Jules Ackwood Indie Romance Spotlight + Book Giveaway
Author Jules Ackwood
As mentioned previously, I’m launching a new feature here on Mom Needs A Chapter to spotlight talented indie romance authors. I’m so excited to kick things off with our very first feature: Jules Ackwood, indie romance author of the debut novel Drawn to Your DNA.
This slow-burn, new adult romance is packed with emotional healing, swoony tension, and heartfelt character growth—the perfect kind of story that reminds us why we love romance in the first place. From her Twilight-inspired beginnings to late-night writing binges, Jules has poured her heart into creating a story that romance readers will connect with deeply.
Please join me in supporting Jules: follow her on social media (I’ve linked her accounts below), check out her website, enter the giveaway, and if her book sounds like one you’d love—add it to your TBR or snag a copy today!
One of my favorite things about the romance reader community is how much we rally behind indie authors. Your support—whether that’s a follow, a share, a review, or a purchase—can make all the difference in an author’s journey. Let’s show Jules some love and help celebrate her debut!
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work.
Meet Jules Ackwood
Genres: New Adult & Contemporary Romance
Latest Release: Drawn to Your DNA (Book 1 in the series)
Available: Amazon (ebook + paperback) | Standaard Boekhandel (Belgium)
Website: https://julesackwood.com
Connect: Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads
Author Bio: Jules is a contemporary romance author from Ghent, Belgium. A lifelong reader of romance, fantasy, thrillers, and romantasy, she first dreamed of writing her own book in her early twenties. At 32, she brought that dream to life with the release of her debut novel, Drawn to Your DNA. When she’s not writing slow burn love stories full of heart and heat, Jules can usually be found reading, binge-watching a favorite series, or connecting with fellow book lovers on Instagram.
Book Spotlight: Drawn to Your DNA
“Love transcends boundaries, even more than you might realize.”
Cassie and Nate are two people scarred by the past: one emotionally, the other physically. They’re pulled together by a connection they can’t explain, and as secrets come to light, they realize the road to love and healing isn’t easy… but it’s worth it.
Summary
Cassie has always dreamed of more, but with time working against her, the future has never felt certain. A road trip meant to tick off bucket-list wishes quickly turns into something much bigger—a chance to rediscover life, courage, and love.
Nate, a powerful businessman with a carefully constructed armor, never expected Yosemite to break through his walls. Haunted by loss and betrayal, he lives by the rule that it’s safer not to get attached. But then he meets Cassie—the captivating stranger who manages to stir both his protective instincts and his guarded heart.
As unexpected sparks turn into undeniable chemistry, their journey together becomes one of healing, hope, and hard truths. But secrets from the past threaten to unravel it all. Can Cassie and Nate truly outrun what haunts them, or will love be the one risk worth taking?
Why Romance Readers Will Love It
Tropes included: Sow burn romance, age gap, forced proximity, and fan-favorite microtropes like wearing his shirt and forehead kisses
Spice Level: Moderate to hot (and things will only heat up more in future books!)
Perfect for fans of: Ana Huang, Ali Hazelwood, Elsie Silver
Stay tuned—book two in the series, Drawn to Your Spirit, is coming in 2026!
Buy now on: Amazon | Standaard Boekhandel
Q&A with Jules Ackwood
What inspired you to start writing?
It all started with my love for books. In my teens, the Twilight series sparked my passion for reading—especially in English. Romance and fantasy became constant companions, and eventually that love of story grew into the desire to write my own.
When did you know you wanted to become an author?
Two moments stand out: during an Erasmus exchange in Turkey, and later during an internship in France where I opened a blank Word doc and typed “My Book.” That was the real beginning.
Why contemporary and new adult romance?
I write (New) Adult Contemporary Romance because the stories feel relatable. Fiction lets us explore love and heightened emotions while still feeling grounded in reality.
Who are your biggest romance author inspirations?
Ana Huang, Ali Hazelwood, Liz Tomforde, Elsie Silver, Lucy Score, and Jodi Ellen Malpas—each brings something unique, from witty banter to emotional depth.
Behind the Scenes of the Book
Favorite part to write: Cassie and Nate’s first meeting and their first kiss—those moments set the tone and still give me butterflies.
Favorite character: Cassie. I think a lot of women will see parts of themselves in her.
Fun Easter eggs: Cassie’s childhood drawing of a grandmother and two boys in the hospital—readers later learn exactly who they are. And the firm “M.A.N. Architecture” is named after its founders’ initials.
Romance writing “secret sauce”: For me, it’s about balance: sweet in the words, hot in the touches, and always grounded in emotional vulnerability.
Life as an Indie Romance Author
Writing routine: No strict schedule—I write late at night after work, often past midnight once I get in the flow.
Plotter or pantser? Pantser through and through. I like the story to surprise me as much as readers.
Resources that helped: Courses from BBC Maestro (Ken Follett, Jojo Moyes), The Plottery, and Brandon Sanderson’s YouTube channel.
Advice for aspiring indie authors: Start typing. Your first draft may be messy, but keep revising until it’s ready. Don’t let fear stop you.
Fun Facts & Reader Candy
Dream Casting: Ana de Armas as Cassie, Scott Eastwood as Nate
Recent Favorite Read: King of Envy by Ana Huang (hello, morally grey hero Vuk Markovic)
Writing style: Late-night binge writer with tea instead of coffee
Reality show fit: One Tree Hill (the later seasons)
Unexpected fact: Jules used to play World of Warcraft (and picked it back up for a bit in her twenties)
Giveaway!
One lucky reader will win their very own copy of Jules Ackwood’s book, Drawn to your DNA —your choice of an e-book or a hard copy!
How to Enter
It’s easy (and fun!):
Share the giveaway post on Instagram or TikTok.
Follow both Mom Needs A Chapter and author Jules Ackwood (Tiktok: @mom_needs_a_chapter and @julesackwood) (Instagram: @momneedsachapter and @jules.ackwood .
Comment “shared” on the original giveaway post.
Or, click the entry button below.
Bonus Entries
Want to up your chances? You can snag extra entries by:
Tagging up to 5 friends in the comments (1 entry per tag).
Leaving a friendly “hello” on this blog post in the comments section (don’t forget to include your TikTok handle so I can count it!).
The giveaway will end on August 31st, 2025 and I’ll announce the winner within 72 hours on social media. The winner will be notified directly through DM or email.
Disclaimer: This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram, TikTok, or Meta. Open to U.S. and EU residents only. Must be 18+ to enter.
Click here to read the full rules for entry.
Final Thoughts
Supporting indie authors isn’t just about discovering new books—it’s about championing creativity, passion, and the stories that might not otherwise find their way into the spotlight. I hope Jules Ackwood’s Drawn to Your DNA has caught your eye and earned a place on your romance TBR.
This is only the beginning of the Indie Author Feature series here on Mom Needs A Chapter. Each feature will highlight a different indie romance voice, bringing you fresh stories to fall in love with and opportunities to connect with the authors behind them.
If you are an indie romance author and are interested in your own feature, click here to apply!
Stay tuned for our next feature. In the meantime, don’t forget to follow Jules, enter the giveaway, and share this post with your bookish friends. Let’s continue building a romance reader community that lifts indie authors higher and celebrates every happily ever after.
Connect with Jules Ackwood: Instagram | TikTok
Grab your copy of Drawn to Your DNA: Amazon | Standaard Boekhandel