Interview with Charlotte House, Author of Cardinal Sins (Bound by Blood Book 1)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Cardinal Sins (Bound by Blood Book 1)?

I’ve always enjoyed dark stories with messy female characters (Gillian Flynn/Ottessa Moshfegh adjacent). As someone in recovery, I wanted to write a romance that wasn’t simply about the romance, but about trying to find oneself when struggling with addiction. I wanted to world build a crime-ridden city ruled by beautifully screwed-up people. I wanted an FMC that was self-destructive, but also relatable. I’ve also always been a fan of love triangles in books, but often found myself hoping the FMC would just get into a relationship with both love interests rather than only picking one. In Cardinal Sins, I was able to let my FMC, Zara, not have to make a choice.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Cardinal Sins (Bound by Blood Book 1), what would they be?

Zara Faire – “Borderline” by Tame Impala

William Ward – “Solitude” by M83

Alexander Vici – “Heaven Only Knows” by Bob Moses

Benjamin Ward – “Hurricane” by Cannons

Gabriel Castillo – “The Hand That Feeds” by Nine Inch Nails

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Thrillers/Psychological Fiction/Non-Fiction/True Crime. Definitely not the same genre as I enjoy writing.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR is currently Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion, The Predator by Runyx, and Yellowface by R.F. Kuang.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The club scene between Ben and Zara, as well as the final climactic scene between Zara, Pope, and Baron.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

No quirky writing habits beyond the crushing pressure of a deadline. I thrive in a state of procrastination.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“To free us from the expectations of others, to give us back to ourselves – there lies the great, singular power of self-respect.” – Joan Didion.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I hope they feel that aching, stumbling stomach flip you often get when you read romance. I hope readers want to fully dive into this world and feel very strongly about certain characters and situations.

Charlotte House is the author of the new book Cardinal Sins (Bound by Blood Book 1)

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