Laralyn Doran's Blog

Maturity had slimmed her face and rounded her curves, but I could still see the serious girl with the ponytail, who’d lived in t-shirts and jean cut-offs instead of new form-fitting clothes and heels. Experience and confidence had her standing a bit straighter, a bit prouder, and it outlined her beauty. She was undoubtedly a woman, but she was also the girl I once knew.

She was Mia St. James.

I couldn’t stop the smile coming through, even if she seemed less than happy to see me.
It showed in the slight hesitancy to move toward me, the tightness of her smile as she approached me—she wasn’t as excited to see me as I was to see her.

It was as if I was finding someone I’d lost—because I had.

“Hey, Gus.” She held out her hand for me to shake.

Either CJ or Harper whispered, “Oh…this ain’t awkward.”

Screw this. She can tell me why she’s prickly later. I turned on the charm. Stepping closer, I reached for her hand, softly taking it between both of mine as two lovers would. I stared at her from beneath my lashes, leaning forward and brushing my lips across her cheek, drawing back slowly and deepening my voice. “Hey there, Mia Darlin’.”

She pulled her hand out of mine and shoved my chest, her other hand on her hip. She fought the laughter, but the smirk wouldn’t be denied.

“What have I told you about calling me darlin’? And wipe that stupid grin off your face. Your charms and good looks don’t work on me, remember?”

I threw my head back and laughed, dragging her in for a true hug.
She softened in my hug and patted my back, accepting the greeting as I rocked her back and forth.

Harper and CJ walked up behind us, one of them commenting, “Oh, yeah. She’ll fit in just fine.”
Order Clever Girl Today!

Clever Girl

I'm GIVINGAWAY--100 Kindle ebook copies of my new release, CLEVER GIRL--yes...100 copies!


Or PRE-ORDER TODAY!
Clever Girl

There is a Clever Girl joining my Driven Women crew! I can't wait for you all to meet Mia. She's too smart to get tangled up with Gus and isn't that just the kind of challenge our favorite crew chief needs?

Coming in Jan 2023. But Add Clever Girl to your Want to Read Shelf today!

My little self-published, debut novel, A FAST WOMAN is a dual finalist in Romance Writers of America’s inaugural The Vivian Awards. Not just one–but two–categories! Contemporary Romance–Long AND Best First Book!

Are you kidding me? My pandemic “I’m stuck-in-the-house-so-let’s-try-self-publishing” project made it to the finals for, arguably, the highest award in romance publishing.

In the Romance Contemporary-Long category, it’s the only self-published debut book and in the company of amazing books like one named to Kirkus’s Top 100 Books of 2021, and another one named One of Oprah Magazines Most Anticipated Books of 2020.

At no time did I think this would happen. I was the ultimate underdog–A book about a woman stock car driver falling for a disgraced Indy driver who was trying to steal her dream? It was a story I wanted to write, but it was a risk.

The day the calls went out–just like when you get Oscar or Emmy nominations–my phone rings. The display says “California”. Now, I never answer my house phone–ever. But something inside remembered it was the day of the announcement and the tiniest bit of hope had me answering it.

Speechless. Not even sure what the woman said. I think I may have made a few squeaking noises, I think she laughed at me a bit, and I hung up on her. Sorry, nice lady!

Through this journey, my main character, CJ, has grown to mean so much to me. I discovered her motto–Focus, Grit, Unapologetic Determination is a mantra I hadn’t realized I lived by until I wrote this book. Thank you for being part of the ride. Hang on, because I’m not taking my foot off the gas!

 

 

September 16th is the day! CJ and Grady’s story of competition vs. chemistry, racing cars vs. racing hearts, determination vs. charm will leave you smiling and your adrenaline pumping. Come check out if they drive each other into the wall or push each other over the edge to the finish line.

Cover reveal and other sneak peaks are coming soon!

Hello everyone. 

I have great news. A Fast Woman is releasing in September! You finally get to meet CJ and Grady!

For the past few years I’ve been honing my craft as a romance writer.  As the busy mom of three kids, three dogs and a wife of a supportive husband, it has been an escape and a joy.

I’ve walked into the room of every conference, workshop and meeting and felt, “Yes, these are my people, my tribe.”

Before, when I thought of writers, I conjured images of secretive introverts hovered over a computer and not wanting to see the light of day. Well, that can be true. But romance writers are so much more. They deal out “Happily Ever Afters” on a daily basis while taking on all walks of life and any sub-genres you can imagine.  Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

I never could have imagined the amount of support I have received, from fellow newbies to best selling authors, all cheering me on. It has pushed me forward and helped me dare to dream.

Mulligan, a slow-burn, snarky contemporary recently placed First in Rose City Romance’s Golden Rose contest for Single Title Contemporary.

A Child of Eden, a dark, paranormal romance (no there aren’t any vampires) is also award-winning having placed First in Dark Paranormal category for The Fool For Love Contest  sponsored by Virginia Romance Writers.

More to come on both of those!