This Deadly Touch
by Aimee Donnellan
Released: Jan 31, 2026
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Why this book and why now?
This book is based off the very first duet D&D game my partner ran for me, several years back. Because it is a sweet, simple story with some fun spice, I thought it might make for a nice change of pace from the angsty romantasy books I’ve been releasing.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
Believe it or not, but the guard pursuing the MCs was not in the original version of the story, and we realised it really needed more stakes and conflict. Even now, the story is arguably TOO cozy but that’s a cinnamon roll / cinnamon roll story for you.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
I think very much so! Tia and Asha are both very personable and the kind of gals I would love to hang out with at any point. I definitely can’t say that about all of my characters.
Is there anything you wish readers knew before diving into this book?
This book is cinnamon roll / cinnamon roll, so don’t be surprised if the characters are not solving their problems with violence! Some of the stakes are deadly, but that doesn’t mean everything in the book is.
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Asha would definitely want the biggest book possible, a magically refilling bottle of wine, and a chemistry set. I think Tia would enjoy having something she can do with her hands, perhaps a hands-on art of some kind, maybe a musical instrument too, and a comfy sleeping bag.
Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
I think Asha has something very close to my heart. Even though my partner created her, the wonder with which she regards the world and the many possibilities she turns over in her head, those hit very close to home for me.
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
I think Kenamon was a favourite to write and has been a favourite of the readers so far. There’s something fun about putting a very shady character into a very cozy story, and just catching him on a good day. He will turn up in another story of mine, at some point, and be MUCH more terrifying as he is supposed to be!
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
I think it would be pink, sparkly and bubbly, and incredibly sweet but with a strong kick of fruity flavour! Maybe just a bit alcoholic, but not too much so you can have LOTS.
I think this would feel very fitting for the sweet, fun energy of the book and how it might make you feel light and floaty without hitting too hard.
If your book had a signature dessert, what would it be?
An incredibly decadent chocolate-filled pastry.
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
Every romance I write has actually been a D&D duet with my partner first, meaning it has already been zero drafted in some way. I make sure to take extensive notes after each session we play so that I have a rough outline all ready for if I end up wanting to turn it into a book. We did NOT have great notes for this one because it was the first one, and I hadn’t yet returned to writing when we played it. But that ended up working well because it means we could keep the bones of the characters, the fun elements of the caravan crime mystery, and flesh out the rest and make it make more sense for a story.
So yeah, I work off an outline AFTER discovering the story with my partner. Best of both worlds!
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Daggermouth by HM Wolfe!
