Elen Chase's Blog

The second quarter of the year brought a mix of surprises! From swoony sapphic romance to slow-burn fantasy and emotionally charged mysteries, here’s a look at what I read these past few months. Grab a cup of coffee, because we’re diving in.

April 2025

As We Fall is a beautifully written book with a richly diverse cast and a fascinating, immersive setting. Anya Wildt’s prose flows effortlessly, and the worldbuilding is intriguing enough to keep the pages turning.

That said, the pacing didn’t quite work for me. The entire book felt like an extended prologue, building up to a betrayal that I could see coming from the very first chapter—but that didn’t actually happen until the very end. By the time it came, the payoff felt delayed rather than impactful, and I found myself getting frustrated waiting for the real story to begin.

There’s a lot of potential here, and I’d be curious to see where the series goes—but I wish this installment had gotten to the heart of the plot sooner.

¡Qué maravilla de novela! Me la he leído en un suspiro, y aunque tiene más de 400 páginas me he quedado con muchísimas ganas de más. Se trata de un “retelling” del poema épico clásico de Homero, la Odisea, en el que una capitana pirata con corazón de oro surca los mares en busca de un tesoro legendario que le permita casarse con su gran amor, la princesa de Naos.

Una de las primeras cosas que me atrajo fue la portada, que es preciosa, pero luego al leer también me encantó comprobar cuánto mimo ha puesto la autora al maquetar la obra. Desde los encabezados ilustrados de los capítulos hasta el mapa, cada detalle está muy cuidado. Se nota que esta historia está escrita con amor.

Durante la novela hay varios giros de la trama que me han dejado sin aliento, y la verdad es que he terminado cogiéndoles un cariño infinito a todos los tripulantes del barco de Layah, el “Nambi”. No puedo decir nada sobre el final, tendréis que leer la novela para vivirlo en tiempo real, pero ¡puf! ¡Me he quedado boquiabierta! ¡Necesito la secuela ya mismo, por favor!

Una novela de fantasía épica diversa, perfecta para público adolescente y joven adulto, que recomiendo muchísimo como lectura de verano. Aventuras, acción, personajes muy complejos… ¡Lo tiene todo!

May 2025

This book gave me all the Jane Austen vibes in the best possible way. It felt like reading a modern, sapphic Emma—full of longing glances, social expectations, and slow-burn tension.

The chemistry between the girls was absolutely beautiful, tender and electric at the same time. Their connection felt genuine and heartfelt, and I found myself completely invested in their relationship.

If you’re a fan of historical romance with a queer twist, this one is a lovely, emotionally satisfying read.

Mandy C. Rodrigues debuts with a deeply moving exploration of love, growth, and resilience. In A Wistful Symphony, she masterfully portrays two characters with unique struggles, never reducing them to mere labels.

Eric’s battle with OCD and Andrew’s gentle yet enigmatic nature are the main focus of the narrative. Their reunion after ten years apart is as heartwarming as it is gut-wrenching, with the story balancing the weight of past heartbreak against the hope of rekindled love. The emotional depth is complemented by the rich settings, from the quiet and sometimes suffocating countryside of their youth to the frenetic energy of London, where Eric grapples with his dreams and mental health.

With vivid prose and a tender understanding of its characters, this book captures the complexities of love and the courage it takes to open one’s heart again while struggling with self-acceptance. Fans of second-chance romance and stories with authentic neurodiverse representation will find this novel impossible to put down.

June 2025

The murder garden gods blessed (or cursed) me with an ARC of this novel.

I could not put it down. It crawled under my skin and enchanted me, with my heart pounding and feeling SO MUCH for Evander and Laurie. Oh, Laurie. My sweet baby.

I didn’t think it was possible, but this is even better than Don’t Let The Forest In.

This book mostly targets US romance writers, and after finishing it I’m still not sure where to draw the line between a trope and a Universal Fantasy, as the book doesn’t give a clear definition of it.

From what I’ve gathered, a UF should be a fantasy that resonates on a human level and engages the reader emotionally. While some of the examples mentioned in the book are actually universal (eg. death of a loved one / competition / desire to escape a suffocating life) others seem more tailored to a specific audience (eg. bossy MMCs tend to appeal to romance readers who fantasize about being taken care of for once instead of being the caregiver, as they often are in real life).

Even though some aspects of the book left me a bit confused, it sparked an interesting reflection about the Universal Fantasies that I love as a reader and that, as I was growing up, shaped me as a writer. It also helped me understand why some people gravitate toward tropes or UFs that I personally don’t enjoy, which is always appreciated

Listing my own Universal Fantasies helped me reflect on the kind of writer I am and what kind of emotional elements readers will a

lways be able to find in my books, regardless of the genre I choose to write in.

And that’s a wrap! Have you read any of these books? What do you think of them? Let me know!

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Ciao dears, how’s it going?

As you might know, I haven’t worked on new writing projects since 2023, when I had some family issues. While I love rewriting the Back in the Rain series and dedicating myself to the Spanish translation of the Italian Romance series, I’ve missed starting fresh with a brand-new story. So today, I want to introduce you to a project I’m really fond of: Project Fantasy.

Why Fantasy?

I’ve always been passionate about fantasy. When I was little, my older sister used to make up incredible fantasy worlds when we played with dolls. The worldbuilding was magically complex, and the characters were strong, powerful, and deep. Our main inspiration was the anime Slayers, but as we grew up and discovered new stories, our world expanded. The Lord of the Rings, Final Fantasy (especially X and VII), Gensomaden Saiyuki, and later on works like Pandora Hearts and Black Butler all left their mark on my imagination.

What Does an Elen Chase Fantasy Book Look Like?

Like all my novels, this one will be queer, intended for an adult/new adult audience, and emotionally devastating. But there’s something new this time: it’s going to be witchy.

Expect multiple POVs—most of them women—a deeply intricate magic system, and the ultimate found family dynamic. And, of course, heart-wrenching love stories.

What Kind of Fantasy Can You Expect?

This will be high fantasy with an elaborate magic system, a war between demons and other races, and a prophecy centered around the princess of the witches.

I can’t wait to share more details with you. Stay tuned for updates!

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A new year, a fresh start, and a towering TBR—what more could a reader ask for? The first three months of 2025 have been full of stories and emotions. From unforgettable characters to unexpected plot twists, this quarter had it all, although the number of books I read is quite small compared to most readers’ standards.

In this post, I’m diving into everything I read from January to March—the highs, the lows, the books that stole my heart, and the ones that didn’t hit as hard. Let’s take a look back at the first chapter of my 2025 reading journey!

January 2025

Jodi May delivers another gripping installment in Hillside Academy Volume 3, blending high-stakes competition, secret underground games, and raw, emotional character growth.

The Nox Ludos trials push every character to their limits, revealing new sides to them (Emily, I see you ). The dynamic between the students, especially with the introduction of rival schools, keeps the tension razor-sharp.

My heart is forever with sweet Elivia, who is so misunderstood and constantly spirals into bad decisions, putting her trust in the wrong people. Jodi May isn’t afraid to hurt her characters, making every twist and turn feel deeply personal.

If you love books that mix elite school drama with dark themes, this series is a must-read.

I was lucky enough to read an early version of this book, and what a ride it was!

I should start by saying that this particular type of horror terrifies me, so I’m especially susceptible to it. I had to pause multiple times while reading, and I couldn’t even touch the book before bed because of how much it affected me. It got completely under my skin in the way only the best ones do. The fact that this is inspired by true events gives me the chills!

From a writing standpoint, I loved the unreliable narration and the slow, inevitable descent into madness Ryan experiences. As a reader, I found myself wanting to protect Amelia and Toby the entire time, much like Maddy.

The ending was exquisite—haunting, inevitable, and perfectly in line with the story.

February 2025

This one will be an all-time favorite :,)
That’s it, that’s the review.
Now I have to go water my plants with tears.

The dark premise of this book is really good. The first few chapters are emotional, haunting and heartbreaking, and really made me care for Carter.

Unfortunately after the auction, I struggled with how the story developed. The romance felt unnatural (Nathan makes it sound like he’s in love with Carter literally the morning after they met) and I couldn’t understand what was going on at the house and what the dynamic was between Nathan and his men. The reason for not telling Carter the truth is that he’s deemed too stupid?! :,) poor kid. As if keeping the truth from him didn’t make everything so much worse.

Overall, it felt like the plot was serving the dark romance, and not the other way around, which is what I prefer. But if that’s what you’re after in a dark romance, you’ll love it!

March 2025

I loved Love Tales from the Borun-Ma!

I’ve already read two stories set in this world, and what they all have in common is amazing world-building, complex relationships, and just-as-complex characters.

As always with Ruth Miranda’s novels, I love that no character is completely good or bad. In fact, I wanted to throw a punch at Song Yang more than a few times
He’s spoiled, self-entitled, more than a bit misogynistic, and jumps to conclusions way too fast. But what makes this story great is that he’s meant to be this way, inviting criticism from the reader.

This series consists of adult books that don’t shy away from the gritty and the ugly, designed to provoke visceral reactions.

It breaks my heart that the series won’t be continuing for the time being, and I really hope more people find it and give it a chance.

For lovers of danmei, dark fantasy, and queer unhinged stories.

I discovered this book on TikTok and simply had to read it.

Gay vampires? yes please!

It was a solid 3-to-4 stars for me; cute love story, nice atmosphere, good character background. I was not invested a lot by the mystery and the secondary characters, and I would have loved to see Jonathan’s past trauma explored even more.

However it’s a good book, that felt carefully crafted to never go “too far” which I’m sure many readers will love.

And that’s a wrap! Have you read any of these books? What do you think of them? Let me know!

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A mis lectores en español, necesito darles las gracias porque no saben cuánto me han ayudado.

A finales de 2023, mi pozo creativo estaba seco después de un severo agotamiento por las redes sociales y problemas familiares. No encontraba energía para escribir nada nuevo, hasta que mi amiga Gee Rothvoss abrió sus comisiones de traducción. Como estudié español en la universidad (hace aproximadamente 10 años, ya estoy vieja) y siempre he adorado este idioma, decidí encargar la traducción del primer libro de mi serie de romance.

Cuando Fuimos Mar y Estrellas

No me esperaba el éxito increíble que tuvo Cuando Fuimos Mar y Estrellas. Incluso llegó al n.º 1 en algunas categorías de Amazon (pueden leer más sobre eso aquí), pero lo que realmente me conmovió fue el amor y entusiasmo que los lectores en español me mostraron. Después del periodo oscuro en el que había estado, ustedes me dieron la fuerza para seguir adelante.

Cuando Fuimos Llamas en la Ceniza

Así que el libro 2 también salió en diciembre y, una vez más, recibió mucho cariño. Me hace muy feliz que estas historias sobre el amor queer y la salud mental estén resonando con tantas personas. Especialmente la historia de Francesco, Cuando Fuimos Llamas en la Ceniza, es un libro duro porque muestra lo feo y crudo de la depresión, pero los lectores en español lo recibieron con sensibilidad y respeto. Les agradezco enormemente por eso.

Cuando Fuimos Extraordinarios

Por lo tanto, me alegra anunciar que el libro 3 está siendo traducido en este momento.

Cuando Fuimos Extraordinarios es una historia sobre la familia encontrada y la aceptación de uno mismo y de nuestra rareza porque, al final, ¿no es “fuera de lo común” otra forma de decir “extraordinario”?

Este libro tiene como protagonistas a un MC gruñón y asexual y a un MC pansexual con TDAH y energía radiante. ¡No puedo esperar a que los conozcan!

LEE AHORA EN KU/AMAZON

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The Beginning of Back in the Rain

Back in the Rain was my first book, originally written in 2016 and published in February 2018. It’s a dark story, heavily influenced by my passion for anime and manga, written before I had any knowledge of the publishing world. While I always believed in the story’s value, I have to admit that the first edition was too raw to be published. I was young and inexperienced, and I put out a book that, in hindsight, was not up to the standards it deserved.

Expanding the Series

After acknowledging the issues with Back in the Rain, and upon diving into the self-publishing world, I wrote books two and three in the series: A Five-Minute Kiss and The Road Home.

With A Five-Minute Kiss, I explored the YA genre and the novella format, initially writing it at around 25k words. The Road Home was my attempt to balance the romance with the dark themes I had introduced in Back in the Rain. These books were a step forward in my writing journey, and the series as a whole remained raw, intense, and full of heart—yet misaligned in terms of genre and cohesion.

Stepping Away—But Not Letting Go

Despite my love for the Back in the Rain series, I found it difficult to market due to its complexity. In 2020, I decided to shift my focus to my Italian Romance series, which fit neatly into a clear genre, aesthetic, and set of themes. However, Back in the Rain never truly left me. It remained in the back of my mind, accompanied by the thought: This could be so much better.

The Rewrite: A New Beginning

Fast forward to the end of 2023—after severe social media burnout and personal struggles (more about it here), I found myself unable to write anything new. That’s when I turned back to Back in the Rain. Over the course of 2024, I completely rewrote and re-edited the book from scratch, culminating in the release of the third edition in November 2024.

This new edition features:

Complete Rewrite: A refined narrative with deeper emotional impact.Expanded Character Development: Drew’s sexuality is explored with greater clarity.Enhanced Relationships: Nuanced changes in the dynamics between Andrew, Drew, and Dan.New Cover Design: A visual that truly reflects the heart and tone of the story.Dedication & Acknowledgments: Honoring the journey and the people who made it possible.Chapter Titles: Adding thematic depth to each chapter.Looking Forward: The Future of the Series

With Back in the Rain now something I’m proud to market as a dark MM romance, I’m excited to announce major changes to the next two books in the series:

A Five-Minute Kiss has been rewritten into a full-length novel titled Into the Black. This book still includes Liam’s story from the original novella but now features an entirely new section from Dan’s POV, aligning it more closely with the tone and genre of Back in the Rain.The Road Home will also be rewritten and retitled as Beyond the Dark . This novel will be slightly expanded while maintaining its place in the dark romance genre.

This journey has been long, challenging, and deeply rewarding. I can’t wait to share these new versions of the Back in the Rain series with you all. Stay tuned for more updates!

START READING BACK IN THE RAIN

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Ciao, my dear friends!

These past few months have been intense, haven’t they? We live in difficult times, where movements around the world are gaining traction to halt progress for women—and in some cases, even roll back hard-won rights. But today, instead of feeling powerless, I’m choosing to do something different. Posting this is my own small act of resistance.

To all the women readers who are constantly judged for their reading preferences, I want to say: keep doing your thing.

Women and the Things They Love: A History of Shame

Historically, society has often ridiculed and diminished the interests of women. From the disdain for gothic novels in the 18th and 19th centuries (which were predominantly written by and for women) to the mockery of romance novels today, female-driven literature has constantly been considered frivolous or unworthy of praise. Even beyond books, hobbies and activities that women enjoy—such as knitting, makeup, or even certain musical genres—have frequently been dismissed as trivial or superficial.

This pattern is not accidental. By shaming women for their passions, society has historically controlled what is deemed acceptable for them to enjoy, reinforcing patriarchal structures. Literature, in particular, has been a battleground. Jane Austen, the Brontës, and countless other women writers faced criticism in their time, just as contemporary female authors—like in romance and fantasy—still do today. Yet, these very genres often explore deep, universal themes that resonate with millions of readers.

Reading as an Act of Resistance

In a world that constantly polices women’s interests, simply reading what you love becomes an act of resistance. Despite progress, there’s a persistent stereotype that certain genres—particularly romance, erotic fiction, and romantasy—are lesser than “serious” literature.

But reading is a deeply personal experience. Fiction is fiction, and adult readers should be fully capable of distinguishing between imagination and reality. The idea that certain themes should not be explored in literature because they might “influence” readers infantilizes adult women and undermines their autonomy. Books challenge, entertain, and provide an escape, and no one should feel guilty for enjoying stories that speak to them.

Don’t Fall Into the Hate Game

One of the most insidious ways society maintains control over women’s choices is by turning them against each other. The policing of reading preferences often comes from within, as women shame other women for their choices. Whether you enjoy clean romances, spicy books, dark romance, true crime, high fantasy, mystery, or romantasy, your preference is valid.

Criticizing another woman’s reading choices—whether for being “too tame” or “too explicit”—ultimately plays into the same system that seeks to control what women can enjoy. Freedom of choice is the most important thing, and lifting each other up is far more valuable than tearing each other down.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Thank you for coming to my TedTalk!

I know this is something completely different from what I’ve done until now on this blog, but considering the direction the world is going, sharing my thoughts on this topic felt just right today.

If you enjoyed this post, let me know! I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you want to explore these ideas further, I highly recommend this YouTube video by FunkyFrogBait, who masterfully expands on these concepts starting from the place where most young readers roam these days: BookTok.

Happy reading, and happy International Women’s Day!

More from the blog here

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¡Ciao a todos! Cuando Fuimos Mar y Estrellas es un Amazon Best Seller y ahora en Kindle Unlimited.

Estoy emocionada de compartir con ustedes que el lanzamiento de mi libro Cuando Fuimos Mar y Estrellas ha sido un gran éxito, y no podría haberlo logrado sin el increíble apoyo de cada uno de ustedes.

Quiero extender un agradecimiento especial a todos los que han adquirido el libro, lo han leído y han dejado una reseña. Me llena de orgullo compartir que Cuando fuimos mar y estrellas ha alcanzado el puesto número 1 en dos categorías de Amazon: Libros Electrónicos de Romance Gay y Romance Gay. Este logro es un reflejo directo del apoyo increíble que he recibido de todos ustedes. ¡Gracias por creer en esta historia y ayudarme a llevarla a lo más alto!

Además, me complace anunciar que el libro ya está disponible en Kindle Unlimited. Esto significa que, si formas parte de este programa, puedes acceder al libro sin costo adicional. ¡Estoy ansiosa por saber qué piensan de la historia!

Una vez más, gracias desde el fondo de mi corazón por acompañarme en este viaje literario. Este es solo el comienzo, y estoy emocionada por todo lo que está por venir.

Lee en amazon/kuEnglish – “Cuando Fuimos Mar y Estrellas” is an Amazon Best Seller

Ciao everyone! Cuando Fuimos Mar y Estrellas is an Amazon Best Seller and now on Kindle Unlimited.

I am thrilled to share with you that the launch of my book has been a huge success, and I could not have done it without the incredible support of each of you.

I want to extend a special thank you to everyone who has purchased the book, read it and left a review. It fills me with pride to share that we hit #1 in Spain in two categories on Amazon: Gay Romance eBooks and Gay Romance. This achievement is a direct reflection of the incredible support I have received from all of you. Thank you for believing in this story and helping me take it to the top!

Also, I’m pleased to announce that the book is now available on Kindle Unlimited. This means that, if you are part of this program, you can access the book at no additional cost. I can’t wait to hear what you think of the story!

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Get ready to dive into the world of “Cuando Fuimos Mar y Estrellas,” the Spanish edition of “When we were sea and stars”

Bajo el sol de verano, en una pequeña ciudad costera de Italia del sur, el joven James, de diecinueve años, conoce al hombre de sus sueños.

Roberto es guapísimo, divertido, dulce…, y tiene novio. James no se hace ilusiones sobre su amistad; sabe que es imposible que a él le llegue el amor.

Roberto está lleno de dudas sobre su relación. Sabe que le falta algo en su vida, y no se esperaba encontrarlo en James, su nuevo vecino estadounidense.

Pero si fuera a pasar algo entre ellos, solo el mar, la arena y las estrellas lo sabrían.

Exclusive Offer for PreordersDigital Version on Amazon:
Preorder the ebook now on Amazon here and receive 4 prints of the series’ original book covers! Claim your prints for just 0.01€ on Ko-Fi hereSigned Paperback on Ko-Fi:
For only 12.99€, get a signed paperback copy and the same 4 beautiful prints here!

How to Claim Your Prints:

Preorder the ebook on Amazon and visit our dedicated Ko-Fi listing to request your art prints for 0.01€.

OR preorder the signed paperback on Ko-Fi here and get the prints included!

Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer! Secure your copy and these exclusive prints today!

Oferta Exclusiva de preventa

¡Prepárate para sumergirte en el mundo de “Cuando Fuimos Mar y Estrellas”!

Versión Digital en Amazon:
¡Haz tu preventa ahora en Amazon y recibe 4 prints con las ilustraciones de las cubiertas originales de la serie “Romance Made in Italy”! Solicita tus prints por solo 0.01€ en Ko-Fi.Copia en tapa blanda firmada en Ko-Fi:
Por solo 12.99€, obtén una copia firmada del libro y las mismas 4 hermosas prints (link)!

Cómo solicitar tus prints:

Preordena la versión digital del libro en Amazon, y visita nuestro enlace dedicado en Ko-Fi para solicitar tus prints por 0.01€.

O preordena la copia en tapa blanda firmada en Ko-Fi y obtén las prints incluidas.

¡No te pierdas esta oferta! ¡Asegura tu copia y estas exclusivas prints hoy mismo!

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Ciao, my dear friends!

If you follow my newsletter and social media, you probably know that I’ve been suffering from severe burnout, and things have been difficult since November of last year when a family member fell ill.

I’ve been on and off social media and started focusing more on my newsletter so I can interact directly with my audience. Every month, despite everything, I try to share with you via the newsletter bookish news and special promos. Your support and engagement have meant the world to me during this challenging time.

I’d love to get back to blogging. In 2024, my blog was included in the Top 35 MM Romance Book Blogs by Feedspot (here). However, being in my darkest hour, I completely failed to thank them for this wonderful opportunity. I am incredibly grateful for this recognition and deeply apologize for not acknowledging it sooner.

I hope to be back to blogging consistently soon, but I don’t want to make any promises. I’ve tried twice already in the past two years to get back to the blog and failed. This time, I’m taking things one day at a time and focusing on what I can manage without overwhelming myself.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Your patience means more to me than words can express. I hope to reconnect with all of you through the blog and continue sharing my passion for queer fiction and more.

Stay tuned and take care,

Elen

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My new book has been launched yesterday and it’s finally available on: Amazon, Kobo, Google Play & Apple Books

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who’s pre-ordered the book, spread the news on social media and supported me throughout this journey. I’ll be honest, writing and publishing a book while moving houses, working full time and adopting a kitten has been hard. But we’ve made it, together, and I’ll be forever grateful for the immense support I got from my readers and writer friends.

PURCHASE LINK

What readers are saying:

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