I’m Ashley Johnson or Sheyanne Warren. My whole name is Sheyanne Ashley Warren. Johnson is my family name. Originally from Syracuse, New York, I now call Charlotte, North Carolina, home. 
I have a master’s degree in forensic psychology (yes, I’m fascinated by the human mind!) and spend my days shaping young minds as a middle school teacher. But long before I stepped into a classroom, I was a book-loving kid who found magic in words. When I was three, my grandparents took the TV out of my room and replaced it with a bookshelf—best decision ever! From that moment on, stories became my escape, my passion, and ultimately, my calling.
Writing has always been second nature to me, but for the longest time, I didn’t realize becoming an author was actually within reach. It felt like an unspoken dream—something I carried in my heart without fully acknowledging. But now? I’m here, doing the thing I love, and I write with purpose.
Representation matters. It’s not just a phrase; it’s a commitment. I want my readers—no matter who they are or where they come from—to see themselves in the pages of my books. Whether it’s a fantasy world filled with adventure or a gripping mystery with unexpected twists, I write stories that reflect the diversity and richness of real life. Because everyone deserves to be the hero of their own story.
So, if you love books that blend heart-pounding suspense, intriguing mysteries, and unforgettable characters, you’re in the right place. Let’s embark on this literary journey together!
The Journey To Writing
Sheyanne Warren & Ashley Johnson — Two Pens, One Fierce Storyteller
Some authors write one genre and call it a day. Me? I said why not both—and then made two names to prove it. 
Hi, I’m Sheyanne and Ashley. By day, I’m corralling chaos as a special education teacher. By night, I’m building fantasy realms with portals, plotting FBI investigations with serial killers, and wondering why my characters never do what I tell them to. Welcome to my beautiful double life.
Writing didn’t start with a fancy desk or a publishing deal. It started during state testing season, scribbled between breaks that said “maybe this time, I’ll actually finish the book.” Spoiler alert: I did. Then I wrote more. And when my stories split—magic and mayhem on one side, murder and manipulation on the other—I gave each voice its own pen name.
Sheyanne Warren is my YA fantasy side: full of enchanted wardrobes, missing queens, and girls with quiet power and louder purpose. Ashley Johnson handles the crime fiction: raw, bold, and crawling through the shadows with messy women who aren’t waiting around to be saved.
But here’s the thing—I stayed indie. Not because I didn’t get the dream. I get it. Traditional publishing promises bigger advances, bigger reach, and the shiny machine behind it all. But I like the freedom more. The control. The ability to build my world, my way, without gatekeepers telling me to tone it down, “market it safer,” or erase the magic of Black girls leading the charge.
I choose indie because I like calling my own shots. Because I want to tell bold stories without softening the edges. Because I believe authors—especially those of us writing from the margins—deserve ownership of our words and how they reach readers. And yes, indie might take longer. It might be messier. But it’s mine. And I wouldn’t trade that for a royalty check shaped like a leash.
At the end of the day, I write for the girls who needed more than what the shelves gave them growing up. For the ones who want to escape, feel seen, and maybe burn a kingdom or two along the way. My books are love letters, revolutions, and rollercoasters—whether you’re following Sheyanne into a realm of deception and destiny, or chasing killers with Ashley on the city streets.
So grab a drink, I prefer Coffee 😉. Pick your poison. You’re not just stepping into a book. You’re stepping into a world that was built to shake things up—and leave you a little wrecked in the best way.
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Catalogue
Deceptive High Novels
Deceptive High Novels
Spied
I was hooked from the cover and first page during this book, it had that element that I was looking for and was glad it was so well done. It was a strong start to the Deceptive High series and left me wanting to read more in this world. I was engaged with what was happening with the characters and was everything that I wanted in this type of spy adventure. Sheyanne Warren has a strong writing style and had that concept that I was looking for.
This was a very entertaining book! I loved the idea of a spy highschool, but with a twist.
The author's writing was much better than the last novel I read from her and you can really feel the improvements. It is a bit short but it does leave you wanting to know more about the Sparks' twins.
I enjoyed a that we get some info on what the lessons would be, even though we do not dive in too deep, we do get a glimpse at the different subjects and what they study aswell, it is not only the typical teenage drama situation.
Imagine you’re about to start high school and your parents drop a bomb on you: we’re spies and you’re going to a different high school than you originally thought. Yes, you read that right - this book is about a family of spies! Deceptive High is a place to find yourself, but not just in the way most teenagers do. These teens are about to learn the family trade.
I loved how easy breezy this book was to jump in to. If you pick this up, you will read it quick. The dialogue and discussion is all too familiar (and as a white woman I’m sure I’m missing a lot of nuance that my POC friends would pick up on better). I also really enjoyed that element of something’s going on - I kept trying to figure it out. I won’t spoil anything for you though.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I pictured this family looking like Will Smith and family 😎
This was a quick, fun read for me. Exciting, young adult story with teenage romance, deception, suspense, and magic. I appreciated that the characters dealt with issues I'm familiar with like typical hairstyling woes for black people with kinky or course hair. It was a light read but it did touch on some important topics such as unconventional family types.
What a cool, unique story - a black family of spies, teenagers going to spy school, discovering and trying to master one's magic. I was engaged all the way. I'm looking forward to checking out more of this author's work since this was my first one.
Sorcery & Suspicious Shenanigans
The Jelena Cohert Universe
The Jelena Cohert Universe
Novellas: Maria Dominguez & Jordan Romano
Serial Killer, Con Artist and Jelena
The great plot was well written and the characters were so well developed that as I turned each page the chemistry between the characters kept me totally hooked until the very last page!
This is my first time reading anything by Ashley Johnson. Maria becoming Jelena is a good short novel. However, I do feel that there is enough information that it could have been longer. I'm definitely reading the series.
This is my first time reading anything by this author. It’s a short story but a brilliant read. The story revolves around one main character and the people in her life, especially the males who play such an important but devastating part. I loved reading this story and encourage everyone to grab a copy and take a while to read it. There are possible triggers as there is domestic abuse in this plot.
This novel introduces you to Jelena Cohert she is an investigator with the Special Investigations Division (SID). Jelena has just been given a new case from her boss and now she is searching for a shifter. Jelena becomes involved not only with a shifter but is now investigating a murder and may become involved romantically with another young man. A good read!
This is book 1 from The Jelena Chert Series. This book straights right off with drama in the team and crime is everywhere. The attitude with some of the characters is perfect with the type of book this is. Jelena has so much happened with her detectives and trying to keep everyone from acting like a child. I look forward to see what will happen next. Will there be another serial killer and con artist or something even more dramatic.
This was a strong start to the Jelena Cohert series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed about the psychological thriller genre. I was glad I got to read this and get into this journey. The characters had that overall feel that worked with the world that was built, it left me wanting to read more with these characters. Ashley Johnson has a strong writing style and was glad I got to start reading this.
This is the 1st book I've read written by Sheyanne Warren; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
This novel introduces you to Jelena Cohert she is an investigator with the Special Investigations Division (SID). Jelena has just been given a new case from her boss and now she is searching for a shifter. Jelena becomes involved not only with a shifter but is now investigating a murder and may become involved romantically with another young man. A good read!
Shifter Killer and Jelena
Shifter, Killer and Jelena are book 2 of The Jelena Cohert Series. This book starts right off with the shifters and danger. As I was reading the book the more, I noticed I was on the edge of my seat and lost a good 3 hours of my day. Which I am not complaining. I really enjoy this type of book. You have shifters, detectives, drama, and don't forget killers.
A gripping crime novel. It blends the paranormal with FBI intensity. Well written with a good pace.
I loved the combination of crime fighting and love with an added, surprising twist!!! A must read. I enjoy working with the writer in our profession and now enjoy reading her creativity!
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I enjoyed reading the story and was pretty easy to follow. The characters were believable and each had a good backstory to understand the basis of the storyline. Found a couple of errors in the book but I've read books from authors that have been writing for years so that is not an issue. Was not too happy with the ending as in my mind it left a couple of loose ends but a continuation book should clear any of those items. Overall I liked it and would have no problem reading it again or others if there is a series.
Sister Assassins Universe
Sister Assassins Universe
Shifter Killer and Jelena
This was a strong start to the Sister Assassins series, it had that element that I was looking for in this type of book. The characters worked overall and was engaged with how they worked in this universe. Ashley Johnson has a strong writing style and am excited for more.
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Forever Seven Press
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.foreversevenpress.com
Dual Pen Names, Double the Trouble: Sheyanne Warren and Ashley Johnson Bring Fire to Fantasy and Crime Fiction
Charlotte, NC – May 2025 — Indie author and genre-bending storyteller Sheyanne Warren (YA fantasy) and her darker alter ego Ashley Johnson (crime and romantic thrillers) are giving readers two sides of the same powerhouse pen—with one major fantasy release and another thriller simmering on the edge of chaos.
Under Sheyanne Warren, fans can gear up for the highly anticipated release of Sorcery & Suspicious Shenanigans: A Deceptive High Novel on June 25, 2025. The second book in the Deceptive High world picks up with twin troublemakers Lanelle and Dion Sparks, who return with flames, flair, and a few new problems—including a secret group, deadly betrayals, and their not-so-deadly crushes. Joined by Damien and Ayana from the novella The Bracelet of Wonders, this crew must navigate magical chaos, shifting alliances, and supernatural threats that don’t care about homework or heartbreak.
“This book is Black, bold, and brimming with bad decisions,” Warren says. “Lanelle and Dion are here to break curses—and probably a few rules while they’re at it.”
Meanwhile, Ashley Johnson is hard at work on Sister Assassins: Sinister Seduction, the next installment in her gritty crime-thriller series where the women don’t play victim—they play to win. After the explosive debut of Sister Assassins: Vigilante, Johnson’s next story introduces a new female lead tangled in lust, lies, and a deadly game of survival.
“Sinister Seduction is about charm as a weapon, secrets as leverage, and what happens when the hunter becomes the hunted,” Johnson teases. “It’s twisted. It’s intimate. And it’s not for the faint of heart.”
Whether it’s magical teens flipping the script or vigilante women dancing with danger, both brands celebrate fierce female leads, layered storytelling, and the freedom of indie publishing.
About the Author(s):
Sheyanne Warren crafts whimsical, high-stakes fantasy with heart, humor, and hella plot twists.
Ashley Johnson writes dark thrillers full of grit, obsession, and complex women who know exactly how dangerous they are.
Together, they form Forever Seven Press, an indie publishing house dedicated to amplifying powerful voices in fantasy and crime fiction—especially stories where Black women take center stage and don’t apologize for their power.
Pre-Order Now:
🧪 Sorcery & Suspicious Shenanigans drops June 25, 2025
🌐 foreversevenpress.com
Follow the Chaos:
Instagram:
@s.warren.author | @a.johnson.author
Explore both worlds at Forever Seven Press
Bookish Blogs
Bookish Blogs
💋 Get Ready With Me: The Isabella Carter
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💋 Did This Book Slap… or Was I Just Horny?
https://youtu.be/wo0fBVACCho Let’s Be Real for a Second… Ever finished a book, rated it five stars, and later realized… you don’t remember the plot, just the brooding love interest with a tragic past and smoldering eyes? Yeah, been there. But here’s the twist: many of these unputdownable reads? They’re indie-published. And they’re delivering the drama, spice, and depth that traditional publishing sometimes misses. 📚 Books That Made Me Simp Here are some titles that had me hooked: 💦 Indie Gems: “Zodiac
💄 Get Ready With Me: Lanelle Sparks
“Slay first. Solve mysteries later.” 💄 Get Ready With Me: Lanelle Sparks ✨ Step 1: Skin Prep – Glow before the go. Lanelle’s routine starts with skin care because duh—clear skin = clear mind (and better selfies for her “Study & Slay” series). Cleanser: Buttah Skin Gentle Cleanser – soft, no sting, and it smells amazing. Toner: Golde Clean Greens Face Mask (used as a quick 5-min pre-glow) Moisturizer: Epi.logic Master Plan Moisturizer – hydrating but light. SPF: Black Girl
Unscripted March Wrap Up
https://youtu.be/iYBUNzHioHY 🌸 March Reading Wrap-Up: 14 Books, Countless Emotions 🌸 This month was a whirlwind of narratives, each offering a unique journey through love, mystery, fantasy, and self-discovery. Here’s an in-depth look at the 14 books that captivated my attention in March, complete with detailed summaries, my personal reviews, insights from fellow readers, and Goodreads ratings. 1. A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia WilliamsSet in the vibrant heart of Harlem, this lush, lyrical love story follows Ricki, a
Tropes
https://youtu.be/EK4if8CV7DQ Hey Hey Y’all. What’s up?! Tropes are like keys to hidden doors in literature. And I am here to unlock a few of them with you. These storytelling elements have been around forever, yet they never fail to lure us back for more. Like wandering through a shadowy library filled with ancient books, there’s something comforting and thrilling about knowing where the story might go, even when it surprises us. Today, let’s chat about some of my favorite tropes
Too Much Representation?
https://youtu.be/uzpoElP4iDs 📚 Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Representation in Books? 🤔 Hey book lovers! Let’s talk about a debate that always pops up in the book world: Can there be too much representation in books? I’ve seen this argument float around social media, publishing spaces, and even in some book reviews. The idea that “too much diversity” weakens storytelling or makes books “less relatable” is still floating around—but here’s my take: 🚨 That’s nonsense. 🚨 Stories are