I graduated with an English degree with a concentration in medieval literature which explains my possibly unhealthy fixation on edged weapons and cathedral architecture. I spent a summer in England and Scotland studying the historical King Arthur, which did nothing to curb my obsession. To satisfy my adrenaline cravings—since sword fighting is not widely accepted in these modern times—I rode a motorcycle at ridiculously high speeds, got some tattoos, and took kickboxing and boxing classes. I've had to give up the bike once my daughter came along, but I still gets pummeled at the gym on a regular basis.

When I'm not writing or reviewing books, I spend time with family, hike, read, make decadent brownies, buy killer shoes, and play video games. I wish there were more hours in the day so I could actually do more of these things. I live with my daughter and our two psychotic kittens in North Carolina.