Today, Lettie writes slow-burn romances—stories about characters who are imperfectly perfect, the hard moments that shape them, and the plot twists that leave readers reeling. Outside her writing life, she’s a wife and mom of two, roles that influence both her time and perspective. She’s also a dedicated soccer fan, the kind who will plan her day around a match and openly admit she’ll yell at the TV when things get heated.
Through all of it, her goal as an author is simple: she wants her characters to stay with readers long after the book ends.
Her latest book is the new adult romantic suspense, The Arrangement (Bancroft University Chronicles Book 1).
Visit her website at www.sdlettieauthor.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, BookBub and Goodreads.
Can you tell us a little about yourself? Are you a full time author?
I’m a Texas-based author who’s attempting to make writing my full-time career. I’ve loved writing since I was little, and it only got worse — in a good way — when my seventh grade Language Arts teacher made us write short stories every day in a composition notebook. I guess you could say she fueled the creativity.
In my corporate life, I’ve worked in inbound marketing. You’d assume that means I know exactly how to market my own book, but that assumption would be wrong. Very wrong. Moving from B2B to B2C feels like going from riding a bike to riding a unicycle while juggling. I’m learning, but it’s a process.
Can you tell us about The Arrangement?
The Arrangement is a blend of dark romance, suspense, and new adult vibes all wrapped into one story. It’s also book one of a duet, so this is just the beginning of the craziness. Think Gossip Girl levels of elite drama combined with the underworld tension of The Sopranos — but if the mobsters were Russian and really, really hot.
Emilia, my main female character, has spent her entire life performing: cameras, politics, expectations… you name it. She’s the VP’s daughter, Chi Omega chapter president, and the girl everyone thinks they want to be. Meanwhile, she’s quietly falling apart. She’s finally about to escape all of it (hello senior year)… but then Nikolai Volkov walks back into her life. He’s supposed to be a ghost from her past, not her suddenly arranged fiancé. But apparently, deals were made without her input. Shocking, right?
Throw in political secrets, family drama that could give the Lodges from Riverdale a run for their money, and the early sparks of a love triangle, and that’s The Arrangement.
Can you tell us a little about the characters?
The story centers on Emilia Langford and Nikolai Volkov. Most of the book is told through Emilia’s POV, but Nikolai gets a few POVs because there’s a lot happening beneath the surface with him.
Emilia grew up in the political spotlight and hates it. She’s sharp, composed, and very selective about who she trusts. Thalia — her best friend since she was twelve — is basically the only person who gets the unfiltered version of her. Nikolai, on the other hand, is difficult to read. Years of abuse and being raised as the Bratva heir taught him to shut down emotionally. His path was chosen for him long before he had a chance to decide anything for himself.
Even after years of silence, there’s still something between them — especially on Nikolai’s side. He wants Emilia in whatever form she comes, whether that’s hate or affection. Readers don’t yet know why he feels that strongly, but those answers come later in the duet.
Where is this book set and why did you choose that location?
I’ve always loved espionage shows and movies — Jack Ryan, Mission Impossible, Jack Reacher. That whole world of secrets, agencies, and hidden agendas fascinates me. So when I started outlining this story, I wanted a setting that highlighted how opposite Emilia and Nikolai’s lives were. And really, what better place than the capital of American politics? D.C. practically hands you drama on a silver platter.
How can people benefit from reading The Arrangement?
I think the big themes in The Arrangement are “love conquers all” and “good vs. evil.”
We see Emilia wrestling with her feelings for Nikolai — there’s history there, and a kind of connection she’s never had with anyone else. He was the first person she ever opened up to, even if it was only through letters. And that mattered, especially because Emilia has never gotten real affection from her parents. Everything in her world has always felt transactional.
There’s also this bigger moral thread running through the book. I’m not trying to say politics are inherently bad, but in this story, Emilia sees the corruption up close and wants to tear it down from the inside. That fight between right and wrong is woven through her whole journey.
At its core, the story is about breaking cycles — emotional, political, familial, all of it. Emilia’s life is basically one giant checklist of what she “should” do, and readers get to watch her slowly burn that list. There’s something really satisfying about that.
Is The Arrangement your only book?
It’s the only book I have published right now, but it’s definitely not the only one I’ll write. Book two of the Bancroft University Chronicles comes out in Spring 2026 and will wrap up Emilia and Nikolai’s story. And who knows… some of the side characters might get their own books down the line.
Thank you so much for this interview, S.D.. What’s next for you?
Book two — The Unraveling — comes out in Spring 2026. After that, I’m already working on another story, so there’s definitely more to come.
Where to purchase the book:
The Arrangement is available at the following retailers:
Ebook / KU:
Amazon:https://a.co/d/6sN5s9X
Paperback:
Amazon:https://a.co/d/ecGeVSC
Barnes & Noble:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-arrangement-s-d-lettie/1148355895?ean=9798993185606
Books-A-Million:https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Arrangement/S-D-Lettie/9798993185606
Where to find S.D.:
Follow or connect with me here:
Website:https://www.sdlettieauthor.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sdlettieauthor/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/sdlettieauthor
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/59067073.S_D_Lettie
Title: The Arrangement (Bancroft University Chronicles Book 1)
Author: S.D. Lettie
Publisher: Independent
Publication Date: November 7, 2025
Pages: 298
Genre: New Adult Romantic Suspense
Formats: Paperback, Kindle, and FREE w/Kindle Unlimited
You know that guy you fell for at sixteen—the one who vanished without explanation, leaving behind enough damage to last years? Now imagine being forced into an engagement with him because your parents decided you’re more useful as leverage than as a daughter.
And the part he forgot to mention? He’s heir to a Bratva empire with blood on its hands.
That’s Emilia’s life. Her future is not her own, and her fiancé, Nikolai Volkov, is a man whose silence is more dangerous than his words. Their past is a wound. Their engagement is a threat. And what grows between them is something neither of them should let happen.
The Arrangement is a dark, slow-burn story of buried truths, political corruption, and a connection that pulls two damaged people toward a collision neither may survive unscathed.
Read sample.
The Arrangement is available at Amazon.
After finding a beautiful mermaid welcome sign, a young girl encounters a hidden and wondrous magical realm filled with magical characters, unlikely new friends and embarks on a dangerous quest to save the world from evil and restore the balance between the real world and the magical realm...
When 10-year-old Molly Parnell’s grandmother mysteriously disappears she and her mother travel to Cape Cod to take ownership of the house they inherited and find out answers about the sudden disappearance. But what they discover could be more dangerous and life changing than they ever imaged. Molly and her mother find a beautiful mermaid welcome sign in the attic and place it on the front door. Unusual things start to happen and they are flooded with visitors who claim they knew the grandmother. The true powers behind the mysterious sign are revealed as Molly learns her grandmother was part of a secret organization working to keep balance between the magical realm and the real world. The magical realms placed an invisible veil of secrecy over the world to hide their true identities from the human world but allowing them to live among them in secret. An angry rebel group of magical beings, tired of living in hiding is tearing down and destroying the magical cloaking fabric between the two worlds. If they are not stopped the magical realm will no longer be safe from the world. As Molly and her mom embark on a dangerous and magical adventure throughout the magical realms to help stop the rebels, she learns of her own magical powers and her strong family heritage connected to the welcome sign. Along the way, she teams up with new magical friends helping to keep the realm of magic safe from the eyes of the world and discovers that her grandmother was right all along. The world she thought she knew no longer exists, but an amazing world of magic woven into their world has always been hiding in plain sight.
Read sample here.
The Welcome Sign is available at Amazon.
CRYSTAL PERKINS SLIPPED INTO HER OFFICE AND LOOKED carefully down the hallway. It was shortly after 8:00 p.m., and the office was dark and deserted. The only staff remaining was the cleaning crew. She threw one last look around the hallway and nervously shut the door quickly behind her. She glanced out the window, closed the blinds, and turned on the small desk lamp.
Crystal slumped down in her chair and unfolded the newspaper on her desk. She ran her hand anxiously through her short, curly black hair. She couldn’t believe all of this was happening so quickly. Things were totally out of control, and she didn’t know how they were going to fix them. Sighing deeply, she glanced at the article in bold print and reached for the phone. She continued to stare at the front page of the newspaper as she frantically dialed the numbers on the phone. In bold print on the first page of the newspaper were these words: “More Unusual Sightings of Strange Creatures: An Elaborate Hoax or Fact?”
“Warren, it’s Crystal. Have you seen the newspaper today? There have been more sightings!” Her voice was shaky and worried. “It’s getting too overwhelming!” She ran a hand across her forehead.
“Crystal! Calm down. I have my people looking into this right now on my end,” a deep voice replied. “Have you questioned the witnesses yet? Are their stories credible? Are you—” he asked with a concerned tone but stopped suddenly.
“Yes, of course I have investigated all of the local reports and followed up on all the new leads regarding the sightings! Besides, Warren, that is my job. Isn’t that why you put me in the position of investigative reporter in the first place? Plus, Warren, like you. I know the real story. She paused with a deep sigh. “But Warren, there are too many! I can’t keep up. Warren, what is it? What’s wrong?”
“Crystal, do you hear that humming sound in the handset? I’m not sure this is a secure line! Quick, call me on the other line!” There was a click and the line instantly went dead. Crystal dug deep in her purse and pulled out a small pearl-colored compact. The circular device shimmered as she turned it in her hands. She quickly scanned the room to make sure she was alone. Flipping open the compact, Crystal dropped in five small glowing bead-like objects from a long, clear vial she had also removed from her purse. She breathed over them, and instantly they broke apart into smaller pieces. She pushed a button on the side of the compact, and the glowing objects began to melt and formed a glowing, watery substance. Crystal dipped her finger in, swirling it slowly in a clockwise direction. Slowly the glowing substance rose out of the compact in a funnel shape and expanded out to form a lighted, liquid screen about ten inches in length. Through a shimmery haze Warren’s face appeared in the watery screen. He spoke in a low voice.
“Is it safe to talk here?” he asked quietly. Crystal nodded. “Yeah, it’s late. There shouldn’t be anyone else here. Everyone has gone home. I think the only people that are here now are the cleaning crew.”
“We must be absolutely sure! There is too much at stake here. I think your office phone may be bugged. We can’t speak on the regular line anymore, understand?” Warren warned. “As my number one investigative reporter, YOU are in charge of making the witness’s stories sound ridiculous, and it’s your job to discredit the reports inthe papers. Under no circumstances can we let the real story get out. EVER! It’s important that we keep the truth hidden. I’ve got others strategically placed in these roles around the world doing the very same jobs. Don’t make me think I picked the wrong person for this job, Crystal!”
Crystal nodded. “You did pick the right person for the job. You know Warren, it’s getting harder to cover this up.” Crystal ran a hand slowly across her forehead and through her hair. “Wait, Warren,” she stammered. Hearing a noise in the hall, Crystal stood up and approached the door. “Warren, hold on. I heard something.” She listened quietly, cracked open the door, and peered into the darkened hallway. The light from her office made dark shadows dance along the walls as she opened the door. Silently and unseen, a tall, slender figure slid the toe of his shoe into the dark shadows, pulled his body tighter against the wall, and held his breath. Crystal glanced around, and when she was convinced no one was there, she closed the door quietly. “I’m losing my mind, Warren. I’m sure I just heard footsteps in the hallway.”
“Calm down! Don’t be so jumpy, Crystal. You’ve got to hold it together! It was probably just the cleaners. Now is not the time to lose it. You’ve got to keep your head clear,” Warren stated authoritatively.
“Warren, there’s something else. I think I’m being followed. I swear I keep seeing the same car—”
Warren cut her off with, “Don’t panic. I’ll get someone over there for your protection and to keep an eye on you. They should be there in the morning. Just stay focused and on task. We can’t let this get out of control, understand? We won’t let anything happen to you!”
“Our paper wants to run a similar article as what the witnesses are saying,” she whispered. “And Warren, I’m looking at a press release that they want sent out as soon as possible. The witnesses sound very credible this time . . . I’m having a hard time covering this up. Warren, what do we do? There are too many sightings. More and more are coming in every week, and I’m running out of creative ways to cover them up! We need to get this stopped RIGHT NOW! I need some serious help from your end!” Crystal stammered nervously.
“I know! I know,” Warren nodded. “We’re doing all we can over here. We’re trying to find out who’s responsible so we can stop them. You just keep doing the best you can. We’ll get to the bottom of this as soon as possible. Whatever you do . . . Keep the secret hidden. It’s imperative that we continue to keep this under control. We’ve been able to keep this hidden for a long time, and I’m not about to let the secret loose now. We must keep covering this up! And we need to do it quickly! We’ll talk in a few days. Warren out!”
The liquid screen started swirling slowly, gradually picking up speed and ultimately dissolving back into a sparkling funnel shape and descending into the compact. All that was left in the compact were several glowing bead-like objects. Crystal held the compact out and blew at the objects. The bead-like objects instantly disintegrated into a fine powder and were swept away without a trace. Crystal snapped the compact shut, shoving it back in her purse. This wasn’t going to be easy. Warren had given her the tough job of keeping their identify safe. Although there had been sporadic incidents here and there, their secret had been kept safe for nearly three centuries.
Why was it getting harder now while she was the investigative reporter? Things were skyrocketing out of control at a rate faster than she could handle.
Crystal had known Warren Tracer ever since she was a little girl. He was a dear family friend. They had all been true believers, and when Crystal was old enough to know the secret, she was brought into the circle of trust. As she grew older, she had seen more of Warren and learned about his unbelievable secret. Warren Tracer hadn’t always been Warren Tracer. His original name was Whalen Marks, and although he was not a magical being, he possessed great magical powers.
In his younger years, he and her father had been with the Special Forces for the military. During a particularly secretive mission, a trap had been set, and the mission had gone terribly wrong. Everyone had been reported dead. However, the real events of the mission had never been revealed.
All Crystal knew was that Warren, her father, and several of the men had made an amazing discovery on that day. The mission had indeed gone horribly wrong, but several of the Special Forces men had been rescued. Crystal suspected that Warren and his men had made contact with beings of the magical realm. Warren rarely spoke of the events of that day, but she knew better than anyone that Warren was a true believer. Something remarkable had happened to him and his men, but no one knew exactly what that was. Just that it was remarkable and life changing.
Warren had eventually changed his identity, becoming Warren Tracer, and begun working undercover for the magical realm. When her father died several years later, Warren had stepped in as a replacement. He had been family from the beginning, so to accept him as a father figure wasn’t difficult.
Eventually, Crystal had been approached to work for Warren in helping keep their secret safe. There was nothing more in the world that Crystal wanted than to help out her new friends. She’d jumped at the chance to work undercover at the newspaper and keep Warren up to speed on all the local sightings. It was a dream come true. Warren and the others didn’t disappoint her, and she loved her job. She had been working with the newspaper for over eleven years now, but of late, she was finding it harder and harder to hide the truth.
Crystal hoped Warren would find those that were responsible for the tears in the fabric and stop them. They would need a lot of help if they were going to keep the secret safe this time. As she sighed heavily and slumped back in her chair, she caught a quick glimpse of movement to her side. Startled, Crystal looked up suddenly. There had been more noises that she was sure weren’t made by the cleaning crew. In a flash Crystal stood up, knocking her chair to the floor. Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, two tall, shadowy figures flung open the door, bolted from her office, and were joined by a third in the hallway. They had heard everything. In the wrong hands, the information that she’d conveyed to Warren could prove very dangerous. As she grabbed for the compact in a frantic panic, the three figures dashed from the building at an astonishingly fast speed and vanished without a trace silently into the night.
– Excerpted from The Welcome Sign by Barbara Jean Weber, BookBaby, 2025. Reprinted with permission.
Barbara Jean Weber lives in Skagit County with her husband and two daughters, where she works as a speech and language therapist. Her novel, The Welcome Sign, was inspired when she was gifted a mermaid welcome sign. The more she studied the sign, the more her story evolved. She is currently an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
Visit her website at https://www.barbarajeanweber.com/.
When Evan trades his dream of a new bike for compassion, he discovers the greatest gift of all—helping others.
When Evan trades his dream of a new bike for compassion, he discovers the greatest gift of all—helping others. Perfect for classrooms and families, "Evan's Gift" celebrates empathy, courage, and the beauty of giving in a warm, uplifting story about generosity and the power of choosing kindness.
Genre:children's fiction
Sub-genre:Social Themes / Friendship
Age Range (years):5 - 12
Language:English
Pages: 48
Paperback ISBN:9798317824341
Ethan’s Gift is available at BookBaby.
Karen Charles grew up in West Africa and traveled to countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Her rich background and lifetime experiences are reflected in the depth of her writing. In her stories, she transforms real-life narratives into gripping fiction thrillers. Her novels intricately weave the threads of truth into a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and riveting storytelling. She is the author of two children’s books, “Freeman Earns a Bike” and “Evan’s Gifts,” and three thrillers based on true stories. “Fateful Connections” takes place in the aftermath of 9/11, and “Blazing Upheaval” takes place during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles and the Northridge earthquake. “A Glimpse Too Far” offers all the mystery and heart-pounding suspense of a psychological thriller and is based on a true story.
Karen Charles has two businesses—a global company that trains international teachers to teach American English and an Airbnb on a beautiful bay in Washington State, where she currently resides with her husband.
Visit her website at www.weaveofsuspense.com.
Connect with her on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Mercy’s secrets run deep, and her presence stirs a past Connor cannot outrun.
When Mercy Jackson slips into Calhan Shipping under cover of darkness, she expects to steal a secret and disappear. What she doesn’t expect is Connor Calhan, a man as dangerous as he is relentless. Mercy has one mission: to expose a killer, protect her family, and vanish before anyone uncovers her true identity. But the deeper she digs, the more tangled the lies become, and the more drawn she is to the man who stands in her way. Connor is determined to unmask The Phantom, a traitor hiding in plain sight. But Mercy’s arrival threatens everything. Her secrets run deep, and her presence stirs a past Connor cannot outrun.
Mercy’s Peril is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
If you like:
Historical Romance
Civil War Drama
︎ Enemies to Lovers
Happily Ever After
You’ll love this book!
Excerpt:
Tonight, I gave birth to a fragile miracle, a daughter. She arrived feet first, and Dr. Perry urged me to surrender to death, but Mammy, through her courage and faith, turned the child. For two long hours, I clung to life while Mammy fought beside me, and when it was over, my daughter’s tiny fingers curled around mine, bringing tears of gratitude.
Percival sent a cruel message condemning me for my failure to produce a son and vowed to take my gilded chest as punishment. He demanded I name her Rue, for regret. But I will not let his darkness define her. I call her Mercy, for she is my salvation, a light in this house of shadows, and a reminder that grace can bloom even in sorrow. She will grow strong and pure, a light undimmed by her father’s shadow. –Grace Bennett
– Excerpted from Mercy’s Peril by Virginia Marlow, Marrow Publishing, 2025. Reprinted with permission.
Virginia Barlow has been a dreamer her whole life. She loves reading, traveling, and roses. She will dive headfirst into any romance she can get her hands on in any genre. Although her first love is Regency Romance and always will be. Something about the era calls to her soul like a siren’s song rising from the depths.
She writes richly layered historical romance infused with intrigue, drawing readers into worlds of aristocratic scandal, hidden bargains, dangerous desire, and women who refuse to remain pawns in other people’s games. Her heroines are intelligent, resilient, and quietly defiant; her heroes carry honor, guilt, and a capacity for devotion that cuts deep. Beneath the silk gowns and rigid rules of society, Virginia’s stories explore freedom, longing, and the cost of choosing one’s own heart.
Known for her sensual yet elegant prose, Virginia favors emotional tension over excess, intimate moments over spectacle, and romance that simmers before it ignites. Her work often weaves together family secrets, shadowed power brokers, and high-stakes love, where a single kiss can be as dangerous as a duel.
The most important thing in Virginia’s life is her family, and spending time with them. When she is not bouncing a grandbaby in her arms or handing out popsicles, she is writing and dreaming up her next story. Virginia has published sixteen romance novels with another two on the way and has half a dozen more circling inside her head, eager to make their debut.
Her latest book, Mercy’s Peril, is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Visit her website at www.virginia-barlow.com.
Connect with her on these social networks:
