Time to say good-bye to some old friends

For the past decade, I’ve been leaning more and more in the direction of minimalism, by which I mean letting go of anything I’m keeping “just in case.” Still, stuff seems to expand to fill the available space.

We’re moving to Las Vegas!

Right now, we’re prepping for a move from Tacoma, Washington to Las Vegas, Nevada. Big change! Hubs’s son has landed a great job in a Henderson hospital, and daughter-in-law’s family is there. Grandchildren are in the offing, so… off to Vegas we go! When? As soon as we both get vaccinated. Hubs has had his first jab, but I’m a mere child of 58, so I’ll have to wait. I hope we can move before the hellscape summer heat hits. The latest news says we can expect vaccinations for all by July–yikes!

I’ve moved plenty of times, first during my Army years, then as a Department of Defense teacher stationed in Germany, then back  to the U.S., but I’ve never had to pay for a big move. Ay ay ay! Naturally, we’re culling every closet, drawer, and shelf to jettison the superfluous. Why pay to move stuff we don’t use?

But the books! I braced myself for a big emotional impact as I sorted through books dating back to my twenties, books that got me through hard times, books that inspired me to write my own stories, gifts from friends and family, some long gone. I found books about abandoned interests and hobbies, and so many cookbooks! (Where do I get my recipes these days? The internet, of course.)

Here’s the thing: I still read tons of books, mostly romance fiction, but also mysteries, memoir, and miscellaneous nonfiction. Most of that reading takes place on my Kindle. Knowing how quickly I can get my hands on an electronic or print copy makes it easy to let these old books go.

So yesterday we filled the trunk of Smedley, Hubs’ trusty Volvo, with over 200 books. I hope the thrift store’s patrons enjoy them. Marie Kondo would be proud.

Speaking of books, Opposites Ignite is up pre-order on Amazon! I’m working on final edits, and soon I’ll be able to offer this book on Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books…all over the place!

Available for pre-order on Amazon! Other vendors coming soon.

A mismatch sparks the hottest flames.

Blue-haired, buxom, and bodacious, server Rosie needs her job at Bangers Tavern, where her work family adores her weirdness and supports her hunt for a tattoo apprenticeship. When too much New Year’s bubbly tumbles her into a sweet, shy coworker’s bed, she craves more. But guys like Eddie never stick with girls like her.

Strait-laced, soft-spoken, and skinny, barback Eddie has a huge crush on his curvy, tattooed coworker. Their New Year’s surprise is a dream come true—until grandma walks in on them.  Eddie begs Rosie to fake-date him to appease his old-fashioned family. He’s already keeping secrets, so what’s the harm in one more? But the more time he spends with Rosie, the deeper he falls.

Their boss lays down the law: No relationship drama at work, or you’re fired. Rosie’s everything Eddie ever wanted—but to keep her, he’ll have to drop a terrifying truth bomb on his loving but stifling family. And Rosie must trust her bruised heart with the guy who nearly crushed it.

Come back to Tacoma’s Bangers Tavern for a steamy, laugh-out-loud, opposites-attract romance that ignites in all the worst ways—and the best!