Love Unapologetically
A ‘90s kid turned indie romance author, weaving nostalgia, heartache, and small-town magic into stories that feel like a mixtape of first love, lost time, and the ones who got away.
Novels By
S.M.R. Burton
Making Shadows With Their Footprints
Norah doesn’t believe in coincidences, so when she breaks one of her cardinal rules with James, she can’t help but wonder if the universe placed him in her path for a reason. Haunted by the fear of her own impulses and prior experiences that have left her convinced she’s incapable of lasting love, Norah hesitates to let anyone too close. But as James begins to break down her defenses with his easy charm and understanding demeanor, Norah finds herself questioning the walls she’s built around her heart.
James, plagued by unresolved grief, avoids emotional entanglements as he travels, finding solace in fleeting encounters. Yet, when Norah unexpectedly becomes a source of comfort and support, James faces the pain of his loss and reevaluates his priorities. As their connection deepens, James realizes he may be ready for more than just transient encounters on the road.
As Norah and James navigate the complexities of their burgeoning romance, they find themselves embarking on a journey of self-discovery, confronting their fears, and challenging their beliefs. With each revelation and obstacle they face, they delve deeper into the mysteries of their connection, grappling with the supernatural forces that seem to bind them together. When Norah’s secret threatens to unravel everything they’ve built, they must confront their pasts and make difficult choices about their future. Can they find a way to overcome their inner demons and forge a path toward lasting happiness together?
Her desires bind them,
her secrets could destroy them...
Making Shadows With Their Footprints is a romance novel with a touch of women’s fiction. It has mental illness/mental health rep, LGBTQ+ rep, open-door spice, and elements of magical realism. It features a confident, sexy, and independent FMC, along with a strong, yet gentle-hearted hockey player MMC. This book is the first novel in an interconnected series. This book contains strong mental health themes surrounding anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and self-harm. It depicts a toxic and abusive relationship with both physical and mental abuse as well as sexual assault. There are references and descriptive visuals to some behaviors that could be triggering. It also contains explicit sexual content.
Norah Birch Character Art By Barbee Cain
Cherry Trail: A Story from Havenburg
Kat, the introspective dreamer, Jace, the affable charmer, become childhood best friends as they grow up next door to one another in the cozy embrace of Havenburg, Michigan. Through countless summer nights and endless life events, their friendship begins to evolve, though not without obstacles.
Adulthood takes them down different roads and Kat’s insecurities over her mental health and her desperate need to keep it a secret from Jace sparks a tension that threatens to unravel the fabric of their relationship. Kat and Jace must confront their deepest desires and fears, leading to love, heartbreak, and the knowledge that change is inevitable.
In this evocative coming-of-age tale, journey back to a time of innocence and nostalgia, where the bonds of friendship are tested, and the echoes of first love linger in the crisp autumn air. Through laughter and tears, Kat and Jace learn that the greatest adventure lies not in the destination, but in the journey of self-discovery and the enduring power of friendship.
The end was so far behind the beginning...
Cherry Trail is a coming-of-age contemporary romance full of 90s and early 00s nostalgia as well as many Friends references. It has mental illness/mental health rep, including high-functioning anxiety, depression, and severe panic attacks. It features Kat, a quiet yet sassy FMC with a love for books, and her childhood best friend Jace, our adorable golden-boy. It follows their journey to adulthood, is a slow burn with open door spice, and maybe a love triangle.
About
S.M.R. Burton
Romance Author
About
S.M.R. Burton
Romance Author
Sara (S.M.R.) Burton started writing at a young age. Crafting stories in a wide-ruled yellow notebook about her life, and the lives of her friends. It makes sense that she now writes contemporary romance novels with a dash of literary fiction that take a deep look into the dynamic of human connection.
She’s from small-town USA, born in Indiana, and growing up in Michigan, she’s spent the majority of her life in the Midwest. She has found her way back to Indiana where she lives with her husband and two children.
When she isn’t writing, she is editing…just kidding, well, not really. Sara is that nerdy weird girl with a crass sense of humor who will always remain true to her authentic self. She has spent time crafting a space for writers, in her writing club “Wrevenge of the Nerds” on Discord, as well as on her social media platforms. She’s a mental health warrior who has adopted the mission of helping others to feel seen. And while any of the above is going on, there will always be music playing in the background, as she is an avid music lover. Sara also loves Astrology, a good ghost story, tarot, and collecting crystals.
Photograph by J. Cate @jcate.com
Photograph by J.Cate @jcate.co
I’m a writer, new author, poet, and firm believer in living authentically. I approach life with an unwavering commitment of staying true to myself, and weaving tales that reflect the messy beauty of being human.
My writing journey is like a patchwork quilt, filled with vibrant characters and stories that dive into the deep waters of love, romance, and the everyday struggles of mental health. With my debut novel Cherry Trail: A Story From Havenburg and Making Shadows With Their Footprints, I aim to paint an honest picture of these important topics, offering readers a blend of empathy and reality.
Beyond writing, I’m all about building connections and creating a space where people can come together, share experiences, and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone.
I’m a writer, new author, poet, and firm believer in living authentically. I approach life with an unwavering commitment of staying true to myself, and weaving tales that reflect the messy beauty of being human.
My writing journey is like a patchwork quilt, filled with vibrant characters and stories that dive into the deep waters of love, romance, and the everyday struggles of mental health. With my debut novel Cherry Trail: A Story From Havenburg and the upcoming Making Shadows With Their Footprints, I aim to paint an honest picture of these important topics, offering readers a blend of empathy and reality.
Beyond writing, I’m all about building connections and creating a space where people can come together, share experiences, and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone.
Get in Touch
Have a Question? Interested in a collab? Just want to chat about glittery Chaos? Send me message below or feel free to drop me an email at smrburton.author@gmail.com