evolution as she reclaims her confidence in love.
Stacey’s account of being swept away by Christopher Logan was achingly relatable. Her initial excitement, the red flags she brushes off, and the eventual heartbreak are laid out with a rawness that tugs at your empathy. The sections detailing her awakening after realizing she was scammed were particularly impactful. She transitions from embarrassment and anger to a sense of empowerment, determined to use her diary as a tool for self-reflection and growth.
The writing style is engaging and incredibly sentimental. Stacey’s declarations of romantic ideals occasionally felt repetitive. It is worth noting that the detailed exchanges with Christopher added depth to their relationship. While I believe these could have been trimmed for better pacing, they effectively captured the intoxicating whirlwind of emotions she experienced. I found myself chuckling at her witty observations about online dating tropes, like the “too good to be true” profiles, yet simultaneously cringing at how easily trust can be exploited.
The book’s strongest moments were in its introspective passages. Stacey’s musings on what love means to her, shaped by loss and loneliness, resonated deeply. Her character grows from someone who feels adrift to a woman who reclaims her agency and refuses to settle. I particularly admired how the story shifted in tone, reflecting her transformation—moving from a dreamy, romantic haze to a grounded determination to find joy on her terms.
Musings of a Romance Addict is an enjoyable and heartfelt read that will resonate with anyone who has loved, lost, or ventured into the often-absurd world of online dating. It’s a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the ability to laugh at oneself, even in the face of heartbreak. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy romance novels with a twist of humor and introspection or to anyone navigating the modern dating landscape.
Pages: 404 | ASIN : B0DHYJGYKT
Pleasure to Purpose: Based on the True Story of Sex Worker Scarlett Pereira
Pleasure to Purpose by Elizabeth B. Splaine, narrates the compelling, gritty, and deeply personal story of Scarlett Pereira, a sex worker whose journey intertwines struggles, empowerment, and a complex exploration of identity and humanity. Drawing from Scarlett’s real-life experiences, the book delves into her professional and personal life, including her nuanced relationships, encounters with clients, and moments of introspection. The narrative also includes Scarlett’s connection to her “heart horse,” Franco, symbolizing healing and transformation amid chaos.
Splaine’s writing is engaging, and the vivid portrayal of Scarlett’s experiences struck a chord with me. One striking scene involves Scarlett managing a client’s health crisis during a session. Her quick thinking juxtaposed with her colleague Steph’s indifference highlights Scarlett’s deep sense of humanity and professionalism, even in precarious circumstances. The storytelling effectively balances raw, unflinching honesty with moments of vulnerability, making Scarlett a relatable and multifaceted protagonist. Some chapters delve into explicit details that, while integral to the narrative, might not resonate with all readers.
What I appreciated most was the blend of resilience and self-reflection throughout Scarlett’s story. Her decision to rescue Franco, despite her challenging financial and personal circumstances, was both heartwarming and symbolic. The connection between Scarlett and Franco serves as a metaphor for rediscovering purpose and hope. The descriptions of Franco’s initial wariness and eventual trust mirrored Scarlett’s own journey, forging a poignant parallel between human and animal recovery.
It is worth noting that the transitions between Scarlett’s professional encounters and personal life are sometimes sudden, particularly when the emotional depth of her introspection shifts abruptly into transactional interactions. I believe these contrasts, while reflective of Scarlett’s dual existence, occasionally disrupted the story’s flow. Nonetheless, the depth of her character and her eventual pivot toward advocacy and self-reliance redeemed any narrative inconsistencies.
Pleasure to Purpose is a gripping and courageous exploration of an often-stigmatized profession, offering insights into resilience, empathy, and personal growth. It’s a perfect read for those who enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of realism and redemption. I would recommend it to readers looking for a raw, thought-provoking tale that doesn’t shy away from life’s complexities. Potential readers should be aware of its explicit content and heavy themes.
Pages: 287 | ASIN : B0DHLFXRMF
