The Wedding Dare books are an interconnected series of category romances from the Brazen line that take place at a destination wedding of the couple we meet in the prequel novella. Be warned, the heat level is close to scorching (and awesome!)

Dare to Resist (prequel novella) by Laura Kaye

Falling for the Groomsman by Jen McLaughlin

Baiting the Maid of Honor by Tessa Bailey

Seducing the Bridesmaid by Katee Roberts

Best Man with Benefits by Samanthe Beck

I’m used to reading (and writing) single title length books, so all of these read like novellas to me. They made for a quick, light read, and I finished all of them over a weekend. I very much enjoyed all of them, but I’ll admit to having a favorite--Baiting the Maid of Honor by Tessa Bailey.

Read my full post at BadGirlz Write!

With the kickoff off the new website and lineup, the BadGirlz are also introducing a new feature: What We’re Reading Wednesdays! Just to be perfectly clear, we don’t solicit books, and these posts are not reviews. If a BadGirl reads a good book that needs sharing, then we share. We’ll cover romances, women’s fiction, and literary works—whatever strikes our fancy. Just like you, we are a diverse group of readers. A few months ago, I was reading the RWR (Romance Writer’s Report—a publication put out by the Romance Writers of America). In each issue, they interview a successful, current romance author. This particular interview was with Simone St. James.

Now, I’ve professed my obsession adoration for gothic romance writer Mary Stewart a few times now in blogs. (here and here) Her books are on my keeper shelf, and I reread them on a regular basis. Stewart’s writing heyday was in the 1950s and 60s. Her heroines were strong-willed yet fallible, adventurous yet inexperienced. In short, relatable. Her books stand the test of time, and I encourage you to read all of them. Now....

Read my full post at BadGirlzWrite

I was discussing TV shows with my hubby the other night. He wanted me to watch Falling Skies with him. I told him I did not have time to pick up another show. (He already got me addicted to Orphan Black.) His response? “You have the time; it’s just not a priority.”

Well…he’s right.

My free time is limited these days, and I’ve cut back on certain things. I went from stay-at-home mom with plenty of time to volunteer at the school and watch TV to a full time writer on deadline while trying to do all the a stay-at-home mom stuff like making dinner (These little humans running around my house require constant feeding!) Things have changed, priorities have shifted, and it’s a work in progress. One thing I’ve had to work hard at not letting fall off my list is my relationship with my hubby. It’s honestly been difficult to find the right balance.

Here are some things I’ve had to cut back on or cut out of my life entirely:

1.      Morning television. It was nice to know you Kelly Ripa. Maybe we’ll catch up over the holidays.

2.      Volunteering. I know the greatest joy we get in life is giving back. And, I’ve done a lot of it over the past few years. From helping to run a local Mom’s Club to organizing our PTA Carnival to corralling eighty kids for an afterschool Lego Club. Someday, I’ll dip my toes into something worthwhile, but right now, I’ve backed off from volunteer commitments to focus on something else that gives me joy. Writing. Do I feel guilty? A little, but I’ll get over it.

3.      Cleaning. I’m not going to claim to have been a neat freak even before getting the writing bug. But, my family never had to dig through the pile of clean, unfolded laundry on my bedroom floor for a pair of undies. I can say with ~95% confidence you will not leave my house with a food-borne illness. However, if you are allergic to dog or cat hair, you’d better bring a bottle of Benadryl and/or an inhaler.

4.      Reading. I know this seems counter-intuitive. Most writing advice tells you to read, read, read in order to be a better writer. And, I do agree…to some extent. I AM reading for huge chunks of my day. But, I’m reading/editing my writing or reading/CP’ing for other writers. I’m also hesitant to read in the genre I’m writing, and these days I’m writing both contemporaries and historical romances. I’ve read interviews from Big Time authors who don’t read in their genre either, so I feel justified. I’m mostly afraid I’ll subconsciously transfer something. But, I’m a member of a kick-butt book club, and I always read our selection. Usually something highbrow and literary (and depressing).

5.      Exercising. This is one area where I’m searching for balance. Mommy no likey the writer’s muffin-top I’ve cultivated over the last winter, and as I am a tad over forty now, it’s proving more difficult to control the expansion. But, I have a difficult time leaving my writing for a workout if I haven’t reached my word count goal for the day.

6.      Socializing. My days of gossiping in the PTA room or grabbing coffee or heading out for girl’s nights are on the wane. Besides my book club ladies and my local writing friends, who I see on a regular basis, there are only a handful of people that I call on a regular basis. I’m still close to a group of college girlfriends, and we get together a couple of weekends a year and email regularly. But, to be brutally honest, I don’t have time to expand my base of friends. Don’t I sound horrible?

7.      Sleep. I think we’re all in this dozy boat, right? I’m either going to bed late to spend time with my hubby and/or getting up early to write before the kids wake up for school. The result is a deficit. Lack of sleep makes me very grumpy. So, back to Number 6…maybe you don’t want to be my friend anyway:)


What about you guys? Anything you’ve given up to pursue writing or another dream?