I came back from all my travels and jumped straight into back-to-school mode—so far, so good!
My 11-year-old is thriving at her new school. She made the middle school tennis team and landed the role of Chip in Beauty and the Beast! (Yes, I’m bursting with pride.) The only catch? We’re all up an hour earlier now, and the homework load has multiplied overnight.
Meanwhile, my 8-year-old is loving third grade. She’s switching classes, handling new responsibilities, and staying busy with her own activities. (As I type this, she’s in her manners and etiquette class!)
After that whirlwind first week, we escaped to the Chesapeake Bay for a long weekend with friends—exactly the breather we all needed. Then I zipped up to NYC for my very first Grand Slam tournament at the US Open. 🎾
👉 See the Bay pics in the gallery below, and catch a taste of the NYC/US Open magic in my reel—just click the button!
Photos clockwise from top left: 🌊 Moonlit boats and dockside views of the Bay • 🎶 Jamming with friends to an amazing cover band at The Jetty • 🏐 A bocce competition too close to call • 🌅 Dusk over the water at Bridges (the perfect dinner view!) • 🦀 Meet Mr. Crabby Crab—caught blue-clawed!
Last month, I told you I was in the home stretch—five agents and one publisher had requested my manuscript, and I was polishing the last chapters, tightening the synopsis, and pulling together a series proposal. ✨
Since then, I’ve sent pages 50+ to my story coach (prep for the publisher request!) and am still deep in edits on the opening chapters. My new deadline is circled in red: October 5 ➡️ submission day! That’s when I plan to have the whole thing submission-ready. Fingers crossed for smooth sailing between now and then!
✨ ——— ✨
On the side, I’ve also stepped into a new role as Comms Director for Washington Romance Writers—putting together their newsletter (sign up HERE!) and helping refresh their online presence.
Send me stamina, snacks, and sparkly good vibes as I power through! ✨📚
This month, I have two exciting ways to treat yourself to more romance:
🌸 Second Chance Romance Giveaway (Ends Sept 22)
Grab two free romances (including mine!) and enter for a chance at a $25 Amazon gift card.
🍂 Fall Into a Book Giveaway — Sept 19–20
Over 300 authors, signed books, and stellar prizes! I’ll be offering signed paperbacks of Love at Dawn and Craving My Roommate, plus a celestial-themed prize pack inspired by my star + moon logo.
👉 Join the FB Group to Take Part!
✨ May your September be full of love stories—on and off the page.
Since Frenching My Flatmate isn’t currently available, I thought it would be fun to share a little something just for you. Even better—you’ll have a chance to win the full anthology it’s from (Craving My Roommate) in this month’s Fall Into a Book Giveaway. 🎁
Here’s a sneak peek:
—Excerpt from Frenching My Flatmate—
Now, he was applying more needles along her spine, one to two inches on either side. It was an exacting science as to where to put them… some he twisted more than others; some hit a nerve, yet sometimes it was stimulating. He was an expert musician, and her body, the instrument.
…
Time was lost to her, but when he returned, the needles slipped away quicker than she was ready. Then, his hands were on her, solid and warm. Testing for tension.
“Better? How do you feel?” His voice was deep, care in his questions.
She didn’t want him to stop touching her. His touch was so soothing after all her energy had been trained to the tune he’d set.
…
“Much.” It was all she could manage without giving away her thoughts.
💕 Craving more? Craving My Roommate is up for grabs in this month’s giveaway—don’t miss your chance! 👉 Join here »
That Bay weekend was pure magic—here are the three highlights I can’t stop thinking about:
🌅 Sunset dinner at the Bridges on Kent Narrows
🎶 Live music from an amazing cover band at The Jetty
📚 Poolside + dockside reading of Abby Jimenez’s Say You’ll Remember Me (this book just gets better and better!)
All three = highly recommended. 🌟
Morning view: Bay breeze, Abby Jimenez, and a little Taylor Swift coffee magic ☕🌊
Instead of my pups this month, I have to introduce you to a new friend—Henry the cavapoo. 🐶 We became fast pals while I was in NYC for the US Open, and he showed his affection by planting a big lick right on my face. Consider this my official cavapoo crush. 💕
By the time I check in again, I should (hopefully!) be out on submission with agents, polishing my manuscript for the publisher, and diving into my series proposal. ✨
On the personal side, I’ve got fun trips ahead:
🌊 Back to Kiawah, my happy place
🌲 A cozy Upperville, VA getaway with close friends (clay shooting, live music, and countryside games!) 👉 Watch a prior year’s reel »
And—spoiler alert—Halloween costumes are already set. One daughter will be Mira from K-Pop Demon Hunters, the other is going full-on Medusa. Can’t wait to share pics! 🎃
