This week feels a little extra magical… because Trial By Fire is officially out!
But first—Spring Fling is out and available to order on Amazon (link below), and I’ve been thrilled to see this spicy why-choose romance anthology out in the world. My story follows a woman looking for something new who ends up involved with not one, but two very tempting men… because honestly, why choose between two hot and available men?
And now…
Trial By Fire is here!
This is the first book in my Richmond Academy series, part of the Mystical Society world, and I’m so excited to finally share Shayla’s story with you. Shayla is a phoenix shifter who can’t shift, and her family is determined to “fix” that—one way or another—by sending her to Richmond Academy in Virginia. What follows is a story of magic, pressure, friendship, discovery, and adventure as Shayla starts finding her own path.
Seeing this book out in the world is such a big moment for me, and I hope you’ll love stepping into Richmond Academy as much as I loved writing it.
And there’s more just ahead…
Wheel of the Year: Spring releases May 1, 2026, featuring my Beltane story about a clumsy witch who casts her spell looking for love, actually finds it… and then has to figure out how to keep it. It’s romantic, magical, a little chaotic, and very spring.
Behind the scenes, I’m still writing on several more projects coming later this year, and I’m honestly excited about all of them. There are stories brewing I can’t wait to share when they’re a little closer to release.
As for life outside the writing cave—physical therapy is going… well, it is going. I’m now reaching out to orthopedics to see what else can be done with my shoulder. Not exactly the adventure I had planned, but I’m crossing my fingers, hoping for the best, and trying to keep my sense of humor intact.
And because no newsletter is complete without more books, I’ve got new releases and book shares from other authors below for you to explore. I hope you find something wonderful to add to your stack.
Happy Reading,
Wendy
Shayla is a phoenix shifter who can’t use fire—and in her family, that makes her a failure.
With her eighteenth birthday fast approaching, Shayla is sent to Richmond Academy of Magic, a last-chance school for shifters with blocked or unstable powers. If she can’t unlock her abilities soon, her family will force her to transform. And phoenix transformation isn’t just magic—it’s death, rebirth, and the risk of losing every memory she’s ever had.
At Richmond, Shayla finds herself surrounded by students with dangerous hidden powers, elite training, and secrets of their own. For the first time, she feels like she might belong. Especially when she meets Georgios, a quiet, fiercely loyal boy who understands her fear—and sees strength in her no one else does. Their slow-burn connection gives Shayla something she’s never had before: someone worth fighting for.
But phoenixes are born in flame, and Shayla’s power is waking whether she’s ready or not.
If she rises, she could lose her memories. Her identity. Even Georgios.
If she refuses, her family will make the choice for her.
At a magical academy where power defines your future, Shayla must decide if she’s brave enough to burn… and strong enough to rise.
Hot! Spicy! Who can choose? This RH is so worth the look. Authors who love angsty behavior have come together to tell their best why choose stories. You will not want to miss this fantastic anthology.
WENDY CHEAIRS 