Monica Murphy is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Both traditionally and independently published, she writes mostly new adult and contemporary romance. She's also written titles as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

A native Californian, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, children, one dog, and four cats.


Erik Bloomquist trained classically at the London Dramatic Academy and holds a degree in theater and dance from Trinity College. He was nominated for a New England Emmy® Award for his performance as Allan Archer on the nationally syndicated series The Cobblestone Corridor. A member of Actors' Equity Association, Erik has extensive screen and stage credits, including stints on/at: PBS, Lifetime, Travel Channel, American Heroes Channel, Hartford Stage, and Ivoryton Playhouse. Erik is also a notable (and Emmy Award-winning) writer/director, Halloween enthusiast, and member of Connecticut Magazine's "40 Under 40: Class of 2019."

Madeleine Dauer is a classically trained stage actor, theater artist, and professional film actor. Her theater work focuses primarily on classic texts as well as collaborative, devised pieces that heavily feature movement and puppetry. She has performed in New York City and throughout Connecticut.