Yaniré Villegas’ Open Secret to Be Presented at the 2025 London Book Fair and LA Times Festival of Books

Maple Leaf Publishing Canada is proud to announce that Open Secret, a poignant LGBTQ+ romance by debut author Yaniré Villegas, will be featured at the 2025 London Book Fair, held from March 11-13, 2025, at Olympia in London. The event is expected to attract over 30,000 publishing professionals and readers from around the world. Additionally, the author will attend the LA Times Festival of Books on April 26-27, 2025, where she will be signing copies of her book from 11 AM to 12 PM on Saturday, April 26th. This provides a unique opportunity to engage with readers, expand the book’s reach, and promote its powerful message.

A Story of Love, Loss, and Defiance in the Face of Homophobia

Open Secret follows Kisairi, a young girl who, after losing her parents, finds solace in her growing friendship with Beatriz. As their bond deepens into a secretive romance, they face the harsh reality of homophobia, and Beatriz is pressured into a heterosexual relationship to satisfy her father’s wishes. The novel explores the challenges of love, loss, and the struggle for acceptance, offering an authentic portrayal of the emotional toll of secrecy and the courage to live authentically.

A Must-Read for LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies

Written by Puerto Rican author Yaniré Villegas, Open Secret tackles difficult themes such as homophobia and grief while delivering a message of hope and resilience. Villegas, who draws from her own experiences as an LGBTQ+ woman, aims to provide stories that resonate with young women, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, who often lack representation in literature.

International Recognition and Award

In 2024, Open Secret won the International Impact Book Award for LGBTQ+, Relationships, Young Adult, and Romance categories, with two categories merged. This recognition highlights the novel’s universal appeal and emotional depth, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, and further solidifies its place in the literary world.

Praise from Readers

Open Secret has garnered praise for its relatable characters and emotional narrative. U.S. reader XenyMarie shared, “The author did a really good job at writing a story that was relatable to those of us in the LGBT community who are afraid of coming out.” Another reader, Loida, expressed her excitement for the next installment: “New addition to my favorites❤️ waiting for the second book 🙌🏼.” The Spanish edition, Secreto a Voces, is also available, making the book accessible to a wider, Spanish-speaking audience.

The London Book Fair: A Premier Event for Open Secret’s Global Reach

The London Book Fair is one of the largest events for publishing professionals, offering an excellent opportunity for Open Secret to connect with readers and industry decision-makers. While Yaniré Villegas will not attend the event in person, the book will be showcased by Maple Leaf Publishing to key publishers and distributors. The LA Times Festival of Books, which the author will attend, offers an additional platform for promotion and engagement.

About Yaniré Villegas: A Voice for LGBTQ+ Stories and Empowerment

Yaniré Villegas is an emerging author from Puerto Rico, now based in Orlando, Florida. Drawing on her own experiences as an LGBTQ+ woman, she aims to empower young girls and women through stories of love, self-identity, and acceptance. Open Secret is her debut novel, and she continues to work on future projects that reflect diverse LGBTQ+ experiences.

An Invitation to Discover Open Secret in 2025

Whether you’re an LGBTQ+ reader looking for a relatable story, a publisher seeking a new voice in romance, or simply someone interested in a heartfelt, authentic narrative, Open Secret is a must-read. Available in Kindle and paperback formats through Amazon and major book platforms, it offers a moving journey of love and self-acceptance.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover Yaniré Villegas’ Open Secret at the 2025 London Book Fair and LA Times Festival of Books. The novel has already left a lasting impact on readers worldwide, and this is just the beginning.

For more information about the book, consignment opportunities, or media interviews, contact Maple Leaf Publishing at info@mapleleafpublishinginc.com.

Contact Information

Ryan Smith

Book Publicist

Maple Leaf Publishing

Contact via E-mail