J. A. Owenby

Hey there, dark romance lovers! I'm J.A. Owenby, and I write the kinds of stories that make your mom nervously ask if you're "okay" when she sees what's on your Kindle. (Don't worry, I get those concerned looks too.)

Truth is, I never set out to write romance that walks the razor's edge between love and obsession. But some stories just demand to be told, even when they make people uncomfortable. And let's be honest – those are usually the most interesting ones, right?

My journey into writing started in the most cliché way possible: scribbling stories in notebooks during high school when I should've been paying attention in chemistry. (Sorry, Mrs. Peterson!) But it wasn't until I discovered dark romance that everything clicked. Here was a space where I could explore the shadowy corners of human nature, where love doesn't always wear a pretty face, and where happily-ever-afters come with a body count.

If you've picked up "In the Shadows" or its sequel "Back in the Shadows," you already know I don't pull punches. My cam girl story wasn't just about steamy scenes behind a screen – it was about power, control, and the price we pay for both. When readers tell me they stayed up until 3 AM because they couldn't put it down, I consider that a job well done. (Though maybe keep some coffee handy for work the next day?)

My characters aren't your typical romance leads. They're complicated, often morally gray, and sometimes downright dangerous. The villains might make you feel things you're not entirely comfortable with, and the heroes... well, let's just say the line between hero and villain gets pretty blurry in my world. I write about obsession, revenge, and the kind of love that burns everything in its path.

When I'm not torturing my characters (and by extension, my readers), you'll find me binge-watching true crime documentaries for "research" purposes, cuddling with my rescue cat who judges my writing choices, or adding to my collection of black clothing. Because yes, I'm that kind of author. The one who shows up to book signings looking like I might be planning a heist later. (I'm not – usually.)

My writing process involves a lot of coffee, even more plotting, and occasionally arguing with my characters who refuse to behave. I've learned to trust their instincts, even when they lead me down darker paths than I initially planned. Some of my best plot twists have come from letting my characters run wild.

What can you expect from a J.A. Owenby book? Intense emotional situations that'll make your heart race. Complex relationships that definitely wouldn't get Dr. Phil's approval. Steam that might make you fan yourself in public. And endings that'll leave you thinking long after you turn the last page.

Fair warning: my books aren't for everyone. If you're looking for sweet, uncomplicated romance, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you like your love stories with a side of psychological suspense, a dash of danger, and characters who'll haunt you long after you finish reading – pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink, and let's get lost in the shadows together.

I love connecting with readers on social media, and yes, I actually run my own accounts. Come say hi! Just don't be surprised if I'm posting at 2 AM because a new plot twist wouldn't let me sleep. That happens more often than I'd like to admit.

To my readers: thank you for being brave enough to walk these dark paths with me. Your messages about staying up all night reading, about connecting with these complicated characters, about finding beauty in the darkness – they mean everything. You're my kind of people, and I'm so grateful you've found your way to my corner of the romance world.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some characters to torment and some dark romance to write. These stories won't tell themselves, and the shadows are calling...

(P.S. Yes, my cat really does judge my writing choices. She gives me this look every time I write a particularly twisted scene. I've learned to ignore it.)