WIP Progress Report (#11)

To recap, these "progress reports" are basically a way for y'all to know a little more about what I'm working on and to be able to follow along with the process. The main update will be on my current WIP, but at the end, there will be quick updates on other projects. 

- Title: Untitled :( 
- Genre: Hockey Romance
- Release Date: Fall of 2016
- Series? Book 1 in the Carolina Rebels series.

Let's all take a deep breath and take a moment to be relieved that I've finished this book. As you may know, my deadline was June 30th, and obviously I didn't meet it. I gave myself a two week extension, but I've exceeded my own expectations and finished it before then! :D

I'm sooooooooo excited about this new series. Noah and Meredith have been awesome, and once I do a read through to tweak a few more things, it'll be shipped off to my betas. Once I do that, I'm going to put myself through a reading binge and then get started on the next book. 

I'm hoping to release this book this fall. If I can figure out a title for it (don't even get me started on my troubles so far!), then I can get a cover and put it up for preorder. Hopefully, I can get that done this month.

But for now, I'm taking a mini break to read and enjoy tomorrow's release of Driving Me Mad.

Other Projects:
I'll be working on the edits of Making Me Sane this week. 

I'll work on the second Carolina Rebels book next, featuring Marc and Elizabeth. I've already started this book, so I'm excited to get back to it and keep working!

That's it for now! Until next time, happy reading!

WIP Progress Report (#6)

To recap, these "progress reports" are basically a way for y'all to know a little more about what I'm working on and to be able to follow along with the process. The main update will be on my solos, but at the end, there will be quick updates on other projects. 

When working on the latest chapter of Brittany and Trace's story, I knew it was time for another WIP PR. Let's go over the quick details first.

- Untitled. (However, I have an idea, but not sure if it'll stick.)
- Genre: New Adult Romance w/ Anxiety/Depression 
- Word Count/Goal: 51,636/80,000
- Release Date: Tentatively, the summer of 2016
- Series? Will be book 1 of 2.
- First Sentence of Last Chapter Written: “I'm calling the grinch, babe,” I whisper, pulling the covers over my head, so I don't have to look at him.

There are two reasons why I wanted to give an update. One is because I passed the 50K mark, and that's worthy of an update. The other is because I felt compelled to give an update, mostly for myself and the need to talk about these characters. As you may remember from the last WIP PR, Brittany and Trace deal with anxiety and depression. That alone makes me love them a little more because these are my favorite kinds of characters to write.

However, this book is making me feel guilty. Here is a troubled pair and I'm putting them through hell right now. Usually, this would make me feel a giddy kind of evil, but this time, I just feel guilty. Poor characters! They're gonna break my heart, y'all.

I've known where this book was headed since I started writing it. It's finally catching up to me now because I'm having to write it. In an odd way, I'm eager to write it, too. That's all I'm going to say because I don't want to give anything away. Let's move on to the short updates on other projects!

Other Projects:
The final touches to get Bending Under Pressure ready for release are happening this month.

I'll be writing and doing edits on books from The Ninth Inning series to prepare for the upcoming season.

And that's it! As of right this second, I'm on my way to the airport to fly to Pittsburgh for a few days. I can't wait!!!

Have you heard about these 2016 releases yet?

You may have already seen this if you subscribe to my monthly newsletter, but if not, then get excited! I'm here to reveal some 2016 releases.

First, I have a standalone Young Adult Romance, Bending Under Pressure.

Releasing February 20, 2016.
Preorder on Amazon, iBooks, B&N, or Kobo.
Add to Goodreads.

Haley Summers is struggling. She's in a new town with new teammates. She's unsure if she likes her new stepdad. She doesn't know why her father isn't answering her calls and keeps bailing on her. The only thing she has going for her is a boy who is struggling just as much as she is.

Keelan Moore is always feeling pressure. He wants to be a good kid for his adoptive parents while getting reacquainted with his birth mom and that part of his family. The only thing he has going for him is Haley and showing her just how fun her new home can be.

Pressure is hitting them from all sides. Can they survive unscathed while bending under pressure?

Next, we have Season 2 in The Ninth Inning series. Amazon links will be slow to appear due to their preorder policy. However, you can expect Trent to be on Amazon by the end of the month.

Releasing March 25, 2016.
Preorder on iBooks, B&N, or Kobo.
Add to Goodreads.

The Ninth Inning series presents Memphis Angels’ second baseman, Trent Baker.

Trent Baker is struggling after losing his wife. He has to enlist the help of his grandmother to help him care for his daughter while trying to play baseball and work through his grief. The girl he meets at the gym becomes a friend and someone he can talk to, but she brings her own complications to the table.

Scarlett Knowles is a caring social worker who puts the needs of the children before her. When Scarlett finally gets the nerve to speak to Trent, she believes it’ll be a one-time encounter until he keeps popping up everywhere she goes. The more they run into each other and the more they talk, the worse she feels about the secret she carries.

When the secret is revealed, more complications arise to put them both in a predicament neither are sure they want.

The win will be hard fought, but are Trent and Scarlett willing to put in the work together?

Releasing April 25, 2016.
Preorder on iBooks, B&N, Kobo.
Add to Goodreads.

The Ninth Inning series presents Memphis Angels’ shortstop, Jordan Johnson.

Jordan Johnson loves his wife more than anything. After suffering a traumatic loss together, he’s willing to give her whatever she needs. She needs space, he’ll give her space. She needs time, he’ll give her time. However, when Heidi asks for a divorce, Jordan refuses to give it to her. It’s tough sometimes, but Jordan won’t stop fighting for them.

Heidi Johnson’s life seems to be a fairytale with the perfect baseball husband, the great vacation beach house, and a good career. Then, tragedy hit her from nowhere. Now, she’s trying to figure out which way is up and which is down. She figures leaving Jordan and focusing on opening her own business will make the pain go away, but it doesn’t help. Finally, she tells Jordan a divorce is what she needs, but he’s too stubborn to give her what she wants the most.

Jordan won’t give up on her and Heidi won’t change her mind. Will he push her further away by reminding her of what they had? Will she push him too far with her rejections that he’ll never come back? Or can they save their marriage?

When they’re put into the ninth inning, will Jordan be able to hold tight to Heidi or will her stubbornness be the end of the game?

Releasing May 25, 2016.
Preorder on iBooks, B&N, or Kobo.
Add to Goodreads. 

The Ninth Inning series presents Memphis Angels’ third baseman, Colby Wilson.

Colby Wilson gets talked into making a profile on a dating website. It’s been a not-so-great experience so far, especially since his teammates have given him the nickname of Sugar Daddy thanks to the mistake of sharing his experiences. Colby just wants to settle down and finally have a place to call home once and for all. Then, he decides to meet the only sane person he’s been able to talk to on the dating website.

Ariella Craft is a homicide detective who spends more time working cases than working on her love life. As a last resort, she decides to sign up for online dating and ends up talking to someone who doesn’t seem to be crazy. After taking sound advice from her sister, Ariella meets the man she’s been chatting with.

There is nothing but shock when they discover each other’s identities. Colby and Ariella need to prioritize their careers and love lives, but when devastation hits them, it’s more difficult than they both thought it would be.

Life is throwing nothing but curveballs. Colby and Ariella need to hit it out of the park before they strike out.

That's all I have for now! 2016 is looking to be busy in terms of releases, but I'm excited nonetheless! Hope you are as well.

WIP Progress Report (#5)

To recap, these "progress reports" are basically a way for y'all to know a little more about what I'm working on and to be able to follow along with the process. The main update will be on my solos, but at the end, there will be quick updates on other projects. 

Before I get started, you should take a quick look to your left! I've added WIP Word Count section. It's just a little way to get a quick strictly numerical update on WIPs. It's updated every chapter pretty much.

So, based on that, you see that I have two WIPs listed: Brittany & Trace's and Noah & Meredith's. I ended up having to set Noah and Meredith aside while I figured some things out and ended up reshuffling my WIP To-Do list. 

Therefore, my main priority is now to write Brittany and Trace's books and then Noah & Meredith's. I'll work on them here and there, of course, but they aren't #1 right now. Let's talk about who is!

- Untitled.
- Genre: New Adult Romance 
- Word Count/Goal: 17,772/80,000
- Release Date: Tentatively, the summer of 2016
- Series? Will be book 1 of 2.
- First Sentence: My stomach heaves, the retched sound of vomit falling into the toilet echoes in the air as my hands grip the seat.

Nice start, huh? What better way to start a book than with the main character throwing up? Haha!

Anyway, I think this WIP will excite fans of Nepenthe. Not because of any characters are crossing over, but because of topic. These two characters both deal with anxiety and/or depression. With Nepenthe, only one person suffered. I wanted to have both of them in the same boat.

I want to write about how they'll deal with it differently. This book, in comparison to Nepenthe, shows more of the physical affects, hence how the book starts. These are the kinds of books that I love to write more than anything, so I'm really happy to bring Brittany and Trace to you for two books.

Another thing that has me excited is the dynamic of the two. Trace is older, divorced, and more settled in life than she is. Brittany is trying to survive her last semester of college. And Trace was Brittany's therapist before she left for college.

A lot of different little and big things are going on in this book. That's all I have for now though! Just wanted to give an update.

Other projects:
Mary and I are cracking down on the rest of The Ninth Inning series and making beautiful progress!

Without a Doubt releases this month on the 18th! SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!

Bending Under Pressure, Haley & Keelan's book, will release February 20, 2016. Check out the details here.

WIP Progress Report (#4)

To recap, these "progress reports" are basically a way for y'all to know a little more about what I'm working on and to be able to follow along with the process. The main update will be on my solos, but at the end, there will be quick updates on other projects. 

So, what is going on with my WIPs?

Haley and Keelan are finished. Sort of. Right now, some betas are reading through it and will be providing me feedback. I'll start working on revisions next. The tentative title is Bending Under Pressure. 

My main focus next will be on writing Season 2 of The Ninth Inning series with Mary Smith. We're almost half way through Season 1, so we'll be working hard to get those in the next set written.

However, the next book I planned to write has been on my mind, so I started that as well. Here's those details, plus the first sentence of the first chapter!

- Untitled.
- Genre: Sports (Hockey) Romance.
- Word Count/Goal: 13,822/80,000
- Release Date: If all goes well, hopefully by summer 2016!
- First Sentence: "The worst part of flying somewhere is waiting in the airport beforehand."

This WIP features Meredith Quick and Noah Ramsey, a couple who have a history. Meredith is a retired pro tennis player and Noah is currently a pro hockey player. Here's a little unedited snippet to give you an idea of what Meredith is feeling when the book first begins: 

How do things get so far off track? I had dreams and a plan to make them all come true. Instead, my dreams have run into reality to come to an end before I'm ready. This isn't how I imagined myself at twenty-six. Everything is wrong and in pieces. It'll be a miracle if my spontaneous decision actually helps. I can't help but to be skeptical since I've tried to always plan my life. Look at where that got me. Recently retired with a called off engagement and a broken soul.

I've spent the last six months retracing my steps. Where did I go wrong? What part of my planning caused the first misstep to land me where I am now? Every time I come back to one decision.

Leaving Noah.

That has to be where I went wrong.

So, with her life as a mess, she's hoping to come up with a new plan, starting with reuniting with Noah. The words are flowing like crazy with this book and I'm already in love with this story.

This is another one that I outlined, so I'm excited to get my ideas and plans for this couple down in words. I almost want to rub my hands together and laugh evilly for all that I have planned. Plus, I'm stoked that I'm finally tackling a second chance romance, something on my Writing To-Do List. I love reading those kind of books and I'm tickled to have Meredith and Noah be the characters for such a story.

It's kind of weird to think that with my last three projects I've gone from a New Adult Romance, to a Young Adult Romance, and now to a Sports Romance. I'm a little all over the place, but I'm not complaining! It's cool to be in slightly different areas while all under the romance umbrella. 

So, that's it for this WIP Progress Report! What are some of your favorite second chance romances?

Until next time, happy reading!

Without a Doubt: Chapter Reveal

As I said before, every month from now until the release, I'm going to reveal a chapter from the book until you've read the first five chapters.

If you want to read the chapters before I post them on the blog, then you should sign up for my monthly newsletter because my subscribers get the link first.

Without further ado, here is the Prologue-Chapter Three of Emerson and Eva's story. Enjoy! Only two more chapters to go!

Emerson Montgomery loves his high school sweetheart, Kelly Price. He'd do anything for her, including agreeing to a break where they'll see other people as he heads off to college. Struggling with the break and guilt over dating other people, Emerson meets Eva, a beautiful, funny, easygoing, and nosey junior.

Eva Harvey chose this particular college with the hopes of fulfilling her own fairytale and falling in love at the same college where her parents met. She does her best to go with the flow and simply see what happens, but Emerson simultaneously causes her to fall in love while making her second guess everything along the way.

There's some things you know without a doubt. However, Eva causes Emerson to doubt everything he believes about his future while he causes her to doubt what's right in front of her. Can they find a way to erase all doubts or will it tear them apart in the process?

Preorder Without a Doubt on Amazon, iBooks, B&N, or Kobo, and add the book to your to-read shelf on Goodreads.

Teaser Thursday: Felix (The Ninth Inning, #1)

We're on the last teaser for the first book in Mary's and my new baseball series, which releases tomorrow! Last week, I shared a teaser from Abigail's POV and one in Felix's POV. Then, on Tuesday, I shared another one in Abigail's POV.

With this one,  y'all are getting your first glimpse into Blake and Hector, who both have books following Felix's.

Back in the locker room after showering and changing, Hector walks over to me with Blake in tow.

“We’re going to a bar to celebrate. You coming?”

“Yeah, sure.” I grab my cell and keys and then we all drive separately to the bar Hector suggested. As we walk into the place, I text Abigail.

Me: Don’t go to sleep yet, please. I’ll be there in a few hours for my post-game kiss.

I slip my phone into my back pocket as we take seats at the bar. The bartender comes over to us almost immediately. Her arms are both full-sleeves of tattoos, which are clearly visible because she’s wearing a strapless top. She has her nose pierced as well as three in both her ears, plus a bar at the top of one. Her black hair is pulled back into a ponytail and she flicks her gaze over each of us.

“What can I get you?” she asks.

We give her our orders and she walks away.

“Really, Hector?” Blake says. “She’s your type?” It’s then that I notice Hector is still watching her.

Without taking his eyes off her, he answers, “Beautiful women are my type and she definitely fits. Holy shit, she’s pretty.”

I glance back at the girl, seeing more tats on her back. She’s pretty, yeah. Blake shakes his head and laughs a little as she comes back, setting our drinks down in front of each of us.

“What’s your name, beautiful?” Hector asks, leaning towards her.

She smiles brightly at him. “My first name is Not and my last is Interested. Enjoy your drinks.”

Blake and I laugh as she walks away. Hector’s frown flattens and he glares when Blake says, “Looks like you’re not her type.”

“Unlikely. She probably just didn’t like that I called her beautiful. I’ll have her number before I go home.” He sounds so sure of himself.

“Good luck with that,” I laugh.

After our first drinks are gone, Blake and I get up to play a game of darts. Hector stays behind at the bar to order more drinks and to try again with the bartender.

I throw a dart and say, “Fifty bucks says he doesn’t even get her name.”

Blake glances at the girl. “He may be able to get that out of her, but there’s no way he’ll get her number. He’s not that good with women.”

“I’m hurt you’re betting against my odds, Blake,” Hector says as he sets three filled glasses down on a nearby table. “I’d expect it from Felix, but not from my wingman.”

“We aren’t betting against your odds. We’re betting on the fact that you have no odds,” Blake answers, throwing his dart. “Did she give us refills or did she send another girl?”

We look at Hector and wait for a response. “Another girl,” he mumbles, shaking his head.

I laugh, drink, and then take my turn with the dartboard. Blake and I play the game while Hector switches his attention between the girl and us. After our second round of drinks, we cut ourselves off and switch to water. We watch as he manages to get her attention and makes her wait on us. He still returns defeated.

“Felix sucks at darts. Play a game with me and maybe then you’ll have a better plan.” Blake chuckles as he hands Hector some darts.

I ignore Blake’s jab and check my phone. There’s a new text message from Abigail, so I open it.

Abigail: Just a kiss? I would figure you had more in mind.

I reply back that I’m on my way as I say, “Hey, guys. I’m going to go. Unlike some of us, I have a girl who is interested. Good luck though.”

Hector glares and Blake chuckles. After paying my tab, I head home. Abigail’s text has my mind running rampant, making me even more eager to see her.

Felix releases tomorrow, but you can still preorder your copy on Amazon, iBooks, B&N, or Kobo. Be sure to add it to your to-read shelf on Goodreads, too!

The Ninth Inning series presents Memphis Angels’ pitcher, Felix Hernandez.

Felix Hernandez’s life is baseball, baseball, baseball, and then his family. He rarely remembers anything that doesn’t concern the game. He’s never had a good enough reason to reprioritize his life or change his ways.

Relying on her sisters most of the time, Abigail Harris is trying to put her life in order. She’s now a graduate student and living on her own. It’s not until Felix deems her his lucky charm that her life begins to change. Now, Abigail isn’t sure if she should be focusing on her happiness or the professional baseball player.

Can the two handle any fastballs that come their way or will they strike out under pressure?

WIP Progress Report (#3)

To recap, these "progress reports" are basically a way for y'all to know a little more about what I'm working on and to be able to follow along with the process. The main update will be on my solos, but at the end, there will be quick updates on other projects.

If you missed the first two, you can check them out here.

I have exciting news to share about Haley and Keelan! Let's have a quick update first.

- Still untitled. It's time to start figuring out possible titles, though!
- Genre: Young Adult Romance
- Word Count/Goal: 83,478/70,000 (Told ya I would go over my goal!)
- Release Date: Hopefully, sometime in early 2016. I have a date in mind, but won't say when until I've scheduled my editor and formatter. 

My main thing to report is that this book is almost finished. I probably have 3-5 chapters left. I can see the finish line and I'm so happy about it! 

I initially hoped to have this book done by the end of August, but I just couldn't make it happen. I am certain it will be done by the end of the month though. If I'm not, I may just cry a river for me to drown in haha. Once I do finish, that means revisions start as well as sending it to my betas/critique partners.

Right now, I'm at the point where I'm not sure if it's any good. I haven't read it from the beginning in a while, so that could factor into what changes need to be made and so on. I'm so excited about seeing the finish line and knowing that I'm close that I had to celebrate a little.

This is the first book where I placed a self-imposed deadline on it. Considering I'm a month behind, it's caused me to stress a little and it's one reason why I'm excited to be finished. It's also time to start stressing about a title and what in the world the cover will look like. Don't get me wrong, it's exciting too and I'm looking forward to it.

So, anyway, my progress report is that I'm close the wrapping this one up. At least, with this part of the process.

Other Projects:
Felix releases Friday! (Did you see what the paperbacks look like?) Mary and I are preparing the fourth book in the series for edits as well as working on finishing the other two books in season 2.

Without a Doubt is currently with the formatter. I'll be able to upload it to Amazon as soon as I get it back, so be on the lookout for that if you're a Kindle reader.

I'm also working on outlining two of my next four books. Whenever I finish Haley and Keelan, I'll start posting about the next project! :)

Teaser Tuesday: Felix (The Ninth Inning, #1)

Time for another teaser for the upcoming release of the first book in Mary's and my new baseball series. Last week, I shared a teaser from Abigail's POV and one in Felix's POV.

Today's teaser is in Abigail's POV.  I'm sure some of y'all can appreciate the bookish humor!

“I can’t believe what a great reading that was. He’s very passionate when he reads, don’t you think?” I hold my book close to my chest.

“Yeah, he is. Hopefully I’ll be able to read it on the next road trip.” He puts his in the backseat and he drives to the restaurant.

“You read the books you have signed? Not me. I set them on the shelf and worship them as idols.” I giggle because that’s almost the full truth. “I use my Kindle most of the time.”

“I’m not that committed. I don’t own an e-reader and why buy two copies of a book just because one is signed? The story doesn’t change you know,” he jokes.

“This date was going well until you said that. What do you mean you don’t own an e-reader? It’s a necessity in life. And the reason I buy two is because one is for my shelf and one is so I can read it. I don’t want to damage the one I have signed.”

“Do you somehow damage the one that isn’t signed?”

“Yes. You get fingerprints on it, you might bend the spine, and God forbid you might spill something on it.” How can he not care about the books?

Felix booms out a laugh and he pulls up to the curb to the valet. I reluctantly sit my book in the back and step out of the BMW.

“This date was going well until I realized you’re crazy,” he whispers close to my ear as we walk in. “Fingerprints, really? Books are meant to be read. If you bend the spine, it’s a good thing.”

“Oh dear, I don’t think I can hear such blasphemy. Let’s change the topic before I accidentally stab you with my fork.”

Felix releases this Friday, September 25, but you can preorder your copy now on Amazon, iBooks, B&N, or Kobo. Be sure to add it to your to-read shelf on Goodreads, too! I'll be sharing the last teaser on Thursday!

The Ninth Inning series presents Memphis Angels’ pitcher, Felix Hernandez.

Felix Hernandez’s life is baseball, baseball, baseball, and then his family. He rarely remembers anything that doesn’t concern the game. He’s never had a good enough reason to reprioritize his life or change his ways.

Relying on her sisters most of the time, Abigail Harris is trying to put her life in order. She’s now a graduate student and living on her own. It’s not until Felix deems her his lucky charm that her life begins to change. Now, Abigail isn’t sure if she should be focusing on her happiness or the professional baseball player.

Can the two handle any fastballs that come their way or will they strike out under pressure?

Teaser Thursday: Felix (The Ninth Inning, #1)

Time for another teaser for the upcoming release of the first book in Mary's and my new baseball series. Tuesday, I shared a teaser from Abigail's POV, and today, it'll be in Felix's POV.

You should be able to figure out why I picked this one. :)

“Oh my God, are you one of those calorie-counting athletes who drinks mushed up veggies in the morning mixed in with soy milk?” She makes disgusting face and I chuckle.

“Is there any other type of athlete? Do you really think this body comes from eating junk and then working it all off in the gym? I mean, I used to be that way, but a teammate got me started on all this healthy food and I felt way better, so it stuck.”

“So, you eat all kinds of veggies and shit like that? I can’t do that. I’m more of a bacon-meat-drowned-in-gravy kind of girl. Oh, and chocolate. At least one to two pounds a week. I can’t live without it.” She licks her lips, distracting me for a moment.

I groan. “God, that sounds so good.”

She leans over and whispers, “Come to the dark side, Felix. We have cookies, too.”

“You’re just one big temptation all the way around, aren’t you?”

Abigail shrugs. “I can be from time-to-time.”

“Where am I going?” I ask, in case I’m not dropping her off in the same spot as before.

“It’s up yonder.” She points ahead, but I’m laughing too much to pay attention to where she pointed.

“Yonder? Seriously? I didn’t think people actually said that.”

“You better learn the language, Mr. Cali, because that’s a very technical term.” Her voice is serious as can be.

“Yeah, I can tell,” I say, still chuckling.

“Just pull over by the curb. Is that better directions for you to understand?” She giggles.

“Yes, thank you.” I park and get out to open her door, switching back into professional chauffeur mode. “Have a good day, Miss Abigail.”

Felix releases September 25, but you can preorder your copy now on Amazon, iBooks, B&N, or Kobo. Be sure to add it to your to-read shelf on Goodreads, too! I'll be sharing another teaser on Tuesday!

The Ninth Inning series presents Memphis Angels’ pitcher, Felix Hernandez.

Felix Hernandez’s life is baseball, baseball, baseball, and then his family. He rarely remembers anything that doesn’t concern the game. He’s never had a good enough reason to reprioritize his life or change his ways.

Relying on her sisters most of the time, Abigail Harris is trying to put her life in order. She’s now a graduate student and living on her own. It’s not until Felix deems her his lucky charm that her life begins to change. Now, Abigail isn’t sure if she should be focusing on her happiness or the professional baseball player.

Can the two handle any fastballs that come their way or will they strike out under pressure?

Teaser Tuesday: Felix (The Ninth Inning, #1)

Hey, y'all! We're getting closer and closer to the release of the first book in Mary's and my new baseball series. Pretty soon, you'll all be able to read Felix. In the mean time, I'm hoping you'll enjoy a few teasers with me.

This first one is on Abigail's point-of-view.

“Is there a certain player out there that you’re staring at?” LA leans over.

“No,” I gruff at her with my mouth full of food.

“If you would eat that hot dog a little sexier, he might come over later.”

I can’t help the laughter that bubbles up. My sister sure doesn’t pull any punches and I love her for that. “Exactly how can you eat a hot dog sexily? I mean, I don’t think he wants me to bite his dick and chew. Ew.” I shake my head.

“Jeez, I hope he isn’t into the kinky, crazy shit.” LA makes a disgusted face. “I’m saying don’t eat as if you’re trying to win an eating contest.”

This only makes me laugh harder. LA is the only one who can turn my mood around. She never dodges anything. When our parents died and I was in my deep depression, it was LA who eventually slapped me across the face and woke me up. Literally.

After I finish my hot dog, and not look like a porn star doing it, I chug about half my beer as I tell LA about my hectic semester. It’s then I hear someone whistling from the field and I see Felix staring at me.

“Can you catch?” he yells.

“Yes.”

He tosses the ball in his hand to me and I catch it with one hand. “Didn’t even spill your beer,” he laughs.

“I’m a pro.” I wink and watch him, still chuckling, go into the dugout. I rotate the ball in my hand and look at it, and I know LA is waiting for an answer from me. “He saw me last week and took me to school, and then he saw me again later that night and offered to go running with me. That’s all,” I quickly explain.

“And why aren’t you in your short, short running shorts and a sports bra with him every single day? And why the hell am I hearing about this now?”

“I forgot, it’s not a big deal and I’m not a runner, why would I go?”

“Because that’s fucking Felix Hernandez, that’s why.”

Felix releases September 25, but you can preorder your copy now on Amazon, iBooks, B&N, or Kobo. Be sure to add it to your to-read shelf on Goodreads, too! I'll be sharing another teaser on Thursday!

The Ninth Inning series presents Memphis Angels’ pitcher, Felix Hernandez.

Felix Hernandez’s life is baseball, baseball, baseball, and then his family. He rarely remembers anything that doesn’t concern the game. He’s never had a good enough reason to reprioritize his life or change his ways.

Relying on her sisters most of the time, Abigail Harris is trying to put her life in order. She’s now a graduate student and living on her own. It’s not until Felix deems her his lucky charm that her life begins to change. Now, Abigail isn’t sure if she should be focusing on her happiness or the professional baseball player.

Can the two handle any fastballs that come their way or will they strike out under pressure?

Without a Doubt: Chapter Reveal

Last month, I shared the prologue and first chapter of my next New Adult Romance, Without a Doubt. Today, I added the second chapter for you to read. As I said before, every month from now until the release, I'm going to reveal a chapter from the book until you've read the first five chapters.

If you want to read the chapters before I post them on the blog, then you should sign up for my monthly newsletter because my subscribers get the link first.

Without further ado, here is the Prologue-Chapter Two of Emerson and Eva's story. Enjoy!

Emerson Montgomery loves his high school sweetheart, Kelly Price. He'd do anything for her, including agreeing to a break where they'll see other people as he heads off to college. Struggling with the break and guilt over dating other people, Emerson meets Eva, a beautiful, funny, easygoing, and nosey junior.

Eva Harvey chose this particular college with the hopes of fulfilling her own fairytale and falling in love at the same college where her parents met. She does her best to go with the flow and simply see what happens, but Emerson simultaneously causes her to fall in love while making her second guess everything along the way.

There's some things you know without a doubt. However, Eva causes Emerson to doubt everything he believes about his future while he causes her to doubt what's right in front of her. Can they find a way to erase all doubts or will it tear them apart in the process?

Preorder Without a Doubt on iBooks, B&N, or Kobo, and add the book to your to-read shelf on Goodreads. WaD will be uploaded to Amazon later this month.

WIP Progress Report (#2)

To recap, these "progress reports" are basically a way for y'all to know a little more about what I'm working on and to be able to follow along with the process. The main update will be on my solos, but at the end, there will be quick updates on other projects.

If you missed the first one, you can check it out here.

Let's start with a quick rundown of things for Haley and Keelan's book.

- Still untitled. 
- Genre: Young Adult Romance
- Word Count/Goal: 53,609/70,000 (I'm so going over 70K words.)
- Release Date: Hopefully, sometime in early 2016. I have a date in mind, but want things to be more concrete before I say what it is.

As I've said, I want these PRs to give y'all more of an insight into a my writing process and to start getting you excited about my next project. I'm really excited for the progress I am making on this book, although I won't be finished by my self-imposed deadline of having the first draft done by the end of the month, but that's okay.

So, this is my first YA book since late 2012! What you may not realize is that it was a semi-conscious decision. You see, my characters (for the most part) aged with me. I started worrying that I would never be able to write another YA because I was growing older. 

Ridiculous, I know, but when you're still learning what you like to write and getting better at writing in general, things like this can go to your head. (Or, at least mine.)

Never mind the fact that plenty of adults, older than I am, write in that genre all the time. Never mind that I love the genre. For an insane reason, I was worried I wouldn't be able to write YA again.

When Haley and Keelan's story came about, it was originally New Adult. Things weren't working, so I tweaked the story. I tweaked again and again and again until I realized why their story wasn't working.

They were too old!

I needed them in high school, not college. 

I needed them younger, not older.

As soon as I made that change (and other adjustments, of course), the story and characters fell into place. I was still semi-worried about going back to YA, but I was so excited about the story, that I decided to push my worries aside.

And y'all, I've missed the YA genre. It's felt so good to return to it. I just needed the right story to bring me back. 

Now, for my YA lovers, don't get too excited yet. This is currently my only planned YA for 2016. The rest will be in the New Adult age range. BUT, it doesn't mean I won't go back to it. Like this book, I just need the right idea to come along.

Other Projects:

Mary and I are working on The Ninth Inning series. We just got Hector back from the formatter, and OMG. I can't wait to get my hands on the paperbacks. SO pretty! 

I should be getting Without a Doubt back from my editor soon. I'll be working on those before I send it to the formatter next month.

That's all for this progress report. Until next time, happy reading!

Without a Doubt, I love these shirts!

Here's the first look into some of the Without a Doubt swag. I am in love with these t-shirts. The cover looks beautiful on them.

Now, let me explain the front of the shirts. As you can see, I've described the characters...sort of.

Emerson is comfy, prettier, sweeter, experienced, and a cover hog.

Eva is nosey, older, wiser, funnier, and quicker on her feet.

They sort of keep track of their adjectives in the book. Here's a little unedited teaser, showing how it starts.

His thumbs knead my hand for a bit until he asks for the other one.

“You know, I think I'm going to be the one having to convince you to keep me around,” he says once he's done.

“Are you kidding me? You just massaged my hands for me. You're a keeper.” He laughs, but then I realize what he said, and add, “Why do you think that?” I turn my head, barely able to make out the grin on his face.

“You're older, wiser, quicker on your feet, and prettier. You're taking all the good adjectives from me.”

I try not to giggle. “Would you like the prettier one then?”

He chuckles. “Yes, thank you."

So, that's where it comes from! Last thing I'll add is that there's a bit of a story behind Emerson having the "experienced" adjective, and I think it's a bit funny, if I say so myself! You'll have to read the book to find out what it is. ;)

I really, really, really can't wait for y'all to meet Eva and Emerson on December 18th. That's all I have for now!

Preorder Without a Doubt on iBooks, B&N, or Kobo, and add to Goodreads.

WIP Progress Report (#1)

I have a pretty hectic schedule for the next five months. Not only with traveling, soon-to-be schoolwork, and regular everyday life stuff, there's a lot on my writing plate as well. There is so much going on with my writing right now, which is why I thought it would be cool to start a new feature.

These "progress reports" are basically a way for y'all to know a little more about what I'm working on and to be able to follow along with the process. The main update will be on my solos, but at the end, there will be quick updates on other projects. Hopefully, you'll enjoy this feature. :)

Onward!

My next WIP is Haley and Keelan's story.

I started writing it prior to working on Without a Doubt, but I put it aside when I became obsessed with WaD. I am back to it and excited to be reunited with them.

Here's a quick rundown of things.
- Currently untitled. I usually don't know this until later in the story anyway.
- Genre: Young Adult Romance (I know! I'm going back to the genre I started in. Fun Fact: My last YA was Don't Panic in 2012.)
- Word Count/Goal: 34,244/70,000
- Release Date: Hopefully, sometime in early 2016. I want to release five solos next year, and this will be the first of those five.

With every new WIP, I feel like I can say, "I'm doing something I haven't quite done before." That holds true for this book as well.

How so?

Well, there's a new element to the story, which I've never done and no, I'm not sharing what it is yet. Both characters are athletes (Haley - tennis; Keelan - football). Their story isn't just about their romance. It's about their relationships with their families too.

While this doesn't necessarily pertain to the story itself, I sort of outlined the story. *gasp* I never do this. Brainstorm and have notes, sure. But to get a rough outline of the story? Nope. Usually it blocks me, but I tried something different this time and it's jumpstarted my brain even more. (I've done it with two more books now, too.)

Other Projects:
Mary and I are juggling a few things in preparation for the releases in our The Ninth Inning series. We're working on edits, getting the books formatted, and writing those in Season 2.

Lastly, my December release, Without a Doubt, is with the editor.

That's it! I'll share another progress report whenever I make some decent progress, haha.

Until next time, happy reading!

Without a Doubt, I'm Revealing This Chapter!

Oh, I think I'm having too much fun with the title of my next New Adult Romance, Without a Doubt. ;) Anyway, today, I'm sharing with you the prologue and first chapter of WaD. Every month from now until the release, I'm going to reveal a chapter from the book until you've read the first five chapters.

If you want to read the chapters before I post them on the blog, then you should sign up for my monthly newsletter because my subscribers get the link first.

Without further ado, here is your first look into Emerson' and Eva's story. Enjoy!

Emerson Montgomery loves his high school sweetheart, Kelly Price. He'd do anything for her, including agreeing to a break where they'll see other people as he heads off to college. Struggling with the break and guilt over dating other people, Emerson meets Eva, a beautiful, funny, easygoing, and nosey junior.

Eva Harvey chose this particular college with the hopes of fulfilling her own fairytale and falling in love at the same college where her parents met. She does her best to go with the flow and simply see what happens, but Emerson simultaneously causes her to fall in love while making her second guess everything along the way.

There's some things you know without a doubt. However, Eva causes Emerson to doubt everything he believes about his future while he causes her to doubt what's right in front of her. Can they find a way to erase all doubts or will it tear them apart in the process?

Preorder Without a Doubt on iBooks, B&N, or Kobo, and add the book to your to-read shelf on Goodreads.

I Have No Doubts About This

First off, I think I'm being clever with my title. But anyway, back to the point of this post. I'm so excited about my next release that I've decided to go ahead and share it with y'all. While I'm sharing some information now, you might as well get comfy because we've got quite a bit of a wait before this book releases.

Why?

Because it's not coming out until December 18, 2015.

The anticipation is what makes waiting worth while though, right?

RIGHT!

Next!

This is Emerson and Eva's book (you may have seen me talk about them on Facebook or Twitter), and it'll be titled Without a Doubt. (Now do you see why I think I'm clever with my title?)

This story came out of nowhere in the sense that I was working on two other projects when this one popped into my head while I was washing dishes (as good as the shower and driving when it comes to thinking of new ideas). It took me a little bit to figure out the details, but once I did, I couldn't stop writing.

Be sure to read the blurb below, adore my gorgeous cover, and add this book to your Goodreads shelf! It's available for preorder on iBooks, B&N, and Kobo! It won't be on Amazon until closer to the release date due to Amazon's preorder policy.

I'm so excited about this book and I hope you are too!

Emerson Montgomery loves his high school sweetheart, Kelly Price. He'd do anything for her, including agreeing to a break where they'll see other people as he heads off to college. Struggling with the break and guilt over dating other people, Emerson meets Eva, a beautiful, funny, easygoing, and nosey junior.

Eva Harvey chose this particular college with the hopes of fulfilling her own fairytale and falling in love at the same college where her parents met. She does her best to go with the flow and simply see what happens, but Emerson simultaneously causes her to fall in love while making her second guess everything along the way.

There's some things you know without a doubt. However, Eva causes Emerson to doubt everything he believes about his future while he causes her to doubt what's right in front of her. Can they find a way to erase all doubts or will it tear them apart in the process?

Meet Season 1's Trio from The Ninth Inning series!

Mary and I are so excited to announce the first three books in our upcoming The Ninth Inning series! Similar to the OCMC series, there will be one release a month for the first three books, a three month break, and then repeat for the remaining 'seasons'.

Without further ado, meet Season 1's boys:

 Felix will release September 25, 2015 and you can add it on Goodreads.

The Ninth Inning series presents Memphis Angels’ pitcher, Felix Hernandez.

Felix Hernandez’s life is baseball, baseball, baseball, and then his family. He rarely remembers anything that doesn’t concern the game. He’s never had a good enough reason to reprioritize his life or change his ways.

Relying on her sisters most of the time, Abigail Harris is trying to put her life in order. She’s now a graduate student and living on her own. It’s not until Felix deems her his lucky charm that her life begins to change. Now, Abigail isn’t sure if she should be focusing on her happiness or the professional baseball player.

Can the two handle any fastballs that come their way or will they strike out under pressure?

Blake will release October 25, 2015 and you can add it on Goodreads.

The Ninth Inning series presents Memphis Angels’ catcher, Blake Foster.

Blake Foster has a love/hate relationship with the game he plays for a living. On good days, he smiles and enjoys baseball. During the rest of the time, he’s battling his demons and looking out for his mother. He has a hard time keeping ahold of the good things in life no matter how badly he wants them.

Sofia Gardner might come from a rich family, but she has worked for the opportunity for a position on the staff for the Memphis Angels. However, when she meets Blake, she realizes there’s more to him than his constant grumpy expressions. She feels he needs a friend and in her good-natured way, she reaches out to him, only to find the demons he’s battling are much worse than she thought.

When the bases are loaded and it all comes down to the catch at home plate, can they get their out or lose it all when it matters most?

Hector will release November 25, 2015 and you can add it on Goodreads.

The Ninth Inning series presents Memphis Angels’ first baseman, Hector Rodriguez.

Hector Rodriguez is an easy going guy, the one who tries to make everyone laugh or smile on the hard days. He loves playing baseball, loves his family, and loves chasing the girl who has caught his eye. His two biggest obstacles are getting the girl to give him the time of day and then getting his mother to look past what she sees on the surface.

Zoey Reyes is use to people staring at her because of the tattoos covering her body, but the big tipper who has been begging for her name for two months is the only one who looks at her differently. Once Hector wears her down and finds out her name, she realizes why he is so likeable. However, it’s one battle after another for their friendship to grow and Zoey’s not sure how much stress she can handle.

Hector and Zoey are making the right plays, but will it be enough for them to come out with a big win?

Stay tuned for preorder links! Which player are you most excited about so far?