Kathryn Nolan's Blog, page 5

BTS with Dean and Tabitha!

Since ON THE ROPES takes place in my neighborhood (and I grew up in Delco, right outside of Philly) there are more than the usual ‘real-life’ examples and secret easter eggs hidden in this book 😉

In no apparent order:

-That sign above — which says Every day is your chance to make this city a little better — hangs on K Street in Sacramento (where Rob and I lived for eight years) and I would see it every day while biking home. It always stuck with me — and it’s also a core value of mine, that we all have a responsibility to care for each other, our communities and the planet. So when I was thinking of something that Dean and Rowan’s social studies teacher would have as a mural in her classroom, this quote immediately came to mind. ❤

-The idea to write a romance novel about a former boxer did not come from my 15th time of watching Creed, my favorite movie. It actually came from watching an episode of Fargo (the Chris Rock season) — a side character is a boxer and they showed a scene of him wrapping his hands with tape, and I jumped off the couch and scrawled Philly, boxer, romance? on a post-it note.

-In the first draft, Tabitha’s story was entirely different in every single way. Her family didn’t change much, but her original story was that she was a mural artist with imposter syndrome (instead of filming a documentary about the pocket park, I had Dean working with her to paint a mural on it). Also, Tabitha was from South Philly in the first draft but they didn’t know each other, and they were not neighbors. All three of those things made it fall flat — so I revamped it entirely, and all of a sudden Tabitha’s real story, and connection to Dean through their support groups, made itself clear.

-John’s Water Ice is an institution in South Philly — but growing up in Delco, we of course got ours at Rita’s Water Ice (and mango is my favorite flavor).

-I partially based Eddie’s back-story of being a senior and food insecure after a volunteer shift I worked at a food pantry in Sacramento, years ago. I was working with homeless women and children at the time, so was no stranger to being around folks who were hungry. But on this shift, every person I processed through intake was, essentially, my grandfather’s age, struggling to make ends meet with their limited pensions and dwindling social security checks. I have never, ever, ever forgotten it.

-As teenagers, Dean and Tabitha connected by going to a support group for queer kids and allies at a place called The Lavender Center. I based it on The William Way Center and The Attic Youth Center, both in Philly. 💖

-To finish the third draft of ON THE ROPES, I had to pull two all-nighters in a row (do not recommend!!) but on hour 40 of no sleep, chapter 29 came to me in a fit of weird inspiration I’m pretty sure wouldn’t have happened if I was, er, entirely lucid 😂 (and don’t worry — the book went through another six weeks of edits after that, so you didn’t read the weirdest bits). Chapter 29 begins My parents were trying to teach Tabitha how to do the twist. This is now one of my favorite scenes, for being so delightful and charming and for the way Dean realizes the healing his mothers have gone through as well — and because I like to think of Dean and Tabitha dancing in a living room and laughing. This scene was also partially inspired by my dad — he grew up just outside of Philly with eight younger siblings, and they used to watch American Bandstand (when it was still being filmed in Philly) and practice all the dances together as kids in their living room.

-Just a few blocks from my house, there are a group of white-haired veterans who sit on lawn chairs with cups of coffee and gossip on the sidewalk. Every single day. (just like in chapter 3!) Oh, and they looooove Walter.

-All across my neighborhood, people set up honest-to-god pools on their sidewalks every summer. And you just walk around them like it’s no big deal 😉

-And finally: Pam, Eddie’s cat, is real! Okay, her name is not Pam (that is based on a dog at Walter’s daycare, whose name is Pam and that is hysterical to me). I’m not sure if she has a name, but I’ve got a neighbor who has set up an entire bench for her feral cat, complete with two beds, a blue tarp and a bright red umbrella. Rob and I call her Umbrella Cat and I knew I had to give her to Eddie.

Happy #ComingOutDay!

Happy #ComingOutDay from meeeee (a happy, hot mess of a bisexual!)
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Whether you are 'out' or not, or letting some folks in a little bit at a time, or keeping yourself safe until you're ready, your queer identity is beautiful and dazzling and makes this world a better place in so many ways.
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I'm so grateful I was able to spend the entire weekend devouring Jen Winston's book of essays on bisexuality (Greedy: Notes from a Bisexual Who Wants Too Much). They wrote in the intro that this was the book they wish they had growing up -- and oh my god I wish I had this book when I was growing up: "The problem isn't being greedy -- it's that systems function better when we don't demand what we deserve. As it turns out, I'm not straight. I'm not gay. The thing I am is a threat. Because now I understand that bisexuality isn't just an identity -- it's a lens through which to reimagine our world."
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Once I started reading, I wasn't able to stop. It was one wonderful affirmation after another, making me laugh and cry in equal measure while validating a whooooolllleeeee lotta thoughts and questions I had in my head ever since I realized I felt different. As a people-pleaser, it was hella easy to internalize and accept when I was told that my bisexuality was fake, not real, some kind of cry for attention, a hormonal phase and/or not valid. Because it seemed to make other people happy (read: more comfortable) when I made myself smaller.
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It took me years and years to reach the point where I could write my first bi heroine -- Tabitha Tyler -- telling Dean that she'd learned that her sexuality didn't exist or not exist based on other people believing in it. "It's mine, all mine. And I'm so proud of it."
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It has taken me a lot of time. It has not been navigated easily nor has the journey made a lot of logical sense -- there was no clear shot from point A to point B. And, like all things, my bisexuality will continue to be a journey of discovery for my entire life. But it's mine, all mine, and I'm so proud of it.

Kathryn's Favorite Fall Reads

Listen — when I’m not writing romance novels all day, I’m just a book-loving bitch who wants to curl up on the couch and read all day. Which is one of the many, many reasons why this crisp, seasons-changing, crunchy-leaves, witchy-spooky-cozy time of the year is a) one of my favorites and b) the best time to read. And I’ve always loved a scary story.

So — below are my top recommendations for autumnal reads that fall into the spooky-witchy-cozy category. Some are scary, some atmospheric and tense, some more action-packed or sci-fi, and others have more of a spells-and-tarot vibe. Each of these were stunning, five-star reads that pulled me in from page one and kept me enthralled and captivated.

Have fun (and keep the lights on)…

The Year of the Witching, Alexis Henderson: I adored this book! A dark feminist fantasy novel with bite to it. Read if you love witches/witchcraft, want to dismantle the patriarchy, and love a strong heroine. This book was creepy enough to be fun, atmospheric enough to suit the fall mood, and full of vivid imagery and precise story-telling.

Dread Nation (and book 2: The Deathless Divide), Justina Ireland: Jane McKeene is one of the most amazing heroines I've ever read (as is Katherine, in book 2) and the plot, the character-building and the dramatic pacing were sheer brilliance. These books, and this series, are utterly unique, utterly distinctive and some of the best story-telling I've read in years. I cannot recommend enough!

Mexican Gothic, Silvia Moreno-Garcia: Lush, seductive and deadly - this creepy, eerie, gothic horror novel gave me the shivers in the best way. Nightmares, foggy graveyards, family curses and poison in the walls - Mexican Gothic was unique and enthralling and just the right amount of spooky. Plus Noemí Taboada was the perfect heroine, I loved every moment she was on the page.

The Scapegracers, Hannah Abigail Clarke: Holy shit this book was perfect in every way. If you love witchy stories, but also loved the movie Heathers (who didn't??) and enjoy a heroine with a totally unique voice and a dark sense of a humor (and a penchant for magic) I cannot recommend this book enough! It's tough, funny, dark, queer, and absolutely the magical book I wished I'd had when I was a teenager.

Gideon the Ninth (and Harrow the Ninth), Tamsyn Muir: A gory, funny, pulpy, irreverent sci-fi novel about lesbian necromancers in space = WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE! Plus skeletons, haunted mansions, family drama and a deathless emperor. It was so perfect I felt changed afterward. One flesh, one end. Folks who know me know that I routinely recognize these books as some of my all-time favorites. 💗

Ninth House, Leigh Bardugo: Man, oh man. This was the perfect book to bring for our four-days camping — I ended each night around the campfire, obsessively reading every single page. If you like dark magic, fantasy, horror and an amazing, morally gray anti-heroine than damn I think you’d like this book! I read it compulsively and thought about it non-stop.

The Once and Future Witches, Alix E. Harrow: A dazzling, poetic fantasy novel about sisterhood, rebellious women, and feral, woodsy magic/witchcraft. It absolutely blew me away!

On the Ropes is finally here!

Happy Friday, my darlings! 🌻

ON THE ROPES is live and free in KU  — and ready to charm your face off!

Early reviews of ON THE ROPES have described this book as "pure joy" and also "a sweet hug of words, emotion and kindness" and that they smiled so much their cheek muscles cramped and that it made them feel "warm, fuzzy and happy all over". (But also, I wrote this book so between the sweet kindness you know it’s super steamy 😉.)

This cute and cozy romance is a smokin’ hot, friends-to-lovers, opposites-attract love story in a close-knit South Philly neighborhood with a quirky cast of nosy but well-intentioned neighbors.

And you know I'll be poppin' open a bottle of champagne to celebrate while Rob reads it cover-to-cover (my favorite tradition) and then I'll be going live in my reader group at 8:00 pm EST to answer your questions and cry a lot (also a tradition!) Join my reader group here if you’re not already a member!

With love from South Philly,

Kathryn

P.S. Do you follow me on Instagram? It’s mostly a collection of pictures of my dog, pictures of other dogs, travel and nature photos, books I’m reading and memes. (click here)

Four books, one sale, all swoon.

Are you ready to escape to Miami with four brilliant lady billionaires and the heroes who worship them? 

This series of sexy, interconnected standalones is fresh, funny and feel-good! And they’re all on sale, baby!

Lucy Score's 'The Price of Scandal' (Book 1) - super-smart, workaholic lady billionaire + sexy, charming, British reputation fixer + all the Bluewater Babes + workplace enemies-to-lovers + corporate espionage = classic Lucy LOL shenanigans!

Claire Kingsley's 'The Mogul and the Muscle' (Book 2) - confident, snarky, scientist lady billionaire + giant/cuddly bodyguard who only wants to protect her + all the Bluewater Babes + romantic suspense = that Claire-heat you all love!

MY BOOK: ‘Wild Open Hearts’ (Book 3) - sunshine-y, hippie, vegan lady billionaire + grumpy, bearded, ex-outlaw (with the softest heart) + all the Bluewater Babes + opposites attract with the hottest First Kiss on record + rescue dogs = you know me they basically sex each other's faces off everywhere 🤣😏😉

Pippa Grant's 'Crazy for Loving You’ (Book 4) - fun-loving, hilarious, party-girl lady billionaire + hot, honorable Marine with tattoos + all the Bluewater Babes + accidental parenthood + a dick-shaped pool = my favorite sparkly zany Pippa book!

Bonus - all four Bluewater books are available in audio and whispersynced at $7.49 if you own the e-book!

Happy Bi+ Visibility Day!

Happy Bi+ Visibility Day!

Last year, Rob got me a cake that said 'Happy Birthday' and then he used a knife to edit it to say 'Happy Bi Day' and if that's not love, I don't know what is.

For all you bi+ cuties, I hope this day is a celebration of everything you love about your identity -- whether you're out or not, regardless of who you've dated or loved or are in a relationship with, regardless of how you present or look or dress - your unique experience is yours, alone, and this world is more beautiful for it.

You are loved, you are seen, you are visible!

No amount of biphobia can erase how important and vital you are. Let that lovely queer light of yours shine, my darlings!

On the Ropes (a friends-to-lovers romance) is coming October 1st!

Release date: October 1st to Amazon and KU

Cover photograph: (c) Regina Wamba

Cover design: Kari March

Summer in the city heats up when the girl who got away moves in next door.

Dean “The Machine” is a South Philly legend. Much to the dismay of fans who still hound him, the broody former fighter walked away from his boxing career right before clinching another championship belt. Tight-lipped on his reasons for retiring, he’s busy trying to figure out his future when the past literally falls in his lap.

Tabitha Tyler, the fiery redhead who captured his teenage heart, is back in town and staying next door. Only now the girl that got away is all grown up and offering him a strings-free, summer fling. Dean knows better than to start something that will leave him flat on his back and seeing stars.

But there’s only so much temptation a man can take.

Kept away by the secrets that tore her family apart, sparkly filmmaker Tabitha is home for the first time in nine years. And her old friend and new hunky neighbor is just the distraction she needs. It’s the perfect relationship for her – one with an expiration date.

She’s got two weeks to convince him to cave.

He’s got two weeks to convince her to stay.

But when she refuses to let down her guard, Dean realizes that this time…he just might get knocked out for good.

Author’s note: A smokin’ hot, friends-to-lovers, opposites-attract love story in a close-knit South Philly neighborhood with a quirky cast of nosy but well-intentioned neighbors.

The cutest friends-to-lovers ever.

Happy Bisexual Pride Month!

I am so proud to be a bisexual and queer lady and so very proud to know so many amazing bisexual readers and authors, our awesome allies and all the cool parents with queer kiddos, lighting up this world every single day. September 23rd is Bi Visibility Day -- last year, Rob ordered cupcakes for me that said Happy Bi Day (they originally said "birthday" but he edited the icing with a knife) so I'm just planting the seed for anyone with bisexual partners, spouses, family and/or friends...send us cupcakes! 😂😘

We are now officially in the final countdown to my next release -- a cute, friends-to-lovers romance I'll call OTR for now. And I’m very, very excited to announce the news that the heroine - Tabitha Tyler - will be my very first bisexual main character (*explodes rainbow confetti*)!!!

She's here, she's queer and she's coming for Dean Knox-Morelli's heart (and yours too...) So this is an extra special and meaningful book for me, and I hope you enjoy Tabitha as much as I enjoyed writing her -- she's sunshine-y and passionate and flirty and funny and you know she's the only one that gets broody, serious Dean to really smile. I had a big ole crush on her the entire time and it's probably obvious when you read the book 😉

Also…this picture (below) pretty accurately sums up the tone and theme of  OTR  - these are one of my editor’s comments during final line edits, and yeah - funny + hot sex + the “emotional crying” emoji is pretty much the vibes, you guys!

Strictly Professional is live in audio!

This steamy and seductive opposites attract romance is my hottest book - ever - and the audiobook positively sizzles.

Will Thorne does a perfect imitation of Edward's elegant English accent...and filthy little growly mouth, all at the same time 😉 And Anastasia Watley absolutely nailed Roxy's sexy, cool, vixen vibes. I was blushing from minute one.

Plus, this delicious audiobook is whisper-synced! Go forth and have some fun with my cutest and kinkiest couple yet. I promise they'll show ya a good time...

Yessss Edward and Roxy!

Did someone say 'twelve free books'?

(I *did* say twelve free books!)

Grab your favorite cozy clothes and that mug of hot apple cider...because we've got twelve FREE full length, small town romance novels to whisk you away!

Twelve full-length novels from some of your favorite bestselling romance authors! Grab the Fall in Love Book Bundle for ZERO PENNIES for just a short while! This special box set features small town romance at its finest. A gift to our readers and a great way to introduce you to new authors, prepare to fall in love with this all new anthology. Grab it before it's gone!

★ ★TWELVE BOOKS INCLUDE ★ ★

Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

Not What I Expected by Jewel E. Ann

Hard Pressed by Kate Canterbary

The Heartbreaker by Claire Contreras

Stud Muffin by Jiffy Kate

Fix by Molly McAdams

The Bribe by Willa Nash

Landslide by Kathryn Nolan (Hey! That’s me!)

Otterly Irresistible by Erin Nicholas

Bad Alibi by Jessica Prince

On the Rocks by Kandi Steiner

Any Luck at All by Denise Grover Swank - Author and A.R. Casella

BUY LINKS:

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3zvv9ku

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2YbA0tp

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3BqFMFL

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3mZX7Sb

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3jvIeF0