Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Taylor.
Hi Leah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m the creative powerhouse behind not one, but two USA Today Bestselling pen names—Dori Pulitano and LC Taylor. I’ve got enough stories, sass, and heart to power a small city… or at least a romance bookstore (more on that in a second).
Before I was spinning swoon-worthy stories and building fictional worlds full of morally grey bad boys and badass heroines, I started my career in Public Safety, keeping my community safe. These days, I wrangle middle schoolers by day as a seventh grade teacher (talk about bravery), write romance by night, and somehow still manage to be a wife, mom of four, and dog lover extraordinaire. Oh—and I’m the mastermind behind the Romance Atlanta Writers and Readers author signing event held in Columbus, Georgia. Yes, I drink a lot of coffee.
Now, I’m bringing all my passion for love stories to life with my latest venture—Shelf Love, the first romance-only bookstore in West Georgia, opening on May 10, 2025. Part community hub, part author hangout, part book-lover’s paradise, Shelf Love is my real-world love letter to the genre that gave me a second career, a whole new community, and a damn good reason to keep writing.
Whether I’m penning steamy mafia tales or small-town swoons, I write with heart, grit, and a wicked sense of humor. And if you ever get the chance to meet me—ask about the tattoos, the dogs, or the time I juggled four kids, a signing event, and a deadline in the same weekend.
Spoiler alert: I nailed it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t always been sunshine and book deals. The book world can be brutal and unforgiving—and that’s just the professional side of things. Personally? One of my most defining losses was the passing of my mother, a moment that cracked my heart wide open. Grief became a quiet, constant companion, but also a powerful teacher. It deepened my writing, sharpened my empathy, and reminded me just how fleeting—and precious—life really is.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I write with heart, heat, and a hefty dose of soul—no matter which name is on the cover.
As LC Taylor, my stories dive deep into the emotional trenches—raw, vulnerable, and fiercely human. You can expect layered characters, complicated love, and second chances that hurt so good. My voice as LC is authentic, gritty, and heartfelt, pulling readers into stories that linger long after the last page.
As Dori Pulitano, I bring the fire. I’m all about morally grey men, high stakes, and high heat. My mafia romances are full of edge and attitude—sexy, suspenseful, and totally addictive. Fast-paced and unapologetically bold, my writing under Dori always packs a punch (sometimes literally).
Beyond the page, I’m passionate about supporting fellow authors—offering guidance, sharing my experiences, and helping others navigate the wild, often overwhelming world of indie publishing. Because while this road can be tough, it’s a hell of a lot better when we walk it together.
What’s next?
I’m pouring that same love into my next big chapter: Shelf Love, West Georgia’s first romance-only bookstore. Part passion project, part healing space, Shelf Love is more than just a store—it’s a celebration of resilience, romance, and the beautiful mess of being human..
Pricing:
- Shelf Love is 80% indie author
- Shelf Love offers specialized book clubs
- Shelf Love embraces diversity
- Shelf Love supports the LGBTQ Community
- Shelf Love is Woman Owned
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shelfloveawtlanta.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Shelfloveatlanta
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelfLoveAtlanta
- Other: https://linktr.ee/ShelfLoveAtlanta
Image Credits
All photos and logos are owned by me, Leah C Taylor
