Kaylene Winter's Blog, page 2
July 7, 2025
THE BLACK COVERS OF THE CHARMING IRISH
Get ready for a bold new way to fall for the McGloughlins
If you know me, you know my personal aesthetic tends to run a little moodier. Black, bold, and beautiful has always been my go-to.
So it’s no surprise I’ve been dreaming up something extra special for my Charming Irish paperbacks.
Today, I’m finally revealing it.
Meet the Black Covers. Sleek, sophisticated alternatives to the original clean, white paperbacks. These discreet editions still hold all the steam, swoon, and family drama you love but are now wrapped in a darker, sexier vibe.
Starting with Tender Temptation, each book in the series will soon be available in either white or black. Collect one set or both!
They’ll be available very soon, so stay tuned.
With gratitude,
Kaylene
P.S. I’d love to invite you to join my personal ARC team, the Backstage Krew. If you’d like early access to my books, sneak peeks, and a behind-the-scenes experience, sign-ups are open now for a limited time. I’d be thrilled to have you join me. Sign up here!
The post THE BLACK COVERS OF THE CHARMING IRISH appeared first on Kaylene Winter, Author.
June 26, 2025
FIVE YEARS OF ENDLESS LOVE
It’s hard to believe but it’s been five whole years since I hit publish on ENDLESS, the very first book in my Less Than Zero series. What started as a rockstar romance with a broken boy and a brave girl has grown into an entire world filled with love, longing, healing, and heat.
Back in 2020, in the midst of Covid, I had no idea where this journey would take me. I just knew I had to tell Ty and Zoey’s story. I never imagined how many readers would fall for them and for Jace, Connor, and Zane right along with them.
Your messages, your reviews, your support at signings, it’s been nothing short of magic.
In five years, we’ve:
Launched a bestselling seriesTraveled the world through these charactersExpanded into spinoff series (Hate to Love You, Charming Irish, and now Hearts without Borders!)Shared laughter, steam, and plenty of tearsBecome friends with authors who inspired me to begin in the first placeBuilt a community that truly feels like homeIf you’ve been here since ENDLESS, thank you for taking a chance on me. If you’ve joined along the way, I’m so glad you’re part of this ride.
In celebration of my 5-year author anniversary, I’m giving you a gift…
ENDLESS, Ty and Zoey’s unforgettable love story is FREE from June 26–30 on Amazon!
If you’ve never started the Less Than Zero series, now’s the perfect time to dive in. And if you’ve already read it—maybe it’s time for a swoony reread!
Grab it here!
And don’t forget to tell a friend!
Here’s to five years of stories and to so many more to come.
With all my heart,
Kaylene
The post FIVE YEARS OF ENDLESS LOVE appeared first on Kaylene Winter, Author.
June 24, 2025
SURPRISE!!!! A NEW SERIES TAKES FLIGHT
Miles is headed to Paris, and he’s not coming back the same.
If you met Miles in The Flirt Alert, you already know he’s Shay’s brilliant, broody twin who built a billion-dollar gaming empire then walked away from it without a plan.
In Boarding Pass, Miles finally books a one-way ticket to freedom. Paris is supposed to be his reset button. No pressure. No expectations. Just cobblestone streets, strong coffee, and the illusion of peace.
Then he meets Sophie, a captivating, complicated photographer nursing her own heartbreak—and everything changes.
This story is tender, sexy, and full of unexpected detours. Their chemistry is off the charts, but it’s the emotional pull that caught me by surprise as I was writing it.
Boarding Pass kicks off my brand-new Hearts Without Borders series, a collection of steamy, heart-squeezing romance novellas set in dream destinations around the world and featuring characters you’ve seen in one or more of my full-length novels.
The series is all about leaving your baggage behind only to realize the love you never saw coming might be the one thing worth keeping. Steamy. Passionate. Forever Love!
Come fall in love in Paris. Miles and Sophie are waiting.
COVER REVEAL HITS AUGUST 4BOARDING PASS LANDS IN KINDLE UNLIMITED ON SEPTEMBER 5Keep an eye on my socials to catch it first!
To celebrate, I’m sharing a special peek…. just for my list:
EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:Jet lag is no joke.
It’s day two—well, night two. My body’s screaming for sleep, but my brain won’t stop buzzing.
After I checked in, I dined alone at a little bistro where I enjoyed a stellar meal of steak frites. I even drank an entire bottle of wine, figuring it would help me sleep. But, no. I lay awake all fucking night long staring at the ceiling, finally passing out around breakfast time after I rubbed one out.
When I woke up it was midafternoon. Now I’m in the twilight zone of being exhausted but also wired. For the past several hours, I’ve walked half the Marais trying to shake off this annoying restless energy.
It’s not working.
God, I’m finding it impossible to relax. It feels like I’m forgetting to do something. Years of deadlines, product launches, and running a business has messed me up. I have no idea how to chill anymore.
Which fucking sucks.
Plus, I’ve come to the realization my spur-of-the-moment decision to hop on a plane might not have been the most-well-thought-out plan. I don’t speak French. I know exactly zero people here. I’m too old for nightclubs, too restless to sit alone in a café, and bars aren’t my thing.
I’m standing there, debating whether to wander aimlessly or admit defeat and go back to the hotel when I spot it—a wine bar tucked into a quiet corner, glowing with warm, golden light.
Magnum. The name’s printed on the awning in clean, sharp lettering. Tables spill out onto the street, lively but not chaotic. Inside, it looks…perfect. Busy, but not overly crowded. Doesn’t seem pretentious.
Stepping inside, I immediately love the vibe—the perfect mix of cozy and cool. Soft chatter hums under the faint clink of glasses. The décor is quirky and eclectic—photos of Tom Selleck in full Magnum PI glory line the walls, for God’s sake. How could you go wrong?
This’ll work. At least for tonight.
I scan the room and see her.
The woman seems to be alone, elbow resting on the bar as she swirls the final bit of red wine in her glass. She’s stunning in a undeniably effortless way. Dark, chestnut hair is swept back in a large clip. Loose strands brush her cheekbones. Her skin glows under the warm light, and her eyes—green, intense—flick around the room like she’s studying it. She wears a simple black dress with a colorful scarf draped around her shoulders.
I don’t know what it is about her. It takes every ounce of self-control not to stare.
Crossing the room toward the bar, I order a glass of red wine, leaving it up to the bartender to choose for me. I lean against the counter as I wait. Out of the corner of my eye, I see her dig for something in a bag slung across the back of her stool. She fumbles slightly, her hand brushing the stem—and suddenly, the wine tips.
It’s like slow motion. The red liquid spills across the table, dripping over the edge and pooling on the floor. She mutters something under her breath and grabs one of those tiny bar napkins, blotting furiously at the mess.
Before I can stop myself, I grab a fistful of bar napkins and step forward. “Need a hand?”
She stops for a second, like I’ve startled her. When she looks up, I notice two things: her cheeks are flushed, and her eyes are sharp, sizing me up like she’s not convinced I’m actually here to help.
“No, it’s fine.” Her voice is tight but controlled. “Really, it’s nothing.”
“Oh, it’s something,” I smile as I crouch to wipe up the floor. “But hey, I shouldn’t judge. Last week, I dropped an entire iced coffee in the middle of Starbucks.”
To my surprise, she laughs softly and she seems to relax a bit. “Thanks.” She finally looks me in the eye, and holy hell. I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman in my life.
“You’re welcome.” I toss the wet napkins in the trash and take the seat next to her. “Do you spill drinks often or am I just the lucky guy who gets to use it as an excuse to meet you?”
SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!!WILD & WINDY VIP TICKET GIVEAWAY! ENDS 6/30/2025
Celebrating all *four* Wild & Windy Book Event locations with a
HUGE **8 VIP Ticket G-I-V-E-A-W-A-Y**!
Tag your favorite book bestie—they need this!
Two of my dear author friends have one special deal and one new release. I’m so excited for you to read them! Their stories are swoony, smart, and packed with heart. I’m especially tickled that one of them includes a line inspired by something I once said about my husband over dinner…can you guess what it is?
Supporting each other in this wild, wonderful world of romance is one of the best parts of this journey. So if you’re looking for your next read, go grab their books and fall in love all over again.
Third Time’s The Charm
Samatha Baca – Available now!
Darling Obsession
(Bayshore Billionaires #2)
Jaine Diamond – Get it here!
That’s all for now!
xo,
Kaylene 💋
The post SURPRISE!!!! A NEW SERIES TAKES FLIGHT appeared first on Kaylene Winter, Author.
June 13, 2025
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE LOVE 💜
I want to take a moment to say—thank you.
Your excitement, your messages, your reviews… they mean everything. Wistful Whispers has only been out a short time, and already I’m overwhelmed (in the best way) by how deeply Seamus and Marcella’s story is resonating.
Writing this book was personal. Emotional. Intense. And knowing it’s landed in your hearts makes every twist, every rewrite, every vulnerable scene worth it.
So today, I want to gift you a moment that’s both tender and heated—because that’s who Seamus and Marcella are: chaos and comfort, fire and forever.
Here’s a sneak peek at the moment it all nearly unravels—and almost ignites:
The stark room is bathed in warm, golden light, a stark contrast to the cold, clinical hallway. A hospital bed sits in the center, and perched on the edge is Seamus. Right where I left him.
His longish, wavy hair falls into his face, the brown strands catch the light as his piercing blue eyes lock on to mine. He wears blue scrubs, the fabric clings to his muscular frame making my stomach flip.
A slow, knowing smile spreads across his face, and my heart skips a beat.
“Marcella.” His deep tone is like velvet.
I should turn around and leave again. This is wrong. My feet won’t move. Instead, I step inside and the door clicks shut behind me. I can’t tear my eyes away from him.
“I shouldn’t be here,” I whisper and swallow hard.
I want to be here. My nipples pebble under his heated stare. Arousal soaks my panties.
Seamus stands, slow and deliberate and takes a step toward me. “You should.” He takes my hand without breaking eye contact. “You want this as much as I do.”
I open my mouth to deny it. The words won’t come. He’s absolutely right. I have been thinking about him nonstop. For too long. Now, we’re close enough for me to smell the faint scent of his cologne—warm and woodsy, with a hint of spice.
His free hand cups my cheek tenderly. I shiver at the contact.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs, his gaze roaming over my face. “So sexy in your power suit. Your warrior princess armor.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I try to step back, never comfortable being assessed this way.
“Yes, you do.” He rakes his eyes up and down my body appreciatively. “You hide behind the wall you’ve built. Afraid to let anyone see the real you. I do, Marcella. I see you and tonight, I want all of you.”
His words cut through me, stripping away the layers of defense I’ve built over the years. I’m exposed, vulnerable, and yet…I know I won’t run anymore. I’ve been fantasizing about this moment for too long. I want to be here with Seamus.
He steps closer, his body inches from mine. Heat radiates off him. My breath hitches as his hand slides down to my hip, his touch firm but gentle.
“You don’t have to be afraid,” he whispers, his lips brushing against my ear. “I’m gonna take care of you.”
I close my eyes, my mind spinning. This is inappropriate. Morally. Ethically. Except, my body responds to him instinctively, leaning into his touch, craving more. He tilts my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze.
“Tell me you want this,” he drawls like liquid sex. “Tell me you want me.”
I should say no. I should push him away. The words coming out of my mouth are the opposite.
“Yes,” I whisper. “I want you more than anything.”
“Thank Christ. I can’t resist you.” His lips crash down on mine, and the world tilts.
Want more? Grab your copy now. (LINK)
Readers, I’d be so grateful if you left a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Apple. Every single review helps keep this story visible—and helps me keep writing the books you love.
With all my gratitude,
Kaylene
The post THANK YOU FOR ALL THE LOVE 💜 appeared first on Kaylene Winter, Author.
June 10, 2025
YOU’RE MAKING ME BLUSH
Thank You for the Incredible Wistful Whispers Reviews!
I’m absolutely floored—in the best way.
Wistful Whispers has only been out for a short time, and already your reviews, DMs, and word-of-mouth support have made this release unforgettable. I poured my heart into Marcella and Seamus’ story. Seeing how it’s landed with you? It means everything.
Here’s what readers are saying:
If you’ve read Wistful Whispers and haven’t left a review yet, I’d be incredibly grateful if you did—it’s one of the best ways to help new readers find the book.
Want to feel what everyone’s talking about? Here’s a favorite moment from Seamus:
“Tell me to stop.” I call her bluff.
She hesitates. Then she doesn’t, kissing me again. Harder this time.
My hands skim her back and I pull her closer. I’m drowning in her. In us.”
Or maybe this from Marcella:
“I’m afraid of what it means,” she whispers.
“Why are you afraid?”
“What if it means everything—only for it to end?”
Thank you again for falling for Seamus and Marcella like I did. Your support makes all of this possible.
Still haven’t read it? Don’t wait! Get Wistful Whispers here.
With so much gratitude,
Kaylene
The post YOU’RE MAKING ME BLUSH appeared first on Kaylene Winter, Author.
June 9, 2025
WISTFUL WHISPERS RELEASE DAY IS HERE!
Wistful Whispers is out—and trust me, Seamus McGloughlin is going to wreck you in the best possible way.
I poured my whole heart into this book. It’s angsty, steamy, and full of emotional tension that doesn’t let up. Seamus—the youngest McGloughlin brother—is brilliant, brooding, and has earned a reputation at the hospital for… a very specific kind of magic.
Marcella Delgado is the sharp, stunning plus-size attorney who sees through his charm and forces him to face a truth he’s been running from. Their connection? Unstoppable. Their fallout? Unthinkable.
Not convinced?
Here’s a sneak peek at the moment it all nearly unravels—and almost ignites:
I reach up, brush her hair back, and she closes her eyes.
“I can’t think,” she whispers. “When you’re this close.”
“Then don’t think.” I lean in, slow and deliberate, until her lips are right there—soft, trembling. Inches from mine.
When our mouths finally meet, it’s not rushed or frantic. It’s not needy or wild.
It’s reverent.
A slow slide of her pillowy lips against mine. Warm. Careful. Unbelievably tender.
I feel her breath hitch when I angle my head and brush my mouth against hers like I’ve been dreaming about for months. This kiss has been building since the second I saw her—since the second she shattered every expectation I had and rebuilt it into something I never saw coming.
Her hand curls into the fabric of my shirt. Not pushing me away—holding on. Christ, I feel it everywhere. The heat. The ache. The impossible rightness of this.
When her lips part and I taste more of her, I swear it almost drops me to my knees. It’s a promise. One I feel in the center of my chest—steady and deep and terrifying as hell.
When our kiss deepens and becomes more urgent, my hands find her waist. Hers thread through my hair. When we finally pull apart, both of us are breathing like we’ve run a marathon.
Marcella’s eyes are wide and glassy. Her breathing is shaky. “We shouldn’t.”
“Tell me to stop.” I call her bluff.
She hesitates. Then she doesn’t, kissing me again. Harder this time.
My hands skim her back and I pull her closer. She gasps when I lift her into my lap. Her skirt rides up and she doesn’t seem to care. I’m drowning in her. In us.
As fast as it starts, she breaks the kiss, pulling back, her hands on my chest.
“No. We can’t.” Her voice cracks. “Not like this. Not tonight.”
I breathe hard, nodding, even as I try to slow my pulse. “Okay. Okay.”
She scrambles off my lap and starts to pace, her arms crossed over her chest.
“I’m sorry,” she says. “I shouldn’t have.”
I stand too, closing the distance between us. “We didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I’m afraid of what it means.” She looks at me, conflicted.
“Why are you afraid?”
Her shoulders fall. “What if it means everything? Only for it to end?”
“We won’t let it. End.” I reach for her hand.
She squeezes my fingers. Then let’s go.
We stand there in silence for a moment longer until she crushes me. “No. We can’t. Not now. Not ever.”
“Marcella…”
“It’s not right.” She smooths her skirt.
“I don’t agree, maybe…”
“No maybes. It’s wrong.” She steps away, flustered.
This pisses me off immensely. Not because I’m mad at her. I hate she feels like I’ll let her down. “Why doesn’t it feel wrong? For me, being with you feels inevitable.”
She whirls around. “No, being with you is a problem.”
Then she’s marching toward the exit.
“Marcella.”
She doesn’t turn around. Instead, pushes through the door and I hear her heels clicking down the hallway toward the elevator.
I grab my phone and text her.
Come back.
I wait. Every second feels like an hour. I’m convinced Marcella hasn’t seen my text or worse, she’s seen and ignored it.
Then I hear something.
Heels. Echoing down the hall. Getting closer.
The door swings open and she’s back—eyes wild, breath shallow, fire in every step.
She doesn’t speak. Neither do I. Her mouth finds mine and nothing else exists.
No courtroom. No hospital. No rules.
Only this.
The inevitability we’ve been circling finally breaks.
I know with gut-deep certainty—
Marcella was always mine.
Whew!
Want more? Grab your copy now. Then cancel your plans. You’re going to need some time with Seamus.
With love,
Kaylene
The post WISTFUL WHISPERS RELEASE DAY IS HERE! appeared first on Kaylene Winter, Author.
June 5, 2025
ONE WEEK ‘TIL SEAMUS STEALS YOUR HEART
The countdown is on!
Wistful Whispers drops in ONE WEEK—are you ready to fall for the youngest McGloughlin brother?
Seamus is a neurosurgery resident with a reputation as the “Orgasm Whisperer.” Marcella Delgado is the fierce, curvy attorney who turns his world upside down—and their forbidden attraction? Absolutely nuclear.
This is reverse age-gap, high-heat, slow-burn angst at its finest.Make sure you’ve preordered.Add it on Goodreads.What are you most excited for—Seamus’ dirty mouth or Marcella’s courtroom sass?
My sweet Pomsky pup Phalen turns ONE this week!
From puppy classes to book tours to his first concert (!!), this little guy has brought so much love and chaos into my life. 💕
Help me celebrate by engaging with me on social media with your favorite dog name, pup pic, or furry friend story.
Find me on Instagram: @kaylenewinteruathor
THANK YOU, SEATTLE + VANCOUVER, WA!
Endless love and gratitude to the organizers and readers at Rain City Author Event and Hot and Steamy in the PNW—your support, hugs, and laughs made my spring signings unforgettable!
To the readers: meeting you in real life is the fuel that keeps me writing.
If you snagged a signed copy, tag me! If we missed each other, don’t worry—more signings are coming this fall.
Thank you for being part of this wild, steamy ride.
With love and excitement,
Kaylene
The post ONE WEEK ‘TIL SEAMUS STEALS YOUR HEART appeared first on Kaylene Winter, Author.
May 19, 2025
BEHIND THE SCENES – A NIGHT IN THE LIFE OF KAYLENE
Hey friends,
Today I wanted to share something personal and truly special with you—one of those real life behind-the-scenes moments that filled my heart in the best possible way.
Earlier this month, I had the absolute honor of attending Dreaming in Analog, a tribute concert celebrating the life and legacy of my dear friend Charles R. Cross (Charley). If you’ve ever followed Seattle’s music scene or devoured Heavier Than Heaven, Room Full of Mirrors, or his other best-selling books about Seattle music royalty, you know exactly who Charley was.
Music journalist. Connector. Storyteller. Relentless truth-seeker. An icon.
What many don’t know is how instrumental Charley was in shaping the Seattle music scene. As a young promoter, I first met Charley who was the founder and editor of The Rocket (THE music bible of Seattle in the ‘80s and ‘90s). He seemed like the coolest and most influential guy in town. I remember thinking, “This man knows everyone, has seen everything, and still somehow makes time for the underdogs.”
Over the years, as my life evolved from band manager and music promoter to media attorney to romance author, our sweet friendship grew right along with it. We always managed to reconnect over long lunches to talk about our mutual love of music and, later, the behind-the-scenes contributions of women in the Seattle scene—something he passionately cared about.
Right before he passed, Charley and I had lunch because he had been commissioned to write his own memoir and wanted to interview me about that very topic. That was Charley—always shining the light on others, always championing people’s stories. He even cheered me on (with a slightly bemused shake of his head) when I first told him about my rockstar romances.
Nicole Jon Sievers, another dear friend, created a night he would have loved (and pretended to hate). The lineup was insane: Nancy Wilson (Heart), Sir Mix-A-Lot, Chris Ballew (Presidents of the United States of America), Molly Sides (ThunderPussy), Eva Walker, Pete Droge, Mary Lambert (Macklemore), and so many more.
The Moore Theatre was packed with old friends, former colleagues, and music lovers. The energy was magic—raw, emotional, and pure Seattle. It was also Phalen’s first concert. You heard that right—I brought my sweet puppy who was the most popular guy in the room (Krist Novocelic and his wife wouldn’t stop petting him).
Proceeds from the night are going to the Charles R. Cross Music Writer’s Grant, to provide generations of writers with scholarships so they can keep telling the stories Charley dedicated his life to.
I still can’t believe he’s gone. I’m grateful to have known him, and I just wanted to share a small window into that moment with all of you.
Hug your people tight. Blast your favorite song loud. Remember that music—and stories—heal us.
P.S. A special book treat!
LIMITLESS/LIMITLESS ENCORE ON SALE!
If you’ve been waiting to start (or re-read!) Jace and Alex’s unforgettable story, now’s your moment. Limitless and Limitless Encore, the steamy, emotional duet following LTZ drummer Jace Deveraux and his muse Alex LeRoux through their decade-long friends-to-lovers journey, are both on sale for just 99¢ each from May 18 – May 31.
Not only does this duet give you all the angst, love, and second chances you could want, but it’s also where Seamus McGloughlin first steps onto the page as an adult—and trust me, you’ll want to know him before Wistful Whispers arrives.
Grab them while they’re hot!
Get Limitless here – https://mybook.to/LimitlessBookTwo
Get Limitless: Encore here – https://mybook.to/LimitlessEncoreBookSix
KU READERS, GET READY!
Starting June 1, ALL of my eBooks are coming back to Kindle Unlimited! You can binge the entire Kaylene Universe—from the wild, rockstar-fueled chaos of Less Than Zero, to the steamy standalone Hate to Love You romances, to the swoony, Irish charm of The Charming Irish series. Clear your TBR… it’s binge time!
With love and gratitude,
Kaylene
The post BEHIND THE SCENES – A NIGHT IN THE LIFE OF KAYLENE appeared first on Kaylene Winter, Author.
May 6, 2025
READ THE FIRST CHAPTER
Hey, lovely readers—
I can barely contain my excitement… Wistful Whispers is almost here, and I finally get to share Chapter One with you today!
This book has my whole heart. Writing Seamus McGloughlin’s story—our quiet, intensely focused youngest brother—completely swept me off my feet. From the moment he walked onto the page as a neurosurgery resident (and became known as the “Orgasm Whisperer” at his hospital), I knew his story would be special.
Pairing him with powerhouse attorney Marcella Delgado—who’s brilliant, curvy, and eight years his senior—gave me the emotional, steamy, high-stakes romance I’ve always wanted to write. Their chemistry?
Off. The. Charts.
And the twists? Let’s just say their forbidden connection turns into a storm that could take down everything. Careers. Reputations. Their last shot at love.
So here’s your first peek. I hope you love it as much as I do.
The pre-op room is quiet.
Humming with the weight of too many emotions in too small a space.
I’m nearing the end of my third year in my neurosurgery residency at University of Washington Medical School so I’ve been here before.
It never gets easier.
Especially when a patient is so young and vibrant.
Miranda Black sits on the exam table, her scrawny legs swinging like a metronome of nervous energy, oblivious to the gravity of what’s about to happen. She’s twelve—too young to shoulder the dread etched into her parents’ faces.
Instead, she looks at me with big, brown eyes, radiating a kind of trust which makes my gut twist. This little girl should have a long future ahead of her. Filled with childhood memories. Sleepovers and scraped knees, awkward kisses and graduation caps—everything she deserves but might never get.
I’d burn down the goddamn world to give her a shot at all of it.
“You ready for your big day, superstar?” I crouch slightly so we’re at eye level.
She grins. “Ready as I’ll ever be. Will I be able to feel it?”
“Nope.” I shake my head. “You’ll be asleep the whole time. When you wake up, all those nasty tumors will be gone, gone, gone.”
Miranda giggles and Myra, her mom, makes a choked sound behind her. I glance up, meeting Mrs. Black’s eyes. They’re rimmed red. Her fingers are clenched so tightly her knuckles have gone white. Beside her, Miranda’s father, Daniel, stands rigid. His face is carefully blank and his arms are crossed like they’re the only thing holding him together.
How I conduct myself now is, in my opinion, the most important part of a critical case like Miranda’s. Her family deserves hope. Trust. Honesty. We want to give them their daughter back. It’s important to coach them through what to expect.
I gesture to Layla, the nurse practitioner. “Can you take Miranda into the children’s waiting room and give her one of the iPads? We need to chat with her parents.”
“Sure.” Layla winks at me and leads Miranda from the room, looking over her shoulder with a distinct nod toward the exit sign.
Yeah. I’ve been there. Not going back for seconds.
My longtime mentor, Bryce Caldwell, clears his throat from the other side of the room, reminding me he’s in charge.
“Mr. and Mrs. Black. We’ll be using MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy.” He doesn’t see the benefit of being soft—a point of contention between us on occasion. “Lasers make this surgery minimally invasive, and our goal is to remove as many of the tumors as possible while preserving healthy brain function.”
Myra sucks her bottom lip over her teeth. “What are the risks, again?”
“Either way, they’re severe.” Bryce doesn’t sugarcoat. “The tumors are deep. Near the brainstem and the motor cortex. There’s a significant risk of bleeding, swelling, and neurological damage. Surgery is our best option.”
“Which means there are bad options.” Mr. Black chokes back a sob.
Bryce barely inclines his head. “Leaving the tumors in will make life agonizing. Along the way, Miranda will endure debilitating headaches. Seizures. All sorts of complications. There are always risks in neurosurgery. In my opinion, this operation is the only option.”
Jesus. He’s like a robot. I step in before the conversation turns completely mechanical. “We’ve gone over Miranda’s case extensively. Dr. Caldwell is the best. I’ll be assisting every step of the way.” I meet their eyes, my voice steady. “We’ll take care of her like she’s our own.”
Mrs. Black bursts into tears. “Do you promise?”
Something clenches in my chest. “I promise we’ll do everything we can.”
It’s not the answer she wants.
It’s the truth.
The OR is cold, sterile, and humming with focused energy. I feel at home here, in a room where nerves don’t exist.
Where they can’t exist.
Miranda looks impossibly tiny on the table, her head secured in a rigid frame. I’ve assisted in dozens of surgeries. Something about this one feels different. Maybe it’s her age, maybe it’s the way she looked at me before they wheeled her in here.
Maybe it’s because I need this to go well—not for her. For me. For my career.
For my sanity.
Bryce stands at the head of the table, his presence commanding. Movements deliberate. He’s been in the game forever. His reputation borders on legendary. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t grateful to be learning under him.
There’s always an unspoken tension between us—the unmovable old-school mentor and the ambitious resident who embraces a new way of patient care, yet still has to prove himself.
“LITT system ready?” Bryce peers over his glasses.
“Ready,” I confirm, my steady hands poised and prepared.
The MRI monitor glows, displaying the biggest tumor in real-time imaging. It’s invasive, nestled dangerously close to critical structures. Not unbeatable, though.
“Target locked.” I focus in. “Ready for ablation.”
Bryce activates the laser. The heat burns through the tumor, destroying the cancerous tissue while sparing the surrounding brain tissue. It’s delicate, precise work, and I watch every movement with fascination as I do everything he asks of me.
This man is an artist.
For the first hour, everything goes according to plan. The tumor is responding, shrinking under the guided heat. Until—
“Pressure’s rising,” Kendrick Lyon, the anesthesiologist warns. “Intracranial pressure is up to 25.”
I glance at the monitor and panic buzzes where my breath should be. This is way too high. We’ve been monitoring for swelling, however, this spike is dangerous.
Lethal.
Bryce’s expression doesn’t change, he remains calm under pressure. “Thank you, Kendrick. We need to manage the swelling. Seamus, please adjust the laser. We need to move faster.”
I nod, adjusting the fiber carefully and quickly. The pressure has to come down. We can’t afford a rupture.
Then something shifts—something Bryce obviously doesn’t see. A shadow on the monitor. Small. Unmistakable.
A blood vessel. It’s too close.
I hesitate, my instinct and training screams at me to slow down. To reassess. Bryce is already moving, already increasing the intensity.
“Dr. Caldwell—” I bark.
“I see it,” he snaps. “Keep going.”
Except he doesn’t see it. Not really. At least, I don’t think he realizes…
Before I can finish my thought, it happens.
A rupture.
Blood floods into the surgical field, the dark-red liquid pooling fast.
Too fast.
“Shit,” Bryce mutters. “Suction, now.”
I react instinctively, grabbing the tube, working to clear the blood. It’s not enough. It’s not working. The pressure keeps climbing.
Miranda’s brain swells despite our every effort to control it.
“We need to back off. Now!” I cry out urgently.
“No,” Bryce snarls. “We keep going.”
My pulse pounds. This isn’t right. We’ve got to do something.
The monitors blare an alarm.
“We’re losing her,” Kendrick croaks.
“Goddamnit. I know,” Bryce bites out, his hands moving fast.
It’s too late.
My stomach twists. I want to push back—except I’m not the lead surgeon. I’m the resident. I assist. I follow.
Even when I don’t agree.
Bryce finally makes the call. “We need to close. Now.”
The weight of what’s happening slams into me. I manage to keep my hands steady as we work quickly to close the incision, stabilizing Miranda as best we can.
I know the truth before we even step back.
The damage is done and the ICU is quiet in the worst way.
I sit next to her bed. Miranda is still. Machines now do the work her body no longer can. The rhythmic beep of the monitor is the only sound filling the room.
Through the window, I can see Bryce is speaking to her parents. I offered. He insisted. I don’t have to hear the words to know what he’s telling them.
“The surgery didn’t go as planned.”
“We did everything we could.”
“The swelling was too severe.”
“She’s in a state of unresponsive wakefulness.”
Mr. Black is frozen. Mrs. Black crumbles to the ground.
I look at little Miranda, who doesn’t move. Doesn’t react. Doesn’t wake up.
Never will again.
I should walk away. The job is done. I can’t, though. My ass stays planted, my hand clutching hers.
Could we have stopped it? If I’d spoken up sooner, would it have made a difference?
I don’t know. It’s too late now.
All I know is this little girl trusted me to make her better.
The sharp pull of failure settles deep in my chest.
I don’t think it’ll ever leave.
If you’ve been waiting to dive into my Hate to Love You standalones—The Hate Date, The Flirt Alert, and The Tryst List—I’ve got good news! They’re heading into Kindle Unlimited on 6/1/25!
If you’re a KU reader, get ready to binge these hot-and-heavy, high-tension, slow-burn love stories with a glass of wine and no regrets. (And if you’ve already read them… maybe it’s time for a reread before Wistful Whispers drops).
Thanks for being here, for reading, reviewing, and making this wild ride so worth it.
Big love always,
Kaylene
The post READ THE FIRST CHAPTER appeared first on Kaylene Winter, Author.
April 22, 2025
ARE YOU READY TO MEET THE ORGASM WHISPERER?
Hey there, beautiful reader—
You’ve met the McGloughlin brothers. You’ve fallen for their Irish charm, their alpha energy, and their messy, magnetic love stories. But nothing—and I mean nothing—will prepare you for Seamus.
Youngest of the Charming Irish clan, Seamus McGloughlin is brilliant, brooding, and so sinfully sexy that the women at his hospital nicknamed him The Orgasm Whisperer. Not just because he’s a rising star in neurosurgery. Let’s just say… bedside manner?
Off the charts.
Women whisper about him in locker rooms and breakrooms. They clamor for a chance to be his next… patient.
But the one woman who doesn’t melt under his gaze (at least in front of him)?
Marcella Delgado. A powerhouse attorney, all curves and confidence, with a sharp tongue and zero tolerance for bullshit. She’s representing the family of a patient whose brain surgery went tragically wrong—an operation Seamus and his mentor performed.
Marcella convinces Seamus to do what’s right, even if it means turning on the man who gave him his start. It’s the beginning of everything—and the unraveling of the rest.
Behind her composed exterior, Marcella hides a vulnerability that calls to Seamus in a way no one else ever has.
Their chemistry is instant. Explosive. Forbidden.
One night turns into two. Then three. Then a full-blown, no-going-back, scorching affair that neither of them can quit. But the deeper they fall, the higher the stakes.
Soon, secrets unravel, reputations are on the line, and both Seamus and Marcella have to decide: are they willing to burn everything down for a shot at love?
Wistful Whispers is coming. it’s steamy, emotional, and unapologetically bold.
You’ve seen the charm. Now get ready for the chaos.
And whatever you do—don’t underestimate the baby brother.
One of my absolute favorite things about being an author is getting to meet all of you in person. There’s truly nothing like the magic of a book signing—the conversations, the hugs, the shared obsession over characters (real and fictional!), and connecting with fellow readers and authors who just get it.
I have more signings lined up for the rest of the year, and I’d love nothing more than to see your smiling face at my table. Whether you’re just discovering my books or have been riding with me since Endless, it means the world to connect with you IRL.
Preordering is SO important!
It helps me bring the right amount of books, avoid heartbreak when a title sells out, and make sure I’ve got something special ready just for you. Plus, preorders often come with fun bonuses—you never know what swag might be waiting for you!
You can find my preorder forms here.
Thank you for showing up, supporting indie authors, and being the reason I keep doing what I love. These events fill my heart to the brim, and I can’t wait to fangirl with you soon!
Much love (and a whole lot of heat),
Kaylene 💋
The post ARE YOU READY TO MEET THE ORGASM WHISPERER? appeared first on Kaylene Winter, Author.
