Grab your favorite mug, settle into your coziest chair, and let me tell you a story from my early days in the romance industry. It’s a tale of innocence, a shot for courage, and the ultimate last-minute betrayal.

I’m laughing just typing this, but for those of you who were there—or those who never blogged about it—remember: history belongs to those who take the time to record it. Since I don’t believe a video exists (thankfully!), we’re going to rely on my memory of that wild day back in 2014.

The Set-Up

There I was, unwinding after a long book signing with several of my good author friends. I had literally just stepped off the phone with my husband, telling him how exhausting and "crazy" the work of a book signing is. I was the picture of a dedicated professional.

Then, one of the authors turned to me and asked, "Have you ever been to a Coyote Ugly?"

I hadn't. So, naturally, the whole group—authors and readers alike—decided that was exactly where we needed to be. The atmosphere was fun, not too crowded, and we were all having a blast.

The "we’re all in" Betrayal

We were standing there looking up at the famous bar when someone suggested, "Let's go up and dance!"

In my head, it was an "we’re all in" moment. I started to climb up, thinking my fellow authors were right behind me. But the moment my feet hit the wood, I realized I had been "lured." They scrambled away, leaving me standing on the bar all by myself. . . well, me and a group of readers who were all significantly younger than I was!

But I’m a brave romance author, right? So, there I stood in my sneakers and Capri pants, and I danced. I gave it my all while my "friends" cheered (and laughed) and took photos from the safety of the floor.

The "Working Hard" Text

The best part? As we were leaving the bar and walking down the street, total strangers started stopping me. "Hey! I just saw a post of you dancing at Coyote Ugly!"

My heart dropped. If strangers were seeing it, that meant the internet was seeing it. Seconds later, my phone buzzed. It was a text from my husband:

"Looks like you sure are working hard."

I burst out laughing. Thankfully, my husband has an incredible sense of humor. We don’t worry about each other—honestly, he’s more worried I’ll come home with another horse than that I’d ever sneak around and do anything. He knew I didn’t really drink (well normally) and I am certainly not a dancer, so the mental image of me in my sneakers on that bar was something he just wished he’d seen in person.

The Moral of the Story

We have laughed about that night so many times over the years. It’s one of those "magic" memories that only happens when you’re out on the road with readers and fellow authors who become family.

But I did walk away with one very important life lesson: When someone says, "Let's dance on the bar," you always let them go first.

There is a specific feeling to starting a new series. Even after 50+ books, it never goes away. It feels like sending your child off to school for the first time. You hope it finds friends. You hope you did more right than wrong with it. You just hope it’s ready.

Authors pour so much of themselves into these stories. My friends often tell me that when they read my romances, they can hear my voice on every page. It’s a thought that brings me peace. When my adult children ponder the future, I tell them that one day I’ll be old, and yes, one day they’ll lose me—but if they ever want to hear me again, I’m right there in my books.

My humor, my philosophies on forgiveness, and my belief in the importance of family—both the one we’re born to and the one we create—are woven into the fabric of every chapter .

My stories originate as a spark in my imagination, but they truly come to life when they brush up against my real life. They become better every time my husband or my children talk through a plot point with me. Over the years, my children have been part of this journey on so many levels. My oldest daughter worked as our graphic designer and photographer, and now my youngest, Serenity, is creating my covers.

Every point of overlap between my stories and my family is beautiful to me. I hope that light shines through both in my writing and in how I show up here with you. If my stories leave you smiling and feeling just a little bit better about the world and the people around you, my heart is full.

Welcome to Firebrook Valley. I hope you find a new friend in Drew and Bella.

Not You (Firebrook Valley, Book 1) Available for Pre-order now. Launches March 11.

With love,

Ruthie

Welcome to Firebrook Valley! I am so excited to finally introduce you to the rivals, the tension, and the billionaires of my brand-new series. (Includes: cameos from some of my OG billionaires.)

When I first started dreaming up Firebrook Valley, I had a very specific vision for the covers but I couldn't quite find the right fit while shopping for designers. 

 This was the original concept cover. Every masterpiece starts somewhere! 

My concept cover:

Serenity Cardello, my 15-year-old daughter, offered to draw the characters and create the covers for me. I love how they came out, and I hope you do as well.  I've hired her for the entire series. I couldn't be prouder. 

 As you can see, she gets her artistic talent from me . . . (wink). 

My original title for the first book in the series was Not Me, but I decided on Not You. I hope you enjoyed this look behind the scenes. I’m so grateful for my family who puts up with me and for you for coming along with me on this crazy, but often amazing, writing journey.

Use Goodreads? Don't forget to add NOT YOU to your WANT TO READ LIST. Simply hover over the button below and click WANT TO READ!