I spoke with dark romance indie author Summer Riley about her Possession Duology, including Mine, and its brand-new sequel, Ours, and the choices that make this stalker romance resonate with readers. We dive into using a third-person POV and delivering a cliffhanger ending that actually satisfies. Summer reveals how revising and re-releasing Mine on social media helped the book find its audience, why fiction is a safe space for trauma healing, and how a near-death experience pushed her to hit publish. The conversation also previews her next project, The Many Sins of the Douglas Brothers, a four-book, billionaire, dark romance series, and embracing the stops and starts of creativity. If you’re searching for paranormal and dark romance, strong female leads, obsessive heroes, self-publishing strategy, or writing through pain, you’ve come to the right place.

Connect with Love Letters and Books

TikTok: @lovelettersandbooks

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Write me a love letter: lovelettersandmixtapes@gmail.com

Connect with Summer Riley

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorsummerriley

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsummerriley

Website: https://thesummerriley.com/

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/authorsummerriley

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Summer-Riley/author/B0B2Q7QLXG?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=c3352820-b9d4-4e75-9291-05380bc2812d

I spoke with author Katherine Bitner about the inspiration behind her book, Unravel Me, the first book in The Hometown Series of interconnected stand-alone novels.

Unravel Me is a steamy strangers-to-lovers, opposites attract, small town romance. Think: The Notebook meets Sweet Home Alabama. This sweet and spicy love story is about two people from different worlds and the invisible string that keeps pulling them back together. Katherine also teases the spicy sequel Lucky Penny (out October 2025).

We talked about Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, the importance of Lana Del Rey, Pinterest mood boards, and the experience of writing spice without the cringe. The conversation also explores the power of romance fiction to process trauma, increase emotional awareness, and revive us after reading slumps. This episode offers a heartfelt, in-depth exploration of storytelling, community, and pursuing big dreams.

Connect with Love Letters and Books

TikTok: @lovelettersandbooks

Instagram: @lovelettersandbooks

Write me a love letter: lovelettersandmixtapes@gmail.com

Connect with Katherine Bitner

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katherine.bitner.writes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekatherinebitner/

Website: https://katherinebitner.com/

Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Katherine-Bitner/author/B09X6373YQ?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=01c94375-a0d6-4aa5-9c73-18ddfdc0be97

I spoke with my favorite dark romance content creator, Amy Gurley. We discussed everything from finding community through spicy reads, theories on Shantel Tessier’s upcoming book Chaotic, our favorite authors (Kinsley Kincaid, Jennifer Ivy, Shantel Tessier, Harleigh Beck, Alexandra St. Pierre, Leigh Rivers, Ames MIlls / Kali Noir, and K.M. Baker) and how dark romance books can actually help readers process trauma, reclaim agency, and even laugh on the hardest days. Amy breaks down the ABCs of becoming an ARC reader, alpha reader, or street‑team member, shares the confidence boost she’s gained from creating friendships through a shared love of books, and stresses the importance of taking up space, regardless of age, follower count, or genre preferences. The conversation highlights the power of self-acceptance and mental health, culminating in Amy’s heartfelt love letter to her younger self, which reminds listeners to be brave, read what they love, and let joy be loud.

Connect with Love Letters and Books

TikTok: @lovelettersandbooks

Instagram: @lovelettersandbooks

Write me a love letter: lovelettersandmixtapes@gmail.com

Connect with Amy Gurley

TikTok: @amylgurley

Instagram: @amygurleyreadssmut

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amylgurley