Reese Ryan Romance

Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Mindful Banter

NEVER CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU + SECRETS OF THE A-LIST

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When these former friends reunite, Dash Williams gets the 5-year-old daughter he didn’t know he had and regains the best friend he foolishly lost. Mikayla Mitchell gets a second chance with the only man she’s ever loved.

Today is the day, lovely readers!

I know what you’re thinking…holiday anthologies already? But it’s only September!

I had the same reaction when I walked into my local home improvement store and saw the aisle of Christmas trees on display. And yet, 2017 is making a mad dash toward the finish line. Which means it’s time for holiday stories aplenty.

Don’t fight it! Just come along for the ride. 🙂

If you prefer your books in digital format, Never Christmas Without You –a holiday anthology which includes my Pleasure Cove novella “His Holiday Gift”–is available for pre-order and hits e-readers on October 1st.

Here’s Dash and Mikayla’s story:

Pleasure Cove’s prodigal son just got the ultimate Christmas surprise—Madison—his five-year-old daughter he knew nothing about. Maddie’s aunt, Mikayla Mitchell, was once one of Dash Williams’s best friends…and his secret admirer. Now, seeing the sexy, ambitious lawyer with his little girl, Mikayla’s more smitten than ever. And Dash is starting to realize Mikayla’s the only one who could make his days merry and bright, and fill his nights with bliss…

Here’s a sneak peek:

“Be straight with me.” Dash stepped toward her. “Why the sudden need to leave?”

“You really are oblivious, aren’t you?” She wished she could take the words back as soon as she’d uttered them.

His eyes sparked with recognition. “You overheard us talking.”

“Yes.” She’d showed her hand. Might as well own it. “I heard Kendra say she thought I was in love with you. So I turned around and came back to my room.”

Dash rubbed his forehead. “Is it true?”

“Get over yourself.” She forced an incredulous laugh, her heart racing. “It was a teenage crush. Ancient history.”

The corner of his sensuous mouth curved in a grin that did things to her. Made her want to do things to him. “If it’s ancient history, why’d you kiss me last night?”

“I didn’t.” Her cheeks stung with heat and her defiance faltered. “You kissed me.”

“It was definitely a two-person operation.” He stepped closer, leaving little space between them. “Don’t recall you complaining about it.”

“God, I forgot what an arrogant ass you can be sometimes.” She shoved her hands into the solid wall of his muscular chest.

He didn’t budge.

The arrogant son of a bitch smirked. Which only made her angrier. And more turned on.

Seriously, does he live in the gym?

Her hands had a mind of their own. They remained planted on his chest as she raised her eyes to meet his.

Dash dropped his gaze to her mouth and leaned in, his heartbeat thundering against her palms. Heat radiated off his skin, suffocating her. Each breath took more effort than the last. She needed space and a fresh supply of air, absent his clean, citrus scent that made her want to plant hot kisses on his neck and chest, working her way down until…

No. Stop it. Stay strong.

Mikayla dropped her hands from his chest. “If you expect me to fall into your arms and confess my undying love, you bought tickets to the wrong show, pal, because—”

He cradled her face in his strong hands and captured her mouth in a kiss, silencing her protest.
Dash Williams had a lot of damned nerve.

She had every intention of telling him that, but he was an amazing kisser.

Pick up your copy of NEVER CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU at:

AMAZON: https://smile.amazon.com/Never-Christmas-Without-You-Holidays-His-ebook/dp/B01N7805HY/

BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/never-christmas-without-you-nana-malone/1125167366?ean=9780373865178 – /

ITUNES:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/never-christmas-without-you/id1178650941?mt=11

And other retailers.

SECRETS OF THE A-LIST

I was fortunate enough to participate in a fun, multi-author serial project for lovers of drama and scandal. (Think Dynasty, Scandal, Dirty Sexy Money and Brothers and Sisters.) Secrets of the A-List is a 12-episode weekly serial. New episodes are available each Sunday. And for right now, you can get the first episode for free here. My episode–Episode #4–launches this coming Sunday, September 24th.

Here’s the story:

The wealthy Marshall family is untouchable. Or so they thought. But when a car accident puts patriarch Harrison in a coma, cracks appear in the family facade. It seems Harrison had an awful lot of secrets, and he’s not the only one. His wife, Mariella, and children, Luc, Rafe and Elana, not to mention nephew Gabe, all have things they’d rather keep hidden.

Enter a mysterious figure called the Fixer… Who is this person, and what is the Fixer’s connection with Harrison? And with those cracks becoming ever wider, what sins will be revealed?

Super Rich. Super Sexy. Super Addictive.

Secrets of the A-List—read all 12 episodes!

Here’s the full line-up of participating authors:

  1. Episode One: Joss Wood
  2. Episode Two: Clare Connelly
  3. Episode Three: Donna Hill
  4. Episode Four: Reese Ryan
  5. Episode Five: Helen Lacey
  6. Episode Six: Michelle Major
  7. Episode Seven: Yarah St. John
  8. Episode Eight: Cat Schield
  9. Episode Nine: Maya Blake
  10. Episode Ten: Dani Collins
  11. Episode Eleven: Maya Blake
  12. Episode Twelve: Karen Booth

Do you have a question or comment about Never Christmas Without You, Secrets of the A-List or any other story? Would you like to request that I attend or participate in a chat about this book or another of my available titles? Email me here. I love hearing from readers!

Now, back to my writing cave where I’m working on my final changes to the debut story in my upcoming Bourbon Brothers series with Harlequin Desire. Look for that book in March 2018. Stay tuned VIP Readers!

Live Chat with Stephanie’s Book Reports

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Stephanie's Book Reports

Last night I chatted with Stephanie Phillips of Stephanie’s Book Reports Book Blog about just about everything under the sun. We talked about my Pleasure Cove series, my upcoming Harlequin Desire Bourbon Brothers series, the Secrets of the A-List serial project I was part of with eleven other Harlequin authors, some of the behind-the-scenes info on locations that are used in the series I’ve written, and so much more.

Topics for conversation included: the Biltmore Estate, Charleston, BBQ, Bourbon. the Louvre, the Cleveland Museum of Art, tulips, bourbon, Scotch, and Jack Daniels sauce. I’m not even kidding. And that isn’t even a complete list. LOL. Watching it is like hanging out with two fellow book lovers who talk about books, travel, liquor, and a host of other things.

Do you have a question that didn’t get answered? Feel free to post it below and I’m happy to answer it.


Check out Stephanie’s blog here or join her Facebook readers group here.

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

Download PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION today!

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Nate & Kendra’s sexy, second chance romance awaits.

BABY BE MINE by Reese Ryan

Today is the day, lovely readers!

If you prefer your books via digital format, Playing with Temptation –the second book in my Pleasure Cove series–is now available from your favorite e-bookseller.

Here’s the story:

A love for all time

North Carolina pro footballer Nate Johnston built his reputation on talent, drive and good sportsmanship. But a devastating recent loss derails his team’s shot at winning the championship…and Nate’s career when a compromising video goes viral. In need of a miracle, the star wide receiver feels ambushed when his brother enlists media consultant Kendra Williams to do damage control. The reignited desire for the woman he once wanted to spend forever with can only cause Nate deeper heartache.

Walking away from the man she loved seven years ago is the biggest regret of Kendra’s life. Now her son needs a closer relationship with his father…and Kendra needs to win back Nate’s trust. After breaking his heart, repairing his career is the least she can do to help save his dream. Powerful passion still smolders between them, tempting the former lovers to move beyond their painful past. Will the emergence of a jealous ex with a vicious revenge scheme sabotage their second chance at a future and a family that’s almost within reach?

Here’s a sneak peek:

“What happened between us in Memphis—”

“Which time?” Nate couldn’t help the smirk that tightened his mouth when he remembered how an argument between them had descended into hot, angry sex on two different occasions.

“Both.” Kendra clearly wasn’t amused. Nor did she seem to have the same fond memories of those occasions. “That can’t happen again.”

“I was hoping it would be one of the amenities you’d throw into the deal.” He held back a grin as he drained the last of his beer.

She pointed one of her painted fingernails at him. “See, that’s what I’m talking about. If this is going to work, you have to take me seriously.”

“Oh, I took what we did very seriously.” He raised an eyebrow and resumed eating his meal.

She let out a frustrated sigh and settled back in her seat. “This is your career we’re talking about here, Nate. I need to maintain my focus, and I can’t stay focused on cleaning up your rep if I’m thinking about…” Her words trailed off and there was a deep flush in her cheeks beneath her smooth brown skin. She shook her head, as if trying to shake off the memories. “Neither of us can afford the distraction.”

“Agreed.” He adjusted in his chair, his own body reacting to the memories. Her scent. Her taste. The sound of her soft pleas. “Though it worries me that my media consultant can’t multitask.”

They dissolved into laughter, and for a moment, it felt like old times. It was the first time either of them seemed relaxed since he’d arrived.

Nate smiled, relishing the sound of her laughter. One of the countless details about her he missed. “Okay, Ms. Media Consultant, where do we begin?”

Get your copy at one of the e-booksellers below: 

Do you have a question or comment about Playing with Temptation or any other story? Would you like to request that I attend or participate in a chat about this book or another of my available titles? Email me here. I love hearing from readers!

Now, back to my writing cave to finish up the first book in an exciting new series I’ll tell you more about soon.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend or Canada Day!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.

PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION Paperback available today

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Peeking my head out of my writing cave to share some exciting news.

PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION by Reese Ryan

Today I’m hunkered down in my writing cave where I’m busy working on another looming deadline. (Stay tuned for a future announcement about that!) But I wanted to give you a sneak peek of my second chance romance Playing with Temptation. This second book in my Pleasure Cove series hits bookstore shelves today.

Here’s the story:

A love for all time

North Carolina pro footballer Nate Johnston built his reputation on talent, drive and good sportsmanship. But a devastating recent loss derails his team’s shot at winning the championship…and Nate’s career when a compromising video goes viral. In need of a miracle, the star wide receiver feels ambushed when his brother enlists media consultant Kendra Williams to do damage control. The reignited desire for the woman he once wanted to spend forever with can only cause Nate deeper heartache.

Walking away from the man she loved seven years ago is the biggest regret of Kendra’s life. Now her son needs a closer relationship with his father…and Kendra needs to win back Nate’s trust. After breaking his heart, repairing his career is the least she can do to help save his dream. Powerful passion still smolders between them, tempting the former lovers to move beyond their painful past. Will the emergence of a jealous ex with a vicious revenge scheme sabotage their second chance at a future and a family that’s almost within reach?

Here’s a taste of the story:

Nate Johnston entered the private dining room at his favorite seafood restaurant and froze, his expensive Italian loafers rooted to the floor.

The ghost of relationships past.

Kendra didn’t need to turn around for him to recognize the woman he’d once shared his bed with; the mother of his six-year-old son. He sensed her presence—like something warm wiggling beneath his skin—the instant he stepped into the room.

Nate was in the midst of the biggest crisis of his eight-year-long professional football career. Why would his brother invite him to dinner with the woman who shattered his heart seven years ago?

“Glad you’re here, Nate. Have a seat.” His brother Marcus indicated the seat next to Kendra.

Nate narrowed his gaze at his brother and took the seat beside him instead. “You asked me to meet you for dinner to discuss the situation.”

As if Kendra and every other sports network viewer hadn’t seen the grainy cell phone footage of him in a club, after a few drinks, ripping his teammates to shreds following the ass-whipping they’d endured at the hands of their division rivals. A devastating loss that put the brakes on the Memphis Marauders play-off run for the third year in a row.

The video had been edited to make him look like the villain. It didn’t include him detailing how his own mistakes—a dropped pass and a costly fumble—had contributed to the loss.

“That’s why she’s here.” Marcus’s response was terse. As Nate’s sports agent, Marcus’s job had become ten times harder since the tape hit the airwaves that morning.

“Hello, Nate.” Kendra’s apologetic smile indicated she knew something he didn’t.
Nate’s attention was drawn to her expressive face. How did she manage to get more beautiful every time he saw her?

Head full of short, dark curls. Sheen on high blast. Style on point. Body-hugging knit dress in his favorite color on her—Marauders blue. The color perfectly contrasted the expanse of smooth brown skin exposed by the neckline of her dress.

An uneasy feeling crawled up his spine. Nate turned to his brother. “What do you mean that’s why she’s here?”

(Order your copy today.)

Prefer a digital copy of the book? Pre-order your e-book here. 🙂

Got a question or comment about Playing with Temptation or any other story? Would you like to request that I attend or participate in a chat about this book or another of my available titles? Email me here. I love hearing from readers!

Happy reading!

Author News: Hope to see you in Cary, LA, Atlanta, Greensboro or Durham

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Check Out These Romance Reader Events and Book Festivals Happening Across the Country!

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

If you enjoy reading romantic fiction as much as I do, you could probably easily spend hours (or days) with your head buried in books, not speaking to a solitary soul. Writers of romance find themselves in a similar situation. Heads bent over the computer and fingers flying across the keys. Our heads buried in novels and craft books as much as our schedules will allow.

Reading and writing can be very solitary activities. However, in the last few years, I’ve discovered the joy of getting out and meeting other readers and writers–my tribe.

If you’re an avid reader of romance, they’re probably your tribe, too. A little more than a week ago I had the privilege of leading off a panel discussion on writing contemporary romance. The other participating authors? Talented and prolific authors Samantha Chase and Marquita Valentine. Yep, still pinching myself that I got to be counted with these two fabulous authors.

North Carolina authors Reese Ryan, Samantha Chase and Marquita Valentine

During the next month and beyond I’ll also be participating in several more reader events, listed below:

I’m thrilled to be participating in these events. In addition to booksignings there will be lively discussions about the romance genre and its impact on us as readers. So if you’re local to (or an easy drive from) one of these events, I hope you’ll come out and join us.

Join us on Friday, April 21st in Cary, NC to celebrate our wealth of local romance authors!

One more thing…

Thank you if you read Playing with Desire, Playing by the Rules or Baby Be Mine and were kind enough to leave a review. If you’ve enjoyed any of these stories and haven’t already, I’d love it if you’d leave an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, iTunes or Harlequin. This helps other readers find them, too.

One last thing…

Next month I’ll be running my second quarter giveaway, and it’s going to be a good one, so stay tuned for that email in the coming weeks!

Happy Reading!

Free Reads, Release Day Fun, Prizes and a Pampered Reader Giveaway

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Tomorrow is a big day for me. March 1st is my birthday and the official release date for Playing with Desire, the first book in my new Pleasure Cove series with Harlequin Kimani Romance.

Playing with Desire by Reese Ryan -- Pleasure Cove Book #1

I’m so excited to share this new series with you! To celebrate the big day, I’m saying thank you to readers with giveaways and goodies.

First up, if you haven’t already read it, my short story Baby Be Mine is available in its entirety as a free read here on ReeseRyan.com and on Harlequin.com.

Here’s the skinny on this Valentine’s Day romance–an introduction to the world of my Pleasure Cove series:

When Mitchell Johnston returns to Pleasure Cove for the holidays, he finally gives in to his long-held passion for Monique James–his best friend’s flirtatious little sister. But after their memorable night together, they’re torn apart by the revelation of secrets and lies. Will the unexpected consequences of their night together finally lead them to the love they’ve been longing for?

Just click one of the links above to read the entire story on the site of your choice or via your smartphone using the Harlequin Book Breaks app.

Now for my Pampered Reader Giveaway!

Pampered Reader Giveaway by Reese Ryan

Join my Playing with Desire Release Day Party on Facebook tomorrow night from 7-8 PM Eastern for a chance to win my Pampered Reader Giveaway which includes:

  • An OliaDesign Diary String Key Leather Bound Notebook
  • A full-size Early-Harvest Raspberry Body Butter from The Body Shop
  • An Everyday Luxe Peony Gardens Home Fragrance Candle

There will be fun, games, music and prizes offered by authors like Deborah Fletcher Mello and Joy Avery. Don’t miss out on the party. RSVP now for this interactive online event. Then join us tomorrow evening for a chance to win more prizes.

Happy reading!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.
Please note: Physical prizes sent to U.S. mailing addresses only. International winners are eligible for a gift card instead.

Baby Be Mine Goes Live + Playing with Temptation Cover Reveal

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I’ve got so much good news to share with y’all. Seriously! After three years of writing, planning, and plotting that didn’t include a single book release, this year I’m coming at you with seven releases.

Yes, I said SEVEN.

Check out the graphic below and stay tuned for news of an eighth, super-secret project I’m working on as we speak.

First up…

Baby Be Mine is Now Live

Baby Be Mine, a free, serial novelette, begins TODAY on Harlequin’s Extras site. One chapter of the serial will drop each weekday for four weeks. So go back daily for the latest installment of the story through February 17th.

Here’s the story:

When Mitchell Johnston returns to Pleasure Cove for the holidays, he finally gives in to his long-held passion for Monique James–his best friend’s flirtatious little sister. But after their memorable night together, they’re torn apart by the revelation of secrets and lies. Will the unexpected consequences of their night together finally lead them to the love they’ve been longing for?

Read it online here now and come back tomorrow for the next chapter. And if you like the story, don’t forget to vote at the bottom of the page.

Playing with Temptation Cover Reveal

Playing with Temptation by Reese Ryan
Now available for pre-order.

I know Pleasure Cove Book #1 hasn’t launched yet, but Book #2 is already on deck and available for pre-order. Here’s the cover for Playing with Temptation, Book #2 in my Pleasure Cove series.

Here’s the story:

When compromising video of a star wide receiver goes viral he must rely on his ex, a savvy media consultant, to help him repair his reputation and secure his last big contract, but keeping their relationship strictly business will be more difficult than either of them imagined.

Pre-order your copy here.

2017 Publication Schedule

Share Your Review of
Playing by the Rules

Have you downloaded your copy of Playing by the Rules? If you enjoyed Hunter and Merrie’s story, please consider sharing a review on your favorite platform—Amazon, iTunes, B&N, Kobo or Goodreads—to help other readers find their story.

Pre-order Playing with Desire

We’re on the countdown! Playing with Desire hits bookstore shelves on February 21st. Buying an electronic version? Pre-order your copy now. It’ll be delivered on my birthday, March 1st.

Lastly, stay tuned for news of the Playing with Desire Facebook & Twitter launch parties, including a chance to win some great prizes.

Happy reading!

Claim Your Advance Copy of PLAYING BY THE RULES

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via GIPHY

So things for me have been a little crazy. (I know I’ve been saying that all year, but it’s true. Really.) Despite another minor surgery and a few other issues, there has been a lot for me to celebrate in a year that has otherwise been sucky for so many reasons. (RIP George Michael and Carrie Fisher.) Since I inked the four book and holiday novella contract with Harlequin Kimani Romance this past spring, I’ve been offered a few additional opportunities with them. News I’ll be announcing to my VIP Readers soon.

I’ve been busy with my Pleasure Cove series with Kimani–debuting on bookstore shelves on February 21, 2017, my London-based novella series Playing by the Rules and a new short story I’ll share more about soon. However, I’m peeking my head out of my writing cave for another helping of holiday cake and to tell you that at long last, I’m delivering on my promise to give all of my VIP Readers a complimentary copy of Playing by the Rules Book 1. 

Playing by the Rules (Book #1 ) by Reese Ryan

Not currently a VIP Reader? No worries. Claim your free, advance copy of Playing by the Rules and join my VIP Reader list in one simple step over at instaFreebie.

Your advance copy of Playing by the Rules will be available now through January 8th, then it goes on sale at online booksellers on Tuesday, January 10th.

About Playing by the Rules

When Meredith Jane encounters her ex’s elder brother at a saucy Valentine’s Day party for singles, the last thing she expects is to spend “seven minutes in heaven” with him or to discover that he has deep feelings for her.

Hunter Westbrook adored Merrie long before his competitive younger brother asked her out. Now that Merrie’s relationship with his brother has ended, he faces the hardest decision of his life. Will he risk his relationship with his brother and jeopardize the future of their family’s luxury resort empire by pursuing the woman he loves? Or will he suffer in silence to keep peace in the family and risk losing her forever?

Merrie discovers a startling truth: She’s been with the wrong brother all along. But as one of the few women on the management team at her firm, she can ill afford to get caught up in the gossip and scandal sure to come if she chooses to be with Hunter. Nor does she wish to hurt Liam’s family or disappoint her own.

Hunter and Merrie have spent their entire lives playing by other people’s rules. In a society where perception is everything, is true love worth risking everything they’ve worked so hard for?

Claim your free advance copy of Playing by the Rules in your preferred format today.

Connecting with My Tribe of Fellow Writers and Readers

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Lasheera Lee, Beverly Jenkins and Reese Ryan
Lasheera Lee, Beverly Jenkins and Reese Ryan

Writing is the perfect job for an introvert. Even one like me who often masquerades as an extrovert. Still, it is beneficial to get out in the world, meet new people, travel to new places and enjoy new experiences. All of which provide ideas for new stories.

Reese Ryan
Goofing off at Girls Night

Then, of course, there is the pure joy of connecting with your tribe–fellow writers and readers. Last weekend, I had the chance to do just that courtesy of Women and Words Impacting the Community–a fabulous reader event put on by Read You Later’s Lasheera Lee.

Women and Words organizer Lasheera Lee and author Reese Ryan
Women and Words organizer Lasheera Lee and author Reese Ryan
Christian fiction authors Summer Kinnard, Jacquelin Thomas, Michelle Stimpson and Cassandra Durham
Christian fiction authors Summer Kinnard, Jacquelin Thomas, Michelle Stimpson and Cassandra Durham
Historical authors Beverly Jenkins and Katharine Ashe
Historical authors Beverly Jenkins and Katharine Ashe

There were too many fabulous authors in attendance to name them all. However, the list of authors included fellow Kimani authors Nicki Night, Deborah Mello, Cheris Hodges and Kianna Alexander; Christian authors Jacquelin Thomas, Summer Kinnard, Cassandra Durham and Michelle Stimpson; Samantha Chase and historical authors Katharine Ashe and Beverly Jenkins.

North Carolina authors Samantha Chase and Reese Ryan
North Carolina authors Samantha Chase and Reese Ryan
Kimani Romance authors Reese Ryan and Deborah Mello
Kimani Romance authors Reese Ryan and Deborah Mello

I got to meet authors I’ve been a big fan of and was dying to meet like Beverly Jenkins (who I sat next to at Girls Night) and Deborah Mello. I also got to reconnect with some of my favorite authors like Kianna Alexander, Cheris Hodges, Iris Bolling, Summer Kinnard and Katharine Ashe. I had the privilege of meeting some wonderful readers and aspiring authors who I look forward to connecting with again.

Author and television show producer, Iris Bolling
Author and television show producer, Iris Bolling
North Carolina authors Reese Ryan and Summer Kinnard
At Girls Night with fellow North Carolina author Summer Kinnard

If you missed this fabulous event, don’t worry, this was the sixth event Lasheera has done and she plans to do another. Connect with her on Facebook for a heads up on the next event. It was an energizing event that reminded me why the community of readers and writers are my people.

Happy reading,

PS: I know it looks like I took Ms. Bev hostage and forced her to take that picture, but I didn’t. I swear! (Okay, kinda sorta, but she was a great sport about it.)

Say It With a T-Shirt

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Suck It Up Buttercup T-Shirt

I’m in an awesome writers group that posts writing challenges each month. Members share how much they intend to write during the week, 2-week or 1-month period to follow and how they plan to reward themselves.

I’d like to make my reward something yummy (like an entire pineapple upside down cake), but that won’t help my other cause, which is getting healthier by working out daily courtesy of DailyBurn.com.  So this time I opted to go with something I’ve always wanted but hadn’t gotten around to getting: graphic T-shirts.

Why haven’t I purchased them before? One: for a long time it was rare to find one that wasn’t designed for anyone whose shape was more eraser than pencil. Second: When you did find one, the price was more than this penny pincher frugal person was willing to pay.

Enter the age of do-it-yourself T-shirt websites. 

Now you can find T-shirts for everyone that support any cause or share just about any sentiment. It’s also super easy to make your own. I created a to-buy list of graphic tees I wanted and I’m rewarding myself with one or two whenever I hit a new goal or deadline. When I turned in Book #2 of my upcoming Pleasure Cove series with Harlequin Kimani Romance, I bought myself the following two graphic tees:

SUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP

Fell in love with this shirt the instant I saw it. It’s perfect for those moments when:

  • I don’t feel like working out.
  • I’m working out but I feel like I can’t do one more squat/pushup/crunch/plank move, etc.
  • I should be writing or revising, but I’m not (like now)
  • I am procrastinating about doing what I need to do, preferring to do just about anything else (seriously…like now)

I chose purple because…Prince…and the purple and green are a throw back to Lou Ferrigno’s Incredible Hulk with those crazy purple pants and his you-done-made-me-mad-now green skin. Makes me feel slightly invincible and like I could do a split in heels while playing a guitar. I’m just sayin’.

A LITTLE HOOD, A LITTLE HIPPIE

A Little Hood, A Little Hippie

Anyone who knows me well knows that though I grew up in the hood, I have always been very much a hippie. So, as noted in the conversation with my husband (see below), it would be more accurate to say a little hood, a lot hippie. And as if I didn’t love this shirt enough for the graphic, the fabric is so soft. I could live in this thing. I’m thinking of belting it and wearing it as a dress. Just kidding! (Or am I?)

Anyhoo…my husband, whose obsession with Aldo shoes is one of the many reasons I lovingly refer to him as GQ Jones, and I had the following conversation this morning:

GQ Jones: Can we change that to A Little Hood, A Lot Hippie? *smirks*

Me: You do know this refers to a flower child, philosophical hippie, not someone with a lot of hips?

GQ Jones: You do know I’m not the only one who is going to be confused about that.

Me: *shrugs* Either way, A Little Hood, A Lot Hippie still applies. If someone makes that shirt, I’ll definitely buy it.

Okay, time for me to get back to work so I can earn my next graphic tee.

How do you reward yourself for a job well done? Or are you more of the just-shut-up-and-do-it type who doesn’t worry about rewarding yourself? (If so, I wanna be you, but I’m totally okay with the fact that I never will be.)

Happy Reading!

Reese Ryan. Colorful characters. Sinfully sweet romance.