M.E. Carter's Blog, page 2

Got some freebies coming your way!

We're right in the middle of the World Cup which makes all us romance lovers want some soccer romance, right?

For the next five days, I'm teaming up with some friends to give you exactly that for free.

You read that right... FREE!

Here's how it works: You'll get one quick email every day through Friday with the link to another free soccer romance that will get you in the spirit of the World Cup.

No email addresses required. No strings attached. Just good old fashioned soccer romance!

So get ready to fill up your device! Today starts us off. Continue reading for your first freebie!

TODAY'S FREE BOOK IS

Scoring a Spouse by Liz Lincoln
Get it here --> http://books2read.com/ScoringASpouse

Just how much of fiction is real? In my books you never know!

Recently in my reader group, we decided to do a group re-read of all my books.

With nine years in this industry under my belt, there are quite a few books out there and most of them I haven't read through in years. So in a strange way, it's like I'm reading them for the first time.

That is, until I get to certain scenes that end up flooding my mind with memories.

I have a tendency to take some of the funniest parts of life, my life anyway, and put them into fictional stories. For instance, (look away mom) the honeymoon scene in Hart to Heart.

In the story, Jason and Addison have been married for a couple of hours and Jason is just DONE with the reception. He is a warm-blooded male, after all, and he needs some "alone time".

So off to the room they go. So far, this is pretty mild, right? Just wait.

Once they get to the room, Addison has the bright idea to keep her wedding dress on the first time, well, do it.

This is much like where my head was at on my wedding day. So now fiction begins to straddle truth. And I do mean straddle.

Neither I, nor my character, thought this plan through very well. It seemed simple enough. In a big, poofy dress, just stay on top.

Oh, how naive we were.

What I hadn't realized, and subsequently Addison didn't realize, is that poofy dresses sort of... spread out when you sit down on your knees. And while this might seem like a fun, exciting, sexy time, to have sex in your wedding dress, when your new husband suddenly disappears until a giant pile of tulle only to be suffocated, not quite so sexy.

I had to dig him out. Just like Addison did.

The reality of the situation was really funny and made for a great scene. But I can't give my imagination credit for that faux pas. It was all me. The real me. The hot mess me.

This isn't the only case of using my real life in my books. There is a very funny scene with "Tie Guy" in Pride & Joie. It actually happened. (I have witnesses)

And there are some very gut wrenching things said to Elena by her ex-husband in Getting a Grip. Unfortunately that also happened.

And let's not forget the Santana concert in Change of Hart. Really went. Was really blown away. Still one of my best memories at a concert.

So while truth may be stranger than fiction, sometimes fiction is just straight up truth. I hope you end up enjoying those moments as much (or as little) as I did.

~

Speaking of my reader group...

Feel free to join us!

It's not too late to join us for the group re-reads. We're reading Hart to Heart now, so come have some fun with us!

Join us here--> https://www.facebook.com/groups/17572...

~

SUPER SALE!!
Juked is on sale (limited time only) for just 99¢. When you add the audible upgrade, that's less than $3 for the ebook and audiobook combined!!
Don't miss this sweet sale! Tell your friends!
Get it here --> https://www.authormecarter.com/juked

~

What I'm currently reading... Be Kind, Rewind by Melissa Brown.

It wasn't just the writing for me with this one. It was also the nostalgia. I want to grab my old Blockbuster card and head out to get some movies now.

Super fun book!
Grab it here --> https://amzn.to/3KbE7LF

~

Spring Break is upon us! Get some rest. You deserve it!
💜M.E. Carter

I gave up resolutions years ago.

Apparently I don't have enough resolve in me to actually be successful. Instead, I moved to picking a theme word. Something I could strive to achieve that was more of an internal thing.

Last year, I picked relationships. Specifically trying to foster them between my children. I did pretty good! They were split into six different groups of two (the biologicals, the chosen, the girls, the boys, opposites 1 and opposites 2), and each month, I took one of the groups to do an activity they might enjoy. For instance, the girls and I went to an escape room. The boys and I went paddle boarding. Just a few days ago, opposites 2 (that would be the 20 year old girl and 7 year old boy) went to see Bluey Live because they both love Bluey.

It worked out really well so we're continuing the tradition this year.

In the meantime, my new word is rejuvenation.

I don't get enough rest. I know that full well. I have three jobs, I'm still raising four kids (yes, even the 20 year old who has some maturing to do), I'm in charge of one of the children's programs at church, and three of the four kids have activities that require a ton of driving. So I give myself Saturdays to nap and rest.

However, my mind needs rest, too, and that's where rejuvenation is coming in. I'm trying to make more time for myself to get away from all of it - social media, kids, jobs, responsibilities - so my mind can rest.

This one is a work in progress. So far, I've gone to dinner with a friend once and I'm now doing karate while the boys are in their karate classes. Not only am I working my muscles in a new way, I'm doing it with other adults. And instead of sitting in the lobby for six hours, I'm working out, which frees up time during my very busy day.

I'm also going to RARE Florence in September. Yes, I said ITALY! I'll be there for nine days, which means eight days of enjoying time away.

I'm still looking for other ways to rejuvenate my mind. If you have any ideas, let me know! I'm determined to feel better this year and I'll take all the suggestions I can get!
If reading more is one of your goals, this is a great way to start!!

Every book in the Hart series is just 99¢!!!

Whether you're just starting the series, forgot to read the last book, or got distracted somewhere in the middle, now is the time to pick them up again!

Best of all, they're on super sale everywhere. Amazon, Apple Books, Nook, Kobo, Google Play, etc. Wherever you read, grab them there!

But hurry. It's for a limited time only! Let's start the year off right!

https://www.authormecarter.com/hart-s...

~

Need Content Development Help?
I've got a couple spots open in February and beyond to help you get your book baby in shape!

Request an appt here: https://www.authormecarter.com/develo...

~

People ask all the time for Dramione recommendations If you like dark romance, Perfectly in Pieces is my latest recommendation. Not only is it gripping, but it's the BEST rendition of Theo Nott I've ever read. I love, love, love him.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/327...

~

Who wants a free sports romance?

Sindy is a fashion designer and boutique owner who's being pressured to go to her high school reunion. If nothing else, it's an opportunity to show off her designs. Should a klutz wear platform stilettos in the name fashion?

Kenny is a major league baseball player with a body honed to perfection. Dressed to the nines and drawing female attention with every step he takes, but he's only there for one of them... Will he find her?

Falling for Prince is the first in the Short Stop collection, a spin off An All About the Diamond Romance series.
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/m4byq7b6g7

~

New year, same old us. We're just wiser now.
<3, M.E.

I've got the fastest, easiest recipe for your next holiday meal...

I am not a cook. I try, but as my kids can attest to, it rarely goes well. Any potluck, family get-together, church function in which I'm required to bring food causes a lot of panic on my part.

Until now.

Mind you, I have no idea where this recipe came from or why my dad started making it, but it quickly became a favorite staple whenever they have company. People ask for the recipe all the dang time, and they're stunned when he gives it to them right there on the spot. It's that easy.

For your next event where you need breakfast, dessert, or a side dish, just grab two ingredients and prepare for the compliments.


Ingredients:

- Large bag frozen berries of your choice

- Large vanilla coffee creamer. Must be in liquid form

Directions:

Open bag of berries and empty into large bowl. Pour half of the vanilla coffee creamer over berries and stir. Add creamer until all berries are covered.

That's it, y'all. The end. There's nothing else to do except let people serve themselves.

As the berries melt, the juice mixes with the creamer to create a tasty fruit dish, but you don't even have to wait that long. I usually bring the supplies with me, mix it together when I get there, and serve immediately.

Try it and send me a note on the feedback you get! I can guarantee at least one person will ask you for the recipe!

~

His Chestnuts Will Be Roasting...

Open Fire, a super fun, holiday sports romance stars Becker Bell, one of the Florida Glaze's best forwards, and Sloan Webber, who is a super fan for the other team. And she won't let him forget it.

The banter is fun, the scenarios are sexy, and love is in the air.

One-click today and get in the holiday mood! (Still working on Apple Books. They seem to have a major glitch happening. But you can preorder there while we wait!)

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3IJMlZ3
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/3IUZ1MD
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3zm79mc
Nook: https://bit.ly/3IKwFoh
Google Play: bit.ly/3U1a4b2

~

Here's What I'm Reading and Loving:

I am a Dramione superfan, so of course I had to read Tom Felton's new book, Beyond the Wand.

Tom is funny and tells great stories, and has struggles like so many of us. It was nice seeing his human side. My only regret is I wish I had done the Audible so he could read to me! lol
Grab it here: https://amzn.to/3i6mOQj

~

Stay warm and well fed, my friends.

Are you a weinie like I am?

My mom says I have a sensitive spirit.

My friends say I'm a wuss.

Both are true.

I am a child of the 80's. That means I grew up enjoying everything from The Wonder Years to Janet Jackson to the movie Mermaids, starring Cher and Winona Ryder. (Anyone else remember that one? Did I just age myself?)

It also means I watched every single episode of Boy Meets World.

Well, almost every episode.

I am such a big weinie, the Halloween episode was a hard pass.

No lie. For years I tried watching it with all the lights on, Christmas music playing, in the middle of July. But every time Jennifer Love Hewitt shows up, I'm out. I know something bad is about to happen and I have no desire to stick around.

When my children found out this little tidbit, they found it to be hilarious, because they're little punks. So a couple of years ago they found the episode from satan himself and forced me to watch it. If you believe watching between my fingers so I could hide my eyes is watching, then yes. I accomplished this goal. And let me just tell you...

WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT????

I'm still shaking just thinking about it! And I'm pretty sure I had a nightmare about it last week.

I will never forgive my children for this...
The irony is, I adore paranormal romance.

Another irony, Panther has been re-covered, re-edited, and expanded with never-before-read sexy scenes!

He said all the right things.
He vowed to love me forever.
He left without a note or an explanation.

Alone and caring for our dying daughter, I am desperate for answers and a cure to save her. When a stranger offers me guidance and friendship I accept it – reluctantly. With new friendships and a family that accepted us as one of their own, I never expected to meet a man who could capture my heart so easily.

Falling in love with him was easy. Fighting the laws that threaten to keep us apart can only make us stronger.

Download Panther today for a sexy Halloween treat!
Amazon https://amzn.to/3kms016
Apple Books https://apple.co/2VRJh90
Kobo https://bit.ly/2XGdeK3
Nook https://bit.ly/3AD6tY1
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3RXwWXU

~

Coming November 23rd:

His chestnuts will be roasting...
With just 24 hours to hang out with his dad, Becker Bell is determined to get home for Christmas. Things aren’t looking promising.

Sloan Webster just wants to be with her family for the holidays. However, it seems the universe is against her.

But when an unexpected good Samaritan offers assistance, things begin looking up.

Maybe there’s time for a Christmas miracle after all…
Preorder Open Fire, A Florida Glaze Holiday Romance!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3IJMlZ3
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/3IUZ1MD
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3zm79mc
Nook: https://bit.ly/3IKwFoh

~

What I'm Reading and Loving:

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy is not my normal read, but like everyone else, the title grabbed me.

Y'all, I'm so glad I read this. I'll never watch iCarly the same way again, but it really sheds a light on narcissistic abuse, which is something we don't talk about often.

One-click here: https://amzn.to/3gITwXl

~

Fuzzy sock weather is upon us! (Some days) Enjoy keeping those tootsies toasty!

Have you gotten stuck in holiday travel delays? Sometimes it's a blessing! It was for me, anyway...

Last year, Christmas was a little different with the kids.

It was my ex-husband's turn, which was fine. I've gotten used to it over the years. The difference is with my parents traveling, I couldn't stay in Houston with them. Additionally, since they were only going to be there for less than a week because of how the school break fell, it didn't make sense for me to drive there, drive home, turn around three days later and drive there, drive home.

Instead of giving myself a solid 32 hours of drive time in the same seven-day period, I parked the car and took a cheap flight home. (By cheap, I mean less than the gas would have cost me, so it's all relative.)

After a few days of rest (since I had no car to go anywhere), I was headed back to Houston. I got to the airport early because I'd rather read for a while than scramble at security and run through the airport. I was happily having breakfast when I get a text alert.

Delayed.

"No big dea," I thought. "I can just take my time."

And then another delay came through.

And another.

And another.

I was at the airport for HOURS waiting for the plane to finally arrive in one piece so I could go get my children!

At one point, I was sitting in a massage chair because, why not? I looked over at a Christmas tree and I remember thinking, "They really do decorate this airport nicely for the holidays."

And that is the moment inspiration struck.

Suddenly I was thinking about the other travelers who were stuck here with me. What if some of them were single? What if they were bored? What if they ended up finding their one true love while suffering through flight delays at an airport?

That's when the story started spinning in my head, and I knew one of our favorite hockey players with the Florida Glaze was going to get stuck like all the other travelers on Christmas Eve. And it would be the best thing that ever happened to him.

I can say it with a smile now, but the reality is, I don't want to get stuck at the airport again. But I'm also not mad it happened last Christmas.

Becker and Sloan never would have found each other if it weren't for those delays.

It was my own little Christmas miracle. And it's going to be your little miracle, too, very soon because
the paperbacks are already here! See? An early Christmas miracle.

And I'll have a few copies for purchase at the Route 66 event at the end of this month!

If you'll be at that event, come see me early, though. I'll only have four or five copies available!

In the meantime, don't forget to pre-order so Open Fire, A Florida Glaze Holiday Romance hits your kindle just in time for Thanksgiving! Preorder it today!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3IJMlZ3
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/3IUZ1MD
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3zm79mc
Nook: https://bit.ly/3IKwFoh

~

Football Season Has Begun...
So what could be better than getting some football romance books on sale?

The first three books in the Hart Series come in a box set, which is deeply discounted through the end of the month only.

Perfect for reading while everyone else watches the game. Just call it "research." That way you're still "participating", right?

Get it here for just 99¢!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2YP1LoE
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2MAuuLe
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3aBIfS2
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/39RAnNa
AppleBooks: http://apple.co/38e3okZ
Nook: http://bit.ly/36LoYMO
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2YQig3D
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/3jkdOnn

~
Here's What I'm Reading and Loving:

Besides the stellar writing, I was ill prepared for how deeply Lost Track by Heidi Hutchinson would affect me on a personal level. My daughter is the female version of Sunshine Capone and I'm so deeply grateful that Heidi let me see inside his head.

Lost Track releases in a couple of weeks, so don't miss out on the preorder. It was fabulous.
Preorder here:
https://amzn.to/3BVY2ZI

~

Stay cool and hydrated, everybody. Summer is almost over in the northern hemisphere!

I'm weighting in on (one of) the latest TT debates with some real life experience

Recently there was a kerfuffle on TikTok.

I know, I know. There are ALWAYS kerfuffles on that platform. It's one of the reasons I only dabble over there sometimes. I can't seem to keep up.

Anyway, apparently a bestselling author made a post saying to not worry about editing, just publish your book.

In this author's defense, I haven't watched her video so I can't quote her or assume her intensions with this. But I can say without one modicum of a doubt...

Please worry about editing.

A couple of years ago, my co-writer and I were both suffering from some severe writer's block, so we started writing a sort of cozy paranormal romance. It was fun! We went out of our comfort zone and let our imaginations run wild. Since the chapters were put up one at a time, we had our beta readers go through them, but with two sets of author eyes on each chapter, that's as far as our editing went.

When the story was complete, we combined all the chapters and released the whole thing to the world.

And then we picked it up two years later.

Y'all.. what were we thinking????? Were we drinking heavily or writing in our sleep? What in the world??

Within the first couple of pages, we found punctuation and grammar errors, and it only went downhill from there. There were so many mistakes and errors we normally don't miss, but this time.... I really just don't know what happened.

After we had a good laugh at our own stupidity, we pulled the book down and immediately started doing revisions (more on that to come in the near future!).

And this time, we have an editor ready and waiting for us to finish it up.

So, learn from our mistake. Get an editor.

Don't get so locked up in editing that you never release your book because you're continually looking for a rogue error, but take our word for it... an editor is your very best friend sometimes.

Especially when your own eyes are your worst enemy.

~

Speaking of Editing... Your new favorite holiday romance is ready for you to preorder!

His chestnuts will be roasting…

With just 24 hours to hang out with his dad, Becker Bell is determined to get home for Christmas. Things aren’t looking promising. Multiple delays are making it harder than necessary to get where he needs to be, leaving him frustrated and even worse… bored. That is, until a scattered redhead is knocked right off her feet in front of him.

Sloan Webster just wants to be with her family for the holidays. However, between security mishaps and several hours’ worth of delays, it seems the universe is against her. But when an unexpected good Samaritan offers his assistance, things begin looking up.

Maybe there’s time for a Christmas miracle after all…

Open Fire, A Florida Glaze Holiday Romance is coming just in time for Thanksgiving! Preorder it today!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3IJMlZ3
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/3IUZ1MD
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3zm79mc
Nook: https://bit.ly/3IKwFoh

~

Did You Know...?
I'm now offering content development help.

Whether it’s talking an author through a mental block, providing suggestions on how to expand a story that needs updating, or pointing out plot holes that need to be addressed, I love using the skills I’ve learned as an author to help guide others.

If you think you're in need of some help on your latest manuscript, check out the link on my webpage for more information. Looking forward to working with you!
https://www.authormecarter.com/develo...

~
Here's What I'm Reading and Loving!

If you haven't checked out Karla Sorensen yet, do yourself a favor and one click The Crush. You really can't go wrong with anything she writes, but this is the latest! I blew threw it in a couple days!
https://amzn.to/3cj2Nnh

~

Happy back to school!!! Anyone else doing a happy dance, like me?
💜M.E. Carter

I am not a cruiser.

On a boat, I mean.

I've gone on a few and while I enjoy visiting tropical islands and even being on the ocean, I don't like the crowds.

Even worse (and this is my big one), I hate having to be dressed up for dinner so I can be there at a specified time!

I know, I know. Such first world problems, right? Maybe I'm just turning into a tired old lady who needs a little more flexibility in her vacation. (GET OFF MY LAWN!)

I will say, however, a cruise can be a fantastic way to meet interesting people. I met a whole group of women who were traveling together on a cruise a few years ago. There were five of them, and they all had such different personalities and life situations. And yet, they were the best of friends.

That's where the idea for the second generation of the Hart series came from.

These strangers I met in a bar were the inspiration for

Annika - the sports loving tomboy (Matters of the Hart)

Lauren - the competitive gymnast (Matters to Me)

Kiersten - the single mom (Matters to You)

Nicole - the beautiful blonde (Matter of Time)

Ellery - the latecomer who fit right in (Matter of Fact)

Obviously their names were changed and the situations are completely different, especially since I've never seen them again. But their bond made for great inspiration about a group of friends that became family by choice.

So while I don't go out of my way to go on a cruise, I can't say it wasn't worth it. Those women made a life-long impression on me.

Speaking of these friends...

You Can Meet Lauren, Kiersten, Nicole, and Ellery Today!

The Hart Series Box Set, Matters Edition, is on sale for a LIMITED TIME! Don't miss out on getting four complete books for one low price. Seriously, it's 75¢ a book!!! Can't be that!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3kMQ64J
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3vII6I9
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3KHpuwB
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/38XgRk0
AppleBook: https://apple.co/3ybApfk
Nook: https://bit.ly/3seBKho
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3KOEWGY
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3vJEgi3

~

Here's an EXCLUSIVE Sneak Preview of What's Coming in Trial by Fire:

I watch as he slides the book back into place, at an achingly slow pace. I’ve never had such an erotic reaction to books. But something about Nick’s hands on them, touching the pages, devouring the words with his eyes, turns the entire experience into something completely different than just reading.

I’m not sure how much more I can take before I rip my dress off and dry hump his leg.

“Would you like to see the rest of the place?”

Nick turns to me, his eyes twinkling. He knows I’m trying to move our night along. How is he so patient?

“I’d love to.”

We take our time, meandering through the different areas of the suite. I show him the full kitchen that has probably never been used, and the large balcony where you can hear and smell the ocean. He’s impressed by the shiny black grand piano in the sitting room, even though none of us can play. I even take him into the very impressive master bathroom. The white marble counter is still scattered with my makeup and hair supplies from when I got ready for the gala earlier. The room comes complete with a bedroom sized walk-in closet, an oversized marble tub that can easily fit two, and a shower that has not just a rain head, but eight different sprays in the wall.

“It’s opulent, but it’s my favorite part of the entire suite,” I admit as I explain how each individual spray can be adjusted for temperature or pressure. That elicits both of his eyebrows raising in surprise. “I don’t want to be presumptuous, but feel free to come on over and try it after an extra hard practice.”

He smirks at me. I can’t read what it means, but I hope it’s excitement over trying my favorite toy. “I’ll have to do that.”

“Anyway,” I say quickly, moving through the doors and into the master bedroom. “That’s the whole thing. I’m sure there are details I forgot, but you’ve got a good idea of how over the top it is now.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s over the top.”

I purse my lips. “Mm-hmm.”

“I’d say it’s a nice home away from home when you just need a break but can’t go far.”

“You overestimate the intentions behind why this suite was built in the first place.”

“I don’t really care about the intentions. I care about what we’re going to use it for.”

I gasp as he comes up behind me, his lips gently resting at the juncture of my neck and shoulder. The way his hands grab my hips reminds me of the tender way he handled those poetry books. My breathing picks up as I wait for him to squeeze or kiss or move or something. But he doesn’t. He stands there patiently, still, building the anticipation and I wonder what he’s going to do. What he’s going to do to me.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, he speaks.

“If we do this…” The puff of air from his breath grazes my shoulder making me weak in the knees. “We have to be on the same page.”

“Yes, yes. Same page.” I’m practically panting and I can’t stop my hand from raising and sliding into his hair.

He lets out a small groan from the contact. “This is not a love match. This is two high-profile people finding pleasure in each other. And it stays between us.”

“Yes,” I whisper, my chest heaving like I can’t catch a breath.

And then his lips begin to move. He nibbles on my shoulder, my neck, and when his teeth graze behind my ear, my legs practically give out.

Before I can get my bearings straight, I feel Nick’s hands at my rib cage, his deft fingers pulling the zipper down on my dress. The silky material slides straight down my body and lands in a pile at my feet. I hear Nick gasp when he realizes I’m in nothing but a thong and my heels.

The sound gives me a feeling of empowerment. Carefully, I pull away, stepping out from the material on the floor and turn to face him. Channeling my inner sex goddess, I reach up, grabbing the pins in my hair and pull.

Trial by Fire, coming July 28th!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3CNGMWd
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3JgWThE
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3tXzc7v
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3CJDcwz
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3IivhYb
Nook: https://bit.ly/3JsxMZ6
Kobo: https://bit.ly/38zYQsn

~

HERE'S WHAT I'M READING AND LOVING!

I am not a huge Harry Potter fan so I'm as shocked as you are by how much I'm enjoying Draco/Hermione fan fiction! There's everything from alternate universe endings to continuations of the original series.

Fanfic is free, which is fantastic and some of the writing is phenomenal. To make it even better, Archive of our Own will allow you to download a mobi file directly to your kindle! (Expert level tip: ALWAYS bookmark where you stop reading as it won't remember and then you have to go searching for where you stopped.)

Highly recommend these to anyone who enjoyed HP but didn't care for the Ron/Hermione match up.
Get it here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/345...

~

We completely skipped over spring in my neck of the woods and went straight for summer so, stay hydrated friends!

Happy Reading!
M.E.

How My Real Life Depression Sparked A Book...

Six and a half years ago, I was stuck in a depression.

I had a two month old baby who would get a look of terror on his face if I put him down, an 11 year old with an emotional disability who was spiraling into behaviors I couldn't control, two girls who needed their needs met as well, and a marriage that was two months away from being over. I was physically and emotionally exhausted, and felt like I was drowning.

One day, with my newborn strapped to my front, I wandered around the grocery store in a stupor, just trying to get some rest from the chaos at home. I was there but I wasn't all there.

I remember seeing a cut out of a local celebrity who was the "face" of the store and thinking, "I wonder what he'd be like as a dad? What would he do if he saw me stumbling around this place with no direction and feeling lost? Would he stop and help me? Would he take the baby just for a few minutes so I could feel my arms again? Would he be my friend?"

In hindsight, I can see a lot of red flags that I was probably in the middle of a small postpartum depression, exacerbated by really hard life stuff. I should have been in therapy and followed closely by my doctor. But I wasn't.

Instead, I retreated into my writing and Juked was born.

While our relationship status and how we got our baby was totally different, Quincy's emotions mirrored a lot of mine at the time: the exhaustion of having a newborn, the fear of life's sudden adjustments, the worry about how to balance it all, the grief of loss. I processed so many of my emotions through her, all while giving her a happy ending.

That little baby is now the smartest, wittiest, snuggliest Bugaboo who I never expected to come into my life. That 11 year old is now a high school graduate looking to start a vocational program in August. Those girls are now making names for themselves at school and work, and need me less than they used to. And that marriage—well, long over and happier for it.

And the Texas Mutiny series is still beloved by fans and probably my best selling series to date.

I guess that makes sense though. Real life experiences make great real life stories right?

I'm so grateful for writing getting me through such a tough time. And I'm so grateful to you for embracing the Texas Mutiny soccer team with all their flaws.

Art really does imitate life. At least for me it does.

You can read the book that helped me through that time in my life here:
Apple Books: http://apple.co/3bk0mxc
Nook: http://bit.ly/2EbpAg6
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2jpoDaj
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2E52to4
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2ZgCJOn
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2VReQy1
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2Gemf0j
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3lBX8rc
Eden Books: https://edenbooks.org/product/juked/
Audible: https://amzn.to/2GnTzBU
iTunes: http://apple.co/3sU9n6o

~

Under Fire is now in Kindle Unlimited!
The first book in the Florida Glaze series can now be read for free by Kindle Unlimited subscribers. But grab it soon. I'll only be there for a couple more months!
Grab it here:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3wzL9kJ
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3n20VBV
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3ojG2kO
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3F6fJFw

~

Meet Nick Williams. He's coming in July! (pun intended)

Chemistry this explosive can’t stay hidden for long…

Prestyn Caine doesn’t want to be known as a “hotel princess.” She wants to be recognized by the men in her family for who she is - a strong and confident business woman. Instead, she finds herself banging on the glass ceiling her great-grandfather put in place long ago. As if that wasn’t enough, her one foray into dating ended with her accidentally being the “other woman.” Needless to say, her faith in men is dwindling quickly.

Nick Williams hates wearing the title of Tampa’s Bachelor of the Year. He shies from any additional publicity of being a professional hockey player. Even dating without being hounded by the media doesn’t seem like a possibility. It doesn’t help to discover the untoward way his sister’s marriage fell apart. Any ability he had to trust others is quickly evaporating.

Still, despite the tumultuous way their paths cross, Prestyn and Nick have an undeniable attraction. With their busy careers and mutual disdain for the spotlight, a no-strings attached non-relationship is an ideal setup for both of them.

As long as they can keep their feelings in check, it doesn’t matter how much things heat up… right?

Preorder Trial by Fire today:Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3CNGMWd
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3JgWThE
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3tXzc7v
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3CJDcwz
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3IivhYb
Nook: https://bit.ly/3JsxMZ6

Holiday Ideas for the Kids and a FREE BOOK!

Like so many moms out there, I'm trying to balance raising kids, working, keeping house and organizing the family, and I'm doing it all by myself.

That's not a sob story, I promise. Most days I love my life. But when school gets out for our holiday break, I admit to freaking out a bit.

My goal is to enjoy my favorite time of year with the kids, but responsibilities don't take a backseat just because I want to find fun things for us to do together.

Thankfully, an acquaintance of mine ran across an article titled 40 Magical Christmas Activities for Kids to Keep Them Busy All Season Long. It has some really fabulous ideas for things to do together, and things they can do by themselves. Here are my favorites.

1) Make snowman spoons for hot cocoa. It just requires candy cane spoons, melted chocolate, some mini marshmallows and maybe some chocolate chips. Its easy and fun, and considering we always drink hot chocolate on Christmas Eve, it's perfect for us!
2) Deck the Halls- literally! Give the kids some lights and let them make a wall hanging Christmas tree in a blank hallway. I've always wanted to do this so it'll be fun for me, too!
3) Recycle used bottles for holiday decor. As a bonus, these would look great on my table at my next author event!
4) Make a light angel. For those of us that don't get snow often, snow angels are out. This is a fun alternative.
5) Stream a local production of the Nutcracker. I'd never even thought about the fact that we can stream local performances! It may require asking your local mom's group on Facebook who has a link, but how nice would it be to have a night in the theater from the comfort of your own couch? As a bonus, you can bring snacks to your living room!
You can find 35 more ideas in the original Woman's Day Magazine article here --> https://www.womansday.com/life/g2054/...

For those of us that are without our kiddos this holiday, (maybe it's the ex's year) you can still find some time to celebrate the small things. For me, I'm going to knock out some work so I can take the week after Christmas off when the kids get home. In the meantime, I have five things I want to accomplish while I'm alone:

1) Watch as many holidays movies as I can find. Whether it's cheesy or completely inappropriate entirely depends on my mood.
2) Christmas shop AFTER Christmas. We'll be doing our Christmas on New Year's Eve so I might as well take advantage of the sales. If I'm lucky, I'll score some hot items that were returned the day after Christmas!
3) Sleep in every day. Let's face it, when the kids are here, that never happens. I'm going to take advantage of the rest while I can so I can be energized when they get back.
4) Get a pedicure and tip big. Service workers don't get to stop because it's Christmas break. But I can try to make their holidays a little brighter by giving a little extra in their tip. Even if they're cranky from the stress of the holidays.
5) Read as many books as I can. Without having to cook, only cleaning up after myself, no shuttling kids to activities, no need to cook dinner, I'm going to have some time on my hands. I plan to take full advantage of it when I'm not watching those Christmas movies!

~

Speaking of books, I have a Christmas gift just for you... a free copy of Matters to Me!

Heath and Lauren are some of my favorite characters. I love how they hated each other at first, only to realize they're way more similar than they gave themselves credit for. It's a fun book that isn't just about football... nope. She's a college gymnast so they're both athletes!

You can get it free on Book Funnel, which is very simple to use. Your'e welcome to share the link with your friends. There are no strings attached. It's just a free book for your enjoyment as my thank you for all your support, and my hope that you'll have a happy holiday.
Get it For Free Here---> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/gejdtyzbjp

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Have You Preordered Under Fire Yet?

I'm putting the final touches on the first book in the new Florida Glaze series before it heads to my editor. The feedback from the beta readers is absolutely fantastic! They're loving this new series already which makes it so much more fun to write.

Oh, and if you thought it was coming out in April, SURPRISE! It's actually releasing in March. For whatever reason my brain got the dates wrong and had it scheduled to release a month later than planned. My mess up is your gain!

Under Fire: A Florida Glaze Hockey Romance
Coming Spring 2022!
Preorder Now!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3wzL9kJ
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3n20VBV
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3ojG2kO
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3F6fJFw
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3Df2UbD
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3ekhHa9
Nook: https://bit.ly/3qwM3O9

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Wishing you the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of New Years!
💜M.E. Carter