Kirsten Carpenter (writing as Kirst N. Carpenter) is a dark romantasy, paranormal, and alien romance author based in Portland, Oregon. An avid reader turned creator, Kirsten firmly believes that if a story doesn’t feature magic, marriage, and a baby, she doesn’t want it—and she writes her books to match.

She is the creator of the Eclipse Realms Saga, which includes her debut novel, Bound to Shadows, and the second installment, Painted Gold. When she isn't drafting scenes about exiled kings, ancient curses, or protective heroes, she designs merch for readers who love a touch of the dark and unusual.

While her fictional leading men are fiercely protective and thoroughly morally gray, Kirsten is happily married to a "morally bold," cinnamon roll hero who inspires the unwavering loyalty of every protagonist she creates.

Kirsten lives a beautifully chaotic life with her husband, their two young kids, and three highly entitled cats. Her writing is powered almost entirely by rain, dark fantasy, and iced coffee—regardless of the season.