Stacy Gold's Blog, page 2

Wild at Heart is a BookLife Contest Semifinalist

My Adventure Romance Novel, Wild at Heart, is One of Twenty-Five Booklife Semi-Finalists

Holy crap! Wild at Heart made it past the quarter-finals and is now one of five books chosen as a BookLife Contest semi-finalist in the Romance/Erotica category. Even if I make it no further, I am blown away!!

BookLife is the part of Publishers Weekly dedicated to independently published books.  The BookLife Prize is an annual writing competition in two Contests (Fiction and Nonfiction) sponsored by BookLife and Publishers Weekly. The Prize seeks to support independent authors and discover great written works in nine categories across the two Sections.

The categories in the Fiction Contest are: Romance/Erotica; Mystery/Thriller; Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror; General Fiction; and Middle-Grade & YA Fiction. The Prize is judged by PW reviewers, editors, acclaimed authors, and publishing veterans, and awards are given to finalists in each Contest’s categories, with a grand cash prize of $5,000 going to the most outstanding finalist in each Contest.

Here’s the short version of the BookLife review of Wild at Heart…

The author is a gifted writer whose prose flows easily and makes for an engaging and lively read. This is a unique work with distinctive characters and an unusual premise and setting. Romance readers will delight in this original and engaging work.

Wild at Heart will captivate readers with its strong and likable characters and engaging storyline.

Check out Wild at Heart for yourself right here

Here’s the full review of Wild at Heart from the 2022 BookLife Contest Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10Originality: 9 out of 10Prose: 9 out of 10Character/Execution: 10 out of 10Overall: 9.25 out of 10

Assessment:

Plot/Idea: There are moments of coincidence that serve to move the plot along, but this is easily forgiven given the strength of the storyline and the likeability of the characters. The premise is solid, and the setting is refreshingly different.

Prose: The author is a gifted writer whose prose flows easily and makes for an engaging and lively read. The dual first-person narrative is very effective, and the tone is familiar and relaxed.

Originality: This is a unique work with distinctive characters and an unusual premise and setting. Romance readers will delight in this original and engaging work.

Character Development/Execution: The author does an exemplary job with characterization. The dual first-person narrative is an effective device for allowing the reader to truly understand these highly likable characters, and it works perfectly in the author’s capable hands.

Blurb: Wild at Heart will captivate readers with its strong and likable characters and engaging storyline.

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Author Stacy Gold on REI’s Wild Ideas Worth Living Podcast

REI’s Wild Ideas Worth Living Podcast Interview with Adventure Romance Author Stacy Gold

I’m beyond honored to have been featured on REI’s Wild Ideas Worth Living podcast. I bought my very first backpack at REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) 36 years ago—and a whole lot more gear since. Having me and my backpacking adventure romance novel, Wild at Heart, featured on their awesome podcast blows my mind.

If you’re an outdoorsperson in the US—and even if you’re not—you’re likely familiar with REI. It’s the biggest outdoor specialty store chain in the country. They also offer classes, gear rentals, adventure trips, space for nonprofits to have meetings and events, and, of course, phenomenal podcasts. I’m in amazing company with folks like Max Lowe (mountaineer Alex Lowe’s son), Rick Stanton (One of the divers who rescued the Thai children from a flooded cave in 2018), mountaineer and documentary filmmaker, Jimmy Chin who recently released Free Solo about famed climber Alex Honnold, and many others.

I’ve done close to thirty podcast, radio, and TV interviews for Wild at Heart, and while they’ve all been great, this one is my favorite. It’s hard to beat talking at length with another serious outdoorswoman and adventurer who also adored my book!

Listen to the podcast here A Little About REI’s Wild Ideas Worth Living Podcast and My Interview

Have you ever had a wild idea, but were afraid to act on it? Or maybe you started, but then self-doubt crept in and you talked yourself out of it? It took host Shelby Stanger three years to quit her job to pursue a life of adventure. From freelance journalism to living abroad in Costa Rica and New Zealand, Shelby started this podcast to tell stories of people like her who took a risk and created a life around doing what they love.

This show is about building a community of people who want to make more positive decisions in their lives, from the food they eat to the people they surround themselves with. It’s about taking a wild leap of faith and having meaningful conversations with people who have made it happen.

Podcast Host Shelby Stanger Had this to Say About Wild at Heart…

Outdoor romance novelist Stacy Gold gave up her day job at a mountain biking nonprofit to write steamy romance novels. Her characters are strong, adventurous women – and the men who can’t resist them. Stacy has released four award-winning books, including her newest novel Wild at Heart, with more on the way. Writing romance novels that take place in the great outdoors gives Stacy a lot of material to work with: interesting plot points, beautiful scenery, and plenty of opportunity to crank up the tension.

And…she said my book was a page-turner that made her laugh and blush!

The podcast is available for your listening pleasure on all the usual purveyors, and on REI’s website here.

Grab a copy of Wild at Heart or learn more about my steamy, outdoor adventure romance novel here.

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My Philosophy for Writing Romance

My Author Philosophy for Writing Romance Novels

Twenty years ago, if you’d asked any of my friends if I would ever write romance novels (let alone have a philosophy for writing romance), they’d have laughed you out of the room. Honestly, most of them were shocked when I got my first contract job writing catalogs for a big outdoor company.

I was usually the only woman in groups of men whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, and skiing. I’d lived in a tent and a car and a pickup truck. I was probably best known for being competent in the outdoors and fairly bawdy. A real guy’s girl.

Hell, if you’d asked me back then, I would’ve laughed, too. In fact, I did laugh when my husband first suggested it back in 2011 or 2012. It took me until almost 2015 to decide it was a good idea myself. Then a few more years figuring out how to write good romantic fiction before I published my first novella.

Since I’d already spent decades writing marketing copy and magazine articles, I had a well-developed, unique voice. What took a while was figuring out what I wanted to say, and how best to say it.

Slowly, I developed my personal philosophy writing romance, and what my books should be and do.I’d set them in the outdoors. Why? Because it’s my favorite place to be and to read about. If I’m going to spend hours and hours writing about something I want it to be something I enjoy. I also hopwt to inspire people to value nature and wild places. And because putting people in difficult situations in the wild tends to bring out who they really are at their best and worst, it’s ripe for you in a romance novel.I’d write smart, independent, badass heroines. And I’d make them as good or better at their outdoor sports, and/or have them rescue the hero. Why? Because I want to see more women like me and my girlfriends finding love and adventure in the great outdoors. And because I believe woman are capable of all that and so much more, and we should be celebrated and loved for it.I’d write cinnamon rolls not Alpha-holes. Why? Because I love a hero who’s in touch with his emotions. One who isn’t afraid to set his ego aside. And one who thinks a strong, smart, independent woman is sexy as hell and deserving of love, respect, support, and great sex.I’d show people ending up in healthy, functional relationships with good communication. Why? Because too often the relationships the media glorifies are ones where it’s hard to believe the partners actually even like each other, and/or ones where the woman falls into a maternal or subservient role. I’ll always write flawed characters, and they’ll have to work hard and make changes to have healthy relationships, but in the end it will be worth it.I’d describe amazing sex in graphic detail. Why? Because our bodies are beautiful, and sex is natural and healthy. It’s also a part of most modern relationships. It’s not gross or dirty and women who enjoy sex aren’t sluts or somehow less worthy of respect any more than a man who enjoys sex and gets laid often. Besides, if I’m trying to give you all the feels, I can’t skip horny. I’d show more women who are childless by choice. Why? Because I’m childless by choice and I get tired of all the various baby-related tropes in romance. Having children is not the only thing women should be valued for. Which is why I’ll also show abortion in my books in a positive light. Not that every childless woman has had an abortion, but both are valid choices.I’d write stories that hopefully inspire more women to play in the outdoors. When I got my first job as a whitewater raft guide, I was one of less than twenty women out of around 500 guides on that river. These days, the percentages have changed a lot, but I’d still like to see more women out there who are competent and confident and treated as equals. The best way to do that is by showing more examples of exactly that.The bottom line is, I write the romance novels I want to read.

I do my best to write stories that are layered and have real heart and a sense of humor. Stories that show people. Stories that have an undercurrent of feminism, environmentalism, and anti-late-stage capitalism but don’t beat you over the head with it. And stories that show people making choices that are outside the norm and figuring out how to live the life of their dreams—or something even better than they ever imagined possible.

 

 

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Romance in First VS Third Person

Why I write romance in first person dual point of view.

Ever since first person point of view (POV) narrative became popular again, romance readers have had strong opinions about it. Especially compared to the third person POV romances we’d become more accustomed to in recent years.

Most either love it, or hate it. It seems a smaller percentage, including myself, enjoy both. To each their own, though.

Interestingly, as a romance author, I write solely in first person, dual POV. I’ll explain why in a sec. But, before I go further, let me make sure we’re on the same page (pun fully intended) …

What, exactly, is the difference between first person and third person point of view in fiction—romance or otherwise?

“In first person point of view the narrator is a character in the story telling it from their perspective. In third person point of view the narrator is not part of the story and the characters never acknowledge the narrator’s presence. Less common than first and third is second person point of view.” Miriam-Webster.com

Some people believe it’s defined by how many characters narrate in the story. But that isn’t the case. Even if a narrator moves from one character’s head to another, POV is dependent on whether it’s the character telling the story or a “third” person (someone who is not a character in the story and likely will never be named or acknowledged).

An easy way to recognize first person is the narrator will use the pronoun I. In third person the narrator will use he, she, they, them, etc.

It is possible to have a mix of both in the same story, but it’s not typical. For a terrific example consider The Princess Bride. The intro is written in first person, then the tale itself is told in third person (with occasional interjections in first person from the narrator). It’s masterfully done, but in practice tricky as hell to pull off. But I digress.

What about single, versus dual, versus multiple points of view?

Whether in first or third person, you can have single, dual, or multiple points of view. However multiple POV is done much more rarely in third person and far more rarely in romance. Sometimes it’s referred to as “head hopping” if too many characters are featured as narrators, and unless it’s written really well can be confusing for the reader.

In the romance genre, books are most often written in either single or dual POV regardless of tense. I could see multiple POVs working well in a poly relationship story, but generally you only get distinct POVs for main characters.

Here are the top three reasons why I prefer writing romance in first person point of view:

1) Immediacy and intimacy. Depending on whether it’s written in past or present tense, it’s either like the character is telling you the story, or like you’re living it yourself along with them. So, it’s an easier way for me to put the reader right there in it.

Because my stories take place on outdoor adventures, I want my readers to smell the pine-scented mountain air, or gasp at the bracing chill of diving into the refreshing blue waters of an alpine lake. Just like my characters.

2) Seeing through both main character’s eyes. People misjudge other people’s thoughts, opinions, desires, or motives all the time. Sometimes others are thinking the exact opposite of what we believe to be the case.

By writing in the first person and including both my main characters points of view I can show this. Along with all the ways people misunderstand each other or get in their own way when it comes to finding love and happiness.

3) It lets me tap into my own experiences more easily. I write about outdoor sports I’ve done, and often I’m writing about places I’ve experienced firsthand. Many of my own adventures inspire what goes into my books.

One of the ways I bring all this to life is by closing my eyes and thinking back to my own experiences. What I smelled and tasted and saw and heard and felt. Then I translate it to my characters situations on the page. I’m not sure I could do that writing in third person.

 

 

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My Author Bookstore Events for August

Join Stacy Gold at these Live, Author Bookstore Events in Colorado for Q & A, Readings, and Book Signings!

I adore getting out and meeting romance readers and fellow romance authors. Luckily, I’ll be getting to do both this month. And I get to support local, independent bookstores at the same time. Which is good for all of us! If you’re going to be in Colorado, please do come and join me…

Wild at Heart Author Chat & Book Signing with Stacy Gold and Mariah Ankenman
Thursday, August 18th at 6:00
Old Firehouse Books
232 Walnut St, Fort Collins, CO 80524

Meet me and fellow Colorado contemporary romance author Mariah Ankenman for an evening of conversation, questions, and book signing. We’ll be in at Old Firehouse Books in Ft Collins for a couple hours so please do stop by and say hi if you’re in the area. It’s going to be super fun!

Reading and Book Signing with Stacy Gold
Friday, August 26th 3:00-5:00pm
Next Page Books & Nosh
Frisco Mall – 409 Main St #101, Frisco, CO 80443

If you’re in Summit County, be sure to stop by Next Page in Frisco for a reading, to ask me any and all questions about my outdoor adventures or my outdoor adventure romance novels. I’ll be set up in the tent outside in the parking lot.

Can’t make these events? Keep an eye on my events page for more opportunities to meet in person at a future bookstore event!

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My romance writing process

A Behind the Scenes Look at My Ten Step Romance Writing Process

Whenever I do interviews, or reader events, someone inevitably asks about my writing process. I think most of us writers believe this is boring, but everyone else is clearly fascinated. And honestly, I’ve spent years trying out different methods and refining my romance writing process. So, today I thought I would share how I go about writing one of adventure romance novels from start to finish.

Step One: Come up with a brilliant idea

Or at the very least an idea that seems to have some legs for an outdoor adventure romance. This generally involves having a pretty good idea of how the book will start including the meet-cute, what my characters are like, what major struggles they will have to overcome in the story, and the ending. Usually this pops into my head fairly fully formed.

Step Two: Get the basics down on paper

At this stage, I write about a half page synopsis of the story. Not something that’s very detailed at all, more of a way to keep from forgetting my brilliant idea. Chances are good some part of this will change by the time the book is finished, but that’s OK. This is just a general guideline to get me started and keep me on track. Ideally, it will also serve as the basis for my back cover description.

Step Three: Do deep-dive character studies

I write very character driven stories, so I fill out detailed spreadsheets with more than 60 questions for each of my main characters . I also do shorter versions for my secondary characters, and very brief versions for my tertiary characters.

For me, this is when the story really starts to come to life because it’s when my characters start coming to. Once I know who these characters are, where they came from, what they want most and what they’re afraid of, all I have to do is set them loose in situations I know will push their buttons.

Step Four: Write the rough draft

Once I have all my background information on the story and the characters I start writing. I don’t do an outline. I just keep my major turning points from my synopsis, and my characters’ journeys, in mind. Then I let the scribbling begin. When it’s done, I set it aside for at least two weeks Usually longer) so my eyes will be fresh(er) when I revisit it.

Step Five: Review the rough draft

For me this happens in two stages. First, I print out my rough draft and read the entire thing where I can’t be tempted to start editing specific lines or words. I just make handwritten notes in the margins.

Once that’s done, I create a spreadsheet and go chapter by chapter noting In brief what happens, what changes, and how many pages each character’s point of view lasts in a scene. This lets me easily identify sections that are weak or don’t keep the plot moving forward.

Step Six: Edit, edit, and edit some more

Typically, I will do about three rounds of edits. The first is what’s called a developmental edit. This means looking at the big picture to make sure the plot and character arcs work; writing and/or deleting entire scenes; and filling in holes in the details and characterization. This is also where I typically do any additional research. Though since I set my books in the outdoors doing adventure sports I do myself, I typically don’t have to do a ton.

For the second round, I read the whole book through again and then work on a more granular level to make sure my characters sound different from each other. And, also, to ensure you can always tell who’s speaking in scenes with a lot of dialogue. I keep filling in any remaining holes during this as well.

Step Seven: Get feedback

By this point, I’m usually feeling pretty happy with the book as a whole. There may still be typos and grammatical issues, but before I spend time fixing those, I want to make sure the story really works. So, I have a handful of beta readers who will read my book and provide Invaluable feedback.

Step Eight: Do final edits based on feedback

At this point, hopefully, my beta readers haven’t come across too many issues. But, whatever they find that I agree with gets fixed at this stage. This is when I also go through the entire book word by word. I smooth out rough sentences, reorganize paragraphs, and hopefully find most of the typos and grammatical errors.

Step Nine: Other people do more edits

You might think a book would be ready to sell at this point. And for some people maybe that’s true. However, this is the stage where I have outside editors read through the book searching for evermore typos, grammatical errors, and confusing bits. Typically, at least two other people, if not three, will go through the book at this stage.

This is also when I’ll be finalizing the back cover description, working with a designer on the cover, and taking other steps necessary to getting it ready for sale.

Step Ten: Format and publish

Woohoo! This is the best part. Every book takes me about six months to write and another three to six months to edit, so by the time I hit this stage I am ready. This is also when I start submitting my manuscript for early reviews, which is nerve wracking but also super fun.

So, there it is… My romance writing process in a nutshell. Which I’m quite sure is completely different from anyone else’s. No two writers tell the same story or write a story in the same way. Which is part of the fun.

Check out all my books here.

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Going Solo

Why I Love Going on Solo Outdoor Adventures as a Woman, and Tips for How You Can Do the Same

The author enjoying dinner al fresco in the Glacier Peak Wilderness

A while back, I was talking to my husband, and he mentioned what a rarity it was that I didn’t have friends or family who got me into outdoor adventure sports. I started going on solo outdoor adventures to satisfy my need to get out there because I didn’t know anyone else who wanted to go.

Sure, I grew up running around in the woods of Georgia, but until I met my first serious boyfriend at 15, I’d never been camping outside of going with Girl Scouts twice a year. My grandmother bought me my first backpack for my 16th birthday, though it took another year for me to find people to go with.

Luckily, when I started at Georgia State University, I discovered the school had a terrific outdoor adventure program. At that point, I still didn’t feel confident camping alone. So, I signed up for weeklong trips canoeing the Okefenokee Swamp and sea kayaking the Altamaha river in South GA, plus I went caving, bike around the warm springs of Northern Florida, and more. Often, I didn’t know anyone else on the trip. But I was hooked and signed up for every trip I could.

By the time I transferred to the Recreation Resource Management program at Colorado State, I had a lot more experience and confidence. That’s when I landed my first gig as a volunteer Forest Service Backcountry Ranger and regularly had to hike into the wilderness solo for two or three days. Since then I’ve traveled around Europe alone, kayaked and mountain biked solo, and done plenty of camping road trips by myself.

The author and her dog exploring the rainforest

What do you enjoy about going on solo outdoor adventures?

Entire books have been written on the subject of how getting outdoors positively impacts both mental and physical health. I know I’m my best self when I’m active out in nature. It relieves my stress, fills my soul, and reminds me that I am but a tiny flea on the earth—which means most of what I’m worried about isn’t that important. By not waiting to find someone with the same schedule and desires as me, I get out more.

On top of that, I have the freedom to do whatever I want without worrying about what anybody else wants or needs. I can stop early or keep going. Enjoy a down day, or not. Even adventures to other countries and cities are wonderfully relaxing solo. It’s also given me a ton of self-confidence in life in general to know I am perfectly capable on my own.

What are the concerns women should have about adventuring outdoors alone, and what can they do to avoid these issues?

Well, the first few are concerns anyone should have—even if they’re with others: Getting lost, getting injured, getting in over your head, attraction the attention of bears and other wildlife. And unfortunately, women also have to worry about encountering certain men who perhaps don’t have our best interests at heart. It’s sad but it’s also the elephant in the room so I want to address it.

The author far out in the wilderness

What can you do avoid these issues or at least reduce the risks?

Again, most of this advice is true whether you’re going solo or with a partner or group.

Start small. Don’t opt for a weeklong solo trip your first time out—especially if you’re a novice at your chosen activity. Start with day trips and build up. Or do like I did and find a women’s or coed adventure group to join up with. They welcome solo adventurers, many charge nothing or a minimal fee to join, and I’ve included a list below to help you get started.Be prepared. Make sure you’re in good enough physical shape for your adventure. Carry the 10 essentials and know how to use them (see below)—especially a map and compass because phones lose signal and die. Test all your gear before you go and make sure you know how to use it. Check bear regulations and carry any necessary food storage devices. As a woman, If I’m camping alone, I prefer to be as out of sight of other people as possible in the backcountry. In the frontcountry, I look for areas with lots of families. You can also carry pepper spray, or a taser or stun gun for added safety and protection.Use technology – Of course take your phone. In the backcountry a satellite locater beacon or communication device can keep people abreast of your location and let you text, or call for help when you’re out of cell range (and you can rent one for a short period of time). Of course, you should always let someone know where you’re going, when, and for how long, also schedule regular check-ins via phone or text on longer adventures.Trust your gut – It might be another few miles or hours to the next camp spot, bar, town, or hostel, but if your inner Spidey sense tells you something is off, listen to it. All too often we dismiss our intuition and make excuses because it seems easier. Or because we don’t trust ourselves and think maybe we’re overreacting. But a little inconvenience beats the alternative.

Honestly (knock on wood), I’ve never had any real problem with people or wildlife on my adventures. And I work hard to be prepared and make good choices so I greatly reduce my risk of getting lost or injured.

The Ten Essentials You Should Take on Every Solo Outdoor Adventure

This is the minimum you should carry if you’re heading outdoors for adventure—whether solo or with a partner or group. Plus, I’ve added in a few extras you might want to carry. Depending on the adventure and climate, you might add to this list or swap out a few clothing items.

Navigation: always take a map and compass (optional: altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger)Illumination: Headlamp or flashlight plus extra batteriesSun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes, lip balm, and sunscreenFirst aid kit: You can buy great ones already put together, but I like to add mole foam for blisters, an epi pen if you need one, and a sam splint, small tube of super glueRepair Kit: Knife (Swiss army or multi-tool), travel sewing kit, dental floss or fishing line, duct tape, fabric repair, packets of seam sealer, tent repair kitFire: Carry more than one source Shelter: Tarp, emergency blanket, or bivy sacFood: Even if you’re only headed out on a day trip, carry enough food to get you through the night in case of emergency Water: You will always need more water than you expect, so consider carrying a filter/purification system if you can access additional waterInsulation At the least an extra layer and a rain jacket—possibly rain pants and warm hat and glovesFinding a Group to Adventure with as a Solo Woman

REI offers classes, adventure travel trips, day trips and other events at their locations across the country

Girls Who Hike is a Florida based group getting out on the trails

The Adventurous Woman is a Tampa Bay based social outdoor adventure group

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission offers class to help women get started hiking, fishing, paddling, camping and more

Women Who Hike offers group hikes and other events nationwide through their website and their network of local Facebook groups

Backcountry Babes offers backcountry skiing events, guided trips and group adventures in California and beyond

Explore Origin has a list of 10 women’s organizations catering to a variety of specific sports and types of participants

IMBA’s website is a great starting place if you’re interested in mountain biking, or just Google mountain biking and your area, to find local mountain bike organizations that lead free group rides

Of course, both Facebook and Meetup.com host a ton of groups dedicated to women pursuing outdoor adventures and sports from mountain biking, to climbing, to hiking, whitewater kayaking, and world travel.

So, stop waiting for someone else to go with you…Go solo and start having fun outdoor adventures now!

Want to read about a badass woman on a solo backpacking adventure? 

Check out my latest release, Wild at Heart. A modern-day twist on the usual damsel in distress romance, the more experienced heroine rescues the hero on the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington. They each set out alone to find themselves, and end up coming across each other multiple time–usually naked.

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Writing Romance While the World Burns Down Around Us

Writing Romance While the World Burns Down Around Us

How have I kept writing romance novels these past few years? I’ve wondered the same thing.

It’s a weird time for everyone, I think. Regardless of your politics or economic status, or where you live, so many things have changed in the past six years (most for the worse) it’s hard to keep up. Articles abound on how the continued stress of, well, EVERYTHING, is making it hard for people to think or function effectively.

We’re depressed. Or forgetful. Or constantly drained and exhausted. It’s hard to focus because our brains are overloaded with news and information, much of it negative at best, horrifying at worst.

Even though my day-to-day life is pretty damn good, I have to regularly stop myself from doomscrolling or I sink in to a mild depression. Between, gun violence, the state of politics and democracy in America, climate change and the attendant deadly fires that keep happening everywhere (including where I live in Colorado), it’s hard to stay positive.

It’s also become almost impossible for me to get sucked into a book unless it is stellar. The past few I’ve tried to read, I get a three to five chapters in and set the books down. A week later I realize I haven’t touched the book and can’t even really remember the plot or characters.

Yet, somehow, I’m able to keep writing and editing my own romances, packed with love and adventure in wild places.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how and why that is possible, and I have a few theories…

The outdoors is my happy place and I’m an ardent lifelong environmentalist (I got my degree in Resource Management and Environmental Education). If I can’t be out there, then the next best thing is writing about it. Because when I do, I close my eyes and transport myself back to those very places and spaces. I smell the flat bite of petrichor in the air before it rains. I hear the leaves rustling in a gentle breeze or savor the silence of a snow-covered landscape.After college, I spent six season working with the Forest Service as a Ranger and Naturalist. I learned people only value what they know. This is a way I can help people see the power and beauty and value of wild places. Since my books are always set in the outdoors, I get to take people into the wilderness and let them experience it in their own minds.So many of our problems are huge. Gigantic. Far too large to wrap our heads around. Writing these stories lets me shrink my world down to what’s on the page. While it’s still a lot, it’s finite and I control it. It’s easier for me to get lost in worlds of my own making, where I already know the rules and characters, and I’m confident in that happy ending.Writing about two people growing and changing and learning how to love and be loved is always uplifting. I came from a very dysfunctional family. With a lot of work, I’ve had a very happy marriage for almost 22 years. I’m tired of so many books, movies, and TV shows showing examples of dysfunctional relationships as though it should be the accepted norm. Instead, I’m showing people in healthy relationships who adore and support each other. I’m also showing the power of choosing what makes you happiest in life–even if it isn’t what you “should” do. That makes me happy.I want to help create change—in the world and in the romance industry. The pen is mightier than the sword, right? So I’m using it to bring attention to the wonders of nature. And to the strength and sexiness of badass women and the beta male, cinnamon roll guys who love, appreciate, and support them.Romance novels are regularly derided as drivel or smut or silly women’s books—which is bullshit. Especially given the state of the world, if I can help other people escape the sad and crazy by providing an escape and a guaranteed happy ending, I’m doing something worthwhile. It’s what I can offer. I hope it’s something, even if it can never be enough.

If you’d like to take a trip along the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington and watch two people fall in love, check out my latest, steamy backpacking romance Wild at Heart

 

 

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Sneak Peek at Wild at Heart

Enjoy a Sneak Peek of Chapters One and Two of My Steamy Backpacking Contemporary Romance, Wild at Heart.

My latest steamy, contemporary adventure romance, Wild at Heart, comes out May 2nd, 2022, and you can get a sneak peek now. Then enjoy hours of steamy romance on the trail with a cinnamon roll hero, only one tent, opposites attract, outdoor adventure, and zero damsels in distress.

I hope it makes you feel all the feels. At the very least, I hope backpacking romance is an entertaining and relaxing break from the real world.

-BACK COVER DESCRIPTION-

They each hit the trail solo in search of themselves…

Overworked entrepreneur Jules Martinez is sick and tired of men leaving her for their exes. Determined to wipe the giant, scarlet R for rebound off her forehead, she kicks off a yearlong vow of celibacy with five, blissful weeks backpacking her favorite trails through Washington State. Solo.

Out-of-work financial analyst Evan Davenport hasn’t been happy since camping in Scouts as a kid—before his wealthy parents and now ex-fiancé made all his major life decisions. Hoping to find joy and purpose, he buys all the latest ultralight backpacking gear, flies to Washington, and sets off alone on a weeklong speed hike through the wilderness.

Mother Nature has other plans, though, and keeps shoving Evan and Jules in each other’s paths. Usually naked. When sparks fly, can they find what they’re looking for in life together instead of apart?

What early Wild at Heart readers are saying…

“…did not disappoint! Jules and Evan are both such relatable and adorable characters. Evan is an absolute softie and Jules is such a strong baddie!”

“…made my heart melt on multiple occasions. All those sweet moments were balanced perfectly with a good dose of spice… Jules was a wonderfully refreshing MC… I’ll definitely be picking up Aly and Bryn’s books once they are released!”

“…refreshingly sweet and funny. The banter between Evan and Jules is delightful and story itself was entertaining.”  

“A great read… Looking forward to the next book in the series!”  

“It’s hilarious and totally not what you would expect putting him in the damsel in distress role… I’m starting to doubt my devotion to the typical “alpha-male” characters…”  

“I love how Jules is such a competent and fierce main character. The author does an amazing job painting a picture of their surroundings and the beauty of nature. This was a quick and enjoyable read and I loved the authors writing style…”  

“…a wonderful read for those interested in second chances, romance, and the crazy paths that life can take us on.”  

“I especially love when male protagonists aren’t toxic and Evan nailed that to perfection! Pick this up for a lovely and romantic times outdoors.”  

“Author Stacy Gold hits the mark in this unique and exciting romance novel full of outdoor adventure, a sexy trail romance, self-doubt and the bravery behind loving again after past heartbreak.”

Preorder the ebook everywhere now for just $0.99!

Or keep scrolling to read the first two chapters…

CHAPTER 1

JULES

“I’m so jealous, Jules.” Bryn perched on the end of one of the beds in our hotel room at Cascade Locks, watching me pack gear. The thin, gray light of pre-dawn filtered through a crack in gold curtains that’d seen better days.

I tucked a bag of snacks and my rain jacket into the top of my backpack, cinched the drawcord, and buckled the lid with a solid click. “Of what, twelve guys dumping me for their exes in a row? I’m sure we could arrange that for you too. If you ever really start dating again.”

“Ha. Funny.” She toed my calf. “You’re taking five weeks off to go backpacking solo. Who cares why?”
Tingles of excitement zoomed around in my chest and I flashed her a grin. “Yeah. Dealing with zero assholes and zero clients for more than a month does sound pretty heavenly, doesn’t it?”

She grinned back. “Like I said, totally jealous. At least of your trip.” Her expression went serious. “I still can’t believe the next guy you date is gonna be unlucky number thirteen, though.”

“Yeah. I’ve thought about that. Probably too much. Definitely enough to jinx the next one for sure. So, I’m swearing off men for at least a year to restart the count.” I hesitated, the excitement buzz fading. “A year is enough time to consider it a clean dating slate, right?”

“Wait.  You mean you’re swearing off dating, or swearing off sex too?”

“Yes. Both. All of it.” The last eight years had been nothing but suckage on the relationship front. It’d probably take more than a year to fix my shit. But nothing would change if I didn’t change something.

Bryn eyes widened. “You’re serious.”

“Dead.” Bending, I tugged the rough nylon laces of my left boot. The well-worn leather snugged around my foot. “I’m never gonna figure out anything buried in too much work plus too many bad dates.”

“When did you decide this?”

“Last night.” I shouldered my pack and adjusted the straps until the familiar weight settled on the tops of my hipbones. “What I’ve been doing isn’t working. It’s time to take a big step back and focus on myself for longer than just a few weeks.”

“I guess that’s one way to break the pattern.” Bryn opened the door and we stepped outside into early morning stillness. “And yes, a year is definitely long enough to clean your dating slate.”

Fog tendrils drifted from the Columbia River across the half-empty parking lot. The air hung thick with moisture and cedar and the sweet mustiness of damp soil. The best smell in the world after too many days breathing city fumes.

“I sure as hell hope so. If not, at least maybe I can figure out what to do about my business. I can’t keep working this much.”

We strolled across the lot side-by-side, the chill air nipping my skin through my nylon hiking pants and shirt, waking me up. The sky glowed marigold behind the inky silhouettes of the mountains.

“You’ll come up with a plan. You always do.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” We crossed the empty highway, walked a few hundred yards and turned off. Gravel crunched under our soles. “And thanks for driving me down here from Seattle. And picking me up at the other end.”

“Of course. That’s what best friends are for.” She wrapped a hand around my arm and leaned in, hugging one of my few body parts not covered by my backpack. “Though I still wish I was going with you. I could use a break from assholes and clients, too.”

The first golden rays of sunlight slanted through the tree branches, lighting the dirt road ahead. “We’ll have to plan a girlfriends’ trip once I get back.”

“I’m holding you to that.” Her warm hand tightened on my biceps. “Maybe we can convince Aly to come with us for once.”

I snorted. “We’ll get Aly on a backpacking trip when pigs fly. But I’m all for trying.”

A handful of parked cars and a dark brown trailhead kiosk appeared, marking the southern end of the Pacific Crest Trail through Washington. And my starting point. And the start of five weeks of solitary bliss in one of my favorite places in the whole world.

Bryn pulled out her phone. “Hey. Let me grab a shot of you in front of the sign, to commemorate the moment.”

“Okay.” I took a few steps back.

“Say, single life.”

I popped a hip and smiled for the camera. “Single life.”

“Perfect.” She slipped her phone into her pocket. “I love you, girlfriend. Stay safe out there and call me whenever you hit civilization.”

“I will.” My throat tightened. “I love you, too.”

I was totally looking forward to hiking solo. To enjoying time alone and figuring out my craptacular situation with no distractions. But, for a second, I couldn’t help wondering if I should’ve taken Bryn up on her offer to hike this first section with me.

Deep down I knew it would be a distraction, though. I needed alone time, in the woods, to find my center and do a serious assessment of my life. Especially my love life. Because I kept picking the same kind of winner, over and over, and I was done losing.

“See you in a couple weeks.” With a wave, I pivoted on my heel and stepped into the emerald glow of the Pacific Northwest rainforest. Happy with my choices. And looking forward to not having to do anything, at any set time, for anyone other than me.

###

EVAN

Sitting cross-legged on floor, the hardwoods cooling my thighs, I thrust another stuff sack into the flimsy neon green nylon bag that passed for a backpack. The idea that everything I needed to survive for a week in the woods would fit securely in this thing seemed optimistic, but the salesperson at the outdoor store swore it was the best for going fast and light.

Three loud thuds reverberated from my heavy, dark-stained oak front door through my uber-sleek loft apartment. I grabbed another piece of improbably small and light gear, ignoring the door. If anybody talked me out of this trip, I’d never get up the guts to do something like this again, and I needed to do something.

Even the thought of staying in Boston, marrying Lainey, and finding another Financial Analyst job made me nauseous. I had to get away and go somewhere totally different, if I was ever going to figure anything out. Because I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted and staying here hadn’t generated any epiphanies.

The booming faded. I exhaled into the silence.

“Come on, Evan.”

I jumped. Fucking John.

“I know you’re in there. I saw your car outside and the lights on.” His knuckles tapped the door this time. “Talk to me, bro. You haven’t been answering your phone. I’m worried about you.”

The plaintive tone in his voice pressed on me. A few tiny chunks of my limited resolve crumbled. I wedged my water filter and cook stove into my pack.

“At least let me know you’re all right.”

Setting down my titanium pot with a clank, I crossed the living room and did the last thing I wanted to do. Or maybe the second to last thing since Lainey wasn’t the one standing on the other side of the door. I turned the knob.

My brother loomed over me, lips pressed in a thin line, eyebrows pulled together, fist raised to knock again. Stay strong, Evan. Stay strong. You can do this.

I crossed my arms over my chest. “You don’t need to break down my door. I’m fine, I promise.”

One thick shoulder shoved against me and he barged into my apartment, waving at the pile of multicolored bags and bits piled on the floor. “What’s all this?”

“A backpack. And gear.”

“What’s it for?”

“Backpacking.”

“No shit, Sherlock.” He spun to face me. “You haven’t been camping since Cub Scouts. You’re not planning to pull a Chris McCandless and die in the wilderness, are you?”

“Fuck you.” Stay strong. Stay strong. “For your information, I have been backpacking since then.”

“When?” He lifted his chin.

“Boy Scouts, when I was twelve. The year you went off to Stanford.” I held my rain jacket and pants folder over the top of my pack and flipped the lid to lock everything in place. The buckle didn’t reach. I pulled and shoved. “Those were some of the happiest days of my life, so please don’t try to talk me out of this trip.”

“Does Lainey know about it?”
“I wrote her a note.” I pointed at the counter.

“Now I know you’ve cracked.” John lifted the paper off the granite kitchen island and scanned it. His eyes widened. “You’re going backpacking in Washington State? Couldn’t you go somewhere closer to Boston? I mean, doesn’t the Appalachian Trail go through part of New England?\

Annnnnnnd…This is why I haven’t told anyone my plan. I gritted my teeth and laid my stomach across the top of the pack, striving for maximum compression. The tips of the buckles almost touched. Damnit.

I rocked back on my heels. “Anywhere in New England is not far enough away from here.”

“What about the Rockies? Isn’t Colorado far enough?”

“Colorado is too rugged and high elevation. Besides, I’ve always wanted to check out Portland and Seattle.”

He shook his head. “Well, at least I know where to send the search and rescue team.”

“Very funny.”

“Are you sure this isn’t just unemployment depression talking, bro?”

“Positive. Honestly, losing that job was a relief more than anything else.” I tossed the rain pants aside, folded my jacket flat as possible, and laid it on top. Balancing the pack between my legs, I strained to clip it shut, praying it wouldn’t burst at the seams—here, or on the trail.

“So, let me get this straight. You’ve got a hot fiancé from a wealthy family who’s about to make partner at her law firm—”

“She’s not my fiancé anymore.” I growled. The buckle clicked. I rocked back on my heels and glanced at the ball of black nylon on the hardwood floor. It’s August. Even in the Pacific Northwest, I can survive a week without rain pants.

His eyes went wide. “What? Seriously?”

“Seriously.” John’s stare pulled the words out of me. “I’m dying here. That job, my relationship, they’ve been sucking away my soul.”

“Damn. I knew you weren’t super happy, but I didn’t realize it was that bad. I figured you were finally learning how to toe the family line without losing your mind.”

“I’m not like you, John. I wasn’t born to be the golden boy of the Davenport clan.” I hoisted my pack onto my back, the weight digging into my shoulders, and tried to remember the right order for adjusting the straps. “I’m not sure what I want to do with my life, but I know this isn’t it and I don’t think I’m ever going to find it here.”

“Mother and Father are going to freak the fuck out when they hear you left.”
A bucket of ice-cold guilt poured over me, cooling some of my resolve. “They’re going to be even more upset when they hear I left Lainey.”

“Yeah, and they’ll call me when they can’t reach you. So will Lainey. What should I say?”

This time the guilt hit more like a thick, icy blanket of snow. The kind that traps you and suffocates you if you aren’t careful. I ran my fingers over the bumps and ridges of the stones of my leather bracelet—the one Uncle Martin gave me the year he died—searching for confidence.

“Tell them you don’t know any more than what is in my note. I’ll be home in ten days, so it’s not like it’s the end of the world. And right now, I have a plane to catch.”
“I’m guessing there’s no cell service out there.”

“You guessed right. Besides, I got rid of my phone.”

“You wha—?”

“Don’t.” I held up my palm. “I’ll explain it all later, but I really have to go.”

John crossed his arms, eyes pinched at the corners, and blew out a breath. “Fine.”

“I owe you one. Seriously, you get the award for world’s best big brother for this one.”

“Gee, thanks. Just don’t blame me if you come home to a serious shitstorm or three.”

I grabbed my duffel bag of extra clothes and opened the door. “I’m well aware the only person I have to blame for my shitstorms is me.”

CHAPTER 2

JULES

Tiny raindrops pattered on my nylon roof. Tucking my dirty hiking boots into the corner of my vestibule, I butt-crawled inside, shimmying out of my damp rain pants along the way.

Belly still warm from a hot dinner of tuna mac, I pulled on long johns and fresh, dry socks. I slithered into the cozy cocoon of my sleeping bag with a deep, contented sigh. The rain picked up steam, hitting my tent like a line of drummers at a halftime show.

Laying back, I stretched long, shifting around to work out the kinks in my back.
Four days in and my life had already settled into the familiar rhythms of the trail. Wake before the sun heats the green walls of my tent. Make a hot breakfast. Break camp. Hike through spectacular scenery. Eat snacks. Hike some more. Eat some more. Set up camp. Make a hot dinner. Sleep. Repeat.

Nobody to deal with. Nobody else’s problems needing solving, or egos needing stroking. Not even any real decisions to be made beyond when to eat and when to make camp.

In other words, total fucking bliss.

Not that I’d gotten very far on solving my own problems. But I had miles and hours and days of thinking time ahead. I could afford to relax and just be for at least a week. Get back in touch with the me I was when I was alone, instead of always being somebody’s graphic designer, consultant, coach, armchair psychotherapist, or goddamn ex-girlfriend.

Tension that wasn’t from carrying an almost thirty-pound pack crept into my neck. I grabbed my book and set my headlamp on medium, reading until I couldn’t hold my eyelids up. Which took about three minutes.

Lights out, surrounded by sighing forest and tapping rain drops, sleep sucked me in the way it had every night so far—hard and fast. No dreams, just thick, heavy, total relaxation.

My eyes snapped open for no apparent reason. I held my breath, listening through the rain drumming my tent.

A man’s voice rang out from feet away, the tone somewhere between exasperated and hopeless. “Seriously?”

Nylon rustled and shifted outside my tent, loud even through the rain.

I exhaled. What kind of dumbass tries to set up a tent in the dark, in this weather?

A branch snapped. “Fucking goddammit!” This time his voice hit a note somewhere between pissed and despondent. Nylon crackled and shushed.

Snuggling in deeper, I covered my head with my bag to block out the noise of my new neighbor. The rain’s tapping lulled me. My eyelids drooped like they had weights attached and—

“Sonofabitch.”

I flipped over and stared up at the night-dark ceiling, listening to continued cursing, crinkling, and crumpling. The guy wasn’t setting up his tent, he was in a full-fledged, mixed martial arts fight with it.

“Fuck. Me.” Scrabbling for my headlamp, I unzipped my tent and aimed the beam across the small clearing. Raindrops formed silver lines, obscuring my view.

My light caught a bit of reflective material. And a bare leg. And what looked like a pile of fabric thrown over a boulder but had to be a rainfly tossed over the asshole who woke me up.

“Um, helloooo. What the fuck are you doing out there?” My breath hung like a ghost in the beam of light.

“Oh, nothing. Just trying to get some shut eye. Except my tent just broke, it’s pouring rain, and I’m soaking wet.”

“And why, exactly are you setting up in the middle of the night in a rainstorm?”

“Because I need somewhere dry to sleep.”

Fuck. I knew I shouldn’t have asked.

“Don’t you have rain pants?”

“If I had rain pants, don’t you think I’d be wearing them?” The pile of nylon shifted and settled, and the bare leg disappeared.

“You’re going to go hypothermic dressed like that.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.” The rain pounded down. Are you going to turn off that light, or what? I am trying to get some sleep over here.”

“Sure thing.” I clicked off my headlamp and sat in the dry comfort of my tent, staring out into the dark, wet night.

The chances of my random neighbor getting any shuteye out there were pretty much nil. Ditto the chances of me sleeping through the night with his periodic shifting and cussing.

The chances of him getting hypothermia dressed like that in forty-five-degree rain, on the other hand, were pretty damn high.

I clicked on my headlamp. “Aren’t you freezing?”

“Pretty much.”

Something told me I would regret my next words. But I didn’t want his death on my conscience.  “You can’t stay out there all night like that. My tent isn’t big, but I can make room for you. If you want.”

“God, yes. Thank you.” He flung off the rainfly and trotted over. Rainwater splashed under his running shoe-clad feet and clung to his bare shins.

Face obscured by a ratty beard and his hood pulled low over his nose, rando dude dove for the entrance to my tent.

“Hey. Hey. Slow down.” I held up a palm. “Take off that jacket and your muddy-ass shoes and leave ’em in the vestibule. Otherwise it’s going to be as wet and nasty in here as it is out there.”

“Okay. Okay.” He stomped and shivered, slipped off his rain shell, and sat in the entrance unlacing his shoes with shaking, wrinkled fingers. Water pooled on the tent floor around his ass.

“Shit. You’re soaked. Take off everything before you get all the way in here.”

He glanced over a shoulder and a pair of deep blue eyes gazed into mine. “You’re not trying to take advantage of me, are you?”

A zing of electricity shot through my chest and settled at the apex of my thighs. For no good God damn reason.

“I’m trying to keep you from dying out there. So, hurry up.” I snagged my pack towel, wiping up the puddle inching toward the foot of my sleeping bag.

He hesitated, teeth chattering. The musty smell of damp wool filled the tiny space.

“I promise I won’t make fun of your tiny peen. If that’s what you’re worried about, we can chalk it up to shrinkage.”

“No. I’m wondering how we’re both going to fit in here.”

“You’re not that big.”

“You don’t know that.” The corner of his ashen lips quirked, but he peeled off his shirt and reached for his waistband. He lifted his hips off the floor, the muscles in his back rolling and flexing. And just like that, a naked, quaking stranger filled my tent.

If I didn’t get this guy warm soon, I’d have a bigger problem on my hands. I scooched to the side and opened my bag. The damp nylon wall pressed against my back. I shivered. “Zip up the door and climb in.”

###

EVAN

Trembling and chattering, and eternally grateful, I crawled into her sleeping bag, burrowed my head under the covers and curled into a shaking ball. I’d never been so cold in my life.

Fuck. What am I doing out here? Other than almost getting myself killed in a freezing rainstorm, in the middle of nowhere.

The sleeping bag wasn’t near as warm as I’d hoped, or maybe I was colder than I realized. Either way, I wasn’t going to complain. Not given my options.

“Please tell me you still have a dry sleeping bag out there.” My savior’s voice rang loud even through the nylon and insulation. “Because I’m pretty sure we won’t both fit in mine.”

“I have a sleeping bag in the top of my pack.” I pointed in the general direction even though she couldn’t see my hand under the covers. “Not sure about the dry part.”
The rain pounded on the tent. My body quaked. Fear and acid roiled my gut.

“Shit. Okay. Be right back.”

I curled smaller, as much for warmth as to give her room to get out of the tent. The zip and snick of the door warned me she’d gone and returned.

“You’re fucking lucky.”

“Not usually.”

“Well, you are tonight, because your pack was sitting upright and wide open, but your rainfly kept everything from getting soaked.”

The shush of a sleeping bag sliding out of its stuff sack filled me with a ridiculous amount of excitement. I could’ve happily huddled under five sleeping bags.

Cool air and light wafted in and tremors ran from my head to my toes. My savior’s body slipped into my cozy cocoon, blocking the sudden draft. She spread my bag over the top of us, filling the gaps, and I prayed I’d start to feel warmer soon.

“Straighten your legs, would you? I need at least a little room.”

Much as I didn’t want to give up any possible body heat, I stretched out long. She spooned in behind me, the scratch of her clothing on my bare skin making me hyper-aware of my nudity.

“Aren’t you supposed to be naked too?” My teeth chattered. “To warm me up faster?”

“Yeah…No.” She took her hand off my hip. “I think you’ve gotten lucky enough tonight.”

“I mean, that’s what always happens in books and movies.”

“You’re still shivering. And you’re talking and making perfect sense. So, I really don’t think that’s necessary. I can give you plenty of body heat through my clothes.” She exhales. “Besides, I make it a policy not to get naked with anyone unless we’re on a first-name basis.”

“Funny. So do I. Yet here I am.” I’m pretty sure I tried to shrink inside myself. Vulnerable didn’t even begin to cover how I felt in that moment. Stupid and scared and vulnerable came closer.

Her guffaw shot through the tent like a bullet from a gun, but her warm hand landed on my hip again. “I guess there’s an easy way to fix that. I’m Jules.”

“Evan.” My shivers slowed from constant to intermittent. “Thank you for coming to my rescue, Jules.”

“I couldn’t leave you out there in the rain. You’d have kept me up all damn night.”

She curled in closer, her head against my mid-back, her knees hitting my hamstrings.

I settled into her welcome heat. We barely fit in her tiny tent like this. No way could we lay side-by-side. She was giving up a comfortable, good night’s sleep for me. A total stranger. “I still appreciate it, even if you did it for selfish reasons.”

“You’re welcome, then. But don’t get too comfortable. I’m kicking you out at first light.”

“Roger that.”

She might’ve saved my life, but I had zero plans to spend any more time with her than absolutely necessary. So far, this backpacking adventure had given me more blisters and discomfort than personal insights or inspiration. I was done being cold, wet, dirty, hungry, sore, tired, and under-caffeinated.

All I wanted to do was survive the night, speed run the rest of this damn trail, and get the hell out of here. Hot meals and hotter showers beckoned.

Want to keep reading? Join The Gold Club and get the third chapter for free. OR preorder Wild at Heart as an ebook everywhere now for just $0.99! It’ll drop on May 2nd, 2022.

The post Sneak Peek at Wild at Heart appeared first on Stacy Gold.

Wild at Heart Preorder Blitz Party

Help me celebrate my upcoming adventure romance release, Wild at Heart, at the Preorder Blitz Party Giveaway and you could win!

Enter to Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card and an Emerald Mountain Ski Romance e-boxed set. Plus you can preorder your copy of Wild at Heart on sale for only $0.99 at the NNLight Preorder Blitz Party giveaway!!

About my steamy backpacking romance, Wild at Heart:

They each hit the trail solo in search of themselves…

Overworked entrepreneur Jules Martinez is sick and tired of men leaving her for their exes. Determined to wipe the giant, scarlet R for rebound off her forehead, she kicks off a yearlong vow of celibacy with five, blissful weeks backpacking her favorite trails through Washington State. Solo.

Out-of-work financial analyst Evan Davenport hasn’t been happy since camping in Scouts as a kid—before his wealthy parents and now ex-fiancé made all his major life decisions. Hoping to find joy and purpose, he buys all the latest ultralight backpacking gear, flies to Washington, and sets off alone on a weeklong speed hike through the wilderness.

Mother Nature has other plans, though, and keeps shoving Evan and Jules in each other’s paths. Usually naked. When sparks fly, can they find what they’re looking for in life together instead of apart?

What early readers are saying…

“Made my heart melt on multiple occasions. All those sweet moments were balanced perfectly with a good dose of spice”

“Refreshingly sweet and funny. The banter between Evan and Jules is delightful and story itself was entertaining.”

“It’s hilarious and totally not what you would expect putting him in the damsel in distress role…I’m starting to doubt my devotion to the typical “alpha-male” characters.”

“I love how Jules is such a competent and fierce main character…This was a quick and enjoyable read and I loved the authors writing style.”

“A wonderful read for those interested in second chances, romance, and the crazy paths that life can take us on.”

“I especially love when male protagonists aren’t toxic and Evan nailed that to perfection! Pick this up for a lovely and romantic time outdoors.”

“(A) unique and exciting romance novel full of outdoor adventure, a sexy trail romance, self-doubt and the bravery behind loving again after past heartbreak.”

Enter the rafflecopter giveaway here!
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