Dirty Books
Carissa Knight
(The One Night Stand Club, #2)
Publication date: April 12th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
SOMETIMES, LIFE CAN BE STRANGER (AND HOTTER) THAN FICTION.
Carlie Taylor, a shy and (often clumsy) erotic romance author, decides to walk on the wild side at Club Nocté’s latest event – a masquerade party. What’s the harm in a little anonymous fun? Well, when that fun leaves you with flashbacks of a stranger’s kiss and the world’s most baffling case of déjà vu, things get interesting.
Enter Adam, a personal trainer with abs that deserve their own Instagram account (oh wait, they have one). When he starts training Carlie, the sparks fly—but not just from the workout burn. There’s something strangely familiar about those biceps, but where could she have seen them before…?
Cue the drama: Adam’s Insta-famous life is like a soap opera, complete with a villainous ex who could give Cruella a run for her money. As Carlie and Adam’s flirty banter turns into something more, the world watches, likes, and comments. But can their fledgling romance survive the glare of the spotlight and the ghost of masquerades past?
The plot thickens like a good protein shake when Carlie has her ‘aha!’ moment. That mysterious, dreamy guy from the club? Yup, it’s Mr. Six-Pack himself. Now, the question isn’t just about enduring a tough gym session, but whether they can flex their hearts into accepting that their one-night stand might just be the real deal.
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1. How does it feel having your books published?
Having your books published feels like being on a rollercoaster—only this one’s been designed by a mad scientist with a peculiar sense of humor and a love for dramatic twists. Imagine climbing to the top, heart pounding, palms sweaty, only to realize the next drop is actually a loop-the-loop into a pool of chocolate pudding. It’s exhilarating, terrifying, and utterly surreal all at once.’
Seeing “Dirty Plans” and “Dirty Books” out in the world is like watching my wildest dreams take flight on a broomstick—because let’s be real, cars are too mundane for this journey. It’s like hosting a party where the guests are characters I’ve conjured from thin air, inviting readers to dance in the ballrooms of my imagination.
So, how does it feel having my books published? It’s like being the ringmaster of the most enchanting, chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable circus. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
2. This is the second book in the series – do you need to read the first book before one can read this book? Or can your books be read as standalones?
Each book in “The One Night Stand Club” series is like a decadent slice of cake from a magnificent layered confection. You can absolutely savor each piece on its own—each layer has its unique flavor and charm, after all. “Dirty Books,” while the second slice of this sumptuous dessert, is crafted to stand alone, allowing readers to indulge without having had the first bite, “Dirty Plans.”
However, just like with any multi-layered cake, enjoying it from the bottom up offers a richer, more interconnected experience. The layers—our stories—are designed to complement each other, with characters and themes that weave through the series, enriching the narrative and deepening the reader’s connection to our little universe.
So, while you can dive fork-first into “Dirty Books” without a primer, reading “Dirty Plans” first might just make the flavors of friendship, humor, and romance taste that much sweeter. Think of “Dirty Developments” as the cherry on top, waiting to complete the experience with a promise of more surprises and delights. Each book, while delightful on its own, is part of a greater, more scrumptious banquet.
3. What made you want to be a writer?
The desire to become a writer sprouted from a voracious appetite for stories and a restless imagination that refused to stay tethered to reality. As a child, I was the architect of elaborate worlds built during playtime, crafting narratives for every doll, action figure, and unsuspecting pet that crossed my path. Books were portals to other dimensions, and I was a relentless explorer, diving headfirst into fantasy lands, detective mysteries, and tales of far-off planets.
But the true catalyst was a combination of insatiable curiosity and a penchant for eavesdropping on adult conversations, piecing together snippets of gossip, secrets, and the unspoken tensions that hum beneath the surface of everyday life. These fragments of real-world drama and intrigue ignited a spark within me to weave my own tapestries of fiction, blending the magical with the mundane, the extraordinary with the everyday.
Becoming a writer wasn’t so much a choice as it was a calling—a siren song that lured me with the promise of creating universes where anything could happen, where every ending could be happy, and where the underdog could triumph against all odds. I suppose, that’s why I started in paranormal and urban fantasy, come to think of it. (In case you didn’t know, I’m also international bestselling author, Carissa Andrews.) It was the allure of playing god in a world of my own making, of breathing life into characters who could love, laugh, fight, and dream with the same intensity as the people I observed from the shadows of my youth.
In essence, I wanted to be a writer because I fell in love with the power of stories to evoke emotions, challenge perceptions, and connect us across the chasms of time and space. Writing became my way of capturing the fleeting beauty of human experience, of holding a mirror to the world and to the heart, revealing truths that we often whisper only to ourselves in the quiet of the night.
4. What do you use as inspiration when writing?
Inspiration for writing the series “The One Night Stand Club” dances in from the mosaic of life’s everyday moments, the whispers of the past, and the vibrant tapestry of human connection. It’s like being a magpie, collecting shiny bits of reality, dreams, and the myriad shades of human emotion to weave into the narrative.
- Real-Life Observations: The quirks of friends, the banter between strangers at a coffee shop, or the silent stories etched in the faces of passersby—these are the threads that weave the rich fabric of my characters and their interactions. The world is a stage, and each person, a story waiting to be told.
- Music & Art: A melody can paint a thousand pictures. Sometimes, a song or a piece of art captures an emotion so perfectly, it begs a story to frame it. It’s like each note or brushstroke is a breadcrumb leading to the heart of a new tale.
- Books, Movies, and TV Shows: The stories that move me, make me laugh, or leave me contemplative, serve as wells of inspiration. They’re reminders of the power of storytelling and the infinite possibilities that lie within the realms of fiction.
- History and Myths: The past is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be reimagined. Ancient myths, legends, and historical events are rich soil from which new stories can grow, twisted and turned into modern tales with a twist.
- Nature and Travel: The whisper of leaves in an ancient forest, the cacophony of a bustling city, or the serene silence of a desert—each landscape tells its own story. Traveling or even exploring nature locally can spark ideas for settings, plots, or characters.
- Dreams and What-ifs: Those bizarre dream sequences and the game of “what-if” that the mind loves to play—what if you found a hidden door in your house that led to another world? What if your pet could suddenly talk? These flights of fancy are the seeds of fantastical stories.
- Emotional Reservoir: The spectrum of human emotion, from the darkest corners of fear and sorrow to the luminous heights of love and joy, fuels the emotional depth of my writing. Drawing on personal experiences and empathizing with others’ feelings provides a wellspring of inspiration.
In the end, inspiration is a wild creature, appearing in the most unexpected moments, often when I’m least searching for it. It’s a patchwork of the world’s beauty, pain, laughter, and mystery, all waiting to be stitched into stories.
5. If you have writer’s block, what do you do to get back to writing?
Ah, when the dreaded writer’s block hits, I have my own little toolbox of tricks to kickstart the creativity engines again. Here’s what I do:
- Change of Scenery: First off, I shake up my surroundings. It could be as simple as moving from my usual writing haunt to a bustling café or finding a quiet nook in a local library. Sometimes, just the act of observing life happening around me—the clink of coffee cups, the murmur of conversation, the ebb and flow of foot traffic—can jog loose the words stuck in my head.
- Read, Read, Read: Next, I dive into books, voraciously and across genres. Reading is my way of feeding the muse. It’s not just about the stories themselves, but the craft behind them that fascinates me. How did the author build tension here? What makes this character so compelling? Immersing myself in the works of others broadens my perspective and often sparks new ideas for my own writing.
- Play the ‘What If’ Game: Finally, I play the ‘What If’ game with my own work. What if my protagonist made the opposite decision? What if the villain has a change of heart? This not only helps me explore alternative plot avenues but also deepens my understanding of my characters. It’s a fun exercise that can turn the tables on writer’s block, transforming it from a roadblock into a crossroads brimming with potential paths.
These three strategies are my go-to remedies for writer’s block, helping me to navigate through the fog and back into the clear skies of creativity.
6. What did you enjoy the most when you wrote Dirty Books?
In “Dirty Books,” crafting the awkward dance of rediscovery between Carlie and Adam was a delight, particularly because of their unexpected reunion and the layers of miscommunication that followed. Their journey begins with a clandestine encounter at an exclusive club, a night cloaked in anonymity and electric connection, only for them to later face the daylight without the masks of their alter egos. This sets the stage for a series of delightfully cringe-worthy moments that are the heart of their story.
First off, the sheer awkwardness of Carlie finding out her new personal trainer is not “Ada,” as a typo led her to believe, but Adam—the very man from her one-night stand, albeit she’s blissfully unaware of this fact at the beginning. The realization doesn’t hit immediately, allowing for a comedic ballet of blunders and misunderstandings to unfold.
Imagine Carlie, prepared mentally and emotionally to meet a female trainer, only to be greeted by Adam, whose presence stirs an inexplicable blend of embarrassment and attraction in her, even as she remains oblivious to their prior encounter. The gym sessions that follow are riddled with clumsy mishaps, misinterpreted interactions, and the kind of flirty banter that walks the fine line between playful and mortifying, given Carlie’s misunderstanding about Adam’s identity.
Their story captures the essence of rom-com gold—two people, inexplicably drawn to each other, navigating the awkward first steps of attraction under the hilarious misapprehension that they are practically strangers, all while their shared history waits just beneath the surface, ready to complicate everything in the most entertaining way possible.
Writing “Dirty Books” was an exercise in embracing the messiness of human connection, the beauty of unexpected reunions, and the laughter that can be found in the most mortifying of circumstances.
7. Do you have a favourite character in Dirty Books?
Choosing a favorite character from “Dirty Books” is like picking a favorite star in the sky—each one shines brightly in its own way, contributing to the beauty of the night. While I could easily lean into the allure of Carlie with her heart on her sleeve and her penchant for landing in delightfully awkward situations, or Adam, whose depth and warmth slowly unravel throughout the story, there’s one character who unexpectedly steals the show: Grandma Edna.
Grandma Edna is a force of nature, a whirlwind of wisdom wrapped in cheeky innuendos and eye-twinkling mischief. It’s her lovable insight, dressed up in humor and delivered with the perfect timing of a seasoned comedian, that truly captures the heart. She’s the sage guiding light, her advice laced with a lifetime of experience and a dash of naughtiness, making her utterly irresistible.
Edna brings a refreshing perspective to the table, reminding us all to embrace life’s pleasures without apology and to laugh a little louder at the chaos. Her presence in “Dirty Books” is like a warm hug from the past, a connection to simpler times when love was bold, adventures were plentiful, and secrets were shared with a wink and a nod. She’s the grandmother everyone wishes they could share a secret or a scandalous joke with, knowing she’d not only keep it but add her own twist to the tale.
8. What has been your favourite read (aside from your own) this year?
Oh, where do I even begin? This year, I’ve devoured 13 books, and it’s been a wild ride of emotions, ranging from the urge to throw a book against the wall (lovingly, of course) to wanting to cradle one to sleep. Among my conquests were “Part of Your World” by Abby Jimenez, “Love Contact” by Sophie Lark, and “Home Again” by Melissa Grace… all amazing books, in their own right.
But, hold your horses, because the crown jewel of my reading escapade, the one that truly hijacked my romcom-loving heart, was none other than “The Reason I Married Him” by Meghan Quinn. Yes, Meghan Quinn, my personal romcom guru, who knows how to stir the pot of romance with the precision of a chef.
Now, why did this book, the second in the series, manage to win me over? Simple: the chef’s kiss-worthy enemies-to-lovers trope. Imagine the tension of a soufflé on the brink of collapse, but instead of eggs and flour, we’re dealing with glares and snark strong enough to cut through the thickest of wedding cakes. This book serves that tension by the ladleful, garnished with banter so sharp, I was worried for the safety of the characters’ egos. SO good!
9. Do you picture someone or something specific when you write?
When it comes to conjuring up the world and characters of my stories, it’s less about picturing someone specific from the get-go and more about letting the characters introduce themselves to me. It’s a bit like throwing a party in my mind where I’m not entirely sure who’s going to show up. Once they make their grand entrance, however, they’re ingrained in my brain, taking up residence with the kind of boldness only fictional characters can muster.
For example, with “Dirty Books,” it wasn’t that I had a clear image of Carlie and Adam from the start. Instead, Carlie waltzed into my thoughts one day, tripped over a metaphorical rug, and spilled her personality all over the floor of my imagination. Adam, on the other hand, leaned casually against the doorway of my mind, flashing a grin that said, “I’ve got stories you haven’t even dreamed of yet.” From that moment on, their faces, their mannerisms, and their voices were all I could see and hear. It’s as if they took the wheel, steering the story through every twist and turn with me just along for the ride, pen in hand.
This process is what makes writing such a thrilling adventure for me. I never quite know who will show up or what they’ll do, but once they’re there, they become as real to me as anyone I might meet on the street—albeit a lot more cooperative when it comes to navigating the plots I throw at them. So, in essence, my characters are the ones who come to me, vivid and vibrant, and from then on, they’re the only ones I see when I write their stories.
10. What’s next? Can we expect a new book soon?
The gears of my writerly mind are already turning, churning out the deliciously complicated concoctions that will become “Dirty Developments.” This next installment in the series is gearing up to be a rollercoaster of emotions, secrets, and, of course, that irresistible pull of undeniable attraction.
Anna and Joel’s story is one I’ve been itching to tell. Picture this: a brooding musician with a heart of gold hidden under layers of mystery and a dash of arrogance, and Anna, tech-savvy, fiercely independent, with a memory like an elephant—especially when it comes to grudges. Their past is a tangled web of secrets, a mysterious event from a decade ago that Anna hasn’t been able to let go of, and Joel hasn’t been able to explain.
But as fate would have it, their paths are about to cross again, and let’s just say, things are about to go DOWN. And I mean that in every sense of the word. We’re talking fiery arguments that could singe your eyebrows, moments so tender they’ll make your heart ache, and yes, scenes that will have you fanning yourself and looking around to make sure no one’s reading over your shoulder.
“Dirty Developments” isn’t just an enemies-to-lovers tale; it’s a journey of forgiveness, understanding, and the kind of love that can only be forged in the fires of shared history and undeniable chemistry. So, buckle up, because Anna and Joel are about to take you on a wild ride. And trust me, you don’t want to miss what’s about to unfold.
The goal is to have it out by September of this year. So, get on my email list or follow me on IG if you want the latest tea. Of course, you could read along as I write, by joining my Patreon, too! All valid life decisions!
Author Bio:
Carissa Knight is all about bringing the heat in every romance she writes, but making the journey as angsty and awkward as possible. (Because come on! What could be more fun than making the characters squirm?)
While she’s a new kid around the romcom block, Carissa’s actually been kicking out books for over a decade as award-winning & international bestselling author, Carissa Andrews. If you like paranormal or urban fantasy, check her out.
In the meantime, get ready for her brand new steamy romcom series, “The One Night Stand Club!”
Be sure to sign up for Carissa’s email list to stay on top (wink, wink) of her releases!
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Celia lives in California with her family. She writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance, and has a particular fondness for werewolves, vampires, angels, and the Fae. When not writing, you’ll find Celia exercising, reading a good book, hanging with her family, or indulging her addiction to fantasy TV shows and movies.
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