Books, and finding my voice.

A place to sit your ass down, bookstyle, of course.

I love Guadalajara, and this bench is just one of dozens of book benches located throughout the city. This place celebrates books like no other city I’ve lived in. While they do have so-called normal bookstores, my favorites are the creepy ones the size of a closet. Those wonderfully spooky bookstores are dotted throughout the city.

Guadalajara, book capital of the world.

So, I’ve recently become more self-aware about my writing, specifically my voice, or style. Three years ago I started a series known as The Balcony Boys. The first book in the series was called Situationship, and I love the book and the characters, specifically the landlady, Dotty. She is a wise soul who counsels the tenants who live in her apartment building, and teaches at a ballet school in her basement. But, it was a difficult book to write and I couldn’t figure out why. Now, I know.

Shifters? Not sure about this one.

My typical novel is lighthearted, and fun, with both comedic elements and romance. Situationship is not that kind of book, and neither was the second book in the series, Max. They were so difficult to write, but at the time I believed I was stretching myself creatively. I was, but I’ve decided not to write such serious books in the future. It’s just not my style. I know many people who love serious dramas, but I’m not one of them, and I’m no longer forcing myself to write books I don’t enjoy writing. Let’s put it this way, if I’m not giggling during the editing process, the writing is off, and needs to be fixed.

Because of this self-realization I’ve decided to leave the series as is, and I’m not writing any more books in that world. So it’s a duet, not a full-fledged series. I worked my ass off writing them, and I love them. But from now on I’m staying true to my voice. You can purchase The Balcony Boys Duet in one volume at my personal bookstore, Apple, Kobo, Amazon, Nook, Google Play, and Smashwords.

Earthquake!

Yesterday was exciting, but not in the fun, friendly way. An earthquake struck 90 km south of where I live, and trust me, I could feel it. The entire building I reside in shook, and scared the hell out of me! What’s odd is I was just sitting down to begin writing the latest novel in the Southern Discomfort series, which for now is called Suddenly Single. I can’t wait to tell ya’ll more about the novel, but since I’ve only written the prologue, give me a couple of weeks and I’ll tell you more about it. Stay safe readers!

Adios, Justin & Mateo

What began as a filthy fantasy ended a few days ago when I wrote "The End." Like most of my stories, I couldn't stop writing about them, and of course, they fell in love.

This ven diagram says it all, lol. So, most of you are well aware that I’m a slow burn author. For my readers who aren’t hardcore into romance, what that means is I typically only have one sex scene per novel. It’s my preference to have a slow buildup, so when the main characters finally do the deed, it’s because of love. With The Confessions series, the opposite took place. Justin and Mateo were scorching the sheets from the get go. This is why the author of this book is my alter ego, Luke Jameson. He’s kinda filthy, KWIM? But the ending, which I’m not sharing, is different than my usual books. They do have a happy ever after, so don’t fear that.

Me hard at work.

Currently I’m outlining the final book in the Southern Discomfort series. I never ask for people’s help plotting my work. But, if you have a favorite trope you’d like me to write, leave a comment. And what I mean is, do you love May/December romance, or opposites attract? Whatever it is you love to read, let me know. FYI- my favorite trope is second chances.

Justin’s latest book and the boxset of the entire collection are exclusively available at my personal bookstore until September 20, 2022. Afterward, it will be available at all major online booksellers. Remember, when you buy directly from me I get a higher royalty, which allows me to keep writing full-time, and buys me the occasional beer. Love you guys!