In our weekly feature, we will take you behind the scenes with some of the talented authors who have been interviewed on Beyond the Pages by Deb McIlroy & Erin Shea on our YouTube channel. Get a glimpse into their creative process, inspiration, and the stories behind their stories. Stay tuned for exclusive insights and anecdotes from the minds behind some of your favorite books.

What was your motivation for writing your latest book? Can you elaborate on the process behind it?

For those unfamiliar, Eden isn’t a person—it’s a place. It’s a kinky club in Sydney that serves as the backdrop for the series. The idea for the series was born out of my own experiences—I worked behind the scenes at an escort agency 10 years ago, handling marketing and admin. That firsthand exposure to the industry made me passionate about writing a sex-positive, empowering series that portrays sex workers with the nuance, respect, and authenticity they deserve.

Beyond that, this book is deeply personal to me. It explores themes of self-discovery, feminism, and sexual liberation, wrapped in a spicy, high-stakes romance. I wanted to break the outdated, often stigmatised portrayals of sex work in fiction and instead showcase strong, complex characters navigating their desires, careers, and personal struggles in a world that’s both thrilling and challenging and eventually finding their happily ever after. I spent a lot of time ensuring the power dynamics, emotional depth, and character arcs felt genuine.

This week, we have the pleasure of chatting with Jade May, the talented author of Tempted by Eden and Seduced by Eden.

Two strangers. One night. Temptation has consequences...

Five years ago, I left my European vacation with more than just memories. One unforgettable fling...one lifetime consequence.

Now I'm broke and desperate, juggling two lives to survive. By day, I’m a desk worker at Hayes & Hayward Media, but by night, I serve gentlemen at the seductive club, Eden.

I thought I’d left my past behind. But when Eden unexpectedly throws me back into the path of the man from my vacation, my world flips upside down. James Hayes doesn’t even remember me. Worse? He’s arrogant, mega-rich, and... my new boss.

He's determined to make my life hell and fire me. But with my son depending on me, losing this job isn't an option. I’ll do whatever it takes to endure this... even if it means resisting the very man who’s reigniting every desire I’ve worked so hard to bury.

Staying away from James should be easy, right? If only I could ignore the seductive world he’s pulling me into.

Welcome to Eden.

Tempted by Eden is the first book in the Eden series, a collection of interconnected standalones. It's an enemies-to-lovers office romance with a touch of angst and includes a HEA with no cliff hangers. Please be aware that it contains scenes that may be triggering to some readers, including; single mom in an attempted custody battle, and parent with cancer. Please view the full list of content warnings in the author's note.

Could you describe your writing routine and how you maintain focus and creativity throughout the process?

I don’t have a typical writing routine, and honestly, I wish I did. Between working full-time, running my own business, being a mum and a partner, and managing my health, writing often has to take a backseat. Life comes first, and I’ve learned to be flexible and make the most of the moments I do get to sit down and write.

When I do carve out time, I need complete silence to focus. I use loop earplugs to block out distractions and keep my phone in another room to stay present in the story. It’s not always easy, but those uninterrupted hours, however rare, are when I can fully immerse myself in my characters and their world. Writing is something I love, but it has to fit around the rest of my life rather than the other way around.

Which themes resonate strongly in your writing, and what draws you to these particular themes?

Themes of self-discovery, feminism, and sexual liberation are at the heart of Tempted by Eden and Seduced by Eden, and they’re what drive me as a writer. I’m drawn to stories where characters are pushed outside their comfort zones, forced to confront their deepest desires, fears, traumas and societal expectations. I love exploring the journey of self-acceptance, particularly for women, and how embracing one’s own power—whether in sexuality, career, or relationships—can be both liberating and transformative.

Feminism plays a huge role in my writing because I believe in telling stories where women make their own choices, reclaim their agency, and define their own versions of success and happiness. With the Eden series, I wanted to create a world where sex work isn’t demonised but instead shown through a realistic, sex-positive, and empowering lens.

What message or impression do you hope to convey to your readers through your work?

I hope my novels offer readers a much-needed escape—a space where they can explore desires, fantasies, and kinks without fear of judgment. I want my stories to contribute to a larger fictional world where self-discovery and sexual liberation are celebrated rather than shamed.

Through my characters and their journeys, I hope readers feel seen, understood, and inspired. I want them to walk away knowing that it’s okay to embrace every facet of themselves,

What is your approach to crafting character arcs, and how do you ensure that they are relatable to readers?

I’m a plotter when it comes to character arcs. I map out not just their personality and physical traits but also their personal journey—where they start, what challenges they face, and how they grow by the end. What interests me the most is exploring how a character navigates past trauma, makes mistakes, and struggles with their flaws while still moving toward healing and self-acceptance.

I always want my characters to feel real, which means allowing them to be messy, vulnerable, and sometimes even unlikeable. Growth isn’t linear, and I like to reflect that in my storytelling. At the core of every arc, I focus on emotional depth, ensuring their struggles and triumphs resonate with readers. My goal is for them to see a piece of themselves in my characters and believe in their journey, whether it’s about love, healing, or learning to trust again.

What has been the most surprising or rewarding part of your writing journey so far?

The most surprising and rewarding part of my writing journey has been the incredible support from readers. Seeing people connect with my characters, relate to their struggles, and feel the raw emotions has been more fulfilling than I ever imagined. Knowing that my books provide an escape, spark conversations, or even help someone embrace a part of themselves they may have once hidden is the greatest reward.

What are the common misconceptions people have about being a writer that you would like to address?

One of the biggest misconceptions about being a writer is that the words always come easily. People often imagine writers sitting in a cozy café, effortlessly pouring out stories, but the reality is that writing can be a slow, messy, and frustrating process. Inspiration isn’t always there on demand, and sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. Many assume that writers make a fortune from their books alone, but for most, it’s a long game of building an audience and diversifying income. Writing is a passion, but it’s also a business, and balancing both sides takes time, effort, and a whole lot of patience.

What advice would you give aspiring authors when it comes to writing?

My favourite writing mantra is simple: don’t force it. If you’re not feeling inspired, step away. Writing when you’re uninspired often leads to work that feels flat or inauthentic, and chances are, you’ll end up rewriting it later anyway. Let the ideas come naturally, and when you’re in the right mindset, the words will flow in a way that truly resonates. Writing should feel like a connection, not a chore.

When it comes to publishing, patience is key. Whether you’re going the traditional route or self-publishing, understand that it takes time to build your audience and refine your craft. Most importantly, trust your voice, stay consistent, and remember that every author’s journey is different. The right path is the one that works best for you.

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Seduced by Eden: A Friends to Lovers Contract Romance

One year. Countless lies.

Inside Eden, I'm in control. Men fall at my feet. Because that's what I do best: find out what they really want...and give it to them.

But when my sister needs life-saving surgery, I have to start playing a bigger game. It's that or allow myself to be cornered by my toxic family. Again.

The deal is simple. Twelve months of belonging to Dameon Hayward; the powerful, wealthy and inconveniently hot CEO of Hayes & Hayward Media. I'll be well paid to live at his beck and call…

…if our intoxicating chemistry doesn't blur the lines.

But Dameon has rules for sharing his hidden needs with women, and I'm steadfast on remaining professional. Until my secret backup plan comes to light, and betrayal rocks our fragile relationship.

That's when I know I'm in too deep. Because if I lose Dameon now, and I've destroyed his trust completely, I'll have lost everything…

Seduced by Eden is the second book in the Eden series, a collection of interconnected standalones. It's a friends-to-lovers contract romance with a touch of angst and includes a HEA with no cliff hangers. Please be aware that it contains scenes that may be triggering to some readers, including; sick family member, attempted s*xual assault (not by MMC), toxic mother, and blackmail. Please view the full list of content warnings in the author's note.

Tempted by Eden: An Enemies to Lovers Office Romance

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