Sunday, June 1, 2025

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY - IMAGINE by Adina D Grey & Alexis Suttonhale


THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY
Book or Series by Author

 

Get a behind-the-scenes all-access pass to Imagine, book one of the La Sacra Corona Mafia series by Adina D Grey & Alexis Huttonhale!


***Synopsis***

Book 0.5 in the La Sacra Corona Mafia series, Imagine is a dark romance with a touch of mafia intrigue, setting the stage for Illusion (Book 0.75) before the series truly ignites with the boss himself. 

At its heart, Imagine is a gripping second-chance romance featuring a book lover and a bestselling author. Hailey, our heroine, is trapped in a marriage with a man who loves playing a game where only he knows the rules. But when she stops playing, his true nature emerges—abusive, controlling, and terrifying. With her husband being one of the most feared and influential lawyers, no judge dares to help her escape. 

Enter Danny, the hottest romance author on the scene and Hailey’s unexpected lifeline. As the powerhouse behind RP Publishing, she finds solace in his words, a friend in his presence, and a potential new star for her company. But more than that, she sees a glimmer of hope—a way out. 

Yet, life has a twisted sense of humor, and as their connection deepens, they’ll have to fight harder than ever for a chance at freedom… and love.

 

What is the sub-genre and trope? Did your characters lead you to this genre or was that decided before the story began?

It’s a dark, emotional journey of second chances, deep scars, and found family. Originally released in 2021, this gripping romance fits perfectly into our latest project—so we decided to revamp it, push the limits, and take it to an even darker place.


Are you more character or plot driven?

I may say both of them.


With many main and secondary characters, how do you keep them separated in your mind? Do you have a story/vision board above your workspace?

Absolutely! Giving every secondary character the spotlight they deserve isn’t easy—and trust me, they pout a lot when they don’t get their way!


I know from previous interviews that characters take on a life of their own. Were any of the characters in this series determined to take their own direction instead of where you initially wanted them to go?

Yeah, Danny wanted to take control from the start—full speed ahead, no brakes. This is definitely an Insta-Love story, with that undeniable, electric connection. He was ready to claim what’s his, but lucky for him (or maybe not), I was the one at the keyboard, and I decided to slow-burn it just a little.


Are any of the male POVs based on anyone you know?

Yup. All major characters in this book are based on real people and situation.


Are any of the female POVs based on anyone you know?

Yes, Hailey is one of my closest friends.


Was there any one character/scene that was harder to write about than the other?

Writing Hailey’s story—especially the cheating aspect—was tough. The abuse and violence were brutal, but infidelity? That’s something I personally can’t stand. Thankfully, Alexis had my back and helped make it flow in a way that did justice to the story.


What is your favorite book in the series? 

This series is set to have five books—at least, that’s the plan for now! But Illusion and Ferdinando (Book 1) have already stolen the spotlight as our personal favorites. 

Illusion drops on July 18th, and I can’t wait to see how readers react to this one!


I know that we aren’t supposed to have “favorites” as far as our children, but seriously, who’s your favorite character and why?

I’m gonna sit this one out—I need to keep my sanity intact! I’ve got about 40 characters staring me down while I type, and I’m not about to open that door. Nope, not happening! 

As for Alexis, I’d bet anything it’s Carlos, Danny, Andrew, and Nando. (Obviously.)


Series question - Who is your favorite couple and why did you decide on their dynamics?

Danny and Hailey are hands down one of the sweetest couples we’ve ever written. Christopher and Leila? They were pure fire—strong, unbreakable. But Andrew and Taylor? They’re gonna be the most powerful duo yet. 

And yeah, I’m totally blaming Alexis for some of the wildest ideas and deep-dive research sessions. But hey, they were spot on, and the results? Absolutely worth it. At the end of the day, this is a team game, and we love every second of it.


How do you get inside these characters’ heads to find their perfect HEA?

Isn’t that exactly what everyone dreams of? After all the heartache and drama, they deserved a happily ever after.


Series - Were any of the books harder to write than others?

Shadow is undeniably gripping. There’s one scene that truly moved me—Leila’s fiancé shockingly auctions her off to a crowd of strangers. In that heart-wrenching moment, you could feel her teetering on the edge of giving up, and that’s precisely the raw emotion we aimed to capture.


This question is if you write in MULTIPLE POVs not just the hero and heroine - I love the multiple POVs in a book. It’s not just the hero and heroine, but we get inside the heads of multiple characters throughout this series. I feel that it gives the story further depth. Do you think you will write another book or series following this multiple POV outline? 

I usually work with dual POVs, but I also have a novel called A Chance to Love. It’s a polyamorous MFM story featuring dark, morally grey characters—and some real alpha holes. Told from three perspectives, I loved diving into the minds and behaviors of each of the main players.


How long did it take you to write this book?

A month, maybe two.


How did you come up with the title for your book and series?

We decided to make them powerful—and then we used the main character’s name (or nickname) to highlight that strength.


If you met these characters in real life would you get along?

When it comes to my main characters, remember—they each carry a piece of my own attitude. So yeah, I’m pretty sure we would.


Series question – Did you know in advance that you were going to write this as a series or did one of the characters in book one demand their own story?

We planned it as a series. Imagine and Illusion weren’t originally part of the plan, but they turned out to work amazingly well as novellas.


If your book/series were made into a movie, which actors do you see as playing your characters?

Oh dear, I have no idea.


Can you give us a hint as to what we can expect next? Whether a new book and series or a sequel to an existing series? Can you share a small tease?

For our Mafia series, my writing partner and I are ready to upend what you think you know about the Mafia. 

I’m Italian and have had the unique opportunity to study the Mafia system firsthand—ensuring we keep it as real as it gets. We’ll take you to Valle Verde—a place you got a taste of in Shadow and will see more of in Illusion—showing you a true and magnificent slice of Italy (with a fictional twist, of course). 

This series blends spice, twists, and a touch of darkness, and our leading ladies are anything but damsels in distress.

 

Check out all my interviews/reviews for Adina D Grey!


Adina D. Grey is a USA Today and International Bestseller author. She was born and raised in Italy so it's no surprise she has a huge addiction to coffee, dogs, and books.

Her book addiction and passion for travelling led her into the creative world of words where she writes, blogs, and beta reads. Her writing covers various sub genres and tropes but she's a sucker for a HEA, this is a cliffhanger free zone.
When she's not writing or reading you can find her entertaining her toddler and husband and enjoying family life.

Connect with Adina:




Alexis Suttonhale possesses a dark soul and a dirty mind, fearlessly poised to delve into the realms of all that is smutty, dangerous, forbidden, and edgy. Raised in the dynamic whirl of a military family, Alexis traveled the globe, absorbing the intricate tapestry of diverse cultures.

For Alexis, writing is not just a craft; it is a daring expedition into the uncharted territories of the human psyche, a journey where the boundaries of conventionality blur, and the taboo beckons with irresistible allure.

Connect with Alexis:




SHADOW by Adina D Grey & Alexis Suttonhale
La Sacra Corona Mafia series

Available in Kindle Unlimited!

Christopher

"Family first," they preach—what a fucking lie…
I've always been the second-class brother: the punchbag, the loser. So, sending me off to the military was the best thing they could have ever done for me.
I finally found who I am and what I stand for, and a woman worth fighting for. But when she's stolen from me, ripped from my fingertips when I was at my weakest, I vowed I'd make her mine once again, when the time was right.

Leila

He was my light, my knight, the one I keep hoping will return and rescue me from the nightmare I keep waking in.
I was sold to pay off a debt. Claimed by a wicked man and his father: the one who orchestrates everything in what's left of my life. The only way out is death. A darkness that's calling me.

Will Christopher and Leila reclaim their love, or will it slip through their fingers like the whispers of a dream?


IMAGINE by Adina D Grey & Alexis Suttonhale
La Sacra Corona Mafia series

Available in Kindle Unlimited!

Hailey believed in three things: love, marriage, and Rose Publishing—her cherished publishing house. But when her husband drops his perfect mask, revealing his possessive and obsessive nature, Hailey finds herself trapped in a suffocating nightmare.

Isolated and desperate, Hailey finds a glimmer of hope through a blog post that connects her to Danny, her romance author idol. Their friendship blooms quickly, offering Hailey a lifeline amidst her torment. As her marriage spirals further into darkness, Hailey's bond with Danny deepens, leaving her torn between the hell she knows and the tantalizing possibilities of "what if."

With her husband's cruelty pushing her to the brink, and Danny's support becoming her only solace, Hailey must walk a dangerous path. As the tension escalates and boundaries are tested, a single question looms: Will Hailey find the courage to escape her nightmare, or will the shadows of her past consume her forever? The clock is ticking, and every choice could mean the difference between freedom and despair.


ILLUSION by Adina D Grey & Alexis Suttonhale
La Sacra Corona Mafia - Book 1

Releases on July 31, 2025

Andrew thought he had it all until he met Taylor and realized what was missing from his perfect life. What seemed like a fling from a dating app turned into something real. But when the truth comes out, Andrew decides to step back—for both his and Taylor’s sake. Yet the heart can’t be commanded, and just when he thinks he’s made the right choice, life throws another curveball, and he watches her slip through his fingers.

Taylor is ready to live her life after graduation. When college and love collide, she embraces it all. Andrew is everything she needs, and she couldn’t be happier. An unplanned trip back to Seattle to surprise her parents forces her to confront the one who hurt her once, turning her visit into a nightmare she can’t escape from. Fighting seems futile, but accepting her new fate is unbearable too. Will Andrew get there in time to save her, or will she be left with nothing but the wonderful memory of their love?

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