This November arrived with real drama: Toronto turned into a full snow globe overnight, while San Francisco is drowning in puddles big enough for Pablo to launch himself into… and for Sven to stand there, soaked, questioning all his life choices. Two coasts, two moods, both perfect for staying inside with a book. Are you a “snow falling outside the window” reader, a “rain tapping the glass” reader… or simply an “if the weather keeps me inside, I’m reading” reader? What makes your reading setup irresistible? The drink? The candle? The pet who insists on supervising? The playlist? The TBR mountain that somehow grows on its own?
If you’re new from the Secret Santa giveaway — welcome. If you’ve been with us since the early days — we’re so glad you’re still here. If you joined us anywhere in between — we’re so lucky to have you. Pull up a blanket (or a cup of something warm). Here’s a relaxed look into the two writers behind Willa Drew: DL Croisette (aka Willa on the left) and Gala Russ (aka Drew on the right): what makes us tick, how we write, and what makes our books feel the way they feel. What we’re currently obsessed with in romance DL: “From a writing perspective it's second chances. I've always loved the concept of getting a chance to right the mistakes of the past and to me there is a beauty in the honesty of forgiveness.” Gala: “Slow, slow, slow burn. The kind of tension where you’re practically begging the characters to finally act on what’s been simmering for chapters.” What’s sparking our creativity right now DL: “Beautiful images. Before I even start writing a scene I ‘see’ my characters in the setting and creating that world is a passion. It comes through in my love of creating our covers, or social media, and now, with my new Cricut, more fun projects. (And there is beauty everywhere, from a droplet of water to a cold winter's day sunset)” Gala: “K-dramas. I’ve been fascinated by how they portray attraction: micro-emotions, tension, slow zooms. I’m experimenting with how to translate that emotional fire onto the page to make romance even more unputdownable.” How we each started writing romance DL: “On a dare. A friend of mine had recently finished a romance book and was bored with reading alpha males and weak women. She turned to me and dared me to write a story with a feisty, strong woman. I went home that night and wrote the first 3 chapter so Ruby Red, my debut novel.” Gala: “I started in women’s fiction. An editor asked whether my book was romance or women’s fiction, and I realized romance requires a happily ever after! That’s what I wanted for my characters. But the deeper beginning was translating my mom’s writing after she passed away. That opened the door.” What we love most about writing together DL: “There are so many things and honestly they change depending on the project. For example, I adore that I have a partner to spark ideas with or pull me out of a well when think that idea well is dry, Then on other days, I love that I can be creative on my own and Gala will enthusiastically listen/read the drama I put our characters through and vice versa.” Gala: “The moments where we spark ideas back and forth. It feels like improv with a lot of ‘yes, and…’ as the story unfolds between us. Some days it’s pure momentum: one of us throws out a wild idea, the other builds on it, and suddenly we’re off in a direction neither of us would’ve found alone. Other days, it’s simply knowing the other person will catch whatever emotional or creative thread I’m holding.” Our individual writing quirks DL: “I never know how to answer this. I can tell you I'm bound to name a character then spell their name two different ways in the same document. Does that count as a quirk?” Gala: “So many! I need to know the character at a soul-level first, so I dig deep to get to know them. I write linearly, without skipping chapters to see how the story develops. My chapters usually start as pure dialogue. Then I build the world around it.” One thing about us that shows up in our writing DL: “Well, I recently came to understand that I have a bartender addiction. Seriously, I think my readers are going to have to make a drinking game out of when in a book a bartender will show up. Readers should also know drama is like sugar to me, so expect a strong dusting of it in my storylines. Lastly, I guess they should be aware the men in my romance books are cinnamon rolls.” Gala: “Family trauma, sibling dynamics, complicated parents, and emotional messiness. I read Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky and Les Mis at twelve, so I gravitate toward the harder parts of being human: grief, sorrow, struggles that break characters open. At the same time I watch all the soap operas, so my writing became a fusion of big feelings, messy families, and the kind of drama that keeps you turning pages long after you meant to stop.” What makes a Willa Drew book feel like a Willa Drew book DL: “One part international character, one part family drama, two parts found family, all shaken up with angsty, BIG feels and topped with a dollop of drama.” Gala: “A core of sweetness, optimism about people, and the belief they can grow, change, and choose good.” Which characters we relate to the most DL: “If forced to choose, I'd say Sarah from Kisses, Lies, & Us. She is our Canadian character (at least until Callum gets his own book) so I get to share some of my world with our readers through her. She's movie obsessed, like me and she was inspired by a wonderful woman in my life.” Gala: “I’m a mix of Will from WE Blend and Alek from Not a Fake Chance. The immigrant experience, family wounds, ambition, and wanting to build something positive in the world. Those themes bleed from my personal life onto the page.” Where you’ll find us when we’re not writing DL: “Dreaming of my next trip, planning my next trip or on my next trip.” Gala: “Most likely with a cat, a coffee, a spreadsheet, and a backdrop of a K-drama or an audiobook.” What we love most about indie publishing DL: “Well, as an admitted control freak I have to say that the ability to write the stories I want to write without bending to a corporations sales goals make me a very happy indie author.” Gala: “The freedom to make mistakes. To iterate. To try, adjust, grow without waiting for permission. I work best in motion.”
Introducing narrator Jack Graves reading the parts of Sven and Pablo in Taming the Grumpy Bodyguard by Willa Drew and A. Miracle! Take a listen to him reading of a crucial moment from the story. Own Sven and Pablo's meet cute HERE About the story: He’s a grumpy ex-Marine running a private security firm. I’m just a stray dog looking for my forever human. Neither of us expected to change each other’s lives. Sven Anders likes three things: order, solitude, and control. Chaos isn’t on the agenda, especially not the four-legged kind. But when a scrappy terrier sneaks into his office, Sven finds himself saddled with the world’s most determined (and oddly charming) intruder. This dog isn’t just any stray. He understands German commands, has a talent for sniffing out trouble, and refuses to leave Sven’s side. Naming him feels like the first step toward something Sven swore he’d never have again: family. Taming the Grumpy Bodyguard is a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud standalone novella about a man, a dog, and the unexpected people who teach him that love is worth every risk. Perfect for fans of grumpy/sunshine romance, found family, and four-legged matchmakers.
Every Willa Drew romance starts with a line that hints at longing, tension, or the quiet ache of what’s to come.
Snow on and off the page
The Shows and Movies That Imacted Who We Are
August’s Book: The Scoop Genre: Contemporary Romance Author: KW Thomas Character: Cleo Carrigan Willa Drew: What should I call you? Do you prefer a nickname? Cleo: Cleo’s fine, thanks! WD: Welcome and thanks for agreeing to talk to us today. C: You’re welcome and thanks for having me. Makes a change for me to be on this side of the interview! WD: Right, fellow reporter here. I’ll have to be on my toes. Can I get you something to drink? Water? Soda? Coffee? Wine? Whiskey? C: I’ll never say no to a glass of wine! Or a decent cup of tea, but as a lass from north east England, I’ve got to be honest and say that I’m slightly suspicious of any American who says they can make one. WD: Better order us two wines then. While we wait, tell me a little about yourself? C: Well, my name’s Cleo, and I work in radio. I’m 5 foot 3, I have brown curly hair and an insatiable appetite for junk food. Wow, it’s really quite different being the interviewee, isn’t it? WD: Shoe on the other foot so to speak. Where do you live? C: I live in London now, but I’m originally from Northumberland, which is the bit of England just below Scotland. WD: Ah, the county with the most castles in England. See I did my homework. C: You certainly did. I don’t think even I knew that. WD: Do you have any jobs or hobbies? C: I’m an entertainment reporter for a radio station. As for hobbies… does ordering sushi from UberEats count? WD: Does in my books. I’m proficient in it. On Monday morning, are you excited to go to work, or are you sad? C: So excited. I still can’t believe this is my life. I love my job – I get to interview amazing musicians and actors, talk to them about their work, find out a bit about them. It’s a bit difficult when the person you’re interviewing really doesn’t want to be there, but I kind of like the challenge of trying to get something out of those people. I’m interviewing Devon Grant soon, though, and I’ve heard he’s a tough nut to crack… WD: Devon Grant! Now that’s a scoop. I’d love to interview him. Maybe someday… Anyhow this is about you. What are some of your likes and dislikes? C: I like good food, and crap food, hanging out with my best friend, Michael, and talking to people – that’s why I love my job. I dislike people who don’t do right by their families. I mean how hard is it, to be nice to the people you’re supposed to love? WD: I agree. Speaking of, tell us about someone important to you? C: My best friend and his mam mean the world to me. They’re the only family I’ve got, really. My own parents moved to France and I mainly keep up with them via their house renovation Instagram account. Michael and Liz are my everything, and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for them. WD: Sometimes found family is the best. Do you like to cook? C: God, no. I like to eat, but I’m a terrible cook. Who needs to know how to cook in London anyway? WD: Benefits of moving to the big city. Okay, you know this is coming, Are you in love? C: No. I was in love once, but it faded eventually. Doesn’t it always? WD: I suppose that’s a matter of perspective. Do you have a secret? C: Everyone’s got secrets, right? No one can know everything about another person. You’re good at these questions, though. What else have you got for me. WD: Well, since you asked…what is your greatest fear? C: Losing my best friend and his mother, who practically raised me. They’re the only people who’ve ever really mattered to me. WD: If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? C: I love my life. I’m not sure I’d change anything. Well, there’s maybe one thing, but it’s kind of complicated. And it’s more someone else’s life, really… *sigh* I wish my best friend wasn’t a paparazzi photographer, for sure. And I wish the reasons he became one didn’t exist, which are the same reasons that… OK, next question! WD: One professional to another, I’ll give you a pass. Are you happy we know your story? C: Hmm. I’ve always been the one to tell other people’s stories. I’m not sure how I feel about being the story. But I guess the truth will always come out in the end. WD: Is there anything you want to say to your fans? C: I have fans? Oh wow. Erm, hi, I guess? Thanks for being awesome, because I’m sure you’re totally awesome. WD: Can we look forward to reading more of your story? C: A little! Although I’ll be quite happy to fade into the background next time, as my best friend hopefully pulls his head out of his backside and sorts his life out. WD: Let’s hope that happens soon. Cleo, it has been a pleasure interviewing you, but our time is up. You can go back to being the interviewer now. I’ll be tuning into your radio show for your next interview. If you’d like to read Cleo’s story and find out more about how that interview with Devon Grant goes, connect with KW Thomas on Instagram and Facebook . About the Book Secrets make great stories. Unless they’re yours… Devon Grant might look like a dream on the big screen, but he’s every journalist’s nightmare – his hatred of the press is as legendary as his abs. Cleo Carrigan is one of the few reporters who’s ever managed to get him to unclench his undeniably attractive jaw long enough to utter more than two consecutive sentences. And apparently that counted as a successful interview, because now he’s chosen her to break the story he tried so desperately to keep hidden. But there’s no way they could ever be friends, right? Let alone anything more. They must both be imagining this spark between them. Because how could the most fiercely private celebrity on the planet ever trust a journalist …?
July’s Book: Beauty of Corruption, Lies and Loves Book 1 Genre: Mafia Romance, Poly Author: Suki Williams Character: Blake Book: Beauty of Corruption, Lies and Loves Book 1 Willa Drew: What should I call you? Do you prefer a nickname? Blake: I go by Blake. No need for anything formal like last names or anything. First name is complicated enough for some people. WD: Blake it is. Welcome and thanks for agreeing to talk to us today. B: Don’t thank me yet, we just started talking. Let’s see how the talks go and then you can let me know if you’re happy about it or not at the end. WD: I think you’ll find I’m pretty open minded. Can I get you something to drink? Water? Soda? Coffee? Wine? Whiskey? B: I’ll take a coffee. Black. Biggest cup you have. All the way to the brim. WD: Coffee addiction I see. On its way. While we wait, tell me a little about yourself. B: Now there’s a loaded question. Here’s the long and short of it. I’m the child of one of the most notorious unalivers for the German Family out in Boston. We had a falling out after I came out and I went off on my own. Ended up in Seattle and somehow fell in with the Irish Family there. Once you’re in the life you can’t ever escape it. WD: Unalivers. There’s a term I don’t hear everyday. Aside from that family business, do you have any jobs or hobbies? B: I love cars. Work as a mechanic for a garage in the city. My other hobbies aren’t really for polite company… but let’s just say my father trained me to take his place. And I do it very, very well. WD: Point taken. What are some of your likes and dislikes? B: I love coffee, vintage cars, and my privacy. I dislike people who don’t even try to figure out my pronouns and people who try to hurt the ones that I consider mine. WD: What is your greatest fear? B: That something will happen to the people that I care about. WD: Speaking of… are you in love? B: Yes. I’m lucky to love four incredible people. WD: Lucky indeed. B: But don’t tell them that. They don’t need the ego boost. WD: Do you have siblings? B: One brother. Even if I don’t see him often he’s one of my best friends. One call and he’d drop everything to come help me. WD: People you can rely on are important. Do you have any special talents? B: Pickpocketing. Specifically my boyfriend’s pockets for his car keys. As if I could pass up driving a vintage Jaguar?! He should be better at keeping ahold of his things. WD: True. I would not be able to resist either. Do you have a secret? B: Don’t we all? I love secrets. They are always fun to know and pull out when it’s the most beneficial. For myself specifically. WD: Ah, a fellow collector like me. Do you like to cook? B: I like being cooked for and eating. But honestly, I don’t mind cooking. Everybody’s got to eat. WD: If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? B: Oh the age old question… I wouldn’t change anything honestly. Even the horrible parts got me to where I am now. If I change even one single thing, I wouldn’t be the same person. That sounds so damn cliche but I’ll stick to it. WD: I like it. I like your confidence. Are you happy we know your story? B: I’m indifferent. You know the parts I want you to know. I keep my cards pretty close to my chest. WD: More of those secrets. Is there anything you want to say to your fans? B: There’s more coming. There always will be. It’s always fun checking in with old friends. WD: Can we look forward to reading more of your story? B: My duet is done, but my story isn’t. I’ll always be hanging out, even if it’s only in the background helping things unfold. WD: Oh, seems our time is up. When we started this interview, you were maybe a little skeptical about the process. I truly enjoyed talking to you and I hope you’ll come back sometime for an update. And maybe I can get a ride in that Jag? If you’d like to read Blake’s story and find out more about the secrets she keeps, connect with Suki Williams on Instagram . About the Book The old saying is true: you can never outrun your past, not forever. A life of crime isn't always black and white. The mafia has a lot of room for gray, except for when it comes to being anything outside of the box. The mafia prefers their women to be Barbies, not non-binary. When it became clear that I’d never live up to the family’s expectations without losing my identity, the only thing left for me to do was run. Now I have a new name, in a new city, with only one man on my side who knows the truth. I was ready to start over, but life had other ideas. Unwittingly brought back into the mafia lifestyle by three deadly men with a passion for blood, bondage, and… each other, my past collides with my present, and I don’t know who to trust. Once again, I find myself in a world of gray. Though this time it’s filled with a lot more splashes of crimson than I expected. I’ve always known the only way out is death. If I’m lucky. Though my men are making me wish that there was another way. When the game of love is filled with death, lies, and corruption, is it possible for its beauty to survive?
From USA Today Bestselling Author Gail Haris, comes a twist of romantic comedy and suspense. This laugh-out-loud, quirky opposites attract romance is about a crime lord and the woman, who in a strange turn of events, he rescues.
How do I go from getting coffee to waking up in the hospital?
Imagine how alarmed I was to discover the handsome stranger, who I spilled my coffee on, was the reason I was alive...
And also the reason I had found myself in danger.
Apparently, I crossed paths with the so-hot-it-should-be-illegal notorious Tristan Goodman.
To me, it feels as though fate brought us together. But the police—and my fiancé—don’t agree. Still,
I go against all rational thought and visit K.O., The Knock Out, which is owned by my mysterious hero.
It might be dangerous, but it also might just be worth a shot.
April’s Book: Spellbound Genre: Paranormal Romance Author: Crystal J Johnson and Felicity Vaughan Character: Gemma, Soren, and Archer Willa Drew: Hi there. Whoa, it's a whole crew here. What should I call you? Gemma: You can call me Gemma! Soren: Soren. Archer: At your service. *Soren smacks him on the arm.* That was a pathetic hit. I guess my boring twin brother would like you to call me by my name… Archer. WD: Welcome and thanks for agreeing to talk to us today. Can I get you something to drink? Water? Soda? Coffee? Wine? Whiskey? G : It’s a little early in the day for alcohol. *laughs* I’m always up for some Diet Coke, though! S: We are fine. Thank you. A: See, he is boring. WD: Hmmm, you two look alike, but I’m sensing you're quite different. Tell me a little about yourself? G : Well, I just inherited my great-aunt’s hotel, the Reynard. I’m so excited to own it. I grew up going there during the summers. I feel a little over my head with everything that’s required to run it. And it doesn’t help that my parents don’t think I can handle it. That might be because I’ve never finished anything I’ve started. But to be fair I have ADHD, and things just get away from me. Sorry, I’m rambling. I just want to continue my family legacy and make my aunt proud. Archer: Don’t forget us. I mean, we have been spellbound to the hotel for over a hundred years. My brother and I are the reason people want to stay. They hope for an encounter with the paranormal, and we always deliver. S: Let’s just hope Gemma can deliver as well. G : Why do you have to be such a jerk? A: Don’t listen to him, Gem. You got this. Hazel wouldn’t have left the Reynard to you if she didn’t believe in you. S: We’ll see about that. WD: Okay, there’s a lot to unpack there. Soren and Archer are spellbound? As in bound by magic? A: You’re quick. We are all stuck in the hotel. G : That’s not true. I’m not. I love the town that The Reynard is in, Spelling, Connecticut. It’s a tourist trap for those who want a paranormal experience. Let me tell you, we have the best donuts you will ever eat. WD: And two ghosts? A: *groans* We’re not ghosts , we’re— S: *interrupts* All right, that’s enough. I don’t think we have enough time to get into all that right now. WD: Got it. And do spirits have any jobs or hobbies? S: If you count knocking on walls and creeping into hotel rooms to move people’s personal items as a job, then yes. A: I enjoy helping our new hotel owner. S: I don’t think making out with Gemma in the hallway is a hobby. G : Says who? I mean, I don’t have time to do much with taking care of the hotel, so if making out with Soren’s brother can be counted as a hobby, I’m going with that. WD: Well, a girl has to have some fun. What are some of your likes and dislikes? A: I like cooking. G : You’re good at that. I like eating said food. S: I like playing the piano. And I dislike workplace fraternization and procrastinators. G : I dislike people who don’t mind their own business. A: I’m with Gemma, but I’d like to add stick-in-the-mud twin brothers. WD: I’m sensing some, ahem, underlying tension here. Let’s dive a little deeper. What is your greatest fear? G : That the Reynard will be taken from me and given to my snotty cousin. A: I fear being stuck in the hotel forever. S: *mumbles* Falling in love. WD: If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? A: That I only get to leave the Reynard for one night a year. Oh, and the years with Betty. God, I hated Betty. S: I’d face Betty again if it meant others I loved were not hurt by her. G : How is it possible that you say the sweetest things and turn right around and make me want to scream? S: Trust me. The feeling is reciprocated. Just stay focused on the reason you are at the hotel and we will be fine. G : You know what I’d change about my life? I’d want certain people to understand that having ADHD doesn’t mean that I can’t accomplish things. I might take a longer route to finish a task, but it will get done. Especially when it is important. WD: Good point. We all have our own paths to follow. Tell me, who’s your favourite person in the world? All Three at Once: Hazel Fox. G : Eccentric, fun, kind, and loving–there was no one on earth like my great-aunt Hazel. WD: She sounds like a lovely person. Let’s flip it around. Do you have an archnemesis? G : My cousin Raven. She thinks the Reynard should have gone to her. She isn’t afraid to do the most despicable things to try and take it away from me. S: Agreed. She might be the spawn of Satan. A: She isn’t that bad. S: Please don’t tell me you forgot about the time she did the thing with the— Archer: Nope! I remember. You’re right. Evil to the core. WD: Okay, Raven is on the naughty list. Any secrets you’d like to share? S: Not only do we have a secret but so do the past owners of the hotel. The question is: can Gemma unveil those secrets? G : It would be so much easier if you just told me. S: You have to read the tome, Gemma. G : Who calls it a tome? You’re such a grandpa. WD: Hey, you two. Settle down. Back to the interview, If you could cure one disease, which would it be? All Three at Once: Cancer G : Especially breast cancer. It is what took Hazel’s life. WD: Nasty disease. Time for the big question. Are you in love? G : I might have found my forever during this book. If I chose a brother, I’m not telling you which one. You will have to read to find out. WD: Well, call me interested. On that note, are you happy we know your story? G : I am, because it isn’t just my story. It’s Soren and Archer’s and every Fox woman who has owned the Reynard before me. It is my family history. Although there was pain, abuse, and heartbreak, there was also unconditional love, healing, and unbreakable bonds. S: And magic. G : There was definitely magic. WD: Who doesn’t want a little magic in their life? Is there anything you want to say to your fans? G : I have something I want to say. For everyone, especially women, that saw themselves in my struggles with ADHD, I believe in you. It’s alright to take your time and do things differently. It is alright to feel overwhelmed by your emotions. It’s alright to make mistakes. It was important to me that I be my most authentic self and not hide how my brain processes information. I hope that by sharing who I am that you saw a little of yourself in my story. WD: Brava! Well said. Can we look forward to reading more of your story? G : I think my story has found its happily-ever-after, but maybe Soren or Archer will have a little more to share in the future. A: An entire book about me. How amazing would that be? S: As amazing as a dumpster fire. Archer: Better than a snooze fest. WD: Oh, I think that might be some guests looking to check in, so I guess our time is up. Thanks for sitting down with me today. Good luck reading that tome… I mean book, Gemma. G : We hope you will visit us at the Reynard Hotel and experience the magic for yourself. WD: Got any free rooms tonight? If you’d like to read Gemma, Soren and Archer’s story and find out who it is Gemma falls in love with, connect with Crystal and Felicity on Instagram and TikTok About the Book When Gemma Fox inherits the storied Reynard Hotel from her great-aunt, she’s totally unprepared for the responsibility. It’s not the bills or the renovations or the repairs piling up. Or her family’s complete lack of confidence in her ability to manage the hotel. It’s that she’s not alone. Bound to the hotel are two spirits, Archer and Soren Hyde. Brooding, handsome, immortal–they’ve been haunting the Reynard for generations. And Gemma is now their custodian. As Gemma fights to keep the hotel from going under, she also finds herself fighting a growing attraction to the brothers. Each offers something different: Archer is impish, fun, sexy and just the distractions she needs. Soren’s arrogant, passionate, sinfully attractive, and driving her crazy. In turn, they each want something from her–one wants freedom, the other wants her heart. It turns out that Archer and Soren are holding back a secret that might finally see them no longer spellbound. And when the truth comes out about who—and what–they are, their imperfect triangle shatters. With her life and her happiness on the line, and the pressure mounting on all sides, Gemma is forced to make a decision that could change everything–for eternity.