HUGE THANKS TO OUR
#CMCON27 FEATURED AUTHORS
WE CAN’T WAIT TO GET TO KNOW THEM THIS SUMMER/FALL, AND MAKE MEMORIES BY THE BEACH THIS FEBRUARY IN DAYTONA


I’m a stay-at-home mom to five kids that I homeschool. During the day, I’m running errands, driving kids to sports, and teaching, but at night, after everyone is asleep, I’m a writer. I strive to show my kids that you can always learn something new and accomplish anything you put your mind to. They will see that any dream is possible.

Rebecca V. Archer writes contemporary romance about characters who are afraid of their own emotions. She lives in Florida with her soulmate, drinks copious amounts of tea, and is always looking for a new cocktail or food recipe to try.
A.C. Arthur is a mother, wife and Nana. She has written and won awards in women’s fiction, contemporary and paranormal romance.
Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she wrote the novelization for two Original Hallmark Channel Movies. She is also the creator of the One Love Reunion literary event.


Gregory Ashe is a longtime Midwesterner. He has lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, his current home. When not reading and writing, he is an educator.
Eric R. Asher is the author of Steamborn, the Vesik series, and The Theme Park at the End of the World. He is currently living in St. Louis, Missouri, where the local folklore often finds its way into his Mason Dixon: Monster Hunter rural fantasy series.


Bailey Black writes addictive love stories where magic, danger, and desire collide. Best known for The Lost Darling, her worlds are filled with morally gray heroes, fated connections, and high-stakes tension. Expect slow burns, spice, and stories that blur the line between fairytale and obsession.
A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden now lives in North Carolina with her husband and their cat, Earl Gray. Beth has been writing since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately her first novel, Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but she caught the bug, anyway. She’s published over fifty books.


Writer of small southern town cozy mysteries, traditional mysteries and sweet romances where the characters are multi-generational, community ties run deep and there are surprises around every corner.
Gail Z. Martin writes urban fantasy, epic fantasy, steampunk and more. Series include Deadly Curiosities, the Ascendant Kingdoms Saga, and the Assassins of Landria. Together with Larry N. Martin, she is the co-author of Iron & Blood, Storm & Fury, the Spells Salt and Steel series, and more.
As Morgan Brice, she writes urban fantasy MM paranormal romance including Witchbane, Badlands, Sharps & Springfield, Treasure Trail, and others.


KC Burn is a Canadian transplanted to California who writes happy-ever-afters about men loving men, whether they’re psychics, space travelers, aliens, professors, construction workers, cops, amateur sleuths… you name it, she’ll probably write it.
Visit KC at her website: kcburn.com, on Insta: @authorkcburn or on Facebook.
Multiple award-winning author Monica Burns writes spicy historical and paranormal romance. Awards include the Gold Medal IBR and PRISIM Best-of-the-Best. At nine, Monica realized she was psychic. She’s bought four houses based on dreams. Monica’s survived numerous physical and emotional battles, but still believes in HEAs, especially in her books.


S.O. Callahan has always been fond of sweet things, namely chocolate and love stories. When she’s not writing or reading, she enjoys baking, visiting National Parks and Historic Sites, and traveling with her husband. They live in Chicago and have two very spoiled cats named Ozzy and Beau.
Mary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a ten-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date, follow her on Instagram @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.


Annie Carlisle writes small-town romances filled with witty banter, swoony heroes, and just the right amount of chaos. From rugged Alaskan mountain men to charming coastal towns, her stories blend humor, heart, and heat. When she’s not writing, she’s dreaming up her next fictional town—or convincing herself she only needs one more cup of coffee.
Chrissy Chicory writes cozy paranormal mysteries and romantasy filled with magic, charm, and heart. From the Nettles B&B series to The Culebra Chronicles and Hallow Rising—a dark folkloric dragon-shifter series—her stories weave love, mystery, and the supernatural together.


Kevin A Davis is a contemporary fantasy author of over twenty-five books, including the award-winning DRC Files, where the adept Kristen is quick to use her magic and wits. Residing in north Florida, he attends conventions either as a vendor, speaker, staff, or a nerdy fan.
Jen DeLuca is the USA Today bestselling author of the Well Met series, set in the world of the Renaissance Faire, and the Boneyard Key series, set in a haunted Florida tourist town.
Jen lives in the Arizona desert with her husband, their rescue dog, and almost too many cats.


Beth Dolgner is the author of the popular Nightmare, Arizona paranormal cozy mysteries. Her paranormal cozies and romantic urban fantasy are spooky but fun, which she attributes to a childhood love of Scooby-Doo and Bunnicula. Beth’s books feature found family, starting over at midlife, and solving mysteries with supernatural help.
Born and raised in the rainbow twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Addy Du Lac moved to the US with her mother and elder sister at the age of twelve. In 2024, her debut novel One Season with the Duke, won three Emma Awards for Debut Author of the Year, Best Interracial Romance and Best Book of the Year. She enjoys crafting books with diverse characters and steamy happy endings.


Hank Edwards has crafted gay fiction for over twenty years, publishing 50+ novels across romance genres from paranormal to contemporary to rom-com. Known for series like Critter Catchers, Venom Valley, and the Williamsville Inn, he also writes YA urban fantasy as R. G. Thomas.
Kerry Evelyn is an international award-winning multi-genre author, mentor, editor, & writing instructor. She loves (in ever-changing order) books, boybands, cats, hockey, sweet drinks, taking selfies, & iced Dunkalattes with real coffee milk. Swoon, sigh, smile, & lose yourself in the banter & charming settings of her sweet, small-town romances & rom-coms.


Jeaniene Frost is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy romance. Her works include the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, the Night Rebel series, the Broken Destiny series, and the new Beautiful & Beastly series. Jeaniene’s novels have also appeared on international bestseller lists.
Vinni George has loved romance novels since discovering her grandmother’s Harlequins at too young an age. She lives in Ohio with her husband, son, and Scottish terrier puppy. When she’s not writing, she is a swim mom and creative hobbyist who loves to travel.


USA Today Bestselling Author Kellie Coates Gilbert’s novels invite you into the lives of women you’ll root for, cry with, and celebrate alongside. Whether you love small-town charm, sweeping settings that make you feel like you’re on a vacation, or heart-stirring family drama, you’ll find her stories feel like they were written just for you.
Fyre Hart writes cozy, magical adventures for anyone who’s ever wondered if their best chapter starts at midlife. When she’s not dreaming up mythical creatures and found families, she’s planning her next trip—Scotland is a favorite. Her Mythical Midlife series proves it’s never too late for a second chance… or a little magic.


Whether Violet’s writing romantic mystery, romantic suspense, or paranormal romance, a lot happens between Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After! When she’s not writing, Violet’s watching movies, reading, or planning her next travel adventure. She believes love conquers all, humor is essential, and pizza is a necessity.
Meka James is a writer of adult contemporary and erotic romance. She resides in Georgia with her husband, kids and pets. When she’s not writing she can be found playing The Sims and making up fun stories to go with the pixelated people whose world she controls.


Lover of fairytales, folklore, and mythology, Ines Johnson spends her days reimagining the stories of old in a modern world. She writes books where damsels cause the distress, princesses wield swords, and moms save the world.
Melody Johnson is the award-winning author of the Love Beyond and Night Blood series. Earning the 2021 Maggie Award of Excellence, Beyond the Next Star is an exciting branch from Melody’s paranormal romance roots, keeping the dark grit from her Night Blood Series and taking it to new worlds.


New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA®, a Golden Heart®, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. A born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.
Veronika Kane is the monster-loving alter-ego of USA-Today-Bestselling Author Caroline Lee. Her fantasy heroes are better than human, with all the best additions and tropes. Low-angst, high-heat, cozy small town orc romcoms…you’re gonna have fun!


Tonya Kappes writes cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters.
Oblivious, broody-loners who need a little love? My favorite characters to write. What good is a Happily-Ever-After without some thrills and a wee bit of murder? Check. All of my series are set in small towns in my home state of Washington. Beginner? Start with Shielded Hearts or Veiled Intentions!


Kiernan Kelly has been writing and publishing for over twenty years. She currently has over 100 titles to her credit.
Regarded as a defining voice and pioneer of urban fantasy and paranormal, Sherrilyn Kenyon is one of the most influential authors today. A multi #1 New York Times bestselling author, she has sold over 80 million books worldwide. With her interconnected series, she has built a massive, devoted global fanbase.


Eliza Knight is an award-winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. She’s an avid history buff and her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles. She also writes contemporary revenge fiction as Michelle Brandon. Her books have been translated into multiple languages, and most recently, her co-authored title A Day of Fire has been optioned for television. Knight lives in the sunshine state with her husband, three daughters, a dog, a crab and a turtle.
Writer, yarn-er, spouse, mother, fur-baby wrangler, general weirdo, Amy Lane hyperfixates on her characters and her crafting, and writes to silence the voices in her head.


Karmen Lee is an Amazon Best Selling author and lifelong Southerner living it up in Atlanta, Georgia, with her kid, her cats and humidity. When not packing lunches or working her nine-to-five, she can be found drinking coffee too late at night, watching House Hunters International and dreaming up ways to show her readers a good time.
Justin S. Leslie is the author of both the bestselling Max Abaddon urban fantasy series, and the Sinking Man zombie series (made for T.V adaptation), both based in North East Florida. To date, he has published 14 titles, including audiobooks for both series. This includes two prolific performers, including the award-winning narrator Luke Daniels and actor Jarett Lemaster. The Max Abaddon Series is based right here in Saint Augustine, Florida!


When she isn’t working in her garden or making scones, Maisy Magill writes cozy fantasy romance tales full of gentle magic, swoony romance (with spice!), found family, cuddly creatures, and cozy vibes.
If you enjoy comedy, fantasy, and dead bodies in your MM romances, then you’ll laugh, gasp, and root for my characters’ happily-ever-after! As a certified cat servant, coffee addict, and extrovert, I’m here to write all the books and read as much MM romance as I can in this lifetime.


New York Times bestselling author R.L. Mathewson is known for her sharp humor, quick wit, and knack for creating down-to-earth, relatable characters that readers can’t help but fall in love with. Best known for her long-running Neighbor from Hell series, she has written multiple contemporary and paranormal romance series, including the Pyte/Sentinel series, the Anger Management series, and more, all infused with her signature blend of humor, a rollercoaster of emotions, and passion.
Heather McCollum is a USA Today and Publishers’ Weekly Bestselling, internationally published author of Scottish historical romances full of intrigue & sprinkled with humor, history, & spice. Heather also writes witchy historical romantasy under the name Eleri Drake.


Bringing the Magic of Scotland to Life
USA Today bestselling author Hildie McQueen is known for whisking readers away with stories rich in adventure, heart-pounding romance, and unforgettable settings. Whether it’s the rugged Highlands of Scotland, the wild frontiers of America, or realms touched by fantasy, her books promise sweeping tales you won’t want to put down.
Tere Michaels writes happily ever afters in the big city – with heaps of snark, angst, and humor. Her focus is on characters and all the ridiculous ways they trip through life and love. She has written over twenty books including her popular Faith, Love & Devotion series, and the more recent series Broadway or Bust and The Love Broker.


Michelle Miles writes fantasy, paranormal, and young adult adventures where magic crackles, danger prowls, and love refuses to back down. From fairy-tale retellings to angels, demons, Fae, and time travelers, she creates worlds of quests, curses, kisses, and chaos. She also hosts the Miles Beyond the Page podcast.
J.D. Monroe is a real-life bard who writes wicked tales of magical mayhem, ranging from spicy paranormal romance to sprawling fantasy romance. When not writing, she makes pacts with her tomato plants to grow, stages impromptu musical theater numbers in the kitchen, and strongarms her family into playing board games.


Jolene Navarro is a seventh-generation Texan and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over 25 books. She crafts stories of grit and grace centered on faith and redemption. Overcoming dysgraphia to pursue her dream, Jolene writes heartfelt romances that celebrate family, forgiveness, and life’s wonderful messiness.
Laura has followed proudly in her mom’s footsteps and writes stories with strong female heroes. A recent widow she was lucky to have her own love story for 35 years. She writes the stories that call to her, romance, paranormal, suspense, you name it.


Caridad Piñeiro is a transplanted Long Island girl who has fallen in love with the Jersey Shore. When Caridad isn’t taking long strolls along the boardwalk, she’s also a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author with over a million romance novels sold worldwide.
C.S. Poe is an award-winning author of gay mystery, romance, and speculative fiction.
She resides in New York City, is a Gilded Age New York historian and board director for the Victorian Society of New York.
Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.


Cecilia Rene is a Detroit native who attended Grambling State University and then ventured to the Big Apple with nothing but a hundred and twenty dollars to her name, and somehow she survived. Always an avid reader, Cecilia fell in love with historical romance and craved to tell her own stories. Cecilia loves romance, humor, and all things spicy. For this reason, she will always give you a Happily Ever After.
Katie Reus is a USA Today bestselling author obsessed with mysteries and romance—and can’t function without caffeine. When she’s not writing, she’s hiking, quilting or on travel adventures. She lives on the Gulf Coast with her family and goofy dog who deserves her own reality show.


Layla Reyne writes sexy, high-stakes LGBTQIA+ romance. She’s the author of the Agents Irish and Whiskey, Fog City, and Soul to Find series, featuring competent adults in kitchens, sports arenas, and beyond. From suspense to rivals to paranormal, her stories promise heat, heart, and happily-ever-afters.
HD Smith is a Florida-based author and immersive murder mystery creator whose stories blend hidden magic, mystery, and adventure. Writing across fantasy, sci-fi, and suspense, she creates unforgettable worlds on the page and interactive experiences that bring storytelling to life.


Sara Snow is an international bestselling author of YA/NA paranormal romance where the stakes are high, the magic is wild, and the love interests occasionally turn into very dangerous creatures.
Sara lives with her husband, kids, and two trusty canine sidekicks, Loki and Pepper, in Northern Virginia.
When not tending to her plant horde or indulging in emotional support cheese, Cynthia St. Aubin loves crafting wickedly whimsical paranormal mysteries and spicy small-town smut for readers who love to laugh. She lives in a Cottage of Whimsy with Roxie and Gizmo, who she’s 67% sure are cats.


USA Today Bestselling Author Sasha Summers writes stories that celebrate the ups and downs, loves and losses, ordinary and extraordinary occurrences of life. Sasha pens fiction in multiple genres and hopes each and every book will draw readers in and set them on an emotional and rewarding journey.
Kate Sweden is an award-winning romance author blending humor, slow burns, and steamy happily ever afters. A former Air Force officer and educator, she now writes full-time. She lives in Northeast Florida with her husband, teenage son, and two opinionated dogs, Sailor and Whiskey—and never enough chocolate.


Sera Taíno has lived all over the world and now calls Central Florida her home. She writes contemporary romance with a Latinx flavor. When she’s not missing a deadline, you can find her teaching, slinging tarot cards, and reading fanfic about her latest hyperfixation.
Libby Tanner writes the kind of books you read in the bath while eating cookies straight from the box. Her Ciao Bella series focuses on first love, strong friendships, and following your dreams, in the glamorous city of Milan, Italy.


Sarah Wallace lives in Florida with their cat, more books than she has time to read, a large collection of classic movies, and an apartment full of plants that are surviving against all odds. They only read books that end happily.

Dawn Anderson
Samantha Ann
Rebecca V Archer
A C Arthur / Lacey Baker
Gregory Ashe
Eric R Asher
Bailey Black
Beth Bolden
Susan Boles
Morgan Brice / Gail Z Martin
K C Burn
Monica Burns
S. O. Callahan
Mary Calmes
Annie Carlisle
Chrissy Chicory
Kevin A Davis
Jen DeLuca
Beth Dolgner
Addy Du Lac
Hank Edwards / R G Thomas
Kerry Evelyn
Jeaniene Frost
Vinni George
Kellie Coates Gilbert
Fyre Hart / Becki Lee
Violet Howe
Meka James
Ines Johnson
Melody Johnson
Darynda Jones
Veronika Kane / Caroline Lee / Josephine West
Tonya Kappes
Elle Keaton
Kiernan Kelly / Dakota Chase
Sherrilyn Kenyon / Kinley MacGregor
Eliza Knight / Michelle Brandon
Amy Lane
Karmen Lee
Justin S Leslie
Maisy Magill
Meghan Maslow
R L Mathewson
Heather McCollum / Eleri Drake
Hildie McQueen / H M McQueen
Tere Michaels
Michelle Miles
J D Monroe / Stella Frost / Jessica Hawke
Jolene Navarro
L E Perez / M L Davila
Caridad Piñeiro
C S Poe
Cecilia Rene
Katie Reus
Layla Reyne
H D Smith / Sloane Savage / Morgan Quick
Sara Snow
Cynthia St Aubin
Sasha Summers
Kate Sweden
Sera Taíno
Libby Tanner
Sarah Wallace

We always hope that all our announced authors will be with us in Daytona, but we also know that “life happens”, and they’re all on various deadlines and have other obligations that pop up. The following authors have had to cancel for this year, but we hope to include them in the future:
a/o 6/2/26: n/a
















