As a multi-genre author, I’ve found myself reflecting on what common thread draws my stories together. After a bit of reflection, the answer was obvious: gothic elements. There’s a particular type of gothic story that doesn’t rely on crumbling castles or candlelit corridors so much as the slow decay of modern certainties; rooms that turnContinue reading “Industrial Gothic: Why Industrialized Is the Perfect Read for the Darker Half of the Year”
Author Archives: Nikki
Live Author Reading: Poor Vinnie’s Valor
Been itching to start the Industrialized series, but haven’t had a chance to sit down and dive in? I’ve got you. To help get you started, I’ve got a video narration of the prequel novella to introduce you to the series’ world-building, characters, and distinct vibe. Listen in on your commute or while you’re sortingContinue reading “Live Author Reading: Poor Vinnie’s Valor”
Indie Book Spotlight: The Locket by Michelle Konde
“No, Mr. Burgh. I literally mean this locket has the power to commit mass murder—a little too conveniently at that.” The Locket by Michelle Konde is a fascinating read. The story follows the misadventures of Agent Burgh (and team), a rational man thrust into an irrational world where cults, bizarre artifacts, and supernatural forces comeContinue reading “Indie Book Spotlight: The Locket by Michelle Konde”
Indie Book Spotlight: A Taste of Rhythm and Courage by Eddy Rose
“Fear isn’t the enemy. Hiding from it is. Every time I do something that scares me, I win a little piece of myself back. Every act of courage, no matter how small, is a victory against the darkness that wants to swallow us whole.” Eddy Rose is the prose QUEEN. I absolutely love the wayContinue reading “Indie Book Spotlight: A Taste of Rhythm and Courage by Eddy Rose”
Indie Book Spotlight: A Fox Among Flames by Sara Puissegur
“I’m not sad that you’ve changed. I’ve changed, too. I’m sad because you can’t see the good in yourself anymore.” A Fox Among Flames by Sara Puissegur. Oh my gosh. If ASAS laid the foundation for Puissegur’s world, AFAF absolutely sets it alight. This second installment of the Celestial Destiny Series, coming in January 2026,Continue reading “Indie Book Spotlight: A Fox Among Flames by Sara Puissegur”
Indie Book Spotlight: Monsters-in-Law by Jeannin Counts
“My dad is a cynocephalus and my mom is a siren,” I blurted the words out as quickly as possible. Heat suffused my cheeks and I knew I was turning bright red. “What?” No, like Kai, you didn’t mishear that mythological mashup. Monsters-in-Law by Jeannin Counts is a delightfully weird, heartfelt, and utterly charming MMContinue reading “Indie Book Spotlight: Monsters-in-Law by Jeannin Counts”
Indie Book Spotlight: Carve Our Names in Fire (Radiant Shadows Book One)
I’ve always had one foot in both worlds, never truly belonging to either. “[A Conduit is] considered a myth, mostly. A Veldan who can channel both Light and Shadow, turning them into something else entirely.” Carve Our Names in Fire by Nicole Thorner… What an incredible story! To say I devoured it would be anContinue reading “Indie Book Spotlight: Carve Our Names in Fire (Radiant Shadows Book One)”
Dystopian Romance: A Clear Definition, Key Tropes, and a Fresh Case Study
Dystopian romance is a genre that’s all about love forged under systemic pressure — authoritarian rule, surveillance, scarcity, or engineered inequality — where intimacy becomes both a refuge and a rebellion. In this area, relationships are never “just” a love story; they’re often entangled with power, ethics, and survival. When done right, dystopian romance deliversContinue reading “Dystopian Romance: A Clear Definition, Key Tropes, and a Fresh Case Study”
The Perfect Blend of Love and Despair: Exploring the Intriguing World of One Dystopian Romance Book Series
Industrialized, Part One: Experiment is a dystopian book. Plain and simple. It’s somewhat anti-romance, in a way. Sure, there’s love, there’s drama, there’s… I came up with a million excuses for why the Industrialized series is not a dystopian romance book series. Part of that is because I’m aro-ace, so super gushy romance has theContinue reading “The Perfect Blend of Love and Despair: Exploring the Intriguing World of One Dystopian Romance Book Series”
Chekhov’s Gun and the Thigh Touch Heard ’Round the World
They say Chekhov’s gun is simple: if you hang a rifle on the wall in Act I, it better go off by Act III. Every little detail that goes into a well-built story should be about more than just vibes — it should serve a purpose. Sometimes it’s a thigh graze in a car. SometimesContinue reading “Chekhov’s Gun and the Thigh Touch Heard ’Round the World”