Jun 26, 2026 | 2026, Angela Casella, Authors Dish, Blog, Blye Donovan, Gwen Parks, June 2026, Nikki Davenport, SaSS26 Richmond
Welcome to Authors Dish featuring authors and industry professionals attending the 10th Anniversary Sexy and SaSSY 2026 Signing in Richmond, Virginia. If you are joining us for all the bookish fun or just traveling over the summer we hope their tips or packing ideas are helpful no matter where your travels take you. If you are heading to #SaSS26 next month please don’t forget to pre-order your books early to guarantee your books are waiting for you (details and links can be found on the facebook group page.) If you are bringing your favorites from home don’t forget to make room for all the extra bookish stuff you’ll find while you are in Richmond. May these posts inspire you to shop early, make your lists, and triple check so you are prepared for just about anything.
Thank you to all who have dished and those yet and soon to featured. Stay tuned for more comments and be sure to follow the blog so you don’t miss these posts.
Grab a cuppa and join Authors Gwen Parks, Blye Donovan, Angela Casella, and Nikki Davenport.
Rae: What genre(s) do you write and what are you currently working on?
Gwen: contemporary romance. Working on book 3 of my enemies to lovers trilogy. Book one released June, and Book 2 releases July 24.
Blye: I write romantic suspense and am currently working on book 2 in a military romantic suspense series. Plus, I’m launching a new pen name J.B. Donovan this summer with my first paranormal romance!
Angela: I write romantic comedies. I just finished up my Babes of Brewing series of interconnected romances, and my next series launches in September with Falling for Mr. October, a fall fake dating romcom about the internet-famous Shirtless Chef, who hides out at his childhood friend’s farm after his face is revealed on camera. There’s fake dating, fall festivities, and a romance book club at the retirement home where the heroine works (complete with the D0ng of Discussion, which they pass to the person who’s talking).
Right now I’m writing my Christmas book, Kissing Mr. Mistletoe, the follow-up to Mr. October, and also a super-secret project!
Nikki: I write steamy contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Think royal romance reimagined in an all-Black, Wakanda-meets-Bridgerton universe. My Crown & Heart series is perfect for readers who crave high-stakes passion and intrigue, where love isn’t the only thing at risk and every choice can change a kingdom.
Right now, I’m working on Healing Reign with fan-favorite second-in-command Cenn. Still rebuilding after loss, she finds herself fake dating a widowed ER doctor from a gloriously complicated family. She’s stubbornly self-reliant, but she’s no match for a man who’s determined to treasure her exactly as she is.
Rae: What is your favorite decade?
Gwen: I’m a millennial, so the 90’s have to be my fav.
Blye: I’m an 80s baby and a 90s kid. The 90s will always be my favorite. I mean . . . boy bands, no cellphones, and so many good movies and tv shows. Can’t beat it.
Angela: The 1980s. I MAY have convinced my daughter to choose the 1980s American Girl Doll, Courtney, because I was obsessed with all of her accessories. She has one of those transparent phones we were all obsessed with!
Nikki: Depends on the category!
Music? The ’80s.
Fashion? The ’60s.
Rae: What five things do you have to pack when attending a conference?
Gwen: My Banner, My books, and a good outfit.
Blye: Oh gosh, there are so many things, but five that I can think of off the top of my head are, 1. table decor because I love decorating my space, 2. books (because, yeah, lol), 3. a blazer—it’s kind of my signature “Blye” look for signings, 4. stickers because I’m kind of obsessed with them and have tons as
swag, and lastly . . . is it bad if I say Prosecco?
because usually it’s a girls trip and that’s a requirement, lol.
Angela:
Books. If I forget those, people will be mad at me.
Warm clothes – I’m basically a reptile, and I get cold in conference rooms.
Freebies – I love giving away bookmarks, stickers, and other fun stuff
My sister as my assistant – She’s way better at promoting me than I am 
Lip gloss – I can’t go five seconds without it
Nikki:
-
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Business cards and postcards
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A mini rechargeable fan (because conference rooms have trust issues)
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My pocket apron—it keeps all the important things within reach
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My trusty Dr. Grip pen for signing books
Rae: What is your snack attack must haves in your day bag?
Gwen: Anything chocolate or a bottle of water.
Blye: I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and have to be careful with what I eat, but I’m obsessed with peanut butter. I eat it everyday. It’s my favorite snack, especially with an apple or some grapes.
Angela: PRETZEL GOLDFISH. They’re kind of disgusting, and I’m obsessed with them.
Nikki: Salty chocolate or sour gummy bears. When it comes to emergency provisions, my sweet tooth refuses to choose sides.
Rae: What’s the one thing you forget to pack and swear to remember next time?
Gwen: My business cards.
Blye: Throat lozenges. I forget how loud convention rooms can be and how much you can strain your voice talk
Angela: I always need to bring a sweater, because I get freezing in conference rooms no matter how warm it is outside. I also always promise myself I’m going to be more organized next time. (I am never more organized next time.)
Nikki: A second microfiber bath sheet. I always travel with my own, but I somehow never remember to pack a second one for the pool. Every trip, same conversation with myself.
Thank you so much authors! If you are an attending author or industry professional and you want to join in on the fun please e-mail me and we’ll be sure to add you on a future post!
I’ll be keeping a running list and will post a master packing list a week before #SaSS26 Richmond. I’ll see you soon for new authors and more ideas!
Gwen Parks is a reader first and a writer second. She started reading young adult books during middle school and started writing during high school. Her first forms of work were poems and lyrics for songs, that are currently unpublished.
Barnes and Noble is considered her home away from home, and when she has the chance she visits as often as she can. She is fascinated in a world where couples can overcome the hardest of obstacles and the tragic hero sweeps his leading lady off her feet. What she enjoys the most is a good plot twist, which inspired her to start writing her own stories. Currently, her favorite books are We Were Once by S. L. Scott and Altercation by Mignon Mykel.
In her downtime, she relaxes at home with her family in Maryland, discovering new books and playing with her Pomeranian pup. Her biggest dream is to have a book signing to meet any fans of hers. Sleep is her favorite pastime because it always evades her when her mind is running a mile a minute with new book ideas.
Find Gwen Here:
Tiktok
IG
Facebook
Website
Blye Donovan is a military brat and a veteran. She lives in the lowcountry of South Carolina with her wonderfully supportive husband, who doesn’t complain when she ignores him for hours on end, and their fluffy companion dog, who forces her to leave the writing cave for sunshine and fresh air. When she’s not feeding her addictions to peanut butter, coffee, or shoes, she writes pulse-pounding romantic suspense books. Her characters typically include alpha protectors and strong heroines overcoming dangerous villains, while finding love along the journey. Familiar tropes in her stories are forced proximity, woman on the run, and grumpy/sunshine.
Find Blye here: All the links
ANGELA CASELLA is a romcom fanatic. Writing them, reading them, watching them—she’s greedy, and she does it all. In addition to her solo releases, she was lucky enough to collaborate with Denise Grover Swank on three complete series.
She lives in Asheville, NC. Her hobbies include herding her daughter toward less dangerous activities, trying to trick her corgis into behaving, the aforementioned
romcom addiction, and dreaming of a self-cleaning house.
Find Angela here:
website or Angela and Denise’s shared website
Facebook
Instagram
Nikki Davenport writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense with Wakanda-meets-Bridgerton energy. Her Crown & Heart series unfolds in a lush, all-Black universe where queens are elected, the Elite Guard is fiercely protective, and love is never the only thing at stake.
Known for emotionally rich stories, high-stakes passion, and deeply loyal heroes, Nikki creates worlds centered on Black love, Black joy, and the bonds of family—both chosen and inherited. Her stories blend romance, intrigue, and unapologetic hope, with characters who fight fiercely for love and legacy.
A breast cancer survivor and dragon boat paddler, Nikki lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, a snarky teen, and two spoiled feline overlords. She is rarely without an audiobook, a podcast, or plans for her next happily ever after.
All the links to find Nikki: Linktree
Jun 26, 2026 | 2026, Blog, Gwyn McNamee, June 2026
Once again I was happily held captive by a Gwyn McNamee book. The McBride brothers, their mountain, and the secrets they’ve worked years to keep. Readers…this book tugged at my heart. Perfectly paced plot, well-developed character arc, banter, dirty talk, and so much more. While this is the third and final installment in the McBride Brother Lumberjack Series it can be read as a standalone. But why read one mountain man book when you can enjoy three. No this is not a why choose.. each brother has a story to share and thanks to their muse they received their own book.
Raven Perry is feisty, fearless, and determined to uncover the facts and report the truth. Hopefully it won’t destroy the McBride family and everyone else she cares about.
Connor McBride has spent too many years consumed with guilt and living with unimaginable pain. A protector to his core he won’t rest until everyone he cares about is out of harms way and safe from the wolves that are hunting them.
It’s time for these former friends to stop the sparing, resolve their differences, and end the verbal sparring. The tension is heavy, the air charged. One spark between them will ignite a fire that’s been smoldering for years. If they don’t find a way to do something about the building tension between them they will risk burning down the entire mountain. Can they find a way to trust each other and discover how they really feel…how they’ve always felt? Once they sort that out they can move on and talk about what happened that night all those years ago. Maybe then they won’t be stuck in the past and can find a way to build a future together.
Unfortunately time is running out to uncover secrets buried because the mountain always protects its own. In order to pursue the truth Raven and Connor will need to survive the hunt. Will their efforts save those they love or will they become another casualty?
If you are looking for a book with one dirty talking mountain man, a little mystery, a dash of suspense, and plenty of spice…add this to your shelf or e-reader! For those who are sad to see this series come to a close fear not, I don’t think the mountain is ready to say goodbye. Alas, the only way you will find out those delicious details is to read and find out.
Always honest, always my own, and thankful to Gwyn McNamee for a gifted e-arc (advance reader copy.)
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Jun 23, 2026 | 2026, Blog, Heather Frances, June 2026
Chase Me If You Can by Debut Author Heather Frances. Inside you’ll find:
🌪️ down bad MMC
⚡️ just one car
🌪️ characters in their 30s
⚡️ child free HEA
🌪️ women in male dominated fields
⚡️ men in backwards baseball hats
🌪️ a pathetic amount of yearning
⚡️ rivals to lovers
🌪️ shower selfies
⚡️ yelling at tornadoes
It’s tornado season and two storm chasers are on a quest to win the ultimate award. A magazine cover featuring the winning photograph. The race is on for the money shot.
Sloane Michaels and Wes Talbot have six weeks to change their lives. The season is unpredictable, family expectations and obligations impact their choices, and sacrifices must be made.
Will the thrill of the chase keep Sloane and Wes from figuring out what’s brewing between them? Two rivals will be forced to face their fears and admit what they really want. It’s time to ride straight into the epicenter of the storm.
One second can be the difference between life and death. This is an on-the-edge-of-your seat story as two rivals drive into a storm they never expected. Who falls first? Plenty of banter, chemistry, spice, and a plot arc that kept me reading until the last page.
Are you a storm junkie? Love to follow the weather forecast? If you are a romance reader looking for your next book adventure – put this spicy read on your list now! A captivating debut from an author I can’t wait to read more of!
Always honest, always my own, and thankful to Berkley Publishing for a gifted e-arc.
Q: Would you drive into a tornado and risk it all?
Jun 23, 2026 | 2026, Authors Dish, Blog, CJ Barlowe, CJ Warrant, June 2026, M.M. Rees, Nata, Natalina Reis, Theresa Sederholt
Welcome to Authors Dish featuring authors and industry professionals attending the 10th Anniversary Sexy and SaSSY 2026 Signing in Richmond, Virginia. If you are joining us for all the bookish fun or just traveling over the summer we hope their tips or packing ideas are helpful no matter where your travels take you. If you are heading to #SaSS26 next month please don’t forget to pre-order your books early to guarantee your books are waiting for you (details and links can be found on the facebook group page.) If you are bringing your favorites from home don’t forget to make room for all the extra bookish stuff you’ll find while you are in Richmond. May these posts inspire you to shop early, make your lists, and triple check so you are prepared for just about anything.
Thank you to all who have dished and those yet and soon to featured. Stay tuned for more comments and be sure to follow the blog so you don’t miss these posts.
To kick off our series today in the cafe are authors Theresa Sederholt, M.M. Rees, CJ Warrant/ CJ Barlowe, and Natalina Bell.
Rae: What genre(s) do you write and what are you currently working on?
Theresa: I write historical romance in a variety of periods. I’ve written everything from medieval to Georgian to Regency to Victorian. I am currently working on Gem of My Heart, a mid-Victorian romance that is book 5 of my Welwyn Marriage Wager series for Dragonblade Publishing. The premise of the series is that the Duke of Welwyn has wagered his six grandsons that they cannot all get married within a year. If they do, each receives landed estates, carriages, and a 10,000 pound cash prize. If all six do not get married, then no of them win, even if the others have married. In book 5, the hero very desperately wants to marry the woman he’s in love with, however, she’s his mistress and refuses to marry him because of the scandal it will bring down on the hero’s family and the fear it will estrange the hero from them (including his twin brother) forever. So he has to convince her that his family will accept her. However, he doesn’t know the secret she’s been keeping from him that may make their marriage completely unacceptable.
M.M: Primarily Romantasy/Fantasy Romance, though I do have an urban fantasy story on the waaay back burner. I’m supposed to be writing book 4 in my series, Lightbound, but the MMC is being incredibly stubborn, so I’m focusing on some shorts set in the same world as my series so I don’t lose my mojo. They’re backstories or scenes that I couldn’t squeeze into the novels and a couple of stand alone stories.
CJ: The genre I write in are Dark Romantic Thrillers under CJ Warrant and MM Romance under CJ Barlowe
Natalina: I write romance but in various subgenres such as romantic fantasy, romantic comedy, dystopian, and MM PNR. I am currently working on a F/M romantic fantasy with definite dystopian characteristics titled Blood of One.
Rae: What is your favorite decade?
Theresa: For writing or just for fun? For writing my favorite period is actually Georgian, 1760-1770. Lots of swordplay and dueling that’s fun to write. For fun, my favorite decade is the 1950s. Poodle skirts, dance crazes, and an innocence that also dripped sensuality. Grease meets Hairspray meets West Side Story (not to mention American Graffiti and Happy Days)
M.M: I rather enjoyed the 90’s. Maybe it’s because the internet was still kind of new and there was room to breathe without addictive social media and apps, but I also really enjoyed the lifestyle of my late teens.
CJ: 80’s of course.
Natalina: Tough question. I was once a medieval reenactor so my “favorite” decade goes way back, lol. But I always thought WWII era was amazing (if you can take the war out of the equation, I mean) with truly revolutionary music, great fashion and hair styles, and a time of immense creativity born of need during a very difficult time in history. But every era has its positive points as much as negative.
Rae: What five things do you have to pack when attending a conference?
Theresa: Swag, make-up, special signing pen, electric kettle, English Breakfast tea.
M.M: I’ve yet to travel outside Virginia for a conference, but these are the things I’d absolutely take from by box of signing gear.
1. “Joe” the crochet turtle. My bestie, Joani, made it and it’s a little like having her along with me.
2. QR codes for the digital versions of my books. For every paperback reader, I swear there’s a digital reader bestie along for the fun.
3. My markers. Because duh.
4. Fidgets. I never know what to do with my hands so having something to fiddle with helps my anxiety.
5. A little bit of swag. Gotta have some goodies to give away!
CJ: Books, swags, banners, clipboard for new subscribers, money
Natalina: A good book or two, a crossword puzzle book, my laptop, scotch tape, and scissors.
Rae: What is your snack attack must haves in your day bag?
Theresa: Well, since I’m both gluten and lactose free, I have very specific snacks and food I have to take (because no one supplies either at conferences). Gluten free bread and peanut butter, Naten’s GF Madeleines, GF crackers and Cabot cheese slices, apple slices, and I’ve just discovered Drizzlicious rice cakes! A must have from now on.
M.M: Coffee and water are the obvious ones, but I like to have jerky, hummus, and crackers on hand. Maybe some dried fruit if I’m feeling extra. lol
CJ: Books, swags, banners, clipboard for new subscribers, money
Natalina: Nuts or trailer mix and a banana (just realized that combination sounds dirty, lol)
Rae: What’s the one thing you forget to pack and swear to remember next time?
Theresa: A sewing kit! It used to be a glue gun, but I do remember that one now.
M.M: This is a general issue for any kind of travel I do, so I know it would apply; a goddamn toothbrush. Somehow it never makes it in the bag and I have to hit a convenience store.
CJ: My table banners.
Natalina: I bought this phoenix business card holder especially for events but I keep forgetting to bring with me.
Thank you so much authors! If you are an attending author or industry professional and you want to join in on the fun please e-mail me and we’ll be sure to add you on a future post!
I’ll be keeping a running list and will post a master packing list a week before #SaSS26 Richmond. I’ll see you soon for new authors and more ideas!
If you love going on adventures of the mind and heart, then you’re in good company. I’m Theresa Sederholt, and my passion lies in writing stories that connect to those that have withstood dramatic, personal experiences. I want to bring awareness and understanding by dealing with subject matter that is intimidating to navigate, and I do this across multiple genres. On the flip side, I also like to whip up a steamy romance sprinkled with suspense that keeps you guessing until the end. Who doesn’t want happiness with a twist? When I’m not writing, I’m cooking with my amazing husband or spoiling my dogs. These days, you can also find me exploring the beauty of the Arizona desert.
Find Theresa here
About M.M. Rees
Website
Instagram
TikTok
Bluesky
Best Selling Author of Dark Romantic Thrillers, CJ Warrant was born an overseas Army brat, in a Korean Italian household, but settled in the states at five. Her alter ego is CJ Barlowe, who writes MM romance.
CJ had a career in the beauty industry, a wonderful supportive hubby, three grown kids and a pet mom to two cats and a crazy little corgi. When CJ’s not writing, she hangs with her family, bake, or just chilling with a book and coffee.Social media links.
Facebook
Facebook Groups
Instagram CJ Warrant
Tiktok CJ Warrant
Facebook CJ Barlowe
Facebook Group CJ Barlowe
Instagram CJ Barlowe
Tiktok CJ Barlowe
Natalina has normally two or three books going at the same time. She might be reading a physical copy of a romantasy, listening to a rom-com during her commute, and carrying an e-reader with her just in case she feels like reading a mystery while she has coffee or waits in a doctor’s office.
Which of course, explains why you will find such a variety of romance sub-genres and pairings under her name. She loves writing all kinds of rebels and outcasts into her stories and she always roots for the underdog.
She speaks five languages (six, if you count sarcasm), unwisely keeps adding books to her towering TBR pile, and doesn’t believe in a life without coffee.
She could easily live on bananas and lobster (probably not at the same time) if that was an option and she has an irrational love for technology, puzzles, and crochet.
When she’s not writing, reading, or crocheting a chicken (don’t ask), you’ll find her watching British mysteries or Chinese period fantasy shows. Possibly while eating cashews…
Amazon
FB
Website/Blog
BookBub
IG
Jun 21, 2026 | 2026, Blog, June 2026, Kate Meader, Last Now Next, Regina Kyle, Sawyer Bennett
𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 by Regina Kyle
✔ Road Trip
✔ Formula 1
✔ One Bed
✔ Coworkers
✔ Pining
✔ Opposites
✔ Slow Burn
A plane detour, two colleagues, and an unexpected road trip adventure.
Kip Charmichael is predictable, organized, plans, and fills his calendar with plenty of color-coded boxes.
Hutch Hutchinson is a free spirit, has no filter, is always ready to let the roads lead him on a new adventure, and no filter.
A spicy formula 1 MM romance that is filled with adventure, travel mishaps, car karaoke, and a questionable cell service. Get your playlist ready, fill the gas tank, and please be sure to charge your devices.
It’s time to buckle up and be thankful that you have a very handy travel buddy because the rental car is a bit temperamental. Be sure to pay attention to the road, check your directions, and figure out how to control your feelings when you find yourself out in the middle of nowhere in a room with one bed.
𝓕𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮
“I’m not the one treating continental Europe like a choose-your-own-adventure.”
Always honest, always my own, and thankful to Regina Kyle for a gifted e-arc.
🅽🅾🆆
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 @katemeader
✔ Accidentally married…but she already has a boyfriend!
✔ Second Chances
✔ Sports Agent FMC
✔ Russian Hockey Player MMC
✔ Best friend’s sister energy
✔ Right Person, Wrong Time
✔ A touch of blackmail
✔ “It’s Always Been You” energy
I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you as soon as I finish!
🅽🅴🆇🆃
𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞: 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 @sawyerbennett123
✔ Second Chance Romance
✔ Bodyguard/Security Romance
✔ Investigative Journalist Heroine
✔ Alpha Protector Hero
✔ Forced Proximity
✔ Ex-Military Hero
✔ Touch her and ☠️
💭
𝗤: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗡𝗼𝘄, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀?
Jun 17, 2026 | 2026, Blog, June 2026, Shana Galen
A Shop Girls Guide to Wooing a Lord by Shana Galen is the first in a new series that is captivating and leaves you craving more. There is nothing more charming than falling in love with characters who will do anything for those they love. The world building is captivating and draws you in allowing you to feel swept up into the story walking alongside the characters and experiencing everything right along with them.
Tamsin Archer will do anything to save her siblings and rescue them. When she befriends Garret Kildare he’s a Navy veteran who sees something in her that draws him into finding purpose.
A kiss, kindness from a stranger, a confession, and a rescue operation that takes us on a grand adventure. If you enjoy historical romances with a great plot and character arc, some spice, and lots of excitement sorting through will they or won’t they….go read this.
I first discovered Shana Galen over a decade ago and after all these years her books are still a satisfying read.
Always honest, always my own, and thankful to Berkley Publishing for a gifted e-arc.
