About Elena

Hi, I’m Elena Locatelli, an Italian romance author writing romantasy and contemporary romance for women in their 30s who crave stories filled with travel, emotional growth, and sun-soaked settings.

I write love stories that feel like a one-way ticket: slow-burn romance, a touch of magic, and characters navigating self-discovery while falling in love. My books explore themes of belonging, healing, found family, and transformation with spice that always has a soul.

I’ve been writing since childhood, back when I stole my mother’s typewriter and turned fan fictions, feelings, and far-away worlds into stories. For years, I tried to write what I thought I should write. Everything changed when I gave myself permission to write what I actually loved: romance rooted in place, identity, and messy, grown-up emotions.

Now I live in the south of Spain, close to the ocean (a lifelong dream), with my boyfriend and three dogs. I write barefoot whenever possible, speak multiple languages daily, pull tarot cards when I’m stuck, and believe the sea has healing powers, scientifically unproven, emotionally undeniable.

My books are for readers who love travel, slow living, and romance that feels immersive and real. Whether it’s a fantasy world inspired by Mediterranean landscapes or a contemporary love story set by the sea, my goal is always the same: to make you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere new, and closer to yourself.

If you believe love can be transformative, journeys matter, and it’s never too late to choose yourself, you’re in the right place.

Quick Facts (Unfiltered)

  1. I choose my next character’s destination based on where I want to travel next

  2. I love putting Easter Eggs for my readers

  3. If you asked teenage Elena, she would laugh in your face if you told her she moved to Spain—she hated Spanish in school (and now she’s fluent).

  4. All my dogs are rescue.

  5. I love to travel as much as I love to stay at home and live my slow life.

  6. Walking by the sea has unraveled many plot holes. Let’s thank Mama Ocean.

Manifesto

I believe you’re not late to your life — you’re right on time.
I believe change is allowed, even when it scares you, even when others don’t understand it.
I believe love stories can be escapist and meaningful, soft and brave, spicy and healing.
I believe travel changes us because it reminds us who we are outside of routine and expectation.
I believe women don’t need to be fixed to be loved, just seen, respected, and met where they are.
I believe writing what you love is an act of honesty, not indulgence.

And I believe choosing yourself, again and again, is the most romantic thing you can do.

What I’m working on

80%

With beta readers

30%

Working on third draft

20%

Halfway through first draft