For a myriad of reasons. While this image was taken almost 15 years ago, it’s a good representation of how February feels to me.
I can’t even complain about snow or cold as right now, while I type, I’ve got the patio door open, it’s sunny, and in the mid-70s. I had dinner on an outdoor patio last night! Uncommon, even for where I am in Texas. So, I can’t even complain about the cold, dark, depressing weather. But I still hate February.
I’ve never been much of a fan of Valentine’s Day, affectionately known as ‘VD’ to my friends and family. Maybe this surprised people when they find out I write romance – but I’m surprised I write romance myself, so….
I’m a big fan of 50% Off Chocolate Hearts Day on the 15th, though!
This year, I packed it with events to try to help myself get through with a little more enthusiasm.
Thanks, Eagles, for having more shows in Vegas as that’s going to be my focus for the rest of the month. I’m headed back to the Sphere with some friends to catch 2 more shows.
Hmm, it seems I see Eagles in February. Maybe I should reconsider…?
Nope. I hate February.
What I have been doing is hunkering down and editing my latest WIP, trying to find areas I can trim. I’m most likely going to have to wait until I’m finished with the full critique, but I’m getting a better sense of where I might cut some scenes. I’m just having so much fun playing around in Greg’s head, it’s hard to kill your darlings
Want to read a lil bit of what I’ve been doing? I’ll add a quick scene at the end for you.
More Rockstars!
In case you’re not a fan of February, too, and want to disappear into a book, I got you covered! I’m continuing my monthly highlight of other Rockstar Romances. This one is FREE to download, too.
This month, I’m thrilled to highlight Jade C. Jamison who, not only is she a great writer, she’s corralled a group of rockstar writers to help support our journeys and share the word of our work. So thanks, Jade!
Rockstar Elijah Wilder is famous.
Married.
And a father.
Ready to turn his back on the one thing he’s good at, the talent that made him a household name.
I’m a poor nobody.
Struggling to stay in school.
Failing miserably.
Believing I’m wearing the emperor’s new clothing and not fooling anybody.
Elijah and I don’t belong together. We shouldn’t have even met. But when his wife enters rehab, he needs a nanny.
I can’t bring myself to say no.
Familiarity breeds lust, and, when his wife becomes his ex, Elijah and I wind up together. But we’re a bad combination. I’m too young for him and I don’t know what I want. And the longer I stay in the rockstar life…
I’m pretty sure that’s not it.
But Elijah and I try anyway, even with all the odds against us.
CONTENT WARNING: This story includes depictions of substance abuse and addiction, violence and threatened violence, and discussion of childhood trauma. Please read with caution.
Download your free copy of Wilder Love here
Quick Squee of Delight
Gang! I got one of the sweetest reviews for my 3rd novel, Flipping the Record. I have to share. Y’all have no idea how thrilled an author is when they get reviews – but when they’re good? They make someone’s February! I want to have ‘Beautifully human’ tattooed somewhere to remind me that people enjoy my side-hustle.
1st Sneak Peak at I’m Goin’ Back
Tonight, we had a good night, played tight and let loose a few times with the crowd following the groove with us. It felt almost like it did in high school, when the music was our sole purpose. All of us are relieved to have a gig, finding we haven’t changed all that much after all. Well, all right, that might only be me. It’s hard to believe all the guys are married now. I’ve known them since we were playing in the mud catching frogs, and sleeping over each other’s houses. Now, they’ve all caught wives and have houses of their own.
The house lights are up, but it’s still not very bright, enough to see the scuff marks on the floor and paneling. There’s a lingering smell of beer permeating from the wood. With the amount that’s been spilled over the decades, it’ll always be dank and stale.
A bartender and bar back are stacking glasses as the owner counts out. The clink of change dropping into the register bin and us breaking down is louder than the radio coming from the kitchen. Henry and Ed are over by the bar, but Randy and I are packing up our gear. My tee shirt is drying but still damp from playing, but I wanted to break down before changing. Most everyone else is gone, so I’m surprised when someone comes by.
“Hey there, fellas.”
I glance over my shoulder to the guy standing in blue jeans and a white cotton shirt, wearing a cowboy hat and boots.
Randy turns to him as I unscrew my cymbal from the stand.
“You boys have an interesting sound.”
“Is that a good or bad thing?” Randy asks with a friendly laugh, shaking his hand.
“Depends on how it’s coached,” he answers, looking at me.
I wipe a sweaty palm on my sweat marinated jeans, slightly embarrassed, but I was playing drums for six hours. There’s not a lot I can do, but he doesn’t seem to hesitate when I offer my hand. I glance past his shoulder to Ed and Henry to catch their eye. It’s not long before they wander over, handing me and Randy a beer.
“What’re your plans?” He greets the other guys with a handshake.
“Well, pretty much like most bands, I’d say,” Randy answers, crossing his arms over his chest after pushing his glasses up with his knuckle. “Make an album, get on the radio, that kind of thing.”
The guy nods, looking at each of us. “I might be able to help you out.”
“Yeah? How’s that?” Ed asks, one step away from rolling his eyes. He pulled a double shift last night and has been cranky all day. “Who do you know?”
“Merle Haggard,” he answers. “Hank Thompson.”
“And you are…?” Ed asks, sounding doubtful.
The guy shakes his head with a chuckle. “Oh, sorry, Ken Nelson.” He pulls out his wallet and hands Randy a business card. Randy glances down and snaps his gaze to me, his eyes wider.
It’s legit.
