Spilled Matcha, Giveaways, and Other Surprises!
A few months ago we welcomed our new puppy, Flynn, into our little family. He’s a boisterous and excitable french bulldog who loves nothing more than making new friends. This pup knows no fear. (Seriously, he napped through all of the Fourth of July fireworks.) It’s a great thing, but can also be a challenge when we want him to greet people and other pups kindly instead of bulldozing them over with kisses. It’s adorable, but he’s also a little intimidating for some, and his loud bark can give even a rock drummer a headache.
Our trainer in beginner obedience school told us we should take him anywhere they’ll allow pets, and that’ll help him to get socialized and get used to being around others. One day a few weeks ago, we had a rare gorgeous summer day where it wasn’t too hot out. Since frenchies tend to overheat, I found it to be the perfect day to take him out to my favorite tea shop to sit outside and do some reading.
Well… it turned out to be a disaster. He barked at every single person who came by. They were happy to meet him, but quickly learned he was stronger and wilder than anyone realized. The short outing ended with him knocking my table over, breaking my glass, and strawberry matcha latte splattered all across the ground. I was mortified.
Yet, there was hope. A patron at the antique store next door saw my distress, and as a boston terrier owner knew exactly what I was going through. She picked Flynn up and got him calm while the waitress and I cleaned, and ended up chatting and exchanging numbers with promises to have puppy play dates and coffee sometime. The waitress was super sweet and I told her next time I’d come puppy free. I was able to go home and sit on my balcony and get my much desired reading done while Flynn napped on his porch bed.
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. The whole day felt like a lot of my writing journey as of late. I have grand plans and ideas, then once I try to work nothing happens or the words get botched or something gets in the way and I have to put my laptop away. But, that doesn’t mean there isn’t hope or happy endings. Who knew my embarrassment at the tea shop would end with a new friend and a relaxing afternoon at home? Things may not always go the way I anticipate, including my writing, but when looked at the right way, it can turn into something sweet and unexpected.
Fantasy Book Giveaway!
How does seven free fantasy books sound???? I’m teaming up with Lilla Glass to celebrate the release of her new book, The Unfamiliar, coming out this week and six other authors. Check out the post below on Instagram, comment, and follow all of the authors and they could all be yours! Winner will be announced July 19th so get your entry in!
See you At FanExpo!
Yes! I’m going to have a table at Chicago’s FanExpo August 16-18th at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. I’ll have all of my books there (paperbacks and hardcovers!) along with other merch like stickers, bookmarks, friendship bracelets, and prints!
I adore doing in person events because it’s such a great way to meet new people, readers, and to connect with other authors and creators. If you ever want to see some of the most talented and creative people, go hang out in an Artist Alley at a con sometime and you’ll be amazed!
Ready to buy your ticket? Use my exclusive link below to order passes for one, two, or all three days! (And a small portion of your purchase will go towards covering my table fee.)
Books for You
A notorious assassin for the Queen of Hearts, Rabb Silverhope has never had trouble making women fall for him so he could steal their hearts for the Queen.
Until he captures Allie's.
But that's not her real name.
A blank slate, "Allie" doesn't remember who she is. She doesn't know how she arrived in the mystical Land of Wünder. She doesn't know how to return to her world. Except that she must.
Allie's blank heart is the special on the Queen's menu.
But curiouser still, it appears to hold the key to unlocking the secrets of Rabb's own veiled past.
Can Allie stay immune to Rabb's charms long enough to find her way home? Can Rabb resist her temptation or will he sacrifice her heart for his own?
TRAPPED BY CLOCKS AND HEARTS is one of ten books in the Enemies Ever After series, a collection of standalone short novels featuring enemies-to-lovers fairy tale retellings with a touch of steam. Perfect for fans of: forbidden romance, he falls first, morally gray hero, reluctant bodyguard, STEM heroine, forced proximity, slow burn, touch her and die, shared heart curse, grumpy & sunshine.
As an Oracle, I am no stranger to prophecies. With a strong connection since birth to the dragon god, Akorith, the dissonant whispers of fate have followed me from the beginning. And when an ominous warning foretelling of the destruction of my clan comes my way, I’m not sure what to make of it.
Then when my younger sister needs to be prepared for her proving trial—a task that will test the woman’s fortitude and innocence—I am the one tasked with showing her the world outside our secluded town. My hands full with my sister’s childish nature, a foreboding prophecy is the last thing I need on my mind.
The signs of the prophecy, however, appear: pirate attacks, a fight with a dragon, and crossing paths with a cheerful dwarf and a stunted, lecherous elf—and I can’t ignore them. Things go from bad to worse, and I’ll have to trust my intuition and the most unlikely of allies to make it through, or the world will be plunged into chaos…
Readers who enjoy epic adventures, fantasy with a healthy dose of romance, and a strong heroine who defies all odds, won’t be able to put down Prophecy of Convergence, leaving you reading long into the night.
This Week’s Flynn Moment
Our wild boy graduated beginner training this month!
Thanks so much for reading and stay magical!