Every Tuesday, get to know a bit about the stories behind the books you love, and discover your next favourite novel.

Zilla: If you (like me) like your romance dark and magical, then you are the perfect reader for Beatrice Keane’s debut novel, Exiled Vengeance. Beatrice, can you tell us what we have to look forward to in your book?

Beatrice: Exiled Vengeance is my debut romance novel, and it is a dark fantasy romance. Emphasis on the dark. Trigger warnings are in the front matter of the book!

So, it’s about Eliana–a violently oppressed woman in a walled city ruled by religious fascists. When she’s pushed too far, she turns to the forbidden God of Vengeance. Unfortunately for her, the ritual texts are a little difficult to follow and instead of being imbued by his powers, he appears right in front of her and oh no he’s hot. One accidental kidnapping later, he quickly becomes obsessed with her. They join forces to take down their common enemy–and find something more than allies in each other.

Zilla: Oh, I love this! But do your characters love this as much as your readers do? What would your characters say if they met you?

Beatrice: Probably something like, “thanks for the trauma, asshole,” which… I think that’s fair.

Zilla: How much research did you need to do for your book?

Beatrice: A weird amount on desert flora and fauna, before deciding that it’s fantasy and it’s totally okay if barrel cacti coexist with jackals. Also I researched ancient clothing styles and weapons. 

Zilla: I relate to that—it’s hard sometimes to remember how much freedom we have as authors when we’re writing fantasy. So, next question, what book do you tell all your friends to read?

Beatrice: Come Out Come Out by Alexia Onyx. It’s a more contemporary dark romance with a paranormal twist. The love interest is a literal ghost. He’s hot. It’s a thing. 10/10. Would highly recommend if you were an emo kid in 2006-2010. Grab your Hawthorne Heights CD, pals, we’re reading ghost smut.

Zilla: What’s your next writing project?

Beatrice: There’s a few! Right now I’m working on Book 2 for Exiled Vengeance, which is Infamy Descending. And I just published a paranormal romcom about a coffee shop owner who just so happens to be a shifter, and a paranormal investigation TV show audio engineer—it’s called Bikes and Bear Claws.

Zilla: Thanks for sharing your story and your process. We’re looking forward to reading! Where can the Night Beats community find you and your book?

Beatrice: Primarily Instagram! I’m @beatricekeane.writes, and that’s where I spend most of my online-time. The book is available on Amazon (it’s also in Kindle Unlimited) and the link is HERE.