Lily Writes

After making a promise to myself that I wouldn’t start the next book until after the first of the year… I started a new first draft. Goddess: Moonborn is the last book of the Vanguardian series. Though technically, not the last book I’ll be writing in the series. That honor will go to Peacekeepers, which should be book #1, and which I’ve put off writing until the full series is written. Funny how that works out.

Goddess is the story of Caela and Trace, who while are Vanguardians, are also more than that. It’s been hinted at through other novels. We’ve seen them bring extra power–and Trace and Caela have been circling each other for what feels like forever—two fated mates orbiting the same star, drawn in close only for Caela to bolt again. She’s devoted her entire life to helping other destined pairs find their way to one another… yet she refuses to face her own truth. Her mission keeps her moving. Her fear keeps her hiding. And Trace? He’s done waiting in the shadows.

Writing these two has been a delight and a challenge in equal measure. Trace Bogden is pure wildfire—sharp, impatient, stubbornly loyal. Caela is his match in every possible way: layered, guarded, luminous, and carrying more secrets than any one heart should bear. Together they’ve turned out to be two of the most complex characters I’ve ever written—yes, even compared to Hades, and he practically swaggered off the page every time he showed up.

I told myself I would wait until January to start their story. Trace laughed at me. He made it clear—loudly—that his time is now. After chasing Caela across the universe for far too long, he’s calling in his fate.

Meanwhile, it’s been a whirlwind year in the writing cave.
King: New Astral Order is with the proofreaders.
Sacrifice: Shadow Syndicate just released into the world.
My keyboard has earned several spa days that I definitely won’t give it.

And you know what still floors me? Hearing from readers.
“You read it?”
Every time—it hits me right in the heart. Thank you. Truly. Your messages, reviews, and enthusiasm keep this world spinning and these characters alive.

Looking ahead, next year is already stacking up with stories:

✨ Hades’ Hounds of Hell are getting their own series—yes, the chaos pups are finally taking center stage.
✨ The Steele Bodyguards will return us to Michigan with high stakes and no Vanguardian magic this time—just grit, adrenaline, and romance.
✨ I’m sketching out a cozy-romantic series set in Deer Falls, New York, where small-town charm meets slow-burn swoon. Possibly holiday themed. Probably irresistible.
✨ And then there are the Beaumont stragglers tapping their feet at me. Clandestine is half written and the characters are poking me daily: You’re not leaving us here, right?
No. I’m coming back. I promise.

Plus… the next generation of Beaumonts is stirring. All those babies? They’re grown. They have opinions. And secrets. And love stories ready to ignite.
Starting with Mikhail—Alexei and Bella’s son—whose story is going to be wicked, emotional, and absolutely worth the wait.

So here’s to 2026—new worlds, new romances, new chaos, new magic.
And to you, readers, for walking beside me every step of the way.