Apple Mead
Apple Mead is the story of Xeno and his five Fae lovers. It began as a writing exercise to see if I could write a polyamorous romance and not have Xeno fall instantly in love with his men.
Rex, Ace, Cyd, Jude, and Niko have been together a long time and love each other deeply. But as guardians to a powerful treasure, they knew there was a piece missing. They found it in Xeno.
Xeno is still dealing with a nasty break up and refuses to give his heart too easily. But he is definitely attracted to each man and tells them he wants to get to know as individuals.
Apple Mead introduces the readers to all of the main characters and sets up what happens in the next five books.
This is book one in the Delectable Vines series, so can you tell us about your plans for the next few?
In book two, Apple Wine, Xeno runs into problems with his sister when he tells her about his involvement with the five owners of Delectable Wines and Brew. Niko wants to make things better for Xeno so he suggests they go visit Xeno’s family. Things become a little more interesting when secrets are revealed.
In book three, we get to know Jude and see how his relationship with Xeno grows. There are also a few more revelations.
Book four is Cyd and Xeno. I don’t have much to tell you about this one or the last two books. I’m still trying to figure out how to tie up all the loose ends.
Please tell us about the character of Xeno.
Xeno is much more complex than he comes across in the books. There is a lot he doesn’t know about himself, and he’s going to be surprised when he finds out. He has also found an acceptance and sense of home he’s never felt before with his guys.
But if you want the basics…he’s tall and a swimmer. He’s highly intelligent, but is quick to fall for someone. He also prefers to ‘catch.’ (There’s a funny bit of conversation with Niko about this in Apple Mead.) He’s loyal, loving, and trusting. He wants to see the good in people. That’s one of the reasons he’s easily led astray. Xeno has black hair and golden eyes which harkens to his Fae ancestry. He’s not afraid of taking chances, but isn’t one to put himself into a dangerous situation. He’s also a bit of an introvert. He’d much rather spend time in a dusty library doing research or reading.
What prompted you to return to college?
Several things. I wasn’t happy working in retail and my son were the biggest two reasons. I also wanted to prove to myself that I could graduate with a college degree. I may not have been a perfect student, but that didn’t matter to me. I just wanted to pat myself on the back and say ‘well done.’ And I wanted my son to know that anything is possible.
How much as your degree helped your writing?
A lot. It is amazing how much Greek mythology and the Classics play a part in what I write. I also learned how to find the best resources for the stories I want to tell.
How have your experiences of being a mum affected how your see people and the world in general?
My son, Spawn, was diagnosed with Autism at the age of six. But even before that, he never saw people as different. As far as he was concerned everyone was the same. Race, gender, and disabilities didn’t seem to faze him. He showed me that the world is a lot brighter and more colourful than I had thought.
What is next for you?
Finishing the Delectable Vines series and starting Season Five of The Ravens Crossing are two of the important things happening next. At The Ravens Crossing, we will be celebrating our two year anniversary in February. I also have a few other projects I’d love to complete this year. I have a feeling I’ll be involved in lots of shenanigans.
You can purchase Apple Mead from Totally Bound.