Author Spotlight: Ruby Dare

Spicy Romance Author of multiple books. Ruby (she/her) is a fat, black, sassy, creative woman born and bred in New England. She writes stories about fat, confident-as-fuck goddesses who have mind blowing sex and big joyous love, just like we all deserve. And most of them like to swear.

Author Links:

Website: ruby-dare.com

Instagram: @writergurl73
TikTok: @rubydare
Facebook: @RomanceAuthorRubyDare

Amazon Link: Amazon.com: Caught Between Cozy and Kink eBook : Dare, Ruby : Kindle Store

Universal Link: books2read.com/u/490GWJ

Linktree: linktr.ee/rubydare

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Caught-Between-Cozy-Kink-Ruby-ebook/dp/B0DS8GRMDV

Where did the original idea come from for the novel, and how did this idea grow and take shape as you delved into it?

The idea came from a simple street sign and asking myself “what if” what if you’re at a crossroads,which way do you go and why? Usually there is a road that feels comfortable and familiar, but may not show you anything beautiful. And then there is the road that isn’t known, but has potential of anything and everything. So, which way do you go?

My main character decided comfort wasn’t getting her anywhere anymore, so she went the other way stepping outside her box just a little. And luckily, she found someone who offered to help her along the way.

The further I got into writing the more I thought about what it would be like if this one event of accepting help from someone turned their entire life around for the better. What would it look like for the people involved? And the story just grew from there.

What queer representation can readers find in this novel and what influences did you have for their characters.

There is quite a bit of queer representation in this book. My main character, Blythe is a lesbian, her best friend Evan is bi. And the other main character is a trans masc, non-binary lesbian.

I’m a people watcher, so some character influences came from people who have just orbited around me, and some of my own life experiences.

But for my character Nyx, the trans masc non-binary lesbian my influence came from someone on TikTok. One night I came across King Captain, who is a drag king, on my FYP. They are a trans masc non-binary lesbian that exemplifies joy, authenticity, sex appeal, and unapologetic self love. It was intoxicating to watch as they interacted with those in their live. And I knew I wanted to write a character like that.

 So I reached out to King Captain and asked if I could model a character after them. Lucky for me, they graciously agreed and have been an extraordinary muse in constructing the character of Nyx.

Can you tell us a bit more about the couple dynamic between a cancer survivor and their trans masc non-binary lesbian personal trainer. What went into creating these characters and pairing them together and how did you develop the couple’s dynamic as your writing progressed from draft stages to finished stages?

The main thing about my characters is that they accept people for who they are in the place they are at. I think that’s what draws the two of them together.

There is an innate feeling of trust that Blythe has with Nyx. She’s not sure why it’s there but she trusts it enough to accept the help that is offered. They both have things that have happened to them that have helped shape who they are. Once they meet it’s like a glove that fits perfectly to hand. You aren’t quite sure why it’s such a snug perfect fit, but you go with it.

Their relationship progressed as it did because of open communication. Sure, there were secrets that weren’t shared from past traumas they both had experienced but for the most part they were completely open and honest with each other which is why they could have the kind of relationship that they had that eventually turned to love. They were the steps that were a natural progression  for these two. Open communication is incredibly sexy.

What did you draw upon for writing the kink elements of the book and what kinks are represented?

For the kink elements I did some research on Google. I also listened to some kink podcasts as well as drawing on personal experiences. The kinks represented are biting, impact play, a little sensory deprivation, spanking, and pleasure play.

There are strong themes of  disability, cancer ptsd, self-reflection, and boundary setting in the book. How do you feel romance and the introduction of kink, interplays with these themes and helps Blythe especially in her hearing process?

For Blythe, kink is crucial in her healing process. It lets her unabashedly feel all of her emotions down to cellular level in her body. The trauma that the cancer caused not only her body but also her mind was something she had trouble properly expressing, and properly letting go. It kept her in a perpetual state of fear that she had gotten so used to she almost didn’t recognize it within herself. I say almost because she could sometimes see it, but always ignored it. Until something in her changed. Maybe enough time had passed, or she finally needed to find a way alleviate her perpetual physical pain, and maybe Nyx offering to help her without Blythe having to ask helped as well.

Personal boundaries and rules can bend and sometimes break when someone is fighting cancer. So the  chance to build those back up can make it safer to allow romance in. At least that’s how it was for Blythe. To have someone express their own boundaries and praise Blythe for expressing hers is healing.

Blythe has a good amount of self esteem from the beginning but at times it falters. Still, she’s got a good grasp of her worth. However, she was missing that giddy, happy butterfly feeling that romance brings. Makes the sky a little bluer and the sun a little brighter. She gets that back with Nyx which I also think becomes an unconscious motivator for her to really go and grab life.

What has been your favorite reader response to your work so far?

My favorite reader response has been that they felt seen. Representation in all art forms is so important. So for a reader to see themselves in one of my characters is the ultimate praise.

Praise & Reviews for Caught Between Cozy and Kink:

From the moment I started reading this book, I fell in love with Abi, the main character. She’s so relatable in many ways, and her passion for baking resonated with me since it’s also my way to relax! The storyline reminded me of “Spoiler Alert,” but in my opinion, it was even better. Finally, a book with a plus-size MC in a smutty romance where the guy doesn’t constantly talk about her body size! Abi and Liam’s relationship was incredibly sweet, and I’m crossing my fingers that the second book will be about Tess.

Sometimes when you’ve been reading large series, you just need to open a book you can read in a few hours and smile at. This is one of those books. A nice palate cleanser if you will. Good in its own and a nice refresh without the commitment of a full course.

Ruby Dare seems to have it down to an art form. The story had good world building and characterizations without causing the book to be too long and taxing.

The story itself was very cute and gave off hallmark movie vibes for sure! Filled with love, secrets, true friendships, and animals? Amazing!

i cannot rave about this book enough! It has everything i love in a cute spicy rom-com. This read was so cozy and heartwarming, i can’t wait to read more from this author!!

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Since I’m getting back into #AuthorLife after being incógnitas for about 6 years. Goodness, but I’m coming back to it, and one of the first things I’m going to accomplish is releasing the paperback version of Murderous Profession, which was released in August 2019. Better late than never. I got proofs from the printer, and other than a couple of tweaks, it will be good to go and available for purchase on my website. It’ll have a matte cover bc I like the feel and look of it.

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Sophia is a member of the pagan community in BC. She is a lovely person. You can support her by pre-ordering her new book. Queer AND Pagan! What could be better?
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sophiakelly/people-of-the-rock-hopeful-queer-time-travelling-love-story/

#QueerAuthor #fantasy #Pagan #Lesbian #Queer

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