There’s something unforgettable about walking into a room that feels like it’s humming with anticipation, and that’s exactly what happened last night at Books & Books in Coral Gables.

The crowd, filled with eager readers, YA fans, and fellow romantasy lovers, gathered for the very first stop of the Fierce Reads Sweet Tour, and I was beyond honored to be part of it as the evening’s moderator.

To say I was excited would be an understatement. As both a teacher, an avid reader, and a journalist, being trusted to guide conversations with authors I admire is never something I take for granted.

It’s a gift to ask thoughtful questions, learn from brilliant creators, and help bring their stories to life for an audience that clearly adores them.

From the moment I took my seat in front of the crowd alongside Axie Oh, D.L. Taylor, and Mary E. Pearson, it was clear: this wasn’t just a panel. It was a celebration.

The audience leaned in. Fans clutched copies of beloved books and brand-new releases. There was a buzz; one of curiosity, connection, and shared excitement for a genre that blends the magical with the deeply emotional: romantasy.

We kicked things off with a simple, powerful question: What inspired your latest book?

From there, the stories began to unfold.

Axie Oh transported us into "The Floating World”

Inspired by Korean mythology, her newest novel draws from the legend of the Celestial Maidens. We talked about how she revisits the myth of the woodcutter who steals a maiden’s wings, and how her heroine Ren reclaims that story, finding freedom, purpose, and unexpected romance. The chemistry between bubbly, determined Ren and the brooding Sunho was a highlight — and yes, there was mention that the story is very much a “Ghibli meets Final Fantasy,” tale, and honestly, it’s spot on.

D.L. Taylor stunned with her debut "The Beasts We Bury”

There’s something fierce and deeply primal about Mancella, the heroine of this dark and gripping novel. Her magic? It’s tied to the animals she kills, absorbing their power into her very soul. It’s visceral, emotional, and layered with themes of survival and strength. D.L. opened about the inspirations behind her world, what it’s like to debut into the wild world of YA, and how swoony, intense romance found its way into the heart of her action-driven story.

Mary E. Pearson returned us to the world of "The Remnant Chronicles”

BookTok royalty and longtime fan-favorite Mary Pearson shared the origins of "The Kiss of Deception,” a book that continues to captivate readers years after its debut.

We dove deep into world-building, character dynamics, and yes, the iconic love triangle that still has readers choosing sides between Rafe and Kaden.
Her reflections were thoughtful and inspiring, a reminder of how a single idea can grow into an epic legacy.

Questions That Lit Up the Night

We laughed, we swooned, we explored the craft of writing.

I asked them about their process: Are you a plotter or someone that goes with the flow while writing? How do you build a world that feels real? Where do romance and fantasy intertwine best? Are there any characters that surprised you as you were writing their stories with the direction that they took?

Their answers were rich with insight and sparked moments where audience members nodded in agreement, and we could tell that there were some hopeful future authors in the crowd, getting some great advice throughout the talk.

There was also a fantastic game that gave us tons of laughs, thanks to fellow author and friend Dana Swift. The crowd had a chance to pick between their favorite types of tropes or main characters, for example, as she asked the crowd would you prefer “this or that.” 

It was hard to always choose just one scenario! At least for me. And, well, let’s be honest, many others.

As someone who spends her days helping students find their voices on the page, moderating events like this feels like a full-circle moment. YA authors like Axie, D.L., and Mary are shaping the very stories my students are falling in love with.

Getting the chance to be in conversation with them is more than just an honor; it’s deeply personal, and these are all things that I bring back to my classroom.

And judging by the sea of smiling faces and towering stacks of signed books afterward, I wasn’t the only one who felt the magic.

If you’re looking to join the next stops of the Fierce Reads Sweet Tour, or simply want to fall into one of these incredible stories, here’s where to begin:

Fierce Reads Tour Details: https://www.fiercereads.com

The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson: https://www.fiercereads.com/books/the-kiss-of-deception/

The Beasts We Bury by D.L. Taylor: https://www.fiercereads.com/books/the-beasts-we-bury/

The Floating World by Axie Oh: https://www.fiercereads.com/books/the-floating-world/