Sammy Jo Dancey

Hey there! I'm Sammy Jo Dancey, and I write the kind of dark romance that makes people uncomfortable at dinner parties. (Which is exactly how I like it.)

Growing up in a small town where everyone knew everyone's business, I learned early on that the darkest stories often hide behind perfectly normal facades. Maybe that's why I'm drawn to writing about the raw, gritty underbelly of seemingly perfect lives. My characters aren't your typical romance novel leads – they're broken, complex, and sometimes downright toxic. But isn't that more interesting than another cookie-cutter love story?

I've always been fascinated by the psychological impact of trauma and how it shapes who we become. My debut novel "Suicidal State" tackles themes that most authors shy away from: parental abandonment, addiction, toxic family dynamics, and the desperate search for connection in all the wrong places. When I wrote Sophia's story, I knew it wouldn't be for everyone – and I was totally okay with that. Some readers have told me it's too intense, too real. Others have messaged me saying it helped them feel less alone in their own struggles. Those messages? They're why I keep writing.

Look, I'm not here to sugarcoat things or write fluffy happily-ever-afters (though I won't deny my characters a shot at redemption if they earn it). I write about the messy parts of life, the parts we usually keep hidden. My stories feature damaged people finding love in unconventional ways, often while dealing with their own demons. If you're looking for light and breezy romance, I'm probably not your girl. But if you want stories that dig deep into the human psyche and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty? Pull up a chair.

When I'm not writing, you'll find me binge-watching true crime documentaries (research, I swear!), spoiling my rescue cats, or adding to my collection of true crime books. Yes, my browser history would probably get me put on some kind of watch list. No, I'm not sorry about it.

My writing process is about as organized as a tornado in a trailer park. I write when inspiration strikes, usually at 3 AM when normal people are sleeping. Coffee is my best friend (though my therapist says I should probably cut back), and my desk looks like a crime scene board with sticky notes and character profiles everywhere. Sometimes my characters take over and the story goes in completely unexpected directions. I've learned to just roll with it – they usually know better than I do anyway.

What can you expect from my books? Raw emotion. Uncomfortable truths. Characters who aren't easily forgettable. I don't write traditional romance heroes – my male leads are often as damaged as my heroines. There's usually a heavy dose of psychological tension, family drama that makes your own relatives look normal, and enough emotional baggage to fill a cargo plane. But there's also hope, redemption, and the kind of love that survives despite (or maybe because of) all the darkness.

Fair warning: my books come with trigger warnings for a reason. I tackle tough subjects head-on because I believe these stories need to be told. If you're looking for something safe and comfortable, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're ready to dive into the deep end of dark romance, where the lines between right and wrong get deliciously blurry, then welcome to my world.

I'm always working on new stories that push boundaries and explore the darker side of human nature. Connect with me on social media if you want to chat about books, true crime, or why villains often make the most interesting characters. (Just don't ask me about my coffee addiction – we'll be here all day.)

Remember: life isn't always pretty, but sometimes the most beautiful love stories come from the darkest places. That's what I write about, and I wouldn't have it any other way.