Summary:

Join The Book Babes as we chat with Romantasy and Sci Fi Romance author Catie O’Neill about her writing journey and process. We talk to her about her love of writing interest genre mashups. As an engineer, she loves writing STEM FMCs in her Sci Fi Romances and other strong female characters in her Romantasy books. She tells us about designing her own covers, and her connection with an incredible artist who creates gorgeous sprayed edges for her. She tells us about the very different MMCs in her why choose Romantasy series and which character is the most like her.

Catie’s question for listeners is: “Which type of MMC do you prefer? The morally grey bad boy or the kind considerate green flag character? Drop your answer in the comments or visit The Book Babes’ social media to answer there.

Support The Book Babes:

https://buymeacoffee.com/nikkijewell

https://buymeacoffee.com/albyblake

Music by Christopher Tallon

About Our Guest:

Growing up in upstate New York, I rarely saw females in STEM fields. While earning my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, I was often the only woman in the room. Those experiences now fuel my stories, featuring fierce female protagonists who aren't afraid to prove their worth in male-dominated spaces. Because let's face it—we've all had that moment when someone assumed we were the secretary instead of the engineer in charge.

When I'm not building worlds or crunching numbers in my infamous spreadsheets (yes, I'm that kind of organized), you'll find me hiking with my beloved Corgi, Kieran (named after the FBAA character—fellow book lovers, you know who I mean!). My other passions include experimental cooking (my crispy smashed potatoes are legendary) and tending to my vegetable garden.

To connect with Catie, follow her on social media:Website: https://catie1024.wixsite.com/catieoneillauthor

Insta & Tiktok: @catiereadsandwrites

Books: Amazon.com: Catie O'Neill: books, biography, latest update

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: backstagewiththebookbabes@gmail.com

Links & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabes

Find Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:

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

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

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Sports Romance:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com
Event Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:

In this episode The Book Babes chat with spicy contemporary romance author Kate Smoak. She also happens to be the founder and organizer of the fantastic Canadian book signing event Rose City Romance.

We talked with Kate about her extra spicy romance books and how she likes to subvert tropes and expectations. Things got a little spicy when we dug into her search history. But we also chatted about her nerves over her first ever book signing event. And how her experiences at signings led to her decision to organize her own romance event in Windsor, Ontario.

So, you get dual POV in this one, learning about Kate’s own books and inspiration as well as her event planner side.

Both the Book Babes are attending the signing in its second year, so we had a great time talking about the event.

Music by Christopher Tallon

About Our Guest:

Kate Smoak is a Canadian spicy contemporary romance author, event owner/organizer, and unapologetic book lover. She loves to write broken heroines and subverting expectations. As founder of the Rose City Romance, she loves to bring readers and authors together to share in the love of falling in love with a good book. When not writing her next love story or planning an event, you’ll find her cheering on other indie authors & creators, and reminding everyone that romance readers are the best!

Here’s where you can find Kate & The Rose City Romance Conference:Books: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Kate-Smoak/author/B0CKPW9W9L?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Author: www.katesmoak.ca

All the Kate Smoak links: bio.site/katesmoak

Author Socials: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads @katesmoakwrites

Event Site: www.rosecityromance.ca

Event Tickets: https://rosecityromance2026.eventbrite.ca

Event Socials: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Threads @rosecityromance

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: backstagewiththebookbabes@gmail.com

Links & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabes

Find Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:

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

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

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Sports & Contemporary Romance:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:

In this episode The Book Babes have a chat with the fantastic Canadian romance author, Hannah Brixton. She writes small town romance with neurodivergency, and mental health representation. We had an amazing chat with Hannah where we discussed everything from research into ocean themed toys to the constant exhaustion of an ADHD brain. We talked a lot about managing life and writing, and trying to get better at celebrating our book launches.

Hannah shared her story of how a real life landscaping project inspired her first book, and how her fictional small town evolved around this. She also shared her pride in being a Canadian author and evolving to embrace this in future projects.

Hannah is an artist and shared her process of creating her own book covers. Turns out since we filmed this with her, she’s starting creating premade book covers for other authors.

She told us about her recent foray into live events and the enjoyment she finds connecting with readers.

We also dug pretty deep into preventing burnout and not stretching ourselves too thin.

Overall, it was a great conversation with funny moments, real moments, and great connections.

Hannahs Question for Listeners: Do you have an interest in more stories set in Canada?

Music by Christopher Tallon

About Our Guest:

Hannah Brixton is a contemporary romance author who lives with her husband, three children, and two cats on beautiful Vancouver Island. A self-proclaimed word nerd, Hannah has a long-standing love of language. She loves writing neurodivergent characters and hopes to normalize mental health struggles through her writing. Her books are steamy romantic comedies with more serious topics woven throughout—romantic dramedies, perhaps—always filled with heart, spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Here’s where you can find Hannah:

https://www.hannahbrixton.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hannah.brixton

https://www.tiktok.com/@hannah.brixton.author

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/41609459.Hannah_Brixton

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Hannah-Brixton/author/B0CHDN9YDV

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: backstagewiththebookbabes@gmail.com

Links & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabes

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Sports & Contemporary Romance:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: ⁠authornikkijewell.com⁠

Event Links: ⁠://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks⁠

Find Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:

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

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

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Summary:

In episode 11, The Book Babes interview romance author Samara Knight. We had such a fascinating conversation with Samara. She writes in multiple subgenres including her spy series and her Viking fantasy romance.

But that’s not all. Samara is also a talented artist who has created her own graphic novel as well as her own book covers, and the interior illustrations.

We learned all about her visual artist side as well as the super fun sketch parties she runs. Attendees get to sketch their own morally grey men.The Book Babes only wish they lived out in the prairies so they could attend one.

She also recorded her own audiobook, so make sure to check that out as she’s working on the next one in the series.

From Nikki's cat, Simon trying to steal the show to some deeper moments of introspection, this episode has it all. We hope you enjoy the ride as we get to know romance author Samara Knight and learn all about her writing process and author life.

Music by Christopher Tallon

About Our Guest:

Samara Knight wears many hats as an indie author and artist. She delivers romance forged through danger, desire, and mind-bending twists. Her stories cut across eras and worlds, but they always center on intense chemistry, moral complexity, and the thrill of secrets unraveling under pressure.

Before writing fiction, she worked as a journalist, a travel writer, and a manga illustrator. Born on the equator, she now lives in the Canadian prairies with her found family.

To connect with Samara, find her here:

Website: samara-knight.com

Books: linktr.ee/samaraknight

Special edition books: heastorical.etsy.com

Insta, Threads, TT: @samaraknightauthor

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: backstagewiththebookbabes@gmail.com

Links & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabes

Find Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:

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

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

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Sports plus Romances:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:

Backstage with the Book Babes podcast episode 10.

In this episode the Book Babes chat with fellow sports romance author Stef CR. It was fantastic getting to know her and learning all about her journey from hockey romance to tennis and her upcoming MM pickleball romance novella, Dill-lightful. She told us all about her writing process and vibes, where she gets her inspiration, and her interest in focusing on female athletes in her future books. We also got down and dirty into the origin story of Sports Romance Con, and what it’s like planning an event of this scope with two other amazing authors. This epic book signing event is going into its second fabulous year and Book Babe Alby will also be attending. She also told us about quitting her corporate job to go full time as an author, and we love seeing author’s dreams come true like this. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we loved recording it with her.

Music by Christopher Tallon

About Our Guest:

Project leader by day, romance author by night, Stef C.R. lives in West Michigan with her husband and not one, not two, but three cats.

When she's not working or writing stories, she spends her time reading fantasy and romance, endlessly cheering on the Red Wings, Charles LeClerc, and listening to Noah Kahan.

You can find Stef CR at the link below:

https://www.hopp.bio/stefwritesstories

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: backstagewiththebookbabes@gmail.com

Links & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabes

Find Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:

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

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

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:

Join The Book Babes as we chat with small town romance author Sienna Mills about her journey into the world of romance writing, discussing her inspirations, the charm of small town settings, and the importance of community among authors. Learn about her debut full-length novel, The Principal Project, and discover how she creates engaging small town rom-coms filled with Easter eggs, spice, and relatable characters. She reflects on her book launch experience, the role of ARC readers, and her plans for future projects, all while emphasizing the significance of reader engagement and feedback. Sienna also touches on her writing process, the challenges of balancing family life with her writing career, and her excitement for upcoming works that explore new tropes and themes.

We had a fantastic and very fun chat with Sienna, and hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Takeaways:

Journey to publishing a debut novel

Creating engaging small town rom-coms

Building and marketing a book series

Using Easter eggs and layered details in books

Effective strategies for ARC campaigns

Music by Christopher Tallon

About Our Guest:

Sienna Mills lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where she spends most of her time dreaming up her next book boyfriend and the woman he’s obsessed with. If she isn’t writing, she’s with her family.

To connect with Sienna, follow her on social media:www.siennamillsromance.com

Instagram: @siennamillsromance

Get The Principal Project: https://www.amazon.com/Principal-Problem-Sienna-Mills/dp/B0G52B7H3V

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: backstagewiththebookbabes@gmail.com

Links & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabes

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

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

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:

In this episode The Book Babes have a chat with the amazing Aubrey Taylor. She writes romance in a variety of genres including sports, small town, and cowboy romance. We chat about all things author life including her 2000’s CW TV show inspiration, wildly varied playlists, and some real life inspiration. She shares info about her baseball romance series, her co-authored cowboy romance series, and her amazing supportive family. There was definitely laughter and some shenanigans, but if you love our chaotic vibes then we know you’re going to love Aubrey.

Takeaways:

• Aubrey Taylor is an indie romance author who writes in a variety of subgenres

• Her writing origin story started in the fanfiction space

• She’s got some majorly rabid fans who even get tattoos inspired by her books

• Aubrey creates her own branding and social media herself

• Creating a safe space for her readers is very important to her

• She’s got her own found family in the writing community

• Her spice levels vary by book and depend on her characters and their stories

• She’s got an amazing, supportive family

• Empowering women in sports in the real world and in fiction is crucial

Music by Christopher Tallon

About Our Guest:

Aubrey Taylor is a 33-year-old mom living in chilly Canada with her two kids and wonderful husband. Raised by Dean Winchester, Percy Jackson, and horror movies. She's a loud, nerdy, sarcastic lover of stories. Her favourites always include chosen families and adventure. With massive emotions of her own, she puts her entire heart into her characters and stories.

Here’s where to find Aubrey:

Website: https://www.aubreytaylorauthor.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1007852113638005

Find her books on Amazon and KU here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aubrey-Taylor/author/B0BKLPNN4Z?

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: backstagewiththebookbabes@gmail.com

Links & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabes

Find Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:

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

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

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks

Summary:

The Book Babes talk to sports romance author Charlie Dee about the highs and lows of life as an indie author. They discuss the journey of becoming an author, the intricacies of writing sports romance, and the importance of community support in the indie author world. They explore the creative process, marketing challenges, and the significance of celebrating milestones in an author's career. Charlie shares insights into her writing rituals, the inspiration behind her books, and her plans for future projects, including a new hockey series. The discussion also touches on reader engagement, cover design, and the fun of writing fiction, making it a rich resource for aspiring authors and romance readers alike.

We had a super fun and hilarious conversation with Charlie, and we hope you enjoy the ride.

Takeaways:

• Charlie Dee is an indie author specializing in sports romance.

• The journey to becoming an author often involves community support.

• Writing rituals can enhance creativity and focus.

• Marketing is a constant challenge for authors.

• Celebrating milestones is important in an author's journey.

• Charlie draws inspiration from her love of baseball.

• The spice factor in romance varies by character and story.

• Readers enjoy interconnected stories within a series.

• Cover design plays a crucial role in branding for authors.

• Engaging with readers through questions fosters community.

Music by Christopher Tallon

About Our Guest:

Charlie Dee loved reading romance so much she decided to write the stories in her head. She lives on the East Coast with her family and her dog that looks like a mini cow. When she's not escaping reality with her writing she's spending time with her family & friends, cheering on her favorite sports teams or reading. She loves being able to meld her favorite things in life into her writing.

Here’s where to find Charlie:

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

Facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WdxYrwH6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Newsletter: https://substack.com/@authorcharliedee?r=47ayzk&utm_medium=ios

Find her books on Amazon and KU here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Charlie-Dee/author/B0D4889JDQ?

Keep Up With The Book Babes:

Social Media: Backstagewiththebookbabes

Email: backstagewiththebookbabes@gmail.com

Links & Guest Author Applications: linktr.ee/backstagewiththebookbabes

Find Alby Blake & Her Unique Sports Romance Books:

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

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

Website: www.lovelunapress.com

Find Nikki Jewell & Her Spicy Contemporary Romance:

Social Media: @nikkijewell_books

Website: authornikkijewell.com

Event Links: ://linktr.ee/nikkijewellbooks