First Draft Done

I’m thrilled to share that the first draft of my newest historical romance is complete! This story follows a mute princess with a passion for poetry, who, disguised as a boy, sneaks into a play. To her astonishment, the playwright has used one of her poems as the centerpiece of his work, unaware of her identity. The playwright, a prince in hiding within her kingdom, is captivated by the mysterious poet. When they meet, neither knows the other’s true identity, yet their shared love for words sparks a romance that transcends secrets and circumstance. I can’t wait to share this tale of love, art, and discovery with you! You can read excerpts from this book here.

Great start to 2025

I wish I could call this penultimate book “the storm before the calm,” but it’s so action-packed that I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

As I reached the final chapter, my stomach was in knots, filled with anticipation and dread for the characters I’ve grown to love. Liu’s storytelling continues to captivate, weaving intricate plots, intense action, and deeply emotional moments.

This book has set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion. It’s an exhilarating and nerve-wracking way to kick off my 2025 reading journey. If you’re a fan of epic fantasy, this series is a must-read!

What is Anna writing?

I am excited to share another sneak peek of my latest Historical Romance novel with you! My protagonists, Suri and Giri, are royalty by birth but a poet and a playwright at heart. I’m currently at 65k words and aiming to complete the first draft soon.

Giri stood alone in the courtyard breathing in the crisp night air. In the moonlight, the raised platform that functioned as the stage glowed yellow. His brother would say he was wasting his life. Giri disagreed. There was no use fighting wars to acquire wealth if one did not enjoy poetry and plays during the peaceful times.

Mooka, a stray dog Giri had befriended, found him then, lumbering over to sniff his hands. Giri bent down to rub Mooka’s neck absently.

Giri had stumbled upon two of Poet Ravi’s poems and fallen in love with the shattered hearts depicted in them. It mirrored his broken self, prompting him to write a play.

Giri would have preferred to simply write a story and put it in the hands of friends. Watching them read his tale and discuss the merits would have filled his heart. There was only one problem with that. As the Crown Prince, his friends would be his subjects one day. They would not be honest with him about their thoughts—not about the merits of a story. And they would see too much of him in his characters, attribute their actions to him. He was not ready for that kind of examination. Most others he encountered were too unlettered to appreciate his tale.

Want another glimpse into Prince in Exile? Read another excerpt from the book here and step deeper into Suri and Giri’s world!

2024 Reading Recap!

I read 32 books this year, and here are six of my favorites:

Chorus of Dragons series by Jenn Lyons—discovered a fantastic new fantasy writer and devoured all five books this year!

All the Light We Cannot See is another gem by Anthony Doerr—this one is an absolute must-read.

Atonement by Ian McEwan—read it on a friend’s recommendation, and it did not disappoint.

Ken Liu’s Dandelion Dynasty books 1 and 2—he’s a genius, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next two books!

My Lady Jane—an absolute delight that had me laughing and cheering.

Last Summer Boys by Bill Rivers—a brilliant debut novel.

What were your favorite reads in 2024?

7 out of 5 rating

The Wall of Storms by Ken Liu deserves more than a 5-star rating—it’s an absolute masterpiece. While I loved The Grace of Kings, this sequel surpasses it in every way. The pacing is relentless from the first page and doesn’t let up, keeping you hooked until the very end.

The introduction of the emperor’s children and Zomi is handled brilliantly. Zomi’s mentor-apprentice relationship beautifully mirrors the Guru-Shishya dynamic in Indian culture, adding a rich, cultural layer to the story. The Lyucu’s introduction, told across two timelines, is seamlessly executed and adds depth to the narrative.

The battle scenes, especially the unforgettable Battle of Zuthin Gulf, are nothing short of epic. The characters—particularly the female ones like Jia, Thera, Komi, and Gin—are complex and compelling, while the intricate political intrigue and technological marvels enrich the story further. On top of all this, Liu introduces us to the awe-inspiring new world of Ukyu.

“If the young do not have radical ideas, the world will never change”

“Sentiment makes us fools, and yet, without sentiment, we would be little better than dumb instruments wielded by the gods in their incomprehensible games.”

This book is a triumph, surpassing The Grace of Kings in scope, intensity, and brilliance. If you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. It’s a true masterpiece.

Book Review: The Hanging City

I previously read Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg and loved its cozy fantasy vibes, so I was excited to dive into The Hanging City by the same author. This story follows Lark, who seeks refuge in the Troll city of Lamar, and it’s a wonderfully immersive tale. The world-building is good, with rich descriptions of the culture, social hierarchy, and the fascinating underground world of the trolls.

Lark ends up living with Unach and her brother Azmar, and while their relationship begins with misunderstandings and mistrust, she eventually finds acceptance with them. Despite their differences, love blossoms between Lark and ****, adding a sweet layer to the story. However, the danger Lark fled from catches up to her, forcing her to confront her fears and wield a weapon she despises.

“The gods made the stars, and through them made creatures in pairs: the fette and aerolass to rule the air, the merdan and gullop to rule the sea, and the humans and trolls to rule the earth. And so we did, before the earth changed and ruled us instead. According to the stories, in the time before, humans dominated, despite trolls being larger and stronger. War-torn brutes. Angry. Animals. Merciless. In all the tales told at bedside and campfire, trolls are always the enemy.”

“I believe,” he begins softly, “that error, made in ignorance, is forgivable.”

The ending ties up beautifully for Lark, making this a satisfying read. I recommend The Hanging City for fans of romantic fantasy (romantasy). It’s a captivating blend of adventure, romance, and richly imagined world-building.

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A Swayamvara Romance SHORT STORY

When a California teen tumbles through the Looking Glass, they don’t land in Wonderland—they find themselves in the dazzling yet daunting world of medieval India. Amid grand palaces, ancient traditions, and unexpected friendships, they must navigate a culture unlike anything they’ve known.

Falling through the Looking Glasswas an accident. Finding themselves might just be destiny.

I’m excited to offer Wonderland Swayamvara for just $0.99, available exclusively through my store! This is your chance to step into a captivating world where a modern California teen finds herself in the opulent, rule-bound courts of medieval India. Don’t miss out on this unique journey—by purchasing directly from me, you’re also supporting a local author. Grab your copy today and dive into a tale filled with adventure, romance, and the unexpected twists of fate!

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Book Review: The Governess Game

The premise of Tessa Dare’s The Governess Game is delightfully straightforward: a charming rake unexpectedly becomes heir to a dukedom and guardian to two spirited young girls. Enter our accidental governess heroine, who steps in to bring order to the chaos. Amid mischief and heartwarming moments, love blossoms between them all.

Millicent’s funerals are oddly heartwarming in a way funerals shouldn’t be. They provide a unique backdrop for Alex and Chase to connect, allowing humor and tenderness to shine through. The antics of the two young wards not only add charm and mischief but also become a catalyst that draws Alex and Chase closer, creating moments that are both touching and laugh-out-loud funny. The blend of wit, romance, and unconventional family dynamics makes this story an absolute delight.

She’s dead.”

Now Alex was awake. She sat bolt upright in bed. “Dead?”

“Millicent. The consumption took her overnight.”

The doll. She meant the doll.

A male voice breezed into the room. “Such a tragedy. Deepest sympathies. A grievous loss.”

Mr. Reynaud had joined the group.

He bent to place a kiss on Millicent’s painted forehead. “Bless her soul. She looks just as though she’s sleeping. Or awake. Or doing anything else, really.”

Alex’s mouth twitched at the corners, but she bowed her head and tried to appear bereaved.

If you’re a fan of historical romance, I highly recommend The Governess Game! Tessa Dare’s writing is light, familiar, and genuinely funny—a perfect pick-me-up. I know I’ll be diving into more of her books in the future whenever I need a feel-good escape.

What is Anna writing?

I’m thrilled to share an exclusive sneak peek of my latest Historical Romance novel with you! My protagonists, Suri and Giri, are royalty by birth but a poet and a playwright at heart. Writing the poetry for this novel has been both an absolute joy and a delightful challenge! I’m currently at 55k words and aiming to complete the first draft by the end of this year.

The actor’s voice broke as he crooned the last line, holding the hand of the dead girl on the floor. Since all the performers were male, the actor trying to hold in his breath was also one. Though Suri knew this was a play, the music emanating from the lone flute pushed all her anguish into her throat and tears misted her eyes. The dark act took place in front of a colorful mural of a spring garden, flowers spilling everywhere. The contrast between the bright blooms and the fading lives could not be missed. A sob escaped his throat as the actor plunged a dagger into his chest and dropped on his lover’s chest.

She had dreaded coming here, worried about how the audience would react to the pourings from her mind. The night was dreadfully silent, no chatter from the crowd. She assumed that was a welcome sign.

“Is that your poem?” her cousin, Kanika whispered, breaking her out of her revere.

She nodded slowly, still stunned from hearing her words. Her own words. It felt like being in a rain shower on a hot day.

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Historical Romance

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