✨ A Year of Self-Publishing 🤎

New to #Lemon8 so I thought I would introduce myself through my released and upcoming novels. Here’s their elevator pitches:

Falling For the Mark — A mother-daughter con artist duo prepares to con their next mark. Their plans go haywire when the daughter falls for their target’s daughter.

Catching the Con — A reformed con artist looking to evade the consequences of her past, falls for the private detective hired to send her to jail.

The Price of Revenge — After being betrayed by her best friend, a college student plans her revenge by cozying up with the woman’s half-sister.

Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare — A teen returns to her drama-filled small town to the friends she ghosted and the father who sent her running.

Falling For the Mark, The Price of Revenge, and Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare are all out now. FFTM and SFTF are both currently free. Catching the Con releases on August 13 and can be pre-ordered for $0.99.

#romancewriter #authors #authorsoflemon8 #bookwormsoflemon8 #blackauthors #lgbtqiabooks #selfpublished #selfpublishedauthor #romanceauthor

2024/8/5 Edited to

... Read moreSelf-publishing has transformed the literary landscape, allowing authors to share their stories with readers directly. My experience this past year has been exhilarating and filled with valuable lessons. My first novel, "Falling For the Mark," introduces a compelling narrative about a mother-daughter con artist duo. This story captures the complexities of family bonds amidst their schemes and the unexpected romance that unfolds. In contrast, "Catching the Con" follows a reformed con artist entangled with a private detective, creating a thrilling chase filled with tension and romance. This story explores redemption and the struggle to escape one’s past. Additionally, "The Price of Revenge" dives into themes of betrayal and revenge as a college student cleverly orchestrates her strategy to win back her life while navigating relationships. Lastly, "Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare" rounds out my offerings with a relatable exploration of returning home and facing unresolved issues with friends and family. As I prepare for the upcoming release of "Catching the Con" on August 13, I reflect on the support from the community and my growth as a self-published author. For aspiring writers, leveraging platforms like Lemon8 can amplify visibility and create connections with readers. Sharing authentic experiences and stories is crucial for building a supportive readership in the indie publishing scene. I invite you to join this journey, explore my books, and connect with fellow authors and book lovers!

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Captain Lemon8

Welcome! So excited to see more from you in the future💛

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