Releasing a book during a worldwide pandemic is not something I ever expected I would have to do. Most people aren't thinking about books right now. They're wondering what they're going to do because they can't work. They're worried about their loved ones becoming ill. They're trying to entertain restless kids who may be cooped up with no place to go for weeks to come.
When things started looking bad, I was torn between releasing on schedule or taking the pre-order freeze from Amazon and changing the date. I opted to go ahead and release on schedule for a lot of reasons. Mostly, I didn't want to disappoint readers or drop the ball on the Operation Underground Railroad fundraiser. I knew what it would mean for book sales, but it is what it is. I can't stop a pandemic. I can only control how I react to it.
It's a crazy, chaotic time.
My giant and I are both "essential" employees, so we're both still employed. But to say I'm worry-free would be a stretch. Going to work every day makes me nervous because hubby is missing part of a lung. We're taking extra precautions to keep myself, him, and my dispatchers safe and healthy. When I'm not at work, I'm at home. I've been out once in the last two and a half weeks (aside from going to work). I love my house. But I'm tired of it...just like I imagine the rest of you guys are.
I use royalties to cover my ungodly student loan payment every month. Without them, it wouldn't be possible. That's a discussion for a different day. I mention it now only to say that I completely understand the financial fears so many of you are facing. I have them too.
So I am extra grateful for everyone who has purchased a copy of Kill for You, shared the book, or the Operation Underground Railroad fundraiser. Seriously. THANK YOU. You made a stressful never-in-a-million-years type of day so much easier. And you guys did it while facing your own financial fears and worries.
I appreciate your kindness so much and am genuinely in awe of you.
I dove in and made the best of it, and I am SO glad that I did. Because despite how crazy it has been, I learned so much about what I am capable of, and about what YOU are capable of. I think the one thing that has stuck out to me most during this experience is how willing people are to step in and help out. So many people, from fellow authors to readers to followers I never hear from, have reached out to help share Kill for You or offer your support. I value that so much.
There are lessons in everything, and this is no exception. It's amazing to me how many people are going above and beyond to keep our most vulnerable people safe. We have entirely changed our way of life to help save people we will never meet, whose stories we don't know, whose names we will never hear. That is a really profound, really amazing thing. And we're doing it every day. Be proud of yourself, even on the hardest days, for spreading that kind of love in the world. It's a big deal. And it matters.
It really does take a village, y'all. Thank you for being part of mine.
For those of you who have wanted to get a copy of the book, but can't afford to do so...the book is now available in Kindle Unlimited. I am also more than happy to send ARCs to you guys in exchange for reviews. Times are hard. Believe me, I know.
But with a little bit of time and a whole lot of patience, we will get through this.
And to help get you through quarantine without straining your finances, I have several books discounted or free right now. You can find them below. You can also contact me if you'd like to request an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. That's the most important thing right now. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask. I mean that.
KILL FOR YOU: New to Kindle Unlimited
Faith Donovan has spent the last five years living as a cartel slave, unable to leave the confines of Los Zetas territory. All she ever wanted was freedom…until Detective Octavio Hernandez carried her to safety. He looks at her like no one ever has, but trusting him is no easy feat when she knows he has an ulterior motive. Can this detective break down her walls and claim her heart?
RAVISHED: Currently Free
Do you enjoy a good leading man in uniform? If doctors, cops, and firefighters are your thing, check out the Medical/First Responder multi-author romance giveaway! All titles are free through the end of April.
When a DEA Agent falls for a disabled ballerina in the middle of a federal investigation, his life quickly careens off course. To save her life and stop the people behind the creation of a deadly new drug, Tristan Riley will be tested in ways he's never even imagined.
FIGHT FOR YOU: Currently .99c
Ten years ago, former gangbanger turned DEA agent Michael "Cade" Kincaid lost everything that mattered to him. With his life in tatters, he fled Los Angeles, leaving behind January James, the only girl he's ever loved. Now an enemy from his past has it out for January, and it's up to Michael to save her life.
Reunited by danger, bound together by feelings that just won't die, and desperate for forgiveness they don't believe they deserve, Michael and January will risk their lives to break free of the past. To build a future, they'll both risk the only thing that really matters: their hearts.
ALL FALLS DOWN: Currently Free on Smashwords
When Savannah flees her abusive ex and returns to the family who took her in as a teenager, her already fragile works begins to come apart at the seams. Falling in love with the man pretending to be her friend's boyfriend was not part of her plans. Neither was landing in the sights of a murderer.
To save the only family she has, Savannah will be forced to do the unthinkable.
DEVOUR ME: Currently Free
