Steelborn Release Bash with Taylor J. LaRue
About this Event
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the release of , the epic romantasy debut from Taylor J. LaRue.
In conversation with fantasy novelist Melissa Caruso, Taylor will discuss the making of this thrilling adventure, following Reya Connery, a notorious thief with a dangerous secret, and Caelan Halcyon, the cursed immortal warrior who becomes her last and most reluctant ally. As their search for a legendary cure carries them across a world of outlawed magic, brewing revolution, and impossible choices, sparks fly between two people who should never trust each other, let alone fall in love.
Fans of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, high-stakes quests, sharp banter, and swoon-worthy tension will not want to miss this one. Following the conversation, meet Taylor and get your book signed!
Here’s to a debut packed with danger, desire, and just the right amount of dagger-point flirting. We can’t wait to see you there!
EVENT DETAILS
- 6:30 PM: Doors Open – Settle in, grab a drink from the George Howell Coffee & Wine Bar, and get ready for a great discussion!
- 7:00 PM: Discussion Begins – Taylor and Melissa will dive into Steelborn.
- 7:45 PM: Q&A Session – Your chance to ask the author anything!
- 8:00 PM: Signatures, Snapping Pics, and Salutations – Meet the author, get your book signed, and snap a photo.
- 8:30 PM: Last call - Grab your final pour from the wine bar.
- 9:00 PM: Event Wraps Up – Thanks for joining us!
Tickets are limited, so grab yours soon! If the event sells out, you can join the Eventbrite waitlist by selecting “Reserve a spot” followed by “Join Waitlist”. Should any spots open up, you’ll have 24 hours to register before we offer it to the next person.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Taylor J. LaRue began her career as a journalist in the Windy City. Now she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her high school sweetheart turned husband, their tiny human tyrant, and one very soggy puppy. Steelborn is her debut novel.
ABOUT STEELBORN
Never run. Never bow. Never die.
Reya Connery became the Crimson Dagger, the most notorious thief in Rhiterra, by following a strict set of rules. One: There is no honor among thieves. Two: A good blade is key to any negotiation. Three: Only the dead keep secrets. And Reya has a secret that must be kept at all costs. But when a heist goes wrong on the eve of paying off her debt to a ruthless crime lord, Reya may need a new set of rules. And lots of coin. Fast.
Enter Caelan Halcyon, an immortal warrior whose magic makes him a valuable target—if the curse inching closer to his heart doesn’t K*ll him first. There’s just one person who might be desperate enough to try and get their hands on the fabled cure in time to save his life, someone whose legend claims they can steal anything: the Crimson Dagger. A male of honor, Caelan loathes everything the beautiful, cocky thief represents, yet knows that Reya is his last hope for survival.
Their search takes them to the edge of the known world, where Reya discovers that there is far more at stake than her and Caelan’s own lives. Now, Reya must confront deadly foes, her growing attraction to the immortal who is as lethal as his jawline is perfect, and the rage she’s spent a lifetime trying to bury. This time, her daggers aren’t going to cut it, and the fate of all magic-born hangs in the balance.
Enter a world ruled by tyrants and thieves, where magic is outlawed, revolution brews, desire is dangerous, and an impossible cure may prove deadlier than the curse.
ABOUT THE CONVERSATION PARTNER
Melissa Caruso was born on the summer solstice and went to school in an old mansion with a secret door, but despite this auspicious beginning has yet to develop any known superpowers. Melissa has spent her whole life creating imaginary worlds and, in addition to writing, is also an avid LARPer and tabletop gamer.
She graduated with honors in creative writing from Brown University and has an MFA in fiction from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Melissa’s first novel, The Tethered Mage, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Morningstar Award for best fantasy debut.
is a Romance Bookstore and cafe in Harvard Square. to sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about events and other news.
Our bookstore is home to , open seven days a week!
Start your day with expertly crafted espresso drinks, artisanal pastries, and more. In the evening, the bar comes alive with wine, cocktails, sweet treats, charcuterie plates, and more. Enjoy seating indoors or on our covered patio.
To stay in the loop, visit the and look for events listed under “George Howell Coffee & Wine Bar” at our Lovestruck Books & Cafe location!
Cafe Hours | 8:00am – 4:00pm
Bar Hours | Sunday – Wednesday: 4:00pm– 8:00pm, Thursday – Friday: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
Your presence at the Lovestruck Books & Cafe event acknowledges that you have been informed of the potential to be documented as part of a video or photo release, and that you grant permission for your likeness to be included in publication of any footage.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 6.24 to USD 39.84



















