Probably Needed a Hug, but….
Definitely needed a hug.
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Chichi is my debut romance novel set to release later this year. I’ve pushed the release date back, but the cover and release date will be revealed within the next few months.
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When Chihiro Quinn has the means and time to revitalize her late-great grandmother’s home, she finds herself putting her current house on the market. Which is where she meets him: Ethan Drake, the last person she expects to meet again at her family’s Thanksgiving dinner…
Ethan turns out to be a shameless flirt who talks his way into helping with Chihiro’s project thus creating plenty of time for him to break through her carefully built walls.
He’s persistent—but so is she.
What happens when she calls herself sworn off of dating and Ethan thinks he can change her mind?
#lemon8bookclub #indieromanceauthors #indiebooks #forcedproximity #hefallsfirsttrope
When I first heard about the upcoming release of Chichi, I was immediately drawn to its unique blend of romance and a meaningful renovation project. Renovating a family home isn't just about fixing walls or updating rooms—it's about reconnecting with family history and healing old wounds, which Chihiro's journey perfectly captures. As someone who's helped renovate a family home myself, I can empathize with Chihiro's mix of excitement and overwhelm. Taking on such a project often brings unexpected challenges and moments of joy, especially when shared with someone new. Ethan Drake’s role as the charming, slightly flirtatious handyman introduces that classic forced proximity trope that so many romance readers enjoy. This dynamic sets the stage for genuine emotional breakthroughs. I appreciate how the novel explores the tension of being "sworn off dating" while still opening the door to new connections—something many readers can relate to. The blend of heartfelt moments, family traditions like Thanksgiving dinners, and romantic tension builds a story that feels warm, relatable, and full of hope. For those who love indie romance books that combine #forcedproximity, #hefallsfirsttrope, and stories of personal growth, Chichi promises to be a compelling read. I’m personally looking forward to the cover reveal and release in Fall 2026. It’s inspiring to see new voices like Jerrica C. Reed’s bringing fresh storytelling to the romance genre, especially with themes that touch on community, legacy, and love overcoming emotional walls.
