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What #songs Inspired New Release SPIKED (Blocked #3)?

Spiked has been out in the world for a week, generating wonderful reviews!

“Starting from the moving dedication to victims of trauma, to the very satisfying ending, this was not only a very engaging book, but also thought-provoking and inspirational.”
~Teresa from Goodreads



“I FLOVE MATEO AND JESSICA.

FLOVE, FLOVE, FLOVE.

I mean, come on, who wouldn’t like this broken guy who ends up being perfectly imperfect with a girl he never thought he would chance to meet. She is beautiful, smart, and yet utterly broken as well.

They build each other up as much as they break each other’s walls down.”


~Amy’s Review Obsession (this one made me laugh!)


The hero Mateo Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, so music is quite important to the story.

Which songs inspired SPIKED?

1) Lay it All on Me by Rudimental featuring Ed Sheeran

Let my love in, let my love in 

Lay your heart on me 

If you’re hurting, if you’re hurting 


Lay it all on me 





2) Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan

When the evening shadows and the stars appear

And there is no one there to dry your tears

I could hold you for a million years

To make you feel my love.






3) Yesterday’s Songs by Neil Diamond

Baby, yesterday’s blues

May be yesterday’s news

But the truth always stays the same

And the good things will never change

Like sayin’ “I love you”

Just sayin’ “I love you”



Check out Nicki Elson’s post about another pivotal song on my Spiked playlist HERE.

What songs inspire you as a writer or reader?

Don’t forget to enter the $25 gift card giveaway HERE. It ends 10/15.

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#NewRelease USE SOMEBODY by @BeckAndersonID #romance


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Use Somebody is Beck Anderson’s
newest Hollywood standalone!


Now Available!


I loved the third book in the Fix You series and give it FIVE STARS! Review to come.


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Blurb
Jeremy King, Hollywood über-agent to the stars, knows that sharks gotta swim. He’s one of them, after all. He’s never met a deal he couldn’t strike or an argument he couldn’t win. LA is his kind of town—they both never stop moving.


So when his friend and client, movie star Andrew Pettigrew, invites him on a “man-cation” to the wilds of Idaho for a little fly-fishing, Jeremy’s not so sure. He might not have cell service. There’s no way there’ll be any supermodels to woo. And his idea of the great outdoors is a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in his Tesla Model S—moose definitely do not factor into the picture.


Fitting then that because of a moose, he meets Macy Shea Summerlin, the best fly-fishing guide on the South Fork. Jeremy’s surprised and tantalized, but Macy isn’t having any of his alpha male posturing. She gives as good as she gets, and she knows how to throw a mean right hook.


As the two of them get tangled up in each other’s lives, both Jeremy and Macy must come to terms with winning and losing and letting love in. And Jeremy has to find the answer to his own question: Is he simply “using” Macy or could he really “use” someone like her? Find out in Use Somebody, book 3 of the Fix You series.


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About the Author:
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Beck Anderson is a two-time Rita© finalist and author of four novels including the Fix You series and The Jeweler. She’s also a wife, a mom, an educator, and a walker of a small, bossy dog-slash-evil genius.


THANK YOU!
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#IWSG The Countdown to Publication: When is Your Story Ready?

Welcome to October’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group, hosted by Alex Cavanaugh. Join us HERE


This month’s question:

When do you know your story is ready?

My answer is simple: WHEN MY EDITOR FINISHES! 

I’ve worked with the same bomdiggity editor–Jessica Royer Ocken–for all seven of my novels, and I absolutely trust her ability to polish the manuscript. Then my amazing book designer, Coreen Montagna, swoops in to make it pretty. 

I’m lucky I met Jessica and Coreen, along with my astute critique partner, Nicki Elson, through my publisher. Now that I self-publish, I feel so grateful for the team that readies my story for publication.

I manage to publish one book a year, and 2016’s book launch (Spiked) happened October 1st. Once your story is ready to be published, how do you market your novel? I’ll share a couple of strategies I’ve tried.

Facebook Party. My zesty marketing assistant Mitsy Princell convinced me to host an all-day Facebook release party with over twenty author takeovers. Twelve hours later, with eyes glazed over and butt-cheek imprints on my sofa, I emerged scathed from the experience. But I so appreciate all the support from my fellow insecure writers! And the readers are way awesome, too.

Blogs and Goodreads. I hired a company (Raven Publicity) to run a cover reveal and ARC distribution to bloggers. Seems like book blogs are not as involved as in the past, but Create Space shares some tips for working with book bloggers. I’m gifting review copies at Goodreads’ New Adult Book Club and hosting two Goodreads giveaways. 

Ads. Last year I landed a Book Bub ad that was successful, but this year’s Riffle ad didn’t seem to help sales.

Giveaways. I’m also hosting a $25 Amazon gift card giveaway (feel free to enter HERE.)

What marketing strategies work best for you?

Happy writing!


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USE SOMEBODY by @BeckAndersonID #Romance #Excerpt


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Excerpt
We stand in a ridiculous line (my opinion) to grab a coffee at the original Starbucks, and Macy pulls out her phone.
“Now we’ll take our coffees and go drink them somewhere cool.” She pulls me along back the way we came, hops on the Link again, headed back toward the hotel.
“Where is this cool place?” I fight the urge to take the reins. She’s lost. We’re headed nowhere.
“Just wait. It’s gonna be cool. I asked the concierge about it before you got up, too, so it’s not just me and Google that thinks so.”
We walk a short block in the opposite direction of the hotel, past the gleaming steel and glass public library, which Macy takes several pictures of as we walk.
We cross the street, and she walks up to the front doors of a grey stone modern office building.
“What?” I feel a little unsettled. I’m the one who does the surprising.
“Trust me.” She takes my hand and pulls me in through the revolving doors.
We get on the elevator, and she presses the button for the seventh floor.
“Okay.” I stand next to her, but I’m concentrating mostly on the way it feels to have her hand on mine. I think about her lips on mine, her hips against mine…
And then she coughs. It’s two, quick coughs, but there’s that rattle again.
And my mind’s back on the business of keeping her well, keeping her safe.
We get off the elevator. She looks like a kid with a great secret. “Just wait. This is so cool.”
“You haven’t been here, how do you know?”
“Don’t be a crank. Nobody likes the stick in the mud.”
“Fine.”
She pulls me through another set of chrome and glass doors.
And yeah, she’s right. It’s pretty cool.
So apparently Macy from Teton County, Idaho, has discovered the rooftop park hidden in the middle of downtown Seattle. And it’s gorgeous. She hands me my coffee and walks over to the railing. The sun is out, and the water and the waterfront is laid out in front of us.
“There’s the Space Needle! We’re going there later today. After dinner.”
I laugh. “Are you at least going to let me pick a spot for dinner?”
“Do you want to?” She doesn’t look like she wants me to.
“There’s a great place I know, and it’s a short walk from the hotel.”
“Fine.” She takes a sip from her coffee and looks out over the view.
I kiss her on the cheek again. “Don’t sulk.”
She turns and kisses me full-on, on the lips, for the briefest possible moment, before pulling away and facing out to the view again. “I’m not.” I taste mint and feel sparks down to the base of my spine.
Then she smiles the slyest, crookedest grin I’ve seen. I haven’t seen her smile like that.
And I grin back.


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Use Somebody is Beck Anderson’s
newest Hollywood standalone!


Releasing October 8th.  Now Available for Pre-order!


use somebody cover.jpg
Blurb
Jeremy King, Hollywood über-agent to the stars, knows that sharks gotta swim. He’s one of them, after all. He’s never met a deal he couldn’t strike or an argument he couldn’t win. LA is his kind of town—they both never stop moving.


So when his friend and client, movie star Andrew Pettigrew, invites him on a “man-cation” to the wilds of Idaho for a little fly-fishing, Jeremy’s not so sure. He might not have cell service. There’s no way there’ll be any supermodels to woo. And his idea of the great outdoors is a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in his Tesla Model S—moose definitely do not factor into the picture.


Fitting then that because of a moose, he meets Macy Shea Summerlin, the best fly-fishing guide on the South Fork. Jeremy’s surprised and tantalized, but Macy isn’t having any of his alpha male posturing. She gives as good as she gets, and she knows how to throw a mean right hook.


As the two of them get tangled up in each other’s lives, both Jeremy and Macy must come to terms with winning and losing and letting love in. And Jeremy has to find the answer to his own question: Is he simply “using” Macy or could he really “use” someone like her? Find out in Use Somebody, book 3 of the Fix You series.


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About the Author:
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Beck Anderson is a two-time Rita© finalist and author of four novels including the Fix You series and The Jeweler. She’s also a wife, a mom, an educator, and a walker of a small, bossy dog-slash-evil genius.


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TEMPTING JO by @Nancee_Cain #Review #Giveaway #Romance #NewRelease

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Forbidden love is hell… 

Confident and quirky, Jo Sanford thinks her boss is God’s gift to women–and she couldn’t be further from the truth. Devilishly handsome, Luc DeVille will stop at nothing to lure his administrative assistant right into his arms–and bed. Over Rafe Goodman’s dead body… 

Rafe, Jo’s best friend, refuses to sit by and watch as Luc tries to win the heart of the woman he’s always protected. After all, Rafe is her guardian angel. 

Suddenly, Jo’s caught in the middle of a battle between good and evil. But the closer she gets to the fire, the hotter it burns. Now, Jo’s going to learn that when love battles lust, Heaven and Hell collide.

My 5 Star Review!

Tempting JoTempting Jo by Nancee Cain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nancee Cain Tempts Readers

…with her quirky heroines, hot-as-sin angels, southern charm, and cheeky humor. The wonderful characterization of Saving Evangeline continues in this story, featuring a young woman, Jo, who’s torn between the bad boy (Luc, her boss) and the good boy (Rafe, her guardian angel).

The story begins when angel Gabriel summons angel Raphael to God’s chambers, telling Raphael not to make Him wait long.

“He’s already pretty upset. He hasn’t been able to crack level 666 on that candy game He plays on His phone.”

“That’s bizarre. I mean if anyone could, He could.”

“You know how He is. He likes to experience what frustrates the humans.”

This is precisely why I don’t play Candy Crush!!!

God sends Raphael on a mission to rescue Jo from her lecherous, soul-sucking boss. Rafe already knows Jo from helping her through her abusive childhood. God urges him to take a little vacation on Earth afterwards.

“You need to live a little, Raphael. Everyone needs time off to relax. Even I took the seventh day to — how do they say it now? — chillax?”

I love God. 😀

Jo has a boss from hell but dang is he devilishly delicious. Butter my biscuit; he looks good enough to eat. He wines and dines her; makes her knees weak. Jo considers succumbing to his charms.

Not if heavenly handsome Rafe has anything to say about it. He calms and protects Jo, but seems to hold back from a physical relationship.

Too late, Rafe realizes he has deep feelings for Jo. I’m no stranger to love. Look at Who I work for. He’s the Author of it. He’s not supposed to fall in love with a human. How will this supernatural conundrum unfold? Will he follow God’s plan, or will he wing it?

The twist leaves me curious about the relationship between God and the devil. Things that make you go hmm.

Well done, Nancee! Excellent writing.

View all my reviews


Excerpt

To my surprise, Mr. DeVille scratches Atticus behind the ears instead of pushing him away. “Since we’re stuck here, what should we do?” Finished with his sandwich, he wipes his mouth with his thumb. I’d have been more than willing to lick it clean for him.
A pounding on the door interrupts us. Dadgumit, just when things are about to get interesting with Mr., er, Luc. I scurry to the door, intent on getting rid of whoever it is. I find Rafe holding a bag of food and two cups of coffee.
“Hey, I figured your power was still out, so I brought you some coffee and breakfast.” His eyes scan my small apartment, narrowing when he spies Luc.
Mr. DeVille smirks. “What impeccable timing. Goodman, is it?” He casually swings his legs over the side of the bed and steps into his pants.
“Yes, sir.” Although polite, Rafe’s voice has an edge to it. The tension in the air snaps like an impending storm. “The roads are clear, although Mrs. Cabot called and said not to come to work today since schools are still closed and the power remains off for much of the area. Here included, I see.”
“How astute of you to notice. No wonder I pay you the big bucks. Of course Mrs. Cabot said to stay home. It isn’t her losing money, is it?”
Mr. DeVille pulls off my sweatshirt, revealing those cut abs. I stare unabashedly, and Rafe snaps his fingers in front of my face. Luc buttons his shirt, glaring at Rafe the entire time.
“Well, Friday. Thank you for the hospitality. I’m sure since Goodman flew here on the icy roads to check on you, I’ll have no problems getting home. I suggest you take today to study for your classes, and remember I’ll be more than happy to help with your homework assignments.” His eyes flash with desire, and my cheeks heat.
Rafe snarls, looking positively feral.
“A-Are you sure the roads are okay? Would you like a cup of this coffee before you go?”
“I only brought two cups,” Rafe protests.
Shocked by his rudeness—and to our boss, no less—I quickly offer, “Mr. DeVille can have my cup.” What has gotten into him?
Ignoring Rafe, Mr. DeVille turns to me as he shrugs into his coat. “That’s quite all right. Thank you, Friday.” He gives me a conspiratorial wink and a smile.
Rafe, in comparison, receives a cool nod. The hair on my arms stands on end when Mr. DeVille stops and turns to face my friend. I must be having some sort of low blood sugar event because I swear it looks like the rims of his blue eyes have turned the color of a hot stove eye. I blink and find him glaring at Rafe, and the look is returned in kind. Good thing we aren’t living in a century past. If we were, I’m quite certain there would be a duel at fifty paces. He leaves without saying another word.
Rafe slams the door with a muttered, “Good riddance.”
I cross my arms in front of my chest. “Thanks a lot.”
“You’re welcome.” He ignores my sarcasm.
I sigh and gratefully accept the warm to-go cup. I can’t stay mad at him for long; he’s my best friend.
And he has coffee.

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BARNES & NOBLE: bit.ly/2c3Ytri 

nancee
Author Bio 


During the day, Nancee works as a nurse in the field of addiction to support her coffee and reading habit. Nights are spent writing paranormal and contemporary romances with a serrated edge. Authors are her rock stars, and she’s been known to stalk a few for an autograph, but not in a scary, Stephen King way. Her husband swears her To-Be-Read list on her e-reader qualifies her as a certifiable book hoarder. Always looking to try something new, she dreams of being an extra in a Bollywood film, or a tattoo artist. (Her lack of rhythm and artistic ability may put a damper on both of these dreams.) 

Blog: nanceecain.wordpress.com 
Newsletter: eepurl.com/bhFMtX 

Giveaway
$20 Amazon Gift Card
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Cover Reveal: USE SOMEBODY by @BeckAndersonID #Contemporary #Romance #Series

I love the first two books in this series: Fix You and Trouble Me. And here’s the cover for book three: USE SOMEBODY!
Use Somebody is Beck Anderson’s newest Hollywood standalone!


Releasing October 8th.


Add to your TBR at: http://bit.ly/2bYXvId


Blurb
Jeremy King, Hollywood über-agent to the stars, knows that sharks gotta swim. He’s one of them, after all. He’s never met a deal he couldn’t strike or an argument he couldn’t win. LA is his kind of town—they both never stop moving.


So when his friend and client, movie star Andrew Pettigrew, invites him on a “man-cation” to the wilds of Idaho for a little fly-fishing, Jeremy’s not so sure. He might not have cell service. There’s no way there’ll be any supermodels to woo. And his idea of the great outdoors is a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in his Tesla Model S—moose definitely do not factor into the picture.


Fitting then that because of a moose, he meets Macy Shea Summerlin, the best fly-fishing guide on the South Fork. Jeremy’s surprised and tantalized, but Macy isn’t having any of his alpha male posturing. She gives as good as she gets, and she knows how to throw a mean right hook.


As the two of them get tangled up in each other’s lives, both Jeremy and Macy must come to terms with winning and losing and letting love in. And Jeremy has to find the answer to his own question: Is he simply “using” Macy or could he really “use” someone like her? Find out in Use Somebody, book 3 of the Fix You series.


use somebody teaser.png


About the Author:
square beck poc.jpg


Beck Anderson is a two-time Rita© finalist and author of four novels including the Fix You series and The Jeweler. She’s also a wife, a mom, an educator, and a walker of a small, bossy dog-slash-evil genius.

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#CoverReveal CONSTELLATION by Jennifer Locklear @RandomCran #romance

ConsEbook
Title: Constellation
Author: Jennifer Locklear
Designer: Jada D’Lee Designs
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 20
Goodreads
Synopsis
She’s intelligent, beautiful, and emotionally numb.
He’s older, sophisticated, and harboring secrets.

Up-and-coming executive, Kathleen Brighton is ready to launch her family’s firm into the next level of success. Polished and professional on the outside, Kathleen’s personal life is a source of constant struggle and letdown. But after one night alone with Jack Evans, her sexy new colleague, her life takes a turn toward erotic intensity.

Torn between her instinct to guard herself and her irresistible desire for Jack, Kathleen has only known heartache. And when she finds herself in the middle of a shattering personal crisis, she must trust fragile and uncertain bonds to survive. Will Kathleen conquer the demons of her past to find a future worth fighting for?

Constellation Promo

About the Author
Jennifer
Jennifer Locklear lives in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. She married her high school sweetheart, Morgan, in 1995. She is the mother of two children, a son and daughter.

Jennifer enjoyed creative writing as an adolescent, but set aside her favorite hobby to concentrate on college studies, career and family. In 2010, she rediscovered her passion for writing when her husband recruited her to edit his own stories. They co-authored and published their debut novel, Exposure, in 2014.

Since 2000, Jennifer has been employed in fundraising and development for a non-profit organization. She has been a contributing reviewer for the “Bookish Temptations” book blog and is a founding moderator of “Argyle Empire,” an approved fan site for author Sylvain Reynard.

She also enjoys participating in charitable activities, both locally and online.
Constellation is Jennifer’s first solo novel.

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SUGARY SWEETS by @AMWillard1 #Romance #NewRelease

SugarySweetsebookWrap

Sugary Sweets NOW LIVE
#99cents Release Sale

Synopsis

Zara James never expected to fall in love, leaving the hopeless romantic lifestyle to her friends. She also never imagined she’d be expecting a baby and married to the one guy she fought so hard to keep at arm’s length. Faced with life’s challenges of insecurities, pregnancy hormones, and the pressures of being a new wife in the burbs of Atlanta, Georgia, Zara tries to master them one cupcake at a time. 

Well, that is until her world is turned upside down by one accident that could change everything.

Hatcher James knew his smart-mouthed wife was the only woman for him years ago. He just had to figure out the correct formula to make her fall in love with him. Putting together the perfect mixture of intimacy, spice, and frosting might just do the trick, and bring joy to both of their lives. As Hatcher tries to come up with the right ingredients, will all the hard work end in smoke or will they conquer life’s hurdles together, one tasty treat after another? 

 Sugary Sweets continues the Taste of Love series as we join the gang for some comical scenes, life challenges, friendship, and most of all, love covered in sugar.


Sugary Sweets Teaser updated

About the Author

International Bestselling Author, A.M. Willard is a true believer of soul mates, and happy ever afters. She enjoys reading, sailing, and of course writing contemporary romance, and romantic comedy with some saucy scenes. Releasing her first novella of the One Night Series on April 12, 2014 has sent her on a new journey in life.

Sugary Sweets Now Live

Available Now!
Coming on Nook, and Scribd soon!

Connect with A.M. Willard
Frosted Sweets Vol 1 of A Taste of Love Series is currently #FREE on #Amazon

Frosted Sweets FREE Teaser


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SUGARY SWEETS by @AMWillard1 #PreOrder #Romance


Sugary SweetsA Taste of Love Series Vol 2A.M. Willard
#Preorder #iBooks #99cents #romcom
SugarySweetsebookWrap

Blurb:

Zara James never expected to fall in love, leaving the hopeless romantic lifestyle to her friends. She also never imagined she’d be expecting a baby and married to the one guy she fought so hard to keep at arm’s length. Faced with life’s challenges of insecurities, pregnancy hormones, and the pressures of being a new wife in the burbs of Atlanta, Georgia, Zara tries to master them one cupcake at a time. 

Well, that is until her world is turned upside down by one accident that could change everything.

Hatcher James knew his smart-mouthed wife was the only woman for him years ago. He just had to figure out the correct formula to make her fall in love with him. Putting together the perfect mixture of intimacy, spice, and frosting might just do the trick, and bring joy to both of their lives. As Hatcher tries to come up with the right ingredients, will all the hard work end in smoke or will they conquer life’s hurdles together, one tasty treat after another?


Sugary Sweets continues the Taste of Love series as we join the gang for some comical scenes, life challenges, friendship, and most of all, love covered in sugar.

Teaser Alert:
Sugary Sweets Teaser 6

About A.M. Willard
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International Bestselling Author, A.M. Willard is a true believer of soul mates, and happy ever afters. She enjoys reading, sailing, and of course writing contemporary romance, and romantic comedy with some saucy scenes. Releasing her first novella of the One Night Series on April 12, 2014, has sent her on a new journey in life.

A.M.’s passion for writing started at a young age, but with the love and support from her husband of nineteen years pushed her to follow her dreams. Once she hit that first publish button, she hasn’t looked back. Publications available from A.M. Willard include the Chances Series, Love on the Screen, Fading Memories, Hearts in Florence, and A Taste of Love Series. She’s also had an article published in the Writer’s Monthly Review Magazine and accepted into the Romance Writers of America organization in May of 2015. A.M. Willard was born and raised in the Panhandle of Florida, but resides in Savannah GA with her husband, son, two cats, one rotten dog, two goats and her six chickens. Yes, we said chickens and goats…


Pre-Order Now for #99cents
SugarySweetsFullWrap


Where to Find A.M. Willard

Frosted Sweets Vol 1 in A Taste of Love Series

This tour is provided by Nell’s PR & Marketing

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#IWSG First to Last Piece of #Writing

Welcome to the Insecure Writers Support Group, August edition. Alex Cavanaugh leads the band of fledgling, fun writers. Join us HERE.


And now for the two-part IWSG question of the month!
What was your very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer?

I never anticipated becoming a writer. But when my psychologist career took a downturn in 2007, I got hooked on the TV show Prison Break. The dark themes and conspiracy theories of the show echoed my own gloom at the time, I guess. I stumbled across a section on the Fox discussion board: Fan Fiction. “What’s this?” I thought. I read some stories and shook my head. “What LOSERS are writing stories about TV characters?”

Fast forward a couple of months and I started writing my own fan fiction! The first piece was laughable in its inept writing. I was lucky for kind TV fans who encouraged me. I decided to write a Prison Break story about what I knew: swimming. My writing style was bloated, but some readers gave me positive feedback about the plot and characterization.

Years later, I reworked the story with my publisher. We cut over 70,000 words and published the story as my third novel: Streamline. It’s a military murder mystery centering around my favorite sport of swimming.


(I can’t BELIEVE my beloved TV show returns in 2017, yaaayyyyy!)
 
I just finished writing my seventh novel, SPIKED (Blocked #3). I believe my writing has become tighter, and I can’t wait for Spiked to launch on 10-1-16. Once again this story features swimming, so I’ve come full circle. We shared the cover reveal two days ago.

Happy writing to all!