Gay romance author. Book and music lover. Introvert, bisexual, INFP-T, Ravenclaw, fountain pen-addict, HSP, Trekkie.đShe/her. Swedish đđđđ„đ§
Happy Sunday, everyone! I hope you’re having a great day! I’ve had a good day: we’re house hunting and we went on a road trip and checked out a house. It was lovely, maybe a bit small for our needs, and since it’s very original and charming, I’m sure it’ll turn into a bidding war and it’ll end up way over our budget. We shall see!
Aside from that little roadtrip on snowy roads, I’m also a guest over at my friend Holly Day’s blog today where I talk about how I had the idea for my new release They Met in the Library for the longest time but couldn’t get it to work. Check it out here, if you’re interested. I was also blog hopping a bit yesterday: first I visited Addison Albright’s blog where I wrote about how I was a book worm when I was a kid, and a regular at my neigborhood library, the one I based Adrian’s library on. Here’s the link for that post. I was also at Ofelia GrĂ€nd’s blog, writing about the meet-cute trope. Check it out here.
You haven’t missed that the second book in my Meet Cute Chronicles is up for pre-order, I hope? They Met in the Park will be released on February 27, but you can pre-order it now if you’re a eager đ As always, JMS Books offer 20% off pre-orders and new releases!
Finally, I just want to make sure you haven’t missed the giveaway. I’m giving away two signed paperback copies of my anthology Finding The One, and I’ll send it anywhere in the world. There are two days left of the giveaway, so hurry up before it’s too late. Also, please send cyber kisses to my dear friend Addison Albright who helped me set up the giveaway. Ours would be a sad, miserable world without kind and generous friends, don’t you agree? â€ïž
Adrian, book-lover extraordinaire, adores his job at the small community library. He gets to share his passion with other people and help them with all book-related questions and issues. When a big, hulking man walks into the library, looking terrified, Adrianâs skills are tested in a completely different way.
Manneâs relationship with books is uneasy, to say the least. Heâs dyslexic and events in his past have made him fearful of books and turned libraries into his worst nightmare. But when the quirky, bowtie-wearing librarian steps in to help, the experience turns positive.
Their banter is easy and their chemistry instant. But can an accidental meeting turn into something more? Can someone who has trouble reading ever fit into the life of a man whose passion is the written word?
Today, January 17, is apparently Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day. Hands up if you knew it existed! I didn’t đ More than 80% of the people making vows to better themselves admit to breaking them, and January 17 is the day most give up. So how do we celebrate this day? Well, if you promised something you’re regretting, today’s the day to break it, guilt free.
So tell me, will you take the out? đ
Two (fictional) people who won’t be breaking their resolutions are Petter and Isak from Resolutions for an Arbitrary Holiday. Read it (if you haven’t already) and you’ll understand why đ
Resolutions for an Arbitrary Holiday is sweet and romantic. Nell Iris adds plenty of atmosphere to the read, making everything a little more special. This tale covers one night and includes all the feels. It’s the perfect little romance.Â
Two strangers, a twisted ankle, an ancient stone ship, and a New Yearâs Eve theyâll never forget
Petter sneaks out of the New Yearâs party he didnât want to go to and treks to an old burial site heâs dying to see. Alone. Without telling anyone on a freezing December night. Without cell serviceâŠa huge problem when he twists his ankle.
Someone passes by Isakâs house on the path leading to the stone ship. When the person never returns, Isak worries and sets off to investigate. What he finds is Petter, a pack of sparklers, and an instant connection.
Under a starry sky, they learn they have a lot in common. Will the attraction burn hot and fizzle out like the fireworks going off over their heads when they return to the real world? Or will it deepen, grow, and turn into something real? Something everlasting like the stone ship?
âAwesome. Are you the kind of person who makes resolutions?â
âUsually not.â I accept the lit sparkler he holds out to me. Iâve loved these things since I was a little kid, even more than fireworks, and up here, in the howling wind with a sky full of stars above my head, in the company of a kind stranger and huge ancient stones, theyâre more beautiful than ever.
âBut this year is different?â
âYeah. Iâm doing someâŠsignificant changes in my life this coming year, so I thought âwhy not?â It canât hurt, right? Even if I agree with you about the arbitrariness of this so-called holiday.â
âYou do?â
âSure. Itâs not a thing we celebrate because of some natural phenomenon, like the solstice. Itâs just to mark that the Earth has done another lap around the sun. I mean, thatâs great and all, but why do we need to celebrate it?â
Isakâs face lights up in a wide grin. âYes! This is what I always say when people complain because I refuse to embrace the spirit of the holiday.â
I return his smile. âExactly!â
âIâll drink to that. Finding a like-minded person makes it worth subjecting myself to this awfulness.â He takes another swig, face contorting, and then hands over the bottle to me.
âAre you trying to poison me?â I take the tiniest of drinks, barely enough to wet my mouth.
âHey! Youâre the one who brought it.â
âAnd I regret it deeply.â
The sparklers have gone out, and Isak lights a couple new ones, handing me one. âSo tell me about your resolution.â
âYouâll think itâs stupid.â I avert my gaze, looking out over the ocean. Far away a tiny pinprick of light moves across the water. Whoâs out in a boat now?
âI wonât. Promise.â
I follow the little prick of light as it moves away, and itâs easier to talk about it when Iâm not looking at him. âIâm going to be more true to who I really am.â
Gently, he replaces the burned-out sparkler in my hand with a new one. âWhy would I think thatâs stupid?â
âBecause people do. Iâm almost thirty, Iâm supposed to have reached that stage already in my life.â
âPeople assume a lot of shit, donât they?â
I take my eyes off the boat and allow myself to be mesmerized by the sparkler, by the tiny stars shooting out of it in every direction, by the crackling sound and its energy. It burns hot and fast, but it gives its all doing it. âYeah,â I say.
âIâll drink to your resolution. Iâm sure it doesnât mean much to you because we donât know each other, but I think youâre doing the right thing. Now drink.â When the sparkler sputters and dies out, I look at Isak. âIt does mean something. Thank youâ.
Pop open a bottle of bubbly, fire off some fireworks, my new book, They Met in the Library, is out. Or you know: a more low-key celebration like a nice cup of tea is also acceptable đ Popping over to your favorite bookshop and ordering the book (if you haven’t already) is also a great way of celebrating it. Or entering a giveaway where you can win a signed paperback copy of Finding The One (open internationally). If that sounds like something you’d like, keep reading! đ
Adrian, book-lover extraordinaire, adores his job at the small community library. He gets to share his passion with other people and help them with all book-related questions and issues. When a big, hulking man walks into the library, looking terrified, Adrianâs skills are tested in a completely different way.
Manneâs relationship with books is uneasy, to say the least. Heâs dyslexic and events in his past have made him fearful of books and turned libraries into his worst nightmare. But when the quirky, bowtie-wearing librarian steps in to help, the experience turns positive.
Their banter is easy and their chemistry instant. But can an accidental meeting turn into something more? Can someone who has trouble reading ever fit into the life of a man whose passion is the written word?
The second half of 2020 was crazy productive for me, and now it’s starting to show. Which is why I have TWO cover reveals, and TWO pre-order links for you today. Are you ready? đ
First up is the second book in my Meet Cute Chronicles; They Met in the Park. The Meet Cute Chronicles is not a series; they’re only connected by the meet cute theme. There are no overlapping characters, no plotline you won’t understand if you haven’t read the previous book in the Meet Cute Chronicles, and most definitely no cliffhangers! As a matter of fact, I’ll swear to you here and now to never end a book on a cliffhanger! đ
Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that if you like me is a standalone-lover, you can read these without fear! đ
Now, shall we look at the ultra-super-cute, smile-inducing, heart-eye emoji cover? (can you tell I really, really love it?) đ
Can a spoiled little dog bring two strangers together?
The first time Jacke sees him, itâs a happy accident. Heâs taken refuge in a quiet corner of the park, decompressing after a difficult day at work, when the man, dressed in a fancy suit, passes by him walking a spoiled little dog.
As the days pass, Jacke notices the adorable pair several times. Heâs unable to take his eyes off the man whose first priority is the dog, even over his own comfort. And one day, when circumstances are right, Jacke takes a chance and speaks to the man. David.
Davidâs personality is as adorable as his outward appearance, and a short walk in the rain results in mutual attraction and a promise to see each other again. A second meeting in the park turns into a date, and Jacke starts longing for something he thought heâd never have; a partner. But does David feel the same? Will a chance meeting in the park turn into love?
M/M Contemporary / 17478 words
The second cover reveal for the day is a book I wrote for an in-house JMS Books submission called #Love. The idea for the books in this call is that the characters meet online, on some social media app or other, but whether we chose a real-life SM app or came up with our own, was up to us. The title was supposed to start with a hashtag, so #NameOfStory. And since it’s a themed call, the covers will be the same (or more correctly, there are two versions: one if you wrote a M/M story, and one if you wrote a F/F). I know that’s confusing for some; I’ve had people reaching out to me about it for my Snowed In-book, so I thought I’d explain it here.
My MCs meet on Instagram; I wasn’t creative enough to come up with my own social media platform (unlike my dear friend Ofelia GrĂ€nd, who invented #PictaBook for her story), so I picked the platform I like the best: Instagram.
And without further ado, here’s the cover. It’s cute and it’s suitable for the story…even if my guys don’t look like that. (And if you’re curious about the F/F covers, check out this story by Kassandra Lea.)
Eddy Pennington is recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia when an old acquaintance, Moss, sends him a message on social media. They havenât spoken in years, but Eddy is pleasantly surprised. He always liked Moss even if they were never close friends.
Moss Fanning has no ulterior motive with his message: all he wants is wish Eddy a speedy recovery. He got over the crush he used to have on Eddy a long time ago.
They reconnect easily and have even more in common now. And when they meet in person, the attraction is instant. Will an innocent, well-meaning message on social media lead to something more? Something deeper? SomethingâŠeverlasting?
Today, I’ll introduce you to my friend Holly Day on the blog. She’s here to talk about Kiss-A-Ginger Day, and her new release Hop Hop, Carrot Top. Welcome to my blog, Holly!
Five Things Holly Canât Survive Without
Thank you, Nell, for letting me drop by today to introduce myself. My name is Holly Day, and a few days ago, my first story was released through JMS Books.
I donât know if youâre aware, but today is Kiss A Ginger DayâI highly suggest you check with the gingers around you so you have their consent before you kiss them. Itâs not Sexually Assault A Ginger Day after all. But, if you have their consent, go ahead!
Only about 2% of the worldâs population has red hair, and that number is going down. Soon there wonât be any gingers around. Kiss a Ginger Day was created to show appreciation for everyone out there with fiery hair, but also to create something positive for gingers who often are picked on in schools while growing up.
Why is she talking about redheads, you wonder. Well, the story I wrote is called Hop Hop, Carrot Top, and itâs about Kiss A Ginger Day. Not only the 12th of January, but itâs about a man who has a certain ginger he would like to kiss and sees his opportunity to do so when Kiss a Ginger Day arrives.
Iâll share an excerpt from the story farther down, but I thought Iâd let you know a little more about me by telling you five things I canât survive without. Typing that makes me wonder if there really are five things I canât survive without, but okay, here we go!
I write books; I read books; I list books; I sort books; I talk books, and I breathe books.
Holly day
Coffee! – Do I need to elaborate? I think not.
Salty liquorice – I think itâs a Swedish thing or Scandinavian, at least. Itâs liquorice, but itâs salty. I put this on the list instead of chocolate, insteadof chocolate! As in, I rate it higher than chocolate. There is a problem, though. Iâm gluten intolerant, and most liquorice has gluten in them.
Wine – I donât drink hard liquor, and I donât drink beerâagain, glutenâbut wine⊠Saying I canât survive without it makes it sound as if I have a problemâI donât, but some days a glass of wine is the difference between a cozy night on the sofa with hubby, and a meltdown. I have four kids, donât judge!
Stationery -Few things make me as happy as pens, Washi tape, stickers, post-its, my bullet journal, etc. I have to say, apart from book and clothes now and then, stationery is the only inedible thing I buy.
Books! – Letâs be honest, this should probably have been number one. It would hurt to have to live without coffee, liquorice, wine, and Washi tape, but it is doable. I would moan for a week in wait for the lack-of-coffee headache to pass, but I would survive. Without books? So much of my identity is booksâI write books; I read books; I list books; I sort books; I talk books, and I breathe books. I read books to my kids every day before they go to bed because books! I donât trust the school to make sure they enjoy books, and books should be enjoyed. It doesnât matter if itâs a story that changes your life or one you read in thirty minutes and then never look at againâthat story affected your life. You were touched by an individual from another place, another time, someone who has lived a life different from yours. And that is pretty cool.
So that was a little about me. Now, I thought Iâd introduce you to Flynn and Caspian by sharing an excerpt. Flynnâs mother passed away six months ago. Heâs been putting off clearing out the house, but now heâs back in the town heâd promised himself never to set foot in again.
Excerpt:
Pizza with Caspian Cook, whoâd have believed heâd ever have pizza with Caspian Cook? Flynn puffed his cheeks as he watched himself in the bathroom mirror.
Heâd showered, which was stupid. They were going to pack stuffâthough Caspian had never agreed to help him packâand they were going to take pictures of Momâs furniture to give away.
He got dressed, jeans and a long-sleeve T-shirtâno shirt and tie while he was off work. He spun around in the almost empty room where heâd grown up and grabbed his phone.
âHi, Tanya. Itâs me.â He ran a hand through his still wet hair as he watched his reflection. Children cried in the background, and Tanya sighed.
âHi. Howâs it going?â
âIâm giving it away.â
There were some noises he couldnât place, dishes maybe. âThe entire house?â Everything quieted. âYou canât.â
âNo, not the house.â He could use the money, and theyâd be a welcome contribution to her household. âThe sofa, bookcase, the bed, maybe? Do people want other peopleâs beds?â
âThe bed frame, Iâm sure someone would want, perhaps not the mattress.â
âAh, yeah.â He grimaced and waved a hand despite her not seeing him. âIâm giving it away.â
âOkay.â
He stopped on his way out into the living room. âYouâre okay with that?â
âI donât give a damn. I think we couldâve gotten some money from the figurines, not sure, but Iâve seen those in antique stores.â
âYeah?â He hadnât had a clue. Heâd packed them, but he could keep the box and see if he could sell them or something. Maybe Caspian would know how to go about it. âIâm selling the car. Caspian picked it up today.â
âCaspian? Caspian Cook?â
Flynn held his breath. âYeah. Do you know him?â
She laughed. âYou grew up in the same town I did, right?â
He rolled his eyes. âYes, but I mean do you know him.â
âHavenât seen him in twenty years. He was always nice though, a stark contrast to his evil little brother.â
Flynn shivered as he pictured Blade. âThey look alike.â
âPeople say we look alike, but Iâm prettier.â
He laughed. âYou are.â They looked alike. Flynnâs androgynous looks made them more alike than most brothers and sisters.
âHeâs grown now though, right?â
âBlade?â The ice spreading in his gut didnât care if he was a memory from his childhood or an adult man.
âWell, him too, but I meant Caspian. I havenât seen him since he was in his late teens.â
âYeah, heâs grown now.â Flynn grinned. Caspian was about a head taller than he was, had broad shoulders and strong arms. And manly hands.
âIs that appreciation I hear?â She chuckled.
âNo! I mean⊠heâs Caspian Cook.â
âI know he is. I also know he used to watch you.â
Flynn frowned. âWhat?â
âIn school. He used to watch you.â
âProbably only so Blade didnât kill me. I was a scrawny little thing, several years younger than him. Heck, I didnât hit my growth spurt until I was fifteen, and even then I hardly grew!â
Her laugh filled him with warmth. God, he missed her.
âDoesnât matter. He watched you.â
âYeah, wellâŠâ His chest filled with warmth. âHe owns Wilsonâs farm now.â
âOh, thatâs a cute little farm. You should help him pick curtains.â
âTanya!â
Blurb
Flynn Thomas is back in Hartley. His plan is to be out of there before anyone notices heâs back. He left twenty years ago and promised himself heâd never have to face his childhood bullies or set foot in his bigoted hometown ever again. But itâs been six months since his mother passed away, and someone has to clear out the house.
Caspian Cook is out on a walk with his three dogs when he sees Flynn Thomas, at least he thinks itâs Flynn Thomas. He never forgot the red-haired boy his brother used to harass, and he never forgot how he used to wonder if there were freckles underneath his clothes as well as on his face.
Flynn mistakes Caspian for his childhood tormenter and flees. Caspian can guess why heâs in such a hurry to get away, but he hasnât seen Flynn in twenty years, and if he allows him to run off, he fears heâll never see him again. Will spending time with Flynn be enough for him to forget who Caspianâs brother is? Flynn needs help. He underestimated how much work it would be to move his motherâs things. Caspian offers to give him a hand, but can he trust someone who looks like his worst nightmare?
According to Holly Day, no day should go by uncelebrated and all of them deserves a story. If sheâll have the time to write them remains to be seen. She lives in rural Sweden with a husband, four children, more pets than most, and wouldnât last a day without coffee.
Holly gets up at the crack of dawn most days of the week to write gay romance stories. She believes in equality in fiction and in real life. Diversity matters. Representation matters. Visibility matters. We can change the world one story at the time.
