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Waifs & Strays

(Miracle Bay Book 1)


In a Tampa where magic is real but forbidden, Stray has spent his life dismissed as a powerless “Dud.” Now he’s the prime suspect of his ex-boyfriend’s murder and the target of ruthless enemies searching for a mysterious hard drive – because, why not?

Determined to find Brennen Carter’s murderer – with or without the (stupid sexy) Detective Trigger Phoenix – Stray and his scrappy friends work to uncover buried secrets, a suppressed magical legacy, and a conspiracy that reaches far beyond a single murder. As danger escalates and gets very, very personal, the line between justice and survival blurs.

Blending urban fantasy, murder mystery, a slow-burn, and a found family who absolutely should not be trusted to solve anything, Waifs and Strays launches an unforgettable series about identity, courage, and reclaiming the power others try to erase.

When everything you’ve believed about yourself is a lie, who do you become?

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Waifs & Strays (Miracle Bay Book 1)

“‘Waifs and Strays’ drops readers directly into an urban fantasy world both familiar to us and strange, with hints of the social powder keg simmering beneath the surface right from the first scene. Fast-paced and engaging, the tension only escalates as we gather information on Stray, Trigger, and their alternate Tampa in a way that flows naturally and never overwhelms. While readers may want to shake Stray from time to time and insist he make better decisions, Blás writes so well from his point of view that we understand his choices. Mystery, suspense, damaged characters, social commentary regarding systems of oppression, and a wonderful queer friend/family group have well and truly snagged my attention, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.”
Angel Martinez Author of the Merseton Tales series
“Blás had me at queer urban fantasy based in Florida. Finally, a story that showcases authentic Florida and celebrates a vibrant culture that the Mouse and the Red Hats would have you ignore. Blás’s energetic voice and the crackling chemistry between this cast of characters had me in a choke-hold the whole way through. These characters are lovable disasters and I mean that in the best possible way. This story is both imaginative and grounded, at once laugh-out-loud and somber, turning on a dime from jovial to intense. Blás is an author to watch and I can’t wait for the next installment!”
Carrie Jeffries
“I love ‘Waifs and Strays’! The prose is fast-paced, snappy, and hilarious. It constantly surprises by zigging when you expect it to zag. Because of this, the moments Blás throws a heart-punch hit like a bullet. It’s imaginative and bingeworthy, containing the perfect cocktail of urban fantasy, mystery, and a twist of thriller for garnish. The slow-burn romance is as delicious as it is frustrating, and Stray and Trigger are a treat to follow. And the rest of the cast is just as strong! Every one of them carries BDE and now I’m chomping at the bit for more than just the next installment. I want every spin-off possible, too (I’m looking at you, Dae.) Marjo Blás pours her heart and soul into every word and her passion leaps out from the pages to bite – in the best way. If she wrote a book a week, it still wouldn’t be enough for me.”
Emery Morgan
“‘Waifs and Strays’ is a fun story, full of heart, humor, and a slow-burn romance, with enough mystery and action to keep you reading long into the night. It’s a story about what happens when magic intersects with mystery. Stray becomes the suspect in the murder of his ex and must find the killer and unravel the mystery of his own past. Filled with humor and heart, Stray is a hero worth believing in. With an evocative setting full of magic, and a found family worth fighting for, this story will leave you wanting more!”
Kira A

About the Author


Marjo Blás writes urban fantasy that refuses to choose between funny and devastating – and usually manages to be both in the same scene. Her stories center found family, queer characters, and the kind of magical worlds where the rules exist specifically to be broken. She is a Puerto Rican author, a two-time valedictorian-adjacent overachiever, and a firm believer that Dr. Pepper is a legitimate creative fuel. Waifs & Strays, the first book in the Miracle Bay series, is her debut novel.

 

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Waifs & Strays (Miracle Bay Book 1)

FAQ

1. What inspired you to write this book?

I was inspired by a mixture of things. First, I took a writing class on a whim, not really
expecting to get back to writing, and then in the midst of the course, Stray waved his hands
and said, “Yohooo! I’m here! Write my story.”

I have also been living the reality of people oppressed for who they are, while the community
of the oppressed attacks each other instead of the oppressors. Historically, fantasy and science
fiction have been used to speak to the current societal issues, and I knew that a world where
powerful people were held down by a less powerful minority would be a good medium for
me to process everything going on in this world today.

2. What will your readers gain from your book?

As serious as the background of the world this story is, the book manages to be fun and
humorous. I want the reader to recognize the world, but at the same time take a journey that
would remove them from their current reality and allow a feeling of escapism.

3. What was your unique quotient for this project?

The humor and warmth with a mixture of urban and more traditional fantasy is something
that differentiates this book from other similar topics. There’s a mixture of genres within that
allows for the story to feel like it’s in constant motion.

4. How did becoming an author help in your brand/business?

I’m not sure. As a fiction writer, I didn’t have a brand or business. Hopefully, being an author
helps brand me as an author who understands storytelling and helps promote me as a writing
coach.

5. What are your future plans as an author?

I am currently working on Book 2 of the Miracle Bay series, and there are plans for
participating in anthologies. I want to expand on the world Stray and his friends live in, and I
plan to tell the story of some of the side characters in standalone books.

6. What will you learn from this book?

1. Enjoying life even in the midst of chaos.
2. Allowing for your understanding of your own identity to shift and expand.
3. Just how slow a slow-burn romance can be.