Dominic Palumbo

Hi there! I'm Dominic Palumbo, and I write the kind of sweeping, emotionally-charged romance that probably shouldn't work but somehow does. (Kind of like that time I tried making tiramisu while listening to Puccini - disaster in theory, magic in practice.)

I grew up in Western Australia, where the vast Wheatbelt landscape stretched as far as the eye could see. Those endless horizons definitely shaped my storytelling - there's something about that kind of space that makes you dream bigger, reach further, imagine love stories that cross continents. My Italian heritage also plays a huge role in my writing. When you grow up with opera playing in the kitchen while your nonna makes pasta from scratch, drama and passion just seep into your bones.

My debut novel "Tainted Chalice" combines these two worlds that shaped me - the raw beauty of rural Australia and the soaring heights of classical opera. I know, I know... opera and outback romance? Trust me, I questioned it too. But sometimes the most unlikely combinations create the most beautiful music. (Speaking of music - yes, I absolutely write with a playlist that's half Puccini and half AC/DC. Don't judge.)

I came to writing later than some, after years of teaching music and practically living in opera houses around the world. Those experiences gave me a front-row seat to the kind of grand passions and forbidden loves that now fuel my stories. There's something intoxicating about taking those larger-than-life emotions and grounding them in the red dirt and blue skies of my homeland.

When I write, I'm not interested in playing it safe. My characters are complex, often conflicted, and sometimes make choices that'll make you want to throw your e-reader across the room (please don't - just tweet me your outrage instead, I live for that). In "Tainted Chalice," I explored themes of forbidden love, cultural expectations, and the price we pay for following our hearts. It's the kind of story that starts in a dusty country town and ends up in the world's greatest opera houses, because why shouldn't love be both humble and magnificent?

I write for readers who believe in big loves and bigger dreams. For those who understand that sometimes the most beautiful arias come from the most unlikely places. My stories aren't just romances - they're about finding your voice, claiming your space in the world, and daring to love without limits.

When I'm not writing, you'll find me teaching piano (yes, still), attempting to grow proper Italian tomatoes in my garden (mixed success), or trying to convince my cat that walking across my keyboard isn't actually helping with the editing process. (Spoiler: She remains unconvinced.)

Looking ahead, I'm working on my next novel, which may or may not involve a brooding conductor, a small-town music teacher, and enough sexual tension to power a small city. Stay tuned!

If you enjoy stories where passion meets purpose, where love knows no boundaries, and where sometimes the greatest adventures start in the smallest places, then pull up a chair. Pour yourself a glass of wine (I recommend a good Australian Shiraz), and let's explore these wild, beautiful love stories together.

You can find me on Instagram and Twitter, where I share writing updates, behind-the-scenes peeks at my research (sometimes involving actual opera houses!), and regular photos of my cat judging my life choices. I love connecting with readers, so don't be shy - drop by and say hello!

Remember: Life is too short for small dreams and tepid romances. Let's make it operatic.

Warmest regards, Dominic