Introduction
Welcome back to "Author Spotlight"! Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Ricky James Rogers, an author who's carving a unique niche in the world of dark comedy thrillers. He's the creator of the Divas Trilogy, a series that plunges readers into the dazzling and dangerous world of drag queens and gay men, where secrets and deception lurk beneath the glittering surface.
From Comedy Dreams to Dark Delights: Ricky James Rogers' Writing Journey
Ricky James Rogers' initial ambition was to be a comedy scriptwriter, driven by a desire to make people laugh. He pursued creative writing at University, where he discovered the multifaceted nature of storytelling and his own preference for exploring the darker, more complex aspects of life. While he still embraces humour, his writing now delves into thrilling mysteries and suspenseful situations. He aims to create a "rollercoaster" reading experience for his audience, taking them through moments of laughter, tears, shock, and everything in between. Alongside writing, Ricky leads an active life. He's a regular at the gym, enjoys running, and recently completed a 10km race!
The Divas Trilogy: A Glimpse Behind the Glitter and Glamour
Ricky James Rogers' Divas Trilogy offers a unique and thrilling exploration of the world of drag queens and gay men, specifically focusing on the lives, loves, and dangers surrounding them. The series is set primarily within the vibrant, yet treacherous, world of drag cabaret bars.
- The Queen of Deadly Divas: This first installment introduces us to Oliver Edwards, a newcomer to the gay scene who arrives in town searching for a new life, happiness, and perhaps even love. He finds himself drawn to Divas Cabaret Bar, the town's brightest drag queen venue. But, as the blurb warns, "behind every shining light is energy powerful enough to kill; behind every costume is a charlatan with a scheme." The novel plunges readers into a world of hidden identities, dangerous secrets, and the constant tension between appearance and reality. "Watch your back, sharpen your mind, dust away your paranoia. Everyone at Divas has something to hide..."
- The Queen of Broken Hearts: The second book in the trilogy shifts the scene to a new drag queen cabaret bar at the other end of town. This venue is filled with "beautiful gay men, special guest stars, and drag queens galore," but the glamour hides a darker undercurrent. The blurb teases the return of past evils: "when the past comes haunting, when a stranger sits and waits, and when a person disappears, what evil is lurking in the wings this time?" The story promises a continuation of the suspense, intrigue, and emotional turmoil that defines the series, asking, "who will be spared, who will abandon all hope, and who will be crowned the queen of broken hearts?"
- The Queen of Devastation: The trilogy concludes with The Queen of Devastation, where unresolved conflicts and lingering secrets come to a head. The blurb sets a tone of impending reckoning: "As old scores remain unsettled and evil walks amongst them, can broken hearts begin to heal, can the weak ones find their strength, and can the Queen of Devastation be repelled?" Against the backdrop of winter's darkness, the characters face their ultimate challenges, their fates hanging in the balance. The novel promises a powerful and dramatic conclusion to the series.
Beyond the Trilogy: Outside Noise
While the Divas Trilogy established Ricky James Rogers' voice in the world of LGBTQ+ fiction, his upcoming standalone novel, Outside Noise, promises a shift in focus while retaining his signature dark humour. This contemporary story, expected in late 2025, is written in the first person, offering a more intimate and perhaps more commercial perspective. The tagline hints at the novel's themes: "The more I try to be different from everybody else, the more I discover I am exactly the same." Outside Noise will explore the impact of external pressures – gossip, opinions, and societal expectations – on the lead character's decisions, promising a darkly comedic exploration of human nature.
What Readers Are Saying About the Divas Trilogy:
Ricky James Rogers' Divas Trilogy has captivated readers with its unique blend of suspense, dark humour, and compelling LGBTQ+ characters. Here's what readers are saying:
The Queen of Deadly Divas is praised for its immersive world, captivating story, and unique characters, particularly within the drag scene. Readers highlight the book's ability to keep them engaged with its intriguing plot and well-developed characters, leaving them eager for the next installment. See reviews on Amazon.
The Queen of Broken Hearts is recognized as a compelling continuation of the series, delivering more unexpected twists and turns. Readers consider it a favourite in the trilogy, expressing anticipation for the final book. See reviews on Amazon.
The Queen of Devastation is celebrated as an amazing conclusion to the trilogy, filled with plot twists, drama, and a satisfying sense of ultimate revenge. See reviews on Amazon.
A Call to Connection
I encourage you to explore the thrilling and unique world of Ricky James Rogers' Divas Trilogy. You can connect with him on Facebook and Instagram.
You can purchase the Divas Trilogy through the Amazon affiliate links below:
All of the above books are also free to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription!
And keep an eye out for his upcoming standalone novel, Outside Noise, expected in late 2025!
After reading, consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads to share your thoughts and support his work.
Conclusion
Ricky James Rogers is a rising star in the LGBTQ+ dark comedy and thriller genres. His Divas Trilogy offers a unique and captivating reading experience, blending suspense, humour, and memorable characters. With his upcoming standalone novel, Outside Noise, he's poised to continue exploring the complexities of human nature with his signature wit and insightful observations. I encourage you to discover the world of the Divas Trilogy and follow Ricky's writing journey as he continues to create thrilling and thought-provoking stories.
Thanks for reading!
*This post contains affiliate links. For more information about my affiliate relationships, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.