Political Damage: Out November 19th
Announcing a new book is a lot like ripping a bandage off – you simply have to do it. I’ve felt that nervous moment, as you tug the corners of the bandage up and feel those first hints of sting, knowing that in just a moment, you’re going to rip it off in one go and expose the wound, with every book I’ve released except my debut, Off The Record. Back then, I was existing on vibes with no idea what I was doing. I still don’t fully know what I’m doing, but I don’t think we’re supposed to, are we?
Political Damage will be released on November 19th.
I’ve said all along that the Political Gain series was never supposed to be more than a five or six chapter brain dump of a “what if” one-night stand idea that wouldn’t stop rattling around in my brain. What was actually supposed to happen was a one night stand, the brother quickly finds out, the truth about the “watch out for my sister” directive was exposed, and everyone lived happily ever after. Absolutely nothing about what became a tangled web of politicians, mafia ties, dark secrets, and hidden jobs was planned.
Yet these characters started talking to me, often talking over one another, even, and evolving into their own complex people. The next thing I knew, Lyla and Kage had three books’ worth of a story to tell.
I’d planned to end their story at Political Capital. I had a nice little “tie it all up in a bow and live happily ever after” ending already written. I still have it. It’s collecting dust in a folder on my hard drive and will never see the light of day. I remember vividly where I was when the plot twist you’ll meet in Political Damage came to me that deemed that ending null and void: I was on Gleason Road in Knoxville, slowing down to turn onto Beaver Lane, headed home from another long day in the office. Out of nowhere, Kage kicked down the door with those preferred black boots of his, and said “Hey, I have one more secret.”
Out came Political Damage.
Here’s the thing to know about Political Damage. It’s a contemporary romance. Romance novels are contractually obligated (in a sense) to have a happy ending, or at least a happy for now. They are not required to be rainbows and sunshine, however, and Political Damage is certainly not. In fact, it’s downright heavy for the first two-thirds or so. It deals with depression. Anxiety. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It’s not the book to read if you’re looking for light and fluffy. It is the book to read if you’re ready to dive deep into hard things, and walk alongside Lyla and Kage as they process not just recent events, but years of hard things.
Political Damage is my favorite thing I’ve written to date (although the firefighter romance I’m working on is giving that title a fair go). It’s also, in my humble opinion, the best thing I’ve written to date, which makes ripping off the bandage to put it out there all that much harder. I’ve lived with this story for a long time. I’ve existed in this world for more than two years now. And now, we’re going to co-exist in this space together. The good news is, I’m as excited for you to have it as I am nervous to release it to the masses.
The ebook is available for pre-order on Amazon, and it will be available on Kindle Unlimited as well. The paperback will be available on release day at both Amazon and through your local bookstore or preferred online vendor (you’ll have to request it if you want to buy it from your indie!).
I’m taking a break from the Political Gain world for the rest of the year while I focus on editing my firefighter romance and preparing to query it in early 2027. I’m cooking up a little something with my debut novel, Off The Record, too, not to mention traveling a bit. But we’re not done with Political Gain just yet. Look for Luke and Scarlett’s story, Political Risk, in Fall 2027.
In the words of my editor, “Have tissues” as you go into Political Damage. And may I recommend a sleeve of Double Stuf Oreos, too?
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About Political Damage
The danger may be over, but the damage is far from done.
Lyla Adler and Kage Kensington should finally have the chance to build the life they’ve fought so hard for. But the truth has left scars they don’t know how to heal, and the sudden reappearance of a ghost from Kage’s past threatens to unravel everything they’ve come to count on.
With all of his secrets now out in the open, Kage finds himself confronting the demons he’s spent years trying to outrun. Lyla is fighting battles of her own, and neither knows how to save the relationship they’ve sacrificed so much to protect.
Lyla and Kage have survived betrayal, secrets, and unimaginable danger. But with their relationship pushed to the breaking point, they must face a question neither is prepared to answer: Will love be enough this time?
Political Damage is Book Three in the Political Gain series, where power corrupts, love is tested, and secrets leave lasting damage.
