This one feels different.
I’m so proud to share that I’ve won 
First Place in Contemporary Romance at The BookFest Awards Spring 2026 for my novel Her Blind Date Bodyguard.
Not just because it’s a win—but because of what it represents.
Writing this book wasn’t quick or easy. It was late nights, second-guessing, rewriting scenes over and over, wondering if the characters were strong enough, the tension real enough, the story good enough.
And like so many indie authors, you’re doing all of that while trying to figure everything else out too—editing, covers, marketing, putting your work out there and hoping it connects.
This award tells me… it did.
What also makes this award feel especially meaningful is knowing this book went through The BookFest’s full three-part judging process—first being vetted for eligibility and correct category placement, then evaluated and scored by judges with expertise in the relevant field, including genre and cover design, and finally reviewed in the bellwether round for final evaluation before placements were decided.
What this means (for me—and maybe for you too):
Recognition of the story.
This isn’t just about winning—it’s about knowing that the story resonated. That the emotion, the tension, the connection came through the way I hoped it would.
Validation as an indie author.
You can believe in your book all day long, but when something external recognises it, it hits differently. It’s a reminder that the work, the risk, the vulnerability… it’s worth it.
A moment to pause and actually celebrate.
We’re always onto the next thing—the next book, the next goal. But this? I’m letting myself enjoy this one.
Thank you to everyone who’s supported Her Blind Date Bodyguard so far—readers, reviewers, and anyone who’s taken a chance on my book.
