Lex.Btw.TheLines...

We talk with author Anna J about Rainy Days, her first romance, and why writing a “soft” love story takes just as much courage as writing a thriller. We also get honest about divorce, faith, red flags, and the kind of love that feels safe enough to be real. 
• shifting from thriller author to romance writer without following “protocol” 
• reader reactions to Rainy Days and the appeal of Reggi...

We sit down with author S.M. Love and get honest about why her romance stories feel like real life, from messy past wounds to mature choices that actually make sense. We talk communication, boundaries, and the kind of self-love that changes who you date and what you will never compromise again. 
• S.M. Love’s approach to women’s fiction romance that makes readers reflect 
• Why The Space Between lands li...

We sit down with thriller author and audiobook narrator JR Mason to unpack how she turns books into fully immersive audio with sound effects, music, and performance level acting. Along the way, we get honest about burnout, reviews, writing from real life, and what it means to build suspense that actually earns the “thriller” label. 
• getting into audiobook narration after a layoff and learning production the ha...

We sit down with author Adrian Thomas to talk about her nine-year writing hiatus, her return to indie publishing, and why Hooked On Onyx hits so hard even when it makes you mad. We unpack dark urban fiction choices, reader expectations like trigger warnings, and the craft behind characters who feel too real. 
• stepping back from writing because of procrastination and discouragement after leaving a publisher 
• the ...

We sit down with Anna J, Octavia Grant, and Olivia Renee Wallace to unpack Vengeance, a thriller built around a funeral home legacy and a family inheritance that comes with rules, secrets, and consequences. We talk craft, research, and how three distinct writers create a single voice while still keeping the story wild, funny, and grounded. 
• how Vengeance is born through community connections and DMs 
• why trust m...

We sit down with therapist and author Geletta Shavers to unpack the real emotions and ethical choices behind her Dragged Into Darkness books. We talk horror, trauma, bullying, manipulation, and how indie publishing lets her protect her voice while building a supportive author community. 
• how a mental health background shapes writing and boundaries around trauma 
• what inspires Jasmine’s vengeance arc withou...

We talk with erotic romance author Skyline A. Millbow about writing My Kind of Love with heat, consent, and emotional weight after life changed her relationship to romance. We dig into Club Inana, character inspiration, indie publishing lessons, and what it takes to keep writing when the story keeps talking back. 
• moving from erotica reader to debut author and choosing erotic romance on purpose 
• writing infertil...

Get ready for a literary experience like no other! In this episode of Lex.Btw.TheLines, we’re sitting down with event coordinators Toni Larue and Tanisha Stewart to talk all things Licensed 2 Thrill one of the first-ever events dedicated to celebrating the brilliance of Black authors in thriller, horror, suspense, and speculative fiction.

We’re diving into everything you need to know before you go—from ticket sales...

We trace Lex’s path from closed-door romance to dark romance and into horror, breaking down why anti-heroes, revenge arcs, and detailed prose changed how we read and review. We trade messy trope confessions, memory hacks for multi-reading, and how BookTok helped us show up on camera with our full voices.

• shifting from soft romance to dark romance, thrillers and horror
• why revenge horror and splatterpunk land on ...

We meet author Anna J, trace her path from urban drama to erotic thriller, and dig into how she builds unforgettable characters like Monica and Dylan. We unpack why representation matters, how warnings protect readers, and what’s coming next in her expanding thriller universe.

• creating the book she wanted to read when no one else was writing it
• designing Monica as a disruptive, cautionary force
• flipping zod...

Thriller author Toni LaRue shares her journey from urban fiction to becoming an NBCC-nominated author with several number one releases on Amazon. She discusses her meticulous character development process, representation challenges for Black thriller writers, and how she approaches trauma and emotional depth in her stories.

• NBCC-nominated thriller author with 10+ novels and multiple #1 Amazon releases
• Discovered thril...

Keira N James, bestselling indie thriller author, joins us to discuss her journey from a small town in Georgia to becoming a powerful voice in the thriller genre with 15 books under her belt.

• Drawing inspiration from real-life experiences to create what she calls "exaggerated realities"
• Transition from urban fiction to thriller writing after finding her voice in the "dark side of fiction"
• Finding success with bes...

Louisiana author Lakisha Burkett shares her journey from avid reader to published writer, revealing how personal experiences and her grandmother's stories shape her emotionally charged novels.

• Writing journey began with husband's support, who bought her first book cover
• Draws story inspiration from real-life experiences and family stories
• "Dear Diary" inspired by grandmother's stories, written in just one month

In this episode, we explore the creative journey of Selena Brooks as she discusses her latest projects, including "Southern Sizzle" and the upcoming "Southern Scramble." Her insights provide a unique look into character development and the spice of Southern drama.

• Introduction and trigger warnings 
• Background of author Selena Brooks 
• Overview of "Southern Sizzle" and its impact 
• Insight into "...

This episode explores the rich themes of love, trauma, and personal growth depicted in Christian Cashelle's book 'Loving You Blind.' With discussions on character development, the writing process, and the publishing journey, listeners gain insight into how real-life experiences shape fictional narratives.

• Christian introduces herself and discusses her accomplishments 
• Trigger warnings regarding adult language and...

The episode features an engaging conversation with New York Times bestselling author Katie Ashley, highlighting her transition from indie author to bestseller, her insight into the evolving landscape of publishing, and her success in the Mafia romance genre. Katie shares personal anecdotes about her writing journey, upcoming projects, and the emotional connections that drive her stories.

• Katie's experience navigating the c...

This episode delves into the captivating world of writing within the mafia romance genre, featuring author Darma Day, who shares her inspiring journey of character development and storytelling. Throughout the discussion, we explore various tropes, the creative process behind writing, and the vibrant community supporting indie authors.

• Exploration of inspirations behind writing and character creation 
• Discussion o...

The episode illuminates the challenges and triumphs of writing diverse characters in romance fiction. With insights from authors SK Presley and Ashley, the discussion touches on representation, emotional journeys of characters, and how personal experiences shape narratives.

• Exploration of the inspiration behind creating Frank and Lola as relatable characters
• Importance of diverse representation in literature 
...