Dahlia Haven

I fell in love with history the way most people fall in love with a person—slowly, then all at once, and with an embarrassing amount of daydreaming about what people wore under their togas. I studied writing in college because I couldn't stop scribbling romantic scenarios in the margins of my Western Civ notes. My professor once handed back an essay with "This is supposed to be about the fall of the Republic, not a love triangle" written in red ink.

Reader, I did not take the note.

Here's what they don't tell you about writing historical romance: the research is half the fun. I've spent more hours than I'll admit learning about ancient bathing rituals, gladiator training regimens, and exactly how one removes a stola in a hurry. My browser history would concern my IT department. My Amazon recommendations have given up trying to understand me.

When I'm not teaching or writing, you'll find me in my favorite coffee shop corner, notebook open, pen moving, completely unaware that my latte went cold two hours ago. I write longhand for first drafts because there's something about ink on paper that makes the words braver. Also, my laptop judges me. I can feel it.

The best part of this double life? My fellow teachers have become my most enthusiastic—and persistent—cheerleaders. "How's the book coming?" they ask in the faculty lounge, voices slightly too loud. "Need any proofreaders?" They do not want to proofread for grammar. We all know this. I love them for it.

I write stories about forbidden desire, impossible odds, and love that refuses to behave. My characters make questionable decisions in shadowy alcoves. They fall for exactly the wrong person at exactly the wrong time. They choose each other when the whole world says they shouldn't.

Because that's the kind of love story worth staying up too late for.

I live for that moment. I write for that moment. And I hope, when you read my books, you feel it too.

The Vital Stats:

☕ Coffee order: Oat milk lavender latte (I know, I know)
📚 Currently reading: Whatever my students think I'd disapprove of
🎧 Writing soundtrack: Film scores and "songs that make you feel like the main character"
🐕 Pet status: One very patient golden retriever who has heard a lot of dialogue read aloud
📍 Location: Somewhere between the lecture hall and ancient Rome