Black Friday Sale - Get Tangled For Only 99¢

 

It's that time of year and what better way to get into the spirit than to spice things up with a holiday romance. 

Tangled in His Embrace is a second chance romance that follows single mom, Gabby, and Jax. These two have a history and it's a complicated one, but he wants to make it right. Is she willing to risk having her heart broken again to give Jax another chance?

Grab Tangled in His Embrace for only 99¢ until December 5, 2025!

Buy Your Copy 

The Reality Of Book Signings

 

I've been publishing for about 13 years now, so I have a lot of experience with going to different signings, both traditional book focused events and local vendor/craft fairs. If you're thinking about attending one of these, you need to go into them with realistic expectations.

A little over a week ago, I went to an event in Atlantic City, NJ. It was a book centered event, meaning all the vendors there were either authors, or selling bookish merch.

It was the first event for this promoter in this location. Any time an event is new, there is always a question on how successful it will be. I've been to ones where I've sold a lot of books and others where I've sold next to nothing.

 In this case, it did not go well and I could see the writing on the wall almost as soon as we arrived.

After parking our vehicle, we headed inside to see where we needed to go before unloading all my books. We went through a set of doors to access the elevators and immediately, we spelled urine. Not exactly a great first impression.

We took the elevator to the second floor and followed a long hallway until it opened up into a large room. To the left were more elevators and people waiting to get on them.

Once we got closer, we noticed a sign directing us down another hallway to a conference room. One of the organizers of the event greeted us and confirmed we were in the right place.

 Back at our vehicle, we loaded all the books on a cart my husband's father loaned us, and went back inside. The ride up was uneventful, and we hauled everything into the conference room and found our table.

The set up went without a hitch and the organizers were attentive and came by to see if anyone needed anything. Authors trickled in, setting up their tables and preparing for readers to start arriving at 11am.

Only, they didn't. When the doors opened to VIPs, less than 10 people entered. With around 50 authors present, we realized quickly this isn't look promising.

The event ran until 4pm, a total of five hours. In that time, about 50 people walked through the room, only about half being readers. It was disappointing to say the least.

 I'm not sure what doomed this event. Was it the location in the hotel? Was it because the event was in Atlantic City?

To contrast this, last weekend, I set up a table at a local vendor and craft fair. I was back on my home turf in Ohio and at an event I've done multiple times before. 

For the first two hours of the event, I had more people walk by my table than I had the entire day at the Atlantic City event. Granted, not all of them were readers either, but I can't attempt to sell books to people who aren't there.

At the end of the day, I paid $150 for my table at the Atlantic City event and sold 5 books. I paid $60 for my table at the craft and vendor fair and sold 15 books. 

This is the reality of book signings. You never know what you're going to sell. It's always a risk you're taking. But historically, I've sold more at craft and vendor fairs than I have at book conventions and the table fees are significantly less.

Old Wounds Can Cloud New Beginnings

Healing starts with acceptance, setting boundaries, and choosing self-love first. Ready to open your heart again?

 

 

Beth has no interest in getting involved with another man for the foreseeable future. To say her last relationship ended in disaster would be a colossal understatement.

 

Drew decides to join Serpent’s Kiss to see if what appeals to him in fantasy is something he wants to explore in the real world. He’s also hoping that he’ll be lucky enough to meet a woman with whom he can explore his desires.

 

Will she give him a chance, or did her ex leave her with scars too deep to heal?

 

Get your copy of Burning for Her Kiss https://books2read.com/u/38DxdB.

Looking for relationship advice? Forget the self-help books!

  He’s charming. He’s persistent. And he’s the boss’s son. 

Jesse Masters always gets what he wants—and right now, what he wants is Cassie Ross. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but there’s just one problem… Cassie works for his father.

Cassie has sworn off relationships after getting burned by her ex. The last thing she needs is a fling that could risk her job. But Jesse isn’t just a fling—he’s intense, dominant, and makes her feel things she’s tried to forget.

Is she willing to put her heart on the line and give in to Jesse’s desires? Or will she let fear keep her from the love she’s been waiting for?

 Falling for the Boss’s Son is the first book in the steamy Head Over Heels series. Perfect for fans of workplace romance, he-falls-first, and deliciously hot D/s tension.

 Start reading now and let Jesse sweep you off your feet → https://books2read.com/u/4jE0oo

Writing A Book Is Hard

I was set up at a local craft and vendor fair and a woman approached my table. She told me she was trying to write a book, but it was a lot harder than she thought it would be.

 

This is a harsh reality most people who aspire to write a book realize. Writing a book IS hard.

 

It's estimated 80% of Americans say they want to write a book. Out of all those people, only 3% finish writing a manuscript. And if that wasn't a small enough number, only 1% end up publishing said manuscript.

 

For the purposes of this blog post, I want to focus on why 80% of people WANT to write a book, but only 3% do. Whether you publish said book is up to you, but what is standing in the way of actually writing it?

 

There can be a lot of answers to this, but after writing and publishing 16 novels and meeting thousands of author's over the year, for most it comes down to one thing...writing a book is more difficult than they expected.

 

No matter if you're writing your first book or your 50th, it's not uncommon to hit a wall at some point in the process. This can happen at any point. And it's not always the same for every book.

 

For some, getting started is the challenge. Picking the perfect place to jump into the story can be challenging and can set the tone for your entire story.

 

A lot of writers have trouble with the messy middle. The inciting incident has gotten the story rolling, but then what? Things need to happen, characters need to evolve, change, learn things, before the climax and conclusion of the story.

 

Coming up with a story idea is the easy part. It's the writing that's the challenge. Writing isn't easy. It's not supposed to be. But if you want to write a story, then sit down and do it. Set your sites on the goal and figure out how to overcome the obstacles in your way. In the end, it will be worth it.

 

Come Meet Me At FestiFair

 

Come See Me at FestiFair in Uptown Marysville!

I’m so excited to share that I’ll be at FestiFair in uptown Marysville, Ohio on Saturday, September 6, 2025! This annual event is always a wonderful celebration of local artisans, makers, and creators—and this year, I’m thrilled to be part of it again.

You’ll be able to find me at booth 142, where I’ll be signing copies of my steamy contemporary romance novels and meeting readers. Whether you’ve already fallen for my Daniels Brothers series, enjoyed a taste of forbidden office romance in Strictly Professional, or discovered the passion and power dynamics of my BDSM romances (Burning for Her Kiss and Longing for His Kiss), this is the perfect chance to stop by, chat, and grab a signed copy for your collection.

FestiFair is the perfect backdrop to spend a Saturday—browsing unique booths, discovering handcrafted treasures, enjoying delicious food, and of course, stocking up on your next romance read. If you love a blend of heat, heart, and happily ever afters, I’d love to meet you in person and talk all things books.

📍 When: Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
📍 Where: Uptown Marysville, Ohio – Booth 142

Mark your calendar, bring your book-loving friends, and stop by to say hello. I can’t wait to meet you at FestiFair! 💕

The Power of Connection: Why Engaging with Readers Matters at Events

There’s a big difference between simply showing up to an event with a table full of books and actually connecting with the people who walk by. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just dipping your toes into the world of book events, one thing remains true: how you interact with readers at your table can make or break your success that day—not just in sales, but in building genuine relationships.

 

 

Talking To Readers vs. Talking At Readers

 

It might sound like a subtle distinction, but the difference between talking to readers and talking at them is everything.

 

Talking at readers usually looks like this:

 

• Launching into a summary of your book the second someone makes eye contact.

   

• Dominating the conversation without asking questions or inviting dialogue.

   

• Pushing a sale, rather than helping them find their next favorite read.

   

We’re passionate about our books. We want people to know how amazing they are. But this approach often feels impersonal or even overwhelming to potential readers. Remember, they’re not just buying a book; they’re deciding whether to invest time and emotional energy in your story.

 

Talking to readers:

 

• Making eye contact and saying something that will draw them to your table. This can be as simple as asking them if they read the types of books your write.

   

• Once you've qualified them as reading the genre you write, ask them open-ended questions: “What kinds of books do you usually enjoy?” or “Do you have a spice level preference?”

   

• Tailor what you say based on their responses. If someone says they read romance, but prefer mystery and you have a romance that has a strong mystery subplot, steer them toward that book.

   

• Listening as much as you speak. While you may do a lot of talking, you should also be listening not only with your ears, but with your eyes as well. A person's body language can tell you as much as their words.

   

When you talk to readers, you’re engaging them to participate in a conversation. You’re seeing them not as a sale, but as a person—and people remember how you make them feel.

 

At the end of the day, events are about human connection. Readers don’t just want to hear about your book—they want to hear from you. They want to know the voice behind the words. And when you speak to them instead of at them, you’re giving them a reason to care.

 

So the next time you’re behind that table, don’t just be a salesperson. Be a storyteller, a listener, a fellow book lover. That’s what turns a casual chat into a meaningful connection—and maybe even a lifelong reader.

 

2nd Annual Newark Book Fest

 

I was a signing author this past weekend at the 2nd annual Newark Book Festival in downtown Newark, Ohio. The weather was perfect outside of the wind. Authors were having to hold down their books every time a gust kicked up.

 

The festival's goal to celebrate literature and connect readers with local authors. This year there were over 100 authors set up on Canal Street with their books. It was the perfect opportunity for readers to meet authors and get signed copies of their books.

 

In order to have as many authors as possible participate, most authors shared a table with another author. Luckily, the tables were eight feet long, so I had four feet to try to fit all my books. From experience, I know four feet is the minimum I need to fit all my titles. By the time I laid all my books out, my business cards, and a little stand with a QR code to sign up for my newsletter, I  had just enough space for my cash box.

 

There were plenty of books and bookish things for all ages. Near me was a woman running a summer reading program for kids, a mystery author, a woman selling book shaped vases, a children's book author, and an author who writes romantic thrillers. Then, of course, there was me, who sells steamy and spicy romance. If there was a type of book you were looking for, chances were good you could find it at the Newark Book Festival.

 

They also had face painting for the kids, and one table was handing out peacock feathers. By the end of the day, the feathers were everywhere. I think some of the kids lost control of them because of the wind. It really was quit strong.

 

The highlight of the day, though, was when one of our local meteorologist, whose and avid reader, stopped by my table. She ended up buying a copy of my office romance, Strictly Professional.

 

Newark has consistently been very supportive of my books. I need to get busy on my writing, though. I had some ladies stop by my table and ask if I'd written anything new since last year. Unfortunately, I hadn't, but hopefully my next year I'll have at least one, if not two new books for readers.

 

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!

Holiday Romances

 Did you know I have two Christmas romances?

 

A Christmas Proposal is an extended epilogue of sorts for my steamy contemporary romance, Strictly Professional. If you've read Matthew and Cali's story, then you'll want to read A Christmas Proposal and see exactly how Matthew ends up popping the question.

 

 

Matthew Andersen knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Cali Stanton. Since she came into his life just five months ago, his world has completely changed for the better. With everything in their lives finally coming together, he was determined to make their first Christmas a memorable one.

Get Your Copy Of A Christmas Proposal

 

My second holiday story is a second chance novella. This one is spicier than A Christmas Proposal. Gabby is Grace's sister from Longing for His Kiss. 

 

Jax Brooks has made a lot of mistakes in his life, but the only one he regrets is when he walked away from Gabby and their newborn daughter. Now he's back in St. Louis and he's determined to make things right. No matter what it takes.

 

Having Jax in her life again is both a blessing and a curse for Gabby Lewis. He's gone out of his way to spend time with their daughter, but it's also meant facing some hard truths—like the fact that she's never gotten over him.

 

Can Jax convince Gabby to give him another chance? Or has he left a hole in her heart too deep to repair?

 

Get Tangled in His Embrace

Currently Reading - Simply Irresistible

 

Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover. In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes-and mouth-are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.

 

 Amazon

Pricing Your Book At Events

Last week I had the opportunity to participate in a multi-author signing at a local indie book store. I shared a table with an author who was there with her debut novel.

 

We hadn't been there long when someone came up to our table. She ended up purchasing one of my table-mates books...with cash.

 

The other author is in her early 20's and said to me after the fact that she hadn't thought anyone would buy her book using cash, so she hadn't prepared for that. She had QR codes for using Venmo, Zelle, and Square, but no way to process cash...or give change.

To make matters more complicated, she was charging $18.99 for her book.

 

Now, this might not sound like an issue. I mean, its not uncommon for books to cost around $20 these days.

 

It wasn't the $18 that was the problem. It was the 99¢.

 

I published my first novel 14 years ago and I've done quite a few in person events. In that time, I've learned a few things and one of them is that you want to make transactions as easy as possible. Especially, when you're dealing with cash transactions.

 

After the reader left our table, I imparted some advice to the new author sharing my table. Make your book an even amount at events, so you don't have to carry change around with you.

 

I'm not talking about paper money. I'm talking about actual coins.

 

If your book is $18.99, then you'll need to have pennies on hand to give change.

 

Granted, most readers will say don't worry about it (at lease this has been my experience), but again, just make it easier on yourself and make the book $19.00.

 

For me, I typically sell my novels for $15.00 at signings. This is less than you can buy them for on the major retailers.

 

Why is it cheaper?

 

Two reasons. 

 

1) I'm not sharing royalties with a retailer. When I sell my book on Amazon, Amazon keeps 30% of the retail price, plus the cost of printing. When I'm selling directly, I don't have to pay that 30%.

 

2) It gives readers an incentive to buy the book from me right then instead of waiting.

 

Do you have to do this?

 

No. You can charge what you want for your books. But as an author who's done this for over a decade, it's something I've found has made my life easier and gives a bonus to readers when the choose to support me when I go to events.

What Might Have Been Excerpt

 

At five thirty, they returned to where their day had begun. Trent pulled into the same spot and put the truck in park. “Thanks for going with me today. Let Max know I’ll go over my notes and have a proposal to him by Friday.” 

“No problem. It was . . . educational.” 

He grinned. “Just what a man wants to hear after spending the day with a woman.” 

Abby chuckled and reached for the door. The longer she stayed the more she longed for things to be the way they were before. “Have a good night, Trent.” 

“Same to you, Abby.” 

She walked over to her car and unlocked the door. It didn’t escape her notice that he was still sitting in his truck, probably watching her. His mom used to stand on the front porch and watch her walk home. Even though Abby’s house was only three doors down, Marilyn Daniels would wait until she saw Abby walk through the door to her house before going back inside. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, not with any of the Daniels boys. 

Once she was behind the wheel of her vehicle, Abby checked her phone. She had a text from Max.  

Call me when you get home. - Max 

Abby shook her head. What would she do with all these overprotective men in her life? 

 

Get Trent and Abby's Story