Editorial Review: Red, Write & Blue by Maria Yrsa Rönneus (Five Stars)

 

Red, Write & Blue
By Maria Yrsa Rönneus

Publication Date: 1st October 2025

Publisher: Ars Rönnei Media

Page Length: 331

Genre: Romance

Scarlett Lewis, successful writer of steamy cop romances, is in a rut. After a rough break-up, she just isn’t feeling the romance anymore. But her publisher isn’t having it; Scarlett is under contract, and has to deliver another bestseller.

Scarlett’s sister offers up her lavish mountain holiday home for a writing retreat, and Scarlett is happy to accept. What she hadn’t counted on was the local sheriff’s sergeant with blue eyes, dimples, and a sexy Texan drawl. Her sister’s unexpected arrival upends everything, and the sisters’ relationship begins to unravel.

Now, Scarlett has to learn how to stand up for herself and be honest about who she is, even if it means risking losing the people whose love she craves the most.

Sergeant Kyle Martenson values honesty and the integrity of his uniform above all else. Ex-LAPD, he loves working in a small town. He is not that keen on tourists, and he certainly doesn’t date them. Particularly not if they’re fancy writers from the big city with snobby sisters, no matter how cute they are. No matter how many times they bombard him with baked goods. So how come he asked for her number?

Red, Write & Blue is a closed-door, sweet romantic farce set in a fictional town in north Idaho. It’s a laugh-out-loud story about serious things like choices, insecurities, and love. A must-read for fans of protective heroes, sizzling chemistry, and Happy Ever Afters.

Scarlett Lewis, a celebrated romance author, has lost her creative spark. Struggling to finish her latest cop romance, she’s devastated when her manuscript is rejected. Her publisher, demanding joyful endings over dramatic twists, gives her one last chance to deliver a crowd-pleaser or risk losing her contract. The pressure is crushing, threatening her career and sense of self. As Scarlett navigates a troubled love life and waning confidence, she questions if she can still write a happy ending.

Another birthday, and Sergeant Kyle Martenson finds himself reflecting on his life and the fact that he still hasn’t encountered that special someone with whom he can imagine building a lasting commitment. For years, he has been searching for the right person—someone who could truly understand him and share his journey. That all changes when he meets Scarlett—an alluring woman who seems to embody everything he has ever wanted. From her infectious laughter to her adventurous spirit, she enchants him in ways he never thought possible.

Scarlett experiences a strong and undeniable attraction to Kyle, a feeling that sends her heart racing every time he’s near. Yet, when she overhears him disparaging her beloved books, a wave of apprehension washes over her. In that moment, she wrestles with the fear of revealing her true identity. If Kyle were to find out that she is actually Amaranth Ross—a name that carries both recognition and weight in the romance book world—how would he react? The risk isn’t just the loss of his affection; for Scarlett, it’s the potential confirmation that her work, and by extension herself, is unworthy of genuine love. Would the affection he seems to feel for her remain intact, or would it all vanish the moment he learns the truth, leaving Scarlett even more isolated and vulnerable?

"Red, Write & Blue" by Maria Yrsa Rönneus explores the triumphs and trials of love, the enduring ties of family, and the healing power of friendship. 

Scarlett is a richly developed character whose flaws and insecurities make her relatable. After a tumultuous relationship marked by belittlement, she has lost confidence in herself and her ability to form meaningful connections with others. This loss is evident in her shyness, uncertainty, and frequent self-doubt. The fear of inadequacy creates a barrier between her and the authentic connections she seeks. Scarlett’s emotional depth draws readers into her journey. Her private moments at home, chatting animatedly to houseplants and finding humour amid adversity, reveal her quirky, lighthearted side. Her wit and sarcastic observations offer comic relief that contrasts with her inner turmoil. Through Scarlett’s story, Rönneus conveys the message of self-worth—emphasising the value in maintaining relationships that affirm rather than diminish the self. This exploration invites readers to reflect on their own worth and the significance of healthy connections.

Kyle is portrayed as a multi-dimensional character, balancing his police career with a gentle and caring nature, as shown through his bond with his cat, Sidney, and his waterfowl. A significant internal conflict arises as he contemplates ageing, relationships, and the meaning of his birthday, adding depth to his personality. Kyle’s likability is highlighted by his attractive demeanour and strong moral compass; he makes honourable choices reflecting his values. His patience, humour, and growing romantic interest in Scarlett create a compelling dynamic, making him an appealing romantic lead.

The story unfolds across two locations that vividly contrast each other: Scarlett’s bustling city apartment and her sister’s serene vacation home nestled in a picturesque lakeside town. The urban setting is alive with the sounds of non-stop noise, the endless banging of construction, and a palpable sense of confinement, where the hustle and bustle often leaves its residents feeling overwhelmed. Add to that the leery landlord, Scarlett’s world is anything but romantic. In contrast, the vacation home offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, where the gentle lapping of lake water and the rustling of leaves create a soothing atmosphere, allowing Scarlett to relax and reflect. Likewise, the narrative intricately details Kyle’s environment, marked by his expansive thirty-acre property. This sprawling land is dotted with a shimmering pond and an old gazebo that he has turned into a coop for his growing collection of domesticated waterfowl, all of which cultivate an air of rural tranquillity. This peaceful backdrop stands in stark contrast to Kyle’s demanding job as a police officer, highlighting the dualities within his character and life. The town of Lakepoint is painted with vivid imagery—maple trees lining the streets, vibrant cherry blossoms swaying in the breeze, and colourful petunias adorning the gardens. Each element contributes to the town’s idyllic charm, embodying the spirit of community and warmth. Joe’s bar exudes a friendly, small-town vibe where locals come to unwind and socialise. And the local bakery is described in such detail that the reader can almost taste the frosting on the cakes. The settings not only enhance the mood of the story but also serve as a canvas for the characters’ emotional journeys.

The descriptions in this novel are strikingly vivid and richly engaging, immersing the reader in a world filled with sensory experiences. Rönneus masterfully employs sensory details that enliven the narrative; for example, the warm, buttery aroma of lemon blondies baking in the oven wafts through the air, wrapping around you like a cosy blanket, while the lingering taste of wine tickles the palate and evokes memories of laughter-filled gatherings as well as solitude reflections. Moreover, the physical portrayals of the characters are intricately detailed, showcasing not just their physical attractiveness but also the nuances of their personalities. You can easily envision the way a character’s eyes sparkle with mischief or how the gentle curve of a smile reveals a kind-hearted spirit. Each character is imbued with distinct traits that resonate emotionally, making them feel not only tangible but also relatable. Through these careful descriptions, Rönneus breathes life into every moment, inviting readers to savour both the setting and the individuals who inhabit it.

The narrative is characterised by a conversational tone that balances humour with introspection, perfectly mirroring Scarlett’s vibrant personality and complex inner thoughts. This engaging and relatable voice draws readers in, making them feel intimately connected to Scarlett’s experiences and reflections. Throughout the story, Rönneus employs vivid descriptions that create striking visuals, alongside witty dialogue that captures the essence of the characters and their interactions. Pop culture references add a sense of familiarity, as does the annual memorial where the Syringa County first responders pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11. This grounding in a contemporary context resonates with readers. In addition to its humour and sobriety, the writing is rich in sensory details and imagery, bringing scenes and characters to life and making each moment feel palpable and dynamic.

While Scarlett crafts mesmerising, steamy romance novels that ignite passion, Rönneus masterfully weaves a tender narrative that beautifully portrays the deepening bond between her main characters. Rönneus' storytelling is rich with emotion, allowing readers to feel the warmth and affection blossoming within the protagonist's relationship.

Maria Yrsa Rönneus’ “Red, Write & Blue” is an enthralling romance novel. In a beautifully rendered world, the story delves into longing, sacrifice, and the quest for happiness. This enchanting tale promises to resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of the heart.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde

Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion

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Maria Yrsa Rönneus

Hello, I'm Maria Yrsa Rönneus – author, artist, graphic designer.

As a child, I wanted to grow up to be three things: a ballerina, a farmer, and a writer. Many years and five published novels later, I think that one out of those three isn’t bad. 

Amongst my earliest memories is crayoning by the kitchen table and making up stories about the drawings, and I’ve been doing that ever since. Yet it was decades before I had enough courage to pursue it professionally; when I finally did, it was burnout from stress and childhood abuse that tipped the scale. 


At university, I studied art and philosophy mainly, but also film, literature, physics, and logic. I tried many different professions: teacher, project manager, care assistant, library assistant; I’ve been a cabbie and (briefly) a prison guard. I pursued a career in politics and was elected for public office. But, whilst many of these roles were rewarding, great privileges even, they were never a perfect fit. I treasure all of these experiences as they make me better at what I was meant to do – tell stories.


Born and raised in rural Sweden, rambles through fields and forests shaped me and continue to influence all my work; animals and plants are ever present. Whether images or words, I immerse myself wholly in my work. There’s a story behind every brush stroke, an image behind every word, although only a small fraction ever gets processed enough to share with others. The majority of my stories are written in English and, most commonly, in the genres of historical fiction, contemporary romance, or short stories inspired by Scandinavian mythology and folklore. 

Being a life-long history buff, I like to fancy myself a bit of an amateur historian and digging through archives and chasing facts for my novels is precisely my idea of a good time. Luckily, I also enjoy dancing, else I might never have met my husband. We live in the southern tip of the Scandinavian peninsula where, in the words of Voltaire, we cultivate our garden.

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