Local author Jillian Stout has released her latest book, a fun, warm and decidedly spicy romance that takes readers inside a Dublin therapy clinic where the therapists’ lives are every bit as chaotic as their clients’.
Described by the author as a fictional steamy romance filled with heart, humour and characters you cannot help but root for, the story explores relationships, self discovery and the messy, funny and emotional places where love and vulnerability collide.
The spark for the book arrived in an unusual way. “The original idea came to me in a dream a few years ago,” she said. “I woke at three in the morning, grabbed my phone and wrote the whole thing into my notes app so I would not forget it.”
At the heart of the book is a message about opening up and talking honestly about sex and relationships.
“I hope readers walk away feeling less inhibited and more free to speak openly about these things,” she said. Early readers of her first novel told her they gained new perspectives on their own relationships, something she hopes this second book will offer too.
A Writing Journey That Spanned Years, Life Challenges and Plenty of Determination
The author began her first book more than eight years ago, while balancing full time work and life as a single parent. “There were days I was completely drained,” she said. “Trying to carve out time to write felt impossible. I had to shift my thinking from ‘I have to do this’ to ‘I get to do this’. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t, but writing became a place where I could escape into a world I loved.”
The second book came much faster, taking just a year. But it came with its own challenges, including creating characters that are not always easy to love. “Anna was a hard one to write. She is not warm or fluffy. She is opinionated and harsh at times. Male characters can get away with that and still be seen as loveable rogues. Women usually do not. I wanted to stay true to her.” She also wrote a storyline involving a widow that moved her to tears.
Influences, Inspiration and Life Weaved Into Fiction
The author cites Nora Roberts, Jojo Moyes, Marian Keyes and Maeve Binchy as writers who continue to inspire her. “I love getting lost in the stories they weave so well,” she said.
And while the book is fiction, she admits real life does sneak in. “There are little things. A favourite car, a line someone gave me years ago that fits perfectly into a character’s mouth. Bits of life filter into everything you write.”
A Local Launch Filled With Confidence and Community Support
Her latest book launched this week and the event was a huge success. “When I launched my first book last year, I was sick with nerves. I had no idea if anyone would enjoy it,” she said. “This time I felt more relaxed because I know there are readers who genuinely loved the first one and were waiting for this follow up. That feels amazing.”
She credits the creativity of Drogheda and its surrounding areas with helping her grow as a writer.
“There are so many creative people here. Writers, musicians, actors, artists. It is inspiring to share even a small bit of space with them.”
Looking Ahead: A TV Series and Another Book Already Underway
There is no break on the horizon “I have started the script for The Love Lab TV series and hope to shop it around in 2026,” she said. She is also working on a standalone novel with a completely different theme.
Above all, she hopes her new book lands in the hands of someone who needs it. “I hope it gives them light hearted entertainment. And if it gives someone a new perspective on a relationship challenge, even better.”
Readers can pick up the book on Kindle, on Amazon, or through Irish indie author platform BuyTheBook.ie, where she ships signed copies directly.
