Romantic suspense author K.R. Bankston is switching gears (and names) and giving us a new contemporary romance. I recently spoke with her about No Take Backs.
Tell me about your latest book.
My latest book is part of my Cayenne Drama line and released under my pen name, Kay Raneé, entitled No Take Backs. It’s a contemporary romance about complicated relationships. It touches on the many repercussions and consequences of infidelity, dishonesty, denial. Our main characters, Tina and Zyan, have been together for three years. In her mind, they’ve been three great years with marriage and forever after on the horizon. In his mind, they’ve been three years going from great to boringly intolerable. Zyan finally makes the decision to leave, ending the relationship. Of course lines are drawn and sides are chosen during the storm that ensues once the breakup is discovered by their family and friends.
Why did you decide to write it?
The idea germinated from the varying relationship horror stories I’ve been privy to hearing, some that I’ve been asked for advice over. Sitting down I decided to pen the story and try to make it as true to life experience as possible, allowing the characters to take charge and pen it the way they wanted to see it play out.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
Hmm. To see things for what they really are, not what we may hope them to be. To be open and transparent. To communicate clearly, concisely. To understand that love, and love languages, vary greatly and can be interpreted the same way. If nothing else, I hope the story causes the reader to stop and pause (more than once) while enjoying and do a bit of reflection. The biggest takeaway would be that every action has a consequence; regardless of the seed you plant, harvest is still guaranteed. Good, bad, indifferent.
What do you want readers to learn from your life?
Whoah, good question. I’m pretty private so much of my life isn’t out there for public consumption, but, if I could pick one thing, I would say be unapologetically yourself. That’s it. No explanation or excuse, simply be you.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
I want to be a director. Motion picture, live plays, I just like the idea of bringing life to someone’s idea, words, thoughts. Of course, once I get the opportunity to do it I might change my mind, but for right now, that would be my ‘other’ profession.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
That’s hard to pinpoint. I’ve always loved reading, so I suppose transitioning to writing was a no brainer. I kept a diary for as long as I can recall (I think it’s trending as journaling these days) I didn’t publish commercially until 2008, but I can recall writing as far back as elementary school.
What’s something readers would be surprised to know about you?
That I still get extremely nervous whenever I release a new book. I’m nearly 50 books in at this point, but release day still fills me with serious angst and anxiety.
What books have you read lately and loved?
Cain by author Delizhia Jenkins. WILL (Will Smith’s biography), Keep the Faith (Faith Evan’s biography)
What books are you excited to read?
Oddly enough I’m an “accidental” next book type of person. I tend to find books quite often on a whim. I’m not genre specific though I do tend to lean toward either seriously dark crime, or horror, I also love biographies. I don’t really have a list per se. I can see something on [social media], or in a store, and decide, hmm, let’s check that out.
What’s next for you?
I’m busy pulling together the releases for 2024, including the second Cayenne Drama release under Kay Raneé, titled Second Time’s the Charm. Preorders will open up for that this summer. I’m also working on finishing up a 12-installment criminal romance series, Deadly Taboo, with Author Elizabeth LaShaun, also slated for 2024 release.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Firstly, thank you for having me. I appreciate all our wonderful bloggers, vloggers, and reviewers. I’m excited to meet new readers, supporters, and I certainly hope everyone will check out some facet of my work. I think if you get to know me, you too will fall in love with my unique story crafting. Be sure to use the contact, website, info below to take advantage of the “hello” gifts available to you.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of No Take Backs.
To learn more about romantic suspense author KR Bankston, connect with her on social media.
https://www.facebook.com/KRBankstonAuthor
https://www.patreon.com/KRBankston
https://youtube.com/@KRBTheAuthor
https://www.amazon.com/author/krbankston