Welcome to the Press section! Here, you'll find the latest news, updates, and media coverage about me. I'm excited to share my journey and achievements with you. For press inquiries, please feel free to reach out to via the contact form.

Press

Media Coverage & Recognition

Lambda Literary Award Nominee

MA Wardell received a Lambda Literary Award Nomination in Gay Romance for his novel, Mistletoe & Mishigas, in 2024.

Once Upon a Book Dream

Featured review highlighting Mistletoe & Mishigas as a heartfelt, emotionally satisfying M/M romance with strong character dynamics. (10/10/23)

The Novel Approach Reviews

Mistletoe & Mishigas received a 4-star review, praised for its warmth, found-family storytelling, and emotional payoff. (11/09/23)

“Big found-family vibes wrapped in the warmth of the winter holidays.”

Oprah Daily

Mistletoe & Mishigas was featured in Oprah Daily’s holiday romance recommendations, Dreamy Holiday Romances to Read by the Fire, spotlighting Wardell as a standout voice in contemporary LGBTQ+ romance. (11/17/23)

Book Riot

Featured in the 8 Holiday Romance Books to Snuggle Up with This Winter list for the 2025 holiday Season

The Book Seller

Katie Fraser covered how becoming a viral sensation on TikTok led to Michael Joseph (Penguin) falling for MA Wardell's Teachers in Love series and a publishing deal in the UK and Hachette US. (1/17/25)

Interviews & Podcasts

Wardell has participated in interviews across written, audio, and video platforms, speaking on queer romance, masculinity, body positivity, and joy-centered storytelling. Highlights include:

📝 05/11/23 Geeky ST: Interview with Crystina Luna, on Teacher of the Year. Discussed debut experience, contemporary queer romance, and centering emotional authenticity in storytelling.
📝 06/15/23 In Between Drafts: Interview with Allyson Johnson, on Teacher of the Year. Explored creative process, genre evolution, and writing joy-forward queer romance.
📝 08/28/23 Vocal Media: Interview with Ted Ryan on Mistletoe & Mishigas. Spoke about holiday romance, found family, and writing warmth and humor into queer love stories.
📝 11/30/23 New In Books: Interview with Grant on Mistletoe & Mishigas. Covered inspiration behind the novel, themes of belonging, and audience response to comfort-read romance.
📺 12/23/24 Queer as Book Interview with Jose Orlando. Conversation on Wardell’s creative journey, influences, and the role of joy and softness in queer fiction.
🎙️11/18/25 Skip to the Good Part: Interview with Cara Lockwood & PJ Benoit, on Husband of the Year. Discussed romance tropes, happily-ever-afters, and why emotionally generous stories resonate with modern readers.
📺 11/24/25 Brad Bought a Book: Interview with Brad on Husband of the Year. Discussed the inspiration behind the novel, romance tropes, and reader response; audience comments were largely positive and engaged, reflecting a strong community reception.