Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write contemporary romantic suspense set in small towns. I started publishing in 2021 and have 5 books out. They are all a part of my Rolling Brook Series which features alpha protector heroes and strong heroines.
When I’m not writing, I’m a Dog Mom to a fluff ball named Max. I’m also a wife to a wonderfully supportive husband. I’m a Navy veteran. Coffee is life. I’m addicted to peanut butter & shoes. I’d say ask me how many pairs I have, but it might take me 3 days to count them all. Wine is my drink of choice and fantasy romance is my guilty pleasure. I live in a small town, but I’ve moved around a lot from the city to the ‘burbs to the boonies.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Marked as Queen of Hearts. It is the last book in my Rolling Brook series, but they can all be read as stand alones. I knew the characters before I knew the suspense plot. Some of my own experiences inspired the things they go through and make this book very personal to me.
The serial killer villain . . . was actually inspired by a line I read in a book. I read this random mention of ancient Egyptian embalming practices and instantly wanted to use it for my villain.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I prefer quiet or instrumental music in the background. Anything with lyrics and I get distracted. I do loooove hot chocolate and like to make a cup to sip on while I write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My love of romance started with Nora Roberts and grew from there. I also love Suzanne Brockmann’s military suspense series. Both have influenced me as a reader and a writer. I love Jane Austen too and even though I don’t write historical romance, I tend to type things “backwards” because my brain likes to think it’s sitting side-by-side with Jane, lol. Thankfully, I have awesome critique partners who point out when my tone shifts!
What are you working on now?
I’m actually gearing up for a book signing, BOBASE23, in March! After that, I’ll be starting the prequel novella to a new series that will feature former military heroes and/or heroines.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would say I haven’t found it yet, lol. But maybe Pretty Hot is just what I needed!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
No matter how saturated the market is, don’t think of other romance authors as your competition. Readers are voracious and even if you write the same genre as someone else, readers always want more. Make friends with your fellow authors and support each other! There’s so much that goes into getting a book out in the world, the more people you know that can help you with it, the better!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Everyone always says, “Find your tribe.” And it’s true. Building up a reader base that will keep buying your books and supporting you is super important in this business.
What are you reading now?
Did I mention I love fantasy romance? Currently I’m reading the last book in E.J. Mellow’s Musai Trilogy, Symphony for a Deadly Throne.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a short story/novella to write for my newsletter subscribers, then I’ll be starting my next series and working on a couple Top Secret projects. . . okay, they’re not really classified, lol. I just haven’t officially announced them. I plan on writing a story for kindle Vella this year. And I’ll be working on a completely stand alone novel about a woman who travels to Ireland in search of answers about her past. There will be an Irish rogue, of course 😉 She’ll need his help, whether she wants it or not!
What is your favorite book of all time?
Oh man, this has to be the hardest question to answer. Can a reader ever really choose one book as a favorite? Hmm, I’m going to have to stay true to my girl Jane and say Pride and Prejudice. I never get tired of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s love story.
Author Websites and Profiles
Blye Donovan Website
Blye Donovan Amazon Profile
Blye Donovan Author Profile Other Bookseller
Blye Donovan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile