Firefighter Romance by Ella Braeme

 MUSE MONDAY

Enjoy Ella's latest release now!

Rekindled Flame

A Second Chance Firefighter Romance by Ella Braeme

Book Links

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/rekindled-flame
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD87RMRW
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236532005-rekindled-flame
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/rekindled-flame-a-second-chance-firefighter-romance-burning-hearts-book-1-by-ella-braeme
Website: https://ellabraeme.com/2025/08/17/rekindled-flame-a-second-chance-firefighter-romance/

 

Book Details

Book 1 in the Burning Hearts series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD87RMRV
Publication Date: September 3, 2025
37,000 words / 137 pages
Available in Kindle Unlimited and as paperback
Perfect for fans of Susan Stoker and Zoe York.

Blurb

When old flames reignite, sparks fly.

Volunteer firefighter Shawn Miller thought he had his life figured out in small-town Elken Grove. His print shop pays the bills while his real passion—fighting fires—keeps him connected to the community he loves. Then his new Captain walks through the station doors: Rebecca "Becks" Schwartz, the woman who walked out of his life nine years ago. Now she's his superior officer, and someone in the department is determined to drive her away—or worse. As danger closes in, Shawn must balance protecting Becks with respecting her authority. But when sparks fly hotter than ever between them, he realizes some flames aren't meant to be extinguished—they're meant to be stoked. Get REKINDLED FLAME today and feel the heat of this slow-burn second chance romance!

♥ firefighter romance ♥ second chance ♥ small town ♥ protective hero ♥ workplace romance ♥ she’s his boss ♥ contemporary ♥ first responder ♥

Read now: https://books2read.com/rekindled-flame

Early Review Quotes

★★★★★ "This is a wonderful page turner." - Goodreads review

★★★★★ "Shawn and Becks second chance story is not without some major events which keeps the reader entranced by the story." - Goodreads review

★★★★★ "I loved this story with its second chance at love for these two." - Goodreads review

★★★★ "The characters Shawn and Rebecca are going to deliver a very entertaining book for you to enjoy reading." - Goodreads review Excerpts

Excerpt

“There’s something else you should know before you leave.”

Something in the chief’s tone made Shawn sink back into his chair. “Sir?”

“The new captain is a woman,” Washington said carefully, clearly bracing for resistance. “Rebecca Schwartz from the Charlotte Fire Department. Goes by Becks, according to her application. She’ll be arriving Thursday next week for an informal meet-and-greet at Mr. Jones & Husband, then coming by on Saturday to meet the volunteers during training before officially starting on Monday.”

Shawn nodded, unfazed by the gender revelation. “A female captain? That’s fine by—“ But the words died in his throat as the full name registered. The folder slipped from his suddenly numb fingers, papers spilling across the floor. Rebecca Schwartz. The name echoed in his head like the aftershock of an explosion. “Rebecca Schwartz?” he repeated, his voice sounding distant to his own ears.

Washington’s eyebrows rose slightly at Shawn’s reaction. “You know her?”

Know her? Shawn almost laughed at the absurdity of the question. He’d known her as Becca back then—sweet-faced but determined Becca with her infectious laugh and fierce ambition. He’d known the curve of her smile and the scent of her skin. Known her dreams and fears. Known the sound of her voice first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. Until he hadn’t.

“We trained together,” he said finally, the understatement of the decade. “At the North Carolina Fire Academy. When I knew her, she went by Becca, not Becks.”

Washington frowned, clearly surprised by this information. “I didn’t connect the dots when reviewing your files.” He leaned forward, suddenly concerned. “Is this going to be a problem?”

Shawn bent to gather the scattered papers, grateful for the chance to hide his expression. Memories he’d buried years ago resurfaced in vivid detail—Becca’s fierce determination during training exercises, her infectious laugh during rare moments of downtime, the devastating fury in her eyes the last time they’d spoken.

“I never want to see your face again, Miller. Keep six feet away from me for the rest of our lives.”

He straightened, clutching the reassembled folder, his knuckles white against the manila paper. “No, sir. No problem at all.”

To read on, get you copy now: https://books2read.com/rekindled-flame

About the Author

Ella Braeme writes steamy small-town romance where protective heroes and the women who capture their hearts find love in the mountains and marshlands of Georgia. Whether her characters are running toward danger or running from their past, they always find their way to happily-ever-after. When she's not dreaming up new ways for couples to fall headlong into danger (and love), she's in her garden, supervised by a dog who firmly believes digging holes helps the flowers grow. Her quick, satisfying reads deliver the perfect escape, whether you're sneaking in a chapter during lunch or staying up way too late to reach that happily-ever-after.

Connect with Ella

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ellawritesromance
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/ellawritesromance
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22846173.Ella_Braeme
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ella-braeme
Sign-up to her emails and get a free novella https://ellabraeme.com/newsletter-signup.htm
Author Website: https://ellabraeme.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ella-Braeme/author/B0BKL79CSM

Also by Ella Braeme

Elken Grove Mountain Men series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPL86ZSM/

Married in Windfall series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBS76NN4 ARC

Character Guest Post: Forgotten Second Son to King by Amber Daulton

WICKED WEDNESDAY

A special treat today on Discover... for Wicked Wednesday. Amber Daulton has brought along a guest who has stepped off the pages of her book to speak to us.

I’m Rubén Lozano, the hero from Amber Daulton’s dark romance novel, Lost in His Spiderwebs. I don’t feel comfortable calling myself “hero.” That doesn’t fit me. Not at all. I’m an anti-hero, a villain with a decent side. If you’re someone I like, I can be a good guy toward you. Nice, funny, generous. If we’re enemies, then watch your back. That’s the only warning you’ll get.

Today, I’m going to talk about my career. I’m the leader of the Lozano Cartel, one of the oldest cartels in Mexico. It’s dark, deadly, dangerous—just like me. Being the boss is messy, and only the most wicked can survive it.

As a child, I was the forgotten second son. Papá focused all of his attention on my older brother, corrupting him and turning him into a monster. Even though I was raised in luxury, it came at a price—blood. Anyone who crossed the path of a Lozano had to pay. Everything I have, I earned with my fists. Or a knife, gun, machete—I’m not picky when it comes to weapons. Unlike my best friend, Enrique. He loves his damn blades. Anyway, I’m the third generation of Lozanos to rule the cartel, so I have some big shoes to fill. I took command last year after Papá died. My father and grandfather who ruled before me would turn over in their graves if they knew about the changes I was making.

No more unnecessary killing.

No more targeting civilians.

Do business as peacefully as possible.

Shed blood only when you run out of other options.

These changes aren’t popular with some of my underlings, but as the boss, they have no choice but to obey me. At least, that’s how it should be. One of my councilmen, Alroy Tenorio, and his flunkies are causing problems. A civil war brewing. With Enrique and my core group of trusted friends and confidants at my side, I’m more than capable of handling betrayers, but I’m distracted. Before you ask, yes, I’m distracted because of a damn woman.

Drina Cabrera.

Dios mío. My God. That gorgeous, infuriating woman will be the death of me. I keep thinking about her when I should be worrying about Tenorio stabbing me in the back. She’s wicked, fearless, and all mine. When I’m with her, I feel like I can do anything, accomplish any goal, become the man I was destined to be. The thought of losing her guts me. She shouldn’t have so much power over me, but here I am, telling you this when I need to staple my mouth shut. I need a son to carry on my legacy. But I want a queen, a woman to rule at my side, to advise me in tough situations. That woman is Drina. She just needs to let her down guard and accept my darker side into her life.

I’m nothing if not determined. Drina will be mine forever. The cartel will thrive under my leadership. For those who think to take either from me, think again. I’m not a man to trifle with.

Readers, if you want to know more about my business and my relationship with Drina, pick up a copy of Lost in His Spiderwebs. It’s a dark, angsty ride, so be prepared. 

Lost in His Spiderwebs 

Series: Lozano Cartel (book 2)

Release Date: October 14, 2025

Publisher: Daulton Publishing

Cover Designer: Satin Rose Designs

Genre: Dark Romance

Length: 90k

Heat Rating: 5 Flames 

Kidnapped by the enemy. Bought by the jefe. Will his smoldering touch thaw her frozen heart?

Rubén Lozano, the new leader of the Lozano Cartel, craves peace amidst a legacy of bloodshed and death. He never expected to find his ex-lover, Drina Cabrera, in the clutches of his vicious rivals. Her haunted eyes compel him to rescue her, but freeing her is another matter.

After five months of captivity, Drina trades one captor for another. Though she succumbs to Rubén’s masterful touch, the bittersweet memory of her daughter and the life she was stolen from is a constant wedge between them.

When Rubén’s darkest secret comes out, he will have to wash his hands in crimson. Will Drina let her king face the danger alone, or stand at his side as his cartel queen? 

– Book two in the dark romance series, the Lozano Cartel. All the books can be read as a standalone, but are part of an interconnected series.

– Scenes featuring forced seduction, drug distribution, torture/violence, kidnapping/captivity, and attempted sexual assault may be uncomfortable for some readers.

– No cheating and HEA guaranteed!

– Written in 3^rd POV. 

The cartel king has finally found his queen. 

Excerpt 

“Smile,” Rubén told her. “It’s showtime.”

She nodded and lifted her chin, wincing a little in the flashing camera lights.

As three hand-picked paparazzi snapped pictures of him and Drina from all angles, Rubén counted to thirty before he steered Drina past them to the music room.

“Wow,” Drina murmured as they passed the piano for the ballroom.

A massive chandelier gleamed from the lofty ceiling, its decorative crystals reflecting the soft white light and dancing spots across the ivory walls and the chattering, laughing guests. The live band played instrumental music at the far end of the rectangular room, where Esme’s team had set up fancy tables and chairs for the speech and dinner portion of the evening.

“Why do you keep this room locked up? It’s magnificent.”

He shrugged. “It’s a bitch to clean.”

His blunt answer steepled Drina’s eyebrows. “My, what consideration. I’m sure the housekeeping staff appreciates it,” she teased and pulled him onto the dance floor alongside several other couples. “Let’s dance.”

As her arms slid around his shoulders, he rested his hands on her waist. Her body heat and strawberry aroma enveloped him. Groaning, he gripped the thick fabric of her dress so hard that it bunched and the band of his rings bit into his skin. She rested her head against his chest, and her hair teased his nose. They swayed, lost in each other as though they were the only people around. A foolish notion, one he shouldn’t revel in. If he did, he would ravage her on the floor.

“You have a good turnout,” she murmured while he twirled her about. She spun back into his embrace. “Are any of these people your friends?”

“Hardly.” This was his world. Glamour, power, prestige. The public mask he wore to hide his sinister nature. “You’re swimming in dangerous waters. The sooner you realize I can buy and discard all these sharks and guppies with a flick of my wrist, the better off you’ll be.”

“I’m well aware you’re king of the sharks.”

He snorted, holding her closer. “You’re a barracuda. Lithe grace and sharp teeth.”

“Ooh, I like that.” She nipped at his chin. “I’ll never be a guppy.”

Damn right. As the song ended, he guided her off the dance floor. Duty called.

 

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231721773-lost-in-his-spiderwebs

Check it out on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/lost-in-his-spiderwebs-lozano-cartel-book-2-a-dark-captivity-second-chance-romance-by-amber-daulton 

PreOrder Now 

Universal: https://books2read.com/LostInHisSpiderwebs

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4joCJUV

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lost-in-his-spiderwebs-amber-daulton/1147318586?ean=2940184374895

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lost-in-his-spiderwebs

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=7lNYEQAAQBAJ

Apple/iBooks: https://apple.co/4jpLyht

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1648364 

About the Author 

Amber Daulton is the author of the Lozano Cartel, the Arresting Onyx, the Embracing You, and the Ramseys in Time series, as well as several standalone novellas. Her books are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.

She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats. 

Social Media Links 

Follow Me: https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton

Check out my website, Daulton Publishing: https://amberdaulton.com

Sign up for my Exclusive Newsletter (free ebook to new subscribers): https://amberdaulton.com/newsletter-signup/

Reading and Reviews (Plakcy and Berry)

I'm an author, but I'm also a reader. From time to time, I'll share my reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day. 

Here are some of the books I've read recently. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author.

 

Grounds for Hope: Smiling Dog Cafe (The Smiling Dog Cafe Book 3) by Neil S. Plakcy 

At a quiet Brooklyn café watched over by painted dogs and warmed by just the right cup of coffee, two teenagers arrive—lost, hurting, and unsure where to turn next.

In this deeply compassionate third entry in the Smiling Dog Café series—fully enjoyable as a standalone—author Neil S. Plakcy shares two powerful novellas about grief, resilience, and the unexpected ways we find our way home.

In Grounds for Hope, Miguel is alone on the streets after his father is deported back to their violence-plagued homeland. Cold, hungry, and nearly out of hope, he’s led to the café by a mysterious pit bull named Baxter—and taken in by Betty, the wise café owner whose coffee and compassion help restore his sense of safety and purpose.

In Finding Grace, Tanya is reeling after her mother’s decision to walk away from their life to “find herself.” Angry and unmoored, Tanya is gently nudged toward the café by Kiyomi, a calm, three-legged Samoyed—and slowly begins to rediscover her strength, her voice, and her path forward.

This tender volume celebrates how healing begins—in community, through ritual and memory, and with the quiet guidance of a dog who always knows exactly who needs help next.

Come in from the cold. The coffee’s brewing, and the dogs are waiting. 

My Review

I’m a dog lover, and I was immediately drawn to this book by the premise: dogs possess an innate sense to help and heal. The book relies on well-defined characters who are caring and have issues that immerse the reader in the story. A boy who is illegal in the country and how he finds a path to find his way is ripe for our times. Mr. Plakcy tells his story as if he’s lived it. Tanya might be a girl of privilege, but the pain of her mother’s action is deep. The café offers both of these young people hope.

 https://www.amazon.com/Grounds-Hope-Smiling-Cafe-Book-ebook/dp/B0FGWRNK2Y 

 

 

The Columbus Affair by Steve Berry 

A family’s secret, a ruthless fanatic, and a covert arm of the American government—all are linked by a single puzzling possibility:

What if everything we know about the discovery of America was a lie? What if that lie was designed to hide the secret of why Columbus sailed in 1492? And what if that 500-year-old secret could violently reshape the modern political world?
 
Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist Tom Sagan has written hard-hitting articles from hot spots around the world. But when one of his stories from the Middle East is exposed as a fraud, his professional reputation crashes and burns. Now he lives in virtual exile—haunted by bad decisions and a shocking truth he can never prove: that his downfall was a deliberate act of sabotage by an unknown enemy. But before Sagan can end his torment with the squeeze of a trigger, fate intervenes in the form of an enigmatic stranger. This stranger forces Sagan to act—and his actions attract the attention of the Magellan Billet, a top-secret corps of the United States Justice Department that deals with America’s most sensitive investigations. Sagan suddenly finds himself caught in an international incident, the repercussions of which will shudder not only Washington, D.C., but also Jerusalem. Coaxed into a deadly cat-and-mouse game, unsure who’s friend and who’s foe, Sagan is forced to Vienna, Prague, then finally into the Blue Mountains of Jamaica—where his survival hinges on his rewriting everything we know about Christopher Columbus. 

My Review

This story held my interest and kept me turning pages because of the “what if” factor. Plus, in the recent years of factoids and fabrications you can find on the Internet, so much has been speculated about Columbus. It was a fun read of fiction and fact.  

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005OCYQJU/

Goddess Fish Review Tour Birds, Puppies, and Murder

The Review Tour has kicked off with two stellar reviews. Check out the reviews everyday and enter for a chance at a gift card. It's a win-win! This tour is thanks to Goddess Fish.

October 1: Gina Rae Mitchell
October 1: The Avid Reader
October 8: Iron Canuck Reviews & More
October 15: Country Mamas With Kids
October 22: travel the ages
October 22: nanasbookreviews

Lost puppies, endangered birds… The sisters are birddogs on a murder most fowl. 

The sisters are thriving like mountain sage in an Arizona autumn. Nicole’s yoga business is gaining a foothold in Wyatt. Emma’s first mystery novel is scheduled for release. But a proposed, expansive building project in the pristine area of the bird sanctuary has the community in an uproar. It’s Environmentalists versus Big Business, and the sisters are caught in the cross-fire.

 When one of Nic’s yoga students is found dead near the planned resort, the amateur sleuths are back on the trail of a killer. Who has the most to gain from her death—the morally challenged developer, the money-grubbing boyfriend, her jealous brother, a nasty neighbor, or a co-worker with dark secrets? And where has Skittles, the dog, gone? 

While the Chocolate Martini Sisters sort through the litany of villains, they’re leaving no mystery unsolved. The stakes are escalating, throwing the sisters on divergent paths that all come together at a dangerous intersection. As they unsnarl the tangled mysteries, will they expose the murderer before the killer finds a way to silence them?

AMAZON BUY LINK

Check It Out! by Susan Harris Howell

 MUSE MONDAY

Please welcome Susan Howelll to Discover... for Muse Monday. It's a fun library story.

I have been borrowing library books for as long as I can remember. And while I do buy books occasionally - to support a new author or if the book has information I’ll want to reference later - most of my reading today comes to me in digital form from my library.

I used to wonder how authors felt about people borrowing rather than buying their books. But considering the number of books purchased by libraries and the number of people who wouldn't read their books otherwise, I assume that authors, as a group, are pro-library.

I know that this author is. When people check out my books, I’m happy. For one thing, goodness, I get it. If you read a lot you can go broke buying each book you find interesting. Plus, the more libraries that carry my books, the more people will benefit from what they offer. And I won't pretend otherwise - I hope those who check out my books today will become fans who look forward to buying my next release.

The first time I saw my first book, Buried Talents, in our local library I was more than a little thrilled; the same, when I happened to run across my second, The Spirit of Vanderlaan.

Okay - In the interest of full disclosure, I didn't happen to run across it - I entered the Taylor County Public Library of Campbellsville, Kentucky like a woman on a mission. I zipped past all authors with names beginning A-G like I’d found a rainbow leading to my pot of gold. I slowed just a bit at Kristin Hannah and Ernest Hemingway, but I stayed the course. At Bell Hooks I knew I was almost there. My hands danced along the spines of those books like I was practicing scales on the piano.

And then— then I saw it. Sitting there on that shelf like it belonged.

My book.

I giggled and did a little happy dance. I’d never thought about authors getting a kick out of this sort of thing. And who knows, at some point it might get old. But I doubt it.

So, if you've purchased my books, borrowed them from a library, or even stolen one from a friend - you have my sincerest gratitude. And if your library doesn’t already carry them, I would appreciate if you’d request the physical and digital copies so others can discover them too.

And if you don’t have a library card, September is the month to get one. Your future favorite author is waiting to be discovered. And when they find out they have a new fan, I bet they’ll do their own happy dance.

Blurb:

When Samantha and her students uncover a campus death, they must draw on everything from science to seances, to learn what happened before Samantha gets fired for “dabbling in the paranormal.”

Excerpt:

As she walked to her first class of the day, Samantha congratulated herself that for the first time this semester she would arrive at her own class on time. A glance at her watch revealed she even had five minutes to spare. With Douglas Hall in sight and her classroom on its main floor, she was sure to make it on time—“Samantha!”

Grrr! So close. Although showing up late for class frustrated her, she was mostly annoyed by the person who was about to detain her. If I ignore him, maybe he’ll go away.

“Samantha!” This time he was more insistent.

Samantha released a breath of resignation. She should have known better. He wasn’t the kind to be ignored. Samantha turned to face him as she reached the door of the building. She hadn’t been at Vanderlaan long enough to flout someone who carried the weight around here that he did. “What can I do for you, Len?”

Dr. Len Titus stood before her, dressed as always, in a suit with a starched white shirt and tie which he would loosen by afternoon. His graying hair with a precise part on the side had become his hallmark, along with his hands-on-hips pose and gravelly voice. Levi’s imitation of each was spot on, although professional decorum required that Samantha refrain from the encouragement her laughter would ensure. Since Len Titus was of slight frame, someone unfamiliar with this man might assume passivity or weakness. Not Samantha.

“I see we’re both teaching in Douglas Hall this semester,” he said. “Hope I won’t be in your way.” He peered over his wire-rimmed glasses. “Or you in mine.”

Samantha took a breath, gritted her teeth, and walked through the door. She would use the back entrance next time. 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Vanderlaan-Samantha-Hayes-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHV65RM4?ref_=ast_author_dp

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-spirit-of-vanderlaan-susan-howell/1146282868?ean=9781509258888

Author Bio:

Dr. Susan Harris Howell is a psychologist and retired university professor who taught and mentored students for over thirty years. Her novel, The Spirit of Vanderlaan, draws on that career to capture the warmth between a psychology professor and the assortment of personalities which inhabit her office.

Her first book, Buried Talents, focuses on the subtle ways women are discouraged from entering male-dominated occupations. Through her writing and speaking, her passion is to free others from unnecessary restrictions so they can step into their best life.

Susan and her husband have two grown children, a daughter-in-law, one adorable grandson, and an incorrigible beagle named Doc.

Contact Information and Social Media Links:

            Email: susan.howell.writer@gmail.com

Website: https://susanharrishowell.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/susan_h_howell/

Email List & Monthly Blog:  https://susanharrishowell.substack.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/susanhowellwriter

 

Blog Tour, Giveaway, New Release

Joyce and I are excited to start the blog tour for Birds, Puppies, and Murder, the 4th book in the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery Books.  We have some great tour stops with fun interviews, articles, and reviews. Stop in on each one and be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card. If you go in other than the listed date, you might have to scroll down to see our post. Hope to see you there! 

September 22 – Jody's Bookish Haven 

September 22 – Books1987 

September 23 – Cozy Up With Kathy 

September 23 – Salty Inspirations 

September 24 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea 

September 25 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog   

September 25 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews 

September 26 – MJB Reviewers 

September 27 – Socrates Book Reviews 

September 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A GoodBook   

September 28 – FUONLYKNEW 

September 29 – Sarandipity's 

September 29 – Maureen's Musings 

September 30 – Boys' Mom Reads! 

October 1 – Christy's Cozy Corners 

October 2 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews 

October 3 – Infinite House of Books 

October 4 – StoreyBook Reviews 

October 4 – Bigreadersite 

October 5 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read 

AND in celebration of our new release, you can snag a $.99 deal on the first book in the series, Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder! One week only so don't delary. This sale is good for Amazon US and Amazon UK.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN96RS4G

Fearless or the Courage to Trust by Birdie Song

FEARLESS FRIDAY

I have an absolutely delightful guest post today by Birdie Song. We're happy to have her for Fearless Friday on Discover... And even more special, her latest book released just two days ago. Congratulations, Birdie!

I’ve been lucky, in that most rash or life-changing things I’ve done have come with a measure of safety and protection. I moved to Perth and started high school, but I had my whole family with me. I split up with a serious partner and started my life over, but I was young and energetic and had relatively few responsibilities.

What might be more interesting would be to tell you about the times I did things without fear, only to later learn that I should have been more afraid. Like when I snuck into a crowded roped-off area at a festival that had stopped letting people in (hello, fire hazard), or the time I patted a full-grown Berkshire pig and he bit my hand (could’ve done some real damage), or the time I walked through an alley in a foreign country only to come out the other side and see a guy behind me carrying a machete (yes, he was actually looking for me!).

Often when we think about being brave or fearless, we picture hectic stunts and thrilling once-in-a-lifetime moments, but there’s also a lot to be said for the everyday fearlessness we must summon just to get on with life. One of my favourite examples of this “chronic fearlessness” is how vulnerable we need to let ourselves be in order to truly connect with people.

It’s hard being this vulnerable. When you’re the one speaking, you reveal something about yourself without knowing how another person might take it. Will they react violently, threateningly; will they use your secrets against you later; or will they be careless with your heart, enabling someone else to hurt you? It taps into something primal within us, something that evolved in our social Homo sapien brains to help us survive. We’re wired to fear judgement and ostracisation.

When you’re the one listening, your sense of self is called into question. Are you a traitor to your loved ones if you hear something disagreeable? Do you get to still identify as a certain type of person if you give attention to the unfamiliar, unusual, or unexpected? Will you be exposed as ignorant or incompetent or irrelevant? The way we respond to people, to books, to life, can often reveal our deepest fears and secret shames.

To be a caring person, a thoughtful person, the kind of person who helps where help is needed, knows when to back off, and intuits and respects boundaries is no easy thing. It takes a certain measure of courage, wisdom, and the willingness to trust. Some days my socially anxious side takes over, and I hide from the world because I just can’t be that person – it’s too hard, and I’m too luteal.

But the point, I think, is to try as best we can, whenever we can, to face our everyday fears for the sake of something better. I might not walk that alleyway again, but perhaps I’ll let my guard down next time a new friend invites me round for tea.

The Guy from the Beach Resort by Birdie Song

A guy who keeps his promise could be worth breaking hers.

Reformed party-girl Penny is going to fix her life. No, really, she’s gonna do it this time! Starting with a vow of abstinence, five days in a Bali beach resort, and literally running into a well-timed fake boyfriend she definitely won’t fool around with.

Unfortunately for her, Adam is smart, funny, charming, and starting to look like an all-round decent human being. All green flags and zero risk, he’s the kind of guy who respects her and keeps his promises, leaving Penny desperate to break hers.

The Guy from the Beach Resort is a sweet, fake dating, slow-burn romance, set in the world of Somerville Downs.

AMAZON BUY LINK

About Birdie Song

Birdie Song was born in Southeast Asia and now writes from Perth, Western Australia on Whadjuk-Noongar country. She believes love is more important than labels, integrity is a person’s most attractive quality, and that no one should be judged for putting pineapple on a pizza. When not writing, she tends to a veggie garden and reads a variety of books, hoping to one day understand the meaning of life.

Website: https://birdiesongauthor.com
Newsletter: https://birdiesongauthor.com/newsletter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20263281.Birdie_Song
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/birdie-song