I write romance, I fall in love with fictional men, and I have absolutely no intention of apologising for either.

Let’s get one thing straight.

I am not the sort of author who sits at a pristine desk in a perfectly coordinated office, sipping at my tea from a delicate china cup.

I am unapologetically chaotic. I am an ADHD gremlin who touches and leaves MULTIPLE projects (this includes other hobbies like painting, crochet, diamond dotting, and playing computer games)

Books have always been my escape from everyday life’s demands. Somewhere along the way, that escape turned into creating my own worlds, filling them with complicated (okay, maybe not so complicated) characters and sharing their stories with readers.

And what a delightful rabbit hole it has turned out to be.

So… What exactly do I write?

Short answer… Romance. But seriously, believe me, that does not do it justice. I like romance with a kick.

Short, normally sweet, and kinky. I’ve also never met a romance pairing I don’t like to read or write, so once you settle in with my books, you will find your way into MM, MMM, MF, RH, and even a bit of dabbling in the WLW world.

I love exploring different relationships, unusual dynamics, paranormal worlds, and the deliciously messy business of falling in love. My stories can take you from historical settings to worlds filled with supernatural creatures, unconventional relationships, and heroes who make questionable decisions for very understandable reasons.

I’m particularly fond of stories that challenge expectations. Give me characters who don’t fit neatly into a box. Give me relationships that look a little different from the traditional happily-ever-after. Give me a grumpy hero with a soft centre, a protective monster, or a character who discovers that what they thought they wanted isn’t necessarily what they need.

And if there’s a little heat along the way?

Well, we’re all adults here.

My Monsters of Stonebound Manor series is one example of the sort of world I love creating. There’s something wonderfully freeing about stepping outside the ordinary and exploring romance through characters and relationships that don’t follow the usual rules.

Because let’s be honest. Real life gives us enough sensible decisions. Fiction is where we get to have a little fun.

Are you still here? Huh. Cool.

Outside my writing life, I’m a woman living on the South African coast, juggling family life, everyday responsibilities, and the endless list of things I should probably be doing instead of plotting another book.

Writing can be a wonderfully solitary business. You spend hours with characters who don’t exist other than in your head, agonising over problems that aren’t real, and getting emotionally invested in people who are, technically speaking, entirely made up.

Then a reader tells you that your story made them laugh, cry, blush or stay up far too late, and suddenly all those hours feel worthwhile.

That is the magic I keep coming back for. And probably why writing is the one hobby I picked up that I’m still going strong with.

If you’ve read one of my books, thank you. Truly. Every reader who takes a chance on my stories helps make this strange, wonderful writing adventure possible.

If you’re new here, welcome! There’s plenty to explore, and I hope you find a story that speaks to you.

You can find me on Instagram at @LeslieAyla, or join my Discord reader group, Leslie’s Little Lounge, where we can chat about books, favourite tropes, new releases, and all the fictional people occupying entirely too much space in our heads.

And now, because I’m nosy and I suspect you might be too, I have a question.

What is your ultimate fictional weakness?

Until next time, keep reading, keep swooning, and remember: life is far too short to read boring books.

And if you happen to fall in love with a fictional man who would send every sensible person running for the hills? Well, my lovely, you’re among friends here.

Stay thirsty for stories,

Leslie