I've been buried under piles of (literal) paperwork (paper edits) in which I learned SO FREAKING MUCH from my editor (waves and claps and waves some more). I never knew how informative an edit like that could be, but man, she rocked it! And while it does take a good deal longer to operate that way, it's all for the good--your good, beloved reader. Weird, I know, but I really believe this is the cleanest final manuscript I've ever produced. It's a good, good feeling. Particularly since this has to be my favorite contemporary title I've written to date.

In honor of this story, which will release August 1, 2017, initially as new content from Audible (audio book), I'll be working with my fantabulous assistant, Nicole the Splendiferous, to put together a little (big) contest. The theme is "Mommy & Me: Back to School." There will be two packages in the prize. The first will be basic school supplies for the child(ren) returning to school. For Mom, who will have a little quiet time and, just maybe, a little separation anxiety, I'll be including a certificate for the audio book as well as some of my backlist titles, a nice relaxation basket filled with goodies from Bath & Body Works, and a little Teavana experience the winner can delve into as well. 

While this has taken a lot of time, it's not the only pie my fingers have been in. I've also, as usual, been writing like mad. Proposals for new projects are ongoing in between working on my first Dare release with Harlequin, tentatively titled DIRTY MONEY. (Heh. I love punny titles.) The manuscript is due to my editor June 1, but I'm hoping to have it turned in a couple weeks early. Fingers crossed for strong (read: fast) edits. The story is seriously hawt, no doubt about it, but the plot is still strong. If you've read my work, you know my rule: no gratuitous sex. I tried, once, to write gratuitous sex. I'm not at all pleased I broke my own rule and so have vowed to never do it again. Sorry if my position isn't what the cool kids are doing, but I feel, and will always feel, that intimacy between characters should have a purpose, not just a...nother pair of "p" words. LOL

As far as the proposals I'm working on? I've put together something brand new for a possible opportunity in the paranormal genre. It would likely be a stand-alone title, but the publisher is new to me. If I hit the right notes and the editor likes what she sees?  There may be a two-book contract. But one will keep me just as busy up front. I really love both proposals I've drafted. Either would be seriously fun to write.

On the personal front, I'm still playing with flowers. I've put together a couple of new arrangements you can see on my Instagram account here. I enjoy playing with flowers so freaking much. Several people have suggested a second career for me. I'm not sure that will ever happen. No one wants a part-time florist who likely uses too many flowers. But oh, how I enjoy it at home!

I've also been doing some more cooking of late. In particular? Baking. I've discovered a to-die-for-simple-as-all-get-out recipe for homemade salted caramel topping. I'm putting it together and packaging it (made) in Mason jars for Christmas this year. The stuff is like crack. Hmmm. Maybe this will be my second career--making caramel-crack and supplying my friends and family whom I'm sure will be as addicted as I am. If the street rules are true and you're never supposed to try that which you sell? I'm screwed. I'm as addicted to this stuff as anyone. Before you demand I apologize, you wanna try it? (winks at your and hands you a spoon)

And beyond all of that, I was prepping my house to sell. Note the past tense in that sentence. It seems Mr. Ireland and I have finally come to an agreement on this particular venture. To get the house we really want, we need to wait a little bit and let life settle. Assuming it will... Regardless, I'm finding my own happy right where I sit: in front of this computer, writing and chatting with other writers and readers and friends, rediscovering the joys of intrinsically happy and positive people, loving those I can't live without and working hard to keep a positive outlook in all things. To that end, I will leave you with this saying I found, and bought, on a little block that now sits right by my bed:

Until next time,
​Kelli

             A Cowboy Returns (Wild Western Hearts #1)
 
You never forget your first cowboy
 
Eli Covington erased all traces of his cowboy upbringing to become a high-powered attorney. Then his father dies, and his brothers need him to rescue the family ranch. So, after fourteen years, Eli returns to the life he left behind—and the one woman he can't resist. 
​
Veterinarian Reagan Matthews was furious with Eli for leaving her all those years ago, and yet she was never quite able to let him go. Their attraction is as incendiary as ever, and Eli is very good at stoking the flames. But Eli doesn't belong in her world, any more than Reagan belongs in his. So until Eli leaves for good, why not take her pleasure where she can? Pleasure only her cowboy can provide…

                  Cowboy Proud (Wild Western Hearts #2)
 
This cowboy is rugged, proud…and incredibly sexy 

Cade Covington is struggling with turning his family's beloved ranch into a tourist attraction. It's not just the mortgage big enough to choke a horse, or the invasion of his home by strangers. It's also the arrival of a city slicker PR professional who doesn't understand ranch life…and puts every beautiful woman he's ever seen to shame. Cade wants her. 
​
With her company on the line, Emma can't afford any mistakes. Especially if that mistake is a broad-shouldered, blue-eyed cowboy who drives her crazy with hunger. But all it takes is one small wager and their chemistry explodes. When the dust settles, will Emma have obliterated her career…or captured her cowboy?

                  Cowboy Strong (Wild Western Hearts #3)
 
Going Down Fighting 

Ty Covington likes to keep things as uncomplicated as possible. By day, all that matters to him is his horse and winning in the rodeo ring. At night, all he wants is a deliciously hot, no-strings affair with his rival, Kenzie Malone. Then everything changes in one heart-stopping split second. 

The accident should have killed both Ty and his horse. Instead, they're both on the road to a hard recovery—but only thanks to Kenzie's family connections and fortune. Which means he owes her. He owes a woman who is both everything he despises and his deepest desire. As need—hungry and demanding—takes them both over, Ty knows that this time, uncomplicated isn't an option. And this cowboy always pays his debts…

I have two releases on April 4, 2017: Conquering the Cowboy and The Immortal's Unrequited Bride. To celebrate, I'll be hosting a Facebook party on April 3 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. There will be guest authors participating (final list coming soon), an agent (maybe 2) popping in and a bevy of prizes  that will be given away at 15 minutes intervals. You'll also have the chance to gain an extra Rafflecopter entry for attending, giving you an even better chance of winning the GRAND PRIZE:

A beach bag stuffed full of goodies, including:
~ On-trend woven beach bag
~ Kindle Fire
~ Lucky brand sunglasses + pouch
~ Book bundle + bookmarks
~ Sunscreen
~ Lip balm
~ Turkish cotton beach towel
~ Neck pillow 
~ Floppy sun hat
~ Water bottle w/cap (to keep the sand out!)

So join my party on FB HERE on April 3 between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. There will likely be one surprise guest, but I'm waiting on confirmation.

Finally, a special shout-out to Nicole, my assistant, without whom none of this would be possible. She's is the absolute bombdiggity, peeps. Yay, Nicole!

See you April 3!

​~ Kelli