SELENA. WINTERS

Hey there, dark hearts! I'm Selena Winters, and I write the kind of romance that makes your mother clutch her pearls and your book club raise their eyebrows. (Don't worry, those are exactly the reactions we're going for.)

Let me tell you, I never expected to end up writing romance novels that blend food and psychological darkness. I spent ten years as a pastry chef in some of Chicago's finest restaurants, obsessing over the perfect chocolate temper and ganache consistency. There's something almost magical about transforming raw ingredients into something that makes people close their eyes in pleasure, isn't there? But underneath all that sweetness, I always sensed something... darker.

Maybe it was all those late nights in empty kitchens, or the way certain flavors can unlock memories we'd rather forget. Whatever it was, I started writing stories that explored the sinister side of desire, using food as more than just a backdrop. In my world, a perfectly crafted praline might hide a deadly secret, and that wine pairing could be your last.

My debut novel, "My Bloody Valentine," combines my two greatest passions: the culinary arts and the dark corners of human nature. I wanted to write about a food critic who could taste emotions in food (cool concept, right?) but then finds herself drawn into something far more dangerous than a bad review. When she meets Adrian Vale, a chocolatier whose creations carry the taste of violence and obsession, she discovers that some cravings can't be satisfied with just a bite.

I write for readers who want their romance served with a side of psychological horror. You know who you are – the ones who peek through their fingers during scary movies but can't look away. My characters aren't your typical romance novel leads. They're complex, often morally ambiguous people who might make you question your own boundaries. (And yes, I'm totally okay with that.)

When I'm not writing or experimenting with new truffle recipes (research, I swear!), you'll find me wandering through Chicago's underground food scene, collecting inspiration for future stories. I have two rescue cats, Macaron and Ganache, who supervise my writing sessions with varying degrees of judgment. They're particularly critical when I skip their dinner to finish a chapter.

Here's what you can expect from my books: • Culinary details that'll make your mouth water (and maybe your hands shake) • Complex characters who blur the line between hero and villain • Psychological tension that builds like a perfect soufflé • Spice level: Extra hot with a chance of darkness • Stories that explore the intersection of pleasure and fear

Fair warning: my books aren't for everyone. If you like your romance sweet and simple, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're intrigued by stories that explore the darker side of desire, that push boundaries and make you question everything you thought you knew about love... well, pull up a chair. I've got some tales to tell.

I believe the best stories are like the finest desserts – they should leave you satisfied but craving more. That's why I put so much of myself into every book, drawing from my culinary background to create experiences that engage all your senses. When you read one of my novels, you're not just following a story – you're tasting it, feeling it, living it.

Currently, I'm working on my next novel (which may or may not involve a mysterious supper club and some questionably ethical experimentation with aphrodisiacs). I love connecting with readers on Instagram (@SelenaWintersAuthor) and through my newsletter, "Sweet & Sinister," where I share exclusive content, recipes, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my writing process.

Remember, life is like a box of chocolates – sometimes dark, sometimes sweet, and occasionally filled with something completely unexpected. That's exactly the kind of story I'm here to tell.

Welcome to my kitchen, darlings. Let's cook up something wicked together.

xoxo, Selena