romance novels

2023 Goal: Less Scrolling, More Reading

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This post, like the previous, is a companion post for my monthly newsletter, so as not to clutter it up with links. There you can find not just news about my latest and upcoming books, but insights about my writing process, along with my thoughts about the media I’m reading/watching/listening to every month. Sometimes you’ll even get an early look at a cover reveal or exclusive access to a free story. If that sounds like your thing, you can subscribe here.

Here’s a look at the books I’ve read in 2023 so far. Pretty amazing considering my original reading goal for the entire year was just 20 books! 📚🏆

collage graphic of all the books listed below

I enjoyed all of these for different reasons but I’ve put stars next to the standouts. For reviews on select books, follow me on BookBub.

A Lot Like Adiós Preorder Gifts!

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A Lot Like Adiós comes out on September 14th and I’m so excited to partner with these amazing indie bookstores for the preorder campaign and virtual launch event! There are a few options, so please take a look below.

Option 1: Signed copies

Preorder from Word Up Community Bookshop and receive a SIGNED print copy of A Lot Like Adiós, admission to the virtual launch event, an acrylic charm keychain, and a bookmark!

Order at Word Up Community Bookshop

These adorable charms show Gabe and Michelle in two different outfits! Illustration by Mayhara Ferraz.

*Orders made after the charms run out will receive a sticker with the same design. Charms/stickers/bookmarks available while supplies last.

Option 2: Signed Bookplates

Preorder from East City Bookshop, Love’s Sweet Arrow, Loyalty Bookstores, or WORD Bookstores and receive a print copy of A Lot Like Adiós with a SIGNED BOOKPLATE, admission to the virtual launch event, an art print, and a bookmark!

East City Bookshop
Love’s Sweet Arrow
Loyalty Bookstores
WORD Bookstores

Art print features a gorgeous collage of Gabe and Michelle through the years. Illustrated by Leni Kauffman.

*Bookplates/art prints/bookmarks available while supplies last.

Option 3: Digital goodies

Preorder A Lot Like Adiós ANYWHERE and upload your receipt info to receive desktop and phone wallpapers of the collage!

Enter your proof of purchase here

*Available until September 20th. Digital goodies will be sent via email.

A Lot Like Adiós Virtual Launch Event
Tuesday, September 14th, 7pm ET
Join author Alexis Daria and Oprah Daily‘s Arianna Davis as they discuss Alexis’s new novel, A Lot Like Adiós, along with special guests Adriana Herrera and Zoraida Córdova/Zoey Castile.
To gain admission to the event, preorder A Lot Like Adiós through one of these participating bookstores, and you will receive an email with the event link: Word Up Community Bookshop, East City Bookshop, Love’s Sweet Arrow, Loyalty Bookstores, WORD Bookstores

What the Hex is here!

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What the Hex is now available for your listening pleasure!

Listen to What the Hex on Audible

WHAT THE HEX

Welcome to Isla Bruja, a secret magical enclave near Miami and home to the richest and most powerful Latinx witch families.

When Catalina Cartagena returns home for her older sister’s wedding, she’s shocked to discover that her soon-to-be brother in law is possessed by a demon. To make matters worse, everyone else seems to be under the demon’s spell—except for Diego Paz, younger brother of the groom and Cat’s childhood rival. 

With only three days until the wedding, Cat must join forces with her sexy nemesis to break the spell and defeat the demon. If they fail, demonic forces will control two of the most powerful witch families on Isla Bruja.

There’s only one bed at the magical B&B, and it’s time for these witches to get wicked…in more ways than one.

Also included in the Audible Plus program.

Narration by Jacqueline Grace Lopez
Cover illustration by María Dresden

Listen to WHAT THE HEX by @alexisdaria! Out now from @audible_com. https://adbl.co/whatthehex

What the Hex Cover Reveal!

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I’m thrilled to share the cover for What the Hex, my upcoming Audible Original novella! It’s a paranormal rom-com about a family of glamorous Latinx witches in Miami, coming July 1st for your summer audiobook listening pleasure.

WHAT THE HEX

Welcome to Isla Bruja, a secret magical enclave near Miami and home to the richest and most powerful Latinx witch families.

When Catalina Cartagena returns home for her older sister’s wedding, she’s shocked to discover that her soon-to-be brother in law is possessed by a demon. To make matters worse, everyone else seems to be under the demon’s spell—except for Diego Paz, younger brother of the groom and Cat’s childhood rival. 

With only three days until the wedding, Cat must join forces with her sexy nemesis to break the spell and defeat the demon. If they fail, demonic forces will control two of the most powerful witch families on Isla Bruja.

There’s only one bed at the magical B&B, and it’s time for these witches to get wicked…in more ways than one.

What the Hex will be available on July 1st as part of the Audible Plus program.

I’m so excited to introduce you to the Cartagena familia! Here they are!

Isn’t it fantastic? I love it so much! And if the style looks familiar, it’s because it was illustrated by María Dresden, who did the You Had Me at Hola webtoon last year. María is a joy to work with and I’m so happy she was able to join this project!

Check out the cover reveal for WHAT THE HEX by @alexisdaria! Out 7/1/21 from @audible_com.

Writing Tips & Tricks for Crushing Word Count Goals

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For the first time ever, I’m on deadline, so I’m putting everything I’ve learned about writing fast and writing a lot to the test. In June 2017, I wrote 22 days out of the month and added 62,298 words to the Project Roommates manuscript before hitting “The End” on June 30th. Since a few people have commented on my word counts, rather than blaming it on “desperation” and discounting all the research and work I’ve put into learning how to increase my output, I made a list of tools, suggestions, and resources to share.

As with all writing advice, take what works for you and junk the rest.

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Know your best writing time

For me, that’s early mornings. It’s quiet. No emails. Noisy kids upstairs aren’t up yet. By hitting my word count first thing in the morning, I approach it fresh and rested, and it’s out of  the way so I’m not worried about it for the rest of the day. Know what works for you and stick to that time. If early mornings are your thing, check out #5amwritersclub on Twitter. Bonus tip: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep!

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