Looking Back on 2020....

Hmm... Well, this was certainly "A Year" wasn't it? Between politics, the pandemic, and the rollercoaster that is publishing, 2020 has not been a great year on a global scale. While I, too, had to deal with all of this stuff in my everyday life, I had an overall amazing year! And I'm reluctant to even type that because I know for so many, this year was truly awful. But because it's been so awful, I'm not going to feel bad about my accomplishments. If anything, we need more reasons to celebrate this year, so buckle in and let's take a look back on the year to see what I accomplished, what I didn't, and what big changes I faced in 2020.

My original 2020 goals included: 

(1) FINISH BOOKS 1 & 2 OF THE GEORGIA CORBINS SERIES

These books... I both love and hate them. LOL. They are very near to my heart, but I'm still really struggling with what direction to take them, so while I thought about them quite a bit this past year, I didn't actually open the docs and work on them. But that's okay. Maybe next year. 

(2) WRITE BOOKS 2 & 3 OF MY YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE SERIES

Bahahahahaha! Wow, has so much happened with this series! Originally, it was only supposed to be three books. That turned into four. Then six... All of which are now written. Four are now available for sale with the final two up for pre-order. 

(3) RESURRECT MY PEN NAME

For those who don't know, I write steamy New Adult and adult books under the name Lexi Lawton. After a surprising (and wonderful) email from my publisher, I found out they are re-investing in my books with some new marketing efforts, and I couldn't be more excited! So, I've revamped Lexi's website and social media, and I'm actively working on some new stuff for her. In the meantime, if you want to stay up-to-date, you can follow her (me) on social media: newsletter / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon / AllAuthor / Bookbub. 

(4) OFFICIALLY LAUNCH FIRECHICKEN PRESS, LLC

I didn't just launch this with one book as I'd originally wanted to--I launched it with the entire Cursed Series! And I did so several months earlier than I'd expected, too, so that's been fun. 

(5) KEEP ON EDITING

I'm still with Anaiah, and I've still been editing. I don't foresee this changing any time soon. I also managed to snag a couple new freelance clients. 

(6) FIND MY PASSION

My official word and state of mind going into 2020 was passion. I wanted to find that spark again, to fall in love with writing and editing and life in general, and despite everything, I did. I'm exactly where I've always wanted to be in terms of loving what I do, and this is probably the best thing to have come out of 2020.

While I kicked butt with my goals this past year, so much more has happened that I never expected or planned for, so here's the quick rundown: 

Professionally: 

• I wrote a total of 680,227 words (!!!) That's the most I've ever written. 
• I blogged a total of 19,393 words.
• I released 6 books: Warped Remains, Perfectly Imperfect, Eternal Curse, Eternal Choice, Eternal Bond, and Eternal Love.
• I wrote approximately 5k of a spinoff from The Cursed Series.
• I rewrote the ending to Lexi's 3rd book (Resisting Ryder) and submitted it to the publisher for consideration. 
• I've re-signed with my former agent, Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency!! 
• I dove headfirst into self-publishing. 
• My book, Perfectly Imperfect, released as an audio book! And I've since started moving The Cursed Series into audio, too. 
• For Anaiah, I edited 8 full length novels and 5 novellas. 
• I freelance edited 6 manuscripts.
• I had professional author photos taken--finally! It's only been 10 years. LOL. 

Personally:

• I went on my dream vacation--A Caribbean cruise with my BFF, Emily!
• I survived an ongoing global pandemic without getting sick. Well, not any sicker than usual, anyway.
• Despite the gym closing, I managed to continuing working out on a regular basis -- thanks to my wonderful husband investing in an elliptical for me. 
• I maintained my weight loss from last year! In fact, I even managed to drop another couple of pounds. 
• Caught up on lots more TV... I finished the final season of The 100 (severely disappointed) then began a rewatch but stopped midway through season 4. I made it through every single episode of Supernatural, and then watched the finale with my daughter (when we both cried our eyes out). I watched the only season of V-Wars, Daybreakers, and The Society. Oh, and I watched Shadowhunters, too!
• My daughter is on track to graduate from high school early, and I've gone on a couple of college tours with her. I'm beyond excited that she's been accepted to her top choice. 
• My son, who does not do well with online learning, passed all of his classes this first semester, and he's on track to graduate next year, too!
• My other daughter got a new kitten. 
• Two of my girls have gotten first jobs this year--one at Subway and the other at Little Ceasers. 
• We got a new puppy on Christmas eve. Her name is Maggie May, and she's absolutely adorable.

I even managed to read a lot more this year than I normally do: 

• City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, and City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
• Kissing the Wrong Twin by Christina Herrara
• Risen by Cole Gibsen
• Crave and Crush by Tracy Wolff
• Twin Souls by K.A. Poe
• Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy
• Fading by Cindy Cipriano
• The Immortal Mark, The Immortal Truth, and The Immortal Bond by Amy Sparling
• Vampire Crush by A.M. Robinson
• The Vampire's Promise by Caroline B. Cooney
• Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
• Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare
• Hex by Thomas Olde Huevelt
• Uncomfortable and Unavoidable by Nessa Page
• A Cowboy's Pride and Winning the Cowboy's Heart by Karen Rock
• The Country Vet by Eleanor Jones

Overall, it's been a pretty great year for me professionally, and I'm excited to see what I can accomplish in 2021. Stay tuned for my official goals post :-) In the meantime, tell me in the comments what YOU did this year! 

RELEASE DAY: Eternal Bond, The Cursed Series, Book 3

  

Eternal Bond is LIVE!!

Writing a six-book series was a huge undertaking, and there are still days when I question what I was thinking. LOL. Most of the time, I don't regret it, and on the days when I do, I stop and think about this book. Eternal Bond was by far the easiest book in this series to write, and it's my absolute favorite. I had so much fun with it, and I hope all of you will have just as much fun reading it. 

All of our favorite character return--Chloe, Trent, Jax, and Abby (along with a lot of others)--and a few not so favorites--Isach! We also get to learn a lot more about Hannah, and the Halstead vampire who started it all: Sean. 

Here's everything you need to know about Eternal Bond and where to get your copy: 

Book Title: Eternal Bond (The Cursed Series, Book 3) 

Author: Kara Leigh Miller

Genre: Young Adult paranormal romance 

Content Warnings: Heavy kissing / non-descriptive sexual situations

Word / Page Count: 124,000 words / 294 ebook pages / 436 print book pages

Publisher: FireChicken Press, LLC 

ASIN: B08KTRY28Z

Print ISBN: 978-1-7354336-2-2

Release Date: November 17, 2020

Blurb: Chloe is in a fight for her life. Literally. Held prisoner by the Rose Coven, they are desperate for her to break the curse and restore the magical balance, but Chloe adamantly refuses—until a nearly starved Jax Halstead is tossed in the room with her. Now, hanging on to her humanity might be next to impossible.

When one act of mercy creates an unbreakable bond that threatens to destroy everything she’s ever wanted, getting away alive—and still human—is more important than ever.

Once freed, her love and devotion to Trent is at war with the bond she shares with Jax, a bond that’s only growing more intense by the day. And now she must decide which is stronger. All while navigating her senior year of high school, college applications, and waiting for the Rose Coven to return. If that isn’t bad enough, Isach Zoya is back. He knows the truth, and he’s watching her every move. What else could possibly go wrong?

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EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT: 

Despite whatever feelings we had for each other—love or hate or something in between—I wasn’t going to let him starve. It was my fault he was stuck here in the first place. And my fault he was starving to death.

“Jax?” I carefully climbed onto the bed.

He groaned but didn’t move. I waited a few seconds to see if he’d wake up or say something, but he was lifeless. Closing my eyes, I pressed the point of the nail into my fingertip.

“Ow.” I winced and opened my eyes. A tiny bead of blood popped out of the puncture hole. Please let this work. I rubbed my finger across Jax’s lips.

He growled and turned his head away. “Don’t.”

“If you don’t, you’ll die,” I said, my voice trembling.

“And if I do, you’ll die,” he snarled.

Fear coursed through my veins at the realization of what I was doing. He could easily overpower me, even in his weakened state, and suck me dry. And the worst part was, I didn’t think it would be intentional. Still, I had to do something, and this was the only thing I had to offer. I wouldn’t let him die. And I wouldn’t let Ivy win.

“Get away from me,” he said.

“No.” I flung my leg over his waist and straddled him.

He could have changed me already, and we’d be free right now. But he hadn’t. He’d respected my wishes, and he was being punished for it. I had to help him. I owed him.

“Look at me, Jax.” I took hold of his cheeks and forced him to face me.

His eyes were pitch black, and I swallowed hard.

Indecision warred in my mind. “I’m not going to let you die,” I said.

“You have no idea what you’re asking me to do.” He pushed himself upright so his back was flat against the headboard.

He blinked a few times, and his eyes turned a cloudy shade of blue—not quite as mesmerizing as Trent’s but not the terrifying black they’d been a moment ago, either.

“I’m asking you not to die.” Heart pounding, I gathered my hair and draped it over my shoulder, exposing my neck. “I can’t survive in here without you,” I whispered. “So, are you going to do this, or am I?” I pinched the nail between my thumb and forefinger and held it up. 

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RELEASE DAY: Eternal Choice (The Cursed Series, Book 2)

 

Eternal Choice is LIVE!!

Writing the second book in this series wasn't exactly the easiest feat. I had to pick up a lot of threads from the first book while adding new ones, working with both established and new characters, and building on a story I'd already created. There was a lot to keep track of, but in the end, I came out with a story I was proud of, and so far, reviewers are enjoying it, too! In fact, a few have said this book is better than the first!! 

I truly hope y'all will love Trent, Chloe, Jax, and the entire Cursed Series cast of character as much as I do. Here are some more of the characters we meet in book 2... 

Here's everything you need to know about Eternal Choice and where to get your copy: 

Book Title: Eternal Choice (The Cursed Series, Book 2)

Author: Kara Leigh Miller

Genre: Young Adult paranormal romance 

Content Warnings: Mild violence / heavy kissing

Word / Page Count: 115,000 words / 345 ebook pages / 423 print book pages

Publisher: FireChicken Press, LLC 

ASIN:  B08FRMLBV5

Print ISBN: 9781735433615

Release Date: October 20, 2020

Blurb: Forced to move to California with her father, the same man who abandoned her ten years ago, Chloe is once again starting over. Only this time, she has a perky new stepmom and an annoying baby brother. To make matters worse, the sea of snobby rich kids at her new prep school pretend she's invisible. As if all that wasn’t bad enough, she has this gnawing sensation that she’s forgetting something important.

And then Trent Halstead crashes back into her life, bringing with him everything she's forgotten and the devastating news that there’s a coven of witches after her, and no one knows why—until Chloe discovers the answer in a box of old family photos. Now, she's keeping a secret that could save Trent's life. There’s just one problem: his salvation will come at a cost. Her destruction. And that’s a price she’s not sure she’s willing to pay.

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EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT: 

His tongue swirled around mine, twisting and teasing, and it felt like he was trying to coax something out of me. I wasn’t sure what else he wanted from me, but I knew, instinctively, that I’d give it to him, whatever he wanted. I pressed even closer, moaning softly.

And then it happened.

An onslaught of emotion flooded my mind, overloading my senses. Love. Lust. Fear. Grief. Loneliness. Desire. Jealousy. I whimpered, but Trent didn’t release me. He deepened the kiss, pouring even more emotion into me, quickly followed by flashes of memories. Memories of me. Of him. Of us.

Me at my locker in Keene Valley. Punching Trent’s face. First shock, then amusement as he looked at me. Attraction. Curiosity. He wanted to get to know me.

Me on the side of the road, looking at the waterfall. Nervous energy and relief. More attraction. Pure joy. Desperation to spend more time with me, so he offered to show me the waterfall.

Me cowering in the hallway, scared and shaking. Trent’s immediate concern for my well-being. His awe at my offer to take detention so he wouldn’t have to. Him showing up and sitting beside me. He spent the entire time wondering why I was so kind to him, a stranger.

Trent flattened his hands on my back, holding me still as he continued to kiss me. The memories played out in my mind like a movie. I had no idea what I was seeing, if these were truly my memories or if they were nothing more than a twisted trick of the mind.

But as overwhelming as it was, I couldn’t stop. I needed to know how we ended up here, how I could have possibly forgotten so much of my life in Keene Valley, how I could have forgotten him. I was finally getting the answers I needed, and I couldn’t stop now. I threaded my fingers through his hair and kissed him deeper.

Skipping school and going to the falls. Eating lunch at his house. We sat on the couch, both of us pretending to be interested in research for a school project, but all he wanted to do was kiss me. I wanted to kiss him, too. We took a picture together—a picture he later stuck in my locker. Cute notes written on Post-its, and his concern for me thinking he was silly.

Rachel Wellington’s funeral. Trent’s face twisted into something nightmarish. Fangs. Him biting into Abby’s neck and drinking her blood. His confession: “I’m a vampire.”

Gasping, I jerked away from him, eyes wide. My mouth, numb from his kiss, tingled, and I absently ran my tongue over my bottom lip.

“What was that?” My heart was out of control, its thunderous beat drowning out the loud music and the sounds of the party. My chest heaved with hard, heavy breaths.

“Chloe?”

The sound of him saying my name like that, smooth as silk and self-assured, was like a switch in my brain. The rest of my forgotten memories flooded over me like a tidal wave—Trent’s deepest secret, the curse, getting kidnapped by Isach, being tortured by Hannah, Trent rescuing me, him telling me I was his soulmate and that he wanted to claim me…

I remembered everything. I knew Trent; he wasn’t just some sexy, mysterious stranger I’d encountered. He came here for me because he loved me. Because I loved him.

And I knew Jaxon, too.

All the weird instances of déjà vu, Jaxon admitting I knew him and Trent… some part of me had believed it was all just a lie, that they were playing some kind of joke on me, because how could I have forgotten so much. But now I knew the truth. I cupped my hand over my mouth to stifle my cry, but I was powerless against the tears pooling in my eyes. And then I smacked him hard on the chest. It didn’t faze him, though it made my hand sting.

“You erased my memories!” I hissed.

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{TEASER TUESDAY}: Eternal Choice -- 1 week until release

Only 1 week to go before ETERNAL CHOICE is out in the world! I can't believe it's so close already -- feels like the time has sped by. And I've admittedly been a little out of it leading up to this release, but here we are, so let's do this! 

It's time for another #TeaserTuesday! 

This second book in the Cursed Series is all about choices, specifically some really tough choices Chloe needs to make. Here's the biggest one of all...

I wasn’t sure I had an answer other than I wanted to know what it felt like to be bitten. If I decided to change, he’d have to bite me, and I needed to know I could handle it. And, whether out of selfishness or pure jealousy, I needed to know I was just as special as whoever else he’d bitten like that.

“Like I said. It never means anything, okay?” he said with an air of finality.

But I wasn’t going to give up so easily.

“See, that’s where you’re wrong.” I shifted so I was kneeling between his legs, facing him. “Every single time you touch me or kiss me, it means something, Trent. At least, it does to me.”

He took my face into his hands and peered into my eyes. “It means something to me, too, Chloe, which is why I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to cheapen what we have by getting you high from my bite.”

I disagreed, but I didn’t want our little disagreement to turn into a full blown fight. “Is that the only reason?” I asked.

He tilted his head, studying me through narrowed eyes. “Months ago, you wouldn’t even ask me how a person became a vampire, and now you can’t stop asking me about feeding and biting. What’s going on?”

“In case you forgot, I have a decision to make, and I’d like to have as much information as possible. Is that so terrible?” I asked.

“No,” he said, frowning. “But I thought your mind was made up.”

I shook my head. “It’s not.”

And the more time I spent with Trent, the more I fell in love with him, the farther away my human dreams got, because I didn’t want any of it if I didn’t have Trent by my side.

His head fell back against the chair, and he groaned. “You’re killing me, Chloe.”

“I’m killing you?” I snorted. “That’s kinda hard to do when you’re technically already dead.”

Forced to move to California with her father, the same man who abandoned her ten years ago, Chloe is once again starting over. Only this time, she has a perky new stepmom and an annoying baby brother. To make matters worse, the sea of snobby rich kids at her new prep school pretend she's invisible. As if all that wasn’t bad enough, she has this gnawing sensation that she’s forgetting something important.

And then Trent Halstead crashes back into her life, bringing with him everything she's forgotten and the devastating news that there’s a coven of witches after her, and no one knows why—until Chloe discovers the answer in a box of old family photos. Now, she's keeping a secret that could save Trent's life. There’s just one problem: his salvation will come at a cost. Her destruction. And that’s a price she’s not sure she’s willing to pay.

You can now Pre-Order ETERNAL CHOICE!

Don't forget to add it to Goodreads, too!