Currently Reading - Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

Two best friends fake date to reach their holiday happily ever after in this first romantic comedy in the Lovelight series.

A pasture of dead trees. A hostile takeover of the Santa barn by a family of raccoons. And shipments that have mysteriously gone missing. Lovelight Farms is not the magical winter wonderland of Stella Bloom’s dreams.

In an effort to save the Christmas tree farm she’s loved since she was a kid, Stella enters a contest with Instagram-famous influencer Evelyn St. James. With the added publicity and the $100,000 cash prize, Stella might just be able to save the farm from its financial woes. There’s just one problem. To make the farm seem like a romantic destination for the holidays, she lied on her application and said she owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend. Only…there is no boyfriend.

Enter best friend Luka Peters. He just stopped by for some hot chocolate and somehow got a farm and a serious girlfriend in the process. But fake dating his best friend might be the best Christmas present he’s ever received.

 

 Amazon

Should You Buy an ISBN? A Guide for Self-Published Authors

This is a question that comes up a lot with new authors in the self published space. If you're book is going to be traditionally published, either through a small press or with one of the big New York City publishers, they handle ISBNs so you don't need to worry about it. As a self published author, whether you purchase an ISBN for your book is up to you.

 

 First, what is an ISBN?

 

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It's a unique way for your book to be identified. Multiple books can have the same title, but no two books can have the same ISBN.

 

If that sounds important, it is. Sort of.

 

If you're in the US, authors can purchase ISBNs from a company called Bowker (Click HERE to go to the site).

 

Authors can purchase ISBNs one at a time, in batches of 10, 100, or 1,000. Of course, the more you purchase, the cheaper they are.

 

 But with the rise of self publishing, online retailers have looked for ways to remove the cost barriers of publishing. One of the ways they do that is by offering to provide ISBNs at no charge.

 

Sounds great, right?

Well, that depends. If you're only publishing on one platform (usually Amazon) and you have no intention of ever publishing on any other platform, then maybe taking the free ISBN is a great option. Who cares what the ISBN is if it's only going to be for sale on Amazon?

 

But what if you want to publish your book on multiple retailers?

 

Well, they offer ISBNs as well. When you upload your book, you'll be asked if you want them to assign your book an ISBN or if you have your own. And again, it's free.

 

This all sounds great, so why would anyone buy an ISBN?

 

Let's say you decide to publish your book on Amazon, Apple, and Nook. If you decide to go with the free ISBN option offered by the retailers, your book will have a different ISBN on each retailer. On Amazon it will show Amazon as the publisher. On Apple, it will show Apple as the publisher. And on Nook, it will show Barnes and Noble as the publisher.

 

You get the idea. There's no consistency across all retailers even though it's the same book. 

 

Again, this may not matter to you. But it is important to decide what your long term writing goals are from the start. If you want to try one day for a run at one of the big lists, it might be a good idea to own your ISBN. If you want to build a publishing brand, you may want to have your own ISBN.

 

If you choose to take the free ISBN, then later decide to purchase your own for whatever reason, you will loose any reviews you've accumulated under the free ISBN. Given how important reviews are and how difficult they can be to get for self published authors, that alone could be a deciding factor.

 

Personally, I choose to buy my own ISBN. I bought a block of 100 almost 10 years ago and I'm still working my way through them.

 

It was the right decision for me, but that is something each author will have to decide for themselves.

Currently Reading - Older by Jennifer Hartmann

Before he discovered my age, he uncovered my heart.

Bruised and abused, and victim to a loveless household, I shimmered with new life the moment he found me drowning my sorrows in a lake beneath the stars.

A chance encounter. An unspoken connection.

I was smitten; he was curious.

But, as everyone knew, fate could be decidedly cruel.

He called me Halley, like the comet. 

 Amazon

Ohio Weather and Windshield Woes: My Adventure to the Love and Literature Event

Ohio weather—you never quite know what you’re going to get. Just when we thought we might hold onto some warmer temperatures, Mother Nature had other plans. This past weekend was a prime example, serving up a mixture of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Luckily for me, by the time I needed to head to Tiffin for the Love and Literature event on Saturday, the freezing rain had transitioned to just plain rain. But that didn’t mean the drive was uneventful.

 

As I made my way to Tiffin, I passed by four accidents, one of which involved a semi-truck that had crossed the median and ended up facing oncoming traffic. While it didn’t look too serious at first glance, the scene was quite different on my return trip. The state highway patrol had the lane blocked off, and a bucket truck was under the overpass. My best guess? The top of the semi must have made contact with the underside of the overpass during the incident.

 

If the four accidents weren't enough, I encountered another problem—my windshield wiper on the passenger side wasn’t working properly. I noticed a slit in it, and with the rain continuing to fall, this was far from ideal. My GPS showed an Advance Auto Parts in Tiffin that would only add a minute to my journey. Perfect, right? Well, not quite.

 

When I turned into the parking lot of the store, I discovered it was closed. Brown paper was covering the windows and there was a sign redirecting customers to another location in Freemont. I had no idea how far Freemont was from Tiffin, and I didn’t have time to figure it out.

 

Navigating through the dreary weather, I finally found Pan Yan Bookstore and a spot to park. After a quick lunch in my vehicle, I headed inside with my books. I had no idea what to expect since I’d never been to the store before, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was a charming little bookstore with tables set up for the attending authors. I got my space organized and prepared to meet readers.

 

Unfortunately, the weather seemed to keep a lot of people away. Only about 10 readers showed up, which was a bit disappointing considering last year’s event saw a line out the door. Still, it wasn’t a wasted trip. I sold a decent number of books, primarily from my Daniels Brothers series.

 

With the event over, it was time to tackle the wiper issue. One of the other attending authors let me know Fremont was about 20 minutes away...and in the opposite direction, which meant going there wasn't an option. Luckily, I had to pass through Marion on the way home. It's a decent sized town, so I figured they had to have an Advance Auto Parts or an Auto Zone. 

 

Sure enough, there was an Advance Auto Parts about 3 miles off the highway. I was able to get a set of new wipers and get back on my way.

 

I finally made it home around 6 p.m. It was a long, eventful day, and I was grateful not to have any major plans on Sunday. I needed a day to recoup!

 

Despite the weather and all the little hiccups along the way, I’m glad I made it to Tiffin for the Love and Literature event. Meeting readers and connecting with other authors is always a rewarding experience. Plus, every trip seems to come with its own unique set of adventures!

Currently Reading - Wreck The Halls

Melody Gallard may be the daughter of music royalty, but her world is far from glamorous. She spends her days restoring old books and avoiding the limelight (one awkward tabloid photo was enough, thanks). But when a producer offers her a lot of money to reunite her mother’s band on live tv, Mel begins to wonder if it’s time to rattle the cage, shake up her quiet life… and see him again. The only other person who could wrangle the rock and roll divas.

 

Beat Dawkins, the lead singer’s son, is Melody’s opposite—the camera loves him, he could charm the pants off anyone, and his mom is not a potential cult leader. Still, they might have been best friends if not for the legendary feud that broke up the band. When they met as teenagers, Mel felt an instant spark, but it’s nothing compared to the wild, intense attraction that builds as they embark on a madcap mission to convince their mothers to perform one last show. 

 

While dealing with rock star shenanigans, a 24-hour film crew, brawling Santas, and mobs of adoring fans, Mel starts to step out of her comfort zone. With Beat by her side, cheering her on, she’s never felt so understood. But Christmas Eve is fast approaching, and a decades-old scandal is poised to wreck everything—the Steel Birds reunion, their relationships with their mothers, and their newfound love. 

 Amazon

Happy Birthday To Burning For Her Kiss

 

 

🔥🎉 Celebrating 10 Years of Burning for Her Kiss! 🎉🔥

 

It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since Burning for Her Kiss first set hearts ablaze! This spicy BDSM Femdom romance introduced readers to a world of passion, power, and vulnerability. To celebrate this incredible milestone, let’s take a trip down memory lane with the story that started my Serpent's Kiss series…

 

Book Summary:

 
Beth Davenport has sworn off men—at least for the foreseeable future. Her last relationship didn’t just end; it went down in flames, leaving her heart shattered. The only reason she agrees to visit Serpent’s Kiss, a private kink club in downtown St. Louis, is because her best friend, Nicole, simply won’t let it go. The last thing Beth expects that night is to meet a man who makes her question her self-imposed ban on men.

 

Captain Drew Parker of the St. Louis Fire Department is no stranger to responsibility. Leading his crew through life-or-death situations requires him to be in control. But in his personal life? Drew craves something different. Curious to explore his submissive desires, he joins Serpent’s Kiss, hoping to find a woman who can take charge. When he crosses paths with Beth, he is captivated and determined to learn more about the woman who intrigues him like no other.

 

Beth is understandably hesitant. After all she’s been through, trusting again feels impossible. But Drew’s sweet and persistent nature begins to melt her defenses. He’s not just charming; he’s patient, understanding, and willing to do whatever it takes to prove he’s worth the risk. Will Beth find the courage to open her heart again, or are her past wounds too deep to heal?

 

 https://books2read.com/u/38DxdB

 

🔥 Whether you’ve been a fan since day one or are just discovering Burning for Her Kiss, this anniversary is for you! Celebrate with us by sharing your favorite moments from the book or simply drop a 🔥 in the comments if Drew and Beth’s journey left you wanting more!

 

Thank you for 10 incredible years of love, loyalty, and support. Here’s to the next chapter!

What Kind Of Writer Do You Want To Be?

Last year a local writer's group started meeting at the library. We're still trying to find our footing, but we're getting there.

 

One of the things I love about our group is how varied our interests are. The organizer of the group and I are the only published writers, however we do have a couple of bloggers who post regularly, as well. 

 

This month, we had three new faces. They all were in various stages of their writing journey.

 

One woman wants to write, but didn't know where to start. My first question to her was where do you want to go?

 

 This might sound like a silly question, but it's really important. When you decide you want to write, knowing where you want to end up will help you to decide how to proceed. Are you wanting to pursue traditional publishing? Do you want to self publish? Are you looking to start a blog? Or are you purely wanting to write as a hobby and have no intention of sharing your words with the world? The answer to this will determine your next step. 

 

If you're wanting to go down the traditional publishing route, then researching what all is involved might influence what type of story you want to write. Knowing your genre and the audience you're writing for will guide you not only in your writing, but also when it comes to finding a literary agent and hopefully getting your book published.

 

The same can be said for self publishing. Researching what is involved and how to market effectively may sound like you're putting the cart before the horse, but if you're planning to publish, whether it be traditional or indie, I'm assuming you want people to read your stories. If you think you're writing a romance and there's no HEA or HFN, then that could be a problem.

 

That's not to say you have to publish if you're going to write. Some people write purely for their own pleasure. They have stories inside them they want to get out, but for whatever reason, they have no desire to share those stories with the the world. If that's the case, then there's no need to know what genre norms are, or how to query an agent, or how to market a book.

 

Love & Literature Book Event

 

 

Come join me for my first book event of 2025 at Pan Yan Bookstore in Tiffin, Ohio. I'll be there with five other romance authors. I hope to see you there!

 Click HERE for more information.

What I'm Currently Reading - Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage

Teddy Andersen doesn’t have a plan. She’s never needed one before. She’s always been more of a go-with-the-flow type of girl, but for some reason, the flow doesn’t seem to be going her way this time.

Her favorite vintage suede jacket has a hole in it, her sewing machine is broken, and her best friend just got engaged. Suddenly, everything feels like it’s starting to change. Teddy is used to being a leader, but now she feels like she’s getting left behind, wondering if life in the small town she loves is enough for her anymore.

Gus Ryder has a lot on his plate. He doesn’t know what’s harder: taking care of his family’s 8,000 acre ranch, or parenting his spunky six-year-old daughter, who is staying with him for the summer. Gus has always been the dependable one, but when his workload starts to overwhelm him, he has to admit that he can’t manage everything on his own. He needs help.

His little sister’s best friend, the woman he can’t stand, is not who he had in mind. But when no one else can step in, Teddy’s the only option he’s got. Teddy decides to use the summer to try and figure out what she wants out of life. Gus, on the other hand, starts to worry that he’ll never find what he needs.

Tempers flare, tension builds, and for the first time ever, Gus and Teddy start to see each other in a different light. As new feelings start to simmer below the surface, they must decide whether they should act on them. Can they keep things cool? Or will both of them get burned?

 Amazon

The Book That Changed My Life

 I was in the middle of writing my very first fan fiction based on the television show Prison Break when an online friend suggested I check out this vampire romance series called Twilight. I was hesitant because I'm a steamy romance reader and Twilight is a YA romance. Would I really like a book series that had zero spice?

As it turned out, I did. I fell in love with Bella and Edward. So much so, that when I finished writing my Prison Break fan fiction, I decided to dive into Twilight fan fiction.

My first foray into writing Bella and Edward was to give them a proper wedding night. I was perfectly fine with the slow burn, but I needed more from the wedding night than what the author gave us. I mean, she made us wait for 3+ books and THAT was all we got?

I needed more, so I decided to write it.

My first Twilight fan fiction was titled Perspective. It was written in Edward's point of view starting three weeks before the wedding night. Stephanie Meyer mentioned how Bella and Edward had been practicing for their wedding night. She didn't give us details, but I decided to fill in the gaps.

With each chapter, we get to watch Bella and Edward test the waters and prepare for their wedding night. And then, of course, the story wraps up with the big finale...the wedding night. And unlike what we got (or didn't get) in Breaking Dawn, I didn't leave it at a fade to black. I gave Bella and Edward a proper wedding night.

That fan fiction led me to writing more in the Twilight universe and it was that second story that caught the attention of some ladies who were starting their own publishing house. The owner of the publishing house reached out to me, explaining how she'd read and loved my story. She wanted to know if I had anything I was interested in publishing.

As it turned out, I had a story I'd written and was in the process of editing with the intention of trying to get it published. I emailed her the story and within two weeks she contacted me again. This time, it was to offer me a publishing contract.

 Fourteen years later, I am not 100% self published and have 16 novels, 1 novella, and 3 short stories. Writing that first fan fiction changed the course of my life, but I may never have published my first book without having read Twilight and diving into the world of Twilight fan fiction. It truly changed the course of my life and gave me an outlet to tell all the stories floating around in my head.

To find out more about my books, check out my website at www.sherrihayesauthor.com.

From Hidden Threat to Strictly Professional: My Publishing Journey Since 2010

 I recently celebrated my publishing anniversary. My first published novel was released on December 31, 2010. I wanted to share a little about that publishing journey and the evolution of that book.

The first book I ever published was through a small press publishing house called The Writer's Coffee Shop. It doesn't exist anymore, but it was best known for being the original publisher of Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. 

My first book, Hidden Threat, released on the last day of the year. I'd never published a book before. I'd only ever written fan fiction, so I had no experience when it came to marketing.

The first cover we came up with for Hidden Threat, wasn't the best. This goes back to my lack of experience in marketing a book and unfortunately, the publisher was new as well and didn't have much experience in that area either. All the members of the publishing house were avid readers, but being a reader and knowing the right cover to put on a book are two different things.

Hidden Threat was an office romance with corporate espionage. The first cover depicted a woman grabbing hold of a man's tie with the Chicago skyline in the background. Then, we added someone holding a gun to denote the mystery/suspense parts of the story.

While the story did okay upon its release, it had two things going against it. One, I was an unknown author. And two, the cover.

Knowing what I know now, the light blue color scheme isn't really the best color for romance novels, especially steamy romance novels. It doesn't really scream suspense romance. 

I continued to publish books throughout the five years I was with that publisher and ended up being the second highest selling author behind E.L. James. This provided me with a lot of opportunities to go to events and really try to build my brad and my readership.

But after five years, the owner of the publishing house decided to close its doors. All the rights for my books reverted back to me and I had to decide what was next. Did I look for a literary agent and try to get a publishing deal from one of the New York publishing houses?

In the end, I decided to use what I'd learned during my time at TWCS and go down the self publishing route. We were given permission to use all of our edited material. The only thing we had to really do was add a new cover to the books and get new ISBN numbers, then we could re-upload them to retailers.

When I went to do this for Hidden Threat, I quickly realized the name and the vibe I was going for didn't work. Add to that everything I'd learned writing wise as an author and I came to the conclusion that the book needed a complete overhaul.

In the original story, there were five or six different points of view. None of my other books had that. They were all dual point of view between the hero and the heroine.

So of course, I had to fix that. I ended up rewriting the entire story, removing the extra points of view, and beefing up the mystery/suspense elements. By the time it was all said and done, I added an extra 15,000 words to the story.

With the re-write, I also decided to change the title to Strictly Professional, focusing on the office romance. 

This is Matthew and Cali's story. It still takes place in Chicago and is now about 60% romance/40% mystery suspense. It is my only standalone novel. 

If you're looking for a standalone office romance, I'd love for you to give Strictly Professional a try.

Currently Reading - After The Kiss

Julie Greene loves flings. Loves steamy first dates, sizzling first kisses, and every now and then, that first sexy romp between the sheets. Comfy pants, sleepy Sundays, movie nights on the couch? Shudder. But when Julie gets assigned the hardest story of her career—a first-person account of that magical shift between dating and “I do”—she’ll need a man brave enough to give a total commitment-phobe a chance at more.

Normally, Mitchell Forbes would be exactly that man. A devastatingly hot workaholic who tends to stay in relationships for far too long, he should be the perfect subject for Julie’s “research.” But what Julie doesn’t know is that Mitchell is looking to cut loose for once in his life. And the leggy journalist notorious for avoiding love is exactly the type of no-strings fling he’s looking for. In other words, Mitchell is the polar opposite of what Julie needs right now. And, at the same time, he’s exactly what she wants.

 Amazon