Return to Morro Harbor
by Alicia Gael
Released: Nov 18, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Why this book and why now?
I live on the California Central Coast, just few blocks from the ocean. It’s a beautiful location and I wanted to share it with others.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
I actually set out to write a “return to hometown,” murder mystery. The intended victim was a very sweat retired English teacher. However, when I got to the point where I needed to kill her off, I couldn’t do it. So I turned it into a “return to hometown-second chance romance.”
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
Devin and I would absolutely get along. We both have a law enforcement background, and we both love Yorkies.
Is there anything you wish readers knew before diving into this book?
I took the cover photo while I was kayaking in the harbor!
What’s one fun fact about your book that most people wouldn’t know?
Morro Harbor is a real place. It’s Morro Bay. I changed the name to protect the innocent (LOL,) or prevent anyone who know Morro Bay from being upset about the changes I made to the town.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Grace and Frankie
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Devin reads a lot of Gerri Hill’s books, she likes suspense and a little danger.
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
A well stocked first aid kit, a big knife and a bucket to carry water in, because Devin has training in rescue and survival skills.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Devin would plan an intimate picnic on the beach at sunset, with a bottle of their favorite red wine, a fire ready to go and a warm blanket just in case.
If your book were to be adapted into a movie or TV show, who would be your dream cast?
Devin would be played by Mackenzie Davis (the Terminator: Dark Fate,) and Keri would be played by a young Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect.) Miranda would be played by a younger Jennifer Beals (the L Word) and Tracey would be played by a younger Leisha Hailey (the L Word.)
If you could spend a day with one character from the book, who would it be and why?
Probably Keri, she’d happy, successful, and likes good wine.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
J Dusi Zinfandel without question
If your book had a scent, what would it smell like?
The ocean
If your book had a signature dessert, what would it be?
chocolate cream pie (Devin’s grandfather would make it)
If your book had an official mascot, what (or who) would it be?
Mikey, the tiny tornado Yorkie
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
I try really hard to work with an outline, and I always fail.
Who are your biggest literary influences?
Louisa May Alcott and Agatha Christie
What are you currently reading?
The ARC of Jen Lyon’s next book, The Colonel’s Daughter
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
Louisa May Alcott (was she a lesbian or not?)
