WIP Progress Report (#10)

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: Making Me Sane (Sanity, #2)
- Genre: New Adult Romance w/ Anxiety/Depression 
- Release Date: Tentatively, the summer of 2016
- Series? Will be book 2 of 2.

Y'all. This book is DONE. Well, the first draft is complete. I've been working so hard this past week to finish this book on time, and I've finished a few days early! I'm so excited about all the things that happen to Brittany and Trace in this book. I can't wait to share this couple with you. I just love them so much!

I've updated the word count box on the left and noted my new primary WIP! My next WIP is Noah and Meredith's book, the first in my upcoming hockey romance series featuring players on the Carolina Rebels team. I'm super excited about that series. I'll be start it as soon as I get back from my Alaskan cruise. It's going to be so nice to have a break before more work starts. I'm leaving my computer at home. I'll be without my phone and internet and it should be great! The only electronic device I'll be using is my Kindle, which is really for the traveling to and from Seattle, where we're actually leaving from.

I just had to make a post about finishing this book. Next step is to send it to my betas before revisions, edits, and formatting. I'm hoping to release it shortly after Driving Me Mad releases on July 6th, so y'all don't have to wait too long to see what happens next. :)

Other Projects:
Mary and I will be spending the next few months getting the final three books in The Ninth Inning series ready for release.

That's all for now. Happy reading!

WIP Progress Report (#9)

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: Making Me Sane (Sanity, #2)
- Genre: New Adult Romance w/ Anxiety/Depression 
- Word Count/Goal: 39,526/80,000
- Release Date: Tentatively, the summer of 2016
- Series? Will be book 2 of 2.

Today, I released I'm less than 500 words away from the halfway point of this WIP, word-wise! That is awesome, especially since I have exactly one month to finish it. My time is being cut short because I leave for a cruise next month. Hitting the halfway point is a great reason to post a progress report!

I also realized that there are some key parts I need to figure out for the rest of the book. That could be helpful when writing the last half of their story, you know. ;) As soon as that's done, I can keep writing, wrap the book off, and ship it to my betas.

I feel like I can't say too terribly much about this book because I don't want to give anything away, especially since y'all don't even know what happens in the first book yet. I am enjoying this one as much as the first one. They are dealing with new challenges, old ones, and having to deal with the things life can throw at them. 

That's all for now! While I'm plotting away, make sure you check out the series page to get all the details about the first book, Driving Me Mad.

Other Projects:
While writing this book, I'm outlining the next project after this one, which will be a hockey romance series featuring players from my new Carolina Rebels team. I've actually written scenes here and there for the first four books. I'm very excited about these!

Mary and I are still working on The Ninth Inning series as well! We're writing the last book in the series, while also prepping the remaining books for publishing. 

April's Paperback Pick

This month's paperback pick was "forced" on me by Mary Smith. Once she found out I hadn't read this series, she insisted I start. So, last month when we were in Dallas in a bookstore, I saw Dark Lover by J.R. Ward and bought it. I deemed it my Paperback Pick of the Month.

It took some time to get used to how it's written, but once I did, I was hooked! So hooked that before I even finished the book, I bought books 2-13. I'm anxiously waiting for Tuesday when they will come in.

I just got sucked into the story and into the lives of all these characters. It was definitely a book that makes you want to read it all in one sitting. Forcing myself to go to bed and then spending most of the next day running errands while every other thought was of wanting to finish the book is not fun!

I can't wait to keep reading and find out what happens with everyone. Thanks for the rec, Mary!

The only purebred vampire left on the planet and the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who killed his parents centuries ago. But when his most trusted fighter is killed — orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate — Wrath must put down his dagger and usher the beautiful female into another world.

Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn’t there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of the Brotherhood and blood frighten her. Yet his touch ignites a dawning new hunger—one that threatens to consume them both....

WIP Progress Report (#8)

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. 

In this WIP PR, we're tackling the second book with Brittany and Trace. 

- Titled: Making Me Sane (Sanity, #2)
- Genre: New Adult Romance w/ Anxiety/Depression 
- Word Count/Goal: 15,589/80,000
- Release Date: Tentatively, the summer of 2016
- Series? Will be book 2 of 2.
- First Sentence of Last Chapter Written: Never, in all the years I've known Brittany, has there been distance between us.

The first book with Brittany and Trace, Driving Me Mad, will be going to the editor soon, so that's exciting! Right now, I'm working on their second book and hope to have it done by the end of next month, and I think I'm on pace for that.

It's really interesting to be writing this book because it occurs a year after the first one ends. I can't wait to share more with y'all. I'll first reveal the covers for both books in my April newsletter, so be sure to sign up if you haven't already.

I have a ton to accomplish this month, so I better head out and write more of this book!

Other Projects:
While writing this book, I'm outlining the next project after this one, which will be a hockey romance series. :D

Mary and I are still working on The Ninth Inning series as well! 

WIP Progress Report (#7)

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. 

I'm jumping right in with this PR on Brittany and Trace's story.

- Tentatively titled: For Now
- Genre: New Adult Romance w/ Anxiety/Depression 
- Word Count/Goal: 69,977/80,000
- Release Date: Tentatively, the summer of 2016
- Series? Will be book 1 of 2.
- First Sentence of Last Chapter Written: She hasn't smiled since she arrived.

What's new? Well, I have a tentative title and I'm closing in on reaching my goal for the word count with a little over 10,000 words to go. I just finished outlining what is left to be told of the story. I have four chapters remaining in this WIP! 

Holy moly.

I don't feel like I'm close to the end, which is probably because their story will pick up again in a second book. I feel like this has been a quick book to write, even though it hasn't. So what's different to make it feel like that?

For one, I joined a challenge with other authors to write at least 100 words a day. That's definitely helped me make sure I write a little chunk every single day as well as having a general outline for this book from the beginning. I've always known where it's going, how it's going to end, and a few key parts that need to happen. I haven't written this book any faster than my others; it isn't any shorter either. Yet, still feels like my time with these characters so far have flown by. Maybe it's just because I've had so much going on in other areas of my life as well. 

Anyway, that's all for this progress report. The next one will mean I've finished the draft! 

Other Projects:
Bending Under Pressure is patiently awaiting its release day next month. I'm getting teasers and such ready. 

I'll be writing more on books from The Ninth Inning series.

That's all for now! I just wanted to write a quick update during the intermission of this Detroit/Buffalo game, and since I had an update to give!

Stay safe and warm in this weather, y'all!

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!!!

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!

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!

August's Paperback Pick

The ABC's of Dee by Danielle Bannister was the Paperback Pick of the Month for August. And what a pick it was!

Romance? Check.
Humor? Check.
Great story nestled within the pages? Check!

I can't tell you the number of times I laughed out loud while I was reading this book. There are a couple of lines that had me closing the book for a moment while I laughed it out.

Another thing I really liked was the chapter titles. It added to the story and was often the source of more laughter.

This book was definitely a piece of happiness in a crappy week. When I finished it, I called my mom and told her she needed to read it.

It's a really great book, so check it out!

It always starts out so innocent. A drink, a laugh, a bet. For 40-year-old Dee Harper, her hum-drum life is about to become...educated.

When Dee’s wealthy friend, Gail, makes her a ridiculous bet, she never dreams she'll actually go through with it. After all, dating 26 men in one year, from A-Z, is ludicrous. Right? Then Gail offers her fifty thousand dollars if she succeeds. Now that is an offer she can't refuse.

From Adam the cocky limo driver to Kevin the klepto Dee learns the hard way what sort of guy she doesn't want.

Filled to the brim with snark and sarcasm about the joys of dating 'later in life,' The ABC's of Dee reminds us that even though life sometimes sucks, there is always someone there to laugh with.

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!

Monday's Book Spotlight

The book hangover is no joke, y'all. And I'm suffering. So much! Of course, that means it's time to post a spotlight because I gotta share this series. I feel like a book junkie who is dying for a fix, and I seriously think I may be going a little crazy. I'm craving the next book in this series like crazy, something I haven't experienced in a while and it feels awesome.

But, my goodness, I've been losing my mind since last Wednesday. I need this book. So, I'm going to drop some info about this series with their gorgeous covers and continue rocking in a corner until it releases tomorrow, okay? (Edit: It released early!!!! There went my Monday :D)

This is the first book, the book that gave me the initial hook. Here's my thoughts as seen on Goodreads:

Okay, so the only thing I knew going into this book was that it has bikers in it. Between watching Sons of Anarchy and after I finished reading Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry, I asked for recs for more biker books. This was one of the books I was told about. I bought it without reading the blurb, and I still didn't read it before I started.

So, I open the book on my Kindle and I'm met with an Author's Note, and then some terminology. I got worried. Not the What have I gotten myself into? kind of worry, but an excited Oh, boy. This is going to be interesting kind. I've read one of Cole's books before, so I felt confident I would enjoy this one as well.

And I did.

I was fascinated, absorbed, and completely mesmerized by the book. There's a surprise that I never saw coming, (but then, I rarely do see them coming). And there's this part at the very end that possibly gives you a heads up about other potential couples and my mind is just reeling from one of them. Twenty minutes after I finished, I kept shaking my head and saying, "I can't believe it. How will that turn out? Is it even possible? Just wow." So, I'm crossing my fingers for that potential couple, but I just gotta know what in the hell will happen with those two characters.

I'm not sure if I can pinpoint one thing about this book that made me enjoyed so much. I think it was a bit of everything. The bikers, the couple, their backgrounds, and the writing. I mean, how can you not sigh happily when a book completely sucks you and holds on to you during and after you've read it? I started this book, with the only expectation and hope that it would give me break from my reality, and it did the job perfectly. 



Here's my thoughts on the second book as seen on Goodreads:

Oh. My. God.

I loved this one even more than the first.

Declare me obsessed with this series.












<<<< And I mean, just look at this cover? How can I not be waiting to get my greedy fingers on it?


What are you waiting for? Go check the Hades Hangmen series out!!!

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.