Evie Mitchell's Blog

Here's something I don't always talk about publicly: I'm an author with chronic illness, and I'm currently undergoing treatment.

Some days, I wake up and my brain is firing on all cylinders. I can draft thousands of words, tackle complex plot problems, and write blurbs without wanting to cry (mostly). Other days, getting out of bed is the achievement. Treatment days knock me sideways. Flare days are unpredictable. My energy isn't something I can schedule around—it schedules around me.

And yet, I still have books to write. Series to continue. A business to run. Readers waiting for stories.

So I had to build a system that actually works with my reality—not some idealised version of productivity that assumes I have consistent energy every single day.

Enter: the energy-based kanban board.

 

The Reality of Writing with Unpredictable Energy

If you're managing chronic illness, disability, treatment schedules, or just a body that doesn't cooperate with your ambitions, you already know: traditional productivity advice often isn't built for us.

"Wake up at 5am and write before the world wakes up!" Cool, except I was awake at 3am with pain and finally fell asleep at 4:30.

"Batch your tasks for maximum efficiency!" Love that idea. My body didn't get the memo about which day was supposed to be my "high output" day.

"Just be consistent!" Ah yes, let me just tell my immune system to be consistent too while I'm at it.

I'm not saying those systems don't work for anyone—they absolutely do for people with predictable energy. But that's not my life. Maybe it's not yours either.

What I needed was a system that let me be productive on good days and bad days, without the bad days feeling like failure.

How I Make It Work: Energy-Based Task Organisation

The core idea is simple: instead of organising my tasks by project (Book 1, Book 2, Marketing, etc.), I organise them by how much energy they require.

Every task gets a colour based on whether it's a high-energy or low-energy task. Then I add a label so I know which project it belongs to.

This means when I sit down to work, I don't have to think about what to do—I just have to honestly assess how I'm feeling, then grab a task that matches.

Good day? Grab a high-energy task. Treatment day? Low-energy tasks only. Somewhere in between? I've got options for that too.

No guilt. No forcing myself to draft when my brain is soup. No wasting good brain days on tasks I could do half-asleep.

Quick note: I use post-it notes on a physical board, but you can use this digitally anywhere you want, and you could sort by L,M,H lettering for energy if colour-coding don't work for you or if you're low vision, colour blind, or blind.

My SetupThe Columns (Task Stages)

I use five columns to track where each task lives in my workflow:

To Do — Everything waiting to be startedIn Progress — Currently being worked onOut for Input — Waiting on someone else (beta readers, editors, cover designers)Finalising — Almost done, needs that last bit of attention or uploading/in preorderComplete — Done! It's live, nothing else is required! (This is my serotonin column.)The five stages of getting things done (eventually).The Colours (Energy Levels)

This is where the magic happens for managing variable energy.

High Attention/Creation Tasks (bright colours—I use pink/blue):

These are the tasks that need me at my best. The ones I can only tackle when my brain is actually online and functioning. For me, that includes first drafting, developmental editing, complex plotting, writing blurbs (truly the villain of author tasks), and creating marketing content that requires actual thought.

Low Energy Tasks (I use yellow and green and soft pink):

These are my "I can do this from the couch wrapped in a blanket" tasks. Formatting. Uploading files to retailers. Scheduling pre-written social media posts. Basic admin. Proofreading passes where I'm checking, not creating. Anything that requires presence but not peak performance.

Blue = needs good brain. Yellow = couch brain is fine.

On treatment days or flare days, I know I'm only looking at the yellow and green post-its. And that's okay. That's the point. Those tasks still need doing, and doing them on hard days means I'm saving my good days for the work that actually needs them.

The Labels (Project Codes)

Every post-it also gets a small label so I know which project it belongs to. I keep these short because I write them constantly:

SM4 = Shadowmist Pack Book 4CC2 = Capricorn Cove Book 2NS = Nameless Souls MCGEN = General author stuff (i.e social posts, newsletters etc)

This way, I can see at a glance both the energy required AND which project moves forward when I complete it.

What This Looks Like for a Book

Publishing a book involves approximately one million tasks (rough estimate). Here's how I sort them:

High Energy (Pink/Blue):Draft the manuscriptWork through developmental editsWrite the blurbCreate marketing graphicsPlan newsletter campaignsPlan release strategyMedium Energy (Orange)EditsBusiness AdminEmails / engaging on socialsDesign tasksLow Energy (Yellow/Green/Soft Pink):Format ebook filesFormat print filesUpload to retailersSchedule social media postsUpdate websiteAdd book to GoodreadsSend files to narrator

All these tasks get the same project label, but they're scattered across my board by energy level. On a good week, I might knock out a bunch of pink tasks. On a rough week, I clear yellow tasks and keep projects moving forward without burning myself out.

Why This Works (For Me, Anyway)

I've tried a lot of systems over the years. This one stuck because it actually accounts for my reality. 

It removes decision fatigue on hard days. When I'm already struggling, the last thing I need is to stare at a board trying to figure out what I'm capable of. The colours tell me immediately.

It makes every day productive. Even my worst days can be productive days—just with different tasks. That mindset shift alone has been huge for my mental health around work.

It keeps all my projects moving. Because I'm not organised by project, I naturally rotate through different books and tasks. Nothing sits neglected for months because I was too focused elsewhere.

It prevents the "wasted good day" problem. Before this system, I'd sometimes spend a rare high-energy day doing admin because it was at the top of my list. Now I save good brain days for good brain tasks.

It gives me permission to rest. If I've cleared some pink or yellow tasks and I'm done, I'm done. The system doesn't demand more than I can give.

Tips If You Want to Try This

If you're also managing chronic illness, treatment, or unpredictable energy, here are some things I've learned:

Be honest about your energy categories. I used to put editing in "low energy" because I wanted to believe I could do it anytime. I couldn't. It needs more from me than formatting does. Lying to yourself about this defeats the purpose.

Keep your project labels short. You'll write them constantly. Three letters max.

Don't over-complicate the columns. Five works for me. You might need four. You might need six. But start simple.

Build in buffer. I never schedule high-energy tasks for treatment days or the day after. I know those are yellow-task-only days, and I plan accordingly.

Celebrate the low energy tasks. They're not "lesser" work. They're essential work you're doing on hard days.

Using This for New Year Planning

If you're mapping out your author year, this system scales beautifully.

I list out every project I want to complete, break each into component tasks, assign energy levels and labels, then put them on the board. Suddenly I can see my whole year—not as a rigid schedule that'll make me feel like a failure when my body doesn't cooperate, but as a flexible pool of tasks I can draw from based on what any given day allows.

Some weeks I'll fly through high-energy tasks. Some weeks I'll be in survival mode, clearing low-energy tasks one by one. Both are progress. Both are valid. Both keep my business running.

That's the whole point, really. Building a system that lets you keep going—whatever "going" looks like that day.

The Bottom Line

I'm not going to pretend this system will work for everyone. Bodies are different. Illnesses are different. What drains me might energise you, and vice versa.

But if you've been struggling to make traditional productivity systems fit a life that doesn't follow traditional patterns, maybe try flipping the script. Organise by energy, not project. Match your tasks to your capacity. Give yourself permission to work with your body instead of constantly fighting against it.

You're still getting things done. You're still building something. You're just doing it in a way that doesn't require you to be okay every single day.

And honestly? That's pretty badass.

Now if you'll excuse me, it's a yellow post-it kind of day, and I've got some formatting to knock out from the couch. 💜

I'd Love to Hear From You

Are you managing chronic illness while building your author career? Have you found systems that work for variable energy? I'd love to hear what's worked for you in the comments—we're all just figuring this out together.

The year’s rolling toward its end, and you deserve a break filled with laughter, spice, and a whole lot of love. Whether you’re in the mood for twinkle lights, pumpkin spice, or champagne kisses, this guide rounds up every holiday-ready read from Evie Mitchell — perfect for fans of sassy heroines, small towns, and steamy romance reads.

🎃 Halloween, Harvest & Autumn Vibes

Muffin Top
Pumpkin spice, body positivity, and a heroine who’s done apologizing for taking up space. Cozy and confidence-boosting. He's GONE for her! 

As You Wish
A small town rom-com full of charm, chaos, and love. Oh, and he happens to be her brother's best friend. 

Trick or Trent
Mischief, mayhem, and the kind of chemistry that makes you want to carve pumpkins together abound in this Halloween small town romp between two exes looking for a second chance. 

Wild Hopes
A small-town slow-burn with crisp autumn air, found family, and the perfect touch of emotional warmth. She falls first, he falls harder. 

🎄 Christmas Cheer & Cozy Chaos

The Christmas Contract
A small-town Christmas romance where sparks fly faster than tinsel unravels. Perfect for fans of movie star cinnamon rolls and reluctant mistletoe kisses.

The Mrs. Clause
A second chance arranged marriage that reminds us it’s never too late to fall in love again. Think Hallmark heart, but with Evie-level steam.

You Sleigh Me
When second chances and Christmas collide, one woman finds herself whispering sweetly for the rock star whose muse chose her.

Silent Knight
A Christmas second-chance romance with a protective hero, a soft-hearted heroine, and enough festive longing to melt the North Pole.

🥂 New Year, New Heat

New Year, Knew You
A steamy second chance romance that’s all about self-love, new beginnings, and a touch of amnesia that changes everything.

Meat Load
She's the town ice queen, he's the town teddy bear. She'll only melt for him! 

Resolution Revolution
A laugh-out-loud, mature curvy-girl ticks off a resolution list with a sexy silver fox single dad.

New Year’s Faye
One drunken night ends with marrying your best friend... who also happens to be your boss.

Grab the whole pack here!

July is Disability Pride month, a time to celebrate disability identity, raise awareness about the experiences and contributions of people with disabilities, and promote disability rights and inclusion. 

The month-long celebrations began in the United States to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, which prohibits discrimination based on disability. But in the last few years, Disability Pride Month has become recognised and celebrated internationally. 

My Story 

As a disabled, full-time romance author living with chronic illnesses, I spend a lot of time navigating space where disability is an after thought, both as a creator, a business owner, and a reader. I've seen the gaps. I’ve felt the exclusions. I’ve also seen how powerful our community can be when we get it right. 

During Disability Pride month, I want to talk about Disabled Allyship, and why I believe it's not a title you can claim for yourself.

To be clear, this post isn’t about calling people out. It’s about calling people in.

If you’ve ever said, “I care about inclusion!” or “I want to be a better ally to disabled folks!”, firstly, welcome! You’re in the right place.
Second of all, you’re not alone. Most people want to do better, they just don’t always know what that looks like in their home life, work place, and the bookish world.

So let’s break it down.

Allyship 

Let’s talk about a word that gets thrown around a lot, ally.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines an ally as, 

"Someone who helps and supports other people who are part of a group that is treated badly or unfairly, although they are not themselves a member of this group."

It’s a lovely definition. But in practice Allyship often gets watered down into a self-proscribed title that carries little responsibility or meaning. Often, when someone reposts a quote or adds the title to their bio, they seem themselves as being supportive of the minority group. This form of Allyship becomes a tick box exercise rather than holding meaning.  

I believe that Allyship isn’t a title we get to give ourselves. We can become an ally through our actions, by choosing to act with care, to challenge injustice, and to build spaces where people are able to show up authentically and unapologetically. 

Allyship is a practice. And I believe it's a title that a group should bestow on us, not us claiming it for ourselves if that group doesn't see us as being someone who is doing the work.

In this instance, if disabled folks don’t feel safe with you, don’t feel seen by you, don’t feel supported or uplifted by you, then it doesn’t matter what your bio says.

Evie. What????  

Yeah, I know. It’s a super hot take, but I truly believe that Allyship is a practice. 
And I say this as someone who has had to learn, unlearn, and re-learn in so many spaces — including within disability activism itself.

For example, I recently had an online conversation about masking, and it threw me for a loop.

Someone was advocating strongly for mask usage in public spaces, especially indoors. They were reminding people that universal masking is a disability issue, a public health issue, and a matter of equity.

I was confused.

See, I still mask up (especially when I’m traveling), but I’d stopped expecting other people to do the same. I’d shifted to a personal risk-based approach, if I’m feeling vulnerable, I stay home. If I’m attending something, I accept the risk and wear my masks.

To me, that felt reasonable and reflected the same practice I was doing prior to COVID. 

But then I realised, I was speaking from my specific bubble of privilege. A few things shaped my assumptions,

I live in Australia, where mask usage hasn’t been as politicised, criminalised, or banned.

I have access to affordable, universal healthcare if I do get sick.

I live in a country where public health is generally respected and protected by the current government.

In other words, I was thinking like a disabled person in my context — not a disabled person navigating public health in the U.S., the U.K., or anywhere masks have become a battlefield.

That conversation reminded me that allyship isn't about doing what feels comfortable.
It's about being open to hearing new perspectives, and being willing to update your actions.

It’s about remembering that our individual experiences are not universal.

Allyship isn't about perfection

If I've learned anything, it's that Allyship is not about perfection. It’s about being responsive, open, and accountable.

You’re going to mess up. We all are. You'll likely be called in and called out at various times. You'll unlock a new previously unknown bias, or you'll discover you don't understand the issue as well as you think you do. 

Language will change. Terminology will differ. The political environment will shift.

What matters is what you do next.

Will you double down and defend your choices? Or will you pause, listen, reflect, and do better?

Allyship doesn’t ask you to be flawless. It requires you to keep showing up.

Where to Next?

If you're still reading, thank you! 

If you'd like to know more, check out my blog posts for some suggestions on practical ways to be a better ally in the bookish space, including how to support disabled authors, improve your posting practices, make events more inclusive, and rethink how you use your platform and resources. 

Before you go, let me leave you with one powerful, simple question that you can carry into most spaces.

“How can I be a better ally?”

Ask it often and with humility, and be willing to act on the answer even if that answer is uncomfortable or requires you to do nothing but listen. 

Thanks for reading,
Evie 

To quote Andrew Garfield, "I hope this grief stays with me... This is all the unexpressed love, the grief that will remain with us until we pass because we never get enough time with each other....”

I lost my dog yesterday. Charlie Brown, also known as Mr. Seal, Little Man, and the Hand Whore, passed at home surrounded by his brother, sister, me and Mr. Evie. 

It was sudden and unexpected. One minute he was a rambunctious pupper, dancing around the yard, the next we had to make a tough decision. 

He came into our lives during COVID, at a time when life seemed hard and dark. Uncertainty still lingered, and we were just emerging. He and his brother arrived on our doorstep in a surprisingly abrupt manner, but quickly settled into our home and our hearts.

We'll miss finding him stealing the strawberries, nibbling at the tomatoes, and scoffing his siblings breakfast when he thinks we aren't looking.
I'll miss his excitement to go walking, and even miss his determination to sniff every drain we pass.
We'll miss him playing turtle under beds and blankets, and the way he mucks around with Lucy and Wally. We'll even miss his cement feet and determination to get constant pats - you little hand whore.
When I think about heaven and the afterlife, I often hope that it is a place where I'll be reunited with every dog I've ever loved. That it's a place where they're all gathered in front of a fire, or curled on a huge couch. There'll be toys and snacks, and the cold press of a snuffling nose as we all snuggle together in contentment. 
Nothing prepares you for saying goodbye to a loved one. Nothing hurts quite so much as being the one to make that decision. 
It is an honour to have loved you, Charlie. 
Dear Charlie,We love you.Say hi to Hendrix for us, little man.Keep the couch warm until I get there.Goodbye, Mr. Seal.

Spoiler alert - my life of crime was short lived... 

More

Reviewing books with disabled characters can feel daunting if you're unfamiliar with the community. But don’t worry, bestie—I’ve got you covered with this (incomplete, but still fabulous) guide.

The Free Planner That Helped Me Go Full-Time as a Writer

When I decided to take the leap into full-time writing, I knew I needed more than just a love for storytelling. I needed a way to make my writing sustainable—not just creatively, but financially.

So, I did what I used to do for others in my previous job: I created a plan. I built a Business Planner and Tracker that helped me organize my goals, track my progress, and stay focused. It’s not fancy, but it works.

And now, I want to share it with you.

Why I Made This Planner

Writing is my passion, but turning it into a career? That’s a whole other challenge. There are launches to plan, ads to run, and sales to track—not to mention actually writing the books. I needed a way to bring it all together, and that’s exactly what this planner does.

It helped me:

Track my income and expenses.Break big goals into manageable steps.Plan launches and marketing without feeling overwhelmed.

It’s the system I wish I had when I started. 

What’s Inside?

The planner is simple but covers everything I needed to keep my business running smoothly:

Money trackers (because the numbers matter).Goal-setting templates (so nothing feels too big to tackle - and, in my opinion, it pairs nicely with Sarra Cannon's HB90).Marketing plans (to keep launches on track).

It’s the same planner I used to go full-time, and I think it can help you too.

Get the Free Planner

You can grab the Business Planner and Tracker here:
Business Planner
Tracker

Use it to map out your own writing journey, whether you’re just starting or looking to grow.

My Journey

I know how overwhelming it can feel to treat your writing like a business. I’ve been there, wondering if I could make it work. This planner didn’t just help me stay organized—it gave me the confidence to take my writing seriously.

And now I want to pass it along to you.

Grab the planner, try it out, and see if it helps! Let me know how you go—I’d love to hear about your journey. 

_____

Need a Little Extra Help?

If you ever feel stuck or unsure about what to do next, I also offer one-on-one sessions for writers. Think of it as a brainstorming session where we figure out what works for you and how to move forward.

You DON'T need one-on-one coaching to use the planner—it’s designed for you to run with on your own. But if you want that extra nudge or a little clarity, I’m here. 

WritingLife #FreePlanner #AuthorJourney

So, you’re hosting a book event? Amazing! You’ve got the books, the authors, the readers—basically, all the makings of a literary love-fest. But here’s the thing: if your event isn’t inclusive, you might accidentally leave some folks out of the fun. And nobody likes FOMO, right?

This is your incomplete guide to making book events more inclusive. Why incomplete? Because let’s be real—we’re all still learning. But it’s a start, and starting is sexy.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

1. Sight: Making Things Easy on the Eyeballs 👀

Books events are already overwhelming, so let’s not make it harder for anyone, okay?

Big Fonts = Big Wins: At least 16-point font on programs, signs, and anything else people need to read. No one should have to squint to find the restroom.High Contrast: Light text, dark background. Think black-and-white classic, not artsy gray-on-gray "vibes."Screen Readers FTW: Digital materials should play nice with screen readers. Nobody’s got time for janky PDFs.Captions, Always: If there’s a panel or presentation, slap some captions on there. Not everyone can hear your mic drop moments.2. Sound: Because “What Did They Say?” Isn’t a Good Look 👂

Your panelists are brilliant, but it’s all for nothing if people can’t hear them.

Mic Check, One Two: Use a microphone. Always. Even if the room is “intimate.” Trust me, it’s not.Sign Language Interpreters: Book them early. Bonus points if they can sign romance terms like kissing noises and smoldering glances.Quiet Spaces: Give folks a chill zone. Not everyone thrives in noisy chaos (looking at you, extroverts).Assistive Listening Devices: Think of these as the AirPods of accessibility. Necessary and chic.3. Touch: Accessibility is Sexy ✋

Let’s make sure your venue isn’t a labyrinth of despair for anyone with mobility needs.

Mobility Access Everywhere: Ramps, elevators, wide doorways. You know the drill.Seating That Works: Mix it up—chairs with backs, spaces for wheelchairs, and even some floor cushions for those who may need to lie down or elevate their limbs.Wide Pathways: No one wants to be stuck in a human traffic jam between the Romantasy section and the coffee cart.Hands-Free Doors: Or at least a charming volunteer to hold them open. Call it romance in action.Accessible Toilets: Make sure toilets are both accessible and not too far from the main events. 4. Taste: Snacks Matter, People 🍿

Because no one can focus on a bookish debate when they’re hangry.

Label Everything: And I mean everything. “Is this gluten-free?” shouldn’t be met with a shrug.Low Tables: Put food where everyone can reach it. That includes wheelchair users and kids angling for their third cupcake.BYO-Snack Friendly: Have a “no judgment” policy for people bringing their own food. Sometimes you might be on a flare up diet and restricted on what you can eat. 5. Smell: Keep It Chill 👃

Nobody wants to be hit by a wall of cologne. Balance, my friends.

Scent-Free Zones: Ask attendees to keep the perfumes and aftershaves at home. Trust me, Eau de Books is the only smell we need.Fresh Air, Please: Ventilation is your best friend. Especially if your event involves food or… readers who’ve been at a convention for three days straight. Masks: Consider asking attendees to wear masks, especially during cold and flu season. No one wants to walk away with the sniffles, especially those who are immunocompromised. 6. Support: The Extra Mile is Always Worth It 🫶

Inclusivity isn’t just physical; it’s emotional too.

Accessibility Gurus: Have someone availability before and on-site during the event who knows how to help.Sensory Kits: Earplugs, fidget toys, maybe a squishy stress ball shaped like a book. Because why not?Companion Tickets: Free or discounted for caregivers. It’s a team sport, baby.Virtual Options: Not everyone can make it in person, but they can still vibe from their couch.7. Communication: Spell It Out ✍️

People love knowing what to expect.

Clear Websites: Make sure your event info is accessible, detailed, and not buried under 27 dropdown menus. Add in alt text, easy read options etc. Pre-Event Surveys: Ask what attendees need before they show up. Easy for you, and they’ll love you for it.Social Media Hype: Let people know how inclusive you’re being. Flex those accessibility muscles.8. Feedback: Let’s Do Better Next Time 💬

No one’s perfect (except maybe that one author everyone loves), but you can always improve.

Ask for Feedback: Use accessible forms and actually read the responses.Follow Up: Tell attendees how you’re implementing their suggestions. Transparency is sexy.Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

Listen, no one’s expecting you to nail this on your first try. But putting in the effort? That’s what counts. Inclusivity isn’t just a box to tick—it’s about making sure everyone feels welcome, seen, and valued.

At the end of the day, book events are about celebrating stories—and what’s a good story without a little heart? 💖

Now go forth and host the most inclusive, badass book event ever. And if you forget something? Don’t worry, that’s why this guide is “incomplete.”

💬 What’s your favorite accessibility hack for events? Let me know!

#InclusiveEvents #BookLoversUnite #IDPWD #AccessibleEvents #ReadersAreForEveryone

Welcome the Home of Steamy, Inclusive Romance Novels

The holiday season is here, and what better way to treat yourself or a loved one than with a steamy, heartwarming romance novel? From spooky Halloween flings to heartwarming Christmas love stories and sizzling New Year's Eve romances, this collection has it all. Perfect for fans of diverse, inclusive, and body-positive reads, these page-turners feature strong female leads and swoon-worthy moments. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or looking to cozy up with a captivating story, Evie Mitchell’s books are your go-to for holiday romance reads.

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Why Romance Novels Make the Perfect Holiday Gift

This festive season, give the gift of love, laughter, and unforgettable characters. Romance novels offer an escape into a world of passion, heart, and happy-ever-afters – the ideal present for any reader who loves a good story.

If you love stories from incredible romance authors like Megan Wade, Hope Ford, Alexa Riley, Frankie Love, Jessa Kane, Talia Hibbert, Penny Reid, Sally Thorne, or Chloe Liese, Mia Brody, Nichole Rose, Cathy Yardley, Amy Award, Mary Warren, Ella Goode, or Fiona Clarke then my books might just be the perfect fit for you! Like them, Evie Mitchell writes stories that blend steamy romance with humor, heart, and characters who you can’t help but fall in love with.

Evie specializes in stories that celebrate strong, diverse heroines, steamy plots, and inclusive love stories that everyone can enjoy. So whether you're shopping for a book-lover, a romance enthusiast, or even treating yourself, you'll find the perfect match right here.

Shop and Save This Holiday Season

Don’t miss out on our exclusive holiday edeals – perfect for stocking up on romance novels for all the readers in your life. Whether you're shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other holiday celebration, we've got you covered with savings that will make your holiday shopping a breeze. Check out the ebook bundle below!

Top Picks for Your Holiday Reading List

Looking for a romance that will make your heart race? Check out some of our best-selling titles:

Knot My Type – Perfect for fans of inclusive, diverse love stories.Runner – For those who love fierce heroines and sexy, swoon-worthy heroes.Thunder Thighs – A spicy, body-positive read with heart and humor.Get Personal with Your Gift

Looking for something extra special? Why not personalize your gift with a signed copy of an Evie Mitchell romance? A personal message in a gorgeous paperback romance novel is sure to make your present even more memorable.

Not Sure Which Book to Pick? Give the Gift of Choice!

If you’re not sure which book your loved one would enjoy most, I’ve got you covered. Gift cards are now available so they can choose their own perfect romance. It’s the easiest way to give the gift of love this holiday season!

With an Evie Mitchell gift card, your friend or family member can pick from my entire collection and find the story that speaks to them. It’s the ideal solution for last-minute shoppers or anyone who prefers to let the recipient choose. Grab a gift card today!

 

Mai

I think I want to climb a mountain

Theo

You hate physical exercise

Mai

Says who?

Theo

You. You literally complained the entire time I took you hiking

Mai

Your version of hiking involved snakes, wolves and a snowstorm. I feel my protests were justified

Theo

It wasn’t that bad

Mai

Tell that to the rangers who had to carry you out…

Theo

And here I was thinking you liked adventure

 

Airport security always took forever when I traveled. They’d spend extra time doing pat downs and chemical testing to make sure I wasn’t smuggling drugs or ammunition in through my prosthetic.

“And arms,” the bored security guard said, gesturing for me to lift them.

“Don’t worry, the only thing I’m packing is a shit-ton of cheese in my bag,” I told him with a wink.

The guard ignored me, completing his examination.

Guess he didn’t enjoy my cheese jokes.

With a few swipes of some pads, he checked for chemical residue, then dismissed me.

“Next,” he called, turning away.

Free to go, I picked up my bag and made my way to where Mai stood, fiddling anxiously as she glanced around the airport.

“All done?” she asked.

I nodded, watching as she tapped the fingertips of one hand against the ring I’d given her. The Morse-code-like movement had become a tell for her stress levels.

I caught her hand, gently squeezing until her fingers relaxed.

“We’re down here,” I said, leading her toward the terminal. “But you already knew that.”

Her cheeks flushed and she dipped her head, hiding her face behind her curtain of ebony hair. “I may have glanced at the board.”

Mai never left anything to chance. She did better with certainties, working through her anxiety by understanding how things were laid out, what was expected of her, how she should dress or behave. Her overpreparation had saved my bacon a time or two, but I knew it cost her mentally and physically.

Following an uneventful plane ride, we were met at the airport by a smiling, peppy young man with the unexpected name of Bruce. Bruces in my opinion were men who sprouted from the earth at the age of forty, with peppered beards, pot bellies and who only drank beer that came in cans.

This Bruce seemed determined to shake my belief in the name to the core. He appeared to be no older than twenty-one, had lime-green hair with a single flop of ice white at his left temple that contrasted sharply with his fake tan. He wore the shit out of a crisp flowing dress that looked like it came from a scene in The Devil Wears Prada.

I glanced down at my own simple plaid button-up and jeans. We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto.

Mai clutched my hand as we followed him.

“This way!” Bruce said, quickly navigating the crowds of the airport. “We’ll need to hurry if we’re going to make it on time. The other couples all landed yesterday, but there was an issue booking your tickets so late—that’s what happens when you’re a last-minute addition.”

Mai stumbled and I caught her, holding her close.

“An addition?” she repeated.

“Yeah.” Bruce nodded. “The other couple broke up. Completely understandable—they were nightmares throughout this whole casting process. We were desperate and you two seemed like the best option to replace them at short notice.”

He held the door open for us and we stepped into the midafternoon sun.

“Why do you say that?” I asked.

“You’re from a small town, determined to make it big. You’re unknowns on the fashion circuit, and while your design samples were good….” He made a gesture with his hands that I took to mean he wasn’t overly impressed with Mai’s efforts.

I bristled. “Are you saying that—”

“Here it is,” Bruce interrupted, ignoring me.

A black limo slid into the pickup space, idling by the curb.

“Theo.”

I glanced down at Mai, my jaw clenched. She smiled up at me, her expression serene.

“It’s okay,” she assured me, squeezing my hand. “We knew coming in we were the underdogs. It’s not a problem.”

I blew out a breath. “You’re right.” I forced a smile. “Should we make underdog t-shirts to wear on our first day? Perhaps a hound dog expression with ‘Underdogs are the best dogs’ written above it.”

Mai snorted. “We’d be tossed out.”

“You say that, and yet I’ve seen some of the things celebrities wear.” I helped her slide into the back of the limo. “Our shirt would be iconic.”

“I doubt that very much.”

Bruce followed me in then shut the door, sealing us into the dim interior.

I’d never traveled in a limo before and was surprised to find it… underwhelming. Oh, sure there were snacks, interesting lighting, and a cool partition that separated us from the driver, but otherwise, it was just a car. And cars didn’t hold any appeal for me.

The woman seated beside me, dressed in a cute sundress of her own making, however…

“Theo!”

I pulled my hand back from the control panel, flashing Mai a sheepish grin. “What?”

She inclined her head toward the driver. “I’m sure they don’t enjoy you opening and closing the partition repeatedly.”

I muttered something petulant under my breath but leaned back in my seat.

Bruce laughed, holding up his phone. “You mind scooting closer together? I want to snap a picture of you two for our socials.”

We exchanged a glance but did as asked. Bruce twisted this way and that, taking picture after picture, directing us to “look natural” and “smile more.”

How one smiled with all their teeth while looking natural I would never know.

A tinge of exhaustion hit me as the limo pulled into the hotel driveway. My residual limb had begun to throb on the plane—no doubt a mixture of swelling from the pressure and from all the walking on slippery surfaces—tiles were the bane of my existence.

“I’m looking forward to room service and bed,” I admitted quietly to Mai as we shuffled to exit the limo.

“Oh, did I not mention tonight’s events?” Bruce asked, overhearing our conversation.

“Mention what?” I asked, straightening from the car.

“We have interviews scheduled followed by welcome drinks. You’ll meet the host and the other teams. It’s compulsory.”

Mai and I exchanged a frustrated look.

“No,” I said tightly. “It must have slipped your mind while you were taking a million pictures of our shoes.”

He chuckled, seemingly oblivious to my sarcasm. “Don’t worry, makeup is on standby and will have you looking incredible before you can even blink.”

“Will there be food?” Mai asked, patting her stomach. “I don’t think I’ll be able to form a sentence if I’m not fed.”

Bruce pulled out his phone, swiping rapidly. “The schedule doesn’t mention eating, but I’ll see that something is delivered. Though” —he sniffed delicately— “you really should have eaten on the plane.”

“How silly of us,” I drawled, clutching a hand to my chest. “We shall make a note to do so next time.”

Mai elbowed me in the side, a not-so-subtle hint.

I glanced down at her, our gazes meeting in a silent conversation.

Play nice.

I frowned, tipping my head toward Bruce.

I don’t want to. The guy is an ass.

She sighed, her expression turning pleading.

Please?

Rolling my eyes, I dropped an arm over her shoulder and pulled her into my side.

“Only for you,” I murmured against her ear. “But if there’s no food in the next fifteen minutes, all bets are off.”

Our bags were handed off to a doorman before Bruce ushered us through the doors of the beautiful hotel, through another set of doors, and into a conference room that had been repurposed into a studio. The second our feet crossed the threshold a whirlwind of activity engulfed us.

“Smile,” an audio tech barked at me as she ripped my shirt from my body and began to strap a microphone to my chest. “You’re about to be a star.”

Microphone strapped down, my shirt was quickly replaced by a different woman who ushered us forward. Tall and lean, she had the kind of mannerisms that reminded me of a person who’d had three cups too many coffee. We followed, listening as she pointed out different areas of the staging. While she moved confidently through the chaos, Mai and I struggled, dodging bustling crew who were more focused on their miles of cables than the fresh meat walking by.

“I’m the director. You’re on my set,” the woman said, flicking dark-brown hair away from her tired face. “Which means I own you. When I say jump, you don’t ask how high, you just jump. Got me?”

I bristled, glancing at Mai. Her expression had blanked, but I read panic in her eyes. That panic was enough to calm whatever annoyance I felt. I was here for her—not me. I needed to check my ego at the door and just go with the flow.

We nodded, Mai’s hand finding mine as we walked.

“Good. We’re going to do couple interviews. You sit on a couch, you answer all the questions, and then you get to go join the other contestants at the party. Got me?”

I shot Mai a teasing look. “Aye, aye, Captain.”

The imposing woman glanced at me over her shoulder, her gaze narrowing. “A joker, are you? We’ll see how much you’re laughing once the competition starts.”

I exchanged a look with Mai, feeling strangely like a scolded schoolboy.

“She doesn’t like you,” Mai whispered, barely containing her laughter. “We’re already off to a horrible start.”

“No one hates me,” I said confidently. “They just don’t know they like me yet.”

“Sit. It’s time to prove you can charm the public.” The director clapped her hands like we were schoolkids and not grown-ass adults.

“What’s your name?” I asked, as we sat.

“Celeste, but you can call me sir.”

I swallowed a laugh. “Yes, sir.”

From seemingly nowhere, makeup artists appeared, plastering my face with creams and dust and something they called setting spray before scurrying off to leave us alone with the host of the show—Michelle Conliam.

Once named one of the most beautiful women in the world, the former model hadn’t lost an ounce of her charisma since her retirement. Her brown skin gleamed under the studio lights, and despite now being in her mid-forties, her close-cropped black hair showed only the faintest of gray in the strands.

She wore a dress that put me in mind of dancing—a red flirty number that clung to her frame and showed off her sinuous, lean limbs.

“Welcome,” she said warmly, clasping first Mai’s hands, then mine. “I’m so pleased to meet you both. Are you excited to be here?”

Mai nodded mutely, forcing me to step in.

“Thrilled,” I said, covering for her. “But a little shell-shocked, if I’m honest. Ain’t every day you’re flown halfway across the country and dropped into a set like this.”

Michelle chuckled. “Don’t worry, we’ll look after you.”

“And, three, two, one, action!” a man with a clapboard yelled, smacking the board before stepping out of view.

Under the glaring lights of the interview set, I could feel every ounce of makeup caked on my face as the host fired questions about our “relationship.”

I shot Mai a quick glance, registering her frozen expression and the vacant look in her eyes.

Fuck.

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