The path to love is different for everyone. Some like a gentle, slow burn (sorry, instalove fans!); others prefer a headfirst plunge into the sexy deep end, then the breathless scramble to safety. Others yet crave a special kind of fear—the rush that comes with danger, the thrill of a risky unknown—and the connection that forms through such intensity.
UK author Sonia Palermo explores this arousing kind of fear in the latest book, Scream, Baby, Scream, a dark, high-heat Halloween romance novella that perfectly balances danger, the creeps, and that glowing twist of sweetness that lingers long after the last page.
Sonia was kind enough to answer a few questions in between All The Things in her busy launch schedule. If you’re a long-time fan, I hope you’re as excited as I am to see how her work continues to evolve over the years. For the uninitiated, I hope you enjoy this taste of your next favourite author:
Interview with Sonia Palermo, author of Scream, Baby, Scream
Sonia Palermo writes spicy contemporary, paranormal, and erotic romance. When she’s not immersed in writing, she enjoys cosying up on the sofa with a cup of tea and indulging in a good horror or romance movie. A true beach lover, Sonia finds inspiration along the beautiful south coast of England, where she lives. The serene seaside surroundings bring a touch of real-life magic to her stories. Sonia's work reflects her passions—spooky atmospheres, intense romance, and the charm of everyday moments, inviting readers to discover where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, with a happily ever after guaranteed.
JL: Sonia, your latest book is a right scream. Can you sum it up for us before we dive in?
SONIA: The story centres on Tatum, who attends a Halloween party at a Manor House in Surrey, England. There, she encounters a mysterious figure, who is more than willing to indulge her dangerous desires. As the night unfolds, Tatum realises that another masked figure is watching them. Unsure whether this is part of the game or a real threat, Tatum is drawn into an intense, thrilling encounter that keeps her—and the reader—on edge. The novella promises a steamy, suspenseful ride with a satisfying happily-ever-after.
JL: So, this is a kink story, but it’s not so much about the aesthetics or academics of it. What’s at the heart of this book, as an erotic romance? What thought process led you to such a satisfying twist at the end?
SONIA: I’ve always been intrigued by fearplay, especially since it’s not something I encounter often. Reading Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers earlier this year really inspired me to delve into this theme. I find it fascinating how horror movies and fear can intersect with arousal—there’s something compelling about the mix of danger and desire.
Scream Baby Scream allowed me to explore these darker facets of my psyche in a safe and creative way. I love how reading and writing give us the opportunity to navigate and understand these complex emotions. I don't think I have it in me to write pure smut without feelings. I love exploring human emotion, and honestly, the world is far too shit and depressing not to have a happily ever after! That said, I completely appreciate and admire authors who can do that—I'm just not one of them, unfortunately.
I didn’t know how the book was going to end at first—the plot twist came to me later, and my early drafts didn’t even have an epilogue—so yeah, I was definitely worried about how it would all come together. But this story was so much fun to write that I just went with the flow and let my characters lead the way. I love these characters, and they clearly wanted their happily ever after!
JL: I have to ask … horror and romance? Really? I mean, obviously it works because just look at your book! But creativity draws from the sum total of our experiences, and I’d love to know—how did this combination come about?
SONIA: I’ve always been a huge fan of the Scream franchise and a lover of slashers, horror, and romance in general. Horror and romance are my bread and butter! The suspense, the intense emotions, the exploration of fear and vulnerability, the way tension builds, and that cathartic ending—whether it's survival or a happily ever after—it’s all pure gold to me.
I started my reading journey equally—and somewhat ironically—between horror and romance.
Goosebumps and
Diary of a Crush were the first books I really connected with, along with Cate Tiernan's
Wicca series. Later on,
Twilight and
Fifty Shades of Grey were big influences—I mean, who didn’t start their smut journey there?
Since then, I’ve stayed within the romance genre, exploring different subgenres to find my preferences. My recent reads are a mix of dark, contemporary, and paranormal romance. I especially loved The Words by Ashley Jade, the Losers duet by Harley Laroux, and For the Fans by Nyla K. I’m drawn to stories that explore the human psyche, and I admire authors who dive deep into the complexities of emotion—those books hit that sweet spot for me. I can only aspire to capture a fraction of the emotion they convey.
I started writing at a young age but didn’t take it seriously until I decided to leap into writing and publishing what became my debut novel, Hot Girl Summer (contemporary romance). After its release, I moved on to write Papillon (paranormal romance), which originally started as a short story and eventually became a novella. Now, I’m here with three romances in three different subgenres—and hopefully plenty more to come!
I’ve read (and loved) so many books that combine horror and romance, and I wanted to try it for myself. Writing this story was a way to merge two of my favourite genres and comforts. So, if you enjoy spice with a side of depravity, intense emotions, and a cathartic, satisfying happily ever after, this book is definitely for you!
JL: Publishing can sometimes be an act of courage, especially these days when everyone’s busy AF, surrounded by distractions and, of course, the background effects of cancel culture. Did any of this pose problems during the creative process?
SONIA: Honestly, I didn’t have too many worries while writing this book. The biggest challenge for me was just sticking to my self-made deadline because I'm a pretty slow writer, and this is a seasonal read. So, I had to push myself to make sure everything was done on time, especially while juggling a household and a six-year-old who already acts like a teenager!
But overall, I was pretty chilled about the process. I think having a clear deadline and staying organised helped me push through, even if it meant balancing writing with the usual chaos of life.
JL: In a hundred years time, if a literature study group analysed Scream Baby Scream, what would you like them to think about your book, about you as an author, or about the times we live in?
SONIA: I’d love for people to look back and see that this was an empowering time for women. I want my books to inspire women to take agency over their lives, to feel liberated and unafraid to ask for what they want and deserve – without shame or judgement. Through books, women are given the power to explore and embrace their desires. In 100 years, I hope people see this era as a positive turning point, where women reclaimed their power and lived freely.
JL: And, now that your book is out in the wild, what’s next for you?
SONIA: Good question! I’ve got a few projects lined up, depending on which characters decide to take over my brain next. I’m planning to finally dive into a second-chance contemporary romance that’s been swirling in my head since I wrote Hot Girl Summer. After that, it’s onto a contemporary enemies-to-lovers step-siblings novella, and then another contemporary project that’s still just a spark of an idea right now—so nothing set in stone. I’m taking it easy, seeing where the wind blows me, and going from there.
Scream Baby Scream by Sonia Palermo
One night.
One masked stalker.
Two rules.
The only thing I don't expect is the stranger lurking in the shadows, watching as our scene plays out.
As lines blur between pleasure and danger, sanctity and sin, fantasy and reality collide. But when it's time for the night to end, will I be able to walk away, or will my darkest fantasies consume me?
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Content Note: Scream Baby Scream is an 18+ MFM erotic romance novella that explores the thin line between ecstasy and fear. This book contains sexual scenes, kink/fetish content, drug use, and strong language. Reader discretion is strongly advised. A full content note can be found in the front matter of the book.
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