I know I’m late to the game but this movie and book hold my whole heart right now. Currently watching it as I type this. The amount of time I tried to get a GIF of Rocky saying ‘Amaze Amaze Amaze’ on this post is embarrassing, so I settled with this pic, but its cute right!?

Other obsessions that have occupied my brain space as of late are….in no particular order…

• Heated Rivalry (tattoos exist)

• Red, White and Royal Blue (Alex and Henry live rent free in my head)

• Masters of the Universe (not sure how this movie is considered a ‘flop’)

• Dungeon Crawler Carl (I need to make sure that dude gets pants at some point)

• Hockey (apparently, I’m a hockey fan…NO I will not be writing a hockey romance)

Notice how writing isn’t on that list?

But that doesn’t mean I don’t love it. In fact I love it more than any of those things. Writing is when my brain is quiet. When those obsession don’t take over my every thought and I’m not asking my husband to ‘gimme kiss’ with a Russian accent. Since Hartwell Hills book four is getting closer and closer to being sent off to my editor, and my little surprise getting closer to getting out of just my head completely, I can think about future projects and get those thoughts down on paper, creating something new for me to become obsessed with. New characters, new worlds, new tropes…allowing me to keep growing with my favorite thing in the world.

So sure, Project Hail Mary, Hockey, and Hollanov may be taking up the majority of my brain space…rest assured I am leaving space for something new!

Have you read Dungeon Crawler Carl? Or Project Hail Mary? Or Red White and Royal Blue??!! Those are my current reads and recommendations for you. I’m also doing the tandem read of Queen of Shadows and Tower of Dawn with my bestie J.A. Forde and let me tell you something…Tower of Dawn…IMO…is the best of the Throne of Glass series so far (DONT COME FOR ME).

Emersyn

This is my chance. My one shot to prove I’m more than the pretty face that defined my past.

With my boots back in the dirt, my camera poised and ready to go—I can finally show Rodeo Way Magazine what I can do in the arena taking my own photos instead of behind the screen editing someone else’s.

Following a famous bull rider around for the summer should be the perfect opportunity to jet set my career as a photographer. If only I could stop looking at him as more than a client…and ignore that spark of familiarity in his eyes.

Oakes

It’s her.

After all this time…it’s her.

But this is the last thing I need. A magazine following me around to show the world who Oakes Ashford really is. If anything I’m just a bull rider trying to keep my past just that. My past.

But it’s her.

I’m here because of her.

The problem is…she doesn’t even recognize me.

Read Now on Kindle Unlimited

Get Signed Paperbacks

Read now on Kindle Unlimited

Get Signed Paperbacks

Five years apart. One unfinished love story.

Scarlett Frye was once a literary genius. With two bestselling novels, a million-dollar book deal, and a love story of her own, she had it all—until the pressure broke her. Five years ago, she canceled her book tour, shredded her contract, and disappeared. She left everything behind, including Ryan Whitlock, the editor who believed in her… and the man she loved.

Now, after years of healing, she’s ready to write again.

For Ryan, Scarlett’s disappearance wasn’t just a professional loss, it was personal. It shattered his heart and sent him into a slump. That is, until an anonymous manuscript lands on his desk. The writing is brilliant, raw, and achingly familiar—it can only be Scarlett’s.

As fate brings them back together, Scarlett reluctantly agrees to let Ryan edit her comeback novel, even though it means working with the man she never stopped loving. Old passions reignite, but when pressure builds and buried secrets resurface, Ryan fears history will repeat itself.

Scarlett walked away once. But as they navigate love, loss, and the weight of the past, she and Ryan must be strong enough to rewrite their story before it’s too late.

Not a Strong Enough Word is a heart-wrenching, poetic second-chance romance full of yearning, emotion, and unforgettable lines—perfect for fans of slow burn, bookish love stories and romance that lingers.

Read Now!

From bestselling indie author Chelsea Curto comes an academic rivals-to-lovers romance about storm-chasing meteorologists during hurricane season in Florida—perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood and B.K. Borison.

Nothing can rain on Quincy Monroe’s parade. She’s a woman in STEM with a PhD in atmospheric sciences, the host of a successful online weather show, and has one million followers on her meteorology Instagram.

Quincy has spent endless hours forging her path in this male-dominated field, becoming one of the best in the industry. And with a new job opportunity, nothing can derail her success. Except for the ill-timed arrival of Sebastian Dunn.

Sebastian is her best friend’s brother, her longtime academic and professional rival, and a flashy TV weatherman from New York City that everyone swoons over. Everyone but Quincy.

Over a scorching Florida summer and record-breaking hurricane season, Sebastian and Quincy are forced into close proximity. Setting aside their grudges to chase storms and stay alive is one thing, but can they weather the inevitable collision of their hearts?

Read Now!

LAYTON
Everyone thinks I have it all. The all-American superstar baseball player. The golden boy of Philly. The notorious playboy.
In reality, I’m just a lonely man who knows his career is hanging on by a thread.

Then an opportunity presents itself. My team is sold, and the new owners want to keep me around. The catch? I need to enter into a PR relationship with Arizona Abbott, the rising star of the local softball team. The most beautiful woman I've ever met. As it turns out, she’s my dream come true.

The problem? She's my best friend’s sister.

ARIZONA
After the toughest year of my life, I move across the country to play professional softball with my closest friends, to be near my brother, and to leave my baggage behind.

Needing to focus on my fresh start, I swear off baseball players.

All of them.

In walks Layton Lancaster, the man whose poster hung above my bed as a teen. I’m asked to pretend to date him to save my team and my league. I can’t fall for a man like him again, so I need to keep him at arm’s length.

The problem? My fantasy man isn’t who I thought he was.

Read Now!

The New Paperback Exclusive Hartwell Hills!

It’s always been a goal to have an exclusive special edition of one of my books, and EverAfter Cover design helped make this come true! I am in love with them and they look SO good together!

Each book comes with an extended spicy scene (Remember that dressing room scene in Somebody Like me..hehe), character art inside and a bonus epilogue. These beauties will be live on my website for PREORDER Monday June 15, and be released into the wild July 2nd.

Now, these are paperback ONLY. You’ll be able to get them on retailers websites, my website and in person signing events. (Live in Utah? See you at Simply Book this July!). Depending on what future me decides, I may release them to kindles, but for now—the will only be available as Paperbacks.

I am absolutely in love with them and hope you love them too!

New covers?? What does this mean for Book 4, and the other covers?

Good Question!

First—the original illustrated covers are not going anywhere. I love them too much to just kick them to the curb. But those will remain as published. Fade to black with no bonus epilogue. They will always remain the Kindle/KU version of the book.

Second—Book 4. Hello Broody Lachlan. This is being drafted right now and I’m three chapters away from typing the end. I currently have both covers in my inbox and they are GORGEOUS. But that’s all I can say! Just trust me on that.

Both covers will be released for Lachlan at the same time. There will be an illustrated cover that will be paperback and kindle to match the others, which will be fade to black but still swoony and oh so good. The new rustic cover will be paperback only, include an extended spicy scene (or two…) and have a bonus epilogue. Just like the others it will be available on my website, in person signings and other retailers.

The release date for book 4 is still unknown, my thoughts are this December or next spring. But I will keep you updated!

Emersyn

This is my chance. My one shot to prove I’m more than the pretty face that defined my past.

With my boots back in the dirt, my camera poised and ready to go—I can finally show Rodeo Way Magazine what I can do in the arena taking my own photos instead of behind the screen editing someone else’s.

Following a famous bull rider around for the summer should be the perfect opportunity to jet set my career as a photographer. If only I could stop looking at him as more than a client…and ignore that spark of familiarity in his eyes.

Oakes

It’s her.

After all this time…it’s her.

But this is the last thing I need. A magazine following me around to show the world who Oakes Ashford really is. If anything I’m just a bull rider trying to keep my past just that. My past.

But it’s her.

I’m here because of her.

The problem is…she doesn’t even recognize me.

Read Now on Kindle Unlimited

Get Signed Paperbacks

Read now on Kindle Unlimited

Get Signed Paperbacks

Scarlett Frye was once a literary genius. With two bestselling novels, a million-dollar book deal, and a love story of her own, she had it all—until the pressure broke her. Five years ago, she canceled her book tour, shredded her contract, and disappeared. She left everything behind, including Ryan Whitlock, the editor who believed in her… and the man she loved.

Now, after years of healing, she’s ready to write again.

For Ryan, Scarlett’s disappearance wasn’t just a professional loss, it was personal. It shattered his heart and sent him into a slump. That is, until an anonymous manuscript lands on his desk. The writing is brilliant, raw, and achingly familiar—it can only be Scarlett’s.

As fate brings them back together, Scarlett reluctantly agrees to let Ryan edit her comeback novel, even though it means working with the man she never stopped loving. Old passions reignite, but when pressure builds and buried secrets resurface, Ryan fears history will repeat itself.

Scarlett walked away once. But as they navigate love, loss, and the weight of the past, she and Ryan must be strong enough to rewrite their story before it’s too late.

Read Now on KU

Set in the sun-soaked world of California surf culture, Tattered Tides is an emotional, slow-burn romance about second chances, self-forgiveness, and the healing power of love.

Weston Ashford was determined to have it all. After a tumultuous upbringing, he’d found a family of his own, a safe place to call home, and his calling: surfing. As a World Junior Champion, his future was finally bright, until his past came for him, and one mistake had him sinking straight toward rock bottom.

Years later, he’s fresh-out-the-slammer and stripped of his medal, his future uncertain. When one last chance to follow his dream of becoming a professional surfer presents itself, he takes it with both hands—no distractions, no weakness. That is, until he crosses paths with his coach’s daughter. Weston quickly realizes that, while she’s the only person capable of shaking his focus, she may be the only one capable of healing his heart too.

Willow Graham isn’t supposed to be here. She had plans, and they didn’t include an abrupt move back to her hometown of Pacific Shores, or dropping out of the University she worked so hard to attend. Her entire life unraveled after a traumatic experience she’s still struggling to come to terms with, and her only priority is getting back on track.

Both hellbent on rebuilding their futures and rediscovering who they are, Willow and Weston initially find themselves at odds when their shared spaces cause a tension neither of them are prepared for, but as their forced proximity gives way to mutual understanding, they discover a connection deeper than they ever thought possible.

Will their unexpected bond prove strong enough to overcome the tides between them, or will they end in tatters?

Read Now on KU

A shy coffee shop owner and the CEO of her family’s rival winery fake date in this spicy small town romance from the author of Double Barrel and Bottle Shock.

He needs a date. She needs the practice.

Ariana Ledger is a hopeless romantic who’d rather lose herself in romance novels than face the reality of her nonexistent dating life. As the owner of Red Mountain’s beloved coffee shop, Novel Teas and Coffee, she’s content living in fictional happily-ever-afters—until a charming man strolls into town and checks every box on her dream-man list. There’s just one problem. Ariana has no real dating experience, and she’s convinced it’s only a matter of time before she sabotages her own chances.

Cole Benton learned a long time ago that nothing good lasts forever. As the CEO and winemaker of his family’s winery, he prefers keeping his relationships casual and uncomplicated. But when his ex shows up engaged and asks to host her wedding at his winery, Cole needs a solution—fast. Enter Ariana. She needs dating experience. He needs a convincing girlfriend. Fake dating is the perfect arrangement, even if she’s ten years younger—and the youngest daughter of the family whose winery has been Benton’s biggest competition for years.

The plan is simple. No strings. No feelings. Until faking it starts to feel real, boundaries blur, and Ariana and Cole must decide if this was ever just practice—or the beginning of something worth risking it all for.

What begins as a blush crush—meant to be temporary—has a way of lingering long enough to change everything.

Read Now on KU

Welp, this is a few days late…Everyone knows I’m terrible at newsletters…but we won’t go into that! I want to talk about Romance Out West! In person events can be a toss up for authors—they are either going to be fantastic and you sell out, or you sell five books and just wish some of the connections you made stick. For me…I’m so happy I went to Romance Out West again this year. It was the perfect amount of sales and connections to make me say it was a complete success!! Every reader that came to my table made me smile in more ways than one and I am still reeling over all the things!

This year it was a two day event—I came with 30 Copies of Break the Chute and left with 2! I had a reader (who was an assistant to another author) come and purchase Somebody Like Me and then read the entire thing while she was there! I met so many amazing authors and made some new friends. I stepped out of my comfort zone to the extreme and I’m so glad I did. It was an amazing weekend with my two best friends—sharing a small BNB, watching K-Pop Demon Hunters and Parks and Rec—and I am so grateful for each and every reader that came to my booth, even just to talk! It was an amazing weekend!!

Thank you for such an amazing time at Romance Out West!!!

I typed THE END for the tenth time this weekend and I AM PUMPED for this one. I’ll share more once it passes beta reader feedback but I am IN LOVE with this couple! I cant wait to share more.

And it’s been TWO WEEKS since Break the Chute has been out in the world and to say I’m overwhelmed by the love it’s received would be an understatement. Readers are loving it as much as I do and my heart just swells bigger every day. THANK YOU for loving it!

Emersyn

This is my chance. My one shot to prove I’m more than the pretty face that defined my past.

With my boots back in the dirt, my camera poised and ready to go—I can finally show Rodeo Way Magazine what I can do in the arena taking my own photos instead of behind the screen editing someone else’s.

Following a famous bull rider around for the summer should be the perfect opportunity to jet set my career as a photographer. If only I could stop looking at him as more than a client…and ignore that spark of familiarity in his eyes.

Oakes

It’s her.

After all this time…it’s her.

But this is the last thing I need. A magazine following me around to show the world who Oakes Ashford really is. If anything I’m just a bull rider trying to keep my past just that. My past.

But it’s her.

I’m here because of her.

The problem is…she doesn’t even recognize me.

Read Now on Kindle Unlimited

Get Signed Paperbacks

Read now on Kindle Unlimited

Get Signed Paperbacks

Sometimes the bravest thing you can ask for is the truth.

Five years ago, Hannah James ran from her wedding, straight into the arms of a man on a motorcycle. After one unforgettable night, all she left behind was a thank you note and her wedding dress.

Now Hannah’s world is measured in borrowed time as she prepares to lose her mother to cancer. Grief has taught her how to survive, but hope is the anchor she’s lost hold of.

Rowan Shaw hasn’t set foot in Boulder in 5 years. A former Army Ranger, he’s back to settle his grandfather’s estate, carrying the familiar burden of being too late for the people he loves. Finding Hannah seems impossible. So does risking another goodbye…

But when a traumatic incident sets Rowan and Hannah on a collision course, what grows between them begins to feel like something they were always meant to find their way back to.

Because some people arrive when you need them most, and some people stay with you, even when they’re gone.

An adult contemporary romance in dual first person POV, Tell Me Something Real explores complex grief, trauma, and love so real it finds you, no matter what.

Read Now on Kindle Unlimited

A slow burn, friends to lovers romance filled with romantic tension and yearning, swoony banter, and small town charm.

One thing has always been clear to Isabelle Bennett: she wants to find true love. She’s always been a hopeless romantic, losing herself in the pages of books when men in the real world inevitably disappoint. But she still dreams of finding her soulmate, and after meeting Reid Lawson, she wonders if she finally has.

Neither of them can deny the chemistry they feel. However, after a conversation gone wrong, they hide their feelings for each other, claiming there’s no way they could ever be more than friends. But when they work together as the best man and maid of honor in their best friends’ wedding, the sparks they’ve convinced themselves aren’t there continue to fly, their budding connection becoming evident to everyone except each other.

Reid built his walls to be impenetrable, never concerning himself with finding love. He always focused on taking care of others, whether that was raising his siblings or prioritizing the happiness of his friends. But when Isa, the girl he never thought he could have, breaks her way through the fortress around his heart, he questions whether the one thing he’s never believed in could be possible with her.

When the chance for true love is right in front of them, will they take it? Or will they continue to ignore their feelings, forcing the flame that burns between them to go out?

The Chances We Take can be read as a standalone and is the second book in the interconnected series, The Road and The Rodeo. Please note that The Chances We Take contains content that may be sensitive to some readers. Reader discretion is advised. For a full list of content warnings, please visit the author’s website.

Read Now on Kindle Unlimited

Is this real? Is it really April 13th and Break the Chute is available!? faints

Break the Chute has been a year in the making, starting as a small novella that had absolutely no premise, to being my heart book and still reminding me why I love to write. Every time I look at it, I get all warm and fuzzy inside and IT’S HERE!!

I love this book with my whole heart and I know you will too!

You’re next cowboy romance is …. HERE!!!!

Read Now on Kindle Unlimited

Emersyn

This is my chance. My one shot to prove I’m more than the pretty face that defined my past.

With my boots back in the dirt, my camera poised and ready to go—I can finally show Rodeo Way Magazine what I can do in the arena taking my own photos instead of behind the screen editing someone else’s.

Following a famous bull rider around for the summer should be the perfect opportunity to jet set my career as a photographer. If only I could stop looking at him as more than a client…and ignore that spark of familiarity in his eyes.

Oakes

It’s her.

After all this time…it’s her.

But this is the last thing I need. A magazine following me around to show the world who Oakes Ashford really is. If anything I’m just a bull rider trying to keep my past just that. My past.

But it’s her.

I’m here because of her.

The problem is…she doesn’t even recognize me.

Get Signed Paperbacks

Add to your Goodreads TBR

Read now on Kindle Unlimited

Get Signed Paperbacks

There are a few ways you can order Break the Chute to make sure you get some goodies and a signed book! Check out Coastal Cowboy Bookstore, and Novella Maine Bookstore for their preorder packages! Book will come with all the goodies, hand signed by me! Ordering directly from me, or these two amazing bookstores is the best way to get your copy!

21 days is going to go faster than even I think! We’re so close!!!

Well….

I am writing.

But not the story I should be.

Hartwell Hills is very close to my heart, and now it’s time for Lachlan Hartwell to get his moment to shine. Only problem is I can’t seem to get his book on paper. I think I’m too worried it won’t be what the readers want, or that I can’t give him the story he truly deserves, or that the fact that I want it to be open door would ruin the entire series… Overthinking is real here and every time I sit to write his story…I stare at the screen and basically tell myself I can’t do this. It’s a mixture of emotions going on.

Writing is hard, especially when you are so attached to the characters you’ve created. Writing Never Left You was hard because of the grief Abi and Cash were both going through. I didn’t want to get that wrong — but with Lachlan, his is deeper and I’m just not quite sure, I can’t tell you where I’m overthinking. I’ve read and reread what I’ve written so far and though I like it…I just keep thinking…maybe it’s not enough. I honestly don’t know what to put what I’m feeling into words. Being a writer is weird.

So…I started writing something that may never see the light of day. But just like Break the Chute did…it’s reminding me why I love to write. So, I’m going to hang out with these two for a while and then see if I can finally tackle Lachlan. Writing is supposed to be fun and right now I’m having fun. We’ll see what becomes of this new story…but until then, it’s for me :)

Emersyn

This is my chance. My one shot to prove I’m more than the pretty face that defined my past.

With my boots back in the dirt, my camera poised and ready to go—I can finally show Rodeo Way Magazine what I can do in the arena taking my own photos instead of behind the screen editing someone else’s.

Following a famous bull rider around for the summer should be the perfect opportunity to jet set my career as a photographer. If only I could stop looking at him as more than a client…and ignore that spark of familiarity in his eyes.

Oakes

It’s her.

After all this time…it’s her.

But this is the last thing I need. A magazine following me around to show the world who Oakes Ashford really is. If anything I’m just a bull rider trying to keep my past just that. My past.

But it’s her.

I’m here because of her.

The problem is…she doesn’t even recognize me.

Preorder Break the Chute

Add to Goodreads

Read now on Kindle Unlimited

Get Signed Paperbacks

A country singer. A hockey player. Six months to not fall in love.

Country singer Summer Starling went from Nashville unknown to national attention thanks to her appearance on a reality dating show. Now she has one shot. Six months in Chicago with a legendary producer. One album that could launch her career. A simple plan: work, write, sing, repeat.

Her new roommate—the six-foot-something NHL captain she slept with on her first night in town—is exactly the kind of distraction she didn’t account for.

Miles King doesn’t do relationships. He keeps his focus on hockey and his life carefully controlled. But Summer is sunshine and chaos in cowboy boots, and she’s making him want things he’d stopped believing in. Things like forever. Things he can’t have with someone who’s halfway out the door.

When resisting her becomes harder than the inevitable goodbye, he gives in. Just until she leaves. He didn’t expect her good luck texts to become the difference between winning and losing. Or for her laugh to become his favorite sound.

By the time he realizes temporary will never be enough, the album wraps and Summer’s career takes off. She’s leaving. He can’t ask her to stay. But what happens when the person you’re supposed to set free becomes the one your heart won’t let go of?

Coming this week to KU!

Today’s newsletter is brought to you by Stefanie’s PA, Kayla (Hiiiiii!). I am here to bring you one very important piece of information:

ARC APPLICATIONS FOR

BREAK THE CHUTE

ARE OPEN!!!

ARCs will be sent on March 23rd.

Apply now!

This is a sweet and spicy new STANDALONE rodeo romance, and it is DELICIOUS y’all. I hope you love Emersyn and Oakes as much as I do.

Things to expect in Break the Chute (CW Included)

-STANDALONE

-Rodeo Romance

-Grumpy x Sunshine

-Hidden Identity

-Forced Proximity

-Mechanical Bull Lessons 🌶️

-”It’s always been you”

-Caretaking

-Open Door Spice

-CW: Alcoholism - including potential relapse and recover, abusive parent (mentioned, not shown on page), spousal abuse (not shown on page), emotional trauma from parents, rodeo injury and mistreatment in the workplace.

BLURB:

Emersyn

This is my chance. My one shot to prove I’m more than the pretty face that defined my past.

With my boots back in the dirt, my camera poised and ready to go—I can finally show Rodeo Way Magazine what I can do in the arena taking my own photos instead of behind the screen editing someone else’s.

Following a famous bull rider around for the summer should be the perfect opportunity to jet set my career as a photographer. If only I could stop looking at him as more than a client…and ignore that spark of familiarity in his eyes.

Oakes

It’s her.

After all this time…it’s her.

But this is the last thing I need. A magazine following me around to show the world who Oakes Ashford really is. If anything I’m just a bull rider trying to keep my past just that. My past.

But it’s her.

I’m here because of her.

The problem is…she doesn’t even recognize me.

Preorder Break the Chute

Add to Goodreads

Read now on Kindle Unlimited

Get Signed Paperbacks

Thanks for reading! Stefanie will be back with the next newsletter!

Until next time,

XOXO, Kayla (Not Stefanie)

and Tickets are still on sale for the event, so if you can make it to Utah April 17th and 18th, come find me and my cowboys (I’ll totally be hanging out with Oakes that day) and JA Forde, Grayson Long, Ashley Funk, Kath Richards and so many more! Check out the event in the link below!

Romance Out West

I have a few updates for you when it comes to writing!

Currently, Hartwell Hills #4 is sitting at 50% completed with its first draft. I’ve been taking my time with this one, giving Lachlan the story he deserves. That man needs his sunshine. Originally, I was hoping for a fall release, but it may get pushed back to winter…or even next Spring. BUT…that doesn’t mean I don’t have something else up my sleeve.

I had another plan to release something fun in March—but due to a delay outside my control, I won’t be able to—so this fun project will come this fall, just in time for you to reread the entire series before your favorite Hartwell finally hits the scene! Keep an eye out on my insta for more updates on this secret fun project.

2026 is not my year for reading it seems—but I still have read some amazing books. I just finished a ARC read for Grayson Long, her upcoming novel Chasing the Butterflies and…oh…let me tell you it hit me hard. This was an emotional rollercoaster, and I felt seen as a wife. Grayson’s words hit in a way that pulled at my heart strings…ripping me apart and then putting me back together again. It was a beautiful, and tender read.

This is available for preorder now—definitely make sure you add this to your list!

Preorder here

I’ve also read a few other romances: Forget me Not by Julie Soto, Give me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows, Pick Me by Victoria Schade (this one, read this one) just to name a few.

Emersyn

This is my chance. My one shot to prove I’m more than the pretty face that defined my past.

With my boots back in the dirt, my camera poised and ready to go—I can finally show Rodeo Way Magazine what I can do in the arena taking my own photos instead of behind the screen editing someone else’s.

Following a famous bull rider around for the summer should be the perfect opportunity to jet set my career as a photographer. If only I could stop looking at him as more than a client…and ignore that spark of familiarity in his eyes.

Oakes

It’s her.

After all this time…it’s her.

But this is the last thing I need. A magazine following me around to show the world who Oakes Ashford really is. If anything I’m just a bull rider trying to keep my past just that. My past.

But it’s her.

I’m here because of her.

The problem is…she doesn’t even recognize me.

Preorder Break the Chute

Add to Goodreads

Read now on Kindle Unlimited

Get Signed Paperbacks

Sara Mei Lin is perfectly content living life indoors—streaming League of Legends to thousands of viewers, surviving on late-night deliveries, and keeping her heart safely guarded after a devastating betrayal.

The outside world is optional. DoorDash is not.

What Sara doesn’t know is that her preferred Dasher, Dave, is the neighbor she’s been crushing on.

Dave Francis Rosenberg signs up to be a Dasher as a distraction from the pressure of respiratory therapy school—not to catch feelings. But when one customer’s orders come with witty banter and an unexpected spark, Dave finds himself looking forward to every notification.

As messages turn flirtatious and boundaries blur, Dave must decide if he’s brave enough to step out from behind the screen and confess the secret he’s been hiding—or if his self-doubt will cause him to lose the girl he’s been yearning for.

Read now on KU

The way I am OBSESSED with this cover by EverAfter Cover Design (@everaftercoverdesign)! I have been holding onto this cover for almost a year now and I still swoon whenever I look at it. She captured exactly what I wanted, nailing the vibe of Break the Chute to a TEE! I am just IN LOVE with this cover!!

Your new cowboy romance is coming April 13th - and is now available for Preorder!

Preorder the EBook

Preorder the Paperback

Read now on Kindle Unlimited

Get Signed Paperbacks

Lets be real - after writing Book Two in the Hartwell Hills series (yeah I’m looking at you Abi and Cash) - I was determined I was never going to write again. That book was so hard and took so much out of me. Then my wonderful friend J.A Forde told me to write a book for me…and what came of it was my favorite story to date.

Break the Chute reminded me why I loved writing, why I loved telling stories and now…I’m so ready to share it with the world. I had so much fun writing this book. There was no imposter syndrome, no moments were I was questioning the words on the page, none of that! I’ve spent the year thinking and working on Break the Chute and finally it’s here!

Crazy Promotion Time Begins…and I need help!

I’ve opened up Street Team applications again, welcoming more people to help me promote Break the Chute and my back log! Applications are open NOW! Break the Chute is my open door debut, that takes place in the same universe as Hartwell Hills (there may even be a cameo in there) and if you are interested in joining my street team and helping promote the book that changed my life - click the link below and apply! Being on the street teams comes with some amazing perks—like seeing art an covers early, getting sneak peaks into scenes and over all just a fun time—and my undying gratitude! Cannot wait to see you there!!

Apply Now!

Book Four in the Hartwell Hills series—Hey there LACHLAN—is coming along and has an expected release date for this summer!

The Hartwell Hills series will stay fade to black—buuuuut I have a surprise coming this spring for this series so make sure you keep a look out for that announcement.

Read now on Kindle Unlimited

Get Signed Paperbacks

An out-of-work actress and her best friend’s brother enter into a marriage of convenience—only to inconveniently fall for each other—in this spicy small town romance from the author of Rare Blend and Double Barrel.

He’s after a house. She’s the key to getting it.

Scotland “Scottie” James swore she’d never end up back in her small hometown. But with acting gigs drying up and the city spitting her out, Red Mountain is the only place to go—and the last place she wanted to be. Taking a job at her parents’ real estate firm is meant to be a detour on her way back to the stage. But when she’s asked to help her best friend’s older brother find a lake house, she accidentally lands her biggest acting role yet: Gavin Ledger’s wife.

For Gavin Ledger, winemaker and devoted single dad, life revolves around his daughter. The perfect lake house could help her feel closer to the mother she’ll never know—but there’s one problem: the seller will only sell to a married couple. His solution? The one woman guaranteed to test his patience. Scottie is dramatic, glamorous, and nothing like the steady, quiet life he’s built, yet being her husband—on paper—feels dangerously easy.

The longer they play house, the more it stops feeling like an act. And when the final curtain falls, Scottie will have to decide if chasing her old dream is worth losing the best thing she never saw coming.

Like bottle shock, love can take you by surprise—but the best things in life are often the ones you never planned.

Read now on KU

It’s only love until . . .

There’s a dating pact with a Valentine’s Day deadline.

I’ve dedicated my entire adult life to serving a greater purpose. From my years in the Air Force to building my family’s prosthetics company into a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse. Discipline, service, and ambition have always guided me. But love? That’s never been part of the plan.

Dating only complicates things. As far as I’m concerned, Cupid can keep his arrows.

But according to an outdated company bylaw my grandfather refuses to change, I can’t inherit the business unless I’m married. And apparently, being “married to the job” doesn’t count.

When my best friend Libby gets her heart broken yet again, I blindly propose an idea to fix both our problems. I’ll find someone who actually deserves her, and she’ll find me a wife in name only. No feelings. No drama. Simple. Or at least, it should be.

Except Libby doesn’t do anything halfway, especially not matters of the heart. She’s on a mission to prove true love is worth the effort and starts pushing me into one ridiculous meet-and-greet after another.

All I want is to secure the future of my company. But I have the growing suspicion one of Cupid’s glittery arrows is aiming right at me. And with my luck, I doubt I’ll see it coming until it strikes.

Read now on KU

On my website only, when you purchase any three books, you’ll get a free gift! The gift?? A special edition Hartwell Hills tote bag from Tones and Pages!

Chose any three books, enter the code FREEGIFT at check out and your free tote will be added to your shipment! This IS limited. There are 15 Bags available, so snag it while you can! The code will be active on my website until Dec 2nd!!

(Due to the nature of the website, the code will take $10 off your total of $60 or more—which is three books! So, you will be receiving the free tote and $10 off your purchase!)

Shop Here and get your free tote!

Jump on a ferry…

Author J.A. Forde has released the latest book in the Love Along the Way series and let me tell you…this one…will kill you in the best way possible. I cried my eyes out while alpha reading for Forde, her writing will tug at your heart strings and then bring you back together in her most heartfelt story yet. On the Ferry to Skye is available NOW, and is on KU! Travel to Skye, and fall in love with Jamie, Avi and Lennox.

Get your copy here

Now let’s add to your TBR!

Alexis and Seth are just friends.

Alexis LeMarcheonly has eyes for one thing: getting into Yale’s Ph.D. program. But senior year of college is hard enough already, without the pressure from her mom to get a “ring by spring”—a distraction she doesn’t need.

While Alexis is avoiding distractions, Seth Cameronis looking for one. Despite his desire to be an actor, he’s expected to go to law school—a future that’s been planned for him since birth. So when the opportunity to be Alexis’s fake boyfriend for Thanksgiving comes up, Seth is eager to accept the role of a lifetime.

But as the lines between real and fake start to blur, Seth’s long-held feelings reach a boiling point that he can’t control. With the friendzone crumbling, Alexis clings to her grad school plan—which doesn’t include falling in love. Can Seth go from stand-in boyfriend to the leading man of Alexis’s heart?

Get your copy here!

Christmas in paradise with my best friend… what could go wrong?

I spend every Christmas Eve with Mateo Sanz. It’s a decade-long tradition, but this year, his family is spending the holidays in the Dominican Republic. Did I mention it’s a destination wedding? Or that his cousin is marrying his ex-girlfriend? Oh, and I offered to fake date him to avoid the god-awful familial pity that’s no doubt following him straight to the Caribbean?

It should be an easy task, except Mateo is not only confident, charismatic, hot as sin, and the kindest man I’ve ever known. He’s also the best friend I’d never want to risk.

But the only way to convince his family this fake relationship is the real deal is through a whole lot of PDA, and when he begins whispering sweet nothings in my ear or holds my gaze even when there’s nobody around, the lines begin to blur.

One thing I forgot to mention? I, Daisy Zimmerman, have been in love with Mateo for as long as I can remember, even though there is no way he feels the same.

It would ruin more than our friendship if my secret were to slip out, and I’m not ready to lose the most important relationship in my life over a fake dating fiasco.

I only have to survive the week in the tropical paradise without letting my feelings for him be known. It should be easy, especially if we’re never alone. All we have to do is keep our hands, mouths, and hearts to ourselves.

We can follow all the rules…right?

The One Final Rule is a fake dating, friends to lovers, Christmas novella set in paradise. This is perfect for fans of Holiday family drama, the one bed trope and feel good romance like The Gift Rarely Given.

Get your copy here!

Last but not least - have you read and loved Fool For You!?

If you answered yes, please consider leaving an honest review on Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph…anywhere! Reviews help Indie Authors SO much. The more reviews, the more readers our books reach! It brightens my world to see reviews! Thank you thank you!!

Leave a Goodreads Review

Until…next week!

With love-

Stefanie

IT’S RELEASE DAY!!!!!!!

Wyatt Hartwell and Quinn Compton are finally available on all platforms!!

Normally, release days are just like any other day for me. And today is a little different, I’m working when I was originally scheduling release days on my days off. But today…even though I’m working and doing new things, I’m celebrating Wyatt and Quinn in my own way.

How?

I’m wearing my cowboy boots and my Fool For You earrings. (They’re adorable, and I love them; see my post on Instagram to take a look!)

I got myself a pumpkin spice after dropping the kiddos off from the bus. (not in the book, I just love pumpkin spices).

I’m watching my favorite episodes of Once Upon a Time.

I ordered myself a pineapple pizza with cauliflower crust for lunch.

Texting and talking to all of those who made this day possible, and taking the time to fully appreciate how far this little series has come.

I love Wyatt and Quinn with my whole heart. Their story is probably my favorite of the series. I’m not even sure if book 4 will be able to top them. I cannot wait for all of you to fall in love with them too!

Fool for You on Kindle!

Order the Paperback

Thank you for all the orders, all the page reads and all the love and support!

Now, time to travel back to Hartwell Hills and fall in love with Wyatt and Quinn.

Happy Reading!!!!

With love,

Stefanie

A few exciting things are happening—there is an AMAZING preorder package with Romancelandia! Preorder with them and receive a signed book, personalized if you wish, an art print, a Wyatt bookmark, and stickers. And the best part! We partnered with Tones and Pages to create a Hartwell Hills Tote, exclusive to Romancelandia! There is a limited amount of Tote bags—so hurry and preorder while you can!

Preorder Package!

Missed signing up for an ARC?

Well then, I have some amazing news for you! Fool For You is Now Available to Request on NetGalley!!

Request Here!

Fool For You Preorders and…an art revel!

There are a few ways to snag a copy of Fool For You. Kindle, Barnes and Noble, and my website! (And oddly enough…Amazon for Paperback, but I’m not sure on that one, to be honest.) If you want extra goodies (stickers, art prints…etc) check out my website!

Kindle Preorder

Paperback Preorder

Barnes and Noble Preorder

And—everyone knows my obsession with character art…I have a problem…but that problem got me this perfect piece. First…here’s the scene!

In the few times we had touched and teased, he asked me what I liked, how I wanted to be touched—and tonight—fully clothed up against a building behind the Hartwell Arena, he was putting all those questions to practice. My body shivered as his hand trailed my collarbone, cupped my breast, his fingers grazing my side—it wasn’t enough, yet it was almost too much.

“Please tell me you’re coming over tonight?” I begged, my hands grasping at his collar.

“Why wait,” he whispered in my ear, “when we can play now?”

“Now?” I gasped, locking my gaze with his.

“Just a tease.” His smile was so wide, I could feel it against my skin. He nibbled on my ear. “Tell me I can, Quinn. Please tell me I can touch you.”

“Yes,” I breathed. “Please.”

He kissed me again, his tongue not wasting any time dancing with mine. His free hand worked on my belt buckle, and he pulled on the button and slid it to the most sensitive part of me. I gasped the moment his warm fingers found my center, my head falling back on the wall. His fingers began to move in slow, lazy circles as his lips found and kissed my favorite spot right below my ear, driving me more insane than his fingers. I withered against him wanting so. Much. More.

“The only reason why I’m spectacular, Quinn,” his voice was hauntingly low against my skin, giving my earlobe a little nip, “is because I’m wanted and loved by you.”

And now—the art *melting emoji*

This is one of my favorite scenes in the book, so I knew I had to get an art piece to go with it! And Valery delivered, and I love the way it turned out. It’s a ‘SFW’ Spicy piece that I cannot wait to get printed up! This is just one of the art prints that is available when you preorder the swag option. I have three pieces (so far), and each preorder will get a surprise art piece!

Author Features

Need to add to your TBR—check out these titles and spoil yourself a little bit!

Jules Bardot is ready to change things up. After years of teaching music at the local high school, he’s roped his brothers into opening Bardot Brothers Coffee Co.—a dream that’s been put on the back burner. What he didn’t plan on was an unexpected surprise in the form of Thea Rose: the somehow cute and sexy, single mom who just moved to town… and the woman he never thought he’d see again.

Thea Rose wants to start over. Joining Ballet Boston gave her a taste of the big-city life, but she never expected to stay, especially after her daughter was born, effectively ending her ballet career. Now she has the chance to get back to her small-town roots, raising her daughter outside of the hustle and bustle of the city. Only problem? Her quiet and broody failed attempt at a one-night stand is everywhere… and she can’t bring herself to avoid temptation.

Just as Jules and Thea finally give in, they get the ultimate plot twist: two pink lines. Jules is thrilled, but Thea… well, she’s been down this road before. Can she give Jules the chance he’s asking for and risk building a family with him? Or will she continue to do what she does best and hold him at arm’s length in an effort to protect her own heart? Jules is determined to strike the balance between loving Thea and letting her find her own stride, ready to make her, and their growing family, entirely his.

Snag your copy

Florence Sadler is fed up. Behind her quirky, wild-child exterior, she cares deeply, feels everything, and is desperate to get out from under the shadows of her three older brothers to find her passion in life. After months of fruitless job hunting, she’s at the end of her tether. Then, an unlikely solution to all her problems blindsides her when her brother’s best friend offers her a job and a place to live. If only she could forget the mind-blowing evening they shared. Impossible, especially when her new boss makes it his mission to reignite her lost spark.

Dexter Moore has it all: a home, a successful business, loyal friends, and a loving family. The only thing missing is someone to share it with, a reality Dex accepted long ago. But when Florence struts into his life, a beacon of light he didn’t know he was searching for, he’s suddenly rethinking every decision he’s ever made. Torn between his head and his heart, Dex is powerless to resist the pull they’ve both fought for months.

Hot summer afternoons and balmy starlit evenings drive Florence and Dex closer together, and “one night” becomes the first of many. Their magnetism is undeniable, but will untold fears and decade-old vows end their future before it even begins?

Our Long Days is the final book in the Sutton Bay series. A series of interconnected standalone stories set in coastal New England, with lots of feelings, swoon and spice!

Preorder Your Copy Here

Until the next moment!

October is going to be a big month! I cannot wait until the next time I send out a newsletter—which is always going to be pub day!!

Until then!

With Love

Stefanie

This newsletter is a day late…why? Simple answer—I forgot. At the moment, my life is hectic to the extreme at work, and my brain didn’t want to wrap around the fact that I had a newsletter with exciting news to write and post—so for a week, I avoided it. Until Friday morning came along, and I face palmed as I was getting ready for work. So here we are, Friday night—my kids are watching KPop Demon Hunters for the millionth time (I’m not complaining, you can thank Grayson Long for this new obsession)—and I’m finally in the brain space to write this!

And it’s a fun one too! Seriously….keep scrolling….

LOOK AT THAT COVER!!!!! *melts*

When I handed my cover artist a sticky note with the world’s greatest sketch on it (it was bad ha) and she gave me back this—my jaw dropped! Melody captured Wyatt and Quinn PERFECTLY, taking what I saw in my head and made it fifty times better. I am in LOVE with this cover! It may be my favorite of the entire series.

Fool For You has my entire heart and soul. It was so fun and easy to write, it helped me remember why I love the universe of Hartwell Hills, and it just makes me giddy every time I open it to re-read or edit. I just love Wyatt Hartwell—and I know you will too!

ARC sign-ups are open now and will remain open until September 20th. A little birdy also told me it was already up for preorder! (Sometimes Amazon works fast—sometimes it’s slow—and it obviously wanted Wyatt up for preorder faster than I anticipated!) Paperback preorders will start MONDAY on my website!

ARC SIGN UP

Preorder EBook

Quinn Compton has one goal: make it to the National Finals Rodeo. After an injury that nearly ended her career, she’s more determined than ever, and Hartwell Hills Ranch is her solution. The perfect place to keep her head down and train. If only a certain Hartwell wasn't so distracting.

Wyatt Hartwell has two goals: rebuild his tarnished reputation and win over Quinn Compton. She’s shot down every flirty line he’s tossed her way, but that only makes him want to know the woman behind the steely focus even more. And when one bad decision leaves him jobless and back at his family's ranch, she’s suddenly everywhere he turns.

When Quinn’s rodeo season gets more chaotic than she bargained for, Wyatt steps in, determined to prove he’s not the careless playboy everyone thinks. From dusty arenas to neon-lit dance floors, their new friendship starts to blur into something Quinn didn’t see coming, and a whole lot more dangerous to her heart. Quinn came to Hartwell Hills for herself, not a rodeo announcer with a cocky attitude. But love can make you a fool, and falling for Wyatt might be a ride worth taking.

Author Spotlights!

Are you looking for your next read, or simply wanting to add to your TBR? Check out these authors to fall in love with!

A sweet and sexy enemies-to-lovers romance about a wellness influencer who returns to her late aunt’s ranch in Colorado where she clashes with the grumpy and handsome head rancher.

She’s here to sell my ranch, but now I think she might steal my heart.

Rory Jones prided herself on the successful life she’d built as a wellness influencer and author—until she walked in on her boyfriend with another woman after a family funeral. Forced to run away to her late great aunt’s ranch in Colorado, Rory’s hoping that fixing up and selling the place will help her find her confidence and inspiration to write again.

But Wyatt Hensley, the grumpy head rancher, isn’t willing to hand over the reins to the job he gave everything up for. Especially not to a yoga-loving, manifestation guru who doesn’t even know how to ride a horse. Yet, with a past that’s taught him to not bother dreaming anymore, even Wyatt knows he can’t hold on forever.

Until one day they strike a deal that might just save both of their careers—help Rory turn the ranch into a wellness retreat and Wyatt can stay.

With Rory’s shattered self-confidence and Wyatt’s last drop of hope also on the line, staying professional is a must. But can they ignore the sizzling tension growing between them that could jeopardize it all?

Especially when the rocky path ahead seems a lot easier with the other riding beside them.

Live, Ranch, Love comes out September 30th! Preorders are available now!

Preorder Live, Ranch, Love

We were almost forever…

Gretchen

It’s been three years since the kiss. The one I can’t seem to forget.
Judging by the girl on his arm, Connor Vining has no such problem.

I guess I misunderstood the look in his eyes that night.
I guess his best friend’s kid sister was never really in the running for Love of His Life.

But I’m not a kid anymore. I’ve graduated college and I’m about to fly interstate, in hopes of meeting my birth mother.

I was never going to face her alone, but when a twist of fate puts Connor by my side, I’m blindsided. And our tangled past is threatening to come undone...

Connor

I’m not sure whose heart is more broken: Gretchen’s or mine. All I know is it took everything in me to walk away from that kiss. I kept a promise, and I lost a friend.

And I think I made a mistake.

The problem is, now is not the right time to break down the walls Gretchen built to keep me out.

But now is the only time we’ve got.

Forever Then is available NOW (I totally got it!)

Forever Then on Amazon

Until next time…

There may be a few newsletters these upcoming months as I get myself pumped up for Fool For You, but until the next moment—thank you for celebrating with me!!!

Until next time!

With Love-Stefanie

July is over.

It was such a great month so let’s recap on a few highlights before I get to the best part of this newsletter!

First - on July 12th, I had the most amazing time at Simply Books in Utah! It was such a blast to meet new readers and authors and just enjoy my time with my book babies! Signings are always a nerve-racking thing for me. My thoughts go to ‘what if I sell out’ to ‘what if no one buys my books’…it’s basically a spiral of thoughts from the moment I set up my table to the minute I take down, but this event proved to be my best one yet and I am so grateful I had the chance to go! Rhett and Cash enjoyed the attention too!

Second - we went camping!! We also go camping during the month of July and this year we extended our time. Despite not taking a shower for five days, I loved every minute of it. I read, I worked on a project, I relaxed and just overall loved not having cell service. It was sssooo nice and I will gladly escape back into the mountains again.

Third - RODEO! Gah, I love the rodeo so much, everything about them. I find it funny that with each rodeo I find myself paying attention to something different, this time it was the announcer—with Wyatt and HH#3 clear in my head—and the bulls…with another certain cowboy that is coming to you soon. Rodeos are totally research….right! Cannot wait for the next one.

And now…

I’m looking for street team members!!

With Hartwell Hills 3 coming faster than you’d think—I’m looking to add members to my street team! Be my hype person and help me promote my books! Street Team members get fun little perks that no one else does, including early access to cover reveals, character art and snippets of the next books—even those outside of Hartwell Hills! If you're interested in becoming a buckle bunny, click the link and sign up below! Members will be emailed and added to the group chat at the end of next week!

Join Street Team Here!

And…did you see!!

Allie Samberts launched a new book on the 31st! SURPRISE! I was honored to be a beta for this one and let me tell you—my heart SOARED when I saw it on Amazon for purchase. Love Out Loud is a friends to lovers, later in life romance that you will not want to miss. Lark and Lennon are top tier and I know you will love them!

In more Allie Samberts news—her most recent release, Not a Strong Enough Word has been picked up for traditional publishing with (publisher)! I know how much this book means to her, and so the fact that this book is the one to take the world, I couldn’t be happier for Allie! Keep an eye on Allie’s Instagram with news relating to this release!! Congratulations Allie!!!

Until the next moment…

September may have a few more newsletters than my normal once a month deal!! Book Three has a lot of announcements in the months of September and I don’t want to forget a single one! I am so ready for Wyatt Hartwell to be in your hands!!!

Until then!

With Love — Stefanie

The Hartwells are busy today. Abi is making sure the arena is set for her family. Stetson is getting in the way, upset that this is his last year of Mutton Bustin. Kyla is dragging the dirt. Rhett is transferring the calves and livestock to the arena, gearing up to ride in tie down. Wyatt is making sure his voice is ready for the microphone and Lachlan is somewhere setting up the fireworks. And what’s fun about this specific rodeo…Cash Callahan is prepping to return. It’s been years since he’s been in an arena full of rodeo fans, and this year he has his family cheering him on. I loved writing the rodeo scene at the end of Never Left You—and creating the ticket to go along with it…

…but my absolute favorite thing about that scene…is the art work that was created for it. Grayson Long created the stunning character art showing Abi, Cash and Stetson after the rodeo watching the fireworks. She truly created a masterpiece with this one and I love seeing them together as a family.

I know they are fictional, but it’s kind of fun to think this event is happening today for them. I won’t be going to a rodeo today, but I will tomorrow—and you better believe I will be pretending that Cash is bouncing on the balls of his feet, ready to ride.

You can snag this print along with signed copies on my website!

Signed books and Art Prints

More art?!

I recently got back from the Mountains and Manuscripts writing retreat (which was amazing), where I learned to fall back in love with my ‘heart book’. I wrote this book after I was done with Never Left You, determined I was never going to write again. It wasn’t until a friend told me to just write for fun, write something for me that this book came to live and I loved every second of it. In my eyes, it was perfect even though it was messy and I loved it. Then…I wrote Hartwell Hills #3 (Helllloo Wyatt!) and fell hard for him. I had taken three months away from my heart book, ready to five back into revisions only to discover…it sucked (well maybe not sucked but it definitely needed a little more love). But I didn’t want to give up on them. I still loved the story, I just had to perfect it now. So…rewrites! And that’s exactly what I’ve been working on while Wyatt is snug with my editor. Has it been easy, no…but I’m determined to make it what I know it can be. My original hope was to query this book, go trad with it, and see it on the shelves of every bookstore—but right now I’m not so sure. It will be published somehow, I just don’t know how. I have time with this one, and I’m allowing myself to take it. Until then, here’s a gorgeous character art from Erika Plum. She always knows how to inspire me.

I can’t wait for everyone to meet these two—until then I will keep them close to my heart!

Mountains and Manuscripts

Words really cannot express how amazing this retreat was. I was nervous—being the socially awkward person I am—to go, but I was ‘forced’ out of my shell by my designated extrovert (hey Author J.A Forde!) and met some pretty amazing people. The best part—they accepted me as I was, let me have some moments of weird tears, but truly made me feel seen and loved. Christina Hill was amazing in putting this event together and truly—I owe her more than she knows. What an amazing experience and I cannot wait to return next year.

Thats all for now, I’m sure next month I’ll have more news…like a Title Reveal for HH#3 and maybe…knowing my obsession some more character art!

Until the next moment…

Love-Stefanie

I still consider myself a tiny indie author, the victories I celebrate may be small—BUT that doesn’t mean they aren’t amazing. Since its release on May 9th, Never Left You has gotten 70k page reads, over 150 orders, and so many amazing reviews. In my mind, I never expected this for this release, so I am simply BLOWN AWAY. The love Abi and Cash have gotten brings me to tears. This story that I was so afraid for, that I was certain was going to ‘flop’, has surprised me, and found its place in the world, and seriously—I have no words. I am extremely grateful for everyone who made this release one of my best yet, who have read every page, who have ordered and posted on social media. Thank YOU for making this so magical in more ways than one.

So, What’s Next?

More cowboys, of course!!

Hartwell Hills Book 3, is currently with betas and will head to my editor in the coming weeks. To say I love Wyatt’s story is an understatement. His book was so much fun to write, it came so quick and easy that I thought about it constantly, even when I should have been focusing on a crown prep at work, my mind was on Wyatt Hartwell. I am so excited to announce that his book will be published in December of this year—so make sure you stay tuned for more announcements in the coming weeks. It’s be so hard not to share everything—but I have to keep some secrets.

That means that I can start drafting Book 4 soon, and you can expect to much awaited Lachlan Hartwell in the summer of 2026. The dude already has a fan club and he’s barely spoken. His story—oof—I’m not even ready for it.

Here’s a quick series update in case you are one of those who likes to mark their calendars…what’s it like to be that organized!?

But Stefanie—What about that heart book you mentioned a few months back? The one you want to query and try to traditionally publish?? OK, well that’s still the plan…buuuuuut….

We don’t talk about Bruno.

Indie Feature!

On the topic of cowboys—I recently connected with fellow author Ashley Dill and her book We Redeemed the Rain has been on my TBR forever. When she told me I would need tissues—I instantly bumped it up! Ashley’s books are available on KU, Kindle and Paperback, I highly suggest you check her out!

“Everyone should find someone to share their story with.”

Exhausted and burnt-out, singer-songwriter, Bea Thompson, needs a break and some space from her once-promising career as an indie musician. Seeking refuge from the crushing pressures of the industry, she books a last minute stay at a special childhood sanctuary, the birthplace of her most treasured friendship, Meadowbrook Ranch. She only hopes the boy she found in the hayloft all those years ago still lives there.

Over the years, lone cowboy, Samuel Taggart (Tag), has built a name for himself as a stock contractor for the rodeo circuit. Shackled by the trauma of childhood sexual abuse, he’s resigned himself to a life of solitude at Meadowbrook Ranch, working around the clock for the only family he’s ever been able to count on—the horses.

But one stormy night, an unexpected visitor upends his quiet life. The girl from the hayloft—his long term pen pal—is back, covered head to toe in mud, and excited to see him.

After spending years pouring his heart out through letters to Bea, finally seeing her again face-to-face sends his heart into lockdown.

Will he trust his old friend with the painful storms of his past, or will the rain prove that some souls are too far gone for love?

We Redeemed the Rain, is a contemporary romance set in Central Texas and the first installment of Meadowbrook Ranch—an emotional series about trauma, healing, and love amid crisis.

Follow Ashley on Instagram

I’m shocked I remembered to do a newsletter this month! As you know, they are my downfall—but thank you for being here and for supporting my author journey!

Until the next moment!

Love,

Stefanie

To say I have been blown away by the amount of love these two have received would be a complete understatement. I was nervous to send this book out into the world; it took so much out of me, but now I see how much it is giving to everyone. At first, the tears were from the massive impostor syndrome, but now, after talking to so many readers, seeing how this book has touched so many people, the tears are more…joy? Confidence? Love? Each and every reader who has reached out to me has helped me see just how beautiful this book is and just how much I love it. And it’s finally here. It’s been such a rocky road—but it’s here! And now I’m crying because I’m happy it’s now in the world for everyone to read!

Never Left You is now available for the world to enjoy! You can find it on Amazon—Kindle Unlimited, Barnes and Noble, a few amazing indie stores throughout Utah, and signed copies on my website!!

Amazon

Signed Paperbacks

Make Sure You Check Out This Other Amazing Indie Book Releasing May 14th!

Allie Samberts has her new release coming this month as well, and this is one you need to read. The story lies close to Allie’s heart and it shows in her writing. Her novel Not a Strong Enough Word comes out this Wednesday, May 14th and you can order eBooks and Paperbacks from her website! Make sure you check it out!!

Scarlett Frye was once a literary genius. With two bestselling novels, a million-dollar book deal, and a love story of her own, she had it all—until the pressure broke her. Five years ago, she canceled her book tour, shredded her contract, and disappeared. She left everything behind, including Ryan Whitlock, the editor who believed in her… and the man she loved.

Now, after years of healing, she’s ready to write again.

For Ryan, Scarlett’s disappearance wasn’t just a professional loss, it was personal. It shattered his heart and sent him into a slump. That is, until an anonymous manuscript lands on his desk. The writing is brilliant, raw, and achingly familiar—it can only be Scarlett’s.

As fate brings them back together, Scarlett reluctantly agrees to let Ryan edit her comeback novel, even though it means working with the man she never stopped loving. Old passions reignite, but when pressure builds and buried secrets resurface, Ryan fears history will repeat itself.

Scarlett walked away once. But as they navigate love, loss, and the weight of the past, she and Ryan must be strong enough to rewrite their story before it’s too late.

Order Here!

Now what?

Well, my HOPE is I can do better at this newsletter thing, seeing as there is much coming up that I can’t wait to share with you! The beginning of this year was full of words (I wrote close to 200k of them!), and I’m knee deep in revisions for two projects! I have news to share, sneak peeks to tease, places to tell you about, and experiences that I will never forget, so be on the lookout for more from me. (I’ll try, ok!) and find out what’s coming next for Hartwell Hills and where you can find me in Utah!

Until the next moment—thank you for sticking around! See you soon and Happy Reading and Release Day to Never Left You!!!

With Love,

Stefanie

I feel like so much—yet nothing at all—has happened since my last post! And I want to share it all—but first—

Who wants a blurb! And a cover!!!!

Never Left You - Book 2 in the Hartwell Hills Series - is SO CLOSE to getting in your hands and on your kindles, I can’t contain it! This book has been through so many revisions and edits, breaking me and putting me back together again and again. I’m so thrilled to be able to finally start sharing things about Abi and Cash.

And for my amazing newsletter subscribers who have stuck with me even though I’ve vanished—scroll down! Take a look at that COVER!!!!

LOOK. AT. IT. Melody Jefferies did an absolutely amazing job on this cover, bringing Abi and Cash to life—I just can’t stop looking at it. It’s just stunning!

Abi Hartwell Acosta thought love was out of the cards for her…until he came back into her life.

Never Left You is coming MAY 9th, it’s available for Preorder on Kindle and My Website!

Preorder the Paperback

Preorder the Kindle

More information to come on Never Left You - including character art reveals and ARC sign ups!!

Have you been to Tahoe?

On February 28th, a book was released, and trust me…this is a book you need. J.A. Forde’s Love Along the Way Series continues in On the Slopes of Tahoe—which follows Wes’s sister Rory and my husband…*cough*…I mean his best friend Breck. This book is full of love, laughs, found family, swoon worthy moments, and is just perfection. Make sure you add it to your TBR! I guarantee you will love it! (Pay attention to that sweet little girl—we have plans for her!)

Read it HERE on KU! (But you may just want to buy it — it’s that amazing)

Visit Tahoe!

More to Come…I promise.

I have so much more I want to share, but shoving it all in this newsletter seems….like a lot. So, here’s some zero context teasers. Rodeo, Wyatt, Arizona, ROW—and so much more.

Until the next moment!

Love - Stefanie

Lately, I have been trying to figure out how to settle my brain when I’m not writing. That’s right...I haven’t been writing often lately. NLY (Book 2 in the Hartwell Hills Series) has been self-edited twice and is now with beta readers before it comes back to me for another round of edits. I haven’t written a word for Book 3—but that doesn’t mean I’m not working on something. I had a super secret project going on that I can’t share anything about! Trust me — it’s killing me. But since I can’t keep a secret to save my life, I’ll share something with you today. How about — the title of Book 2!?

I present to you — Hartwell Hills Book 2…

Never Left You is Abi’s story of finding love again after the tragic death of her husband—but who she finds is the last person she expects.

More will be shared as we get closer — until then — be ready for Abi and Cash, coming June 2025!!

Black Friday Weekend Sale!?

Who doesn’t love to shop on Black Friday Weekend!? Well—me—but I do love a good deal, so I’m sending one your way! Right now on Amazon, you can get all e-books for $1.99, and on my website with the code BF30 you can get 30% off your order! Sale ends end of day - Monday Dec 2! Treat yourself this weekend! Happy Shopping!!

$1.99 Ebooks!

30% Off Signed Paperback

Happy Pub Day for Allie Samberts!!!

Did you hear? Allie Samberts new Holiday Novella — CHRISTMAS BY DESIGN — dropped today!! This girl is on fire this year! Make sure you check it out!!!

They don’t have a blueprint for love, but can they build a foundation together this Christmas?

Interior designer Beckett Camdon is decidedly not full of Christmas cheer. His idea of a perfect holiday is sitting by his sleek, gas fireplace with a brandy, a good book, and his cat. But when his boss asks him to pair up with Gemma, the resident ray of light and lover of all things Christmas, he has his work cut out for him.

Gemma Woodard is a project manager for flipping houses, and she’s damn good at it. Not that any of the men she works with notice. Her abilities are overshadowed by the fact that she’s a woman—and a single mom to two-year-old Nova. She won’t let that get her down, though. She’s determined to take on this flip, even if it means she has to do it with grouchy Beckett Camdon.

As they work together more and more, an undeniable attraction grows. And when they find themselves snowed in at the house they’re supposed to be flipping, that spark gets harder to ignore.

Will Beckett and Gemma’s desire melt away after just one night, or will it snowball into something more? One thing’s for sure—this Christmas, they might find themselves wrapped up in more than just holiday decorations.

If you love grumpy/sunshine, adversaries to lovers, workplace romances where they get snowed in and swear it's "just for one night," you'll love this fun, quick burst of Christmas happiness this holiday season.

Until the next moment — Happy Holidays everyone!!!

With Love - Stef

It really has! Somebody Like Me has been in the world for a month (well, on the 13th) and I am so proud of my little cowboy book. 

Somebody Like Me is beating all my expectations. The first week after release was…just…WHOA. I never ever thought I’d see an orange banner next to my cover but YOU GUYS made that happen with Somebody Like Me! It reached #77 in Western New Releases and well…I may have cried. A lot. It’s still surpassing things I never thought I would see as an Indie Author and my mind is BLOWN. THANK YOU for making this happen!!

Let’s see how far Somebody Like Me can go!

Signed Paperback Copies

Get it on Amazon

ALSO! Please don’t forget to review it wherever you can! Reviews help books way more than you’d think and I’d be so grateful! Somebody Like Me is almost at 200 reviews on Goodreads! Can we get it there?

Review on Goodreads

As for the rest of the Hartwell Family? They’re coming. The First Draft of book 2 is complete, and now I’m ready to enter the editing cave to polish it! You can expect to return to Hartwell Hills Ranch in 2025!!

A Title Reveal???!!!

J.A. Forde coming at us with Love Along the Way Book 2 - ON THE SLOPES OF TAHOE! This one is expected in February 2025 - so visit Tahoe before heading back to Hartwell Hills and FALL IN LOVE with these characters (TRUST me…you will absolutely love. I had the honor of alpha reading it and J.A Forde…whew…blew it out of the water!)

In the mood for a spooky novella??

Allie Samberts did a surprise release this past week? Did you see it!? Pumpkin to Talk About is her newest Halloween Novella, and it looks absolutely amazing! Make sure you check it out for the season - It’s absolutely guaranteed to get you in a spooky mood!

Pumpkin to Talk About

Author Spotlight - Jen Morris

How about some Forbidden Romance to pull you in - Check out this new release for Jen Morris! It’s available now and I cannot wait to read it. The excerpt below sucked me in…read for yourself! I Saw Her First is available now and on KU!

I Saw Her First

Passion ignites when a sweet barista and widowed father give in to their forbidden attraction in this steamy, emotional romance about the power of love to heal grief.

Daisy

I never planned on being a virgin at twenty-five, stuck in a dead-end job. And I definitely didn’t plan to fall for Weston, the

married hottie in a suit who likes my daily coffee art. At least I think he does. He doesn’t smile much.

Then I meet Jesse. He’s charming and more than happy to relieve me of my V-card, but is he really the one? My world

turns upside down when I learn Jesse's father is Weston, my secret crush. Even more surprising? Weston isn't married.

And that changes everything.

Weston

After losing my wife three years ago, I’ve lived in a haze of pain and grief, made worse by my son Jesse’s refusal to talk to

me. The only light in the darkness is Daisy, the beautiful barista at my local coffee shop. There’s a connection between us

despite our age difference, and I intend to make her mine—until Jesse introduces Daisy as his girlfriend.

Seeing them together drives me crazy, especially as I watch him take her for granted. The more time I spend around her,

the more I want her for myself, but it might cost me my son...

Even if I saw her first.

EXCERPT FROM I SAW HER FIRST

“I was in a dark place when I met you, Daisy, and you were...” I huff a quiet laugh, thinking of how bubbly she was during those bleak months when my world felt empty and hopeless. “You were this shining light of goodness, going out of your way to make me smile with your wonderful coffee creations. I’m sure you do that for everyone, but—”

“I don’t.”

Those two words are enough to make my heart trip, but I don’t dare meet her gaze. I don’t dare let myself consider what that could mean.

“Well, those few moments with you every morning brought hope back into my life. They reminded me that things could be good again.” I smile, savoring the feeling of warmth as I take another gulp of my wine. “And lately, we’ve...” Ahhh, shit. Stop. I set my wine down with a shake of my head, aware I’m coming very close to crossing a line I won’t be able to uncross. “Never mind,” I mumble.

There’s a long silence, during which I can feel the heat of Daisy’s gaze on the side of my face.

“Lately what?” she asks at last. I try to ignore the breathless note in her voice, but I can’t. And I need to be very careful with what I say next.

“Lately...” I shrug, pretending it’s no big deal. “It’s been nice spending more time with you.” I can say that, right? That’s not crossing a line. It’s perfectly appropriate.

But when I let myself glance at Daisy, it feels anything but appropriate. Her eyes are dark saucers, lit with fire as they pierce mine. The air grows thick with tension as we stare at each other, a thousand unsaid words filling the space between us. A heavy ache starts low in my pelvis, my cock stirring in my shorts, and when she runs her tongue across her bottom lip, I have to shift in my seat.

I think back to the way I felt when I found out she was dating my son and the realization she’d never been interested in me, even though I had the nagging sense she was. Watching her squirm restlessly on the chair, watching her eyes fasten on my lips and her breasts shudder with her uneven breathing, I know I was right the first time. She feels this thing between us too, and I’m beginning to think she always has. Even though she was dating Jess.

Jess.

My son’s name rings through my head, and I yank my gaze away from Daisy, soberness hitting me like a cold bucket of water. It doesn’t matter if Daisy feels this. None of it matters. And I need to make that very clear.

“I’m sorry things didn’t work out with you and Jess,” I begin, trying to segue gently into what I need to say.

“And I’m sorry for what he did.”

“Me too,” she says quietly. “But... I wasn’t a very good girlfriend. I have feelings for someone else. I have for a while, and I think...” She hesitates, and I should stop her, but my breath freezes in my lungs as I wait for her next words. “I think he has feelings for me.”

Oof. She’s not making this easy.

I release a pained, unsteady breath as I look at her. She’s so beautiful, her dark hair falling in soft waves over her bare, freckled shoulders, her expression so open and vulnerable that all I want to do is pull her close.

It’s excruciating.

“He does,” I murmur, despite the rational part of my brain screaming at me to shut up. “But he loves his son and doesn’t want to hurt him. Even if said son behaved like a total ass.”

Her gaze falls to her wineglass, and she gives a tiny, nearly imperceptible nod. “I understand.”

Of course she does. Of course she’s being perfectly reasonable. She’s young, but she’s the most mature twenty-five-year-old I’ve met.

It only makes me want her more.

That was a lot today but thank you for sticking with me! Until the next moment - Bye!!

-Stefanie K Steck