Marci C. McHikes-Jim
I write genre-blending fiction where romance, psychology, and drama collide. Through novels and short stories, I explore the landscapes of emotion, intimacy, and resilience.
Books by Marci C. McHikes-Jim
My stories blend romance, psychological depth, and sensuality, written in prose that is both immersive and concise. Each quick read lingers long after the last page, balancing intimacy, tension, and emotional truth.
All titles are available on Amazon and free to read with Kindle Unlimited. If a book is temporarily unavailable in Kindle Unlimited, it can be found here or may be featured on another platform for a limited time.
Second Bloom
(August 2025)
In Denver's electric pulse, Lila, a determined florist, bets everything on Second Bloom, her fledgling shop, until a rival's malice threatens to shatter her future. Spurred by her fiery best friend, haunted by tormenting dreams that pulse with forbidden desire, and drawn to an enigmatic psychologist who ignites her hidden truths, Lila unleashes a passion that breaks her guarded world. With newfound courage, she fights for her shop and soul. A seductive tale of empowerment that burns like a reckless spark.
Second Bloom is a fast, addictive read crafted for the pace of real life. In just three hours, you'll live an entire story that feels like a movie: no filler, no fluff, just sharp emotion, raw desire, and the thrill of a woman reclaiming her power. It’s a contemporary romance with a lyrical, psychological edge. The steamy moments are bold yet poetic, intimate, emotionally driven, and laced with gentle kink elements. The book explores themes of control, surrender, and power with symbolic richness. The story offers a dreamlike glimpse into dominance and desire through a deeply personal lens. Perfect for romance readers open to a touch of the unexpected.
Candy Gloss
(September 2025)
Four women. One short story. Thirteen-year-old Ava wants to fit in. Her mother Cassie wants to protect her. Ester wants to keep her job. Maria wants to help young girls.
Behind the glossy marketing campaigns and viral tutorials lies a $600-billion machine that turns children's insecurities into profit.
This story shows what’s hidden under the gloss.
Freelancer's Silver
A Short Story from The Blood Chronicles of Saberneal
(October 2025)
This is not my typical story, and it certainly wasn’t a planned one. It started as a joke and a test of my own perseverance to see the project through. Originally, the goal was to explore different aspects of character building through the lens of an antihero and to go against traditional stereotypes. The result turned out to be a surprisingly engaging, yet deeply dark and violent tale in the realm of low fantasy/grimdark.
Fair warning: if you’ve enjoyed any of my romance or contemporary work, you might want to skip this one. My beta reader physically pushed her laptop away mid-chapter and refused to finish it.
It was also written out of sheer contrariness, to see just how difficult it is to craft a protagonist with no inner struggles, no moral dilemmas, no growth or learning arc, and who reacts only to external circumstances, yet somehow still remains interesting and engaging to the reader. On top of that, I indulged in plenty of adverbs and “telling instead of showing” wherever it suited me.
Did it really turn into something worthwhile? Or have I simply proven that there’s no longer a place for such a character archetype in today’s stories?
Or, as Saber would put it: "Fuck this boring self-deprecating shit, show me the violent bastard already."
Scar Tissue
(Winter 2025)
My upcoming release explores trauma, vengeance, and the life-altering weight of impossible decisions. Blending dark romance, medical thriller, and psychological drama, it’s another quick, intense read that will leave you breathless in the operating room and shaken by the unexpected ways we cope with the scars of the past.
About Marci C. McHikes-Jim
I am a debut romance author who brings over two decades of corporate experience to my storytelling. All those years navigating the professional world have given me keen insights into human nature, ambition, and the intricate complexities that drive our choices. These perspectives infuse my fiction with authenticity and emotional depth.
I write genre-blending stories that defy easy labels, combining elements of romance, women’s fiction, and psychological drama. My work centers on capable, complex heroines navigating ambition, self-discovery, and the shifting balance between control, power, and vulnerability. Every plot turn is designed not only to surprise but also to challenge and reveal, ensuring that each story carries a deeper emotional purpose.
I am fascinated by emerging technologies and the psychology of human behavior, so I craft narratives that weave passionate romance with thought-provoking moral questions. My stories explore not only love and desire but also the darker currents of vengeance, betrayal, and the difficult choices we face when heart and mind are at odds. My prose leans into poetic, evocative language, ensuring that even the steamy moments remain sensual and character-driven rather than vulgar.
Writing from the English countryside, I find inspiration in the contrast between my serene surroundings and the tempestuous inner worlds of my characters. This juxtaposition allows me to explore both the beauty and the brutality of human connection with equal intensity.
My debut, Second Bloom, is a lighter, uplifting blend of contemporary romance, poetic charm, and personal growth, enriched with gentle, sensual kink. My upcoming novel, Scar Tissue, ventures into darker, more intense territory of trauma and vengeance, while retaining my hallmark focus on layered characters and emotional truth.
Contact Marci C. McHikes-Jim
If you have questions about my work, upcoming releases, or would like to get in touch regarding events or collaborations, please fill out the form below. I am always delighted to connect with readers and fellow romance enthusiasts.