Welcome to Lex.Btw.TheLines...!

Episodes

17
Dec. 2, 2025

A Book Bestie’s Journey Into Tropes, Smut, And BookTok Confidence

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 the page • when spice enhances plot and when it distracts • favorite tropes incl...
16
Nov. 18, 2025

From Urban Drama To Erotic Thrillers With Anna J

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 zodiac traits to subvert character expectations • crafting The Hunt as an erotic thril...
15
Sept. 16, 2025

From Urban Fiction to Thriller Mastery: Toni LaRue's Journey

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 thriller writing after reading Lisa Gardner's "The Other Daughter" during a gra...
14
Sept. 9, 2025

Thriller Author Keira N James: Blurring Reality and Fiction

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 bestsellers like "The Grave Mistake" and the spicy short story collection "Embod...
13
Aug. 26, 2025

From Reader to Writer: Lakisha Burkett's Creative Evolution

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 • Creates realistic endings that don't always resolve happily • Book "Everybod...
11
March 5, 2025

The Rise of Selena Brooks: Behind the Scenes of Southern Sizzle and Scramble

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 "Southern Scramble" and character relationships • Discussion of drama and romance intertwined in st...
10
Feb. 11, 2025

Unveiling "Loving You Blind": Author Insights, Character Depths, and Entrepreneurial Ventures with Christian Cashelle

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 emotional topics • The importance of Google Alerts for authors and engagement •...
9
Feb. 4, 2025

Unveiling "The Proposition": Romance Writing, Industry Shifts, and Creative Inspirations with Katie Ashley

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 current publishing landscape • Discussion of her breakthrough book "The ...
8
Jan. 28, 2025

Unveiling "City of Wind and Lies": Mafia Romance, Character Inspirations, and Creative Journeys with Darma Day

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 on the accidental pregnancy trope and its significance • Insight into the transit...
6
Jan. 15, 2025

Unpacking Diverse Themes in Divine Intervention with B. Bewtie

This episode features an engaging conversation with debut author B. Bewtie, who explores her unique experiences in the creative process and the emotional connections within her storytelling. Bee shares her journey of writing her debut novel, which touches upon themes of identity, resilience, and community support. • Introduction of B. Bewtie and her debut novel • Exploration of LGBTQIA representation in characters • Discussion on character inspiration from real life • The impact of trauma and m...
5
Jan. 6, 2025

Resilience in Writing & Self-Publishing with Debut Author Selena Brooks

This episode features author Selena Brooks discussing her debut novel, "Southern Sizzle," and her journey through the challenges of self-publishing and character creation. The conversation emphasizes the complexities of writing relatable characters amid drama and trauma, offering valuable insights for aspiring authors. • Introduction of author Selena Brooks • The long journey to publishing "Southern Sizzle" • Insights into the vanity press experience • Discussing famil...
4
Jan. 5, 2025

Exploring Serialized Fiction & Ghostwriting with Zola Fontaine

Zola Fontaine, a ghostwriter known for her work in serialized fiction, discusses the challenges and rewards of writing for others while striving for her own creative fulfillment. She shares insights on the financial realities of the ghostwriting industry, the importance of mentorship, and her exciting projects, including a unique urban fantasy romance. • Zola's background as a ghostwriter and her work in serialized fiction apps • The intricate business model behind serialized fiction and moneti...
1
Jan. 5, 2025

Intro Pt. 2: Who is Lex?

Dive deeper into the story of Lex with this powerful introduction! Discover the essence of Lex's journey, their motivation, and how they embody the spirit of resilience and determination. In this installment Lex takes center stage, sharing their background, challenges, and ultimate drive to succeed. Whether you’re here for inspiration, motivation, or simply to learn more about what makes Lex unique, this video promises to deliver. Watch now and get ready to be inspired! #WhoIsLex
2
March 24, 2024

An Empty Embrace Recap & Spoilers with Author Cyril Mezden and Booktoker Sami_the_Sunshine

We're taking a dive into Cyril Mezden's Debut Novel "An Empty Embrace" which is a Fantasy Queer Dark Romance. It's based off of Curse of Strahd Dungeons and Dragons campaign. It is unapologetically queer which I absolutely love, it contains flamboyant vampires, you get a Gothic ambience, and of course we have some elves, orcs, and halflings.Ohhhh and we discuss the spice which heats up a lot.. But warning! There are Spoilers in this episodes and what some would consider explict language!!
1
March 21, 2024

What or shall I say who is Lex.Btw.TheLines...

I'm just a #Pantropesual being just giving my little two cents on books I've read. Dark Romance, Billionaire, Mafia, Stalker Romance, Fantasy, Thriller, pretty much anything with smut or morally grey men. Don't get it twisted, though I love a good RomCom, and I'm entering into my paranormal era along with so many others. We all know how hard it is to find a local book club that reads what you're into without giving you the side eye. So I've created a space where I can discuss the type of...