AMAZON BLACKOUT

MAN DOWN . . .

Oops. I mean Amazon AND X (Twitter)?

NO, I didn’t have anything with X’s (Twitter) outage this morning 😂!

Yet again, it’s another example of the importance of getting and staying connected to your favs.

⚡⚡WE INTERRUPT YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM TO GET INTO SOME GOOD TROUBLE⚡⚡!

I am a firm believer in NEVER crossing a picket line. In this case, it’s virtual. No matter. I will always support people fighting to make life better for themselves and others, even if it directly impacts my bottom line.

Use this Amazon blackout period of 3/7-3/14 to sign up to your favorite author’s newsletter and do some virtual shopping while visiting their websites!

It’s the best way to get current information, updates, maybe even freebies, discounts, and exclusives!!

That said, supporting your favorite authors by subscribing to their platforms and making direct purchases makes a huge difference! If you haven’t yet, I’d love for you to join LV’s Love Lair and subscribe to my newsletter 💕!!

Black HERstory Month

If you've read my books, you know I celebrate the strength and beauty of Black women in all their glory—flaws and all—being loved out loud.

I strive to make our presence felt in spaces where we're often underrepresented, and Black History Month is a prime opportunity to highlight our beauty and achievements.

Today, I'm shining a spotlight on Black cowgirls. They were there, making incredible contributions and leaving their mark! Check out this article, 'The African American Women of the Wild West,' in Cowgirl Magazine.

Throughout this month, I will be featuring women from my catalog who I think are Black Girl Magic and deserve to be spotlighted for their Black Herstory. Stay tuned . . . #Amreading #BlackHistory #BlackHerstory

Black History Month

MARY ELLEN PLEASANT

An Extra Dose of Black Girl Magic during BLACK HISTORY Month

As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s a great opportunity to highlight the many influential figures whose stories often go untold. One such figure is Mary Ellen Pleasant, a true trailblazer whose remarkable journey paved the way for many African American women.

Mary Ellen Pleasant was born in 1814. Pleasant was a self-made entrepreneur, philanthropist, and abolitionist who became a prominent figure in 19th-century America. Often referred to as the "Mother of Civil Rights in California," her contributions were far-reaching—particularly in the fight for equality and in uplifting African American communities.

In the 1850s, when most women, particularly African American women, faced systemic obstacles, Pleasant used her intelligence and savvy business sense to become one of the wealthiest African Americans in the United States. Her fortune came not just from her business acumen but from her deep belief in justice and the importance of giving back to those who were oppressed.

Pleasant's work as an abolitionist was legendary. She secretly funded and organized escapes for enslaved individuals through the Underground Railroad. Her home in San Francisco became a meeting point for some of the most prominent abolitionists of the time, and her connections with some of California’s wealthiest businessmen allowed her to play a critical role in advocating for the rights of Black people.

But beyond her activism, Mary Ellen Pleasant’s story can also be a reminder of the power of resilience, which can inspire both writers and readers. Her ability to navigate and dominate in a world that sought to diminish her is a testament to her strength and determination.

For romance writers, Mary Ellen Pleasant embodies the qualities of many powerful, determined, and intelligent women in the stories we write. Her story is one of survival, ambition, and an unwavering belief in justice—traits that make for compelling characters and unforgettable moments!

Let’s take some time to remember the lasting legacy of Mary Ellen Pleasant. As we tell stories of love, ambition, and triumph, we should also honor the rich history of those who came before us and helped to carve the paths we walk today.

Happy Black History Month!

LVP Book Club

(Click on the image to take you to full blurb and purchase page)

Help decide which book to read in February! Cast your vote for one of these fantastic titles:

1. Talk Vino to Me by Nika Stone
   Genre: Romance
   Blurb: A captivating love story intertwined with wine, passion, and second chances.

2. When The Smoke Clears by Kenya Wright
   Genre: Thriller/Romance
   Blurb: A gripping tale of love and survival in the aftermath of chaos.

3. The Blood Moon Heir (Dominique LeRoy Vampire Series Book 3) by Mahogany SilverRain
   Genre: Paranormal Romance
   Blurb: Dive into a thrilling vampire saga filled with intrigue, power, and forbidden love.

4. Rising (State of the Union) by Nielle Nikole
   Genre: Contemporary Romance
   Blurb: A powerful story of love, politics, and personal growth.

The Elevator that changed my LIFE!

It all started in an elevator 11 years ago, when I introduced the world to Jason Rutherford and Vicky Martin! ELEVEN years ago?! CRAZY! What’s even more unbelievable is how the stars aligned and how fast time has passed.

Can you believe the Out of Nowhere series has never had a print edition? It didn't until NOW!

(Re)experience this epic love story filled with unconditional love, passion, heartbreak, & forgiveness! Pre-order my special anniversary 4-part PRINT EDITION book box and get ready to be left utterly breathless. EXCLUSIVELY on my LVP!! #JasonandVickyForever #TheirLoveStoryinPrint

February Is Packing A Punch!!

It’s 2024. It’s Black History AND my birthday month (just so we’re clear, I will be celebrating all twenty-nine days)😉! The shortest month of the year packs a punch, and I plan to use every bit of the extra 24 hours in this leap year!!

I’m in a great headspace! It’s taken a bit, but HERE I am! Singing offkey to Beyonce’s CUFF IT 🎵 I'm in the mood to f*ck somethin' up tonight, I'm f*ckin' somethin' up, baby 🎵! I’m writing, I’m vibing, and I’m THRIVING!

The good news is I’m working hard on Full Throttle 2. Vroom vroom!! I would say I’m 2/3 of the way done with the first draft. I hope to release it in March. We’ll be checking in with Colby, Liam, & the Lockwood Racing team, but Lila and Brian’s got next!

CHECK OUT THE EXCERPT BELOW & LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS!!