Sienna Kaye

I've always been fascinated by the emotional tension that surrounds desire—how it can be both liberating and dangerous. Erotic romance gave me the perfect outlet to explore that tension with depth, vulnerability, and unapologetic heat. My voice evolved naturally by writing characters who aren't afraid to confront their darkest longings. I focused on crafting intimate, character-driven scenes that feel raw and real, always centering the emotional stakes behind the physical connection.

Power and desire are two forces that often collide in real life, and that makes them ripe for exploration in fiction. The idea that love can bloom in the shadows of manipulation, ambition, or revenge fascinated me. I wanted to write stories where characters are drawn to each other despite—or because of—what they stand to lose. The forbidden nature of these relationships heightens the stakes and reveals who these characters truly are when no one’s watching.

The McCarthy family was born from a simple idea: what happens when desire clashes with legacy? Each sibling embodies a different relationship to power, loyalty, and love. I crafted them to be flawed, fierce, and unforgettable. I hope readers see parts of themselves in their struggles—whether it’s the craving for acceptance, the fear of vulnerability, or the thrill of giving in. Their journeys are messy, but there’s redemption in the wreckage.

To me, steam is most powerful when it’s emotionally anchored. Every intimate scene is layered with what’s unsaid—the longing, the doubt, the need to be seen. I never write heat for heat’s sake. I ask: what does this moment reveal about the character? What shift happens because of it? That balance of vulnerability and intensity is what keeps readers turning the page.

I’m deeply interested in how people negotiate power in love—especially when trust is fragile or histories are painful. Whether it’s a boss-employee dynamic, a secret affair, or a lovers-to-rivals arc, I explore how power shifts between characters and how that impacts their intimacy. These dynamics aren’t just spicy—they’re a reflection of control, consent, and emotional risk, which shapes the heart of the plot.

Yes—"Knockout Hearts", the third book in the series, holds a special place in my heart. It’s where the emotional stakes hit a peak. The protagonists not only face external barriers, but they must also confront their own traumas and truths. Writing it pushed me deeper into the emotional core of the series, and I think readers feel that intensity. We also cover 2 siblings love story at once in this book.

I’m always conscious of writing with emotional authenticity and clear consent. Even when the relationships are risky or taboo, I make sure the characters have agency and their emotional arcs are fully developed. It’s important that readers feel the weight of the choices being made. That tension—between what’s right and what’s irresistible—is what makes forbidden love compelling without veering into discomfort.

I focus on the emotional atmosphere as much as the physical sensations. What are the characters thinking, fearing, hoping for? What’s different before and after the moment? I use all five senses, not just to describe the act, but to immerse the reader in the experience. Authenticity comes from emotional truth—not just the steam.

I treat plot twists like emotional detonators. Each twist isn’t just a surprise—it forces the characters to make a new choice in love or loyalty. I outline the emotional arc first, then weave in the twists where they’ll heighten tension or deepen the romance. The pacing works when each twist drives the characters closer together—or pulls them further apart.

The biggest challenge was maintaining continuity while keeping each book unique. Every sibling has their own voice, their own wounds. I had to be meticulous about backstories and timelines. I overcame this with obsessive outlining, character maps, and letting myself take breaks when the emotional toll of writing got too heavy. Let’s just say I have a very color-coded writing process!

Sylvia Day was an early influence—her Crossfire series taught me that emotional rawness and erotic tension could coexist beautifully. I also admire writers like Sierra Simone and Talia Hibbert, who blend intimacy with wit, power, and soul. Outside of the genre, I draw inspiration from Toni Morrison and Anaïs Nin—both masters of sensual, layered storytelling. Transitions from romance to television writers like Julia Quinn and also Tessa Dare are also favorites.

I stay inspired by my readers. When someone tells me a character made them cry, or that a scene stayed with them long after, it reminds me why I write. I also take breaks when needed—long walks, a glass of wine, or re-reading old poetry always helps refill my creative well. Writing erotic romance is intense, but it’s also deeply rewarding.

Yes—Book 7 is in the works, and let’s just say a McCarthy cousin might be stepping into the spotlight. We’ll explore new cities, new secrets, and a love that threatens to unravel everything. This will also feature the first LBGTQ character so its a new adventure for my writing and for readers. I’m also working on a spinoff series set in the same universe with a darker, more suspenseful tone. So… stay tuned!

Travel is a huge source of inspiration—I love observing people, soaking in new settings, and daydreaming in cafés. I also read widely across genres, binge true crime documentaries, and spend time with friends who aren’t afraid to spill juicy secrets (with permission, of course!).

AllAuthor has been a wonderful platform to expand my reach, especially when it comes to book discovery and connecting with readers. Their promotional tools make it easy to showcase my work, and the author interviews give me a voice beyond the page. It's helped build visibility for The McCarthy Affairs series in ways I truly value.