LYGIA DAY PEÑAFLOR – AANHPIHM Featured Author

Lygia Day Peñaflor is the author of Creep: A Love Story, All of This Is True, and Unscripted Joss Byrd. She also teaches young Hollywood stars on television and movie sets. Her students have included cast members of Gossip Girl, Boardwalk Empire, Spielberg’s West Side Story, and others. She lives on Long Island, NY, where she rides horses and flies from a trapeze. Follow her on Instagram @lygiaday and learn more about her work on her website.

CREEP: A LOVE STORY

This twisted, tragic love story follows Holy Family High School’s cutest couple — as told through the eyes of the classmate who’s stalking them.

Laney Villanueva and Nico Fiore are the perfect couple: beautiful, popular, talented, and hopelessly in love. Everyone looks up to them at Holy Family High School.

But Rafi doesn’t just admire them. She watches them. She’s drawn to them.

Intent on becoming their closest friend, Rafi weaves her way into their lives. She starts small: taking photos of the senior class for the yearbook, joining Laney’s club, and babysitting Nico’s little sister. And it works—soon they invite her to parties, take her on joyrides, and ask her for favors. Rafi’s actions quickly turn invasive, delving deeper and deeper until she’s consumed by their most intimate secrets.

When tragedy strikes the young lovers, Rafi’s obsession spirals, and she will do anything to keep the perfect couple together.

Anything . . .

A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION

“[A] fast-paced psychological thriller” — Kirkus Reviews

“Rafi’s matter-of-fact narration efficiently encapsulates her self-deception, boundless obsession, and increasingly delusional stalking, making for a compulsive read.” — Publishers Weekly

“Both heart-pounding and troubling, this story is hard to put down and hard to shake.” — Booklist

“Quick-paced and suspenseful.” — School Library Journal

“An interesting, thought-provoking character case study à la The Talented Mr. Ripley…This is a book that will haunt [readers] for some time.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

BUY LINKS FOR ALL BOOKS:

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HER BLOODY BETRAYAL by L. G. Hill – Featured New Release

HER BLOODY BETRAYAL

A Why Choose Vampire Romance

by

L. G. Hill

BLURB

When your peaceful community is suddenly teeming with rogue vampires and you have to work with your ex to get rid of them …

As the youngest of three sisters, I’m surprised when our sire, leader of our vampire clan, comes to me first with news of rogues terrorizing the population of our remote Canadian town.
The reason I’m first in the loop? Mason, my first turn and ex-lover, the male who broke my heart.
But of course, Mason is the smartest in his clan and the only one who can help us end this nightmare.
Not even the comforting support of Billy, my loyal second in command, or the grounding presence of Pinch, my human assistant can quell the overall rage that scorches my blood.
Especially after a rogue attacks my dog.
I probably shouldn’t take that out on Mason … but his nearness makes me ache for reasons unrelated to my anger toward him for leaving me.
And I probably shouldn’t take Mason’s fiery torment out on Billy and Pinch either, but here we are …

Her Bloody Betrayal is an MFMM steamy vampire reverse harem with enemies to lovers, found family, and a badass heroine who takes no crap. Swords cross, and the blood and wine flow in this spine-tingling story of love and betrayal.

Content Notes: mentions of past childhood sexual abuse/abandonment trauma; suicide ideation; drug use. The dog doesn’t die. No AI.

Buy Link: Kindle Unlimited

ABOUT L. G. HILL

L.G. Hill is the pen name for Linda G. Hill’s Why Choose Romance books.

Award-winning author Linda G. Hill was born and raised an only child in Southern Ontario, Canada. She credits the time she spent alone when she was growing up, reading books and building worlds and characters of her own to keep her company, as the reason she became a writer.

A stay-at-home mom of three beautiful boys, Linda is a graduate of the Writing Program at St. Lawrence College in Brockville, Ontario. Aside from caring for her family, she enjoys traveling the world, eating trout cooked on the barbecue, and, of course, reading.

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UNDER THE GULF COAST SUN by Skip Rhudy – LSLL Book Campaign

UNDER THE GULF COAST SUN

By SKIP RHUDY

Romance / Coming of Age / Surfing

Publisher: Stoney Creek Publishing

Pages: 266

Publication Date: April 22, 2025

SYNOPSIS

This coming-of-age tale set against the sun-soaked beaches of 1970s Port Aransas, Texas, is a love letter to the people and culture of the Texas coast and the enduring allure of the Gulf of Mexico.

Eighteen-year-old Connor O’Reilly isn’t ready to leave his beloved hometown until the tourist girl he met the previous summer, Kassie Hernandez, returns to Port Aransas for one final vacation before college. Their tumultuous summer fling is wrecked by a freak accident in which Connor is lost at sea. His long years of surfing and fishing in the Gulf, as well as Kassie’s desperation to reunite with him, are pitted against the enormity and utter indifference of the sea.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Skip Rhudy grew up surfing in Port Aransas, Texas. He has translated poetry and prose from German to English, and translated Wolfgang Hilbig’s novella Die Weiber for his master’s thesis in 1990 at the University of Texas. His short stories were published in numerous small press magazines in the mid-1990s, and his novella One Punk Summer was published in 1993 and reprinted in 2021.

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REVIEW

What an entertaining read! A true destination romance, Under The Gulf Coast Sun took me to Port Aransas, a place I haven’t been, and to the nineteen seventies, a time not-too-far gone yet a whole lifetime ago. I am equally delighted and aghast that this book is considered a historical romance. I was already alive during the time setting of the story, so I’m feeling old. But I’m also not old enough to say I could relate to the characters in this coming-of-age love story.

Skip Rhudy did a wonderful job of infusing his characters with a balance of confidence, confusion, and insecurity that typifies teenagers of every generation yet placing them in distinct situations that could only have been experienced by the youth in the seventies and early eighties. The younger drinking age, the loose parental controls, and the existing media and technological selections are some examples that place this book in the past. Connor and Kassie are fully fleshed-out characters who acted true to their ages. They are sympathetic and easy to root for, having virtues and flaws that make them real.

Usually, I don’t like the main conflict in romance caused by a misunderstanding and lack of communication, but I understood why it happened here. I appreciate how Mr. Rhudy laid it out, so it came out organic and a natural offshoot of Connor and Kassie’s backgrounds.

The surfing scenes and the locations are described incredibly well, a testament to the author’s talent and lived experience. The dialogues flowed naturally. The language was plain, easily understood, and true to the time. My only critique is the head-hopping and unnecessary points of view from a couple of secondary characters.

Overall, a quick and enjoyable read.

To learn more about the book, look for #LSLLUnderTheGulfCoastSun on your preferred social media platform.

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ONE BED, TWO HEARTS by The New Romance Café – Featured New Release

ONE BED, TWO HEARTS

An Only One Bed Romance Anthology

Romance Café Collection #45

BLURB

Sometimes love starts with a little forced proximity … and just one bed.

In One Bed, Two Hearts, discover a collection of contemporary romance where strangers, friends, and even enemies find themselves sharing a bed—and maybe, just maybe, sharing their hearts too. With sizzling chemistry, accidental sleepovers, and unexpected connections, each story brings you a delightful take on the beloved “only one bed” trope.

From cozy cabins to luxury hotels, these stories are filled with laughter, tender moments, and undeniable attraction that will leave you swooning for more.

Perfect for fans of forced proximity, slow-burn romance, and a dash of humor, One Bed, Two Hearts delivers love that blooms when people are closer than they ever expected.

Authors:

Jill Brashear Deaia Sanders Michelle Moncreiff
Linda G. Hill Emma Lynn Everly Chele MacCabe
Sharon Michalove Gabbi Powell Gabbi Grey
Cara Dion Freyja Frost Angela Breen
J.M. Adele Jewelz Baxter Ebony Snow
Juliet Martini Cynthia Terelst Harper Michaels
Maida Malby

Buy Link: Amazon

ABOUT TNRC

The New Romance Café is the place to get your daily dose of romance books.

Hang out with like-minded readers and authors at different stages of their writing journey, in a diverse and inclusive group.

Find out about new releases, take part in fun discussions, and recommend your favorite reads in the safe space of the Café.

The New Romance Cafe Links:

Group: facebook.com/thenewromancecafe
Website: thenewromancecafe.com
Romance Cafe Publishing: romancecafepublishing.com

LOVELOCK FREEWAY

Maida Malby

Bernadette Moore had a teenage crush on Jordan Prins half a lifetime ago. Little did she know he had a crush on her as well. Life events separated them for years, but now, circumstances bring them back together. Can a road trip, car trouble, and only one bed turn that youthful infatuation into something deeper?

ANA KIRK SHAW – Featured Author

Ana Kirk Shaw wrote her first romance at eight years old. It was a shifter romance starring Scar from The Lion King and Amelia Bedelia. It was weird.

She is now a public school special education teacher by day and romance author by night (plus weekends and summer break). Ana loves writing silly, swoony, steamy stories about strong heroines and the heroes that love them. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, kids, and cats.

Website: anakirkshaw.com

Instagram: @anakirkshaw.author

Facebook: Ana Kirk Shaw

Threads: @anakirkshaw.author

My boss is the stiff, surly, suited city bureaucrat… and I’m the new teacher of his nightmares.

I’m desperate for a fresh start at a new school. Lucky for me, Oliver Flores, the infuriatingly hot principal of PS 2, is desperate for a new teacher.

He’s forced to hire the Sweaty Albeit Beautiful Trash Siren he found amongst the dumpsters (I had a morning, okay?). I’m forced to take the job.

He’s all label makers and lists. I’m all creativity and chaos.

He needs to loosen up. I need to tighten up.

He demands control. I need freedom.

For right now, I have no choice but to follow my boss’s every explicit directive and not make any waves. No drama llamas. Because he needs his promotion. And I need to keep this job.

But what happens when Mr. Flores’s orders go from “send me your lesson plans” to “see me after school”? What happens when they go from “take it out” to “let me in”?

For the sake of both of our jobs, we’ll need to keep this a secret. It’s a terrible idea … but I might just love it when Oliver orders me around.

Beyond the Bell is the first book in the Lessons in Love series and can be read as a total standalone. It’s for fans of high heat romantic comedies, and features a grumpy boss and his sunshine employee, a fresh start, a secret relationship, BIPOC representation, found family, and tons of spice.

Buy Link: Amazon

She’s my roommate and my best friend’s forbidden little sister. And now she wants me to teach her how to date.

Me. The himbo who’s messed with half the women in the city. The guy whose nuts her brother will feed to the squirrels if he finds out.

I should’ve said no. But it’s Mia—my Mia. She’s tired of being a wallflower, and I’m the perfect guy to give her advice.

I shouldn’t teach her how to kiss. We shouldn’t practice in my bed.

I shouldn’t know how many freckles she has on her stomach, or love the way she fits in my arms.

But what definitely shouldn’t happen? The dude she’s known her whole life—the one who was just supposed to help—should not want to spend the rest of his life doing it.

Mia’s brother might break my face, but Mia? She might break my heart.

The PS 2 staff room shenanigans continue in Teach Me a Lesson …a super spicy romantic comedy about a brother’s best friend who’s a childhood-friend-to-lover, roommate, and coworker all in one. You’ll laugh, cry, swoon, and find forced proximity, golden retriever energy, a secret relationship, and lots of spice lessons.

Buy link: Amazon

VANISHING INTO THE 100% DARK by Amber Royer – LSLL Book Campaign

VANISHING INTO THE 100% DARK

By Amber Royer

Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Golden Tip Press

Pages: 288

Publication Date: March 4, 2025

SYNOPSIS

Bean to chocolate maker Felicity Koerber has been invited to be part of a chocolate festival in Tokyo. It’s a big deal for a Texas gal with a chocolate shop on Galveston’s historic Strand, so a whole group of her friends come along to support her. It’s intimidating enough to be giving a class on chocolate making with the help of a translator – she also stumbles across the scene of a murder, where a quirky group of international actors and stunt performers are making a monster movie. Felicity has already solved half a dozen murders back in Texas, so at this point her friends basically expect her to get involved – even before the young media influencer in Felicity’s group becomes the main suspect.

Felicity has taken on the role of chaperone for Chloe, so she can’t imagine how she could explain what went wrong to the girl’s mother. Which gives her even more motivation to figure out the real killer.

In the meantime, things get complicated at the chocolate festival when a rival chocolate maker tries to get her disqualified from the awards competition – and claims that her amateur sleuth status is bringing undesirables into the festival. And things are even more complicated as the stress of being in an unfamiliar place brings out secrets about Felicity’s friends – and her fiancé.

Honda the calico cat makes an appearance on the movie set, making Felicity homesick for her pet bunny, left at home. But the cat may know more about what happened than she is letting on. Can Felicity solve the murder in time to keep Chloe from getting arrested, while making things right with the people she cares about, and presenting a good showing at the chocolate festival?

CLICK TO PURCHASE

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amber Royer writes the Chocoverse space opera series and the Bean to Bar Mysteries. She is also the author of Story Like a Journalist: a Workbook for Novelists and has co-authored a chocolate-related cookbook with her husband. She also teaches creative writing and is an author coach.

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REVIEW

A fresh spin on what’s promising to be a long-running series. I have been reading Amber Royer’s Bean to Bar Mysteries series from the beginning and am delighted with the setting change. I enjoyed getting to know Galveston and the community Felicity Koerber has built there. I also appreciate the author widening her character’s world and inviting the readers to travel with them.

In moving this latest installment to Japan, Ms. Royer retained her signature elements while creating new challenges for her amateur sleuth to conquer. Vanishing Into The 100% Dark brought Texas to Japan through Felicity and her large entourage–her fiancé, his sister and her partner, a former love interest and his partner, a podcaster and his fiancée, and a teenage YouTuber. Even those left in the US like Carmen and Autumn showed up via FaceTime.

As with the previous seven books, events happen early and quickly. New characters are introduced, the main (murder) mystery to be solved is established, and suspects pile up. As usual, a first edition copy of a mystery novel shows up and it’s somehow connected to the case. There’s also a business rival to contend with, and loads of familiar and newly-created chocolate flavors mentioned. Finally, there’s always a pet involved — this time, a calico cat.

With seven solved cases under her belt, Felicity has developed a keen sense of when an impending disaster is about to happen. She has resigned herself to the fact that she must lead the investigation. Finding out who did it is never easy, but especially difficult in an unfamiliar location while trying to navigate cross-cultural communications using technology and relying on the generosity of strangers.

I loved Ms. Royer’s integration of Japanese culture in this story–about the kaiju (media involving giant monsters), shogi (chess-like board game), the food, and the daily life of local citizens. I also admire the massive research she undertook while creating this book. It clearly showed up in the dialogues, the anecdotes, the backgrounds of new characters, and the case resolution.

There’s a lot to enjoy in this latest book in the series. However, this is best suited to those who have already read the previous seven. First-time readers might find the multitude of characters, loads of information, and fast pace overwhelming. Plus, there are relationship updates that would spoil storylines from earlier installments. They should also get familiarized with Felicity’s unique style of investigation, otherwise they would not appreciate her methods.

The last thing I want to say is–I want more chocolates. Felicity’s competence specialty was not fully highlighted here like in previous books. Ms. Royer can’t go wrong with more chocolates in her next book.

To learn more about the book, look for #LoneStarLitVanishingIntoThe100Dark on your preferred social media platform.

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THE BORDER BETWEEN US by Rudy Ruiz – LSLL Book Campaign

THE BORDER BETWEEN US

By Rudy Ruiz

Literary Fiction

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Pages: 256

Publication Date: August 27, 2024

SYNOPSIS

The Border Between Us is a poignant coming-of-age novel from one of the most exciting voices in fiction.

Ramón López was born along the US–Mexico border but is determined to get out and embrace the American dream—and he’s not sure whether his complicated family is a help or a hindrance. As the son of immigrants, as Ramón grows, his admiration for his entrepreneurial father sours as he watches his dad’s dreams of success wither on the vine. Ramón’s mother is constantly preoccupied with his younger brother, who struggles with intellectual disabilities.

And the outside world is rife with danger and temptations threatening to distract Ramón from his dreams of making it to New York and succeeding as an artist.

As dreams clash with reality and values conflict with desires, Ramón finds the American dream within his reach—but will it demand too big a sacrifice?

Award-winning author Rudy Ruiz brilliantly captures the beauty and danger of border life as Ramón struggles to understand his home and his place in the world. The Border Between Us is a stunning, compassionate story about a son’s fraught relationship with his father, the challenges of pursuing a creative life when one comes from humble beginnings, and the power of embracing one’s whole self.

CLICK TO PURCHASE:

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rudy Ruiz is the author of The Resurrection of Fulgencio Ramirez and Valley of Shadows. He is a winner of the Jesse H. Jones Award for Best Book of Fiction, the Gulf Coast Prize in Fiction, and multiple International Latino Book Awards. A bilingual native of the US–Mexico border, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Harvard University. Rudy lives and writes in Texas and New England with his wife and children. Visit his website at RudyRuiz.com.

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REVIEW

Painfully emotive, The Border Between Us has earned a place on my Top 25 Reads in 2025 list. Ramón López’s coming-of-age story affected me like no other literary work I’ve consumed this year. It was so involving; I finished it in one sitting. Even when the heart-rending scenes and difficult conversations made me cry, I could not stop reading.

Life is like the river. It has many twists and turns.”

I found the harsh beauty in Rudy Ruiz’s hyper realistic storytelling immensely compelling. It was hard to tell which part was fiction and which actually happened. At times, it read like a biography. Doubtless, Mr. Ruiz vivified the real-life experiences of countless Mexican Americans from the border in creating the characters in the story. From Ramón to his father and entire family to Dante to Clara, the author made them three-dimensional people–powerfully drawn, unquestionably authentic. He did this without using divisive narrative and I applaud him for his discipline.

Another laudable achievement was the incredibly vivid descriptions, especially those of the locations and the paintings. This book took me along for the ride across the US-Mexico border, to the schools, to Coffee Port Road, and to New York. As for the art, I want to believe they’re displayed and celebrated in some gallery in South Texas.

When the branch sways, the eagle does not fear, for to its wings it clings.”

In a story about a boy’s growth into a young man as he searched for his identity amidst forces he couldn’t control, there is bound to be angst. Yes, there was danger and tragedy, betrayal and adversity. Lots of them. But there was also success, joy, support, resilience, and in the end, hope. The romantic in me finds balance in that.

To learn more about the book, look for #LoneStarLitTheBorderBetweenUs on your preferred social media platform

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HOME TO COMFORT by Kimberly Fish – LSLL Book Campaign: Review and Giveaway

HOME TO COMFORT

By Kimberly Fish

Women’s Fiction / Contemporary / Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Fish Tales Publishing

Pages: 382

Publication Date: October 10, 2024

SYNOPSIS

Gloria Bachman has pivoted so many times this year she has whiplash. Now, in the middle of winter and drenched in Mexican sunshine at a five-star resort, she has a role to play: Mason Lassiter’s “arm candy” in a sting to nab his not-actually-dead, first wife, Patsy. It didn’t make any sense to her either, but who argues with government officials offering an expense-paid trip and a reason for a new beach wardrobe?

With Patsy leading resort security, FBI agents, and Mason on a merry chase, Gloria knows that if you want to catch a woman of a certain age, you have to think like a woman of a certain age. Thankfully, she’s got the credentials.

If only she could understand the other people in her life—particularly Gardner Rogers. Gloria returns home to Comfort, Texas with a ring, a pressing need to organize her house, and a custom order of Sweeties signature truffles to be delivered to White House chefs. When her business partner embarks on last-minute travel plans, one of her best friends announces a retirement, romances bloom from unlikely sources, and Gardner and her ex-husband, Harry Rogers, come unhinged—quite publicly—it all forces Gloria to face her strangest challenges yet.

This final book in the Comfort and Joy trilogy weaves happy endings for the townsfolk that readers have come to love, and just deserts for those they don’t. It’s Kimberly Fish at her finest, and a treasure for brave people who don’t retire quietly.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Fish has been in the writing industry for over 30 years. An amateur historian and fan of cozy mysteries, she weaves history and mystery into her stories of women finding their grit and sweet second chances.

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REVIEW

In the middle of a crowd, one’s heart can always find home.”

Comforting and joyful, this series lives up to its name. This final book evokes all the wonderful feelings one attributes to the word “home”– family, safety, trust, hope, happiness, and love.

As I stated in my reviews of Kimberly Fish’s previous books, Gloria Bachman’s story and personality appealed to me even before her own series started. She is a fun mix of immensely capable and incredibly lucky. Perfect for a heroine who often finds herself unwittingly in the center of intrigue and mayhem.

In the conclusion of the saga concerning her love interest Mason Lassiter’s first wife, Gloria showcased her crime-solving abilities. Aided by her quick wit, intrinsic female knowledge, lived experiences of being underestimated, a great dose of sense of humor, and timely help from trusted friends, she bested both the FBI and the villains.

Her musings about relationships — marriage, friendship, adversaries — in addition to her insecurities, doubts, and impatience made her a wholly relatable character.

And if it hasn’t worked out, it’s not the end.”

I have always admired how Ms. Fish can make her settings come alive and that’s especially true in Home to Comfort. The descriptions of the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and sensations Gloria was experiencing took me to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico and to a large part of Texas. The drive from Dallas to the Hill Country was something I had experienced myself and reading it here made me smile.

With the satisfying resolution of conflicts and a hopeful ending for the major characters, I can’t really be sad that the Comfort and Joy series is complete. It has entertained me for an extended period, and I’m grateful to its creator.

To learn more about the book, look for #LoneStarLitHomeToComfort on your preferred social media platform.

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ELLA LEON – Featured Author

Ella Leon writes historical romantasy with intrigue and suspense. Her debut historical romantasy series will be released in 2025 with Dragonblade Publishing.

During her 9-5 career, she has delved into many different styles of writing: journalism, public relations and marketing. Fiction, however, is where she finds the most freedom to transform the page. Like the Victorians she writes about, she loves all things gothic and supernatural. Unlike the Victorians, she is a feminist who enjoys exploring the precolonial past.

When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her family or tending to her rose garden. She lives in the Chicago area.

Substack: ellaleon.substack.com
Tiktok: @ella_leon
Facebook: @EllaLeon
Instagram: @author.ellaleon
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THE SAPPHIRE HEIRESS

A pirate who walks amongst the highest circles of society.
A governess desperate to escape servitude.

“Exciting, dramatic, romantic; infused with magic, danger and mystery, The Sapphire Heiress reinvents the historical romance. Wondering what Historical Romantasy looks like? This is it.”
– New York Times Bestselling Author Amanda Quick

In Victorian England, the Silver Order has kept its supernatural discoveries hidden for centuries. Those who seek its secrets must always pay a price …

Mae Blackthorne, the daughter of an English shipbuilder and a Filipina immigrant, has been taught to ride sidesaddle, embroider pillows, and dance the waltz. So when her brother disappears at sea, she hasn’t a clue what to do when the family’s shipbuilding business falls into bankruptcy.

It isn’t long before Mae is penniless. Or so she believes. Forced to accept a post as governess in the very home she was raised in, Mae takes on the challenge in good spirits. Yet she is restless and yearns for the life of adventure her daredevil father and brother once had. That is, until she meets Ethan Locke, a pirate who offers her an enticing opportunity to recover her secret inheritance.

Unbeknownst to Mae, her family used their shipbuilding business to shroud generations of successful piracy. Locke, who was once partners with her father, has an old score to settle. He claims that her father stole from him an object of great value: a sapphire that can stop its wearer from growing old. As her father’s last surviving heir, Mae is Locke’s only hope of finding this supernatural jewel hidden amidst her family’s secret fortune.

Agreeing to work together and split the fortune amongst themselves, they share an instant spark of attraction. But they’re not alone in their search. The original owners of the sapphire, who operate an elite secret society, are far more powerful than Mae and Locke could have ever imagined. As danger closes in and the supernatural proves real, Mae fears she has much more to lose than just a second chance at a new life.

Summarized best as Pirates of the Caribbean meets Jane Eyre, The Sapphire Heiress is a suspense-filled historical romance perfect for fans of Amanda Quick.

Buy Link: Amazon

THE CRYSTAL ALCHEMIST

She wanted nothing to do with the supernatural … until him.

In Victorian England, the Silver Order has kept its supernatural discoveries hidden for centuries. Those who seek its secrets must always pay a price…

When her father’s death puts his estate in her hands, Hazel Grey must return to the home she ran away from as a child. Tucked away in the mystical landscape of the Malvern Hills, notorious for its ancient pagan past, Whitestone Manor is the headquarters of the Silver Order, the enigmatic secret society Hazel has both hated and feared. She’s never believed the Silver Order’s claim to power: an ability to see into the future. But when the property becomes so sought-after that a young stranger, Theo Pierce, offers a small fortune and a lifelong friend offers her his hand, all to obtain it, Hazel begins to reconsider…

Years ago, Theo Pierce’s family was forced to sell Whitestone Manor to Miss Grey’s father. Ever since, he’s dedicated his life to winning it back and redeeming his family’s honor—no matter the cost. When a snowstorm traps him and Miss Grey within the manor, it becomes the perfect opportunity to win her trust and, more importantly, the estate. But the deeper Theo pulls her into his world of secret laboratories, botanical mysteries, and crystal alchemy, the more he begins to want something other than redemption.

Soon, everything Hazel once believed is called into question. A crude and shocking vision reveals that a romantic tryst with Mr. Pierce is inevitable. Rather than fight it, she finally decides to put aside her cynicism and give into fate. But as she starts to uncover the truth behind her father’s death and the secret society’s darkest secrets, secrets about herself unravel too, secrets that threaten to keep her a prisoner of the Silver Order for good.

The Crystal Alchemist is a Gothic romance perfect for fans of Amanda Quick and Adalyn Grace.

Preorder Link: Amazon

BOOK NEMESIS by Sammie Trinidad – Featured Debut

BOOK NEMESIS

Sammie Trinidad

BLURB

For Serenity Brooks, fanfiction wasn’t just a hobby—it was her escape, her passion, her lifeline. Until Duvall K. Howard, the man she loved, shattered her heart and stole her inspiration in one fell swoop. Now, Duvall’s back, crashing into her life with a life altering secret. The news reignites not only Serenity’s dormant passion for writing but also the burning embers of her anger. The past is back, and she’s not forgiving.

Enter Ezra Sullivan, the witty, charming friend she lost along the way—the one man who truly understands the sting of Duvall’s betrayal. He was Duvall’s roommate, rival, and always second best, and now he’s Serenity’s partner in crime. Together, they’re plotting the ultimate literary takedown, a campaign of creative vengeance that will take them through the chaotic world of conventions, awkward signings, and the constant scrutiny of overbearing parents and relentless relatives.

But as Serenity and Ezra navigate the minefield of their shared past and their complicated present, the lines between friendship, revenge, and something undeniably, irresistibly hotter begin to blur. What starts as a strategic alliance—a fake romance for revenge—evolves into something neither of them anticipated as their connection deepens. Will their quest for payback against Duvall lead them to something more with each other, or will their staged romance threaten to derail their plans and break their hearts all over again?

Buy link: Amazon

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ABOUT SAMMIE

Sammie Trinidad likes to call herself the “Filipina Wonder Woman” – she even has the cosplay to prove it. Her stories include romance, both in SFF and contemporary, and fantasy. All her stories come from the heart because she has faced the unimaginable: death of her son, who died from SIDs. Grief inspired her to explore the layers of the human condition, exploring connection in all its messy, intriguing, and deeply personal forms. When not writing, Sammie can be found indulging in dark chocolate, watching Schitt’s Creek or Vampire Diaries for the zillionth time, or cuddling with her sweet dog and chunky cat, Zelda and Link.

Social Media Links:

Facebook – Sammie Trinidad’s Book Mates
Instagram – @sammietrinidadcreates
Threads – @sammietrinidadcreates
TikTok – @sammietrinidadcreates
Newsletter – newsletter.sammietrinidadcreates.com