Hi everyone,
Today I’m sharing a look at the making of my Gothic
historical romance, Redemption from a Dark Past.
When I sit down to write an historical romance, I never know
where (or when) my story will take me. I’ve written romances set in the Old
West (Lies, Love & Redemption), the Minnesota wilderness (Loving a Wild
Stranger), Colonial Pennsylvania (Dangerous Indenture), and Celtic Scotland
(The Viking’s Witch). Redemption from a Dark Past takes place in another unique
locale, the Kingdom of Hungary.
For me, the setting conjures up images of brooding castles
perched on treacherous mountaintops, tiny villages, medieval stone cities,
vampires, and Prince Vlad. Although the book does not take place in
Transylvania specifically, this atypical location appealed to me. It seemed
like the perfect place for a Gothic novel filled with secrets, danger,
deception, and superstition.
Right from the start, we meet Lord Sebestyen Adrik and learn
that he’s a troubled hero who has hidden himself away in his isolated castle.
He’s depressed, guilt-ridden, has an unsavory reputation, and is the subject of
nasty rumors spread by superstitious villagers.
The heroine, Katarina, is feisty, clever, and anything but
superstitious. She dismisses tales of evil spirits and ghosts, and doesn’t have
time for old wives’ tales. She’s ambitious and wants to leave her pathetic job
on the goat farm for better things. When she learns that she’s about to be
forced into marriage to a much older man, she jumps at the chance to be Lord
Adrik’s companion—despite all the terrifying stories she has been told.
Katarina’s boldness and intelligence make her the perfect person to free
Sebestyen from his dark past.
When I set about creating the mysterious Lord Adrik, I
wanted to make him a flawed and sympathetic hero. He has two physical ailments
(one most romance heroes never have – sorry, no spoilers!) as well as several
psychological scars. And as if they weren’t enough problems, he also has a
reputation as a murderer (among other things). At the start of the book, he has
just about given up on life and any hope of being happy. By giving Sebestyen
all this “baggage” I made him vulnerable and provided him with lofty goals to
reach.
As I wrote, I added layers of secrets, built suspense, and
created numerous plot twists and turns. Readers follow Katarina’s adventures
and are not sure what—or who—to believe. Can Magda the surly, gossiping cook be
trusted? How did Lady Adrik die? Is the castle really haunted? What happened to
Lord Adrik’s previous companions? Are the rumors about him true? Katarina is
left alone with Sebestyen every night, should she fear for her safety? Everyone
says she should!
Over the course of the book, Katarina draws Sebestyen out of
his shell, and just when she thought she knew him, she uncovers a disturbing
secret he’s been hiding from her. Katarina tries to make sense of it all, while
following her heart.
Not everyone in this story is exactly what (or who) they
seem to be, and this adds another level of mystery and intrigue to the book.
Combining all these elements into a sensual, Gothic romance was a lot of fun,
and I hope readers will enjoy this trip into “the Dark Lord’s lair.”
Here’s the book summary and buy link:
Redemption from a Dark Past
Lord Sebestyen Adrik has an unsavory reputation as a madman,
murderer… and worse. Lonely and searching for love, he seeks the companionship
of local young women, hoping one of them will ease his torment and bring him
the happiness he longs for. Katarina is his last chance—but will she fear him
like all the others? Or is she the one who can lift his curse?
Desperate to avoid a forced marriage, Katarina agrees to
become Lord Adrik’s latest companion, despite the rumors she has heard about
him. She discovers the “Dark Lord’s” secret past and realizes he’s not the
monster everyone thinks he is.
As their love blossoms, she renews his passion for life—yet
they cannot escape the ghosts of the past.
When a meeting of the nobility goes horribly wrong,
Sebestyen’s world unravels, and his enemies plot to destroy him. As all seems
lost, a mysterious stranger arrives at the castle. Sebestyen must decide if he
is a friend or a foe…and if he can find redemption in his love for Katarina, or
lose her and everything else that he holds dear.
* * *
Order Redemption from a Dark Past and read reviews here:
https://www.kelliwilkins.com/redemption-from-a-dark-past
I hope you enjoyed this inside look at the making of
Redemption from a Dark Past. I welcome comments and questions from readers. Be
sure to follow my blog for the latest updates and visit me on social media!
Happy Reading,
Kelli A. Wilkins
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has
published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 9
mystery/thriller/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and
she likes to scare readers with her horror, mystery, and thriller fiction.
Her latest book, The Route 9 Stalker, was published in
January 2026. This mystery/thriller is set in Central NJ and follows Detective
Jim Rourke on a disturbing new case. Meet him for the first time in The Route 9
Killer.
Kelli's 24th romance, For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, was published in January 2025.
In 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.
Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog
www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list, social media links, and more.
