Author Gonzo E. Jay is here to enlighten us into the heart of 1970s America with his moving two-part young adult romance series, Rafer Thin and its sequel, Rafer Goes All In. These two novels follow the journey of Rafer Sandoval, a young Latino Mormon navigating the challenges of first love, heartbreak, faith, and finding his place in a world that is rapidly changing.
In Rafer Thin, we meet Rafer at a turning point in his life. Set against the backdrop of early 1970s California, the story beautifully captures the thrill of youth and the search for belonging. Between his love of driving, his quiet charm, and his struggle to balance faith with desire, Rafer becomes an unforgettable character—someone trying to stay true to his heart while learning what it means to grow up. His green Mustang becomes a symbol of freedom, and his relationships become lessons in love, friendship, and identity.
The story continues in Rafer Goes All In, where Rafer faces new challenges that come with heartbreak and maturity. After saying goodbye to his first love, he begins a new chapter filled with self-reflection and new connections. His friendship with Pamela Truitt reveals that love can take many forms and that healing often comes from the people who stand beside us when life feels uncertain. Through Rafer’s eyes, readers experience the tenderness of young adulthood — when every choice feels permanent, and every emotion feels larger than life.
What makes the Rafer series stand out is its emotional honesty. Gonzo E. Jay doesn’t write about perfect people or flawless love. He writes about real, heartfelt moments that define who we become. His stories explore how faith and romance can coexist, how culture and conviction shape identity, and how growing up means learning to forgive both others and yourself.
Gonzo E. Jay brings authenticity to his work through personal understanding of the human heart and the subtle struggles that come with identity, love, and belief. His writing is warm, grounded, and timeless, appealing to both young readers and adults who remember the intensity of first love.
The Rafer novels also remind us that youth is about finding meaning in the moments that shape us. For anyone who has ever been torn between their faith and their feelings, or between who they are and who they want to be, Rafer’s story will feel like coming home.
Rafer Thin and Rafer Goes All In are available now on Amazon.
Rafer Thin: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHV29Z63.
Rafer Goes All In: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ82952X.
About the Author:
The son of an immigrant, Gonzo E. Jay is one of nine children. He grew up in northeast Indiana, later moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and eventually settled in Fresno, California. His journey across the country exposed him to the richness of America’s diverse cultures and languages. Bilingual and well-educated, he holds a degree in history and an MBA. He has been married for forty-eight years to the love of his life, a blue-eyed, blonde piano instructor who, like him, is also the child of an immigrant. Together, they have raised six children and enjoy the company of eight grandchildren.
Gonzo E. Jay’s passions reflect both energy and reflection. He loves Motown, Southern rock, and surf instrumentals, and he occasionally explores classical music — a natural influence from his wife’s musical background. Outside of writing, he enjoys gardening, fishing, and cooking, and he remains a loyal fan of the New York Yankees. He also follows BYU sports closely and stays actively involved in his faith and his lifelong commitment to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Book 1 Name: Rafer Thin
Book 2 Name: Rafer Goes All In
Author Name: Gonzo E. Jay
Book 1 ISBN Number: 979-8892386128
Book 2 ISBN Number: 979-8892386135
Book 1: Click Here
Book 2: Click Here
Media Contact
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City: Los Angeles
State: CA 90025
Country: United States
Website: https://americanpublishersinc.com/
