Sascha Illyvich's Blog

All The Good News

I know, it’s been a year. If it mattered, I’d get a flood of emails asking where my updates and blog posts were, wouldn’t I? Rather than the bullshit spam I’m tempted on letting flood the gates so you all could answer with ‘almost’ anything you’d like. Wouldn’t THAT be fun?  LOL! But seriously, I’m back, but not consistent on the blog. I’ve had a handful of new releases, even managed to update this website’s book list, and not lose my head while navigating the treacherous waters of a full time job as an FSA Benefits Counselor. 

Oh, and I mean it. Fuck LOGIN dot GOV.

Here’s the newest on my latest release

Check Out this Trailor!

 

If you like Sara J. Maas and are a fan of Rebecca Yarros, you’re in luck

Fated Deception: An Urban Fantasy Paranormal Romance
Wolves in the Fae Court Book 1

Her magic, her heart, and her life are on the line. To save her father, she must tame the wolf prince who trusts no one—even her.

When Millie’s father is imprisoned for rebellion against the ruthless Unseelie regime, her only hope lies in Faolan, the brooding alpha of the Protectors. Once sworn to uphold balance, Faolan’s wolf shifters have retreated into the shadows, leaving him scarred by a vendetta against the fae. Trusting Millie could cost him his pack—and his soul.

As Faery teeters on the edge of collapse, its magic fading under the rule of cybernetic overlords, Millie and Faolan must form an uneasy alliance to survive. But as danger mounts, passion ignites, revealing a bond neither expected—and stakes that could destroy everything they hold dear.

Fated Deception is the pulse-pounding first book in the Wolves in the Fae Court trilogy, perfect for fans of alpha wolf shifters, fierce heroines, and sizzling romance in a high-stakes magical world.

Grab your copy of Fated Deception now and lose yourself in an addictive blend of urban fantasy and paranormal romance!

 

The Move is Complete!

Well, mostly. I am now a resident of the state famous for liberty, home of Holt’s Cigar Lounge, and the Amish! HA! THe weekend of April 27th, my wife came to get my Ember Kitty and Me, board a plane, and get us back to home where we belong. And good thing too, because the distance and separation was killing us both. Honestly, it hurt to be married to someone who you love and loves you back with the same fervor and not be able to touch them.

Protecting the Siren – A Fated Mates Rockstar Romance

But we made it. My office is set up, shared with my beautiful wife, ready for my work at FSA Feds, and as writers. She’s the author of several cowboy romance novels, Navy Seal novels, and provides quite the contrast with my darker, grittier paranormal romance novels. Check out her work here. Also, who the fuck is Margaret Kay Brooks?  I didn’t search for her, I searched for Em Petrova. Which, you should definitely check out. And yes, I’ve been a reader of hers for years.

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, there’s a LOT going on. I’m tearing apart a new trilogy and redoing the first book in what I hope will be launched in June, entitled Wolves of the Fae Court. The first book, tentatively titled “Rise of the Fae” was previously titled “Stalker: Dub Mix” but obviously, that shit won’t sell. The book features my wolf and fae couple and requires a LOT of reworking for it to not just fit in with the romantasy genre, but for a better story overall. I’ll share bits and pieces of the process when I’m nearing the end of the first book.

Last week was my first week here and goddamn, was it long? I had an eleven hour day, a twelve hour day, and the rest of the week was normal due to the deadlines for claiming 2023 expenses in FSA.  The previous week, a cigar buddy and I went to see Decapitated, SepticFlesh, Allegean and Kataklysm. Fucking FUN show! The pit was insane, but no, I did NOT get involved like I did at The Ocaan…

The cigar lounge threw a somewhat understated, but very appropriate, going away party for us. Mentioned my career stuff so hopefully I’ll have some new readers. Oh, that reminds me, I’m migrating to a different newsletter service. Nothing will change on your end, but my end looks vastly different and improved, much like the website design here.

Anyway, off for venison burgers. I’ll have more book-related news coming soon!

 

 

 

Website Design!

Have you noticed the new website look?  Like it?  I love it. When I was talking with my writing coach, we decided on a more homogenous look for my brand because authors these days, contrary to what author Skye Warren says, are their brand and that is partially cosmetic.

And because we wanted to stay in the romance world, I couldn’t go with all blacks and shit right?  LOL!

So we have the brand new logo as seen above, FB and Youtube banners and yes, there will be swag eventually.

I’ve got aLOT coming down the pipeline in the coming months.

I’m still making my way through this job at Triple Impact and it’s been fun, but a LOT of training has happened in the past few months as we’ve switched from Federal sector to Private, and back again.

Those who know, are aware I was with the wife back in February for the first time. It was a little tough at first because neither of us just….it’s been so long. And I won’t mention too much about my past relationships but there’s going to be some adjustments, all for the better. Plus, we’re still in love.

Readers have been completely on board with this marriage, which we’re grateful that others can believe in our love too.

I have so much more to say, but right now I’m actually at work so…more later!

New Year, New Site!

 

The only few posts that I wrote last year were obviously open AI created. Especially since I mentioned using ChatGPT. You also notice the NEW WEBSITE DESIGN! It fits, don’t you think? Wolves, Tarot, Magic?  Witches?

But the biggest news for this year so far is that I got married.

That’s right back in November of 2023 I married the woman of my dreams!

Em Petrova with the luckiest wolf in the universe

More on how that actually happened in another blog post.

Last year was definitely a very tough year for me in terms of having to work that night shift job and not be able to get any kind of sleep for the better part of seven months and then some. Y’all know I got some novel stuff done but nothing really made headway until about August or so maybe even September when things were came to a head. I had been in full swing with the CVS job at night and steadily picking up more hours because I needed the money, but that depleted my mental capacity to create

In fact, my wife doesn’t think I slept at all the entire time I worked for CVS. Attempting to sleep. From 1 PM to 9 PM, feed myself, and shuffle off to work?   Considering how vividly I dream and how much I remember almost all of my dreams, I don’t remember having two dreams in the time I worked at CVS. And only now do I remember one of them because it was the most obvious.

But we since closed the door on that chapter when my wife’s concern about my mental state because of CVS, so she finally convinced me on December 7 to quit. I had planned to quit After Christmas because I wanted the capital, but the universe has a funny way of making things work out in your favor.

It wasn’t CVS that did it. It was night shift. I didn’t have breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I ate first, second and last meals because I never knew what time was what unless my boss had answered “what the frequency was.”

Protecting the Siren – A Fated Mates Rockstar Romance

My wife and I were married the day after Thanksgiving. I had started the second job and was still in training but took an hour off.  We got married in my apartment via Fucking Zoom!  It turns out that Utah has very relaxed laws on how a person can become legally married so there is now a Mr. and Mrs. Illyvich.

You might recognize her. I married, USA Today best  Selling author of cowboy romances, Em Petrova.

I’m taking my cat and moving in with her at the end of this month.

The biggest pisser has been trying to get rid of as much as possible, only to throw it out or leave it behind. Because the move is literally in less than eight days!

And we’ve been talking writing for both of us. She and I have huge plans I can’t wait to share, once I’m all settled in with Ember kitty.

Wolves of the Fae Court on deck.  Details next post.

Have ya’ll seen the new cover for Protecting the Siren yet? The book hasn’t changed, but I think marketing is pulling me in a different direction. Tell me what ya’ll think.

Oh, one more huge thing too.  I’m migrating my newsletter from Mailchimp to another service that’ll suit me better.

Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

Basking in the Sun: Exploring the Enchanting Summers in Seaside Series

*not very written by ChatGPT* As the summer sun casts its warm embrace, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a captivating romance novel to complement the tranquil days. Enter the “Summers in Seaside” series, an enchanting collection of books penned by the talented author Sascha Illyvich. In this blog post, we invite you to embark on a journey through the sun-kissed pages of this delightful series, where love, passion, and seaside charm intertwine to create a literary experience like no other.

The “Summers in Seaside” series, created by the prolific writers Amanda Shelley and CL Collier, is a captivating set of romance novels that captures the essence of sun-drenched coastal living. We set the stories in the picturesque seaside town of Seaside, Oregon, where love finds its way amid the crashing waves and breathtaking sunsets. With each book, we introduce readers to a new set of characters, all of whom embark on unforgettable journeys of romance, self-discovery, and emotional growth.

One of the key elements that make the “Summers in Seaside” series so enticing is its vivid portrayal of the coastal lifestyle. Through masterful descriptions, our authors bring the sun-soaked beaches, quaint boardwalks, and charming cottages of Seaside, Oregon to life. Readers can’t help but fall in love with the picturesque setting, making it an integral part of the romantic tapestry woven throughout the series.

At the heart of the “Summers in Seaside” series lies an abundance of love and romance. From sweet and tender connections to sizzling and passionate affairs, each book explores different facets of romantic relationships. Illyvich masterfully crafts multi-dimensional characters, ensuring that readers become emotionally invested in their love stories from the very beginning.

The “Summers in Seaside” series by Sascha Illyvich offers a delightful escape into the world of sun, sand, and romance. Through beautifully crafted stories, we invite readers to immerse themselves in the charm of Seaside and the heartfelt journeys of its residents. As the sun sets over the horizon and waves gently caress the shore, the allure of love in this enchanting series leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of its readers. Whether you are a devoted fan of romance novels or looking for the perfect summer read, “Summers in Seaside” is a must-add to your literary collection. So, grab your favorite beach chair, slather on some sunscreen, and lose yourself in the captivating tales of love by the following authors:

Amy Stephens,
CL Collier,
Sascha Illyvich,
Amanda Shelley,
M Leigh Morhaime,
Tina Gallagher,
Denise Wells,
Mel Walker,
Monica Misho-Grems,
Cassandra Cripps,
Barb Shuler & KA Graham,
Rachel Radner,
Hope Irving

I’m very pleased to be a part of this series and I’ve signed up for another year’s release. I don’t know what I’m going to come up with yet, but we will see. Until then, enjoy our releases!

The Allure of Age Gap Romances

In the vast literary landscape of romance novels, one theme that continues to captivate readers is age gap romances. These compelling stories explore the complexities and nuances of relationships where the protagonists belong to different age groups. From tender tales of first love to mature stories of second chances, age gap romance novels offer a diverse range of emotions and experiences that resonate with readers of all ages. In this blog post, we will delve into the allure of age gap romance novels and why they continue to be a beloved genre in the world of literature.

My latest release Second Chance Summer is an Age Gap Second Chance at Romance novella in the Summers in Seaside Series featuring an older woman, younger man who shared a past relationship but split up because neither of their stories matched up with one another. He knew; she didn’t believe. How could she? Our hero is eighteen years younger than she is so Sandy figured Craig would eventually stray to someone closer to his age.

It makes sense, right?

Except true love rarely makes sense to anyone but the lovers in question. But if we’re trying to quantify on a deeper level, I offer this:

Age gap romance novels challenge societal norms and perceptions of what constitutes a “normal” romantic relationship. By depicting couples with significant age differences, these books embrace the idea that love knows no bounds and can transcend age barriers. Readers are drawn to the rebellious and liberating nature of such relationships, encouraging them to question preconceived notions about age and love. The males who love older women have our reasons.

One of the most appealing aspects of age gap romances lies in the merging of experience and innocence. In many stories, one partner brings wisdom, life lessons, and maturity to the relationship, while the other offers fresh perspectives, youthfulness, and a sense of wonder. This dynamic creates an interesting narrative where characters grow and grow together, enriching each other’s lives through shared experiences.

Age gap romance novels often explore the challenges that arise from societal judgment, family opposition, and personal insecurities. The struggle to overcome these obstacles builds tension and emotional depth, making the eventual triumph of love even more rewarding. Readers connect with the characters as they navigate these hurdles, finding inspiration and hope in the characters’ resilience and determination.

These novels emphasize the importance of being true to oneself and not conforming to societal expectations. Age gap romances encourage characters to embrace their feelings and desires without shame or fear. Something Craig had figured out early on, but did Sandy believe him? You’ll have to read.

In some age gap romance novels, one or both protagonists may have experienced heartbreak or loss in their lives. These stories offer a powerful exploration of second chances, allowing characters to rediscover love and find healing in unexpected places. The emotional journey of healing and renewal strikes a chord with readers who find solace and hope in the possibility of love’s revival. Sandy could have had her share of heartbreaks had she not been so focused on her career. Or the act of not being in a loving relationship could have taken a toll on her. Craig couldn’t tell, but even as he saw her, he knew what he wanted.

Age gap romance novels have the potential to subvert stereotypes about age and relationships. They challenge the notion that older individuals cannot find love or that younger partners lack maturity. By portraying strong, multi-dimensional characters in non-traditional relationships, these novels advocate for open-mindedness and understanding in real-life interactions.

We can set age gap romances in various cultural and historical contexts, offering readers a glimpse into different time periods and traditions. This diversity adds depth and richness to the stories, while also shedding light on societal norms and attitudes towards age and relationships throughout history.

Age gap romance novels continue to enchant readers with their exploration of love that transcends age boundaries. By challenging conventional norms, embracing authenticity, and defying stereotypes, these stories celebrate the beauty of human connections and the power of love in all its forms. Through the pages of these novels, readers discover not only captivating tales of romance, but also valuable insights into the complexities of human relationships. Whether seeking a heartwarming escape or a thought-provoking read, age gap romance novels offer a diverse and timeless genre that will continue to capture the hearts of readers for generations to come.

To be fair, I’m pretty sure I’d consider the entire Nights of Lust series Age Gap Romance because our vampires are a few hundred years old compared to our werewolf heroes. We could say the same of my Undead Souls series. Vampires can live forever, but I think all three heroines are older than our three biker heroes. And I did once write an age gap romance where the hero was older. I’ll have to find that title for you some day.

Until then?

Sandy knew the aches in her body wouldn’t disappear if she didn’t change her life. At fifty-four, she’d made a successful career for herself, but it came at a mental and physical cost that left her deciding to burn her world down. She’d sell off everything, including her successful advertising business, and drive across the country. Little did she know, Seaside, Oregon, with its peaceful beaches, beautiful ocean view, and small-town feel would reopen a wound she thought had closed thirteen years earlier.

Craig thought his life was awesome. Great job, always busy, plenty of money, and an understanding with whomever he spent time with. Until he looked at his existence and found it to be not just boring, but empty. His remedy? Cut communication from his old life, throw his bag in his car, and drive north from Oakland, CA. Stopping at Seaside seemed to bring him respite until he saw the one woman who shattered his heart thirteen years ago.

When he seduces Sandy and confesses his feelings for her, it quickly goes south, leaving him with only one option. Return to his previous life.

Except Sandy’s realization of how deeply they loved one another forces her to find him, and hope to salvage things until she accidentally smashes her SUV into his Porsche.

Can our lovers overcome their past and give romance a second chance, or will they end up brokenhearted and alone?

Grab your copy of Second Chance Summer and follow our May/December romance for passion today.

And then there was Overnight

My dreams have been coming back, which is a good thing. I am fairly competent in lucid dreaming. What that means is I’ve experienced it often, but I haven’t been able to control it yet. But the fact is, now that I spent an entire weekend working/awake on my work schedule and that’s reset me, has been good. It means I can go to bed at 11 AM and get into REM sleep.

I miss that.

You may notice a timestamp here for this post and that’s the truth. I’m a night worker now and sadly, I don’t make as much as streetwalkers, though I’ve actually done that once..

But you don’t care about how much of a slut I’ve been, you want the wolf.

The wolf wrote. And the Wolf needs a day to recreate.

But until then?

How about a first chapter peak? I’m listening to a lot of early Sevendust right now as a coping mechanism because I need to breathe. And Lajon Witherspoon lets me breathe. My hero and heroine need the same damn thing.

Sandy left it all behind. Burned it all down, and for what? A clean slate? A new life? Anything far enough away from that garbage old ex of hers. Brent had been the final straw, nagging her about acting her age when she told him she’d grown tired of her life and missed having a life.

No woman at her age should work sixteen-hour days.

The martinis didn’t help.

And to be underappreciated by her clients as well? If it weren’t for her, they’d all be broke jokes.

The drive had been long.  Four days across the country from Maine to the West Coast, but it gave her time to think. To scream, to cry, to rage, drink and sleep until noon for once, and to pine, though she didn’t know what she was missing. At present, she kept her focus on the road, watching signs and waiting for them, as well. The universe had to have something special for her if she threw her old life away, right? Her third quarter of life had to have an air of life, and not just pure existence, didn’t it?

At present, she huffed, straightened her shoulders and stopped the car in front of a large hotel on the main drag in Seaside, Oregon, and tapped the steering wheel while closing her eyes.

“Deep breaths. Deep breaths.” She could do this.

Start over.

Money wasn’t an issue.

She’d shut her business down, did the polite thing to the handful of clients who appreciated all she did to promote their businesses in the new advertising model, and told the rest to fuck off.

Some of them had the gall to act appalled that a woman her age would behave in such a manner.

“I’m fifty-four. I’ve earned it.”

Famous last words she believed had carried her to Oregon. She needed the water, the fresh air, the ocean.

Now she found her courage waning.

When she tried summoning her courage as a goddess, it reminded her of something crazy a ghost she once remembered had said. He’d told her he thought she was perfect in her ruin, beautiful in her ugly, and always in his heart.

Her heart ached for the moment, the faded memory in her not-so-distant past.

Sandy sighed, threw her shoulders back and shut off the car before opening the door and stepping out of the vehicle and into fresh ocean air that bombarded her senses with a renewed sense of cautious hope to begin this stage of her life.

She could do this.

Sandy inhaled the air, letting it fill her lungs before she let the breath out through her nose, just past the point of empty before holding the space, and taking another breath. It didn’t take but a moment for her shoulders to relax slightly and her posture to straighten. Tension in her lower back eased. This town had a feel about it, she realized, when she stepped a few feet from her large, white SUV and toward the Seaside Hotel loomed large in the ocean-side town, making her tense immediately. The structure was akin to something she’d have stayed in when she was visiting clients to discuss proposals. Large, multistory, with neon lights?

Ick.

She shook her head. No. This would not do. She didn’t want that life anymore. Sandy wanted simple. Smaller.

She got back in her SUV and pulled out of the parking lot, squealing her tires before spinning the vehicle around and moving back into traffic.  She couldn’t get away from that hotel fast enough.

Too much like corporate hell.

Sandy drove through the town along the beach until she’d spotted The Sandy Inn. The sign said Bed and Breakfast. When she peered closer at the structure, realized it too sat just feet from the beach, wasn’t some giant corporate nonsense, she slowed her vehicle and turned into the parking lot.

Three story brick, with a visible turret, a large, wooden porch and beautiful plants and bushes around the property, it looked like it had life. She wouldn’t call it quaint, but it definitely looked like something Sandy would enjoy more than the stuffy corporate feel of the hotel she’d stopped in earlier.

It looked perfect.

Sandy hoped they had a reservation; else she’d be screwed.

She exited the SUV and again, felt the whipping wind from the nearby ocean blowing her red curls across her face. She turned, faced the mirror, and adjusted her headscarf before walking toward the entrance at a slow pace. Each step, a calculated movement because this felt peaceful and, in her experience, peaceful never boded well.

Clients who seemed peaceful often ended up yelling or hating the projects she’d created. They’d assumed just because she was older that she didn’t have her pulse on the zeitgeist, when in fact, her magical designs often earned awards when turned into art, which turned into profit for her clients. Critics often proclaimed how enchanting those paintings were. Not that art and advertising were the same, of course. Unless, of course, they were. And for her, that was the magic.

Sandy continued down the path toward the door, grabbing it with the full weight of hope comforting her, surrounding her while she started anew.

When she stepped inside the BnB, a sense of ease settled around her. She didn’t know where it came from, but she felt a pull toward the registration desk where a blonde with a pleasant smile made eye contact with her and nodded. “Welcome to the Sandy Inn. Can I help you?”

While keeping her focus on the blonde, Sandy let her eyes roam around the somewhat eclectic décor of the space. Victorian style on the outside, with high ceilings, gave the space berth, but not too much. It didn’t feel cavernous, more like intriguing. Various pieces of art decorate the walls, adding to the quirky vibe Sandy picked up. She turned to the blonde. “I’m hoping you have a vacancy for a few days.”

Gods, did she have to sound desperate?

The blonde looked down, flipped open a book, and typed a few keystrokes on the computer before meeting Sandy’s eyes. “Sure do. Just you?”

Sandy nodded.

The blonde’s eyes sparkled. “I have just the space for you.”

Great. 

A few moments later, the blonde, who introduced herself as Olivia, had given Sandy the rundown of the area, including when breakfast was served, a tour, some history about her uniquely witchy Aunt, before she’d led her outside, grabbed her suitcase and directed Sandy toward a stairwell in the corner of the lobby she hadn’t noticed earlier.

“You’re right up the stairwell. I think you’ll enjoy the views.”

“I can’t imagine not. This is pretty.”

“We try. My aunt has had this property for a long time, and we pride ourselves on its innate beauty. She’s tried to keep the spirit of it since taking it over all those years ago.”

“I could see that. Lovely indeed.”

Olivia turned to leave, but stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “One more thing. The Seaside Festival is coming up soon. Maybe you’ll be able to join us?”

Sandy didn’t know what she’d be able to do in the few days she’d settled in, but she nodded anyway. “Maybe. I don’t know what each day is going to bring right now.”

Another nod and smile before Olivia bid her good evening and returned to the desk to flirt with some male.

Sandy made her way to her room via stairwell that landed her in the turret part of the bed-and-breakfast. Upon setting foot in the room, she dropped her luggage and sank onto the bed, falling back and sighing.

It was over.

For now, she could rest. Then take in the sights and sounds of this little town.

She could plan her life at fifty-four years old tomorrow.

Right now?

Sandy allowed herself to sink into the soft four-poster bed and drift off.

* * * *

Craig raced up the 101 as fast as his Porsche could take him, hoping the fucking California Highway Patrol were taking doughnut breaks because he didn’t have time to be stopped. Stopping meant Carly could get a hold of him and yet again, make her case for date night.

They weren’t a couple.

They were fuck buddies, two consenting adults passing the time between sleep and work. He’d adhered to the rules. She’d done so until recently, when she’d gone out on a girls’ night out with her friends.

Damn dames. Someone must have put a bug in her ear about date night because he sure as hell hadn’t.

He never stayed the night.

Stopping meant his clients would want to talk to him about their projects—all of which were on hold because none of them could come up with immediate funding after Craig repeatedly warned them that this would happen. SPACS had gone the way of the NFT Bored Ape Yacht Club.

It meant he’d have no excuse to dodge his insane hippie parents yet again, because they needed money for yet one more wasteful project that added up to them needing to be dropped off a cliff into an ocean full of sharks.

Or at the nearest rehab center because they were either insane or fucking high.

Who built a funhouse in the backyard for their elderly friends, anyway?

In short, stopping meant he couldn’t have his time back.

Craig had packed as fast as he could, throwing what little he had in the way of clothing into a suitcase, tossed his shit in the trunk of his Porsche. He debated chucking his cell, but his parents barely remembered his current number, one he’d had for twenty years.  

He didn’t know where he’d planned on ending up, but north seemed to make the most sense. No one would think to look for him that way; not with all the shit he’d talked about moving further up the west coast.

Well, moving was a stretch, anyway. Craig didn’t plan to move, not yet. But he needed space and time to breathe. Getting away from the constant noise around him had been the one thing he’d avoided until he’d reached a breaking point and started murdering someone.

Anyone.

It didn’t matter.

Carly’s incessant pestering about a date had his teeth on edge.

She was a nice girl, but they had an agreement. When he tried to back out, she’d used her wiles on him to get one more fuck out of him before he cut.

Selfish bastard that he was. Or at least that’s what she’d said when he reminded her of their arrangement. He’d stormed out of her apartment, jammed the keys into the ignition and spun his car out of her parking lot as fast as possible, despite seeing her in the rearview mirror.

At least he thought he saw her chasing after him.

His phone’s ringing confirmed it when he heard Return of the Mack, her default ringtone on repeat.

Now, he imagined how he was the liar. Driving down the 101 with nary a car in sight gave him time to think, to pause. He’d once thought he’d loved her, never said it, though. Because they had an understanding, not an illusion.

She’d said it a plethora of times.

Too many times.

The one time he’d wanted to say the three simple words, the woman broke his heart before he had the chance to speak.

“It’s over, Craig. I’m… I need to focus on my life.”

Not like he didn’t get it, what with the eighteen-year age difference and all, but—but nothing. Cue the memory back into the grave, where it belonged.

Craig pushed the gas and brought the Porsche to a cool hundred and ten while speeding up the 101 and letting the wind blow his blond hair back. He’d forget about all noise, find some peace, then strategize the next move because he couldn’t run forever. He knew that.

Life taught him hard lessons over the last thirteen years. From failed attempts at school, to boring IT jobs, and failed relationships, he’d learned life could punch hard.

Craig learned to punch back with sheer force, determination, and will. Landing the jobs had provided him with start-up capital. Firing the eighty percent of clients that wasted his time made him ruthless and impressive in the eyes of his peers.

Craig didn’t branch out, though. To the dismay of his peers, he remained with the company that nurtured him, even as his workload piled higher.

“You do this, that’s it.”

“Fine. Fuck it, Chuck. I simply can’t, right now.”

Another client yelling?

No thanks.

Enter bug out bag and flight out of Oakland.

Craig spotted a sign for Seaside, Oregon, and wondered how much time had passed and how long he’d been white knuckling the steering wheel.

He slowed the vehicle to a more reasonable speed and the wind no longer whipped his blond strands about his face.

He hadn’t eaten since leaving. The rumbling of his stomach assured him it was time. And he needed to find a spot to crash for the next night or six while he figured something out.

Cruising down the 101 at a slower pace, Craig observed the greenery while slowing the car even more. Glancing around revealed the small-town feel surrounding him and gave him the impression that he might, perhaps, take a deep breath that didn’t belong to someone fucking else.

Why the hell did a woman have Craig’s mind in a twist, anyway? He’d dealt with ever-increasing stress at work with ease.

Until he didn’t, anyway.

Nothing else mattered but the job.

Again, he shrugged off the thought while he drank in the sights and sounds of Seaside, Oregon. Small-town feel.

He could appreciate that.

Being near the beach would calm his mind. He could find lodging, set about and refresh himself, then go stroll along the beach while the waves silenced the noise in his head and gave him room to breathe.

Fuck thinking.

Craig spotted a Victorian style bed-and-breakfast—the Sandy Inn. From a distance, it looked like the rest of the town; quaint. But the closer he drove, the more he felt drawn into the parking lot, right to the point of parking beside someone’s overly large white SUV.

Before he knew it, Craig had gotten out of the car, thrown his bag over one shoulder and made his way into the foyer of the bed-and-breakfast.

Looking around at the rather eclectic décor made him smirk.

Once he’d known wonderment.

The corporate world sucked that out in favor of practicality.

Incense, a smell he wouldn’t normally notice, hit him, but only faint. Craig looked up at the older woman behind the counter and met her gaze.

When she smiled, he tried to return the expression, but found his facial muscles unable to move.

“Can I help you?”

Craig walked closer, taking in all of the woman behind the desk. Suddenly, the very pragmatic task master had nothing to say. “Um, hi.”

“Hi yourself. What brings you here?” The woman’s smart black pantsuit stressed curves but said hands off. Definitely. She leaned forward, moved just enough to get into his space without invading it.

How did she do that?

“I’m looking for a place for the weekend. Wondering if you had a vacancy?”

The older blonde straightened and gave him the once over before looking at a book, then at a computer screen, before returning her focus to Craig. “Yeah. We have space and I’m sure the room is perfect for you. How long were you thinking?”

Craig shrugged, adjusted the weight of his bag on his shoulders. “I don’t know, honestly. Few days at least?”

“Good to know. We get busy around the time of the Seaside Festival.”

“Oh?” He hadn’t been to any festivals in whom knew how long.

She nodded. “I’m Lorelei, the owner.”

“Craig.” He extended his hand. “Craig Hawthorne. Pleasure to meet you.”

She took his hand and gave him a firm shake before looking at the paperwork. “Here, fill these forms out, and we’ll settle up when you’re out of here.”

He nodded, took the clipboard, and began filling out the forms. After he’d finished, he handed the clipboard back to Lorelei. She gave him the rundown of the place, then handed him the key to his room. “Nothing calmer than the room I’ve set you up in. You may find it…different. Keep an open mind.”

Craig quirked a brow but took the key, anyway. If the room was anything like the décor, or the rather hippie-inspired, witchy themed dressed owner, Craig wouldn’t be surprised.

Of course, seeing the Goddess Room when he made his way to the second floor made him shake his head and think twice about his accommodations.

He sighed, slid the key in the lock, and turned the handle. What would it hurt him to stay somewhere with more…questionable qualities?

Once he stepped foot inside, Craig swore he’d lost his mind. The room felt gypsy themed, what with the large four-poster bed in the center, colorful sheets, bedspread and wallpaper.

He took two steps inside, letting the old-world creak of wood bring his mind to a simpler time.

Craig shut the door behind him, set his bag down on the wrought-iron chair beside the wall, and moved to the window. Above, the spacious high ceilings would let a breeze through the room if he opened the windows.

Which he did.

Cool night air came into the room, stirring up papers on the hand carved dresser opposite the bed. Fresh ocean spice, hints of brine carried on the breeze, and Craig’s mind stopped whirring instantly.

He loved the oceans when he was younger.

Even he’d picked up some of his parents’ bullshit about nature.

Right now, Craig sat on the bed, ran his hand over an exquisite purple comforter that felt light, yet welcoming.

He’d need to eat. Maybe find a drink or get a bottle and a glass, sit on the beach. Lorelei mentioned it was only a few steps off the property. If a festival was indeed coming, as she’d said, he’d want to get his recuperation in before it came, then figure out his next move.

Craig allowed himself to relax for a few moments more before deciding he’d need to answer the call of his stomach. A quick trip in the bathroom let him run cool water over his face, brush his hair out so he didn’t look like a slob, and wake him up enough to make his way downstairs. Maybe ask Lorelei for a food recommendation.

After adjusting his shirt, Craig headed down the hall, feeling better already about this weekend. With no simple plan in place, he would count on making no plans until his mind had detoxed from years of stress he’d taken on to prove himself.

He’d just hit the lobby when his nerves went all affray. Coming down a staircase…no.

It couldn’t be.

Sandy looked up, and they made eye contact at the same time before Craig mouthed three words.

“You’re a ghost.”

Before she could react, he’d made a B-Line for the door and toward his car. His stomach could wait.

He needed to get out of here.

Now.

She wanted a change before she felt old and useless. He needed something to pull him from his self-induced prison.

Sandy knew the aches in her body wouldn’t disappear if she didn’t change her life. At fifty-four, she’d made a successful career for herself, but it came at a mental and physical cost that left her deciding to burn her world down. She’d sell off everything, including her successful advertising business, and drive across the country. Little did she know, Seaside, Oregon, with its peaceful beaches, beautiful ocean view, and small-town feel would reopen a wound she thought had closed thirteen years earlier.

Craig thought his life was awesome. Great job, always busy, plenty of money, and an understanding with whomever he spent time with. Until he looked at his existence and found it to be not just boring, but empty. His remedy? Cut communication from his old life, throw his bag in his car, and drive north from Oakland, CA. Stopping at Seaside seemed to bring him respite until he saw the one woman who shattered his heart thirteen years ago.

When he seduces Sandy and confesses his feelings for her, it quickly goes south, leaving him with only one option. Return to his previous life.

Except Sandy’s realization of how deeply they loved one another forces her to find him, and hope to salvage things until she accidentally smashes her SUV into his Porsche.

Can our lovers overcome their past and give romance a second chance, or will they end up brokenhearted and alone?

Grab your copy of Second Chance Summer and follow our May/December romance for passion today.

I know, I know…

But I have an excuse LOL! I started working retail. More properly, stocker. Even more official: Overnight stocker for CVS. The good news is that I have finished editing Second Chance Summer, and I have formatted it as well, so I need only upload it to Amazon and it’s ready to go for sale. I had to rework the dedication, the original was too personal.

The bad news is I don’t know what the fuck day today is unless I check a calendar. I’m eating as I type this and I’m pretty sure it’s Thursday. But working the overnight shift like I do has me severely confused often unless I look at my iPhone, because only then do I know today or whatever day it is is a day I go or don’t go into work. Oh, and if I pull my hair back, it’s terribly tangled when I come home and shower. If I braid it, it’s less so, but that still sucks. And it’s hot in the bedroom during the day thanks to Georgia summers. I need to figure out the blackout situation better, too.

At least my cat snuggles with me while I toss and turn and ‘don’t ‘sleep.’

Much like TaxSlayer, the folks I work with are hella dope and I appreciate everything about them. Even the fact that I’m the second oldest night shift employee, LOL!

What’s next you ask?

I have to go through the final Shifter Spies book and edit it. It needs a little work because I rushed it in parts and I don’t like how I wrote the heroine with the impression she’s a female Lupin, but acts like she’s weak “AF” as the kids say.

Kids are dumb. Just say “As Fuck.”

Point being, maybe if I can explain the change in behavior as a growth, then at the end, have that grown version of Female Lupin come out, that’ll maybe make me happy, which might make you a happier reader. I don’t know. I’m hoping for maybe an August release to end this trilogy. That’s enough time to run this book through my software, plus my mind, while still being confused about the days.

Maybe in July, I can start writing again. I want to finish my Harlequin submission, but the first 10,000 words need to be rewritten. I know what needs to be fixed, but it’s easier to rewrite than to fix. I’m excited to share an Enemies to Lovers romance with you.

Second Chance Summer is an “Age Gap” Second Chance Romance. I hadn’t heard the term Age Gap romance before since it tends to be a thing for contemporary romance, but the gist of this story is that she’s 18 years older than he is and they’ll run into each other in Seaside, OR. For those who didn’t click the link (don’t you love me?) here’s the blurb:

She wanted a change before she felt old and useless. He needed something to pull him from his self-induced prison.

Sandy knew the aches in her body wouldn’t disappear if she didn’t change her life. At fifty-four, she’d made a successful career for herself, but it came at a mental and physical cost that left her deciding to burn her world down. She’d sell off everything, including her successful advertising business, and drive across the country. Little did she know, Seaside, Oregon, with its peaceful beaches, beautiful ocean view, and small-town feel would reopen a wound she thought had closed thirteen years earlier.

Craig thought his life was awesome. Great job, always busy, plenty of money, and an understanding with whomever he spent time with. Until he looked at his existence and found it to be not just boring, but empty. His remedy? Cut communication from his old life, throw his bag in his car, and drive north from Oakland, CA. Stopping at Seaside seemed to bring him respite until he saw the one woman who shattered his heart thirteen years ago.

When he seduces Sandy and confesses his feelings for her, it quickly goes south, leaving him with only one option. Return to his previous life.

Except Sandy’s realization of how deeply they loved one another forces her to find him, and hope to salvage things until she accidentally smashes her SUV into his Porsche.

Can our lovers overcome their past and give romance a second chance, or will they end up brokenhearted and alone?

Preorder your copy of Second Chance Summer and follow our May/December romance for passion today.

Literally a pic of me 20 years ago today. I turned 45 on the 28th of June so, HAIL CANCER WOLVES!

I’ll make every reasonable attempt to get back to updating the website once shit settles. I know, it’s been some time, but I understand Night Shift takes a LOT of getting used to. I’m not promising a lot of new output this year, meaning no new words outside of this novella and my HQN submission, but I have plenty of material in the pipeline for release. Personal shit needs handling first. And I AM still looking for that full time WFH IT job. But that’s another rant.

For those keeping score, sausage and peppers over bowtie pasta with a Helles by AndyGator.

Free Books from Best Selling Contemporary Authors!

With last week’s completion of my Summers in Seaside novella, Second Chance Summer, I was reminded that we’re doing a giveaway. Details are below but there are a ton of prizes from the authors in this series and they’re all quite fabulous!

Click the link for the giveaway!

Would you like to win some fabulous summer reads, or possibly some book money??? Enter today for your chance to win one of the following prizes:

Prize #1 – 10 ebooks (see list of books below)

Prize #2 – 8 signed paperbacks (see list of books below)

Prize #3 – $40 Amazon gift card!

Click here to enter: https://kingsumo.com/g/ezrn37/summer-reads-giveaway

List of ebooks for prize #1:

Melted Hearts by Amy Stephens

Twenty Questions: A Strangers-To-Friends-To-Lovers MM Romance by Hope Irving

Help Desk Heat by Rachel Radner

Drew by Amanda Shelley

Broken Down in Ballyclare by Tina Gallagher

Finding Summer by Cassandra Cripps

Fearless by Denise Wells

Doctor Know by Mel Walker

Passion in Paris by C.L. Collier

Protecting the Siren by Sascha Illyvich

List of paperbacks for prize #2:

Saved by You by Amy Stephens

This or That: An Enemies-To-Lovers MM Romance by Hope Irving

Drew by Amanda Shelley

Thick Girls Pole by Tina Gallagher

Boy Next Door by Cassandra Cripps

Fearless by Denise Wells

Doctor Know by Mel Walker

Passion in Paris by C.L. Collier

I promise in a few days maybe if not a week, I’ll have another update. I’m a night stocker at CVS part time right now and my days are totally fucked up….who knows, I may even post my cover for Second Chance Summer too…