Happy end of the month, readers! 

May has flown by over here, and between writing, editing, and everyday life, it’s been a wonderfully busy season.
First, a huge thank you to everyone who has been reading and sharing Trial by Fire! Seeing Shayla’s story find readers has been such a thrill. If you haven’t jumped into Richmond Academy yet, Book One is available now on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
And I’m excited to share that Trial by Sea is coming June 23, 2026—and the countdown is officially on!
Trial by Sea – Richmond Academy Book 2
The Phoenix has risen… but the tide is coming in.Shayla thought the worst was behind her. After surviving her first year at Richmond Academy, she’s no longer the girl who can’t control her spark. She’s a Phoenix Guardian in training, stronger and steadier than ever.But as her relationship with Georgios deepens, so do the complications.Georgios has secrets of his own—secrets tied to a mermaid heritage that demands a price Shayla isn’t sure they can pay. When they’re drawn into a series of deadly underwater trials, their trust is pushed to the breaking point.
With a charismatic new rival determined to come between them and the Academy’s dark secrets rising to the surface, Shayla must master her powers before they’re extinguished forever.
Perfect for readers who love fated mates, elemental magic, supernatural academies, and slow-burn romance.
And because apparently I enjoy keeping myself busy—in the best way—I’ve officially started writing Trial by Earth, which will be releasing this August 2026! It’s been so much fun diving into the next stage of Shayla’s journey, and outlining the later Richmond Academy books as the series continues to grow. What originally started as a shorter plan is shaping into a full five-book series, and I’m so excited to keep building this world through the rest of the year.
Outside of Richmond Academy, I’ve also been editing several new stories coming later this year—including another installment in the Seasons of Magic anthologies.
Seasons of Magic: Spring is still available for only .99¢ on Amazon and also in Kindle Unlimited!
My story “Magical Matchmaking” is part of the anthology—a fun little romantic fantasy about a clumsy witch whose attempt to cast a spell to find true love definitely goes sideways… and somehow lands her face-to-face with exactly the wrong person: a very handsome mundane who absolutely does not believe in magic.
And later this year, Seasons of Magic: Summer will be arriving—and I’ll have another short story in that anthology to share with you soon.On the non-writing side of life… I’m still dealing with the dreaded frozen shoulder and all the glamorous fun that comes with PT. It still sounds completely made up every time I say it, but apparently it’s very real and very stubborn. The good news is it does seem to be improving—very slowly, very steadily—with lots of physical therapy and patience. Right now PT is on the calendar through August, and I’ll also have another shoulder shot in July, so I’m crossing my fingers and hoping for continued progress and a lot more movement soon.
In the meantime, books are still the bright spot, and I have a bunch of exciting reads and deals from other authors to share with you this week.
As always—thank you so much for reading, supporting indie authors, and sharing books you love.
Happy Reading,Wendy
Image description
A unicorn walks into a bar….


That is not a joke. Look, I’m a bartender, I have nothing to do with the xenos. I don’t care if it’s an elf or a vampire—as long as they don’t bother me, I steer clear. I have my reasons—you can see them in the scars on my neck. I never wanted to get involved. But my life changed for the second time when I saved the life of a unicorn. I made an enemy of something old—old and evil, and whatever it was, it’ll be back for another try. I also made a friend when I decided to help March. He’s only been a human man for a day. I’m responsible for him now. He’s my friend…and maybe something more. Maybe a lot more. It doesn’t matter to me that he isn’t magical anymore. I don’t care if he’s not PURE.
But he does.
From best-selling author Kim Alexander, a modern fairy tale of magic, love, and redemption.
GET HERE




Image description
A scandalous earl. A not-so-wicked stepmother. One kiss could ruin everything—or change it all.


Once labeled the wicked stepmother by a certain glass-slipper-wearing royal, Lady Margot Ashbourne has no interest in fairy tales—or second chances. Twice widowed and socially exiled, she’s focused on repairing her crumbling estate and staying far away from courtly nonsense.
But when the scandal-plagued and sharp-witted Earl of Raventhorn arrives offering help with her renovations—and perhaps more—Margot’s carefully ordered life is thrown into delightful disarray.
What begins as reluctant collaboration turns into verbal sparring, ballroom mischief, and one disastrous kiss that sets the ton ablaze with gossip. Suddenly, Margot is back in the spotlight she never wanted, and this time, love might just be the most dangerous risk of all.
This Regency-era romantic comedy blends wit, warmth, and a refreshingly mature heroine with a biting sense of humor. Perfect for fans of:
Midlife romance with sharp banter
Fairy tale retellings with a twist
Slow-burn chemistry and ballroom scandal
Redemption arcs for misunderstood women
Bridgerton meets Persuasion with sass
GET IT FREE




Image description
He’s my best friend’s older brother. I’m not the same girl I was last summer.


Age-Gap Insta-love Romance between A college girl and her best friend’s older brother. 
Ryker St. Thomas is my forbidden love. He always has been. My best friend’s brother, who just got back from a year long trek through Europe, shows up in our small town for summer vacation. Last time I saw him, I was just a dorky eighteen year old – now I’m a woman.
This time I’m not losing my chance to confess my love and I only have a week to do it.
I just can’t let my bestie find out.

Almost Off-Limits is a steamy age-gap forbidden love romance novella that’s light on plot and heavy on heat. Get ready for over the top insta-love, filthy forbidden trysts, and a super-sweet happily ever after.

The Briarwood Falls series feature stand-alone erotic romance novellas that can be enjoyed in any order.
READ FOR FREE KU
Image description
Can she collect enough fragments of her past before the nightmarish figure from her dreams catches up with her?


If you enjoy escaping into enchanting worlds full of adventure, mystery, magic, and with a hint of romance, then pick up this story today and find yourself lost in the magical land of Phildeterre. (This is a clean novel appropriate for all ages).
As she wakes up in a bedroom she doesn’t recognize, Ellayne becomes increasingly aware of one thing: she has no memories—no identity—no name. Dark figures not only haunt her nightmares, but also stalk her in reality. Ellayne finds herself on the run, chased by a hooded archer with deadly aim.

When the source of her memory loss is uncovered, Ellayne and the companions she’s made along the way must find a way to reverse the damage done to her by magic before she loses her memories again.
GET FOR FREE

Now available + what’s next in the series 

May is here, and it’s already full of stories to fall into.

Seasons of the Year – Spring is now out and available on Amazon and KU (links below)! My story, Magical Matching, is part of this collection, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you. It follows a clumsy witch who casts a spell looking for love, actually finds it… and then has to figure out how to keep it. It’s magical, messy, and full of heart—everything I love about spring stories.

Also out now…

Trial By Fire is officially live on Amazon and KU!

This first book in the Richmond Academy series (part of the Mystical Society world) follows Shayla, a phoenix shifter who can’t shift, sent to an academy in Virginia where she’s expected to learn—no matter what. There’s pressure, friendship, magic, and plenty of twists as she starts finding her own strength and place in the world.

And behind the scenes, I’m already deep into Book 2: Trial by Sea, coming later this year. I’m hard at work writing it now, and I have to say—the cover is absolutely stunning. I can’t wait to show it to you.

Even more exciting… what started as a three-book plan is now looking like it may grow into a five-book series. I’m completely thrilled about this, because it means more time with these characters, more stories to tell, and more adventures at Richmond Academy. It also means I’ll be happily busy writing in this world through this year and into next.

On the real-life side, I’m still working through PT for the “frozen shoulder”—which still sounds completely fake, but is very real. I’m putting in the work to “unfreeze” it, even if I’d love a magical shortcut (sadly, those don’t exist outside of books). For now, it’s time, physical therapy, and a lot of patience… plus learning not to overdo it, which apparently makes it worse. Not my favorite lesson, but I’m getting there.

Through it all, I’m still writing, still building new stories, and still excited for everything coming next.

And of course, I’ve gathered up more exciting books, new releases, and deals from other authors below—because there’s always room for one more story on your list.

Happy Early Mother’s Day to all!

Happy Reading,
Wendy

Amazon

Amazon

Big week ahead—new stories, new worlds, and more to read ✨🔥

This week is bringing all the spring energy—and I have something new coming your way!

Seasons of the Year – Spring releases this Friday, and my story, Magical Matching, is part of the collection. I can’t wait for you to read this one. It follows a clumsy witch who casts a spell looking for love, actually finds it… and then has to figure out how to keep it. It’s magical, a little chaotic, and full of heart—very much a perfect spring story.

If you haven’t grabbed it yet, Spring Fling is still out and available on Amazon (link below). This spicy why-choose romance anthology includes my story about a woman ready for something new… who ends up with not one, but two very tempting men—because really, why choose?

And in case you missed it last week…

Trial By Fire is officially out!

This first book in the Richmond Academy series (part of the Mystical Society world) follows Shayla, a phoenix shifter who can’t shift, sent to an academy in Virginia where she’s expected to learn—no matter what. There’s pressure, friendship, magic, and plenty of twists as she starts to find her own strength.

Even more exciting—I’m now working on Book 2: Trial by Sea, coming later this year. The cover is absolutely beautiful, and I cannot wait to share it with you soon.

Behind the scenes, I’m still deep in multiple writing projects for later this year, and I’m loving every minute of it. There are so many stories in the works, and I’m excited for everything that’s ahead.

On the real-life side… I’m still in physical therapy after a visit to ortho, and it turns out I have something called a frozen shoulder—which sounds completely made up, but is unfortunately very real. My left shoulder is dealing with that plus some arthritis (zero stars, do not recommend). It’s going to take months of PT (and yes, a very memorable giant shot) to get things moving again—but I’m putting in the work and looking forward to getting back to normal.

In the meantime, I’ve got plenty of stories to keep me company—and hopefully, you too.

As always, I’ve included new releases and book shares from other authors below so you can find your next great read.

Happy Reading,
Wendy

Get your FREE copy of Off The Map

She’s an ADHD sky-courier who files reports no one reads. He’s been sent to confirm a ghost island doesn’t exist. The island has ruins, warm stone, and a conspiracy that should have stayed buried.

Stranded together for three days with no way off, she maps the truth in charcoal and he falls for the way her mind moves. An ancient bond hums between them. Neither of them asked for it. Neither of them is walking away.

Grumpy/sunshine. Fated mates. He falls first. Open door. ADHD named on page.

Nothing is fixed. Everything is found.

Can she collect enough fragments of her past before the nightmarish figure from her dreams catches up with her?

Get your FREE copy of Curse of Infiniti (Book 1)

If you enjoy escaping into enchanting worlds full of adventure, mystery, magic, and with a hint of romance, then pick up this story today and find yourself lost in the magical land of Phildeterre. (This is a clean novel appropriate for all ages.

As she wakes up in a bedroom she doesn’t recognize, Ellayne becomes increasingly aware of one thing: she has no memories—no identity—no name. Dark figures not only haunt her nightmares, but also stalk her in reality. Ellayne finds herself on the run, chased by a hooded archer with deadly aim.

When the source of her memory loss is uncovered, Ellayne and the companions she’s made along the way must find a way to reverse the damage done to her by magic before she loses her memories again.

Get your FREE copy of A Season for Living

A Regency Romance of Love, Loss, and Choosing to Truly Live

Lady Charlotte Ashworth has spent her life doing everything right—managing her family’s crumbling estate, raising her younger sister, and sacrificing her own dreams without regret.

Until the day she’s told she’s dying.

With only months left, Charlotte makes a bold decision: she will give her sister the perfect Season… and in the stolen moments between duty and goodbye, she will finally live for herself. Champagne, scandal, and reckless choices become her new companions—and for the first time, she refuses to fade quietly into the background.

Marcus Hale, Viscount and physician, sees what others do not. Beneath Charlotte’s dazzling transformation lies a truth he cannot ignore—and a woman he cannot forget. As their connection deepens into something undeniable, Marcus is faced with an impossible choice: respect her wishes… or fight for a future she no longer believes she has.

But love, like life, is not so easily surrendered.

As time runs out and hearts are laid bare, Charlotte must decide—will she spend her final days saying goodbye… or risk everything for a chance at more?

New release week—Trial By Fire is here! 🔥

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.

Amazon

Everywhere Else

Version 1.0.0

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.

Amazon

Amazon

Hello April

Hello April—and hello to a whole new month of stories.
This week feels like one of those milestone moments—the kind where everything you’ve been working toward finally starts arriving.Because… Spring Fling is officially out!
This spicy why-choose romance anthology is now live, and I’m so excited to share it with you. If you’re in the mood for heat, tension, and stories that don’t make you choose, this one is ready and waiting.And we’re just getting started.
Coming up next is Trial by Fire, releasing on April 21, 2026.This YA Academy story follows a phoenix shifter who can’t shift—and is sent to Richmond Academy in Virginia to learn how. Between new friendships, unexpected challenges, and a few dangerous twists, this story is full of growth, discovery, and just enough fire to keep things interesting. I can’t wait for you to step into this world.
Right behind that…
Wheel of the Year: Spring releases on May 1, 2026, featuring my Beltane story. This one is a little different—a witch story about a clumsy caster who sets her magic (and her heart) into motion while searching for love… and then has to figure out how to hold onto it once she finds it. It’s messy, magical, and very spring.
Behind the scenes, I’m still writing and building more stories for later this year—because apparently my brain doesn’t believe in slowing down.I also started physical therapy for my shoulder this week. It’s been a bit of a challenge (turns out “locked shoulder” is no joke), but I’m working through it and focusing on getting back to full strength. Slow progress is still progress—and I’ll take it.
And of course, I’ve gathered up more new releases and book shares from other authors for you to check out below—because there’s always room for one more story on the list.
So if you’re looking for something new to dive into… I’ve got you covered.
Happy Reading,
WendyImage description

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.Available this April!BUY IT HERE
Image description

Trial by Fire: A Mystical Society Academy Book

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.Perfect for fans of magical academies, hidden powers, slow-burn romance, and found family, this addictive YA fantasy is ideal for readers who love powerful heroines, emotional journeys, and unforgettable bonds.
Pre-Order Now- Available April 21, 2026!