Picture a Cuban storyteller weaving tales of crime, love, and loyalty in the sultry streets of New Orleans—meet Ali Vali! This vibrant author has carved a niche in LGBTQ+ fiction with her gripping Cain Casey Devil series, blending her rich cultural heritage with pulse-pounding narratives. From bedtime stories with her father to Lambda Literary Award finalist status, Vali’s journey is as captivating as her novels.
Born in Cuba, Vali carries her homeland’s traditions and language into her work, infusing her stories with authenticity and heart. Now calling Louisiana home, she draws inspiration from the vibrant culture and her non-profit work, crafting characters that leap off the page. Her passion for storytelling, sparked in childhood, has made her a beloved voice in lesbian fiction.
The Making of Ali Vali
Ali Vali’s love for stories began in Cuba, where her father read her poems and tales before bed, igniting a lifelong passion for reading and writing. This nightly ritual shaped her imagination, planting the seeds for her future as an author. After moving to the United States, Vali settled in Louisiana, where the colorful backdrop of New Orleans and her non-profit experiences fueled her creative spark. In 2000, she took a bold leap, leaving her career to pursue writing full-time, a decision that led to her debut novel and a thriving literary career.
Ali Vali’s Unforgettable Stories
Vali’s Cain Casey Devil series is her crown jewel, a thrilling saga of crime and romance centered on Derby Cain Casey, a formidable crime boss in New Orleans. The series kicks off with The Devil Inside (2006), where Cain’s ruthless ambition meets her unexpected love for Emma Verde, a farm girl from Wisconsin. This lesbian romance, laced with betrayal and redemption, sets the tone for the series’ blend of heart and grit. The Devil Unleashed (2006) deepens the drama, with Cain facing enemies and rekindling her bond with Emma, earning praise for its seamless action and passion.
Beyond the Devil series, Vali shines in standalone romances like Calling the Dead and Love Match, both Lambda Literary Award finalists, showcasing her knack for complex characters and emotional depth. Her Genesis Clan Forces series adds a supernatural twist, while her novella in Girls with Guns delivers suspenseful heat. Vali’s style—vivid, character-driven, and steeped in Cuban and Louisiana flavors—creates immersive worlds that resonate with readers.
Her storytelling thrives on real-life inspiration, blending her non-profit experiences with a wild imagination. Whether it’s the sultry bayous or the moral grayness of her characters, Vali crafts narratives that challenge conventions and celebrate diverse relationships, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.
Why Ali Vali Matters
Ali Vali’s impact on LGBTQ+ fiction is profound, offering representation through strong, multifaceted lesbian characters who navigate love and power in unconventional ways. Her ability to humanize crime lords like Cain Casey, making readers root for them, mirrors the complexity of classics like The Godfather, but with a distinctly queer lens. Her Cuban heritage and Louisiana setting add cultural richness, broadening the genre’s scope.
Vali’s engagement with fans drives her to keep writing, fueled by their feedback—positive or critical. Her Lambda Literary Award nominations highlight her literary prowess, while her growing bibliography of over 50 works cements her as a prolific voice. For readers, Vali’s stories are an invitation to explore love, loyalty, and the devil within us all.
- Origin: Born in Cuba, now resides in Louisiana
- Key Works: Cain Casey Devil series, Calling the Dead, Love Match
- Awards: Lambda Literary Award finalist for Calling the Dead and Love Match
Snag The Devil Inside and dive into Ali Vali’s thrilling world of crime and romance!