Exploring Small Town & Mafia Romance with Author Charity Ferrell

For fans of romance novels who enjoy everything from cozy small-town settings to the dark thrill of mafia stories, author Charity Ferrell is a must-read. In our latest podcast episode, Charity joins us to talk about her journey as a romance writer, how she overcame creative challenges, and why she loves “hopping” between romance genres. Whether you’re new to Charity’s books or a longtime fan, there’s something in this episode for every romance lover!

Listen to the full episode here to dive into the discussion!

Charity’s Writing Journey: From Small Towns to the Mafia World

Charity Ferrell’s career as a romance writer began in the small-town genre with her beloved Blue Beach and Twisted Fox series. These stories, filled with relatable characters and warm settings, captured readers who enjoy a sense of community and heart in their romance reads. However, after writing multiple books in this genre, Charity hit a creative roadblock.

Instead of letting writer’s block slow her down, she decided to try something new. “I woke up one morning with a scene in my head,” she shares. “I didn’t have a plan, but I just ran with it.” That scene became the prologue for Gorgeous Monster, the first book in her Marchetti Mafia series, marking her shift into the mafia romance genre. Her genre pivot introduced her readers to a different side of her storytelling and opened doors to a new audience.

Small Town Romance: Where to Start with Charity’s Books

If small-town romance is your ideal escape, Charity’s Blue Beach and Twisted Fox series are perfect entry points. All of her books are standalone, meaning you can jump into any story and enjoy it without needing to read the previous books. Some great starting points include:

• Just a Fling – A sweet summer romance to kick off your small-town reading journey.
• Just One Night – Perfect for fans of the friends-to-lovers trope, set in Charity’s signature small-town backdrop.
• Just Neighbors – An enemies-to-lovers story with plenty of banter and charm.

Each book features familiar romance tropes, allowing readers to find their favorite themes while still exploring Charity’s world of small-town love.

From Sweet to Sinful: Charity’s Mafia Romance Series

Her latest release, Sinful Sacrifice, continues this theme, following the heroine as she walks into the mafia’s den to settle her father’s debt. There, she meets Damien, a powerful capo who makes her an unexpected offer: he’ll wipe her father’s debt if she spends time with him. This single encounter sets off a passionate relationship full of tension, danger, and “Touch Her and Die” vibes. Sinful Sacrifice is perfect for readers who crave dark romance and intense alpha male characters.

Up next in the series is Sinful Ruin, now available for pre-order, with more books planned to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

What’s Coming Next: Charity’s Genre-Hopping Adventures

One thing Charity is known for is her “genre-hopping” approach to romance writing. Along with continuing the Sinful series, she’s exploring other ideas, from sports romance to another small-town story. With drafts of different books waiting on her computer, Charity is ready to go wherever her creativity takes her next. “If I’m not into something, I can’t write it,” she says, explaining her flexible approach to genre.

Charity Ferrell’s Favorite Book Recommendations

During the episode, Charity shared some of her personal favorite reads—books that have left a lasting impact on her. Here are her top picks:

• It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover – A powerful story that had Charity in tears, It Ends With Us is one of those books that stays with you.
• The Idea of You by Robinne Lee – A whirlwind romance that kept Charity up until the early hours, this book had her feeling every emotion.
• The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons – An epic, slow-burn romance that’s a big time commitment but worth every page.
• A Different Blue by Amy Harmon – With beautiful writing and an unforgettable story, A Different Blue is one of Charity’s all-time favorites.

I also recommended Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff to Charity—a novella about a boy band singer and a political strategist. Perfect for fans of celebrity romance like The Idea of You, it’s a quick yet satisfying read.

Connect with Charity Ferrell

If you want to stay updated on Charity’s latest releases and connect with her directly, you can find her on social media. She’s active and engaging with fans, sharing sneak peeks and updates on her writing journey.

• Instagram: @CharityFerrell
• TikTok: @CharityFerrell
• Facebook: @CharityFerrell

Conclusion

From small-town sweetness to mafia intensity, Charity Ferrell’s books offer a unique mix of romance that will keep you hooked. Tune in to the full What to Read Next Podcast episode to learn more about her writing journey and the stories she brings to life. And don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and book recommendations tailored to every kind of reader!