Brittney Arena is a passionate storyteller, crafting emotional and immersive fantasy for all kinds of readers. With a background in both brand and visual design, she has always found solace in art. However, after a challenging health journey, she turned to writing, and what began as a coping mechanism evolved into a journey of exploration, allowing her to traverse new worlds from wherever she might be. When she’s not penning tales, Arena spends her time binging K-dramas, playing with her camera, and waging war against ungodly amounts of pet hair. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and two pups, and she is always ready for the next adventure, whether it be on the page or in real life. A Dance of Lies is her debut novel.
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What’s the strangest thing you searched for on the internet for your novel?
Hah, numerous things. One of my favorites was “how to blow up a ship”. I’m sure I’m on a government watchlist.
What book (or author) made you fall in love with the romance genre?
The Night Circus was absolutely the book that got me back into reading in my mid-twenties. It’s the reason I fell in love with fantasy! Then the Shadow and Bone trilogy was the series that made me want to write.
What is your favourite trope? Why?
I absolutely LOVE cat and mouse. It’s so underrated. The tension sizzles when it’s done right!
It’s the morning after, and a lover is making your main character the perfect breakfast in bed. What is it?
If we’re talking the endgame ship in A Dance of Lies, I can’t say names, but this will make sense once you know it. He would serve her an entire platter of her favorite fruits, a handmade omelet, bread from her favorite bakery, imported plum conserve from Brisendale, definitely some pastries thrown in topped with whipped cream, and a bouquet of fresh peonies on the tray. He is nothing if not thorough, the besotted man.
What book are you reading currently?
I am currently reading This Monster of Mine by Shalini Abeysekara, and I am absolutely LOVING it. I cannot recommend it enough. But do check the triggers!
