Category Archive

bliss

Words for Kerry: INKING HIM, a Garrick & Bliss short story

Last May I met an incredible group of women. 

Molly McAdams and I were doing a signing at a University bookstore in the Dallas area right after the semester had ended. So, of course, all those college students we’d been hoping to find were long gone.

But luckily, we didn’t have to sit alone in that Barnes and Noble because a few awesome fans came out to see us, including a group of women that had made a long drive from Oklahoma. I’ve since seen these awesome ladies at several signings (all of which were outside Oklahoma, but they made the trip anyway). You’ll even find them mentioned in the acknowledgments of SEEKING HER because they will forever and always hold a place in my heart and my memory.

Why?

Well, after that Dallas signing (which was only my 2nd or 3rd signing EVER if I remember correctly), we got to talking. They’d come so far, and the signing lasted less than an hour, and we wanted to hang out a little longer to make the trip worthwhile for them. Someone (it might have even been me) jokingly said we should go get tattoos. We looked around the circle, Molly and I shrugged because we both have and love tattoos. And we said, “Sure!”

So, we took to Yelp and found a nearby tattoo parlor that had good ratings, and we set off. And as we all sat in the tattoo parlor talking about tattoo ideas and looking at pictures and portfolios, one member of our group was the first to step up and into the tattoo chair.

Her name was Kerry (bottom left on the picture above), and she got this gorgeous tattoo of a four leaf clover that said “Luck of the Irish.”

I will always remember that day. Hell, I have ink on my skin that means I’ll absolutely never forget it. But today I’m writing because our friend Kerry has not been so lucky. A few months back, one of the other awesome tattoo ladies, Angela, reached out to me on Facebook with bad news. Kerry had had a seizure at work, and after a few terrible days and lots of tests, they found out she had stage four lung cancer that had spread to her brain. The tumors there were too risky to chance an operation, and a few days later, more tests revealed that the cancer had spread into even more parts of her body, including her lymph nodes, adrenal glands, and pancreas. Since then, despite chemo and other treatments, Kerry’s prognosis has continued to decline.

When Angela contacted me, I was so devastated for her and Kerry and their families. These women never fail to put a smile on my face when they show up at signings full of enthusiasm and love and unwavering support for the NA and Indie communities. I wanted to be able to do something special for Kerry, and I know LOSING IT was her favorite book of mine (Hamlet is her favorite character, in fact). So, between deadlines for books I wrote a Garrick and Bliss (and Hamlet) short story inspired by our first meeting. It’s called INKING HIM. And yep, you guessed it… Garrick gets a tattoo.

I wrote this story for Kerry, but I’m sharing it all with you in the hopes that you’ll help me give a little something back to her. The days ahead aren’t going to get any easier for Kerry and her family and friends. She’s exhausted, and they’re all in pain, and they could all use a little hope and love. And if you’re reading this, you most likely know the way that books (and book people) can touch and change your life. So, here’s what I would ask of you.

Using the hashtag #WordsforKerry on Twitter or Facebook or Instagram or wherever, post something for Kerry to see to help brighten up her day. It can be a cute guy with a cat, an inspiring or funny quote from a book you love, or just your well wishes, thoughts, and prayers for her and her family. As a community of book lovers, we might sit alone in our homes, reading our books alone, but I hope you’ll help me show this book lover that she’s not alone. It’s such a small thing, and I hope you’ll take the time to do that and show your support.

There are more ways you can help, too. You can email Kerry at dgroover4jb@gmail.com (or perhaps send your love by gifting an e-book that you love because those are better than cards anyway, am I right?). If you’re an author, blogger, or a reader who wants to send Kerry books or swag or anything else to brighten up her day, you can do so here:

Kerry Brown
C/O Kim Koumbis 1532 West Onyx Way 
Mustang, OK 73064

Or if you’d care to donate to Kerry and her family, they’ve set up a paypal account where you can easily contribute to the following email: dgroover4jb@gmail.com. If you don’t know how to send money via paypal, you can read instructions here. Even if it’s just $.99, the amount you would pay had I published this short story instead of posting it here, that can add up if enough people read and contribute.

Please know that this is me asking these things of you, not Kerry, or her family. I planned this with her friend without Kerry’s input in the hopes that the book community would reach out and give this wonderful woman back some of the love that she’s poured out over the years. And whether you’re donating to her family or just tweeting her a message, I’m thankful for whatever you’re willing to do.

Here’s the tattoo I got that day in Dallas:


It was inspired by one of my favorite books, Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly. Specifically to remind me of this quote from the book:
 “Life’s all about the revolution, isn’t it? 
The one inside, I mean. You can’t change history. 
You can’t change the world. 
All you can ever change is yourself.” 



I wish I could do more for Kerry. I wish I could take away the pain and the stress and the fear. I wish I had more than words and prayers to offer her, but I’ll give her what I can. And I hope you’ll join me. And Kerry, I love you girl. Thanks for touching my life and loving my books and being such a beautiful person. I’m praying for luck and a revolution for you.

So without further ado, here’s Kerry’s story… INKING HIM:

I hope you enjoyed this little peek back into the world of Garrick and Bliss. And please don’t forget to spread the support using #WordsforKerry. And if you don’t mind sharing this blog post so more people can read and support, I would be so very grateful. Just so you know… this is not the same Garrick and Bliss short story that you’ll receive if you pre-order All Lined Up. That’s a separate campaign through my publisher that you can find out more about here.

Thanks again for stopping by and spreading the word! I appreciate it so much, and I know Kerry and her people do, too!

The One With Foreplay


It’s Friday Flash Fiction time!


On select Fridays, I’m going to make a post on my Facebook page calling for writing prompts. You can pick any character from my books– main characters like Garrick or Cade or minor characters like Rusty and Spencer. Comment on my post with that character’s name and then a place or object for a prompt. Heck, you can even post things like songs or pictures. Anything you’d like to see me write. Then, I’ll pick one and write just a fast and fun little snippet to post here on my blog.

Today’s prompt comes from Cohlina: Bliss and Garrick in the bar where they first met


So, without further ado, here’s my Flash Fiction Friday entry #4

(This week was a hard choice… there were SEVERAL awesome prompts. Feel free to repost your prompt next time if yours didn’t get picked). 

WARNING: DEFINITE SPOILERS FOR LOSING IT.

WARNING PART TWO: This is unedited. So, if there are errors, don’t judge me. 

NOTE: This is NOT an excerpt from LOSING IT, KEEPING HER, or some future book. This is special, original content just because I love you guys.

P.S. The book that gets mentioned is Foreplay by Sophie Jordan, which just released this week and is awesome!

I fiddled with the little black straw in my drink, and resisted the urge to tug on the disastrously short mini-skirt that I swore I would never wear. The bartender came up to check on me, and asked if I wanted another. I shook my head, wanting a clear head for the evening.
It wasn’t the same Bartender Boy as that night, but it might as well have been. He was the same type—all smiles and winks and too charming for me to feel comfortable.
Maybe it was the anticipation making me crazy, but I swore I could feel it the second he caught sight of me at the corner of the bar. A zing of electricity shot down my spine, sparking low in my belly. I didn’t sit in our old table, wanting him to have to work a little bit.
Still… sitting on the barstool, I felt on display.
But I didn’t mind. Not for him.
I felt the barest touch against one of my curls before the seat beside me was filled. His long fingers picked up a napkin before placing it back on the bar carefully. I smiled down at the book in my hands. I hadn’t read more than one paragraph since I sat down, too distracted, but he didn’t know that.
“That must be some book you’re reading,” he said, his accent smooth and sinful.
I looked up at his gorgeous face and the blue eyes that captured me all those months ago, and the butterflies in my stomach lurched forward, splatting against my ribcage like moths that didn’t know any better but to dive toward the light.
“It is,” I answered with a smile. “Very… interesting.”
He leaned forward to catch the title of what I was reading, and his jaw went slack. He’d expected Shakespeare, no doubt, and I’d been eagerly awaiting his reaction to my slight detour from our history.
The way his gaze darkened when it swung to me told I’d made the right choice. He leaned closer, and his knee brushed the bare skin of my thigh, and I had to close my eyes to keep my reaction under control.
“Tell me what this interesting read is about. Let me guess… something forbidden?”
His voice dropped low, and I’m suddenly remembering every stolen kiss— from the first in this very bar to the one in the theatre and in my apartment and the computer lab. I’m remembering every other time those dark eyes were directed at me, so full of passion and restraint.
Only there was far less restraint in his eyes tonight than I remembered.
I bit my lip, wanting to make him wait for it. “Not a forbidden love. Not this time.”
His eyes narrowed on me. “Then what is it about, love?”
My legs go weak at the endearment even after all this time.
Knowing it would drive him crazy, I didn’t meet his gaze. Instead, I latched on to Bartender Boy, who caught my stare and started moving my direction.
“It’s about a really hot bartender.”
When Bartender Boy was a few yards away, a low rumble sounded in Garrick’s chest, and he pulled me off the barstool and against his chest. When his lips crashed against mine, I figured the game was pretty much over, so I threw my arms around his neck in acceptance.
His tongue split my lips as his hands wandered down. One ghosted over my hip and down to my thigh, fingering the short hem of the blasted skirt he’s so obsessed with.
He pulls my bottom lip between his, scraping his teeth against it.
“I am bloody tired of fighting bartenders off of you,” he breathed against my lips.
I rolled my eyes. “Like any of them would stand a chance against you.”
He must have liked the sound of that because he tugged me in for another hard kiss before pulling me away from the bar and toward the table that had set everything in motion.

The One Where Bliss Might Have Leprosy


Hey Guys! It’s that time again. It’s the second Friday Flash Fiction! 



Here’s the gist of it. Every Friday, I’m going to make a post on my Facebook page calling for writing prompts. You can pick any character from my books– main characters like Garrick or Cade or minor characters like Rusty and Spencer. Comment on my post with that character’s name and then a place or object for a prompt. Heck, you can even post things like songs or pictures. Anything you’d like to see me write. 

Then, I’ll pick one and write just a fast and fun little snippet to post here on my blog. 

So, in our second week, we had some more fantastic prompts (including a couple of really fantastic Max/Cade ones). But since Max and Cade won out last week, I decided this one should be Garrick and Bliss. 

PROMPT: Bliss and Garrick go to the vet with Hamlet

So, without further ado, here’s my Flash Fiction Friday entry #2

WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR LOSING IT. 

WARNING PART TWO: This is unedited. Like… I wrote it on my phone. So, if there are errors, don’t judge me. 

WARNING PART THREE: This is NOT an excerpt from any upcoming book. This is just for fun. 

“Garrick, answer your damn phone! I’ve left you a hundred messages, and if you don’t get here soon, your fiancé might be shredded into tiny little pieces by a sick demon cat.” 
I knelt beside Hamlet who laid on her side in the middle of our bed. She was lethargic and her stomach looked bloated, but even so she let out a low, warning growl when I reached a hand out toward her. 
“Yeah, yeah. I get it. You want to claw out my eyes, but let’s just call a truce, okay?” 
Hamlet hissed like I was spraying her with Holy water. 
“I love you, you stupid evil beast. Let me help you!” She growled again, but this time the noise drifted off into a sickly moan. “Okay. That’s it.” 
I gripped the edge of the comforter and flipped it over the top of Hamlet. then i dragged the bulky covers into my arms, a spitting Hamlet rolled up inside. I maneuvered her so that only her head was poking out to breathe then I jogged to the door.  
I flew down the stairs, calling Garrick again. I left him another message, telling him to meet me at the vet’s office. Then I flagged down a cab and jumped in the back with my furry devil. 
Twenty minutes later I discovered the one person that Hamlet despised more than me– a bespectacled man with a sharp needle. 
“Hold him still.”
“She’s a her.” 
“It’s named Hamlet.”
“Yeah! I know… So?” 
Hamlet’s prickly persona was rubbing off on me. 
“Just hold her.”
I tried. I really did. But even on her deathbed, Hamlet didn’t want me to touch her. 
Maybe she was one if those gifted animals that could sniff out cancer. Or leprosy. Maybe that’s why she would touch me.
Luckily, Garrick breezed in at that moment. 
“Oh Thank God.” I pointed at Hamlet. “Fix this!” 
Garrick wrapped one arm around my shoulder, kissing my temple (he didn’t seem worried about leprosy), and then laid a hand on Hamlet. 
The cat whisperer struck again. Even the vet stared in awe as Hamlet settled down. she was so still and quiet, she could have been sleeping. They should hire him as a human sedative. 
“I’m sorry. Rehearsal ran long.”
I leaned against his chest, and nodded. “That’s okay. I handled it.” 
He grinned down at me, those blue eyes sparkling. 
“You brought the whole comforter off our bed?”
“Duh. Did you want me to require plastic surgery before our wedding?” 
“Of course not.”
He grinned, leaning down to capture my lips in a quick, tingling kiss. 
“Is this a bad time to suggest we train Hamlet to be our ring bearer?” 
Hamlet let out a horrifying growl as the vet pressed on her stomach. 
I pointed a thumb at her hissing form and replied, “What she said.” 


There you go. Nothing too swoony, I know. But what can I say? Hamlet is a mood killer. 🙂 See you next Friday  for another Friday Flash Fiction! 

If you enjoyed seeing Bliss and Garrick again, make sure you’ve checked out their newest novella, KEEPING HER. 

Oh and P.S. FINDING IT IN EIGHTEEN DAYS ZOMGSOEXCITED!!! 

The One Where Keeping Her is live!


After long last, more Garrick and Bliss has arrived. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

*KEEPING HER is a novella. That means it’s going to be short. And I know (trust me I know) that many of you will wish it had been longer, but the truth of the matter is… it’s more than I ever intended to write. I’d always planned LOSING IT to be the end of their story. But because I love you (and you all love them), I decided to squeeze out a little more awkward goodness for you. But Keeping Her really is the last story that will focus solely on Bliss and Garrick. They make appearances in FAKING IT, and (sort of) in FINDING IT. But this is the last book they’ll get all to themselves. 

*KEEPING HER is also a sequel. It’s not rehashing the events of LOSING IT. It takes place AFTER LOSING IT’s epilogue. It is not meant to be a standalone. You DO need to read LOSING IT first. 

*For now, KEEPING HER is ebook only. There’s a possibility it might pop up later as a mass market paperback, but that’s not guaranteed. If you don’t own an e-reader, you can always download the Nook or Kindle app on your phone or computer. 

*The only other territory where rights have sold to Keeping Her is the UK. So far. It releases in the UK on the 15th. 

And here’s the official synopsis for the novella: 

ABOUT KEEPING HER

Garrick Taylor and Bliss Edwards managed to find their happily-ever-after despite a rather… ahem… complicated start. By comparison, meeting the parents should be an absolute breeze, right?

But from the moment the pair lands in London, new snags just keep cropping up: a disapproving mother-in-law-to-be, more than one (mostly) minor mishap, and the realization that perhaps they aren’t quite as ready for their future as they thought.

As it turns out, the only thing harder than finding love is keeping it.









And now, in honor of the return of Garrick and Bliss… I have some fun news! 

First, I’ll be donating 20% of all my earned royalties for this book to the charity Planting Peace. You can find out more about Planting Peace here:  http://www.plantingpeace.org/. Planting Peace is a progressive nonprofit organization founded for the purpose of spreading peace in a hurting world. Although the organization operates on a global level, they emphasize the power of one; the ability that each person possesses to make a difference in the world.

I chose Planting Peace because they’re a young, passionate non-profit that does work in multiple areas from environmental causes to orphan care to foreign aid to civil rights causes. And they’re known for putting as much of the money earned toward charity as possible, rather than to salaries or overhead. They accomplish as much as possible with the money given to them, and I’m excited to be apart of it. I hope you’ll check out the charity (and be happy with where your money is going). In particular, their de-worming project is tremendously impressive. 

And now for the part you’re really waiting for… AN EPIC GIVEAWAY. 

In honor of the release of KEEPING HER, we’ll have two lucky winners. One will received a signed set of LOSING IT and FAKING IT. And the other… 

*drumroll please*

Will have their name (or a name of their choice) featured in my next novella! My next novella (currently untitled) releases early 2014 and focuses on Jackson Hunt, the hero in FINDING IT.




a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks again for all your love and support. I couldn’t do any of this without you guys. And just in case you missed it one of the other dozen times I posted it, you can read the first chapter of Keeping Her AND several bonus chapters from Losing It in Garrick’s POV here.