BIO

Julie Blackheart is a dark romance and fantasy romance author who writes about monsters, magic, and the beautifully broken. Her books don’t just explore the shadows. They revel in them, worshiping the darkness within us all.

Once upon a time, she wrote under the name A.C. James, hitting the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists with her steamy paranormal romance in Spice Box. Those stories still exist for the OG readers who fell in love with her first, but these days, she’s sliding deeper into the shadows. Trust us, it’s worth the descent.

A former video game beta tester and unapologetic tech geek, Julie grew up hosting a WWIV BBS, going to cons, and watching SmackDown. If you dig deep enough, you might even stumble across some cosplay photos from her glory days (Bloodberry, anyone?), but some secrets are better left in the dark. ;)

When she’s not conjuring up villainous heartthrobs or morally gray antiheroes, Julie’s busy dissecting obscure fandom lore, crushing her family in tabletop games or arguing why her way is the only way to survive the apocalypse. She shares her chaotic life with her adoring husband, Ron (aka Mr. Blackheart), who not only tolerates her dark sense of humor but embraces her twisted imagination, which is why he’s the real hero of this story.

She lives in the Philadelphia suburbs, but her heart belongs to the underworlds and dark kingdoms she creates. You can explore them too. Visit www.JulieBlackheart.com for a front-row seat to the insanity. Snacks are optional, but you’ll definitely want to bring a dagger.

EVER DARK IMMORTALS SERIES REVIEW

“I love these books! I am a huge fan of Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series, Darlynda Jones and her Charley Davidson books with Reyes Farrow, and the Sylvia Day (S.J. Day) marked series with Cain and Abel. My newest favorite is Kresley Cole’s Arcana series featuring Evie, Death, and Jack. And I can see Holly and Arie also embarking on such a butt-kicking awesome, light over darkness, against all odds exploit, along with major hot sex. Please continue with the two since they have already captured our hearts! I listen to all the above series over and over along with Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, and Nalini Singh as I work. Please continue!!”-Robin

Some Random Facts About Julie Blackheart

(in case you were wondering or if you’re just really, really bored)

Biggest Writing Regret

Once upon a time, A.C. James was born—an acronym combining my kids' initials. It seemed brilliant until I found myself spinning around at book signings, thinking, Who’s A.C.? when someone yelled it in a crowded hall. If I could rewrite that chapter, I’d have just gone with Julie. But hey, I’ll answer to A.C., Julie, Jules, or pretty much anything if there’s coffee involved.

Fictional Loves of My Life

Buffy Summers and Damon Salvatore. What can I say? I like my heroes strong and just a little dangerous.

Eric Northman or Bill Compton?

Eric Northman. Every. Single. Time.

Sam or Dean?

Dean, obviously.

Favorite Films

Let's see…Constantine, Crimson Peak, Dracula Untold, Underworld, and The Witcher. Heroes who’ll blow up the world for love? Yes, please. Think The Crow, John Wick, Deadpool, or The Princess Bride. Add some Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, or Keanu Reeves (Henry’s Crime is criminally underrated), and I’m sold. I’ve also got a soft spot for musicals like Rocky Horror Picture Show, Little Shop of Horrors, and Once.

TV Obsessions

Doctor Who, Supernatural, The Umbrella Academy, Lost Girl, Carnival Row, The Magicians, Shadow & Bone, What We Do In The Shadows, Wednesday, Interview With A Vampire, The Mayfair Witches, Vikings, You (yes, it’s a guilty pleasure), and The Bridge (Swedish/Danish).

Current Anime

The Way of the Househusband, Ghost Stories, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, and Food Wars!

Music That Sets the Mood

From brooding 80s synth like Depeche Mode and INXS to the haunting melodies of Pink Floyd or a trance remix from the 90s, music fuels my writing. Need a vibe for a villain? Cue the jazz, blues, or funk. Want romance? Let’s throw on some George Michael or The XX. Music isn’t just background noise—it’s a mood.

Astrological Sign

Taurus. Because I’m stubbornly creative and not above a little indulgence.

Kitchen Witchery

When I’m not writing, I’m brewing up bath soaks, lip balms, and body butters that smell like temptation in a jar. Yes, I’m that DIY kitchen witch. 😉

What I Read

It started with Choose Your Own Adventure and L.J. Smith’s paranormal romance books before the world discovered The Vampire Diaries. These days, I’m devouring dark, edgy reads like the books of Amelia Hutchins, C.N. Crawford, Eva Chase, Jaymin Eve, Katee Robert, K.F. Breene, Laura Thalassa, and Sarah J. Maas. If it’s got monsters, magic, or morally gray characters, I’m hooked.

Memberships

Valley Forge Romance Writers (formerly a Romance Writers of America chapter), where the coffee flows and the stories are as twisted as my imagination.

INTERVIEW

Get ready for a scorching interview as Elle Greco puts AC James on the Steam Seat! They dive deep into thought-provoking topics like the Amber Heard/Johnny Depp trial, the troubling dynamics witnessed within romancelandia, and society's tendency to doubt accusers while protecting abusers. Together, they navigate these complex issues and shed light on the challenges survivors face. They also unravel the shame around women's pleasure and body image. And then take a playful detour into encounters of the extraterrestrial kind (wink wink). Because Elle Greco treats listeners to a steamy reading from one of AC James's spicy books. Get ready to fan yourself! 🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you're ready to indulge in juicy conversations and have a damn good time, join Elle Greco and AC James on the Steam Seat. Trust me—it will leave you craving more. Let's get steamy!