Selena Robins's Blog

Why Writing Funny is No Laughing Matter

I recently gave a workshop on writing comedy and witty dialogue, and discovered that writing funny is far harder than writing heartbreak, danger, or even killing people off.

Sad scenes call for emotion. Suspense needs tension. But comedy? Comedy demands timing, surprise, and the courage to risk a joke landing flat.

Preparing for that workshop forced me to ask myself a question: how do I write comedic scenes in my books?

Do I plan them carefully, or do they just happen?

People have often told me I’m witty. Funny, even. I also provide sarcasm as an extra service.

Personally, I think I’m simply observant with a low tolerance for nonsense. Add family chaos, life experience, and the occasional emotional damage, and humour thrives.

My husband used to say I could turn a grocery trip into a sitcom. To be fair, life has handed me plenty of material over the years; whether that’s hiking in Arizona while cactus needles somehow attacked my behind, or running down the street in an avocado face mask, fuzzy slippers, and a nightgown, or exploding a roast beef in the oven (true stories, but I digress).

So, are people born funny? Maybe some are. But I suspect humour is something many of us develop as a way to navigate the challenges in life, develop a strong resilience, perfect self-deprecating humour, and learn to laugh when life gets chaotic.

Which probably explains why humour always sneaks into my stories. Even when hearts break, danger lurks, or lovers clash, someone usually says the wrong thing at exactly the right time.

I love books with chemistry, charm, and trouble, so I give my heroines sharp banter, playful timing, and the nerve to say what everyone else is thinking.

In the end, I think humour is part instinct, part survival, and part practice. Some may be born with a spark for it, but life is what sharpens the edges.

And for writers like me, that means turning chaos, charm, and calamity into stories worth the humour.

My goal has always been simple. To make readers laugh, even during the darkest moments of a character’s life, and still leave them emotionally touched.

There’s no better reward than hearing a reader say, they want more of the story.

Which is why I’m happy to share that I’m currently working on the sequel to Decoy in Stilettos… so stay tuned.

Some recipes are carefully planned. Others are born out of kitchen chaos.

That was exactly the case with these zucchini-eggplant patties.

I started out fully committed to making stuffed eggplants and stuffed zucchini. I had the vegetables, the filling idea, the whole vision.

Then came the first plot twist. The shells for both the eggplants and zucchini fell apart. No neat little boats, no elegant presentation, just a tray of shredded chaos.

So, I pivoted.

Just like I do when writing my characters and they back me into a corner, I changed course and decided to turn everything into a vegetarian lasagna.

But there was one small problem; I had already scooped and mashed the insides of the eggplants and zucchini, which meant there were no nice layers left to build with.

So, I pivoted again.

And that’s when these eggplant-zucchini patties came to life.

Plot Twist Patties

Ingredients:

2 medium eggplants (I used Chinese eggplants, since they are a little sweeter)
2 zucchinis (any colour; I used yellow zucchini because they have a milder taste)
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs, plus more for coating (I used Panko)
3 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Olive oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
The first temperature is for roasting the vegetables.

Wash and dry the eggplants and zucchini. Cut them in half lengthwise and lightly score the flesh.

Place them cut side up in a shallow baking pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.

Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily pierced with a knife.

Remove from the oven and let the vegetables cool slightly, just enough to handle.

Scoop out the flesh and place it in a large bowl. Mash it well with a fork.

Add the egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, Pecorino Romano, and Parmesan. Mix until well combined.

Check the texture. The mixture should be soft but firm enough to shape. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Place some extra breadcrumbs on a plate.

Form the mixture into patties and lightly coat each one with breadcrumbs. You should get about 8 to 10 patties, depending on size.

Air-Fryer Method:

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F if your model requires preheating.

Lightly grease the air fryer basket, or line it with perforated air-fryer parchment paper.

Arrange the patties in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. Do not overcrowd.

Lightly spritz or brush the tops with olive oil.

Air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Spritz the second side lightly with olive oil if needed.

Cook until the patties are golden brown and crisp on the outside. If they need more colour or crispness, add another 2 to 4 minutes.

Let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

Oven Method:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
This second temperature is for baking the formed patties.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush or spray it with olive oil.

Arrange the patties on the baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them.

Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil.

Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Continue baking until both sides are golden and slightly crisp. If you want them even crispier, place them under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.

Let them sit for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestion:

These patties are wonderful served with my tomato sauce recipe [click here for sauce recipe] for dipping or spooning over the top.

Add a slice of crusty bread and a fresh green salad, and you have a simple, comforting dinner.

The humble carrot goes into the oven looking perfectly ordinary and comes out sweet, caramelized, and smelling like you’ve suddenly become the sort of person who can casually whip up a five-star soup on a weeknight.

My goal has always been to have at least three or four vegetarian meals each week. Unlike Ryan (the heroine in my latest release, Decoy in Stilettos), my reasons are simple: vegetarian meals are versatile, colourful, and delicious.

Readers who’ve already dived into Decoy in Stilettos know Ryan’s reasons, and they have everything to do with a cow named Rosebud.

Rosebud plays an important role in Ryan’s decision to swear off meat. If you’re wondering how a cow can change someone’s life, you’ll have to meet Rosebud in Decoy in Stilettos.

But I won’t spoil the story for you.

I will, however, spoil you with my roasted carrot ginger soup recipe.

Roasted Carrot Ginger Soup

Ingredients:

2 lbs carrots, peeled and chopped (I like to use heirloom carrots, but you can use any type of carrots)
1 medium onion, chopped (I use Vidalia onion)
3 TBSP fresh ginger, grated (you can adjust it to your own heat level, less or more)
2 cloves of garlic
3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, whatever you have on hand)
½ cup coconut milk (you can use milk or cream)
1 TBSP olive oil
3 tsp. of turmeric
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400

Lay carrots on a baking sheet and spritz them with olive oil, and sprinkle them with salt, then lay them on a baking sheet and roast for about 25–30 minutes, until they are tender

In a pot, add some olive oil, and sauté the onion and stir until they are soft, about 5 minutes

To the pot, add ginger, turmeric, and garlic, then cook for just 1 minute.

Then add the broth, and let it simmer at medium-low heat until the carrots are finished roasting.

Once the carrots are finished roasting, add them to the pot and simmer for about 20-30 minutes.

Make sure to taste so you can adjust the salt and pepper.

Then use a blender or an emulsifier to smooth it all out.

Stir in the coconut milk (milk or cream) and stir well.

Optional Toppings:

Diced Apples

Pumpkin Seeds

Croutons

Note: As always, you can get creative with this recipe and add your own touches.

It’s disappointing to me that there were no paparazzi lurking around after Cindy (formerly Cinderella) lost her glass slipper and her clothes at midnight.

One minute she’s dancing at a ball, the next she’s sprinting down the palace steps, lost her stiletto and turned into a hot mess at midnight. And then, the next day, she’s the most eligible bachelorette in the kingdom.

All this, and nobody thought to document what happened after the fairy dust settled.

So, as a romance author, and a firm believer that happily ever after doesn’t mean happily never annoyed, I feel somewhat qualified to fill in the gaps.

Yes, the Prince found the girl.
Yes, the shoe fit.
Yes, the wedding was magical.

And then… life happened.

Prince Once-Very-Charming worked hard for his monarchy and inherited money, but after centuries of storybook glory, the palace is in desperate need of repairs. Turns out white glitter and velvet drapes went out of style, and no one warned them.

Here’s a peek at one of their loving, and real, happily-ever-after conversations:

Cindy: “I’m throwing that cape out. It doesn’t fit you, and we need more closet space.”

Charming: “How about dumping those glass slippers? They don’t fit you anyway.”

Cindy: “Are you saying I have cankles?”

Charming: “What the hell are cankles?”

Cindy: “Fat ankles, you idiot.”

Charming looks down at her ankles.

Cindy: “Why are you looking at my feet?”

Charming smiles and winks.

Charming: “So… about that closet. I could build you a new one.”

Cindy: “You think that damn swagger is going to get you out of this? Newsflash. That’s getting old. And so are you.”

Charming: “I’ll tell you what’s old. Your step-monster and her butt-ugly daughters sponging off us.”

Cindy: “I agree.”

Charming: “I’ll order a hit.”

Cindy: “Ah. My hero.”

Charming puffs out his chest.
Cindy rolls her eyes.

He steps in, curling his arms around her waist, pulls her against his chest and kisses her.

The kiss isn’t soft or chaste. It’s familiar. Confident. Trusting and still the kind that reignites sparks, stealing her breath, and still sending ridiculous butterflies fluttering like it’s the first night at the ball instead of years later.

She forgets what she was mad about.

They sell the slippers on eBay, lock the palace doors, and continue their happily ever after the way that works for them, with sharp banter, lingering kisses, mutual threats, and the kind of love that still gives you butterflies long after midnight.

Yeah.

They’ll make it to the finish line.

Because that’s the real secret no fairy tale tells you. Love isn’t about perfection, it’s about choosing each other, even when the magic wears off, the castle needs a new roof, and someone will comment on your ankles.

What happens when a heroine from a fellow romance author’s story challenges your heroine to a cookie-baking showdown?

You accept and let her know that your heroine is ready to crumble.

Welcome to the first romance novel bake-off.

We’re celebrating this bake-off with a reader giveaway. One commenter will win two ebooks—one from Selena Robins and one from Alexandra Isobel.

To enter, simply like this post and leave a comment below. Tell us which heroine has your vote: Team Ryan or Team Madeline.

The winner will be randomly selected and announced soon.

What’s at stake?

The winner gets the coveted Golden Spatula… and bragging rights for a lifetime of cookie domination.

Meet the Bakers

Kitchen One: In the small, functional, and delightfully chaotic kitchen, amid a bowl of gummy bears stuck to the rim, an empty bottle of tequila, and a stack of slightly singed cookie sheets (you’d have to read the chapter to get it) stands Ryan O’Flanagan, the quick-witted, dramatic heroine from Decoy in Stilettos whose armed with comebacks sharper than her chef’s knife.

Kitchen Two: Spotlessly organized and deceptively serene, with counters gleaming and everything in its proper place, Madeline Crossman’s kitchen gives no hint of the unusual number of locks and bolts on the doors (a secret she keeps well-guarded). Amid the quiet hum of appliances and the faint scent of perfectly balanced vanilla, Madeline, the brilliantly educated, impeccably poised heroine, is ready to execute her signature cookies with the precision of a master strategist. Madeline jumps off the pages from Alexandra Isobel’s recent release, Order & Chaos: Firehouse 21.

The Cookies at Stake:

Ryan learned the art of baking without a recipe in her Nonna’s kitchen, and is presenting orange-almond biscotti, crunchy, bold, and delightfully unpredictable, just like her humour.

Madeline whipped up a tray of her signature melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies. They’re perfectly balanced and refined, just like her, every detail carefully calculated.

Aprons on. Ovens hot. Opinions strong.

When these two finally face off, the conversation is snappy and fun as the baked goods themselves.

Madeline: “I trust you’ve reviewed the science behind optimal baking temperatures. Precision, after all, is key.”

Ryan: “Science? Seriously? I run on instinct and chaos. Prepare to be dazzled… or slightly scorched.”

Madeline: “Well, I do admire enthusiasm. Let’s see if you can pair it with competence.”

Ryan: “Competence is boring. Sass and Italian genes, on the other hand? Legendary.”

Madeline: “We’ll let the cookies speak for themselves.”

Ryan: “Right. Fire up the ovens. And get ready to crumble.”

Smack talk completed. Timers running. Let’s see what these heroines are baking.

Orange-Almond Biscotti

Ryan’s orange-almond biscotti is already a favourite on my blog. You can find Ryan’s full recipe here.

Madeline’s Melt-in-your-Mouth Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

¾ cup unsalted butter (1/2 browned, ¼ softened)
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated white sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups flour (1 cup all-purpose + 1 cup bread flour)
1 TBSP cornstarch
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
2 TBSP finely blended oatmeal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup dark chocolate chunks

Directions:

Brown ½ cup butter until golden and nutty. Let cool.
Cream softened butter with sugars, until fluffier than Sebastian’s ego on a good day.
Add browned butter.
Beat in egg, yolk, and vanilla until glossy.
Add dry ingredients gently (over mixing ruins the magic).
Fold in chocolate.
Chill dough for 2 plus hours.
Pre-heat oven to 350 F
Scoop tall dough mounds and space out on the baking tray.
Bake for 8 – 10 minutes.
Trust the pale centers.
Let cool 5 minutes.

CHECK OUT THE BOOK HERE

BLURB:

When danger comes to her doorstep, he doesn’t hesitate.
He steps between her and the world.

THE ESSENCE OF POSSESSIVE SEBASTIEN

He’s a protector who loves with the full force of a man who has seen too much loss and refuses to lose her.

He doesn’t shout his claim.
He moves it.

He stands for her.
Steps in front of danger for her.
Softens for her.
Burns for her.

And when Madeline finally lets him in?

It’s over.
She’s his home.
His peace.
His promise.

(Copyright Alexandra Isobel)

Enjoy this short Excerpt and read what those cookies do to a man:

Everyone froze and stared as their captain stormed into the room from the hallway.

“Thought you said you brought these in for me?” He glared at Madeline as he elbowed his way through his men.

“No, I didn’t. I said I brought them in for everyone to make up for the Barnes thing.” She stared in shock when he swiped the cookie straight out of Dexter’s hand and mouth.

“Hey,” Dexter protested. “That was mine!”

“Now it’s mine.” Sebastien pulled the platter to his chest.

“Oh my God, really?” Madeline gaped at the dark scowl on Sebastien’s face.

“Keep your hands off my cookies.” He tucked the dish under his arm and turned on his heel. 

“They aren’t all for you.” Madeline stared as he marched out of the room.

“Re-gifter—” he tossed the accusation over his shoulder.

“What are you talking about!” She ran after him, fuming. “I am not! Give me back my cookies!” 

So, the ovens have cooled, and the crumbs have settled.

Are you Team Ryan—bold, crunchy, and a little chaotic?
Or Team Madeline—refined, precise, and irresistibly sweet?

Cast your vote in the comments, grab a cookie (or three), and don’t forget to check out Decoy in Stilettos and Order & Chaos: Firehouse 21 to see what these heroines, and the men who are brave enough to love them are really made of.

May your cookies be warm, your book boyfriends irresistible, and your bake-offs legendary.

—Selena Robins & Alexandra Isobel

Before you go, don’t forget to enter the giveaway.

Like this post and leave a comment telling us which heroine won you over, and you’ll be entered to win two ebooks, one from each of us.

Giveaway is open to readers 18+. No purchase necessary. Winners will be contacted via the email associated with their comment.

This time of year can bring back childhood memories for many people. For me, it’s my mom making cullurielli. Southern Italian sweet fried dough served on Christmas Eve.

The kitchen would smell of warm, sweet fried donut-shaped pieces, sizzling in the pan. We couldn’t wait to dig right in.

Cullerielli are crispy on the outside, with a soft, chewy center. A tasty gift for the taste buds.

I’m excited to share my mom’s cullurielli recipe so you can bring a bit of that holiday magic into your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour½ cup mashed potatoes (peel potatoes, boil, drain, then put them through a sieve or potato ricer, so they are smooth)2 tbsp white granulated sugar2 tsp salt1 packet yeast½ cup warm water3 tbsp Extra-Virgin olive oilOil for frying (peanut or sunflower oil is the best for frying)Directions:

Wake up the yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl or measuring cup. Wait for it to froth. Takes about 10 minutes.

Make the dough: Sift the flour in a larger bowl, then add salt, mashed potato, olive oil, and yeast mixture.

Kneading time: Knead gently until smooth.

Let it rise: Cover and let the dough double in size (about an hour). Perfect time for a wine break.

Shape the dough: Add flour to your hands, divide into equal-sized balls, and shape each into a doughnut by making a hole in the center. Sprinkle a bit of flour over each doughnut (so they don’t stick to the kitchen towel you’ll use to cover them, and let them rise another hour.

Fry time: Heat oil to 350°F and fry them in batches until golden. Make sure the heat isn’t too high (they’ll burn), too low (they’ll get too greasy). So stick with 350F.

Sweet finale: Drain each one on paper towels.

Dusting: Dust with powdered sugar, or you can dust with granulated sugar, or drizzle honey over each one if you’re feeling extra.

Best served hot.

I’ve invited the characters from my books to share their holiday greetings with you.

Hi. Ryan O’Flannagan here.

Yes, that Ryan. The one who catches cheaters for a living and somehow keeps tripping over dead bodies instead.

I’m wishing you happy holidays, preferably ones that do not involve the Russian mob, surprise surveillance, or an infuriatingly attractive law-enforcement frenemy telling you to “stay put” for your own safety (translation: he’s bossy).

(He’s glaring at me right now. Very festive.)

May your cookies be sweet, your fried dough plentiful (especially if it’s cullurielli), and your enemies remain strictly fictional.

And from Gabe, who insists I add: Stay safe. And don’t do anything illegal.

I make no promises.

Happy holidays, and thank you for spending part of your year with us.

Warmest wishes, Ryan & Gabe.

Hi, I’m Maddie from WHAT A GIRL WANTS, bringing you season’s greetings. I brought the mistletoe (plus my brand of mischief), and Alex supposedly brought the willpower (we’ll see how long that lasts).

Wishing you a season full of laughter, love, and a little extra heat.

Love and hugs, Alex and Maddie.

Somehow, between mystical mishaps and all the curveballs life threw my way, I (Sabrina) survived another year. Jason survived my bossy side; he claims it’s an achievement worthy of a holiday miracle.

Together, we’re wishing you a season full of laughter, love, a little magic, and the kind of romance that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

With love, Sabrina & Jason.

Free Short Story

As a thank-you for following my blog and my writing journey, please enjoy this free story.

Click the download button below (or read online).

TEMPTED BY AN ANGEL

Angelina and Matthew’s lives collide in a whirlwind of balloons, killer heels, and chaotic mishaps.

Laugh, swoon, and maybe hope for a little serendipity of your own.

Tempted-By-An-Angel Download

People often ask how I choose titles for my novels. Sometimes they come straight from the story, as they did with What A Girl Wants and Once Upon A Kiss.

Decoy in Stilettos took a different path.

My heroine, Ryan, faces danger, villains, her mother, and a romantic complication in heels without wobbling or needing a stretcher.

But the title itself? That came courtesy of real life.

Here’s the story behind Decoy in Stilettos.

Here’s the True Story Behind The Title:

Once upon a time, when my knees were young. . .

There was a time (a glorious time) when I could wear stilettos (and not the practical kind, but the kind that made you think you were rocking a runway) without needing an ice pack or a two-week recovery plan. A time when my ankles cooperated, and my balance was something to brag about.

I wore them at work, shopping, girls’ night out, basically everywhere.

Then came the cottage incident.

When my husband and I were dating (many, many years ago), he bought a cottage and couldn’t wait to show it to me. So he planned a romantic weekend to said cottage.

He told me to pack light.

I packed a medium-sized suitcase (well, that was light for me), which contained:

Two pairs of stilettosA few outfits (because options matter)Hot rollers (a romantic weekend means one must have fabulous hair)

For the drive, I dressed in a summer dress and stilettos, naturally.

When he picked me up, he told me I looked beautiful, but he also had a look, the kind that silently said, This is going to be interesting.

“You’ve never been to a cottage, have you?” he asked.

I had not.

To me, “cottage” meant quaint lakeside charm, wine on the dock, maybe a cozy dinner. Why wouldn’t someone dress up?

He loaded my suitcase without comment (he later confessed that he had to use Olympic-level restraint not to laugh).

On the way, he made a quick stop at Zellers. Said he needed a few supplies. He returned with a bag and a grin.

Inside? Sneakers and socks. He knew my size. I was impressed.

As I quickly discovered, stilettos do not belong on docks, dirt trails, or anywhere populated by creatures who do not appreciate fashion.

He lovingly teased me about those shoes for years.

A Christmas Surprise

Fast-forward a few years into our marriage. One Christmas, he handed me a small box, looking far too pleased with himself.

Inside was a red stiletto ornament for our tree.

“Now,” he said, “you have to finish that book you were thinking about, and make sure stiletto is in the title.”

He wasn’t wrong. And as it turns out, husbands give excellent creative direction.

I hang this ornament on my tree, and it still takes me back to the fun, laughter and great times we shared.

This year, especially, it took me back because of the release of Decoy in Stilettos (the book was many years in the making, sitting in my computer for a long time).

I know he’d be thrilled that I finally finished it. It’s a reminder of the man who understood me, teased me, loved me, and always encouraged me to write.

The ornament that captures everything: love, memories, and a husband who encouraged my stories.

And Then, Years Later, Came the Second Ornament

This second ornament came from my beautiful niece.

It reads:

I have an angel in heaven, I call him husband.

Both ornaments sit beside each other. One makes me laugh. One makes me teary.

Both remind me why stilettos had to make their way into my book.

So when my fictional heroine straps on her favourite heels, she’s not just walking into danger with style, she’s walking with a little piece of my heart.

And that’s the real story behind the title.

The book that grew out of those stilettos.

Apple, Cheddar & Brie Grilled Cheese: The “Criminal” Sandwich From Decoy in Stilettos.

In my recent release, Decoy in Stilettos, there’s a scene where Ryan, (heroine), takes over Gabe’s, (hero) kitchen like she’s auditioning for a cooking show.

She whips up a grilled cheese he insists is a crime against sandwiches, because, oh, the horror, she added apple, arugula and honey.

She calls it gourmet. He calls it criminal.

Today, I’m sharing that same sandwich recipe with you, because if it can charm a grumpy alpha, imagine what it can do for your lunch.

Spoiler: Gabe devoured two of them.

A Peek into the Scene:

She sliced sourdough, cored apples, pulled sharp cheddar and creamy brie from the fridge, and found the honey and leftover arugula while the panini press warmed.

“Honey? Apples? On grilled cheese?” Gabe asked, looking personally offended.

“Don’t knock it,” she said. “It’s a game-changer.”

Horrified, he lifted the arugula between two fingers. “You’re adding this?”

“I am.”

“That’s criminal.”

“You’ll survive.”

Ryan’s Grilled Cheese Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 slices sourdough bread
Sharp cheddar, sliced
Brie, sliced
1/2 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or similar)
Arugula
Drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Butter

Instructions:

Heat a pan (medium-high) or panini press.

Butter the outside of each slice of bread.

Layer cheddar, brie, and apple slices on the bread.

Add a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the cheese and apple.

Layer a few pieces of arugula on top.

Add bread on top and put sandwich in pan, then press down.

If using a pan, grill one side until toasty, then flip over and grill the other side until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.

If using a panini press, press down until cheese is melted. No need to flip the sandwich with a press.

Slice and serve immediately—preferably to someone who claims they “don’t like fruit in savory food,” so you can watch them change their mind in real time.

Why this sandwich works:

The apple bring crunch and sweetness, the brie adds creamy luxury, the cheddar gives a sharp bite. The arugula adds a peppery pop that says, “I’m fancy, but not too fancy.” Then there’s the honey (or maple syrup)—a tiny drizzle of culinary seduction.

Gabe thought it was an unusual combination, because he tends to be a purist when it comes to food and especially coffee (she also adds a twist to his coffee, much to his annoyance).

But it’s also the perfect moment for him to realize two important truths:

1) He might actually like arugula.
2) He never stood a chance against her.

Food brings people together, even when danger is closing in. In Decoy in Stilettos, Ryan O’Flannagan is forced into hiding with Gabriel Marchetti—the annoyingly attractive, maddeningly noble, and way too good at pushing her buttons frenemie.

But nothing ignites sparks like sharing a bottle of wine and a dangerously good vegetarian lasagna.

The dish that made Gabe hungry for more… of everything.

Exclusive Excerpt from Decoy in Stilettos © Selena Robins

Ryan watched Gabe carve off another piece of vegetarian lasagna. He hadn’t complained once about the meatless dinners she’d been slapping together for the last few days.

He placed the piece on his plate. “This sauce is fire. Beats my mother’s Sunday sauce.”

Ryan tore off a piece of bread. “I’ll mention that to her next time I see her.”

“You’d do that to an Italian mother?”

She let out a giggle. “With you as a son? She’s probably heard worse.”

“Can’t argue with that.” He took a bite of the lasagna. “I hate to admit it, but this is dangerously good.”

“Told you, you wouldn’t miss the meat.”

He poured a splash more wine into her glass. “Oh, I miss the meat,” he said, with a teasing curve of his mouth.

She took a slow sip, letting the wine linger. “You’re the one who said it was dangerously good.”

“It is.” He scooped up another bite. “Don’t you miss adding that extra something?”

She cut into her lasagna. “I can get extra on my own.”

He met her gaze over the rim of his glass. “You’re saying you prefer to go solo?”

Her fork froze in mid-air. “We’re not really talking about lasagna, are we?”

He winked. “We are not.”

Her stomach fluttered. That damn wink, disarming, teasing as hell, and nothing like the Gabe she thought she knew.

She batted her eyelashes. “Flirting with me again?”

“Again?”

“Your innuendos. The winking, which, by the way, I’m still recovering from.”

One corner of his mouth hitched upward. “Thought I’d throw you off your game.”

“You did.” She finished the last drop of her wine. “You love getting a rise out of me.”

“I do?”

She swatted at him with her napkin. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

A devilish grin lit up his expression, and he looked far more delicious than the food. “I’d enjoy it more if you got a rise out of me.”

If you enjoyed dinner with Ryan & Gabe, you’ll definitely want to stick around for dessert—and the danger that follows by reading their adventurous journey in Decoy in Stilettos.

Ryan’s Dangerously Good
Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe
Warning: May cause unexpected flirting.

Ingredients:

extra-virgin olive oil1 large eggplant, cut into 1/4 inch slices3 zucchinis, (you can use yellow, white or green ones) cut into 1/4 inch slices, lengthwise1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4 inch pieces8 ounces mushrooms, stemmed and quartered3 to 4 cups tomato sauce (use your favourite tomato sauce, or click here for my version of sexy, sassy, Sunday sauce recipe.8 oz. mozzarella cheese (for best results, do not use the already shredded packaged cheese), cut the mozzarella in thin slices1/2 cup fresh basil, choppedsea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste1 box of lasagna noodles (for best results, use regular noodles, not the no-boil ones)

Ricotta Filling:

Add all these ingredients in a bowl, and mix well, until smooth. Set aside.

3 cups whole milk ricotta (24 ounces)1 package of frozen chopped spinach, thaw, drain well, ensuring all liquid is drained1/2 cup romano cheese, grated3 garlic cloves, grated2 teaspoons lemon zest1 tsp. sea salt1 tsp. grinds black pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425F.Lay all the vegetables on a baking sheet, space them about 2 inches apart (use two baking sheets if necessary so you don’t overcrowd).Brush the vegetable pieces with oil, and bake for 15 minutes.Warm up your tomato sauce (not boiling, just warm).Cook the lasagna noodles in salted boiling water according to package direction (ensuring you cook them al dente).Once cooked, immerse the noodles immediately in cold water to stop the cooking. Then dry with paper towels and lay flat on a cutting board so they don’t stickOnce the vegetables are out of the oven, lower the oven temperature to 400F

Assembling the Lasagna:

Spread sauce on the bottom of a baking dish evenly.Layer: noodles, 1/4 ricotta mixture, eggplant slices, zucchini slices, mushrooms, peppers, top with sauce, spreading evenly, sprinkle freshly chopped basilRepeat layering, noodles, ricotta mixture, sauce.For the final layer, top with noodles, remaining sauce, and cover the lasagna with mozzarella slicesBake covered for 40 – 50 minutesRemove cover and bake until cheese is bubbling and a bit brownedLet rest for 15 – 20 minutes, then garnish with fresh basilSlice, serve and enjoy

Hungry for more?

If you devoured Gabe and Ryan’s scene (and the lasagna) you’ll want to sink your teeth into the full feast of danger, flirtation, and unexpected twists in Decoy in Stilettos.

A gripping, witty, edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense.

She catches cheaters for a living—until someone decides she’s the one who needs catching.

And the only man who can keep her alive is the one who gets under her skin the most.

AVAILABLE NOW:

Amazon
Amazon Canada
Barnes and Noble
All other Bookstores

I’m thrilled to share the official book trailer for my rewly released, romantic suspense Decoy in Stilettos.

It’s been a few days since Decoy in Stilettos made its way into the world, and I’m still soaking it all in — the joy, the nostalgia, and maybe a few tears (the good kind), and humbled by the readers’ feedback.

Release week was a swirl of emotions and sugar, and somehow, both managed to settle into something beautiful and healing.

Writing Decoy in Stilettos has been a journey — equal parts laughter, late nights, and emotional chaos. But behind all the plot twists and witty banter, this story holds something deeply personal.

Every character has a heartbeat, and for Gabe, the hero of Decoy in Stilettos, his came from real life. I drew inspiration from my late husband — his protectiveness and humour. The way he’d chase me around the house with a coaster like it was a competitive sport, and his love of cupcakes, of course.

So on October 14th, to celebrate release day, I baked a batch of cupcakes in my beloved husband’s honour. The kitchen smelled like memories, sugar, and maybe a little healing. And honestly? It felt like he was right there, grinning and telling me I used too much frosting (impossible).

Releasing a new novel can be a swirl of emotions, excitement, nerves, and the occasional hide under a blanket moment. But more than anything, I’m feeling grateful. Grateful for the readers who’ve championed my stories, for those taking a chance on a new book, and for everyone who reminds me why I do this crazy, beautiful thing called storytelling.

Just as I was finishing this post, a message popped up from a reader: “Your writing is amazing — I’m going to want to read more of your work.”

It reminded me that every reader experiences a story differently, and that’s the magic of books; they find their people. So wherever this story lands in your heart, thank you for giving it a home.

Hearing that readers are connecting with the banter, the heart, and the hints of real life tucked between the lines means the world to me.

A few lines that made me smile (and maybe tear up a little):

“A perfect blend of romance, humour, and mystery.” “Witty, heartfelt, and impossible to put down.”“The chemistry between the leads crackles on every page.”

Blurb:

Ryan’s smart, sassy, and just a little chaotic—a woman who’s made a business out of catching liars.

Gabe? He’s all order, authority, and that maddening kind of calm that drives her wild.

Together, they’re oil and water… until danger forces them to burn together.

Grab your copy of Deco y in Stilettos.

Amazon
Amazon Canada
All other Retailers

Here’s to stories that make us laugh, swoon, and remember. Here’s to cupcakes, the universal cure for everything.

And here’s to you—for being part of this journey with me.