The other day, something happened that completely shifted how I view my writing.

I was working at our restaurant when the bartender casually mentioned to a guest that I’m a dark romance author. An older gentleman, sitting at the bar, stood up, walked over to me, and simply said:

“Thank you.”

He explained that as a gay man, he once read a story where the character reflected him—his life, his struggles, his heart. In that moment, he felt seen. He felt heard.

His gratitude was so raw and genuine that it struck me deeply.

Because that’s the beauty of dark romance. It’s not just about forbidden love or dangerous obsessions—it’s about exploring the unspoken. The “taboo” subjects people often shy away from: heritage, skin color, sexuality, addiction, generational pain, survival.

And I’ll be honest—before that day, I was doubting myself. I questioned if I was giving enough to the world through my writing. Was I being shallow? Was it all just entertainment?

But that conversation changed me. His words reminded me why I write. To tell stories that make people feel something. To shine a light into the shadows. To show that even in darkness, there’s a voice, a place, a kind of truth.

And so, to that stranger—I thank you.
For reminding me that stories matter.

 

Check out my dark romance series