SHE SHOOTS, SHE SCORES! 4,242 words and two POVs later, and we have ourselves a bonus epilogue!

Given how much spice I read and how much I love it, it seems grossly unfair! I told my husband I need to take a class in 2026 for writing steamy scenes. I'm not above admitting I need to learn from those who know more than me. Any romance writers have conventions or courses they'd recommend?

And yet neither of you has nominated the first person to crack open a sea urchin or oyster, take a look at the glistening, quivering goo inside, and decide "yes, this is the sustenance for me."

Now that this, my first book, is done and in the world it's time to start working on what's next.

I REALLY wish I had gotten pictures with everyone, but trust me when I say that I love you all so much! So many people came to support me and the book, more than I could have hoped for.

I was flying high, not gonna lie. So overwhelmed, excited, and thrilled. 😍

You were, and are, the backbone of my success. The person who made sure I had what I needed to help make it even possible. I love you, Husbeast.

I can't wait for the book launch party on Sunday night so I can lose my mind with friends and family!

Phew! It worked in time. Thankfully, I had the wild hair to check on it last night or I'd have been one sad panda today. 🤦🏽‍♀️

Or not? Apparently I didn't realize when I hit publish that it won't automatically publish because even though the manuscript is the same as the already live paperback edition, it still has to be reviewed? 😭 Don't I feel stupid.

*thinks long and hard in wife*

This is REAL? 🤯😍

And not just done, but to positive feedback from my early readers. People who laughed, cheered, bawled their eyes out, and who felt *seen* and respected as survivors of trauma. I couldn't ask for more. I just wanted to make people feel something real, and enjoy the book-seed I planted.

The IngramSpark ones are 1/8" thinner, and the colors on the cover are actually a litter closer to what they are on my computer screen (slightly less warm). I am so happy with how the cover I designed came out.

Truly, utterly, so excited to have gotten this all done in less than a year. 🥳

And OMG they look fantastic! I knew going in that IngramSpark uses a thinner paper than Amazon (which I knew) and you can definitely tell. Which, honestly, I kinda like, it makes it feel and look less chonky. The paper feels silkier, but not flimsy.

But also...