Blair Bryan's Blog

Early Release Alert: Read Never Lose Hope Today!

The wait is over! Read the 2nd book in the Aura Cove: Temporal Traveler series 30 days ahead of its worldwide release. This series features a neurodivergent heroine Neve who is searching for the truth behind her father's death. Her feathered sidekick, Peregrine, keeps things ridiculous. If you loved Katie and the gang, you are guaranteed to love Nevermore. Order your copy here. 

Currently Writing: Never Alone

I’m over 50% into drafting Book 3 of the Aura Cove Temporal Traveler Series. This part of the process is driving blind into the loosely outlined abyss and seeing what happens. It is the most magical part of the process. 

Currently Writing: Velvet Guild Episode 3

This one is a steamy reboot of the first words I ever published. It's short and spicy giving you a 60 minute sexy escape into real-world BDSM. Catch up and read episodes 1 and 2 while you wait. 

Fantasy Fans, Rejoice: Special Editions Are Coming!

Exciting news! My Nevermore Series Kickstarter is part of this incredible collaboration! Bestselling fantasy authors are launching breathtaking special editions, but they’re only available for a short time. CLICK HERE to follow the ones you love so you can grab them when they go live!

Currently Reading: Sociopath: A Memoir

This audiobook, narrated by the author, offers a rare and compelling perspective. A self-proclaimed sociopath, she became a doctor both to understand herself and to help others with similar diagnoses. I’m always intrigued by the reasons behind human behavior, and this memoir explores sociopathy in a way that’s rarely discussed and truly thought-provoking.

The Weekly Gift Card Winner is: Anita Kutz
(Enter for your chance to win at the bottom of this page.) P.S. I Need Your Help!

Reviews are gold and help me reach more readers. Did you know, you can review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, KOBO, and Apple Books or at any other bookseller? You can even copy and paste your review to all of them! 
More reviews=More visibility.

You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt! 

NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.

I'm Back After 2 Weeks out West!

I spent two inspiring weeks out west on a research trip, my notes and my mind are overflowing with fresh ideas. I love writing in new places, and Utah’s stunning landscapes will almost certainly find their way into a future series.

The break was much needed and unforgettable. Between savoring amazing food, exploring four national parks, and hiking and biking across two states, I came home both energized and recharged. Along the way, I stopped at a few bookstores, connected with readers, and soaked up every bit of inspiration I could. What an adventure! I'll be putting together a travelogue post and video soon. Check out last year's adventure along the Oregon Coast here. 

Never Lose Hope E-Books Released Today! 

Surprise! 🎉 Never Lose Hope ebooks are here! If you pre-ordered book two in the Aura Cove Temporal Traveler series, the wait is officially over! You can start reading today. Check your email for your delivery instructions.

If you haven’t started the series yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in. You can binge the first two books before anyone else and get swept away in this new adventure in the Aura Cove universe. According to my editor (who's read thousands of books) this series is her absolute favorite. She’s completely fallen in love with Nevermore and Perry…and I think you will too.

👉 Order your copy here.
📦 Paperbacks ship October 7th Currently Writing: Never Alone

I’m about 30% into drafting Book 3 of the Aura Cove Temporal Traveler Series. In Never Alone, Neve and Perry land in 1984 to help a neurodivergent chef clear his name and take back his place in the kitchen. It’s retro chaos with heart and humor. 

Currently Reading: Just for the Summer

Just for the Summer is the ultimate easy-breezy read with depth—perfect for our 16-hour marathon drive. Abby has a gift for creating lovable characters and settings that feel instantly relatable. When I need a story to make the hours fly by, she’s always a favorite.

The Weekly Gift Card Winner is: Wilma Scheiffer
(Enter for your chance to win at the bottom of this page.) P.S. I Need Your Help!

Reviews are gold and help me reach more readers. Did you know, you can review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, KOBO, and Apple Books or at any other bookseller? You can even copy and paste your review to all of them! 
More reviews=More visibility.

You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt! 

NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.

Fantasy Fans, Rejoice: Special Editions Are Coming!

Exciting news! My Nevermore Series Kickstarter is part of this incredible collaboration! Bestselling fantasy authors are launching breathtaking special editions, but they’re only available for a short time. CLICK HERE to follow the ones you love so you can grab them when they go live!

Currently Writing: Never Alone

I’m about 30% into drafting Book 3 of the Aura Cove Temporal Traveler Series. In Never Alone, Neve and Perry land in 1984 to help a neurodivergent chef clear his name and take back his place in the kitchen. It’s retro chaos with heart and humor. 

Currently Reading: Sandwich

Maybe it’s the stage of life I’m in, but this story truly resonated with me. With its themes of motherhood, pregnancy, raising adult children, and caring for aging parents, it’s a poignant read that tugs at the heartstrings of any mother.

The Weekly Gift Card Winner is: Denise LaGarde
(Enter for your chance to win at the bottom of this page.) P.S. I Need Your Help!

Reviews are gold and help me reach more readers. Did you know, you can review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, KOBO, and Apple Books or at any other bookseller? You can even copy and paste your review to all of them! 
More reviews=More visibility.

You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt! 

NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.

Ready for a wild 80s romp with an obnoxious avian guide?

He has the soul of a con man, always scheming for his own gain, until the day he meets Nevermore. Early readers can’t get enough of this story! If you’re looking for a heartwarming, fast-paced, and uplifting read that will restore your faith in justice for the underdogs, this is the series for you.

Skip Amazon, Support Never Lose Hope on Kickstarter

Dive into a story featuring:

Middle-Aged Neurodivergent Protagonist with Sharp InstinctsTime Travel Triggered by Mercury RetrogradeSnarky Animal Sidekick (Parrot Familiar)Second Chance at Healing the Past

FOLLOW THE KICKSTARTER HERE TO RECEIVE UPDATES & HELP ME REACH MORE BACKERS!

Final Call! Grab Midlife in Aura Cove Before It Heads to KU!

With the challenges of today’s economy, I’ve made the difficult decision to bring the Midlife in Aura Cove series to Kindle Unlimited for the very first time. 

But here’s the catch—Amazon requires indie authors to be exclusive, which means this is your last chance to buy from your favorite wide bookseller or support me directly before the series moves. Your support makes all the difference, and I’m so grateful to you for keeping my dream of being an author alive. 

Currently Writing: Never Alone

I’m about 25% into drafting Book 3 of the Aura Cove Temporal Traveler Series, and the story is really starting to heat up! This one centers around a cozy Italian eatery and a brilliantly talented neurodivergent chef that Neve is destined to help. I’m loving how it’s all coming together, and I can’t wait to share it with you when it releases in 2026!

Currently Reading: First Time Caller

Do yourself a favor and listen to it on audio. The story unfolds around a call-in radio station, with vivid characters and a refreshingly original spin (for the most part). I’ll admit, I get a little tired of the classic third-act breakup in romance, but I get it, romance authors can’t just let the characters be too happy too soon.

The Weekly Gift Card Winner is: Amanda Shellinghorn
(Enter for your chance to win at the bottom of this page.) P.S. I Need Your Help!

Reviews are gold and help me reach more readers. Did you know, you can review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, KOBO, and Apple Books or at any other bookseller? You can even copy and paste your review to all of them! 
More reviews=More visibility.

You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt! 

NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.

From Con Man to Bird Man: Meet the Funniest Character I’ve Ever Written 

After reading Remarkably Bright Creatures and falling in love with Marcellus the octopus, I was inspired to include a talking bird in my next series. What started as a fun, innocent idea quickly took a wild turn: what if this bird was actually a former con man, who, after his untimely death, has no choice but to inhabit a bird’s body or risk going straight to hell? The result? One of the funniest characters I’ve ever written.

Skip Amazon, Support Never Lose Hope on Kickstarter

Dive into a story featuring:

Middle-Aged Neurodivergent Protagonist with Sharp InstinctsTime Travel Triggered by Mercury RetrogradeSnarky Animal Sidekick (Parrot Familiar)Second Chance at Healing the Past

FOLLOW THE KICKSTARTER HERE TO RECEIVE UPDATES & HELP ME REACH MORE BACKERS!

Velvet Guild Episode 1 & 2 Now on KU

Looking for a rom-com that’s equal parts hilarious, steamy, and impossible to forget? Velvet Guild delivers laughs, swoons, and a delightfully naughty twist, all starring a cast of characters proving that sex only gets better after 40.

Available Exclusively on Amazon Kindle & FREE on Kindle Unlimited 

Currently Writing: Never Alone

I’ve officially started drafting the next book in the series! This morning, a new idea hit me that has me rethinking the entire trajectory, it's exciting, a little scary, and totally invigorating. I’ll see how it unfolds in real time and will keep you posted right here.

Kickstarter Adventures from Other Fantasy Authors You’ll Love

Check out these incredible fantasy projects from authors who share your love of magic, adventure, and unforgettable worlds. Supporting them on Kickstarter is a chance to discover amazing stories while helping creators bring their visions to life!

Mason Dixon Monster Hunter Special Edition Hardcover Omnibus

If you grew up watching Scooby-Doo like I did, this is right up your alley! Some folks hunt monsters. Some folks save them. When D&D & Ozark folklore monsters collide. Urban fantasy with adorably weird cryptids.

Survivor: An Epic Fantasy Dystopian Limited Edition

In this game, players must fight to survive. The Nyclimes call it tradition. Everyone else calls it a nightmare.

A deadlier version of the Survivor TV show meets The Hunger Games, in this stand alone fantasy novel. And it is a perfect blend of epic fantasy and dystopian!

The Weekly Gift Card Winner is: Mable Bentzinger
(Enter for your chance to win at the bottom of this page.) P.S. I Need Your Help!

Reviews are gold and help me reach more readers. Did you know, you can review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, KOBO, and Apple Books or at any other bookseller? You can even copy and paste your review to all of them! 
More reviews=More visibility.

You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt! 

NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.

Here’s a shocking truth: Hawt Flash Midlife in Aura Cove sells for $17.46 on Audible. Guess how much the creator actually makes?

$2.47.

You read that right—two dollars and forty-seven cents for all the writing, editing, cover design, advertising, and narration poured into this story. To give you a frame of reference I paid $12,000 upfront to bring this series to life. 

Meanwhile, Audible pockets nearly $15 from day one with zero expense. They profit while the creator struggles to recoup the investment that actually made the audiobook possible. You might think you’re “supporting the author” by buying there, but the truth is, you’re mostly supporting a corrupt corporation.

This is a rigged system. Authors do the work, readers pay, and the platform wins. Independent creators get scraps, while Audible double dips, profiting immediately not only from the sale itself but also from selling the advertising that convinces you to buy it in the first place. It’s unfair, exploitative, and it crushes small business. 

Here’s how you can fight back: buy direct from the author whenever possible. On the creator’s website, through Kickstarter, or other direct channels, your support goes where it belongs—into the hands of the creator who made the story possible. That’s how real creativity survives.

Every Audible purchase feeds the corporate greed machine. Conversely, every direct purchase feeds the creator, and helps keep our businesses and local communities alive. 

You can help break the rigged system, and most times pay less for the product by ordering direct. For example, by purchasing on this website, you can get the audiobook for almost 45% less than the retail price on Audible. That's an incredible win/win for both of us. 

If you love an author, buy direct. 

XOXO Blair Bryan

Why Do We Need More Books Like This?

Because the war on women is real, and we deserve a break from the nonstop chaos of headlines and press releases that tell us we are little more than an incubator. We crave stories that let us escape, and where justice isn’t delayed or denied. In Aura Cove, Karma doesn’t just show up. She delivers retribution to the men who deserve it. 

Why is Never Lose Hope going LIVE on Kickstarter First?

Because I want to bring this story directly to you (my readers) without handing over control (and most of the profits) to Amazon. Help a small business thrive so I can put more stories out into the world. Your support makes a huge difference. 

FOLLOW THE KICKSTARTER HERE TO RECEIVE UPDATES & HELP ME REACH MORE BACKERS!

Velvet Guild Episode 1 & 2 Now on KU

Velvet Guild is the guilty pleasure you didn't know you needed. A laugh-out-loud, toe-curling rom-com with a delightfully kinky twist, starring a cast of unforgettable characters, all 40 and up. Friends Don't Let Friends Stay Vanilla. 

Available Exclusively on Amazon Kindle & FREE on Kindle Unlimited 

Currently Writing: Never Alone

Never Lose Hope is complete, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it all came together! You can back the Kickstarter to be among the very first to read it 60 days before the official release.

Now, I’m diving straight into Book 3 of the series. The outline is ready, but we’ll see how closely the draft follows it. Stories have a way of taking on a life of their own, that’s the real magic of the writing process.

Currently Enjoying: The Pampered Chef Burger Press

Confession: I hate the parties, and I am not a fan of the MLM business model. But I love their products and I’m a total sucker for a good kitchen gadget. This one’s a keeper: it makes perfectly shaped burgers with that ideal center divot for even cooking. They pop right out and go straight onto the grill or into the freezer for quick meals at a later date. It also has an insert for sliders. 

The Weekly Gift Card Winner is: Candace Willingheuer
(Enter for your chance to win at the bottom of this page.) P.S. I Need Your Help!

Reviews are gold and help me reach more readers. Did you know, you can review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, KOBO, and Apple Books or at any other bookseller? You can even copy and paste your review to all of them! 
More reviews=More visibility.

You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt! 

NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.

Have you fallen in love with Neve & Perry Yet?

Return to Aura Cove and delve deeper into Nevermore LaRue’s journey...a girl haunted by the mystery of her father’s disappearance when she was just fifteen. Early feedback has been glowing, praising the magical setting, the thrilling time-travel twists, and an unforgettable African Grey parrot who absolutely steals every scene! Grab your copy now!

Why is my next book going LIVE on Kickstarter First?

Because I want to bring this story directly to you (my readers) without handing over control (and most of the profits) to giant corporations.

When authors sell through Amazon, they often lose up to 70% of each sale to fees, printing costs, advertising and the platform’s cut. That means fewer resources for us to create the books you love, fewer chances to offer beautiful editions, and less ability to reward loyal readers with bonuses and extras. Amazon’s algorithms also decide who sees a book, often burying smaller, independent voices in favor of big publishing houses.

Kickstarter flips that model on its head. It’s not like buying from a faceless mega corporation, it’s a direct connection between you and the author. When you back a Kickstarter, you’re not just buying a book. You’re helping bring it into the world. Every dollar goes into supporting the author to make the book better. Think gorgeous hardcover printing, custom interior artwork, and special rewards you can’t get anywhere else.

FOLLOW THE KICKSTARTER HERE TO RECEIVE UPDATES & HELP ME REACH MORE BACKERS!

Even if you’re not ready to back the campaign, simply following the project means the world to me! It boosts the algorithm, helping me reach more potential backers. To make this series a success, I need all the followers I can get. Following is a free, easy way to support the journey and keep this crazy train rolling!

Velvet Guild EPISODE 2 starts with a hilarious BANG!

If you don't have time to read an entire book, this short reads serial series might just be your new guilty pleasure. Each episode can be read in an hour or two, like your favorite TV Drama. It's explicit, so be warned it's NSFW! Episode 2 has a hilarious scene you won't want to miss and just released yesterday. FREE on KU

Available Exclusively on Amazon Kindle & FREE on Kindle Unlimited 

Currently Outlining: Never AloneI’m currently doing the final read-through and revisions for Never Lose Hope , while also outlining the major plot points for the third book in the series.

Currently Reading: The Bright Side of Disaster

I’ve really enjoyed other books by this author, but this one didn’t quite resonate with me. Being her debut, it felt a bit rough around the edges. Still, I appreciate her growth and look forward to what she writes next.

.center-container { display: flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center; min-height: 100vh; /* Optional: centers vertically too */ text-align: center; } The Weekly Gift Card Winner is: Amy Deterweiler
(Enter for your chance to win at the bottom of this page.) P.S. I Need Your Help!

Reviews are gold and help me reach more readers. Did you know, you can review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, KOBO, and Apple Books or at any other bookseller? You can even copy and paste your review to all of them! 
More reviews=More visibility.

You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt! 

NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.

Are you ready for a magical escape to a world where good triumphs over evil, Mercury in Retrograde sends you back in time, and a naughty African Grey Parrot is your mouthy sidekick?

If you love quirky characters, heartwarming family moments, and watching Karma work her magic, then welcome back to Aura Cove-my best-selling universe filled with strong, magical women over forty. This October, I’m launching something truly special: a brand-new series set in Aura Cove, with the first-ever hardcover editions and exclusive early access to Book 2...(a full 60 days before it’s available anywhere else, including Amazon.)

And I’m doing it all on Kickstarter.

Why Kickstarter?

Because I want to bring this story directly to you (my readers) without handing over control (and most of the profits) to giant corporations.

When authors sell through Amazon, they often lose up to 70% of each sale to fees, printing costs, advertising and the platform’s cut. That means fewer resources for us to create the books you love, fewer chances to offer beautiful editions, and less ability to reward loyal readers with bonuses and extras. Amazon’s algorithms also decide who sees a book, often burying smaller, independent voices in favor of big publishing houses.

Kickstarter flips that model on its head. It’s not like buying from a faceless mega corporation, it’s a direct connection between you and the author. When you back a Kickstarter, you’re not just buying a book. You’re helping bring it into the world. Every dollar goes into supporting the author to make the book better. Think gorgeous hardcover printing, custom interior artwork, and special rewards you can’t get anywhere else.

It’s also a fantastic way to introduce my Midlife in Aura Cove universe to new readers. Kickstarter is home to a vibrant community of book lovers who are always looking for fresh, original stories and your support helps spread the magic to people who may never have discovered it otherwise.

Why It’s Great for First-Timers

If you’ve never used Kickstarter before, don’t worry, it’s easier than ordering a pizza online. You pledge for the reward tier you want (in this case, your book!), and your card is only charged if the campaign reaches its goal. You’re in total control, and you’re part of something exciting from day one.

Backing a project means you’ll get updates straight from me throughout the process. You'll get sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes stories, and early reveals. It’s a collaborative experience where you’re part of the book’s journey from draft to delivery.

And here’s the best part—when you support an author directly, the money stays in our communities. It pays local artists, cover designers, independent printers, and small businesses, instead of padding the bank accounts of billionaire tech bros.

What You’ll Get

By backing this campaign, you’ll:

Be the first to read the new Aura Cove adventure, Never Lose Hope , two months before it’s available anywhere else.You can choose to own a first edition hardcover that will never be available in big-box stores. (There are digital rewards tiers too, if e-books are your jam!)Enjoy unique Kickstarter-only rewards, like signed copies, supporter shout-outs, interior art if we meet stretch goals, and more.Support an independent author directly, helping me create more of the stories you love without compromise.Let’s Make Magic Together

This series is a celebration of women over forty embracing their magic, of communities coming together, and yes… of a cheeky parrot who might just steal the show. With your help, we can bring this new chapter of Aura Cove to life in the most beautiful way possible.

When the Kickstarter launches in October, I hope you’ll join me. Let’s skip the gatekeepers, support creativity directly, and make some magic together.

📅 Don’t miss out – visit this link to be notified the moment the project goes live so you don't miss out on this exclusive edition.

Kickstarter Coming in October!

Are you ready for a magical escape to a world where good triumphs over evil and a naughty African Grey Parrot is your mouthy sidekick?

Do you love quirky characters, heartwarming family moments, and watching Karma do her thing? Then you will feel right at home in Aura Cove. 

This Kickstarter campaign launches my new time-traveling series set in the best-selling Aura Cove universe, celebrating strong, magical women over forty. It offers the first-ever hardcover editions, plus exclusive early access to Book 2, Never Lose Hope, a full 60 days before it's available on Amazon or other retailers. 

FOLLOW THE KICKSTARTER HERE TO RECEIVE UPDATES & HELP ME REACH MORE BACKERS!

Even if you’re not ready to back the campaign, simply following the project means the world to me! It boosts the algorithm, helping me reach more potential backers. To make this series a success, I need all the followers I can get. Following is a free, easy way to support the journey and keep this crazy train rolling!

Velvet Guild is SIZZLING! 

If you don't have time to read an entire book, this short reads serial series might just be your new guilty pleasure. Each episode can be read in an hour or two, like your favorite TV Drama. It's explicit, so be warned it's NSFW! 

Available Exclusively on Amazon Kindle & FREE on Kindle Unlimited 

Currently Outlining: Never AloneI sent off Never Lose Hope, Book 2 in the Aura Cove Temporal Traveler Series , to my editor today, and it's time to begin outlining the 3rd book in the series. Being a foodie, this one will be set in an Italian restaurant. It will release in Early 2026. 

Currently Reading: Eddie Winston is Looking for Love

If you're craving a feel-good story of love and resilience, this one will steal your heart. It is hard not to fall in love with Eddie Winslow, a ninety-year-old who has never been kissed. 

.center-container { display: flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center; min-height: 100vh; /* Optional: centers vertically too */ text-align: center; } The Weekly Gift Card Winner is: Martha Gronewich
(Enter for your chance to win at the bottom of this page.) P.S. I Need Your Help!

Reviews are gold and help me reach more readers. Did you know, you can review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, KOBO, and Apple Books or at any other bookseller? You can even copy and paste your review to all of them! 
More reviews=More visibility.

You can write as much or as little as you want and I would be forever in your debt! 

NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s and Teal Butterfly Press’ exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.