Hello Darklings, 

This week, we get up and close with MustangSabby and we talk all things West Brothers, Over His Head, and Out of His League. For more about Caroline, her books, and writing advice, let's dive in. 

We'd love to get to know you better. Tell us more about yourself.

I write mature, steamy contemporary romantic stories with a happy ending. I like to answer the question of "What if?" in my novels, dreaming up romantic meet cutes that might just happen in real life!

​My debut novel Out of His League rocketed to over one million reads in less than a year after being featured on Wattpad, winning a Watty award, and joining the Originals program in 2019. It is now available in print, ebook (including KU), and as an audio book everywhere you buy books, published by W by Wattpad Books, an imprint of Wattpad WEBTOON Studios.

My new, exciting small town cowboy series - tentatively named the West Line Ranch series - will be available starting in August of 2025, with book 1 - Western Heat. Read it now on Originals!

I currently live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with my husband, two children, and my out of control Monstera plant collection.

What made you take up the pen and start writing?

I have been writing since I was a child. I love telling stories, writing feels second nature to me. I took on more serious writing in my late 20's, starting out with fan fiction and then moving into my current genre of romance in the middle 2k's. I started posting on Wattpad in 2015!

What inspires you as an author? 

I am inspired by the every day life made extraordinary. Where a romance of epic proportions can happen from a simple event - a what if question! I pull heavily from my life experiences, and live vicariously in my writing with what I'd like to do or try someday.

I am inspired by the people around me, my family, my friends, their experiences. I search for that frisson of emotion and elation that happens with first love, the abandonment of first passion, and the security of forever.

What inspired you to write your first steamy scene? Could you tell us more about that experience? Was it a slow buildup to a not-so-innocent kiss, or did your characters jump right into the action? 

I started out writing erotica long ago after reading some and wanting to try my hand - none of that has ever made it to Wattpad. I realized, as I got more into reading romance that I prefer open door explicit scenes in my romances too! I think it stems from my own preferences and values around romance and love as well, plus I love reading spicy scenes! There's an endorphin rush that can't be beat!

I started writing steamy scenes into my romances after I finished my first book without them, not confident enough to transition from erotica to something more emotion and plot-based at first. Wanting to write the kind of book I wanted to read, and having a better understanding of story beats and how to keep plot moving spurred my first few attempts that - well, I can do so much better now. I had to learn that scenes for the scene's sake aren't going to cut it in a well-crafted romance. It has to move plot, or character development in some way, and that is more than just plopping spice on the page between big plot points!

I love writing the connection inherent in sex - when two people in a romance become intimate, and the awareness afterward that it was more than they anticipated. That catalyst for the connection, to falling in love, to forever. I think a well done sex scene can be very emotionally moving for both the reader, and - as you write - the characters too! 

Was writing "after dark" material something that occurred naturally to you, or was it a craft that you practiced till you perfected?

I was told my first book with spicy scenes was good, which helped me feel more confident in continuing to write them, but it certainly didn't flow at first! It took time to feel confortable writing them. As I got more comfortable, I was able to experiment more. There's a parallel for real life there, somewhere! ;)

I think where there is an enjoyment for writing a particular scene there comes a natural flow. As I have continued to improve craft, I have noticed stages where it gets hard again, because I am challenging myself to write scenes that are deeper, more connected, steamier, not just graphic or descriptive, then break through, and in teh next book I challenge myself again! Bringing the story into the spicy scene to provide that context, to move the plot is not always the same, and can be hard, depending on your character's needs, wants, place in life etc.

As I write more of that type of scene, I realize how much more I need to learn to do them *right*. 

Do you have any challenges that you face during writing, especially spicy or mature topics? And how do you overcome them?

Challenges are keeping the scene moving, providing that emotional and sensual connection that isn't just the characters being intimate without purpose. To get the "meat" of the scene down and then weaving the subtlety into the narrative to make it pop, make it feel amazing for the reader to experience. That takes time, thoughtful edits, and sometimes it can be a difficult thing to nuance. I get worried there is too much physical, not enough sensory.

I overcome it by taking a step back, and continuing with the story, coming back to that scene when I am in a better headspace. It is ok to get to a part in the story where there is a spicy scene, and writing {inset spicy scene here} and then continuing on!

For writing in general, challenges revolve around time. I'm a mom of two teens, I work a full time day job, and I have a full life outside my writing! I write in the nooks and crannies of the time that is left, which can be hard to ensure I prioritize! 

What is one thing about writing that no one told you about, or what is one piece of advice you would like to share with other writers especially when it comes to writing AfterDark material?

A piece of advice I have for writing sensual, intimate, or spicy scenes is to use your senses!

Think about the sense of touch, smell, taste, sound... think about your character and how they experience these senses. Remembering that male characters might be more visual, whereas female characters are more cerebral in their arousal.

Also: Consent is sexy! Consent and respect no matter how spicy the scene, no matter how risque the act is, is imperative. As romance authors, we have a responsibility to write and portray mutual, respectful, and healthy sexual relationships in romance. Dark romance included, there should always be consent! It can still be out-of-this-world, envelope pushing, five alarm chili spice scenes with consent! 

What's the most scandalous thing you've ever written? (could be posted or deleted material)

Goodness - not sure to be honest - Out of His league has some (very mild) what might be considered taboo spicy acts in two of the spicy scenes (no spoilers! go read it!) - and I have written some erotica (not posted to Wattpad) that is quite out there in regards to what is considered "regular".

I think the question is: is anything taboo anymore? Some of the Dark Romance titles I have perused of late have pushed some big envelopes! Why choose, reverse harem, masked kidnappers, normalized what was once considered entirely too kinky or out-there to be okay to print... There seems to be a loosening of the laces, and I think it is refreshing and exciting to see how people are embracing sexuality and sensuality in all its permutations.

There is something for everyone, no matter the spice level, sexual orientation, or desires, and this makes for a breadth of selection in romance that I think is really amazing to see. More people are finding themselves represented in a romance, erotic romance, or other, and that is a beautiful thing.

As an aside, Wattpad has paved the way for this, enabling readers to show their own voices, and write the stories that include who they are. Brilliant! More of this please! 

Do you have a favorite novel from the titles you've written and why is it your chosen one?

Western Flame - I think this is the strongest of the three West Line Ranch novels. I am really proud of it as when I wrote it, I had a bigger sense for the characters, having written two books with them already in - and the story came together, providing good conflict and some great romanctic beats. I really loved writing the spicy scenes in this book, the tension and the connection in them is visceral and beautiful between Tanner and Liana - the reconnection and the comfort level was really fun to play with!

I also love second chance romance and this is about as second chance as it comes.

I also have a place in my heart for my first compelted novel For Alice, With Love. Originally there was no spice in this book, but I have since written bonus content with a spicy scene that I'm quite happy with! Go read it on Wattpad!

Are you a panster, or plotter, or both? How does that work for you?

Both! I do brief outlines, and then fill in the rest as I go! I know what I want to happen in a very high level, and then figure out how to get from beat to beat in fun and interesting ways, using that "what if?" question to guide me!

I once was a pantser, but I do outline now, as I do have to be quicker off the draw to finish a book - my demands being what they are in my life from a publishing standpoint.

Outlining and knowing where a book needs to go means I make the most of the time I do get to write!

 Is there a dirty secret or salacious tryst about one of your characters that only you know but are willing to share?

From The West Line Ranch series - Brett, the father of the brothers - he had three relationships/marriages, and some excellent secrets that came out after he passed away. I'm in the process of writing some of that down, and it is so much fun to flesh out characters, write a prequel that has such potential!

You can read some of it in Western Spark, starting with how Peony came to the ranch.

Do you have a mentor or someone you look up to when it comes to writing?

Community is my mentor. I have so many authors I admire, they are too numerous to count, but my community, the authors I interact with locally and online - those people are the ones who keep me going, give me inspiration when we share our writing life together.

Community is one of the most important tools in a writer's toolkit.

Do you have any writing projects you're currently working on? Any future titles your readers should look forward to?

I am currently in edits for the West Line Ranch series - Book 1 - Western Heat, will be available on book shelves August 2025! Book 2 and 3 will follow after that.

I am working on drafting a fourth book in the West Line Ranch series, book three in the Out of His League universe, and two other new universe romances that I hope to finish in the next year. One is a second chance office romance, and one is a cowboy romance set in Saskatchewan! I'm hoping to query and publish both.

I am currently posting a pantsed series on Wattpad called Blood of Quartz, which is a project I work on between books, that is AU adventure slow burn romance with a hint of magic. No idea where that one is going, as I'm finished part 2, and starting part 3 soon. I use this book to play with scenes, and it has no spice at all, but is strictly to work on character development and unique voice, pushing myself to develop character outside of romance tropes.

If you were a character in your story, who would you be and why?

Tough question! I put a bit of me into every character in my books, there is a part of how I see myself, my own struggles, my own experiences in everyone - even the men!

I think I might relate to Peony from the West Line Ranch series most right now. She's no nonsense, she's the matriarch. She's seen hardship and she's seen joy, and she loves fiercely. She will impart wisdom with gentle steel. I hope I am that for my family someday, and I connect with her mom-vibe most, perhaps.

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year to write a book that took place in that same setting, where would you choose and why? 

England - it has always fascinated me, and I would love to spend a year travelling it, learning. My favourite historical period is the Roman occupation of Britain, and King Arthur or Robin Hood legend are my favourite myths! I have a non-romance book idea set on the coast of England - to live in that place and be able to write it authentically would be a dream come true!

When I started back more seriously writing, I wrote some very bad King Arthur fan fiction, and it opened the floodgates to writing more original work.

Do you have a favorite author? (On or off Wattpad)

Jo Watson, Tamara Lush, Jill Shalvis, Sarah J. Maas, Lyla Sage, Devney Perry, and Elsie Silver are my current faves.

Nora Roberts will always have a spot in my heart, as will Judy Blume

What is the most captivating novel you've read? Bonus points if it has spice.

I am currently captivated by the ACOTAR series - late to the game to read, of course, but I think the storyline and the enigmatic characters swept me away! The last book, A Court of Silver Flames is very spicy - Sarah's spicy scenes are brilliantly done for the genre, and I have re-read some of them to glean ideas and inspiration for my own.

As for all time, gosh... Anais Nin and Cherry Adair are pioneers in the erotica and erotic romance genre that I always reference.

As for non-erotic fiction - I've always admired Diana Gabaldon for her emotionally charged writing, her Outlander series has captivated the world. Jilly Cooper writes rich people behaving badly like no one else, and her saucy books are where I cut my teeth on sexy scenes that were scandalous and fun.

Montana Sky by Nora Roberts will forever live in my heart as the reason I so enjoy writing western, cowboy romance. 

Do you have any hobbies? 

My family RVs in the summers, we love travelling this way, seeing new places! I like to loom knit as well. My spare time at the moment is filled with writing, but in winters I like the cross-country ski. I neglect my herb garden, and have a monstera collection that just keeps growing!

Once upon a time I owned my own stable, and taught, trained and competed horses. I was an exercise rider working towards becoming a jockey for thoroughbred racing in my early 20's as well. I started riding at the age of 4, and never looked back! Now, my books have those horses in them, and many who have known that me will recognize names as they read! As some would say I'm a reformed horse-crazy girl!

What's your favorite movie or TV series?

King Arthur (2004) is the movie that got me out of a years long writer's block.

I don't have a favourite movie, but I love watching fantasy and science fiction series/movies. It is an escape from the everyday! 

What's your favorite food or cuisine?

All things spicy. All things chocolate. I like Italian and Asian cuisine, but with the latter, I have to watch out with some allergies.

What would be your version of a perfect vacation? 

Somewhere with expansive ancient history where I can slow down and explore days on end through ruins, museums, and breathe in the lives lived, to connect to the history of a place viscerally. Place my hands upon ancient stones, sit in the spaces that changed the world. Absorb the gravity of those who came before. 

If you could, what is one thing you would tell your younger self today? 

You are worthy, and you are loved. Keep reaching! 

Before we wrap it up, do you have any message for your readers and possible future readers?

A thank you.

Thank you for reading the words I have put on the page, and taking a chance on my stories. I would not be where I am today in my writing career without the readers who loved Out of His League.

Thank you for everyone who, in those first heady days of the Paid Program, jumped on board and broke coin redemption records for that book. It was validation that what I wrote was readable, was acceptable, and enjoyable. It was a dream come true, and a financial salvation that got my family through a very tough time.

It is encouraging, and vital for a writer to know that the stories they pull from their minds onto paper are loved.

That's all for now, folks! Be sure to tune in next week for our next interview! Keep it spicy out there!