Shannon here: Angela D. Shelton shares insight into her real-life romance, along with her characters’ romance in her Young Adult Dystopian Romance, Rise of the Y. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a Kindle copy. Deadline: July 19th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Angela:
Real-Life Interview:
- Where do you dream of celebrating your wedding anniversary?
I’ve always dreamed of wandering through Europe. I want to explore cobblestone streets, taste pastries in tucked-away cafés, and soak in the history. My husband traveled during his time in the military, but there are still places he never got to see. Normandy is at the top of his list, and I’d love nothing more than to walk that path with him. Together we’ll honor the past, holding hands, and make new memories along the way. It’s not just about the destination. It’s about discovering the world together.
- Where is the most romantic place you and your spouse have ever been?
It might not be everyone’s idea of romantic, but for us, it was absolute magic. My husband recently surprised me with a weekend getaway to Ancient Lore Village, where we stayed in an Orc house. Yes, you read that right! We’re both a little geeky when it comes to sci-fi and hobbits, so it felt like stepping into our own fantasy story. It was quiet, cozy, and completely enchanting. Sometimes the most romantic moments aren’t about candlelit dinners or ocean sunsets, instead, they’re about knowing each other’s hearts and escaping into a place where imagination and love collide.
- What simple gesture does your spouse do that melts you every time?
I tend to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. Too serious, overly driven, and often too deep in my own head. But my husband? He has this incredible way of using humor to bring me back to earth. When stress threatens to swallow me whole, he makes me laugh. Even when I’m fighting it, arms crossed and glaring, he always finds a way to get through. When he gently pulls me out of the chaos with nothing but a grin and a well-timed joke, I remember just how deeply he knows and loves me. It melts me every time.
Fictional Interview:
- How soon after meeting the hero did the heroine know he was the one?
It took Lexi didn’t fall head over heels right away. Not even close. Being forced into marriage by a controlling government doesn’t exactly set the stage for romance, and Reeves, unfortunately, bore the brunt of her frustration. But Reeves? He’s the steady, unwavering kind. The kind of man who takes a bullet trying to protect the woman he’s been assigned to, and has grown close to. That’s when Lexi knew she loved him.
- Who is most romantic, your hero or your heroine?
Definitely Reeves. Lexi’s a lot like me—practical, grounded, and not one to daydream about grand romantic gestures. But Reeves is a smart guy.He meets her where she is. His love shows up in quiet ways: protecting her, standing between her and danger, and giving her space after their forced marriage. No pressure, no demands. Just presence, patience, and steady devotion. In a world where survival comes first, Reeves proves romance doesn’t have to be flashy to be powerful. Sometimes the most romantic thing of all is simply staying.
- If you hero and heroine end up married, where will they go on their honeymoon?
In Lexi’s dystopian world, there’s no jetting off to sun-drenched beaches or cozy mountain cabins. At seventeen, graduates are assigned a mate by the government, and their “honeymoon” is simply a break from work to adjust to married life. But even in a bleak society, love finds ways to bloom. Lexi has always loved plants and greenhouses, a rare slice of beauty in her gray world. Her new husband notices. In book two, he surprises her with a secluded candlelit dinner tucked inside the greenhouse—a space filled with warmth, light, and life. It may not be a traditional honeymoon, but it’s intimate, personal, and deeply thoughtful. In a world that controls nearly everything, this quiet act of love speaks volumes.
Question for Readers: What’s your favorite “enemies to lovers” or “slow burn” romance? Would it have worked if it had started as an arranged marriage?
Meet Angela Shelton: Rancher by Day, Bestselling Dreamer by Night:
She’s the faith-filled force behind heart-pounding romantic suspense and thought-provoking dystopian tales. With one foot planted firmly in Georgia cattle country and the other chasing publishing dreams, Angela blends hope, grit, and grace into every story she tells. Whether she’s decoding healthcare billing like a pro or plotting her next YA twist under starlight with Carly (her loyal black lab) curled at her feet, Angela’s always crafting something meaningful — something that connects.
Champion of clean reads. Master of subtle faith threads. And on a ten-year mission to land among the bestsellers.
Angela’s Facebook Angela’s X Angela’s Instagram
Angela’s Amazon Author Page Angela’s Goodreads
Angela’s Bookbub Angela’s Tiktok Angela’s Bookfunnel
Blue Ridge Readers Connection Blog
About the book – Rise of the Y:
The rebellion is about to begin.
The Imperium controls everything. They arrange marriages, dictate professions, and orchestrate everyone’s destiny. But seventeen-year-old Lexi refuses to accept. She’s ready to ignite a revolution, but fate has other plans.
When a hidden diary falls into her hands, its weathered pages whisper of rebellion and hope. Now, Lexi is thrust into the perilous shadows of the elusive rebel group Y. In a whirlpool of danger, deceit, and forbidden alliances, every ally could be an enemy. Every truth could be a lie. And falling in love? That was never part of the plan.
Caught between duty and a yearning for freedom, Lexi navigates a treacherous path where love and loyalty are tested at every turn. Who can she trust in a world where betrayal lurks around every corner? As Imperium’s iron grip on dystopian Atlanta grows stronger, Lexi must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in her fight for freedom.
Perfect for fans of K.A. Riley and Rae Knightly, this clean YA romance is a pulse-pounding journey where forbidden love blooms in the cracks of a crumbling society. Rise of the Y explores the power of choice in a world that offers none.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Angela’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
The Rise of the Y Angela’s Books
Come back July 10th for R.F. Whong!
Thanks for sharing this, Shannon!
Glad to have you, Angela. My favorite enemies to love is Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter. One of my favorites of hers.
thanks for sharing, Shannon!
I have a winner! Laurel Whitney won the drawing. I appreciate Angela for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.