PHOTO: Award-winning author Luce Sutherland, a master of sultry romance and powerful storytelling, shares the secrets behind her captivating novels and dynamic characters.
Behind the Scenes of Delicious Surrender
Luce Sutherland discusses her inspirations, the grumpy-sunshine dynamic in Delicious Surrender, her approach to writing compelling erotic romance, self-care rituals, and her future book plans, including an exciting return to Scotland.
Luce Sutherland has long been a master of weaving passion, power, and raw emotion into stories that captivate the senses and set hearts racing. An award-winning author, she has carved out a space in the world of erotic romance that is both daring and deeply resonant. Her works are not just about desire—they are about the intricate dance between dominance and surrender, the pull of attraction that defies logic, and the kind of love that burns fiercely yet feels entirely real.
With Delicious Surrender, Sutherland delivers a masterclass in tension and chemistry, bringing to life the irresistible dynamic between Gage MacLeod, the brooding alpha, and Brynne, the fiery, sunlit force who challenges him at every turn. Her storytelling is unapologetically bold, filled with depth, intelligence, and that perfect balance of spice and soul. But beyond the pages, Luce is a passionate advocate for living life to the fullest—her motto, “LIVE LIFE JUICY,” is as much a philosophy as it is a way of writing.
In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her inspirations, her meticulous approach to storytelling, and the sensual artistry that makes her novels impossible to put down. From the secrets behind her grumpy-sunshine dynamic to the intoxicating pull of her book soundtracks, Luce Sutherland takes us behind the scenes of her literary world—one where pleasure, power, and passion collide in the most exhilarating ways.
Luce Sutherland masterfully blends passion, depth, and irresistible chemistry, creating compelling stories that enthral readers with unforgettable characters and sizzling, emotional storytelling.
What inspired the grumpy-sunshine dynamic between Brynne and Gage in Delicious Surrender?
It has recently occurred to me that I created characters that mirror my own life! Yes, I love reading about this kind of dynamic in romance stories, but this question had me examining my own relationship. Coincidentally, I have a grumpy alpha husband who can be ornery and opinionated, and I am the sunshine character who sees the bright side in everything. He has a multitude of wonderful qualities like Gage. Along with a brilliant mind, and steadfast integrity, he is deliciously handsome, and he often hides his soft and caring side beneath a bit of bluster. They say, write what you know, and I guess I did!
Which scene was the most challenging for you to write, and why?
The most difficult scene to write was the climax of act three. I wanted to create an intense exchange that would grab the reader by the throat and not let go. Crafting that highly suspenseful altercation was challenging and exciting once I found the right mix of distress, terror and shock for my hero and heroine. I cannot say much more than that, as the element of surprise is the best part.
“I wanted to create an intense exchange that would grab the reader by the throat and not let go.” – Luce Sutherland
What real-life experience or research contributed the most to your portrayal of the BDSM lifestyle in the novel?
If I revealed my google search history, you would see the depth of my online research. I have also read all the classics – The Story of O, Anne Rice’s Exit to Eden and the Sleeping Beauty series, Fifty Shades, Bared to You and at least twenty Black Lace novels. I’m not admitting to seeking out hands-on experience like my character Brynne.
If Delicious Surrender were adapted for television or film, who would you ideally cast as Brynne and Gage?
Great question! I see Theo James as Gage MacLeod. He is English, has the right look, and is super sexy. For Brynne, there are several natural redheads who could fit the role: Emma Roberts, Jane Levy, or Holland Roden.
You mention self-care as important to your creative process—can you share one self-care ritual you practise during intense writing sessions?
Massage Therapy. Spending hours at the keyboard can wreak havoc on my shoulders, neck and lower back. During a ninety-minute massage, I let my brain wander. Before I close my eyes, I focus on the next scene in the story. When I come out, I usually start typing the ideas into my phone immediately. I reach a higher state of creativity when I can quiet the noise of everyday life.
The book playlist includes a variety of songs—how did music influence your storytelling process?
When I was originally drafting the book, I put a different song at the start of every chapter. I chose some of my favorite artists and songs that conveyed the right energy for the upcoming scenes. Some of the songs are meant for Brynne – such as Alanis Morrissette, Sia and Ellie Goulding. The darker, more rock inspired songs are meant to convey Gage’s heavier persona: Imagine Dragons, Niall Horan, and Joe Cocker. When my word count grew out of control, those were the first things to be slashed. Once I completed the book, I added my top favorites back and created a Spotify playlist for the book.
Is there a character or storyline from Delicious Surrender that you’d like to explore further in a future book?
Yes, definitely! After I complete the trilogy, which focuses first on Gage, followed by his two best friends, Cole and Aaron, there is a fourth book I’ve been thinking about. Mistress Patricia Valentine is getting her own story and I’m calling it The Hellcat Club. I’m excited because it will take us back to Scotland.
What advice would you give to fellow authors who want to write compelling erotic romance that balances spice, depth, and believable relationships?
Some recipes must be created in a certain order. I’m reminded of a cake recipe that requires prepping the dry ingredients first in their own bowl and blending the liquids separately. Then you fold them carefully together – little by little. My book roadmap is similar.
My advice is to start by creating compelling characters. Decide what will bring them together. If they start out as enemies, how will they overcome that initial dislike for each other? I spend several days creating character bibles for all the key players, then I set that aside.
Next, I plan an intricate plot that has plenty of twists and turns. I may not know every disaster that will befall my heroine, but I know there will be plenty of detours along the way. Finally, the most important ingredient is the spice!
For me, friction and chemistry are critical elements in a spicy story. As a reader, I don’t want to wait too long to feel that attraction and see it building. An erotic romance needs temptation, seduction, sizzle, and emotions that start out simmering and end up boiling to the surface. The plot should carry the story. The characters must be compelling and layered, and the spice should singe the pages. Just like the cake, too much spice (or sugar) can ruin the recipe. Too many intensely passionate scenes can take away from the story. So, sprinkle it within the first three chapters and continue onward with careful moderation.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Intensely passionate, thrillingly suspenseful, and irresistibly steamy—Delicious Surrender delivers fiery chemistry, gripping tension, and a deeply satisfying romance.
