K. Langston's Blog, page 2

Everyone’s journey is different.

I would like to preface this post with the fact that the information I am about to share is based on my experience as a self-published independent author. While I am a professional, I am in no way an expert.

The advice given is based purely on mistakes and lessons learned. I feel like it is my obligation as your peer to share my knowledge.

PS: If you don’t like the word fucking or foul language of any kind, you probably shouldn’t read the rest of this post.

Or any of my books.

Ever.

I like to keep shit really real.

You’ve been warned.

Everyone’s journey is different

We don’t all arrive at the same destination the same exact way. We’re all coming from different directions. We all travel down different roads. We all have different goals. Face different challenges. All we can do is navigate the best we can. Learn from our own mistakes, those of others, and move on. We all want to find our place and relevance in the vastly growing indie world and I can assure you it can be done. It might not be overnight. It might take a hell of a lot longer than you anticipated. But if  you stay the course, true to yourself, and loyal to your purpose…you can succeed.

So here are few tips to help you along the way.

 

Get a good fucking editor-You’ve probably read that more than once. When I first started out I read it too. But like a dumbass, I didn’t listen. I cut corners, trying to save money and you know what? I paid dearly for it. Get someone who knows what the hell they are doing. A professional. Someone who will make your words shine. The price you pay for a good editor is soooo worth it.

You gotta have thick fucking skin-Publishing ain’t for sissies. I wish I could say everything I write is gold. But it’s not. There’s an old saying:

Two people never read the same book.

Well, it’s true. And anytime someone doesn’t like my stories, or I get a bad review, I remind myself of that. It’s inevitable and completely unavoidable, you’re going to have people who don’t like your work. That’s just the way it is. Get over it. Not everyone loves bananas either. I fucking hate bananas. But just keep doing your thing and don’t sweat the haters. Let it fuel you to work that much harder.

Support your fucking peers-This is not a competition. It’s not a race to see who can get to the top first. If it is for you then I suggest you reevaluate why you published to begin with. Encourage others to do their best. Build them up. Help them along their journey. I’m sure there is someone, somewhere who has helped you at some point in your life. Remember how that made you feel and give that feeling back.

Read, read, and read some fucking more-Nothing pains me more than when I see an author that says they no longer read or don’t have time to read. Read your genre. Read authors who intimidate you. Read new authors. Old authors. Let them challenge you to be the best damn writer you can be.

One of my favorite authors, Stephen King once said:

If you want to be a writer you must do two things above all others: Read a lot and write a lot.

He’s a wise man. Listen to him. Listen to me. We create new and vibrant art by the art we see and read.

READ, READ, READ!!!

Know your fucking purpose-Sometimes it’s easy to be sucked into the drama. Misery loves company. Misery is one ugly bitch. Stay away from negative people. People who tear others down to make themselves feel or look better. It’s likely if they are doing that to others, they will eventually do that to you.

Don’t be a fucking dick-I know it’s hard (pun intended) because there are dicks and assholes everywhere who just love to smear their negative bullshit all around but do not engage. I repeat…DO NOT ENGAGE. It only leads to you being a dick and two dicks do not make a right.

Might make a damn good story though.

The Detective’s Trust Excerpt & GIVEAWAY

I know y’all have been patiently waiting for Reid and I promise he’s coming. Things have been slow going with him. One, because of personal stuff going on in my life and two, because writing suspense is new for me. I love it so much but sometimes it takes a minute to wrap my head around it all and connect the dots. Either way, I promised you would have him by the end of the year and I meant it. Even I have to publish it on New Year’s Eve! *wink wink*

Anyway, since I haven’t shared much I thought I would give y’all a little glimpse of what’s to come and a GIVEAWAY!!!

SHARE this post with your friends and you’ll be entered to win an ARC of The Detective’s Trust and a paperback copy of The Officer’s Promise. Giveaway ends in 24 hours. Winner will be announced tomorrow (10/19/16) at noon. Sharing on Instagram and Twitter earns you more entries.

EXCERPT: 

“Bodie!”

Cassidy’s terrified scream shredded the silence, the sound yanking me from my semiconscious state. I jumped up from my makeshift pallet on the floor, reaching for my gun lying next to me. Moonlight poured through the windows, lending enough light on the bed where I found her twisted up in the sheets, clutching them to her chest as she rolled back and forth.

She cried out his name again and my chest constricted with the desperation in her voice.

Fuck, she had nightmares , too.

Sitting down next to her, I reached out and switched on the light. “Cass, wake up,” I said softly, gently nudging her.

Her body jerked, eyes wide with surprise. I brushed her damp hair from her face. Her breath came in broken pants. With a nod she sat up, bringing her knees to her chest and burying her face in her hands, a sob shaking her small body. I wasn’t sure what to do or even what to say. But I knew what she was feeling.

The loss.

The helplessness.

I battled it every single day and it was even worse at night when the darkness crept in. When there was nothing left of the day except you and the memories.

We sat in silence for what seemed like forever before she finally lifted her head, tears staining her face. Her eyes moved to the blanket and pillow on the floor then to me. “Why are you sleeping on the floor?”

“Safer.”

She chuckled through her tears, shaking her head. “I think I can control myself, Reid.”

“It’s not you I’m worried about.”

Her lips parted on a small gasp, her large, brown eyes softening. The confession poured from my tongue without regret. She’d been back in my life only a short while and she was ripping all sorts of emotions out of me.

Shit I hadn’t allowed myself to feel in years.

After Bodie’s death, I shut down completely. I never wanted to get too close to anyone like that again. If losing a friend hurt this much, imagine how fucking bad it would be to lose someone you love.

She had the power to destroy me. I knew it by her smile, her laugh, and the undeniable pull she had on me. I’d never had to fight this hard to contain what I felt. I never had to worry about my heart being stolen. But with her, it was all at risk. One wrong move would undoubtedly bring me to my knees.

“Will you lay with me?”

“Cass, I don’t think—”

“Please? Just for a little while. I’m so cold, Reid. I’m always so cold.”

The plea in her voice was my undoing. I was pretty certain it wouldn’t take much for her to get what she wanted out of me no matter how much I tried to fight it.

Pressing my knee to the bed, I moved to sit next to her, resting my back on the headboard and pulling her into my arms. Her sweet smell settled in the center of my chest. Every single inch of my skin craved to touch hers, to instill her with my warmth, but I had to be careful. The way Cassidy looked at me, the need in her eyes. She would want more than someone to keep her warm for just one night.

Hurting her was the last thing I wanted to do but somehow it all seemed inevitable.

She burrowed her head against the crook of my neck. “I don’t think there’s been a single night since he died that I don’t dream about him.” She said, sadness thick in her voice.

“Me, too.”

Her arm tightened around my stomach but other than that she remained still. “You know it’s not your fault, right?”

I nodded, but her words fell on deaf ears. Guilt plagued me, wrapping its unrelenting claws around my heart, squeezing tight. I tried for months to get him off that shit but Bodie was hardheaded and battling things no one could understand.

“It still hurts to think he chose the drugs over me.” She said and I hated that she felt that way.

“Drugs make people do some fucked-up shit, Cass. I can’t tell you how many cases I’ve worked where people, who were once functioning members of society, had good jobs, and took care of their kids, found themselves lost to addiction. A slave to their next hit. It doesn’t give a fuck who you are, where you live, how much money you make, or how beautiful you are, it will eat away at your soul until you’re nothing more than a shell of your former self. Bodie may have been too weak to say no, but he loved you very much. Never doubt that.”

“I know he loved me, but it still hurts. I lost her, too. I wanted to find ways to escape, to not feel the pain, but I pushed through. I coped. The pain reminded me that it was real, that she was here and alive and she loved us. Then when I lost him too, it was as if my whole world was shattered.”

“I’m sorry, Cassidy. I should have been there for you more. I should have…done a lot of things differently.”

Her eyes lifted to mine, searching. “You had to do what was best for you.”

My hand cradled her face; the urge to kiss her almost unbearable. “I should have done what was best for you.”

She leaned into my touch, pressing her lips to the base of my palm, and I knew right then any decision I ever made from that point forward would be just that…what was best for her.

Love shouldn’t hurt.

OCTOBER is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. Removing themselves from these dangerous and sometimes helpless situations can seem impossible, especially without support or help.

I write about this in The Officer’s Promise. MaryAnn is married to an abusive man and she’s terrified to leave him because the years of abuse have not only broken her spirit, but the shame and fear have stolen her voice. Thanks to an old friend, and a wonderful organization called The Bird House, she was able to find the strength and resources to leave and heal from the abuse. Of course it’s never as easy as it is in the books, but it is possible. Real life organizations like NCADV (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) and S.A.F.E. (Stop Abuse for Everyone) can help.

For the month of October, half of the sales for The Officer’s Promise will be donated to NCADV National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Now, I would love to put it on sale for you, but by doing so it leaves me with less to donate. I know money is tight. Christmas is around the corner and your stretching every penny.

I feel ya!

But it’s a small price to pay to make a BIG DIFFERENCE in one person’s life.

I’ll be sure to post when I make the donation at the end of December. Thank you all so much for your help and support.

If you have a minute please share and help spread the word.

Thanks so much,

K.

#domesticviolenceawarenessmonth #speakup #loveshouldnthurt

The Officer’s Promise:

Amazon

Amazon UK

Amazon CA

iBooks

B&N

KOBO

 

I might be a nobody to you, but I’m a unicorn to someone.

This morning I received an email from an event coordinator that was not only disappointing but disheartening to say the least. Let me start off by saying, I was personally invited to this event. I did not seek them out. Even though it is a well-known event that I had been wanting to participate in for some time. I suppose I missed this little nugget of information when I filled out their interest form upon accepting the invite.

Otherwise, I would have never signed on to be a part of their event.

Hey,

We wanted to contact you because the event will be coming up soon. On the interest form for 2017 it was stated that all attending authors had to have a title published within twelve months of the event. We adopted this policy in an effort to bring our readers new products each year. We noticed that your last release was before the 2016 event took place and wanted to check in with you to see what you’re publishing schedule looks like so we can ensure all attending authors are bringing fresh books to the event for the attendees. If you are releasing then please feel free to promote it in the reader group as the readers love to see things from our authors. If you are not planning on releasing we would like to know if we can replace you and maybe keep you in mind for a later signing when you are publishing again.

My last release was May 17, 2016. While I do plan on releasing two more titles before this event takes place, I will not be participating in this event, or any future events hosted by these organizers and here’s why:

I should not have to pump out a book just to attend an event. Furthermore, if I am paying for the table what the hell does it matter how recently I released? I might not have a new release on said table, but I’m new to someone who hasn’t ever read me before.

I only recently discovered Tessa Bailey and she’s had books out for a few years now. When I went to her table in Chicago this year, I didn’t purchase her recent release, I bought an older book.

Are you catching my drift here?

Anyway, I couldn’t help but wonder if they would have sent the same email to someone like EL James, who hasn’t released since June 2015 or Colleen Hoover who averages about two books a year as well. I’m pretty sure they would not have asked if they could be replaced if they didn’t have a release within the last twelve months. I’m not trying to compare myself to them or their level of success.

I mean…HELLO!

But we are all authors.

We all strive to put out our best work and for some of us, that takes longer than twelve freaking months.

I’ve also heard of events shunning authors because they aren’t USA Today or New York Times Bestsellers.

This is appalling as well. There are so many amazing authors out there who write incredible stories and they are not bestsellers. But you can bet your ass I would stand in line for hours to meet them and show my appreciation.

And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.

I only participate in a 2-3 signings a year. One, because they are expensive as hell and two, because I’m picky about the signings I choose to participate in. However, the ones I do CHOOSE  are run by organized people who do not discriminate against authors and their lack of accolades or published works. They are passionate readers who like you and me, want nothing more than to find their next favorite author.

As for this event, I hope one of the organizers reads this and considers getting rid of that ridiculous “policy”.

I understand you have standards, but guess what…SO DO I!!

Peace and Love,

K.

P.S. Please excuse any typos or grammar as this was typed passionately and without the giving of any fucks.

The Officer's Promise

Buy Links: 
Amazon US: http://bit.ly/1suNZ7Z
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/23YcxSA
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/27DaWXf
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1VbMAyR
B&N: http://bit.ly/27HDLlb
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1XnNVm5

COVER REVEAL

COVER REVEAL 
Release Date: TBD 
Genre: Romantic Suspense 
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/203MG9S

BLURB: 
SIX BROTHERS

EACH HOLDING A DIFFERENT BADGE OF THE LAW

EACH SWORN TO SERVE AND PROTECT

prom-ise: assure someone that one will definitely do, give, or arrange something; undertake or declare that something will happen. 

NYPD Officer Ryker Cunningham comes from a family of men committed to upholding every letter of the law. But when he crosses paths with MaryAnn Glover, a troubled woman who not only tempts his heart but also his self-control, his need to protect her overrides everything he’s ever believed in. With a promise to keep her safe at any cost, Ryker shows MaryAnn what it means to live without fear…and love without regret.

NEW YEAR. NEW GOALS. Kinda.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope 2016 is shaping up to be a great year for you. It's certainly been good for me so far. Not that I have gotten anything accomplished but things look promising.

Kinda.

I wanted to give a more detailed update of what you can expect from me this year and what's been happening in my little writing world.

Alright first things first...Sylvie.

Oh, Sylvie.

Have I mentioned how complicated and complex this woman is? How incredibly deep and emotional her story is? Because let me tell you...it's been one hell of a journey so far.  I've decided she will be greatest challenge yet, but my most beloved story of them all. I set her aside once again back in August to finish Unlawful Justice. I didn't want to, but with the book being written in all female POV (with the exception of 2 chapters) I had to. Her feminine voice was bleeding into my writing of Grayson from UJ and we couldn't have our beloved Alpha sounding like a girl so she took a breather.

Then after release, the holidays consumed so much of my time she was neglected even more. When I finally did sit down and focus my attention her, she wasn't there. She'd retreated into a dark hole and I couldn't find her.

Frustrated, I attempted to work on You Are Mine (Alex & Alyssa's story), the fifth and final book of the MINE series but alas...my heart wasn't in it fully either.

I pondered for a few days.

Kicked around some rocks.

Drank a few beers.

Ok, a lot of beers.

What the hell was I going to do now?

My goal was to get these two books out this year and neither one of them would let me in. So as I was sitting there, wallowing in my own shit, a news segment came on about three brothers who had graduated the police academy together in New York. My wheels began to spin and before I knew it, I'd outlined and entire series.

Brothers in Blue.

I know it's not the smartest move to take on yet another story line when the two I have are at a complete standstill, but what's a girl to do when she is bombarded with 6 brothers who are not only Alpha as fuck, but all wear a uniform.

I knew I was in deep trouble.

Or in undeniable bliss.

I still can't decide.

So I grabbed the bull by the balls and ran with it. Now I'm 13K into this new series and I'm crazy in love it. It's heavy with romance of course but with an element of suspense as well. I think that's what was hindering me from progressing in my other stories. I missed the thrill of writing suspense I got from UJ.

This series will consist of 6 novellas, releasing at .99c each. They will all be standalones with HEAs of course. Meaning, you WILL NOT have to read the other books to follow along.

Pretty great right?

I plan on releasing book one soon. VERY SOON. Which means I'll be giving a release date soon as well. However, today I want to share the titles for each book and the hero's name and precinct.



The Officer's Promise (Ryker, 25 New York Police Department) The Detective's Trust (Reid, 27 Los Angeles Police Department) The Sergeant's Protection (Justin, 29 San Antonio Police Department) The Lieutenant's Possession (Asher, 32 Memphis Police Department) The Commander's Truth (Benson, 34 Metropolitan Police Department, Washington D.C.) The Chief's Vow (Denver, 37 Breckenridge Police Department) 
Are you excited as I am 'cause I'm pretty fucking stoked.

Now on to my goals for this year...

1. Release Sylvie.

2. Release You Are Mine as well as MINE series box set.

3. Release Brothers in Blue books as they happen. They are my pet projects so to speak. My go-to when nothing else is working but trust me, they will not SHUT UP!!!

So expect them to come fast and hard. <----that's what she said. :)

Of course I have no confirmed dates for any of this. I've determined I'm not that kind of writer/author. I write as it comes and I refuse to force anything so...it is what it is and you'll get it when it's ready. I hope as readers you can appreciate that effort.

Here's to a new year filled with new stories and new adventures.

I'm ready.

Are you?!

Christmas of MINE

The holidays are upon us and what better way to celebrate than with some of my favorite characters. I didn't realize just how much I missed the MINE crew. I had so much fun writing it, I didn't want to stop!!! 
I hope y'all love it just as much. 




I’ve spent the entire day baking and preparing for tonight. Christmas cookies, fudge, as well as an array of finger foods cover the surface. I’m beyond excited to spend the evening with all of our closest friends. To top it all off, it’s snowing outside. Practically unheard of here in the south this time of year.
It’s been difficult to get everyone together. With Cannon and Cora still living in Alabama, and everyone busy with their own lives, it’s been a challenge to keep in touch, but I try to stay current on what’s going on and make sure we all get together every few months. Because these people are more than just my friends.
They’re my family.
Cannon and Cora flew in a few days ago to spend the week with us. Our sons, Landon and Vaughn, always have so much fun when they’re together. They’re hoping to move back here soon now that the security company has taken off, and I hope that happens because I’m going to be sad to see them go.
But I’m not thinking about that tonight. I want to spend my time enjoying these beautiful moments, not anticipating when they will end.
I smile at Cora as she places a bowl of artichoke dip on the table. Having her here this week has been a huge help, I’m not sure I could have pulled any of this off without her.
“Katy, you’ve really outdone yourself this year. Everything looks amazing.”
I take a step back, admiring my handiwork. “You don’t think it’s a little overboard?”
“No way. Not at all. I wish I were as creative as you are.”
“Girl, please, recycled wine bottles, spray paint, and Hobby Lobby. The rest is all Pinterest inspired.”
“I’m so creatively challenged. Every time I try something on your DIY board the shit never turns out the way it’s supposed to.”
“You need more patience.”
“Pfft, I need Target. They sell it. I buy it. Done.”  
We share a laugh and I pull my phone from my back pocket to check the time as I make my way to the foot of the stairs.
“Archer, hurry up, they’ll be here any minute!” I shout.
As I stand there waiting, I take a moment to check myself in the foyer mirror, smoothing my hands down the front of my cashmere sweater that dons a litter of sweet kittens on the front.
“I’m dying to see his face,” Cora says, snickering beneath her hand as she joins me in the foyer.  
 “Don’t.” I swat her arm. “If you start I won’t be able to stop.” I school my face and turn around when I hear my husband clear his throat from the top of the stairs.
“Can you please tell me again why the fuck I gotta wear this shit?” His deep voice travels with him as he descends each step. 
I do my best to stifle a laugh but I can’t help myself. What he’s wearing is funny enough without his angry scowl adding to it. Cora doubles over in laughter, but I stand firm. However, my lips can’t control themselves.  
“Go ahead, laugh it up,” he says, his eyes cold and hard as he makes it to the landing, but I know better.
Damn, how can a man wearing a kitten sweater be so sexy? But paired with a dark pair of blue jeans, boots, and that full beard he’s been rockin’…
Sweet Lord.
“You look so hot, babe. You have no idea.”
“Cut the shit. There is nothing even remotely hotabout this,” he says, throwing up his hand.
Cora scurries into the kitchen, unable to control her laughter any longer, as I struggle to contain my own. “If you would just give me what I want, you wouldn’t have to wear it.”
“We’re not getting a damn cat,” he states adamantly, placing his hands on his hips.
“Then a deal’s a deal. And you mean kitten.” I correct him while holding up my phone and tapping my camera app. “Now stop being a baby and smile for me, honey.”
“Stop. You know I hate that shit.”
         
          “Well, I love it. And I want lots of pictures of my man wearing the only kitty I’m ever gonna have. Remember?”
I want a kitten for Christmas and Archer has been completely against the idea. He’s not a fan of indoor pets. Least of all ornery ass cats, saying he only needed one pussy in the house. As flattered as I was by that less than romantic statement, I still wanted a pet we could all enjoy as a family. Archer would warm to the idea. I just had to convince him first.
And maybe torture him a little.
How can you not love a cute, cuddly kitten dressed in a Santa suit?
He looks absolutely delicious standing there with that disapproving look on his face. He shifts uncomfortably, folding his arms across his chest, trying to hide the offending feline decorating his sweater, making him look even damn hotter. He said the only way he’d allow a cat in this house was over his dead body.
Well…he’s not dead but the only thing I could come up with at the time was to force him to wear a cute, cuddly kitty since he won’t let me have one. And Archer, being the stubborn ass that he is, readily agreed. I knew he wouldn’t back out but I also knew he’d sulk about it, too.  
It wouldn’t be the holidays if you’re not giving your family hell, right?
 “I know why you’re doing this. You want me to spank that sweet ass of yours, don’t you?”
“Maybe.” I wrap my arms around his neck and smile up at him as his hands move to my hips. “Does a spanking earn me a kitty?”
A low growl slips between his parted lips just before they cover mine, hot and demanding. Five years of marriage and the man still sets my blood on fire, managing to turn me into a compliant mess anytime he has his hands on me. I forget my plight, losing myself in this breath-robbing kiss. But it’s not long before our heated moment is interrupted.
“HO, HO, HO, Merry Christmas!” Holden’s voice booms through the house as he and Maddie burst through the front door.
Archer stiffens around me, breaking our kiss, his forehead falling to my shoulder. “Jesus.”
“Oh stop. It’s not that bad.”
He releases me to face our guests as they remove their coats.
Unlike my husband, Holden has been eagerly awaiting our little get-together for weeks now and, just like the rest of us, dying to see Archer in his holiday best.
“Merry Christmas, y’all!” Maddie says, stepping around her husband who is now hunched over, laughing and pointing at Archer.
“I don’t know what you’re laughing at. You’re the one who looks like a tool,” Archer says defensively.
“I look way cooler than you.” Holden thrusts his chest out, showing off his sweater…
If you jingle my bells I can promise you a white Christmas.
          Maddie compliments him by wearing a blue sweater I made for her with tiny little bells sewn all over it.
Every time she moves it jingles.
          I can’t stop smiling. 
“You look ridiculous,” Archer says.
“Not as ridiculous as you!” Holden fires back.
We all lose it, filling the room with laughter, but Archer is unamused and clearly not in good spirits yet.
But the love in my heart for him is stronger than it’s ever been. The man fills me with so much happiness and joy even when he’s being a brooding ass. I can’t say it hasn’t been a challenge to find our balance, especially after Vaughn was born, but we worked together to figure out how to be parents and lovers at the same time and most of all, friends.
          “Holden, stop pokin’ the bear and hand me that wine. I hope you have the guest room made up because this girl is gettin’ drunky tonight.”
          “Yes, I’m hoping everyone will stay. It doesn’t show signs of letting up out there.”
          “Merry Christmas, guys!” Tabitha greets, walking through the front door while dusting off the snow. “Holy shit, it’s insane out there.”
          I collect their coats along with Maddie’s and Holden’s and see that Tabitha’s green sweater has Naughty on the front and Barrett’s red one has Nice.
“Oh my God, you two look so cute. I love it.”
          “Right? The house looks incredible, Katy,” Tabitha says as she closes in for a hug.
          The last three weeks have been spent decorating. Having a house this big was overwhelming at first, but when it’s filled with family, friends, and love…it’s perfect.
          “Your folks arrive okay?” I ask Barrett, looking over Tabitha’s shoulder.
          “Yes, they’re here until after the first of the year. They were all but shoving us out of the house,” he says.
          “Oh that’s great, and I hope you plan on staying. I made up the guest bedrooms. I want everyone to have a good time and not worry about driving home.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Good, because I have a brunch planned for the morning.”
          Cannon walks into the room holding a beer, wearing a long-sleeve shirt with a stocking on it that says…
I’m hung.
While Cora has on a fuzzy sweater with a fireplace on the front.
“You put a lot of thought into that, didn’t ya?” Holden remarks.
“I did,” Cannon says proudly.
          A little while later Alyssa arrives wearing a simple red sweater with a collared white shirt underneath, black knee-length skirt, black tights, and black flats.
          “Alyssa, you were supposed to wear something silly or tacky.”
          I was really hoping she would participate. I even took her shopping with me on several occasions to try and help her find something, but everything I pointed out she said no to. I just wish she’d step outside her comfort zone every once in a while.
It’s good for the soul.
          “I couldn’t find anything like…that.” She blushes furiously, pointing to the others who are all well into their second and third round of drinks. “Maybe I should just go.”
          She tries to turn to leave but I urge her forward. Maddie and I had to do some serious scheming to get her to come tonight. Lining up Maddie’s parents to keep all the boys was easy, it was getting Alyssa to take a night off that was so hard. I all but forced her to come tonight. If Alyssa won’t break out of her shell, we’d just have to crack it open for her.
          “It’s okay. C’mon. Want something to drink?”
          “No,” she replies quickly.
The last time she drank was six months ago when she got drunk here with all of us and insisted on going home. Since Alex was the only one who hadn’t been drinking that night, we had him drive her. I had wondered if anything happened between them that night because ever since then she has refused to drink.
I know my brother would have never taken advantage of someone in Alyssa’s drunken state, but now I’m wondering if something else happened. I have never been able to get a straight answer out of Alex, but I plan on getting to the bottom of it tonight.
          If he shows up.
          Since moving back to LA three months ago I’m lucky if I even get a phone call these days, but he promised he’d be here and he’s supposed to be staying with us for the next couple of weeks. He’s been traveling so much lately. I’m worried about him. I know he’s going through some things personally but he won’t talk to me about it.
He won’t talk to anyone.   
It’s around nine o’clock when we all settle in the living room. Everyone has had plenty to drink and eat, even Alyssa has relaxed enough to pick up a glass of wine but her laidback demeanor changes immediately the moment my brother walks through the door.
          I jump up, rushing over to hug his neck. “You made it!”
          He wraps his arms around me tight. “Sorry I’m late, sis. I missed my first flight.”
          “It’s okay, I’m just so happy you’re here. I’ve missed you so much,” I say, hugging him once more. My parents are still a part of my life but I’m closest with my brother, and the distance between us has been killing me.
          Reluctantly, I let him go so everyone else can greet him while I stand back and appreciate this amazing group of people in my life and how special this moment is.
My brother is home.
My friends are all together, filling my heart with such peace and joy. I return to my chore of writing down numbers while everyone mingles.
           “So what are the rules again?” Tabitha asks as I walk around the room so everyone can draw a number.
          “We go in order. Number one goes first, and they kinda get the shaft,” I say with a sympathetic smile as Archer unfolds lucky number one.
          “You’ve gotta be shittin’ me,” he grumbles, and I kiss his curled lip before moving on.
          “Number two goes and they can choose a gift that’s already been opened or unwrap another from the pile. But a gift can only be stolen twice, then it’s dead.”
          “Oh this is gonna be so much fun!” Maddie gleams.  
          “If everyone followed my prior instructions you’ve brought along one Dirty Santa gift, $30 or less and no gift cards.” I move around the room allowing everyone to draw numbers from the cup, and when I get to my brother I find his eyes focused on Alyssa across the room.
“I didn’t bring a gift, sis,” he says, finally bringing his eyes to mine.
“I got one for ya. Go ahead, draw.”
He smiles, pulling the last piece of paper from the cup.
Two hours later and more than a few playful steals and arguments, we’re all sitting around with our newly acquired gifts.
“I wanna know who brought the Tuggie,” Cannon asks, taking a sip of his beer. “Because that is some funny shit.”
Holden raises his hand.
Archer chucks the box at his head but Holden catches it before it makes contact and tosses it back. “It’s to keep your little fella warm, Arch.”
          “Little my ass. Fucker. And I don’t need a Tuggie to keep him warm, my beautiful wife does a fine job of that.”
          “Archer!” I scold.
          “What? Just speakin’ the truth, babe.” He grins.
Finally!
It’s the first time he’s grinned all night, and I can’t say I’m not thrilled to be on the receiving end.
          “Well, whoever bought this gem wins Christmas. I’m not sure I’ll ever take it off,” Tabitha says, taking a sip from her scarf flask.
          “That’d be me,” I confess. “I was hoping you’d get it. I saw that and immediately thought of you.”
          “It’s perfect!”
          “Hey, what do you say we all play a game of charades?” Maddie suggests.
All of the men groan in protest.
          “Can’t we all just get drunk instead?” Cannon says, killing the last of his beer.  
          “Well, we could play drunk charades,” Cora suggests.
          “Count me out,” Alyssa says, getting up from the couch.
          “Wait, don’t leave, Lyssa,” Maddie pleads.  
          The entire room grows quiet, minus the Christmas music I have playing in the background, when Alex quickly moves to block her from leaving the room.
          “Can we talk?”
          “No,” Alyssa says firmly, refusing to look at him.
What is really going on here?
“Please,” my brother begs and her eyes lift to his. Something passes between them, a silent exchange that has the hair on the back of my neck standing on end.
“Go to hell!” she shouts, shoving him out of the way. I’ve never heard her raise her voice like that. Matter of fact, I’ve never even seen her angry before.
“The fuck you do to her?” Archer asks, stomping toward Alex.
“Why don’t you mind your own business?”
I quickly halt Archer’s pursuit by placing my hands on his chest. “Archer, relax.”
“You must have forgotten the rules, pretty boy. My house. My business.”
“Yeah, well, what goes on between her and me—it’s none of your goddamn business,” Alex spits out before leaving the room.
“I swear to God, I’m gonna kick his fucking ass.”
“Archer, please. Let me handle this,” I plead.
Archer looks down at me with a furrowed brow but easily submits to my request. He knows how close we are, or were, he also knows I will put him in his place when needed. I sigh in relief when Archer takes a step back and rejoins the others.
Thank goodness.
Last thing I need is my brother and husband at each other’s throats during Christmas. I make my way down the hall to the guest bedroom I made up for Alyssa, but I don’t even make it to the door before she comes rushing out, holding her coat and purse. Alex is hot on her heels.
“Thanks for having me, Katy. I’ll talk to you later, okay.”
“Alyssa, please, talk to me. I told you I was sorry, what more do you want from me?”
Alyssa plasters on a fake smile but I can see the tears welling up in her troubled eyes as she pushes past me.
I grab Alex’s arm before he can manage to get away, too. “What’s going on?”
“Not now, Katy. I need to talk to her first.” His voice is gravelly, almost broken. I release his arm when I see the pain embedded in his face along with a hefty dose of regret. He follows Alyssa, leaving me wondering what on earth happened between them to make her hate him so much.
By three a.m. Alex still hadn’t returned. I’d sent several text messages to them both, but the only response I got was from Alex letting me know Alyssa made it home safe and he would see me in the morning. I didn’t know what to think when I finally crawled into bed.
“Will you stop stressin’ about it?” Archer says, pulling me in close, his big, warm body heating mine.
“I can’t. It’s driving me crazy. I wanna know what happened between them.”

“Your dick of a brother probably opened his mouth. That’s usually his first mistake.”
“I just wonder what he’s done to make her so angry.”
“I have a few guesses.”
I sit up, looking down at him, moonlight casting shadows across his face. “Like what?” I ask.
He scoffs. “It’s so obvious.”
I slap his bare chest. “Will you stop being so damn cryptic, what’s so obvious?”
“That they slept together,” he says.
“No way.”
“Yeah, why else would she react that way?”
Hmmm…maybe he’s right.
Damn, I hate it when he’s right.
I remain quiet, still contemplating their earlier exchange, wondering when this all could have taken place.  
Archer rolls over, effectively covering my body with his own. “I think I know a way to get your mind off of it,” he growls into the crook of my neck. The whiskers of his beard elicit a band of goose bumps to ripple across my skin. I thrust my hips upward, silently begging for more, and my husband complies immediately with my request. His hand slips between my legs, finding me bare and ready.
“Soft, wet, and all fuckin’ mine.”
“Yes.”
His mouth descends to my breasts, while his sure fingers work my clit, stroking back and forth as he builds a fire of incredible need below. My hands thrust in his hair, holding him closer to me as he licks and sucks the distended buds. An involuntary giggle fills the room.
“That tickles.”
“Furry lips make happy nips,” he says, scraping his teeth across my fevered skin.
“God, yes. I love it. I don’t ever want you to shave.”
“I didn’t plan on it.”
His mouth moves lower as he drops open-mouth kisses across my belly and hips.
“Archer, please.”
“Ah, I love it when you beg.”
His hand leaves me and I blow out a breath of frustration. Archer flips me over on my belly before gripping my hips with enough force to lift them off the bed. Then he settles in behind me on his knees, his hands fanning over my ass.
“Christ, I love this ass.”
I give him a little wiggle, earning myself a palm to my right cheek. The sting of the smack causing me to gasp.
“You know better than that. Who’s in charge?”
I smile to myself, knowing full well I am, but I’ll give my man what he wants. “You are.”
“Damn right I am. And this sweet ass is gonna be the color of our sheets when I’m finished with you.”
A cry of pleasure escapes when he thrusts inside of me, filling me in the most delicious way. He begins to move, slow at first, but soon each stroke becomes more powerful than the last. Driving into me...
Hard.
Deep.
The palm of his hand lands on my skin with a resounding crack once more, the bite of pain only adding to the insurmountable pleasure he’s giving me. I begin pushing my hips back, meeting him thrust for thrust.
“That’s it, baby. Fuck you always feel so goddam good.”
His words send me over the edge and my body tightens beneath him as I let go. My fingers curl around the crimson sheet while his strong hands grip my hips, guiding me back and forth with force as he finds his own release, gifting me with another mind-numbing orgasm.
We fall into a heap together, both of us searching for air. Finally, Archer rolls me over and takes my mouth in a heated kiss.  
“I’ll be right back,” he says before pushing from the bed. He puts on a pair of pajama bottoms and leaves the room.
While he’s gone I take the time to wash up and slip on a T-shirt. The moment I crawl back in bed Archer returns holding a black ball of fur close to his chest.
Meow.
My conniving husband saunters toward the bed with a shit-eating grin on his face, holding a tiny black kitten.

I gasp.
Archer strokes the sweet kitty lovingly. “It’s a female, of course.” He smiles and I melt a little inside.
“I…but you said…”
“I wanted it to be a surprise but you’re so damn relentless sometimes. It was torture waiting this long.”
“She’s so cute.” I coo as he comes to sit on my side of the bed, handing her over to me.
“You didn’t actually think I’d tell you no, did you?”
“Well, I wondered. You were so adamant about not getting one. And you even wore that hideous sweater.”
“I had to throw you off somehow. Can’t let you think you get your way all the time.”
“Vaughn is gonna flip,” I tell him, holding the kitty close to my chest as it purrs.
“I know. I can’t wait to see his face. Yours was priceless by the way,” he says, kissing my cheek.
Tears sting my eyes, my chest full of happiness. “Thank you, baby. I love her already.”
“Good. I’d do anything to make you happy, even if it means getting a damn cat.”
“Shh…she can hear you.”
“Merry Christmas, baby,” Archer whispers tenderly in my ear.
“Merry Christmas, Archer.”



Hope you enjoyed revisiting the MINE crew. Alex and Alyssa's story is coming your way in 2016. So very excited to share their story!!! You can find the MINE series at all eBook retailers. 
MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'all!!!


         

                     

                                         

The Road to Justice

“How did you decide you wanted to write a book together?”



It’s the most common question KC Lynn and I are asked. So we thought we’d share a little bit of our journey with you.
Back in May, or was it June? Shit, I can’t remember. We were talking about Ferguson and all the riots going on across the country. It was heartbreaking to watch. Every day when we turned on the TV or opened up our news feed we saw nothing but hate, racism, and corruption, along with all the other messed up shit going on in our world.
We got fired up and started talking about our own views, our own ideas of peace, and what it would be like to live in a world where actions were based on right and wrong, not the color of your skin. 
So after hours of chatting and deep discussion...
A story was born!!!
It was a beautiful moment.
I think I heard doves cry.
Dammit, where’s Prince when you need him?
Aaaaanway, we volleyed back and forth, tossing around lots of maybe’s, what if’s, and drawing inspiration from one of our favorite books, A Time To Kill. Then ultimately we agreed...this story had to be told. It was something we both felt very passionate about, not only from our own experiences, but from what we were seeing happening all around us.
After we came up with the title, characters, setting and laid down the groundwork for our story, we agreed KC would write the female POV (Liv) and I would write the male POV (Grayson). There was no rhyme or reason to this decision, just kind of happened that way. However, we also agreed that whatever one writes, the other can go in and add to it and tweak. This system has worked really well for us. 

Except when we disagree. Which sucks, but fortunately for us, isn’t very often.
So we agreed that if we disagreed, we have our beta readers settle the debate. And if we still can’t agree, we delete all together.
For example, our hero originally had a tattoo, but KC and I could not agree on how it should look, and we both felt very strongly about it so guess what…Grayson will not have any tattoos.
Now don’t get me wrong, he is still one sexy motherfucker, tattoo or not, but compromise is everything.
Our vision is the same, but writing with someone else takes a tremendous amount of trust. We have to depend on one another for not only emotional support, but brutal honesty.
It’s been by far one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of our lives.
We know our STRENGTHS and our weaknesses, and we acknowledge them. We know when to give, and when to take.
But in the end teamwork is EVERYTHING.
There’s no way we could write this story alone. It takes more than one perspective to write something this heavy. Which is why we have a diverse group of beta readers as well, ensuring us that we are not one sided. 

Shout out to the Justice League!

With that being said, KC and I have been doing this long enough to know we cannot please everyone. But nobody ever made a difference by playing it safe.
A wise woman once said…
"The world you are trying to heal has many wounds of many colors."
No truer words were ever written.
KC and I are not naïve enough to think that we can change the world, but if we can heal just one wound and/or spread a little more love instead of fueling the hate, then we have accomplished what we set out to do.
So in a nutshell that’s it. I could probably spend all day talking about it, but I have beer to drink and bacon to eat. 

Oh, and a book to finish!!!
Hope you find time to check out Unlawful Justice when it releases November 17th. In the meantime, I’m leaving the cover, blurb and some teasers below!
Please feel free to comment below with any questions you might have about our journey or you can email us at truthandjustice69@gmail.com. 

We love to interact with readers.
Until next time…
Be kind to each other.         Peace.


Title:Unlawful Justice Genre: Romantic Suspense/Standalone   Authors:K.C. Lynn & K. Langston  Release Date: November 17, 2015
SYNOPSIS:
Seek the truth and you will find justice.
The peaceful town of Harmony Falls, Texas, has been rocked to its core by an unspeakable crime.
One that harbors revenge and injustice.
Schoolteacher Olivia Bradshaw can’t remember what happened that horrific night, but it’s easy to see the effect it’s had on those around her. All she wants is for peace to be restored to her beloved hometown, but Deputy Grayson Taylor is on a different mission. He seeks truth and justice, and he’ll do whatever it takes to find both for Olivia.
Lines will be crossed.
Secrets revealed.
Can justice prevail, or will the citizens of Harmony Falls succumb to the corruption and hate that continues to plague their small town?
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1POqVHx

The thing is...

I think it's safe to say patience has never been a virtue for me. I completely own that shit. I've gotten better as I grow older but still...I tend to jump the gun sometimes. 
Which is what I did with Sylvie's original cover. 
The thing is...the more her story continued to evolve, the more the other cover didn't quite fit. I still love the other cover. It killed me to change it. But after careful consideration, I had Kari over @ Kari March Designs design this stunning new cover. 



I think this one encompasses everything Sylvie represents, beauty and strength as well as an endearing weakness. If you've read any of my books you know my heroine's are strong, independent women, and Sylvie is no different. However, she is by far one of the most complex characters I've ever written. 

When I first started writing this back in August 2014, it was a completely different story than it is today. I'd actually gotten the idea while sitting on my front porch listening to the radio. An old country station we like to listen to when we're chillin' outside. This song came on called Don't Close Your Eyes by Keith Whitley. I've always loved the song. But the lyrics. 
The words. 
The man singing them. 
It really spoke to me in that moment. And yet, what started out as one thing transformed into and another and before I knew it, the story took on a life of it's own, weaving it's into my heart in the most unforgiving way. These characters have taken me to places I never imagined, showed me what it means to love in ways I have never known. 
One early beta even asked if it was ME who was writing. 
That's when I knew I was on the right track. 
I've tried to tell it a million different ways, but I've come to realize there's only one way.
Her way. 


Now, I bet you're wondering when this beauty will released huh? God, I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've asked myself the very same question. And after lots of tears and quite a few prayers, I have decided to publish Sylvie on January 12th, 2016. I had hoped to do it by the end of this month, hell sooner than that, but as fate would have it...it just wasn't possible. 
This story is everything to me. I must take my time with it. Give it all of the love and attention it deserves. I'll do whatever it takes to get it right. Even if it means waiting to release until she's ready to release. 
That being said, I happily note that Unlawful Justice, the standalone I'm writing with KC Lynn is set to release November 2015. We are pretty solid on that for now and I’m just excited about this one too so stay tuned! 
I know this is probably not what you were expecting, but I have to do what's best for me and what's best for the story, and I know in my heart it'll be worth it in the end. 
Besides, there are tons of authors out there who have amazing books already published just waiting to be read. 
For instance...if you haven't read any of my girl, KC Lynn's books, then you are totally missing out on some super hot. Hot and I'm talking....HOT romance packed full of suspense and so much fun to read. Her books are amazing. Start with the Men of Honor series, Fighting Temptation first. Jaxson will lead the way from there. And guess what...it's fucking FREE!!! When you're finished with the series, you can come thank me. We'll drink and discuss all things Sawyer, but just so you know...he's MINE!  
One of my favorite books of the year belongs to the incredibly talented, Adriana Locke. Sacrifice is one of those stories that stays with you forEVER. It's emotional and gut wrenching, but oh it hurts so fucking good. A MUST READ for 2015. 
Go forth and get #SCREWed!!!
Here are a few other books I've read recently that I highly recommend: 
City Beautiful by CM Foss Love Hurts  by Mandi Beck (Follow up Love Burns releasing this month!) The Paper Swan  by Leylah Attar Holding You/Releasing Me  by Jewel E. AnnThe Mason List by S.D. Hendrickson 
Welp, that's a wrap for now. I need to go work on Sylvie because ugh...January will be here before we know it. 
Head on over to my author page and enter win a $10 Amazon Gift Card, 5 Swag Winners, 2 ARCs and a partridge in a pear tree. Kidding...it's really a signed Kindle case signed by Sylvia Day, K. Bromberg, Alice Clayton, River Savage and many more! I wanna keep this bitch for myself but I won't. 

Gots to pay it forward. 
I think that's it. 
Maybe?!
OH!
I love to hear from readers so if you have any questions about this or any of my other books please feel free to ask!! 
Thanks for stopping by!