Elissa Sussman received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College and in a previous life managed animators and organized spreadsheets at some of the best animation studios in the world, including Nickelodeon, Disney, DreamWorks, and Sony Imageworks. You can find her name in the credits of The Croods, Hotel Transylvania, The Princess and the Frog, and Tangled. She lives in Los Angeles with her boyfriend and their rescue dog, Basil. Stray is her first novel.
One & Only (2026) Maurene Goo "Maurene Goo dazzles in her adult debut. One & Only sparkles with Goo's signature wit, with magic threaded throughout this romantic, wholly original story. It asks the big questions - is true love fated? How much control do we have in our lives? Is there a *right* choice? Readers will want to curl up, and spend a whole weekend with this engaging read - that is if you don't read it all in one sitting! Goo deftly weaves a swoon-worthy story that's brimming with heart. It doesn't shy away from the tougher topics of grief, but it is, at its core, an absolute delight of a novel."
Rose in Chains (2025) (Evermore Trilogy, book 1) Julie Soto "A sexy, tension-filled ride. Weaving magic, romance and adventure, Rose in Chains is something special, and every page has you wanting more. Get lost in Soto's world, if you dare."
The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy (2025) (Dearly Beloathed, book 1) Brigitte Knightley "Brigitte Knightley's debut is a delicious enemies-to-lovers feast with the slowest of slow burns. Readers will lose themselves in her superb world-building and confident prose. Utterly unique and delightful, The Irresistible Urge To Fall For Your Enemy is the perfect romantasy for those who like their villains (and heroes) with a touch of murder, thievery, and questionable morals. The banter is top notch, and nothing like I've ever read. A must-read for fans of Terry Pratchett and Leigh Bardugo. Sexy and hilarious with dry-as-bone humor, Knightley's writing is not to be missed."
Back After This (2025) Linda Holmes "Back After This is a sweetheart of a novel - fun and warm, full of Linda Holmes's signature charm. You'll sink into this story and never want it to end. The dialogue is sweet and snappy, and the characters so real you could touch them. There's so much to love in this book: dreamy men who do backflips, found family, the perfect revenge, and an adorable dog. What more could a reader want?"
Libby Lost and Found (2024) Stephanie Booth "Libby Lost and Found is a hilarious and heart wrenching debut. Stephanie Booth delivers a charming story of friendship, fandom, and love through the most unreliable of narrators - the titular Libby and her devoted, hilarious disciple, Peanut. Every chapter pulls you deeper into this unexpected narrative, brimming with affection and care. Utterly unique and engrossing, Libby Lost and Found is a must-read for anyone who loves getting lost in a good book."
Meet the Benedettos (2023) Katie Cotugno "Meet the Benedettos is a smart, sharp, sisterly take on Pride and Prejudice. Katie Cotugno writes with such precision, giving each character a chance to shine, while still giving readers what they want - smoldering, unshakeable chemistry between Elisabetta and Darcy. It's hot and fun and modern, a must-read."
Witch of Wild Things (2023) (Wild Magic , book 1) Raquel Vasquez Gilliland "Raquel Vasquez Gilliland's adult debut is spooky, sexy and magical. Witch of Wild Things is a perfect mix of magical realism and swoony romance, with a fair amount of family drama and love. You'll fall in love with the Flores sisters in this cozy, wonderful novel."
Business or Pleasure (2023) Rachel Lynn Solomon "Business or Pleasure is an absolute pleasure, full stop. This funny, delightful book will pull you in from the first page - a big-hearted celebration of sex, consent, and love. Rachel Lynn Solomon knows exactly how to crank up the heat, and the chemistry between Chandler and Finn is hot hot hot. Solomon's voice shines in this sex-positive rom-com."
Will They or Won't They (2023) Ava Wilder "Will They or Won't They crackles with sexual tension. Readers will be on the edges of their seats waiting for Lilah and Shane to Just Kiss Already. Ava Wilder is a master of anticipation and satisfaction."
The Daydreams (2023) Laura Hankin "A delicious behind-the-scenes look at stardom and the scars it leaves behind. Part mystery, part soap opera, all fun - this delightful book will give you a jolt of nostalgia while dispensing insightful commentary about being a young woman in the spotlight."
