Hello Buds and Beauties,

The Yearning was one of my first ever published stories, a short read (~30k words, 125 pgs) about a ghost in love with the living person he haunts. It has love-triangle vibes, and then, in true AJ Rose fashion, goes pretty dark, but has a big payoff HEA.

I recently overhauled it, replacing the outdated Harlequin-style cover (although I loved the old hokey one very much), and completely updating the writing to my current writing style. I've also expanded a couple scenes to give them more nuance and depth. As a result, The Yearning, 2nd edition has been re-released on all my platforms.

Get The Yearning

Short Reads

In my previous newsletter, I explained what my plans are for The Mind Hacker series, that I have some serious work to do on characterization. That doesn't mean I'm not working on publishable stories. It is, however, undeniable that full-length novels take (especially me) time to write, edit, and publish. I'm growing anxious about how long it's been since my last release. I can only rah-rah my backlist so much before even I'm bored of it.

The solution seems elegantly simple: publish shorter stories.

But is there a market for that? Turns out yes! There is. Research has shown me Short Reads is a growing category at multiple book retailers. Time is a precious commodity for readers, too. It seems a growing group are enjoying commuter-length reads between 45 minutes and 2 hours, or curling up with a story they can start and finish in an evening.

So! *rubs hands gleefully* In the coming weeks, I'll be sharing information about new AJ Rose shorts coming soon. My plan is to make them available direct on my store for loyal readers first, and then for Kindle Unlimited readers for a bit. After a round or two in KU, I'll go wide.

That's not to say I won't also still be writing the longer works that have been my signature from the beginning.... Jon and Tracey are still a priority, and I'm still excited about new characters I've introduced in AJ Rose's Buds who are always whispering.

Join AJ Rose's Buds

Current Promotions

Last week, I mentioned Power Exchange Bk 1 went on perma-sale for 99¢, and it will be at that price point from now on. If you're new to me, this series is the one that put me on most readers' radars. Now you can get started reading it for less than a dollar.

On my direct store only, I am also offering a promo code, SEPT25, for a 25% discount at checkout through the rest of the month. You must enter the code in the promo box for the discount to apply.

Because I also love spooky season, I've made a Halloween Bundle. It includes my 4 paranormal titles—the Reaping Havoc duet, the Soul Searching standalone, and the newly revamped The Yearning short—all bundled together and 25% off.

This deal lasts through October 31. There is no code to enter. Simply add all four titles to the shopping cart and the discount is automatically applied at checkout.

🎃 Halloween Bundle 👻

My books are available at wide retailers and even libraries, (the exception is the Power Exchange series, which is limited due to the content). If you'd like to see if your favorite retailer or library has one of my titles, or if you have any questions at all, reply to this email and I'm happy to answer. I heartily support borrows from libraries as much as I do a wide choice in retail options.

Amazing Reads

I'm beta reading for a fellow author and friend, Beth Christopher, for her upcoming release, Blackmail, and I have to say, it's been a minute since a book has made me cackle out loud, rage, or think, "Oh shit, what now?" This is definitely one to pre-order if you can, or one-click when it's out November 18th. Morally gray kink awakening? Who's in? 🙋🏻

He ruined my marriage. Now I’m going to ruin him.

Sebastian

Apparently, I married the wrong man. When I find him with a male escort who steals from me, challenges me, and doesn’t back down from my threats, I have to know more. I have to dominate him, own him. Once I’ve seen how he looks with tears on his face and my bruises on his body, I decide the pretty escort will be mine. Whatever it takes.

Simon

I’m only escorting to pay off debt and leave town. I’m so close to the finish line. Then a client’s husband catches us, threatens to expose me, and uses my body for his revenge. I can’t be with him. I can’t stop thinking about him. I also can’t seem to get away from him. We’re a trainwreck waiting to happen. Married men only ever use men like me, and then throw us away.

Blackmail is a full-length dark M/M romance with a HEA, a super sweary escort, an angry entrepreneur, and a cat named Penelope. This content will not be everyone's cup of tea. Please review the advisory on the "About" page for details.

Tropes: Insta-lust, found family, opposites attract, Dom/kink-awakening, hurt/comfort, dude in distress, Grumpy/sunshine (more like a-hole/brat), power dynamic, beauty/beast, rich/protective hero, un-aliving for the one you love, the stray cat you took in who likes everyone else better than you

Pre-Order Blackmail Now!

Until next time, Buds, happy reading!