Interview with Niki Florica: Pirates, Pickpockets, and Grace in “The Heir of Light”
This interview with Niki Florica dives into the heart of The Heir of Light, her swashbuckling addition to the Blood of Kings: Legends series. In this inspiring episode, Kelly chats with Niki about crafting a redemption-driven romance between a noble heir with hidden scars and a tough yet tender-hearted former pickpocket. With vivid world-building, faith-filled themes, and swoony, opposites-attract energy, Niki shares how God met her in the creative process—and how this story mirrors her own journey of grace. Packed with pirates, spiritual depth, and a touch of Aladdin-meets-Robin-Hood flair, this episode is an encouraging reminder of how stories can reflect the heart of God and offer second chances to even the most wounded hearts.
Listen to the episode here.
Meet Niki Florica
Niki Florica is a full-time story addict and advocate for all things epic. She believes Latin is immortal, dreams of being in a musical number (like, a lot), and writes to stir the part of our hearts that God has stamped with eternity. Catch her between writing sessions or brisk Canadian walks with her doodle, Reggie, and she’s probably in the clouds—the glassy stare will give her away. Find Niki’s writing adventures on YouTube at Niki Florica.
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Bible Verses for Encouragement
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”— 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth."— Hosea 6:3 (NKJV)
Niki Florica's New Book: Heir of Light
Sir Rigil Barak came to Land’s End expecting a routine mission: investigate some rumors, spy on some nobles, and above all, play the perfect knight. Instead, he is reunited with his less-than-shining past–the same past that has kept him on the road for years, fleeing his noble father’s scorn and grieving the woman he thought dead.
Until now.
Because in Land’s End, he sees a face he never thought he’d see again . . . at least, not outside his dreams. And if she’s alive, he’ll do anything for a second chance to save her.
Years of captivity to a madman left Sethe with a face full of scars and one rule: never be trapped again. Except, to keep that rule, she’ll have to ask for help from Rigil, the thief who broke her heart and abandoned her long ago.
Now, years later, he shows up to rescue her from Land’s End like a knight in shining armor? Who does he think he is?
And even if the boy from her past has become a real knight with real honor, can she fall for a man who lied to her?
Maybe that doesn’t matter now, because Sethe’s old captor is hot on her heels with a new invention that could turn her into something worse than a prisoner. He could turn her into a weapon.
Fortunately, Rigil and Sethe always did know how to pull off a heist–and if they can steal the enemy’s deadly new weapon, they can save the kingdom. For Sethe, this means trusting Rigil without letting him anywhere near her heart. For Rigil, it means a second chance with the woman whose heart he once broke.
And this time, failure could cost them everything.
Dive into this swashbuckling story of second chances, forbidden love, espionage and epic adventure in this fourth book in the Blood of Kings: Legends series.
💞 Tropes in Heir of Light
Second Chance Romance
Opposites Attract
Nobleman & Commoner / Forbidden Love
Scarred Heroine
Hidden Past
Pirates & Pickpockets
Class Divide (Aladdin Vibes)
Emotional Healing Through Love
One Character is “All Polish,” the Other is “All Harshness”
Past Childhood Connection
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Sunrise Publishing
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Kelly’s Personal Update
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you!
Finding Forevermore is available for preorder today on Amazon!
Her family secrets. His guilt. One road trip that changes everything.
Raven Cunningham has built a quiet life between the shelves of a small-town bookshop, ghostwriting stories for others while hiding her own. She’s long believed her father abandoned her, until a letter from her late grandmother reveals a shocking truth.
Convinced the reclusive author J.C. Nevermore is her father, Raven sets out to uncover the real story. When her childhood friend Cole Walker, a former Army medic wrestling with his own scars, offers to help, she’s not sure if she can trust him . . . or herself.
As they chase clues and revisit old memories, what begins as a search for answers becomes a journey toward something deeper.
Finding Forevermore is a heartfelt story about faith, family, and the kind of love that’s anchored in God’s unfailing grace.
Preorder Now
For Kindle Unlimited lovers, Finding Forevermore will be available starting October 25th 2025!
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