2023 Goal: Less Scrolling, More Reading

February 28, 2023February 28, 2023 / Alexis / Leave a comment

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.

What the Hex is here!

July 1, 2021June 30, 2021 / Alexis / Leave a comment

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
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What the Hex Cover Reveal!

June 10, 2021June 10, 2021 / Alexis / Leave a comment

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.

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.
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Dance All Night is here!

December 11, 2018November 30, 2018 / Alexis / Leave a comment

Dance All Night: A Dance Off Holiday Novella by Alexis Daria cover

Dance All Night, a holiday novella set in Alexis Daria’s award-winning Dance Off series about finding love on and off the dance floor.

The next installment in The Dance Off series is live! If you enjoy lighthearted Christmas romances with swoon-worthy dance numbers and a hefty dose of humor, this novella is for you. Dance All Night features Nik Kovalenko (from Dance with Me) and Jess Davenport (from Take the Lead), but it can be read as a standalone. Nik and Jess were a joy to write, but this release is extra exciting because it marks me dipping my toe into indie publishing waters. The experience was super fun and I’m so happy to be able to bring you more Dance Off stories!

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Broadway hotshot Nik Kovalenko is a confirmed bachelor.

Ballroom champion Jess Davenport is a bona fide Scrooge.

Last year, they shared a midnight kiss at a New Year’s Eve party that made both of them believe—briefly—in the magic of the holiday season. The magic was cut short when Nik went on tour the next day, but he never stopped thinking about that kiss—or Jess.

When the holidays roll back around, Nik runs into Jess again. He doesn’t want to spend another year pining for the Scrooge who got away, so he tells Jess he’ll stay if she’ll give him a shot at being her Christmas Present.

Jess thinks he’s full of it, but she agrees to three dates. If Nik can make her believe in holiday magic in a place as un-wintery as Los Angeles—and convince her that he’s ready to stick around—she’ll give him a chance. But he won’t know until New Year’s Eve. If she kisses him at midnight, he’ll have his answer…

Check out the Spotify playlist and Pinterest board for Dance All Night!

Dance with Me is here!

December 12, 2017October 26, 2018 / Alexis / Leave a comment

cover for dance with me by alexis daria

This has been quite a year, folks. Back in January, I had just finished editing Take the Lead and sent it off to agents and the Golden Heart contest. Natasha and Dimitri had emerged as the next couple in The Dance Off series, and I had a vague blurb. That was it. Now, less than a year later, Take the Lead was named one of The Washington Post‘s 5 Best Romances of 2017 and Dance with Me is available for everyone to read. So yeah…quite a year. Thanks for following along, and I hope you enjoy Natasha and Dimitri’s story.

Dance with Me, the second in a sizzling new series about finding love on and off the dance floor.

Natasha Díaz is having a day. She’s trying to prove she can make it as a professional dancer, but she’s overworked, out of cash, and her roommate has just moved out. When she comes home to find a hole in her ceiling and her bedroom flooded, she’s desperate enough to crash with the one guy she can’t quit. She accepts his offer with one condition: no sleeping together while she’s living with him.

Dimitri Kovalenko has never lived with a woman before. But when Tasha’s in need of a place to stay, he suggests she move in without a second thought. He accepts her condition, hoping she won’t stick to it. They’re good together, both in the ballroom and the bedroom. Since their first dance, she’s never been far from his thoughts. Sure, she’s a pro and he’s one of her show’s judges, but they’re not currently filming, so no one needs to know.

Living in close quarters shows Dimitri a side of Natasha he’s never seen before, and he likes it. A lot. Too bad she’s doing everything in her power to keep him at arm’s length. When an injury forces Natasha to take it easy or risk her ability to dance, it’s his chance to show her that the rules have changed, and she can trust him with her heart.

Check out the Pinterest board and Spotify playlist for Dance with Me!

Take the Lead is here!

October 3, 2017October 26, 2018 / Alexis / Leave a comment

take the lead alexis daria

This is a big day for me—the debut of my first book! If you’ve been watching this space, you’ll know this has been something I’ve been working toward for a while. I recently wrote about my evolution as a writer over on the RWchat blog, and I talked about my publishing journey over at the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood. Still, it’s weird to think that a year ago, I had three chapters of a story I was excited about, and now, finally, Take the Lead is out in the world! More info below!

TAKE THE LEAD, the debut contemporary romance from 2017 Golden Heart finalist Alexis Daria, is out now! The first in a sizzling new series about finding love on and off the dance floor.

Gina Morales wants to win. It’s her fifth season on The Dance Off, a top-rated network TV celebrity dance competition, and she’s never even made it to the finals. When she meets her latest partner, she sees her chance. He’s handsome, rippling with muscles, and he stars on the popular Alaskan wilderness reality show Living Wild. With his sexy physique and name recognition, she thinks he’s her ticket to the finals—until she realizes they’re being set up.

Stone Nielson hates Los Angeles, he hates reality TV, and he hates that fact that he had to join the cast of the The Dance Off because of family obligations. He can’t wait to get back to Alaska, but he also can’t deny his growing attraction to his bubbly Puerto Rican dance partner. Neither of them are looking for romantic entanglements, and Stone can’t risk revealing his secrets, but as they heat up the dance floor, it’s only a matter of time until he feels an overwhelming urge to take the lead.

When the tabloids catch on to their developing romance, the spotlight threatens to ruin not just their relationship, but their careers and their shot at the trophy. Gina and Stone will have to decide if their priorities lie with fame, fortune, or the chance at a future together.

The Ripped Bodice Grand Opening

March 31, 2016November 30, 2018 / Alexis / Leave a comment

While in Los Angeles earlier this month, I happened to be around Culver City for the grand opening of The Ripped Bodice, the first romance-only bookstore. After raising over $90,000 on Kickstarter, sisters Bea and Leah Koch opened the doors on March 4th, 2016.

The store is cute and highly photogenic, with a mix of art, carefully curated gift items, and of course, BOOKS! The books are displayed in a way that makes it easy for you to browse genres & tropes you enjoy. Looking for rock stars? Sports romance? M/M? There’s a shelf for each, & knowledgeable staff to answer your questions and give suggestions. Indie, traditional, and classics can be found easily, making for an impressive selection of print titles. Subtle, creative merchandising invites you to get lost while looking for your latest additions to the TBR pile. Displays seamlessly combine books & local crafts, making it a great gift resource for book lovers. And I can’t say enough about the antique furniture decorating the space & providing seating. If you’re in LA, definitely check out The Ripped Bodice, a haven for romance readers.

Lots of photos below! Continue reading →