Kai has officially arrived! 🥳

I am beyond excited to finally introduce you to the newest hero in my Sigma International Security series!

Kai Montego is the kind of man who lives to protect others. Confident. Capable. Dangerous when he needs to be. Falling head over heels for a curvy, redheaded schoolteacher? Yeah... that definitely wasn’t part of the mission.

Mary Donahue spends her days wrangling first graders, not ducking threats or pretending to date a bodyguard. But when her safety is on the line, Kai steps in. What starts as a fake relationship quickly turns into something very, very real.

If your favorite romances include:

❤️ Curvy heroines
🛡️ Alpha bodyguards
💋 Fake dating
🔥 Forced proximity
😂 Fun banter
💕 Swoon-worthy happily ever afters

...then I think Kai is about to become your newest book boyfriend.

Behind the Keyboard...

Now for the real adventure...

While Kai is busy protecting Mary, I’m over here trying to locate my signing banners, count books, order swag, answer emails, finish the next manuscript, and remember if I’ve bought anything to cook for dinner for the fam.

Summer signing season has officially begun, which means my office has exploded into every other room of the house.

There are boxes everywhere.

Stacks of books are multiplying when I’m not looking.

My dining room hasn’t been a dining room in weeks.

And I swear packing tape has become a permanent accessory.

People often imagine authors sitting peacefully in cozy offices with candles burning while inspiration magically strikes.

The reality?

It’s more like a caffeinated squirrel frantically stuffing tote bags while yelling, “I KNOW I put those bookmarks somewhere!”

Spoiler alert... I did not.

📚 First Stop: BRAE – Beyond the Read Author Event

I’m so excited because this will be my first-ever BRAE in Columbus, Ohio!

If you preordered books from me, thank you! Truly. It means so much knowing I’ll get to meet so many of you in person. I can’t wait to sign your books, chat about romance, and finally put faces to so many familiar names.

🎸 Then It’s Off to Rockin’ Readers Romance

Next, I’m heading back to Knoxville, Tennessee for Rockin’ Readers Romance, and I couldn’t be happier!

This will be my second year attending, and I absolutely love this event. The readers are amazing, the authors are fantastic, and it’s always one of the highlights of my year.

🍷 Finally... Booze & Books!

After all that traveling, I’ll be back home in New Jersey for Booze & Books at Plagido’s Winery.

Books? Check.
Wine? Check.
Amazing readers? Always.

Sounds like a pretty perfect way to wrap up the summer to me!

Whether you’re coming to see me at one of these events or hanging out with me here on Substack, thank you for being part of this journey.

Your comments, reviews, recommendations, and enthusiasm mean more than you know. Every time you tell a friend about one of my books, leave a review, or simply stop by to say hello, you’re helping this indie author keep doing what she loves most—creating stories filled with laughter, steam, adventure, and happily ever afters.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have approximately seventeen boxes to pack, several hundred books to organize, and a growing suspicion that my house may never look normal again.

Totally worth it.

I hope you’re having a wonderful summer, finding time to relax, and sneaking in plenty of reading.

And if you’re looking for your next book boyfriend...

Kai is waiting for you. ❤️

Happy Reading,

C.D. Gorri
USA Today Bestselling Author

Kidnapped by demon princes. Claimed by fate. Bound by desire. 🖤

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“How do you keep writing so many different kinds of books?”

The short answer?

I write what I’m in the mood to write.

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The long answer is...well, it’s a little more complicated than that.

People often imagine authors sitting down with a perfectly color-coded schedule, carefully plotting every word they’ll write months—or even years—in advance.

And while I absolutely do have schedules, release calendars, deadlines, and spreadsheets (so many spreadsheets 😅), the actual writing process is a lot more organic.

Some mornings I wake up wanting to spend the day wrangling possessive alpha shifters.

Other days I want to disappear into a small-town cowboy romance.

Sometimes I’m craving billionaires, rugby players, mountain men, magical kingdoms, bodyguards, demons, dragons, or something I’ve never written before.

That’s the joy of being a multi-genre author.

I never have to force myself into a creative box.

Creativity Doesn’t Always Follow a Calendar

Here’s a little secret:

The stories usually tell me when they’re ready.

I can sit down fully intending to write Chapter Twelve of one manuscript...

...and suddenly another character is shouting in my head demanding their turn.

Instead of fighting it, I’ve learned to listen.

That doesn’t mean I abandon every project the second a shiny new idea appears. Quite the opposite.

Writing is art.

Publishing is business.

The trick is learning how to respect both.

The Business Side

As much as I love following inspiration, this is also my career.

Readers trust me.

When I announce a release, preorder, or series, I want you to know I’m going to deliver.

That means I have to finish what I start.

There are deadlines to meet, editors waiting on manuscripts, narrators preparing audiobooks, covers to design, newsletters to write, and retailers expecting uploads.

Accountability matters.

I don’t always write the book I’m most excited about that day.

Sometimes I write the book that’s due first.

That’s simply part of running a business.

Finding the Balance

The balance comes from allowing myself little creative detours.

If I’m feeling burned out after writing tense suspense scenes, I might spend an afternoon with a funny paranormal romance.

If I’ve been immersed in a fantasy world for weeks, a contemporary romance can feel like a breath of fresh air.

Those small shifts keep me excited to come back to every project.

Instead of feeling trapped by one series, I get to recharge by visiting another.

Oddly enough, writing something completely different often helps me solve problems in the manuscript I wasn’t even working on.

The brain is funny like that.

Why I Love Writing Across Genres

Every genre lets me scratch a different creative itch.

Paranormal romance lets me dream bigger.

Contemporary romance keeps me grounded in everyday emotion.

Romantasy lets me build entire worlds.

Sports romance brings competition, teamwork, and heart.

Cowboys? Well...sometimes a girl just needs a grumpy rancher with rough hands and a soft heart.

At their core, though, they’re all telling the same story.

Two people finding each other.

Learning to trust.

Choosing love.

Everything else is just the playground where that story unfolds.

Thank You for Following Me Everywhere

One of the greatest gifts you’ve given me as readers is allowing me to explore.

Some of you discovered me through wolves.

Others through bears.

Maybe it was a billionaire, a cowboy, a bodyguard, a demon prince, or a mountain man.

Some of you have followed me through nearly every world I’ve created, and that still amazes me.

Your willingness to come along for the ride gives me the freedom to keep growing as a storyteller while still delivering the kinds of romances you know and love.

No matter where the story takes place—or whether the hero has claws, horns, boots, or a security clearance—you can count on a few things.

You’ll get a protective hero.

A heroine worth rooting for.

Plenty of steam.

Some laughs.

A little chaos.

And, of course...

A happily ever after.

Because while the worlds may change, that’s one promise I never plan to break.

So if you’ve ever wondered how I juggle so many stories at once, now you know.

It’s part planning.

Part discipline.

Part accountability.

And part following wherever my imagination decides to wander next.

Honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Of course, all of that creative juggling means there's always something exciting on the horizon!

Right now I'm hard at work bringing several worlds back to life.

Coming soon is Micah, the last of my beloved Dry Creek Cowboys, and let me tell you—our broody ex-military rancher has been making me work for every page, but I cannot wait for you to meet the woman destined to steal his heart.

At the same time, I'm diving back into the supernatural with the next Asgarheim Runevald Institute novel, Changed by His Bite, where monsters, magic, and romance collide in all the deliciously chaotic ways I love to write.

That's the beauty of being a multi-genre author—I don't have to choose just one world to live in, and neither do you.

Whether you're waiting for cowboys, shifters, monsters, or something entirely unexpected, there's always another adventure waiting just around the corner.

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

It’s how people think about reviews.

Most of us grew up with report cards.

90–100? That’s an A.
80–89? Still great.
Four stars out of five? That’s really good!

And honestly? In everyday life, I still think that way.

But online stores don’t. And algorithms don’t.

Whether you’re shopping for books, restaurants, gadgets, or even hotels, star ratings aren’t really “grades.” They’re recommendations.

Think about it this way:

If your best friend asks, “Should I read this book?” your answer probably isn’t, “Well, technically it earned an 86%.”

You’d say one of two things:

“Oh my gosh, YES! You have to read it!”

or

“Eh...it wasn’t really for me.”

That’s how online marketplaces increasingly interpret ratings.

Five stars generally tells both readers and the recommendation system, “I loved this and would absolutely recommend it.”

Lower ratings suggest varying degrees of hesitation.

That’s why authors often celebrate every single 5-star review—not because we expect perfection, but because those ratings tell retailers that readers genuinely recommend our books.

It’s Not About Perfection

Here’s a not so little secret:

I’ve never written a perfect book.

I never will.

Every reader brings different tastes, life experiences, favorite tropes, pet peeves, and expectations.

And that’s okay!

If something truly didn’t work for you, an honest review is valuable. It helps future readers decide whether a book is right for them, and thoughtful feedback can help authors grow.

But if you absolutely loved a book...

...it made you laugh.

...it made you cry.

...you stayed up far too late because you couldn’t stop reading.

...you immediately wanted Book Two...

that’s exactly what a 5-star recommendation is for.

Not because the book is flawless.

Because you enjoyed it.

Reviews Belong to Readers

This is something I feel very strongly about.

Reviews are reader spaces.

Always have been.

They’re not written for authors—they’re written by readers, for other readers. I respect that completely.

In fact, I was a reader long before I ever became a writer, and I’m still a reader today. I know what it’s like to finish a book and want to gush about it, or to explain why it didn’t work for me. Those spaces are important because they help readers find stories they’ll love.

I’m never asking anyone to leave a review they don’t honestly believe.

What I am asking is this:

If something brought you joy...

If a story made you laugh after a hard day...

If a character stayed with you long after you finished the last page...

If you found yourself telling a friend, “You have to read this!”

Please consider saying that in a review, too.

Reviews Matter More Than You Think

One thing many readers don’t realize is how few people actually leave reviews.

Thousands of people might buy a book.

Hundreds might read it.

Only a tiny fraction ever leave a rating or review.

That means every review carries more weight than most people imagine.

Reviews help:

❤️ Other readers discover books they’ll enjoy.
❤️ Retailers decide which books to recommend.
❤️ Authors reach new audiences.
❤️ Small independent authors continue publishing the stories they love to write.

A review isn’t just feedback.

It’s word-of-mouth in digital form.

Let’s Celebrate the Good More Often

As people, we’re naturally wired to speak up when something disappoints us.

We leave a review when the restaurant gets our order wrong.

We post about delayed shipping.

We complain when customer service lets us down.

But when something delights us?

When a book makes us smile.

When a movie leaves us speechless.

When a local bakery makes the perfect cupcake.

When a small business goes above and beyond.

We often smile...and move on.

What if we changed that?

What if we made it a habit to share the things that made us happy just as often as we shared the things that frustrated us?

Recommend the book.

Leave the review.

Tell your friends.

Share the post.

Tag the creator.

You might think it’s just a few sentences on the internet.

To the person who created that book, artwork, small business, recipe, podcast, or handmade item, it could be the encouragement they needed to keep going. It could introduce their work to someone who ends up loving it just as much as you did.

You never really know how far one recommendation can travel.

From This Author’s Heart...

Whether you’ve left one review or a hundred...

Whether you’ve borrowed my books from the library, bought them direct, listened to an audiobook, or recommended one to a friend...

Thank you.

Subscribe now

Authors don’t write in a vacuum.

Books become successful because readers talk about them.

Every review, every recommendation, every shared post, every “I loved this!” helps another reader discover a story they might never have found otherwise.

So here’s my little PSA:

Don’t save your voice only for the things that disappoint you.

Use it for the things that bring you joy.

Recommend the stories you loved.

Celebrate the creators who made your day a little brighter.

You may never know the difference your words make—but I promise you, they matter.

And if you’ve ever taken a few moments to recommend one of my books, thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️

Happy reading and writing folks!

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

That’s one of the reasons I’m so excited about my Direct Store Bundles.

When you shop direct, we’re cutting out the middleman.

That means instead of a retailer taking a large percentage of every sale, I’m able to pass those savings right back to you with bundle discounts you simply won’t find in most online stores.

If you’ve ever wanted to binge one of my series from beginning to end, this is hands down one of the best ways to do it.

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Whether you’re craving...

🐺 Growly Shifters
🤠 Protective Cowboys
🪵 Rugged Lumberjacks
🏉 Rugby Players
💼 Billionaires
🐉 Dragons, Demons, Monsters & Magic
💕 Curvy Heroines
🔥 Possessive Heroes
✨ Fated Mates
❤️ Guaranteed Happily Ever Afters

...there’s probably a bundle waiting for you.

Why Buy Direct?

When you purchase from my store:

✨ Save up to 50% on select bundles.
✨ Receive your ebooks instantly through BookFunnel.
✨ Keep your entire series together in one purchase.
✨ Support an independent author directly.
✨ Help me create even more stories (instead of paying retailer fees).

It’s a win-win. You get more books for less money, and I get to spend more time doing what I love most—writing the next book you’ll stay up way too late reading.

Built for Binge Readers

Let’s be honest...

There’s nothing worse than finishing Book One at midnight and realizing you have to stop because you don’t own the next one.

With my bundles, you can dive into an entire world and keep reading until the happily-ever-after (or several happily-ever-afters) without interruption.

Whether you’re new to my books or you’ve been reading with me for years, bundles are one of the easiest—and most affordable—ways to discover a new favorite series.

Ready to Fill Your E-Reader?

I’ve put together bundles across many of my favorite worlds, including paranormal romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, small-town romance, monster romance, cowboy romance, and more.

So grab your favorite drink, clear your weekend schedule (you’ve been warned 😏), and stock up on your next binge read.

💕 Happy reading, and thank you for supporting indie authors by shopping direct. Every purchase truly makes a difference.

🛍 Browse the Direct Store Here:
https://www.cdgorri.com/store/

I can’t wait to hear which series you dive into next! ❤️

Now a little something for my paid subscribers…

Read more

And while writing is certainly the fun part, the truth is that being an indie author means wearing a lot of hats.

Some days I’m writing spicy romances and making fictional men growl.

Other days I’m answering emails, reviewing covers, updating websites, ordering inventory, balancing expenses, scheduling newsletters, coordinating audiobooks, checking ads, organizing convention supplies, and wondering where I put that one notebook I absolutely need right this second.

In other words, I’m not just writing books.

I’m running a business.

And honestly? That’s the part nobody really prepares you for.

The Freedom—and Responsibility—of Working for Yourself

People often say, “It must be nice to work for yourself.”

And they’re right.

It is.

But working for yourself also means you’re the boss, the employee, the marketing department, customer service, shipping manager, accountant, social media coordinator, and occasionally the person crawling under the desk looking for the charger everyone swore was “right there.”

No one is standing over me with a schedule.

No one is assigning tasks.

No one is reminding me what has to be done.

That’s both the beauty and the challenge of being self-employed.

Because when you run your own business, time management becomes one of the most important skills you’ll ever develop.

Not because you’ll suddenly become perfectly organized.

But because you’ll quickly learn that everything can’t happen at once.

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Compartmentalizing Saves My Sanity

Over the years, I’ve discovered that trying to do everything simultaneously is the fastest route to burnout.

If I’m writing, I try to write.

If I’m handling business tasks, I try to focus on business.

If I’m spending time with my family, I try to be present with them.

Do I always succeed?

Absolutely not.

Sometimes I’m answering emails while mentally plotting Chapter Twelve.

Sometimes I’m making dinner while thinking about Facebook ads.

Sometimes I’m supposed to be writing and instead find myself reorganizing labels, hunting for files, or convincing myself that cleaning my desk counts as productivity.

(For the record, sometimes it does.)

The point isn’t perfection.

The point is learning how to switch gears and prioritize what needs your attention most.

Do I Always Get It Right?

No.

And neither will you.

There are days when I feel incredibly productive and days when I wonder what I even accomplished.

There are projects I’ve launched successfully.

There are ideas I’ve abandoned.

There are things I’ve done brilliantly.

And there are plenty of things I’ve done poorly.

That’s life.

That’s business.

That’s creativity.

Nobody masters this overnight.

Failure Isn’t Really Failure

One thing I’ve learned after years of publishing is that failure isn’t really a thing.

At least not in the way we tend to think about it.

Most “failures” are simply lessons wearing ugly disguises.

A promotion that didn’t work teaches you what not to do next time.

A release that underperformed gives you information you didn’t have before.

A bad decision becomes experience.

A mistake becomes knowledge.

The only people who never fail are the people who never try.

And I’d rather try something and discover it didn’t work than spend years wondering what might have happened if I’d been brave enough to attempt it.

Progress Over Perfection

I think we put far too much pressure on ourselves to have everything figured out.

But the truth is, most of us are building the airplane while flying it.

We’re learning.

Adjusting.

Trying again.

Growing.

That’s true whether you’re writing books, running a business, raising a family, or simply trying to navigate life.

None of us have all the answers.

We’re just doing the best we can with the information we have today.

And tomorrow?

We’ll know a little more.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, or convinced everyone else has somehow figured it all out, let me assure you:

They haven’t.

Most of us are simply learning as we go.

And that’s okay.

Because perfection was never the goal.

Showing up is.

Trying is.

Learning is.

And sometimes that’s more than enough.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have approximately twenty-seven open note tabs, a giant coffee, and one judgmental emotional-support lobster reminding me I probably have deadlines somewhere.

Happy writing, everyone!

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

So grab your e-reader (and your earbuds!) because these deals won’t last forever.

🐻 Kindle Deal Alert: The Bear Claw Tales — Only $1.99!

June 12–26 • Amazon US & Canada + Buy Direct

Four Bear Shifter brothers.

Four fated mates.

One delicious deal.

The complete Bear Claw Tales Collection is just $1.99 for a limited time!

If you love:

🐻 Growly Bear Shifters
🐻 Curvy heroines
🐻 Fated mates
🐻 Insta-love romance
🐻 Protective alpha heroes
🐻 Small-town paranormal romance
🐻 Family and clan life
🐻 Guaranteed happily-ever-afters

…then the Devlin brothers are waiting for you.

Welcome to the world behind the famous Bear Claw Bakery, where the pastries are sweet and the romance is even sweeter.

Included Stories:

❤️ Bearly Breathing
❤️ Bearly There
❤️ Bearly Tamed
❤️ Bearly Mated

From wounded hearts and stubborn bears to fierce protectors and irresistible fated mates, these brothers are ready to claim the women destiny chose for them.

Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Leya has been through hell, to put it mildly... His bear smells her, she thinks he is drop dead gorgeous. However, can she handle what he is? Grab your copy and find out...” — BookBub Reviewer

📚 Amazon US & Canada Kindle Deal:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YLXHPJ5

📚 Buy Direct for $1.99:
https://www.cdgorri.com/books/the-bear-claw-tales/?store=true

Only $1.99 • June 12–26 • Amazon US & Canada and Buy Direct Only

🐻❄️ Coming Soon: Summer Sale for Barvale Clan Tales ❄️🐻

On Sale June 26–July 31

What happens when four giant Polar Bear Shifters from Alaska move to a small South Jersey town looking for forever?

Fated mates.

Curvy heroines.

Wild bears who can’t control their instincts.

And a race against time to find the women meant for them before they’re forced to leave the only home they’ve ever wanted.

The complete Barvale Clan Tales Books 1–4 Anthology goes on sale later this month!

Inside You’ll Find:

✔ Fated Mates
✔ Curvy Heroines
✔ Insta-Love
✔ Opposites Attract
✔ Small-Town Romance
✔ Protective Alpha Shifters
✔ Four Complete Novels

One low price.

Four unforgettable Polar Bears.

And plenty of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.

📚 Grab your copy here:

https://www.cdgorri.com/books/the-barvale-clan-tales-books-1-4

Don’t wait too long—this sale will melt away before you know it!

🎧🐯 FREE AUDIOBOOK ALERT! 🐯🎧

Purrfectly Mated Audiobook

FREE June 12–15 on select vendors!

If you’ve been wanting to try one of my audiobooks, now is the perfect time.

Meet Hunter Maverick—the growly Tiger Shifter who never expected fate to pounce.

Tropes Readers Love:

🐾 Fated Mates
🐾 Curvy Heroine
🐾 Protective Tiger Shifter
🐾 Small-Town Romance
🐾 Insta-Love
🐾 Possessive Hero
🐾 Guaranteed HEA

One scent.

One mate.

One Tiger who will do absolutely anything to claim the woman destined for him.

🎧 FREE June 12–15

🎧 Then only $0.99 through July

Available through:

✔ Buy Direct
✔ Kobo
✔ Apple Books
✔ Google Play
✔ Nook
✔ Chirp

🎧 Grab your copy here:

https://www.cdgorri.com/books/purrfectly-mated

So charge your Kindle, grab your headphones, and settle in with some growly heroes this summer.

Happy reading, friends!

❤️
C.D. Gorri
USA Today Bestselling Author
Curvy Girls • Alpha Heroes • Fated Mates • Guaranteed HEAs

This is the place where romances are plotted, heroes fall in love, heroines save themselves, and fictional people routinely refuse to do what they’re told.

It’s also where I currently have:

☕ A large coffee that’s working harder than I am
💻 A laptop open to a manuscript that keeps demanding “just one more chapter”
📱 A Notes app overflowing with random story ideas, character names, snippets of dialogue, and observations that made perfect sense at two o’clock in the morning
📄 Twenty-seven open tabs in said Notes app
🪛 A screwdriver
🏷️ A label maker
🦞 One squishy emotional-support lobster named Leo with terrifying pop-out eyes
And approximately six square inches of actual desk space.

People often imagine authors working in beautiful offices with matching furniture, color-coded notebooks, and a pristine workspace worthy of a Pinterest board.

I’m sure those authors exist.

I am not one of them.

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My reality usually involves balancing coffee next to a stack of notes while digging through open files trying to remember why I wrote things like:

“Make him growl more.”
“Add peanut butter.”
“Absolutely no more tea.”

At the time, these notes made perfect sense. Now?

They’re cryptic messages from a past version of myself that I must somehow decipher.

And yet, somehow, the books still get written.

That’s the funny thing about creativity.

When we’re new to writing—or really any creative pursuit—we often believe we need the perfect system before we can be productive.

The perfect office.
The perfect software.
The perfect planner.
The perfect routine.
The perfect amount of uninterrupted time.

But after more than a decade of publishing, I’ve learned something important:

Perfect is wildly overrated.

Some days the words flow.
Some days they don’t.
Some days I hit five thousand words before breakfast.
Some days I spend an hour searching for a note I know I wrote somewhere.

The goal isn’t perfection.

The goal is progress.

The manuscript doesn’t care if your desk is messy.

The story doesn’t care if your notes are scattered across three notebooks and twenty-seven tabs.

The characters don’t care if you’re writing at a beautiful custom desk or at the kitchen table.

They just need you to show up.

One sentence.
One paragraph.
One chapter at a time.

If you’ve been writing for more than five minutes, chances are you’ve received advice.

A lot of advice.

Advice from other writers.
Advice from readers.
Advice from industry experts.
Advice from people who have never written a book but somehow know exactly how you should write yours.

And the advice?

Write every day.
Don’t write every day.
Plot everything.
Never plot.
Write to market.
Don’t chase trends.
Use social media.
Avoid social media.
Publish fast.
Publish slow.
Go exclusive.
Go wide.
Write short.
Write long.
Use tropes.
Avoid tropes.

By the time you’ve listened to everyone, you’re left wondering if the only correct way to be an author is to somehow do all of these things at once.

Here’s the truth I’ve learned after more than a decade in publishing:

Most writing advice isn’t wrong.

It’s just incomplete.

Because what worked for one author may be completely wrong for another.

No one approach is automatically better. They’re all just different roads leading to the same destination.

That’s why one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this:

March to the tune of your own piper.

Not the loudest voice in the room.
Not the latest social media guru.
Not the author making six figures in a genre you don’t even write.

Your own piper.

Because nobody understands your goals, your schedule, your life circumstances, or your creative process better than you do.

So here’s my unsolicited writing advice:

Write the books you want to write.

Learn the craft.
Learn the business.
Listen carefully.

But don’t surrender your instincts.

March to the tune of your own piper.

Even if everyone else thinks you’re going the wrong way.

Especially then.

Because sometimes the path nobody understands is the one that leads exactly where you’re supposed to be.

And if you’ve been waiting for your workspace, your schedule, or your process to become perfect before you create something, consider this your permission slip to stop waiting.

Create in the chaos.
Write in the mess.
Build the thing anyway.

And if all else fails?

Get yourself a judgmental emotional-support lobster!

Apparently it’s working for me.

xoxo,
C.D. Gorri

P.S.

So, tell me...
What’s the weirdest thing currently sitting on your desk right now?

One of my favorite parts of being an author is sharing what’s coming next—and right now there is a LOT happening in my little corner of romance land.

From cowboys and second chances to dark academia monsters and magical academies, there’s something for every kind of romance reader this month.

🐎 OUT TODAY: BENJI 🐎

Benji

Dry Creek Cowboys Book 2

Some fires never burn out… they just wait for the right spark.

Benjamin Gunner built Jersey Iron Ranch on grit, loyalty, and control—no distractions, no regrets, and definitely no looking back.

Until her.

Esme Perona Gunner was the woman he loved… and the one he swore betrayed him.

Now she’s back—with divorce papers unsigned, fire in her eyes, and secrets that could change everything.

She says he got it wrong.

He says she broke him.

But the truth?

It’s dangerous enough to destroy them both.

Because the closer Benji gets, the harder it is to walk away again.

And this time?

He’s not sure he wants to.

Tropes You’ll Love:

💥 Second Chance Romance
💥 Possessive Alpha Cowboy
💥 Curvy Heroine
💥 Enemies-to-Lovers Energy
💥 Dark Past & Explosive Chemistry
💥 Stalker Suspense
💥 Touch Her & Find Out Vibes

👉 Read more: https://www.cdgorri.com/books/benji

As someone born and raised in New Jersey, I never expected to find myself writing cowboy romances—but once I discovered the incredible ranching culture right here in my home state, I was hooked. The Dry Creek Cowboys series blends contemporary romance, danger, family, and a little bit of that rugged cowboy magic I fell in love with.

And Benji might just be my favorite cowboy yet.

🌙 COMING SOON: CLAIMED BY HIS GLOW 🌙

Asgarheim Runevald Institute Book 2

The next installment in my Dark Academia Monster Romance series is on the way!

Many of you may remember this series from its original Blackthorn Academy release.

Well...

I’ve completely reimagined it.

The series is now officially the Asgarheim Runevald Institute series, featuring expanded worldbuilding, richer character development, deeper mythology, and substantially more story.

Claimed by His Glow has been completely revamped and is nearly double the size of the original edition.

If you love:

🖤 Dark Academia
🖤 Monster Romance
🖤 Fated Mates
🖤 Morally Gray Heroes
🖤 Ancient Magic
🖤 Secret Societies
🖤 Paranormal Universities
🖤 Curvy Heroines

Then you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for this one.

https://www.cdgorri.com/books/claimed-by-his-glow

💧 FREE FOR JUNE 💧

Water Witch

Book One in the Witches of Westwood Academy Series

Rio has spent her entire life knowing one terrifying truth...

The women in her family are cursed.

And now?

It’s her turn.

Desperate for answers, Rio is sent to Westwood Academy—a hidden supernatural school where witches, shifters, and powerful magic exist under the watchful eye of the Council of Covens.

But surviving at Westwood isn’t easy.

Especially when dark secrets begin surfacing...

Magic turns dangerous...

And fate may have far bigger plans for her than she ever imagined.

Perfect For Readers Who Love:

🖤 Witch Academy
🖤 Curvy Heroine
🖤 Secret Family Curse
🖤 Paranormal Romance
🖤 Fated Mates
🖤 Supernatural Politics
🖤 Hidden Powers
🖤 Found Family

“Welcome to Westwood Academy. Forget what you know and let your magic run wild.”

👉 Read Water Witch Here: https://www.cdgorri.com/books/water-witch

FREE throughout June!

If you’ve never tried my Westwood Academy books, now is the perfect time to dive in.

Thank You ❤️

Whether you’ve been reading my books for years or you just discovered one yesterday, thank you for spending your time with my stories.

Every download, review, recommendation, newsletter share, social media post, and word-of-mouth mention helps more than you know.

I have some exciting things planned for the second half of the year—including more cowboys, more monsters, more shifters, more magic, and plenty of happily-ever-afters.

Until next time...

Happy Reading,

C.D. Gorri
USA Today Bestselling Author

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It’s official—the store is up and running!

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I’m thrilled to officially invite you to my store, Buy Direct from C.D. Gorri, where you can shop ebooks, audiobooks, bundles, and special editions straight from the source.

Why buy direct?

Because every direct purchase helps support my work as an independent author and allows me to invest more time into creating the stories you love. It also gives me the opportunity to offer special perks that aren’t always possible through retailers.

✨ Exclusive discounts
✨ Special bundles and savings
✨ Pre-release sales and early access opportunities
✨ Limited editions and direct-only offers
✨ Digital delivery through BookFunnel when applicable

And to celebrate the launch of the store, you can save 10% OFF your order right now with coupon code: JuneSale

Just enter the code at checkout and your discount will be applied automatically.

Whether you’re looking for possessive shifters, swoony sports stars, rugged mountain men, dark antiheroes, or magical fated mates, you’ll find them all waiting for you.

The store is organized by genre, series, and format, making it easy to discover a new favorite—or binge an entire series.

Browse:

🔥 Featured Deals
📚 eBook Bundles
🎧 Audiobook Bundles
💖 Paranormal Romance
🖤 Dark Romance
🤠 Contemporary Romance
✨ Special Editions

Right now you can grab the Hungry Fur Love series (complete and in eBook format) for just $0.99 when you buy direct here: https://www.cdgorri.com/books/hungry-fur-love-buy-direct-ebook-bundle/?store=true

As always, thank you for supporting my books and my small author business. Every purchase, recommendation, review, and share means more than I can say.

✨ Skip the middleman.
📚 Buy direct.
💕 Support the author.

Ready to browse?

👉 https://www.cdgorri.com/store

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

P.S. Don’t forget to use coupon code JuneSale before it expires—it’s the perfect excuse to load up your summer reading list! 📚💕 And visit www.buydirectfromauthors.com for more amazing authors and direct sales deals!

🔥 The Lumberjack and the Sawmill Jill is officially LIVE… and with it, the Woodhaven Mountain Men series is now COMPLETE 🏔️

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And honestly?

Even after twelve years of publishing… this part never changes.

Finishing a series is always emotional for me.

It’s a proud moment, of course. There’s relief and excitement and that little burst of happiness that comes from finally putting the last piece into place. But at the same time?

Part of me always longs for the beginning again.

For that very first spark of an idea.

That moment where a tiny concept suddenly starts growing into something bigger. A setting. A voice. A hero. A scene that won’t leave you alone until you write it down.

Because readers see the finished books on the shelves… but behind the scenes, a series becomes part of your actual life for months, sometimes years.

You spend countless hours building these worlds.

Living inside these characters’ heads.

Plotting their heartbreaks, their healing, their love stories.

There’s emotional energy poured into every chapter.

Physical energy too.

Late nights.
Early mornings.
Rewrites.
Deleted scenes.
Plot tangles.
Random inspiration while folding laundry or driving to the grocery store.
Entire conversations with fictional people living rent free in your brain 😂

And somewhere along the way, these characters stop feeling fictional.

They become people you know.

That’s what happened with Woodhaven.

This series started with one simple idea:

What if I created a lumberjack romance series set somewhere we don’t always see in romance?
And what if the heroines were curvy, resilient, sassy women who knew exactly what they wanted?

So I created a rugged little mountain town in Maine called Woodhaven… and before I knew it, it became real to me.

Woodhaven became towering pines. Dangerous mountains. Snowstorms. Crackling fireplaces. Sawmills. Family dinners. Quiet moments on porches. Men with rough hands and guarded hearts falling hopelessly in love.

And maybe one of my favorite things about writing is this:

Every series I create becomes its own little world… but all of those worlds connect into one giant C.D. Gorri universe.

Characters overlap.
Places get mentioned.
Readers catch little Easter eggs.

In my writer’s brain, one town exists alongside another.

The Wrecked Rockstar world.
Woodhaven.
Dry Creek.
Castor’s Corner.
The Asgarheim Runevald Institute.

To me, they all coexist somewhere out there, connected by little threads readers slowly discover over time 💕

But Woodhaven especially stole a piece of my heart.

These mountain men became the kind of heroes I love writing most—solid, sexy, protective men who love with their whole hearts and would do absolutely anything for the women they claim.

From sawmill-owning bachelors…
to broody billionaire artists…
to sexy silver fox CEOs…

Every man in Woodhaven has his own story.

And every one of them falls HARD when the right woman walks into his life.

So yes… finishing this series feels emotional.

Because closing a series always feels a little like saying goodbye to a place you’ve lived in for a while. But what makes it worth it is knowing readers get to visit those worlds whenever they want. 💕

And now the final story has arrived… I hope you will grab The Lumberjack and the Sawmill Jill . Available wide, direct from my store, and in paperback!

If you love:

🪓 Mountain Men
💋 Curvy Heroines
🏔️ Small Town Romance
🔥 Protective, Possessive Heroes
💞 Later-in-Life & Second Chance Romance
❤️ Found Family & Emotional Healing

…then maybe you’ll even add the full Woodhaven Mountain Men series to your TBR 🥰

Thank you so much for supporting my stories, my worlds, and all the fictional people who completely take over my brain and my heart.

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

We’ve all been there.

And no—I’m not talking about the one-star reviews that torch everything you’ve poured your heart and soul into.

Those? Honestly, they’re almost easier to dismiss because they’re so extreme.

I’m talking about the pesky 3- and 4-star reviews.

The ones where the reader “liked it, but…”
And suddenly that but is louder than every good thing they just said.

They’ll compliment the story, the characters, the romance…
and then drop one tiny critique like it’s nothing.

“The pacing felt a little off.”
“I couldn’t fully connect with the heroine.”
“The ending was rushed.”

And that one line?

Yeah. That’s the one that moves in. Unpacks a suitcase. Pays rent in your brain for the next three days.

You’ll be brushing your teeth thinking about it.
Trying to fall asleep? Nope—your mind is replaying that sentence like it’s a courtroom exhibit.

You start second-guessing everything.

Was the pacing off?
Did I rush that scene?
Should I have rewritten the ending?
Wait… is this book actually bad??

And then there are the silent star droppers.

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Three stars. Four stars.

No explanation. No context. No feedback.

And somehow those can hit even harder.

Because now your brain fills in the blanks for them.

What didn’t they like?
Was it the characters? The plot? The spice? Too much? Not enough?
Did I lose them halfway through? Did they hate the hero?

You don’t know.

And because you don’t know, your brain decides to be extra helpful and invents every possible worst-case scenario.

That’s the trap.

Not the review itself—but what we do with it after.

So what do you do as a writer?

The answer is simple—and also incredibly hard:

Nothing.

Here’s the truth a lot of authors don’t want to hear (or need reminding of):

Reviews are not for you.

They feel like they should be. They’re about your book, your characters, your story.

But they’re not your space.

They’re not your arena.

Reviews are for readers.

They’re a conversation between readers deciding what to pick up next, what they loved, what didn’t hit for them. And sometimes? That means your book gets picked apart in ways that feel personal.

But it’s not personal.

Even when it feels like it is.

So… should you ever listen to reviews?

Here’s where it gets tricky.

If multiple readers are pointing out the same issue—editing problems, pacing, lack of character development—then yes, that might be something to take note of privately.

But diving into reviews looking for ways to “fix yourself”?

That’s a fast track to burnout.

Because, here is the truth, you cannot write a book that works for everyone.

And the moment you try, you lose the thing that makes your stories yours.

What actually helps?

Share

Instead of living in your reviews section, build a space that does belong to you:

Your editors (who will tell you the truth before publication).

Your proofreaders (who catch the polish issues).

Your beta readers (who flag story concerns early).

Your ARC team (who help shape launch momentum).

Your author friends (who get it without explanation).

These are your people. Your sounding board. Your safety net.

Let them help you grow.

Let readers… read.

The reality no one talks about enough

A 3- or 4-star review is still someone finishing your book.

Still someone engaging with your story.

Still someone caring enough to have an opinion.

That doesn’t make the sting disappear—but it does put it into perspective.

My take?

Don’t go there.

Don’t spiral. Don’t dissect every word. Don’t let a stranger’s passing thought outweigh the thousands of words you created.

Protect your creative space like it matters—because it does.

Write the stories you want to tell.

Build the team that supports you.

And leave the reviews where they belong: With the readers.

If you find yourself in this line of work, try to remember why you started in the first place.

You’re writing for a reason.

Because something in you needs to tell stories.
Because the characters won’t leave you alone until you put them on the page.
Because creating worlds, building relationships, making readers feel something—that’s not just a hobby.

It’s your calling.
It’s your purpose.
It’s what you’re meant to do.

And that part? That’s the heart of it. The part no review can touch unless you let it.

Everything else?

The business side of indie authoring—the marketing, the launches, the algorithms, the sales pages, the reviews…

That’s work.

Learned work.

And part of that learning curve is figuring out where to place things mentally—especially reviews.

Not every comment deserves a seat at your creative table.
Not every opinion gets to shape your voice.

Reviews belong in the “reader space.”
Your creativity belongs in yours.

Once you separate the two?

It gets a whole lot easier to keep writing.

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

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🖤 He’s Been Watching Her From the Shadows…

And Now He’s Done Waiting

The rebrand is finally here—and I am so excited to share this with you.

🔥 The complete reimagining of Monster’s Kiss has arrived.
Darker. Deeper. More obsessive. More hungry.

Are you ready?

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😈 MARKED BY HIS HUNGER

Welcome to the Asgarheim Runevald Institute

Graduate school was supposed to be a fresh start…
A place to learn control. To belong.
Instead?
She walked straight into the path of a Monster who has been waiting centuries for her.
And now that he’s found her… he’s not letting her go.

🖤 What You’re Getting Inside:

🖤 A curvy Necromancer heroine discovering just how powerful she really is
🖤 An ancient, obsessive Monster hero who does not understand restraint
🖤 Dark academia graduate school vibes with secrets lurking in every shadow
🖤 A story built on hunger, obsession, and possession
🖤 Print version with beautiful castle overlay on every page

This isn’t a soft love story. This is the kind that consumes.

🔥 Why This Rebrand Hits Different

If you read Monster’s Kiss before—this is not the same book.

✨ Expanded to nearly double the original length
✨ Completely rewritten for deeper emotion and darker tension
✨ New worldbuilding inside the Asgarheim Runevald Institute
✨ A stronger, more intense monster romance experience

This is the version the story was always meant to be.

👀 READ IT NOW

You can grab Marked by His Hunger DIRECT right now and dive in immediately 👇
👉 https://www.cdgorri.com/books/marked-by-his-hunger

Retailer links are rolling out later today/tomorrow if you prefer your favorite store.

Thank you and happy reading!

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

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P.S.

Lords of Nightfall Alert

I’m launching aKickstarter-exclusive special edition featuring the complete series in one stunning hardcover—plus custom character art, full-color interiors, and exclusive editions later this summer.

Dark romance. Demon princes. Curvy heroines. Fated mates.
And a collector experience designed for readers who want more.

If you’ve ever loved this series—or you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to dive in—this is it.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cdgorri/lords-of-nightfall-romantasy-character-art-special-edition

I’ve got something special for my paid subscribers…

👉 A FREE audiobook download of Purrfectly Mated! 👀🔥

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🎙️ Purrfectly Mated

Written by C.D. Gorri
Narrated by Elle Sonali

He’s the leader of his Pride.
She has no idea Shifters even exist…

And fate? Oh, fate has plans. 😈

Hunter Maverick is running out of time.
If he can’t get control of the eight-hundred-pound tiger inside him, he risks everything—his power, his position, his Pride.

There’s only one solution:
👉 Find his fated mate. Claim her. Anchor the beast.

Problem?

He has no idea who she is.

Elissa Phoenix is having the worst day of her life.

A disastrous blind date.
Zero dignity left.
Stranded in the rain on the side of the road…

So when a mysterious limo driver offers her a ride, she knows she should say no.

…but something in her gut says get in.

And somewhere behind the scenes?

✨ A magical matchmaking service
✨ A meddling legend named Uncle Uzzi
✨ And one very growly tiger shifter about to meet his match

💥 Tropes You’ll Love:

🐯 Fated Mates
🔥 Possessive Alpha Hero
💋 Curvy Heroine
✨ Secret Shifter World
🚗 Meet-Cute Chaos (with a limo 😏)
💖 HEA Guaranteed

This is Book 1 in my Maverick Pride Tales—and it’s the purrfect place to start if you love shifters who fall HARD and heroines who change everything 💕

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Read more

Hi. It’s me. I’m a mood writer.

And honestly? Romance is the perfect sandbox for a brain like mine to run wild in. The genre is massive—like, endless-subgenres massive—and that means I get to play. A lot.

If you’ve been reading my books, you already know my heart lives in Paranormal Romance (shifters, witches, fated mates—yes please). But lately? I’ve been stretching my creative muscles:

✨ Building up my contemporary romance
✨ Dabbling in romantasy
✨ Sliding into monster romance (because obviously 👀)

So how do I juggle all that?

Short answer: I don’t follow anyone else’s rulebook.

🎯 There Is No “Right Way”

Let me say this louder for the authors in the back:

There is no single path to doing this.

As an indie author, I get to set the tone. I get to pivot. I get to experiment. I get to mess up—and then own it.

And yeah… I’ve made mistakes. Plenty.

But I think that accountability? That willingness to try, fail, adjust, and keep going? That’s what’s kept me here.

Year 12, baby. 💅

📚 Advice Is Everywhere (Take What Fits, Leave the Rest)

There is so much advice out there.

Courses. Masterclasses. “You HAVE to do this if you want to succeed” energy.

And listen—I’ve taken courses. Paid ones. Free ones. All of it.

Some helped. Some… not so much.

What I’ve learned is this: 👉 If it doesn’t fit you or your brand, you don’t have to follow it.

The real skill? Learning how to filter the noise.

💻 This Is a Job (Even If You Love It)

“Do what you love” is great in theory.

But let’s be real—this is still work.

This is my full-time job, and I treat it like one. I’m writing, planning, marketing, editing, plotting… constantly.

Because writer brain?

Yeah. That doesn’t turn off.

Ever. 😅

❤️ So What Do I Actually Write?

At the end of the day, it’s simple:

I write what I want to read…

…and what I think you might love too.

That’s the sweet spot.

That’s the magic.

📖 “But You Have So Many Books…” (I Got You)

I know—when you look at my catalog, it can feel like a LOT.

That’s why I try to make it easy to jump in:

💥 Sales + freebies happening all the time

📚 Permafree starters to get you hooked

📱 Available on the Libby app through your library

🌍 Wide platforms like Nook, Google Play, Kobo, and non-exclusive subscription services like Kobo Plus

🛒 And of course—Buy Direct (www.cdgorri.com ) from me to save big

💬 Final Thought

Being a genre-hopping, mood-writing author might look chaotic from the outside, but for me?

It’s freedom. It’s creativity. It’s survival in this industry.

And honestly?

I wouldn’t have it any other way. 💖

Happy Reading!

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

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Yeah. That BookCon.

And let me tell you—this was the biggest event I’ve ever been part of. No comparisons.

✨ The Dream (and the Reality Check)

Walking into the Javits Center felt surreal. One minute I’m hauling boxes, checking lists, triple-checking I didn’t forget something critical… and the next?

25,000 book lovers.

Twenty-five. Thousand.

Readers. Authors. Industry folks. Just… wall-to-wall people who love books as much as we do. It was overwhelming in the best possible way—and also the kind of overwhelming that makes your brain go:

“Wait… I planned for this, right?? RIGHT??”

Because here’s the part nobody really talks about enough—

📦 The Logistics Are… A Lot

Being a signing author at something like this isn’t just “show up and sign books.”

It’s:

• Packing inventory (and praying you packed enough… but not too much)

• Travel planning

• Booth setup strategy

• Merch, displays, payment systems

• Talking to humans (so many humans 😅)

And if you’re even a little introverted?

Yeah. There’s a moment where you’re like:

“What have I done?”

But then—

💖 The Moment It All Clicks

Someone walks up to your table.
They’ve read your book.
Or they’ve heard of you.
Or they’re curious and willing to take a chance.

And suddenly the anxiety? The chaos? The overthinking?

It fades.

Because this—this connection—is why we do it.

🔥 Wait… Let’s Talk About WHAT HAPPENED 😳

I genuinely don’t even know how to process this yet, but—I SOLD OUT OF 6 TITLES.

Six.

I came home with way fewer books than I brought (which, let’s be real, is the dream scenario), and I’m still sitting here kind of stunned by the reaction from so many of you.

The excitement?
The way you showed up for my stories?

I felt it. Every second of it. And seeing your posts after—your hauls, your selfies, your tags—meant everything.

Seriously, thank you for sharing, for tagging me, for spreading the word. You have no idea how much that helps—or how much it means.

📚 The Best Part (Hands Down)

Meeting readers.
Meeting other authors.
Talking books like it’s oxygen.

There is something so special about being in a space where storytelling is the center of everything. No distractions. No noise that matters. Just people who get it.

I loved every second of:

• The conversations

• The laughter

• The “omg I’ve read your books” moments

• The new friendships forming in real time

Even the chaos? Yeah, I loved that too.

🙏 A Huge Thank You

I could not end this without saying thank you—because this kind of event doesn’t happen without a lot of people behind the scenes.

Thank you to:

• ReedPop

• Leap Event

• The incredible Javits staff

• My awesome hubby who was my super patient helper

• Samantha from Calli who stopped by my table both days and was just incredible

• The immensely talented Harper Brooks (author) and her hubby who offered to help me out on when I was on my own for a bit on day 1

• And to every single person who stopped by my table 💕

Whether you grabbed a book, said hi, or just smiled as you passed—it meant more than you know.

🔥 So… Would I Do It Again?

In a heartbeat.

Was it chaotic? Yes.
Was it a logistical mind-bender? Also yes.
Did I question my sanity at least once? Absolutely.

But it was also:

• Inspiring

• Energizing

• And honestly… kind of addictive

I really hope BookCon comes back next year. And I hope I get to be part of it again—because this? This felt like exactly where I’m meant to be.

To everyone who was there—thank you for making it unforgettable.
And if you weren’t?

Don’t worry… I’ve got stories. And books. And maybe a few surprises coming your way soon 👀💋

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

Okay, real talk… I’ve written a lot of books 😅 Like, “accidentally built a whole book boyfriend universe” a lot. And if you’re new here, you might be staring at my catalog like:

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“Excuse me, ma’am… where do I even BEGIN??”

First of all—hi, I love you already 😘
Second—don’t panic. I’ve got you.

All of my books are interconnected standalones, which is a fancy way of saying:

👉 You can jump in anywhere
👉 You’ll get a full love story + HEA
👉 And if you fall for one book boyfriend, well, good luck escaping the rest 😏

(No seriously. They talk. They recruit. It’s a whole thing.)

So don’t stress about reading in order or picking “the right” one. Just follow your mood—whether you want a growly alpha, a chaotic witch, or a man who falls first and never recovers.

👇 Pick your vibe below and dive in
Fair warning: “just one book” is a lie we all tell ourselves 💋

🐺 ALPHA HEROES • FATED MATES • OBSESSION

You want:
• Possessive heroes who fall HARD
• Fate that refuses to be denied
• High heat + emotional intensity

👉 Start here:

• Dire Wolf Mates Series

• The Maverick Pride Tales

• Motley Crewd Shifters

• NYC Shifter Tales

🔥 Start Your Fated Mates Binge

🧁 FUNNY • CHAOTIC • WITCHY ROMANCE

You want:
• Laugh-out-loud moments
• Magical chaos
• Steamy romance with heart

👉 Start here:

• Hungry Fur Love: The Witches of Castor’s Corner

• Date to Mate Series

• Witch Shifter Clan

😂 Start Your Witchy Romance Binge

😈 DARK • OBSESSION • MORALLY GRAY HEROES

You want:
• Dangerous men
• High-stakes tension
• “He’d burn the world for her” energy

👉 Start here:

• Jersey Bad Boys Series

• Lords of Nightfall Series

• Mergers & Acquisitions Series

🔥 Enter the Dark Side

💼 BILLIONAIRES • POWER • POSSESSIVE ALPHAS

You want:
• Wealthy, powerful heroes
• Control → obsession → devotion
• High heat + emotional payoff

👉 Start here:

• Wild Billionaire Romance Series

💎 Start Your Billionaire Binge

🏔️ SMALL TOWN • PROTECTIVE HEROES • EMOTIONAL ROMANCE

You want:
• Rugged men with soft hearts
• Forced proximity + caretaking
• Deep emotional connection

👉 Start here:

• Woodhaven Mountain Men Series

• Dry Creek Cowboys Series

❤️ Escape to Small-Town Romance

🐉 PARANORMAL WORLDS • SHIFTERS • MAGIC

You want:
• Immersive supernatural worlds
• Shifters, dragons, witches
• Action + romance + heat

👉 Start here:

• Falk Clan Tales (Dragon Shifters) (Book 1 FREE)

• The Island Stripe Pride Series

• Macconwood Pack Series (Book 1 FREE)

• Lords of Nightfall

🔥 Enter the Paranormal World

🌙 YA URBAN FANTASY • ADVENTURE • SUPERNATURAL

You want:
• Strong heroines
• Coming-of-age magic
• Adventure + danger

👉 Start here FREE:

• The Grazi Kelly Series

🌙 Start the Adventure

🎄 HOLIDAY • SHORT • INSTA-LOVE HEAT

You want:
• Quick, spicy reads
• Holiday romance
• Instant chemistry

👉 Start here:

• Cherry On Top Tales Series

• Arrhythmia, Texas Series (multi-author world)

• Barvale Holiday Tales

• Macconwood Pack Tales

🔥 Grab a Quick, Spicy Read

💖 Wherever you start… just know one thing:

You’re probably not stopping at just one.

Happy reading—and welcome to your next obsession 💋

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

That idea—of embracing what makes us unique—is at the heart of why body positivity matters so much to me. Because “healthy” doesn’t have one look. Bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and stories. And every single one of them deserves love, respect, and joy.

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For me, this isn’t just something I write about—it’s something I lived.

I grew up in Hoboken, New Jersey, as a plus-size girl surrounded by strong, capable, no-nonsense women. I went to an all-girls high school run by women who taught us to take up space, speak up, and own who we were—no apologies.

At home, I watched my mom build and run a successful business, with my sisters right there beside her.

Girl power wasn’t a slogan—it was just life. 💪💖

And that shaped everything. Including the stories I tell.

The curvy heroines I write aren’t all the same—because women aren’t all the same. And isn’t that the truth?

Inside my tales you’ll meet:
💋 The curvy witch juggling magic, responsibility, and a love life she didn’t plan for
🔥 The small-town woman starting over after life knocked her down—and refusing to stay there
🏉 The confident PR girl who knows her worth, even when love gets messy
💼 The curvy heiress navigating power, family expectations, and her own heart
🐺 The outsider who never felt like she belonged—until someone sees her exactly as she is
And so many more…

Some of them are bold. Some are soft. Some are messy, stubborn, healing, thriving, or figuring it out one step at a time.

But every single one of them is worthy of being loved exactly as they are—not as a before, not as a makeover, and definitely not as a compromise.

Because that’s what I believe.

And that’s what I want for every reader who picks up one of these stories.

That’s also why I’m so proud to be part of this book fair. 💕

A group of incredible authors has come together to celebrate curvy heroines and the heroes who adore them—in every genre, every trope, every flavor of romance.

Whether you’re craving:
✨ Sweet small-town charm
🔥 Sizzling paranormal heat
💼 Billionaire drama
💋 Or something deliciously in between

You’ll find stories here that don’t just include curvy women… they center them, celebrate them, and give them the love stories they deserve.

📚 Browse the Curvy Girl Romance Spring Book Fair:
👉 https://books.bookfunnel.com/curvy-girl-romance/wfqoqhwzek

Because every body is different.
Every story is unique.
And every single one of us deserves a love story. 💖

Happy reading,
C.D. Gorri

P.S.
You can now find my eBooks & Audiobooks on Curios!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/curvy-girl-romance/wfqoqhwzek

I recently participated in the TNTNC (Tempted & Tantalizing NC Author Signing Event) anthology duo and wrote the first book in my new cowboy romance series featuring a crossover with April D. Berry’s Destiny’s Enforcers MC series…

So how does something like this work?

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• First, shared vision is everything.

• Making sure both you and the other author align on tone, heat level, and reader expectations from the start.

• Respect each other’s worlds. Characters, settings, and lore should feel authentic in both books—no stepping on each other’s canon.

• Clear character boundaries.

• Decide which characters belong to which author and how they appear across both stories.

• Consistent timeline & events.

• Crossovers shine when readers can spot overlapping moments from different POVs.

• Communication = smooth magic. Regular check-ins keep plot holes, continuity issues, and confusion out of the story.

• Play to each author’s strengths.

• Respecting and knowing your partner is important. And so is sharing the glory.

• Let each voice shine while still blending seamlessly for the reader experience.

• Cross-promotion is key.

• This is the best part of working on a project like this. Sharing audiences—newsletter swaps, social posts, and joint hype build momentum for both books.

• Easter eggs make it fun.

• Hidden references, cameos, and callbacks reward readers who pick up both stories.

• Reader-first mindset.

• While the point is to cross promote, each book should still stand alone while enhancing the crossover experience.

• Finally, just have fun with it.

• When you put two creatives together there’s an unmistakable energy being created and if done right the readers feel it on every page.

At the end of the day, writing is a craft—and working with other authors only makes us better, helping us learn, grow, and keep honing our skills with every story we tell.

Keep on writing and reading!

C.D. Gorri

Sawyer Link

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Like right now my life is:

✔️ Packing books
✔️ Unpacking books because I packed the wrong ones
✔️ Repacking books but now questioning all my life choices
✔️ Stickers? Check.
✔️ Bookplates? Check.
✔️ Pens? I have 47. Why do I have 47 pens.
✔️ Did I pack deodorant? PRIORITIES.

And then there’s the mental prep…

Because let’s not forget—I am, at my core, an introvert who spends most of her time making fictional people fall in love and/or ruin each other’s lives.

And now I’m just supposed to casually walk into Tempted & Tantalizing (TNTNC) like, “Hello yes hi I am a normal human who knows how to socialize.” 😅

The truth? I don’t. Not really.

BUT.

Put me in a room with readers?
Other authors?
People who love books as much as I do?

Suddenly I will talk your ear off about:
🔥 Book boyfriends
💋 Fated mates
📚 Plot twists that wrecked me
👀 And probably overshare something chaotic

So yeah—there will be nerves. There will be awkward moments. There will absolutely be me forgetting what I was saying mid-sentence.

But I am SO excited to be back at TNTNC—my very first signing back in 2017 and still one of my absolute favorites. 💕

If you’re coming this weekend, PLEASE come find me (Table 75!!). I promise good vibes, great books, and at least one slightly frazzled but very happy author.

Let’s talk books. Let’s laugh. Let’s make it a weekend to remember.

xoxo 💖

C.D. Gorri