This is Ink & Intrigue—the blog where romance ignites, secrets simmer, and every love story hides a twist. I’m your blog host, Sheila Kell, romance author and lover of plot twists, slow burns, and morally questionable book boyfriends.

December 31 always feels like a pause between heartbeats.

The story isn’t finished.
But the chapter is.

Before the clock strikes midnight and the calendar flips, I wanted to take a moment to look back at the year we shared together. The stories we fell into. The characters who wrecked us in the best way. The late nights, the coffee-fueled mornings, the scenes that made us laugh… and the ones that made us close the book and stare at the wall for a minute.

This year was full of moments that reminded me why I write romance in the first place.

The Stories That Found Their Way Into the World

This year, I wrote characters who refused to back down. Heroes who carried scars. Heroines who demanded more. Couples who didn’t just fall in love, but fought for it.

Some scenes came easily. Others fought me every step of the way. And a few surprised me so completely that I had to stop and whisper, Okay. I see you.

Those are my favorite moments as a writer. When the story takes the wheel and I’m just holding on.

The Readers Who Made It Matter

If you read one of my books this year, thank you.

If you left a review, sent a message, commented on a post, or quietly turned the last page at 2 a.m. while the rest of the house slept… thank you.

You are the reason these stories exist outside my head. You are the reason I sit down and open the document even on the days when doubt tries to take over. Every kind word, every shared favorite scene, every “I couldn’t put it down” matters more than you know.

Romance isn’t just about happily-ever-afters. It’s about connection. And that connection extends beyond the page.

Lessons This Year Taught Me

This year reminded me of a few things I want to carry forward:

• Love stories don’t need permission to take up space.

• Strong heroines can be soft and still be powerful.

• Tension is better when it’s earned.

• And sometimes the quiet moments hit harder than the explosions.

Most of all, I was reminded that stories have seasons. Some bloom fast. Others take their time. Both are worth writing.

Turning the Page to What’s Next

The new year already has stories waiting in the wings.

New couples.
New danger.
New moments where love shows up in the middle of chaos and refuses to leave.

I can’t wait to share what’s coming next. And I can’t wait to do it with you right here beside me.

So tonight, before the countdown starts, I’m closing this chapter with gratitude in my heart and anticipation buzzing just under my skin.

Here’s to new beginnings.
To love under pressure.
To stories that remind us why hope is always worth fighting for.

Happy New Year, reader.
I’ll see you on the next page.

Thanks for joining me on Ink & Intrigue, where romance and suspense go hand in hand.

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Want more behind-the-scenes content, writing tips, or a peek into my books? Visit sheilakell.com or follow me on social media at @sheilakellbooks.

Until next time—keep writing, keep swooning, and remember: every heart has a secret.