coming in 2025
lost girls
Bailey Donovan swore she’d never return to Echo Beach, the coastal town where her sister Chevy was found brutally murdered twenty years ago. But when the investigation into Chevy’s death—a cold case that has haunted Bailey for decades—is abruptly closed, she’s drawn back to the place she’s tried so hard to forget. Now a tattoo artist with a hardened resolve, Bailey is determined to uncover the truth about her sister’s final hours, no matter the cost.
Her search for answers brings her face-to-face with Kellen Archer, the town’s public defender and a former pro-surfer battling his own demons. On the anniversary of his brother’s death, Kellen meets Bailey in a local bar, their lives colliding in a fiery mix of tension, grief, and an undeniable spark.
As Bailey pushes for answers, Kellen is drawn into her fight, even as it threatens to unravel his career and the fragile integrity he’s worked so hard to rebuild. Together, they uncover a chilling web of lies that ties Chevy’s murder to the town’s most powerful families. But the closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous their pursuit becomes. Someone in Echo Beach will stop at nothing to keep the past buried, and Bailey and Kellen must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice for each other—and the girls who have been lost to violence.
Lost Girls is a dark romantic suspense that weaves together the haunting beauty of the California coast with a gripping story of grief, redemption, and the fight for justice.
setting:
small coastal town
tropes:
small town secrets + unsolved cold case
heat level:
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
fun facts & romance tidbits
The inspiration for Lost Girls came from the small beach town I lived for over ten years. Nestled between the shimmering shoreline and the bustling highway lies a barren, desolate expanse of sand moguls and brush I’ve always referred to as the Harborlands. It’s a hauntingly beautiful yet stark place, embodying the disparity between the ultra wealthy and the struggling residents of the harbor.
Layered over this landscape is the chilling reality of true crime—the stories of girls whose lives were stolen and whose cases remain cold. These unsolved tragedies linger like ghosts, shaping the fabric of the community. I wanted to tell a story that captured this tension—the beauty and the shadows, the hope and the heartbreak—and explore the lives of those left searching for answers in the wake of loss.
Kellan Archer is a former pro surfer and relentless public defender who has dedicated his life to seeking justice for those who can no longer speak for themselves. With a razor-sharp mind and an unwavering sense of morality, he’s not afraid to take on the toughest cases or the most powerful adversaries. Beneath his no-nonsense demeanor lies a man deeply affected by the stories of the victims he represents, carrying the weight of their voices with him.
Though he’s spent years navigating the darker side of humanity, he hasn’t lost his ability to care—or his capacity to love. despite his own personal loss. His commitment to justice and his undeniable charisma make him the perfect hero for Bailey.
Lost Girls dives deep into the intrigue of small-town secrets and the haunting allure of an unsolved cold case. The story is driven by the tension of a close-knit community hiding truths in plain sight and the relentless pursuit of justice for a past that refuses to stay buried. If you love uncovering hidden motives, unraveling mysteries, and navigating the shadows of a seemingly idyllic small town.
The story is set in Echo Beach, a fictional coastal town in Southern California. With its sun-soaked shores, rugged harborlands, and a stark divide between its wealthy residents and those struggling to make ends meet, Echo Beach is a place of striking contrasts. Beneath the picturesque surface lies a darker side, where secrets are buried as deeply as the tides carve the sands.
Lost Girls delivers a three and a half out of five spicy peppers rating. The romance is intense, with sizzling chemistry and open-door love scenes that are as passionate as they are meaningful. The heat is balanced with emotional depth and a suspenseful storyline, making for a captivating and steamy read.
Kellan’s house in Lost Girls is inspired by a real-life tiny, box-style beach house in my town. It’s a charming relic, sandwiched between two towering, modern construction homes, standing as a quiet testament to the town’s history amidst its rapid evolution. This little house became the perfect setting for Kellan’s character, reflecting his grounded nature in a world that’s constantly shifting around him.
want a free love story?
Ready for a cozy love story that’ll make your heart skip a beat? Grab your free copy of Meet-Cute Café, where sparks fly over lattes and unexpected romance brews between a small-town baker and her new (and very charming) neighbor. Sign up now and escape into a sweet, feel-good romance that’s sure to warm you up!
