The Legend of Rosa

by Jasmine Hernandez, Lindz McLeod (Editor)

In the shadows of Tampa, Florida, a ruthless gang leader known as El Cazador wreaks havoc, leaving a trail of terror and cryptic tarot cards at each crime scene. The Tower card, a haunting omen of destruction, is his sinister signature.

Florence, a determined and sharp-witted attorney, is thrust into this dark world when her fiancé, Kevin, is brutally murdered on the night of their engagement. Devastated and fueled by vengeance, Florence discovers her engagement ring now holds mystical powers, transforming her into Rosa, a fearless and powerful superhero.

With her newfound powers, Rosa vows to avenge Kevin's death and dismantle El Cazador's reign of terror. By day, Florence continues her investigative work as an attorney, gathering clues and intel. By night, Rosa takes to the streets, using her magical abilities to protect the innocent and bring justice to Tampa.

From the sun-kissed streets of Tampa to the darkest corners of the underworld, Rosa's quest for vengeance becomes a legendary force. Will she outsmart El Cazador and shatter his grip on the city, or will his cunning prove too powerful?

The Legend of Rosa is a thrilling tale of love, loss, and redemption, infused with magical realism and Latin American culture.

Genres: Mystery

288 pages, Hardcover

Published September 28, 2025

About the author

As a passionate storyteller and academic coordinator, Jasmine weaves together her experiences in law, education, and creative writing. Her background in Crime, Law & Justice Policy and work in education has given her a unique perspective on the human experience.
Jasmine's love for storytelling has led her to create The Legend of Rosa, a superhero paranormal fantasy novel that explores the complexities of human nature. Through Rosa's journey, Jasmine aims to inspire readers and spark meaningful conversations.
When she's not working with students or writing, Jasmine is often drawn to themes of resilience, empowerment, and self-discovery. The Legend of Rosa is just the beginning of her literary journey, and she's excited to share more stories that ignite imagination and curiosity.

Reviews

[Thereaderonrehab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosa’s face twisted in fury, her eyes blazing red with intensity. “You call yourselves vigilantes, fighting for justice?” Her voice cut through the air, laced with contempt, her words echoing down from the shadows of the ceiling. “No, your justice is tainted by bloodshed and fear. You’re no better than the monsters you’re trying to eradicate. Your cause is twisted, and your methods are wrong!” Page 232-233.

This novel genuinely surprised me!
Its ambitious, original plot instantly pulled me into the shadowy side of Tampa, Florida.

From the start, I felt like I’d been dropped into a ruthless underworld of crime, witchcraft, and evil spirits, where El Cazador and his gang, The Maliciosos, dominate the streets, fueled by the lingering and terrifying influence of his dead sister, Daisy.

What really sold the story for me was Florence’s personality. I found her to be a strong and compelling character: smart, determined, resilient, and courageous. She’s a graduate attorney whose world is violently destroyed when her fiancé, Kevin, is murdered right in front of her by El Cazador’s men. From that moment, I felt her grief become the spine of the book; the force binding her to a transformative journey.

I also loved how Florence’s connection to ancient culture and the psychic gifts she’s always known she carries aren’t treated like random add-ons. For me, they felt woven into who she is—especially with her family’s lineage of women tied to the occult. That foundation makes the power linked to her engagement ring feel mysterious and addictive, and it’s what transforms her into Rosa: a fearless supernatural vigilante with real Zorro-inspired magnetism, reimagined for a darker, more modern world.

Once Florence’s normal life collapses, I watched her get pulled into two sides of the same war for the city’s soul—attorney by day, Rosa by night. As she digs for clues under legal pressure and then hits the streets with supernatural confidence to challenge El Cazador’s grip, I could feel the story expanding beyond “crime” into something bigger: ancient forces, occult signs, and powers that don’t care about her fate or her timeline. And as that tension built, I felt the line between justice and destiny start to blur. I thought to myself, even if she survives what’s coming, I don’t think anything—and anyone—would make it out unchanged.

For me, The Legend of Rosa really shines in the way it blends genres: legal drama, romantic tension, vigilante action, and occult suspense. I kept noticing the recurring symbolism—roses, lavender, and the ruby—and how it gives the book its dark atmosphere and its sense of mythology.

If I’m being honest, I did feel that—like a lot of longer novels—there are places where I wanted tighter pacing, and a few scenes where more streamlined dialogue could sharpen the momentum. But even with that, I couldn’t miss the author’s creativity and vision. I felt it on the page. The story has magic and soul, and it plays out cinematically while still landing real emotional weight.

Overall, this is the kind of novel that feels larger than life in the best way—haunting, passionate, and addictive. I appreciate the touch of magical realism and Latin American culture, which add identity and texture to Florence/Rosa’s voice and make the world feel alive rather than generic.
And yes: I’d absolutely want to see where Rosa’s legend goes next.

[ChapterAddict Aka Kelly Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well now, this book The Legend Of Rosa took me for a ride like I aint been on before. I started it thinking it was some romance lawyer thing, then next thing I know there was magic rings, fighting, and tarot cards flying all over Tampa like Mardi Gras on fire.

So we got this girl Florence. She is smart with her lawyer job, and her fellow Kevin pops the question. Then he gets killed right then and there by this gang boss they call El Cazador, which I think means The Hunter or maybe The Man Who Just Likes Trouble, because good grief, he is meaner than a snake in hot grease.

Now Florence goes from crying to fighting faster than a mosquito finds your leg, and somehow her ring starts glowing, and turns her into this superhero named Rosa. Let me tell you, Rosa does not play around. She is out there punching crime in the mouth, and shooting sparks, or whatever magic stuff she has, all while still keeping her day job like she is just working overtime for justice.

Every time El Cazador leaves those tarot cards at his murder spots, I swear I got chills like my AC kicked in too hard. I started thinking maybe he was more ghost than man, but no, he is just pure evil wrapped up in slick hair and bad choices.

Anyway, Rosa goes out there tearing up the town like she is on a mission born out of heartbreak, and I liked how she does not wait on anybody to save her. She just straps on that ring and says alright buddy, we are doing this tonight. I could see this being a movie one day, long as they keep the fight scenes loud and the lipstick bright.

By the time I hit the end, I was hollering Rosa go, and I have not done that since I watched wrestling back in the 90's. This ebook had the right mix of crazy magic, sad love, to keep me hooked all the way through.

I give it 4 outta 5 catfish!

[Linda Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery and supernatural power collide in The Legend of Rosa, a story that blends crime thriller elements with magical realism and superhero drama. Jasmine Hernandez sets the narrative in Tampa, Florida, where a dangerous gang leader known as El Cazador spreads fear across the city, leaving behind tarot cards as chilling symbols of his crimes.

At the heart of the story is Florence, a determined attorney whose life is shattered when her fiancé Kevin is murdered on the night of their engagement. The tragedy pushes her into a world of secrets and danger, but it also awakens something extraordinary. Her engagement ring begins to reveal mystical powers that transform her into Rosa, a powerful figure determined to bring justice to those who believe themselves untouchable.

Florence’s double life becomes one of the most compelling aspects of the story. By day she works through the legal system, gathering information and searching for the truth. By night she embraces her supernatural abilities as Rosa, confronting the criminal forces that threaten her city.

The tarot symbolism and Latin American cultural influences add a distinctive layer to the narrative, giving the story a unique atmosphere that blends mystical elements with modern crime drama. As Rosa moves closer to confronting El Cazador, the stakes rise and the tension builds toward a final showdown.

Readers who enjoy stories that combine revenge driven heroes, supernatural powers, and crime filled settings may find The Legend of Rosa an exciting and imaginative read. It explores how grief can transform into strength and how one person’s determination can challenge even the most dangerous forces.

[Ahmad Soffian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Legend of Rosa is an imaginative mix of crime thriller, magical realism, and superhero drama that kept me interested from beginning to end. Florence is an easy character to root for. After the murder of her fiancé, her transformation into Rosa gives the story an emotional core, and the mystical powers tied to her engagement ring make her journey feel unique and exciting.

I especially enjoyed the tarot symbolism and the Latin cultural influences woven throughout the story. They give the book a distinctive atmosphere and make the mystery surrounding El Cazador and Los Maliciosos even more intriguing. I also liked that I was never completely sure who was really behind everything, and the final reveal surprised me.

That said, the book could have benefited from a bit more editing. Some scenes in the first half feel uneven and do not flow as smoothly as they could. There were moments when the pacing slowed, and I occasionally wanted a little more clarity.

Even with those flaws, this is still a strong and entertaining read with plenty of suspense, emotion, and supernatural action. Florence/Rosa is a compelling heroine, and the ending definitely leaves you eager to see what happens next—even if I was not prepared for that “to be continued”!

[Serbo39 · Rating 4 out of 5]

La fluidità del racconto risiede nel doppio binario esistenziale della protagonista, la cui transizione da brillante avvocato di giorno a impavida giustiziera di notte accelera il ritmo verso un'avvincente caccia all'uomo tra le ombre di Tampa. La prosa adotta uno stile serrato, dinamico e ricco di fascino culturale, ideale per descrivere il contrasto tra la solare superficie della città della Florida e i segreti esoterici della sua malavita, quest'ultima caratterizzata dall'inquietante firma dei tarocchi lasciata dallo spietato leader El Cazador. Ho apprezzato moltissimo l'evoluzione di Florence, una figura femminile determinata che, mossa dal dolore per la tragica perdita del fidanzato Kevin, trasforma il proprio anello di fidanzamento in una fonte di potere mistico per tramutarsi nell'eroina Rosa. Questa lettura arricchisce la narrativa d'azione contemporanea poiché introduce elementi della tradizione culturale e spirituale latina in un contesto urbano moderno e corrotto. Rappresenta una scelta eccellente per chi cerca una storia di riscatto e vendetta dal ritmo impeccabile, capace di unire l'investigazione legale alla pura avventura fantastica

[Ricky Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening hits hard and sets the tone fast: grief, shock, and a city with real menace behind the sunshine. What kept me turning pages was the blend of genres that should not work but somehow does - courtroom and investigative energy by day, occult-tinged superhero justice by night. Florence feels grounded because she is not written as “strong” in a generic way; she is intelligent, stubborn, and emotionally affected by what happened, which makes her transformation into Rosa feel earned instead of gimmicky.

I also liked the atmosphere and cultural texture. The tarot-card signature, the ritual darkness, and the Tampa setting give the story a distinct identity, and the magical realism elements add flavor without drowning the plot. The villain has a clear presence, the action moves, and the theme of love-loss-redemption gives the story a heart underneath the vengeance. If you want something that reads like a fast supernatural thriller but still has character emotion and a fresh Latina-led hero angle, this is a strong, entertaining start.

[Chloe Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly impressive debut that feels like a labor of love from start to finish. If you're looking for a story that combines high-stakes, magical adventure with a deep, emotional core, this is a must-read. You can feel the author's passion on ever page, and that makes for an engaging experience.

I think the standout for this is the world-building and magical elements. The author clearly has a great imagination. I really enjoyed the way the magic is woven into the setting, and loved the lore and mechanics of the world. For me, this was more engaging than the characters themselves. They felt a bit too trope-y at times, but our protagonist is special enough to make up for that. In short, this is a vibrant, imaginative, and heartwarming start to the series.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book from LibraryThing Early Reviewers. Somehow, it isn’t the book I thought it would be. That said, I do think with a YA designation, it would good. The book needs some more editing, in the first part alone there are parts that don’t flow.

The main theme of the story is a young woman’s fiancé is killed right after he gives her an engagement ring which contains a mystical ruby. Her anger creates an alter-ego to combat the baddies that killed her fiancé. The main question is who is in charge of Los Maliciosos. There are several contenders.

The leader’s sister is dead, but somehow present. Is her who finds the people the gang kills, along with a Tarot card left at every scene? How is she still functioning? Time will tell.

The book is okay. I was completely wrong in my guess as to who the leader was but….I DID NOT EXPECT A “TO BE CONTINUED”!!!!

[Emma McMurray · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Florida native, I couldn't resist picking up a story set in Tampa, especially one that mixed crime, magic, tarot, and a superhero twist. It ended up being a lot more unique than I expected.

Florence isn't your typical superhero. She's grieving, determined, and trying to make sense of a life that changes overnight. I liked that the story blended mystery, action, and magical elements without losing the emotional heart behind her transformation.

I also enjoyed recognizing the Florida setting. It gave the story a familiar feel while the Latin American influences and tarot symbolism added something fresh and different.

By the time I reached the last page, I found myself hoping this wasn't the end of Rosa's story. If you enjoy books that mix genres and give you a heroine worth cheering for, this is a fun read that's well worth your time. So good!

[Tom Miko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice for Florence and Tampa

I enjoyed this gripping crime novel. I found the development of the protagonist’s character—specifically the distinction and portrayal of her day and night personas—to be exceptionally well done. Throughout the book, you can feel Florence’s determination and Rosa’s ruthless thirst for revenge; these emotions truly come across powerfully on the page. The descriptions of the settings are excellent, and the evocation of Latin American culture creates a wonderful atmosphere—you can almost feel the sultry Tampa air and the rampant crime in the streets, and you find yourself wanting to exact retribution for the loss Florence suffered. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a great revenge thriller—perhaps as a summer read—because you certainly won’t be disappointed by the story of Florence!

[Jordan MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two things really stood out to me about this novel. First, it beautifully blends romance with elements of magic and adventure, a combination that keeps the story fresh and exciting. Second, it’s set in Latin America, which makes it even more special to me. Reading a story that takes place in a context and culture I can actually relate to adds a layer of authenticity and warmth that I rarely find in books of this genre.

So far, I haven’t finished reading it, but everything I’ve read has been captivating. The characters feel alive, the plot moves naturally, and the atmosphere of the story pulls you in completely. It’s the kind of book that reminds you why you love readin, both for the escapism and for the familiarity of seeing your world reflected through fiction.

[Marcos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of superheroes, but something in this book caught my attention and I'm glad I gave it a chance! This feels more like a fantasy story with sprinkles of superpowers, which reminds me more of the Harry Potter series than something from Marvel, which is great. Florence, the main character, also reminded me of Zorro, who is one of my favorite characters, and I totally love that the author inspired her in that way.

I like the whole story around the ruby, culminating in Kevin using it to propose to her and that giving the initial spark to Florence awakening her powers. However, I found Kevin’s character mostly annoying lol. He is too impulsive and sometimes a bit of a no-brainer! But I understand he is playing his role in the story, so I ended up making peace with him.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is heavy with emotion and magic, and once you really get into it, you won’t want to stop reading. Although it starts off a bit slow, you’re given a glimpse of magic and mystery at the outset. Florence/Rosa is an amazing FMC, and I loved Florence’s superhero alter-ego. The story has good pacing once it gets going, and Hernandez does a good job of holding your attention. I loved how a magic engagement ring is what gives Florence the ability to become a superhero, it's a nice twist on the superpowers by bringing magic into it, instead of advanced science or technology. I’m really looking forward to what future installments in the series will bring, as I’d love to see more of Rosa!

[Mary Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine Hernandez delivers a gripping, culturally rich tale in The Legend of Rosa, blending magical realism with a fierce superhero narrative. Florence’s transformation into Rosa is both empowering and emotionally resonant, anchored by her dual life as a sharp attorney and vengeful vigilante. The haunting Tower card motif and El Cazador’s sinister threat add thrilling tension, while Tampa’s vibrant streets and shadowy underworld pop with authenticity. Hernandez masterfully weaves Latin American culture into the magic, making Rosa’s quest for justice and redemption feel fresh and commanding. A compelling, page-turning ride!

[David Iannuzzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like a crossover combination of Superheros, magic, supernatural, and crime elements, this should pique your interest for a time. Florence and her fiancé accidentally conjure the story's superhero with a gem, a ruby. There is justice, witchcraft, and mysticism, which adds some story depth. Florence is a powerful story led by a visual storytelling plot. The downside is that there is a lot of dialogue repetition, and Kevin's character feels blurred at times. Also, the mysticism is overwhelming, using multiple types such as Salem, Egyptian, and Latin. All in all, some script tightening could improve the overall delivery.

[Sivan Kish · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Legend of Rosa is an engaging story that blends crime, supernatural elements, and emotional depth. After the tragic murder of her fiancé, Florence’s life changes dramatically when a mysterious power awakens within her, transforming her into Rosa, a determined protector of the innocent.

The novel combines suspenseful crime investigation with magical realism, creating a unique story where personal loss turns into a quest for justice. The presence of tarot symbolism and the dangerous figure of El Cazador adds an intriguing layer of mystery.

Overall, this is an exciting and imaginative read that brings together action, emotion, and supernatural elements in a gripping urban adventure.

[Mike Nesbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fresh and imaginative blend of magic, mystery, and justice. The Legend of Rosa delivers an emotionally charged story with real heart. Florence’s transformation from grieving fiancée to powerful supernatural protector is both compelling and empowering, and the magic tied to the engagement ring gives the story a memorable twist. The mix of crime, tarot symbolism, Latin cultural influences, and superhero energy creates a world that feels vivid and distinctive. With strong emotional stakes, plenty of suspense, and a heroine worth rooting for, this is an engaging read that feels like the start of something exciting.

[Miguel Hernandez Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story took me by surprise.

I liked how the author integrated dark fantasy into this story. Using a touch of witchcraft with dark magic caught my attention. The dialogue was realistic and great. There were also plenty of vivid descriptions. The book's cover stood out, and the pacing was good. Jasmine showed action and imagery well.

I didn't enjoy Alejandro's relationship with Kevin. The character development was solid, especially with the included flashbacks. There was plenty of dialogue to follow. I thought it was a good read. The gang scene reminded me of a story I watched in the past.

[Macho Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Legend of Rosa by Jasmine Hernandez is a fast-paced urban thriller. It’s believable and fun to watch Florence go from a sharp, perceptive lawyer to a ferocious, super-powered vigilante. The story is a combination of legal drama, witchcraft, magical realism and rich Latin American culture, and keeps a fast-paced, dramatic tempo from the first page.
The stakes are raised even more by the dreary Tampa atmosphere and a bad opponent like El Cazador. It is a moving story of love, unexpected loss and a tireless quest for justice. If you love urban fantasy and are looking for a new, unique Latina hero, check out this amazing superhero book!

[Helen Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The story starts with Florence becoming an attorney, but she later gets her superpowers form her engagement ring. I loved how Florence navigated her magical abilities after her fiancé was killed. The way the book weaves together themes of grief and redemption is truly beautiful. I enjoyed this book immensely, and I think it's a great read for anyone who loves a good mix of superhero villains, magic and fantasy. It's a really unique blend of genres and I think it worked wonderfully. 5/5 stars!

[Alex Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a magical and imaginative story. We follow Florence, a Tampa-based attorney, whose fiancé was murdered and is seeking to get justice. However, she is given special abilities after finding out that her engagement ring has magical powers. As many superhero stories go, she has to keep her identity a secret - by day, she is a regular attorney, and by night, she protects the mean streets of Tampa. The writing is rich and detailed and offers a good blend of action, suspense, and fantasy. I like how it infuses magic, superheroes, and latin cultulre. Highly enjoyable

[Mary C. N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… truly tragic. I felt very close to Florence and her fiancé throughout the story, which made his murder even more heartbreaking.

But as the story unfolds, you realize that this tragedy is what shapes everything that comes afterward, her growth, her thirst for justice, her broken heart, and the path she chooses.

In a way, it’s the turning point that defines her character and her journey. And I have to admit, seeing the hunter finally get what he deserved gave me a sense of closure. That part was deeply satisfying.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I anticipated the classic superhero origin story; however, this became more about blending together the three genres of law and crime, magic, and a personal quest of vengeance based on grief. Florence is so relatable as a lawyer that once the tragedy happens it makes sense for her to become Rosa; there's no gimmick involved.

The use of tarot cards plus a setting in Tampa adds uniqueness to the feel of the story, and it's full of action keeping things moving right along. I believe this is a great first installment to what I can only assume will be a fantastic series!

[James]

A Thrilling Mix of Magic, Vengeance, and Culture
"The Legend of Rosa" is a compelling superhero story that blends magical realism with Latin American culture in a gripping tale of love, loss, and redemption. Florence's transformation into Rosa — a fearless superhero with mystical powers from her engagement ring — is both powerful and emotionally deep. The dark mystery of El Cazador, the cryptic tarot cards, and Rosa's quest for vengeance create a thrilling, high-stakes narrative. Perfect for fans of superhero stories with a unique cultural twist and a strong, determined heroine.

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosa’s story pulls you in with a mix of mystery, adventure, and strong character moments. The world gradually unfolds as the plot moves forward, keeping the reader curious about what will happen next.

The pacing keeps things interesting, and the hints about Rosa’s larger destiny make it a compelling start to the series. It’s the kind of book that leaves you wanting to see where the journey goes next.

[Christopher Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning, I felt a deep sadness for Florence and a strong rejection toward the hunter. It was almost instinctive, I couldn’t stand him. But as the story unfolded, I found myself slowly softening, beginning to understand him in ways I didn’t expect. Still, actions have consequences, and in the end, he faced what he deserved. Even so, I was left with mixed emotions. It’s one of those stories that doesn’t let you feel just one thing, it stays with you, unsettled and thoughtful.

[nx74defiant · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Kevin is shot the desperate Florence reaches for the rose to staunch the blood. I know it wasn't the author's intent but that made me laugh at the ridiculous choice. Florence is clairvoyant, able to hear thoughts and interpret vision. The ruby makes her powers stronger. The villain is assisted by the spirit of his dead sister. He leaves tarot cards behind. Florence uses the Egyptian book of the dead. There is too much spiritualism is this for me. This ends in a cliff hanger.

[Lily Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stands out is the blend of crime, supernatural elements, and emotional motivation. The story balances action with a strong personal drive, making Rosa’s journey feel intense and meaningful. I liked the mix of real-world investigation and superhero transformation, which adds a fresh angle. The setting and cultural touches give it extra depth. A solid pick for readers who enjoy fast-paced stories with a touch of magic and revenge.

[jennifer langdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful, fast-paced story about courage, transformation, and justice. The writing is vivid, the atmosphere electric, and Rosa is a heroine you can’t help but root for.
Blending emotion, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural, this book delivers heart, depth, and unstoppable energy. A must-read for anyone who loves fierce women and stories with soul.

[J. Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This stunning debut is a masterful blend of urban suspense and rich cultural heritage! The transition from profound loss to incredible power feels deeply personal and inspiring. I was completely hooked by the mystical elements and the vibrant setting that feels so alive. It’s a fast-paced journey of justice and courage that balances heart with intense action perfectly.