Kate Willoughby's Blog
August 18, 2021
Five Things
April 23, 2021
You’re invited!
to celebrate the release of Darkroom! There will be fun and prizes, including a Kindle Fire 7! Monday, April 26, 7:45 pm EST https://www.facebook.com/groups/locke...
April 14, 2021
Set it and forget it
Darkroom is releasing on April 26, but why not just pre-order it so it appears magically on your Kindle? Early reviewers are raving about it…
“I loved Indi and Hudson! They both had important goals to achieve, and became each other’s biggest supporter. They also helped each other cope with their weaknesses. I loved the easy connection they had, not to mention the incredible chemistry between them. This is the first book I have read in this series, and the first by Kate Willoughby, and I look forward to reading more in the future.”
—Sharing My Book Boyfriends
“Darkroom is a wonderful addition to the world of Moo U Hockey. Hudson combines swagger and sweetness—he’s that hunky book boyfriend who will do anything to make you happy. This book is filled with all the great things I expect in a Kate Willoughby book: hilarious guy talk, scrumptious food descriptions, and enough heat to melt a Vermont winter. Highly recommend!”
—Melanie Ting, USA Today Bestselling Author
“Darkroom was such a refreshingly original story! The characters were multi-dimensional, the banter and dialogue were smart and sparky, and the emotional depth was on point. I was sucked in immediately, and found Indi and Hudson’s story to be the exact sort of fresh air I’d been craving! It was engaging and fun, but also tugged at my heartstrings and gave me that delicious ache in my chest.”
~Bookgasms Book Blog
And while you’re at it, enter my contest to win a Kindle Fire 7! All you have to do is be following me on two of the following platforms: Amazon, Bookbub, Facebook or Goodreads. That’s all!
Click here to preorder Darkroom on AmazonClick here to preorder the audio book
February 12, 2021
Save the date!
I’m happy to announce that I have a book coming out from Sarina Bowen‘s HeartEyes Press in her amazing World of True North universe. If you haven’t read any of Sarina’s books, I heartily recommend them. I’ve always enjoyed her hockey romances and the first True North book of hers I read, Heartland, was excellent.
My hockey romance, Darkroom, is in the World of True North Moo U series. The Moo U books all take place in Vermont at the fictional Burlington University, affectionately known as Moo U and they’re all hockey romances!
I loved writing about a Chinese heroine with a port-wine stain birthmark who was adopted by white parents and brought to America. Sprinkled into her journey are quite a few of my own experiences and feelings about being a fourth-generation Chinese-American who is not as dialed into my heritage as I feel I’m supposed to.
Look for this book to release April 26, 2021, or better yet, preorder it now so you don’t have to remember. It’s starting out on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited, but will release wide eventually.
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2KHVqI4
Pre-Order: https://amzn.to/3adkLDC
Moo U Hockey: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/moo-u-hockey/
Cover Design: Christine Coffey
Indi
I’m not gonna lie, being a twenty-one-year-old virgin is ridiculously embarrassing, bordering on pitiful. And if there’s anything I hate, it’s being pitied. So I’m getting my V-card punched this semester. It’s time to stop dreaming about being swept off my feet. Instead, I’m planning a down-and-dirty one-nighter with a certain hot hockey player I’ve been eyeing.
Hudson
As a top draft pick from a family of hockey royalty, I’m under so much pressure that I’m losing my edge on the ice. I need something to snap my brain out of this self-destructive stress-loop. Like a hot night of fun. That’s where Indi Briscoe from my photography class comes in. She’s flirtatious and funny one moment, sweetly shy the next. But then she wants me to pop her cherry.
Jesus. Did I mention the pressure thing? Am I crazy for starting something with her? Or would I be a fool for saying no?
Warning: this standalone novel contains heat, heart, familial expectations, extreme milkshakes, and a hamster with deep thoughts.
July 2, 2020
Kindle Monthly Deal
Check out Kate’s funny, feel-good series starter for one low price during the month of July! (North America only.)
BUY NOW: https://amzn.to/2NWhUmx
October 9, 2019
Millennial Ken
While researching a detail for my work-in-progress (tentatively titled Small Print), I needed to find out if they still made Ken dolls. They do indeed. In fact, Ken has evolved since I was a little girl. As a Starbucks barista, I was amused to find there is a Barista Ken. With a man bun, no less. His jeans are distressed too. I actually think he’s kind of cool and if I were playing with Barbies now, I think he’d give GI Joe a run for his money.
I also kind of liked this sexy, nerd Ken, even if his shirt leaves a lot to be desired.
While in the Ken area of Amazon, I saw Barbie and Ken come in a Cafe Set, but even though I adored the tiny panini press accessory, I though it was sexist that Barbie was the server and Ken was the chef.
But then they sort of redeemed themselves with this guy…
I’ve got to get back to writing, but I’ll leave you with this…the Ken that tops them all…Merman Ken! I mean, wow. Just wow. Notice the crotch joint that allows his tail to move and his jaunty shell necklace and bracelets. How could you not want this guy? LOL
March 23, 2019
You’re Invited
To celebrate the release of Animal Attraction, I’m going to be participating in some Facebook parties in the next couple of months. Fun games and giveaways guaranteed. Plus, I’m giving away a Kindle Fire!
Sunday, March 24 (4:45 pm – 5:00 pm) – Tess Thompson’s Release Day Party for Missedin the L Woods PR Romance Room https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheRo...
Monday, March 25 (4:30 pm – 5:00 pm) – Kat Mizera’s Release Day Party for Natein the L Woods PR Romance Room https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheRo...
Tuesday, March 26 (5:00 pm – 5:15 pm) – Melody Heck Gatto’s Release Day Party for Melting the Ice in The Reader’s Lounge https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sweet...
Thursday, April 25 – A multi-author party just for Animal Attraction! https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sweet...
Monday, May 13 (5:20 pm – 5:40 pm) – Stina Lindenblatt’s Release Party for https://www.facebook.com/groups/OneCl...
November 17, 2018
Help Me Help US Veterans
I’m so excited and proud to be involved in this Hockey Holidays anthology.
http://books2read.com/hockeyholidays/
It’s a collection of 18 brand new romance stories from USA Today, New York Times, and all your favorite best selling hockey romance authors, the proceeds of which will go to the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program.
Here’s bit about them:
The Program’s mission is to organize and administer an ice hockey program that provides a recreational, therapeutic experience and education.
The program educates, trains, motivates, and encourages the formation of “USA Warrior Hockey Programs” locally and nationally while encouraging individuals who have physical disabilities incurred during service to the United States to participate in the sport of ice hockey in an environment that is adapted to the level of their ability.
The USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program, Inc. is staffed by volunteers, on-ice and off-ice mentors and directors who do not receive any compensation, stipend or other remuneration for their time.
Please consider buying a copy of the anthology so we can make that donation a big one. The price for all 18 stories is only $.99 now, but the price goes up on November 19, so you might want to act quickly.
How We Fell in Love (Ice Cats) by Toni Aleo
He knew she was the one, she wasn’t so sure, which is why Grace and James’ love story is one for the ages.
A Second Shot by Shannon Stacey
She was the one who got away—the woman Erik Burke walked away from to focus on the game—but when their paths cross once again, all he wants for Christmas is the chance to take another shot at love.
A Wolfe Brothers Christmas (Game On in Seattle) by Jami Davenport
Spending their first Christmas together in years, the Wolfe brothers fumbling attempts to create good memories go awry.
Christmas Crosscheck (The Dallas Comets) by Jaymee Jacobs
Bryan’s planning to propose to Georgiana on Christmas Eve, but will the chaos of their families’ first holiday together ruin their special moment?
The Final Slapshot by Jean C. Joachim
Harry “Deke” Edmonds hides his secret, hoping for a Christmas miracle. When confronted with the truth, will his heart-breaking decision cost him both Kitty and the Huskies?
Lucky Holiday (The Las Vegas Kingsnakes) by Jennifer Lazaris
Vegas forward Tyler Quinn made the biggest mistake of his life when he broke Ella’s heart, and he’ll need more than an ace up his sleeve to win her back in time for Christmas.
Dmitri’s Christmas Angel (Las Vegas Sidewinders) by Kat Mizera
Two women. Two surprise pregnancies. Dmitri Papadakis is screwed.
His Christmas Cinderella (San Francisco Dragons) by Kate Willoughby
On his way to the team holiday party, Gideon Aguilar mistakes Bailey Peng for his Uber driver. After inviting her to join him, they make more than merry, but at the end of the evening, the sexiest, most captivating woman he’s ever met is nowhere to be found.
Red-Hot Trouble (Hot Ice) by Lily Harlem
Sophie Delaney never intended to walk into ‘that’ locker room, at ‘that’ moment, but she did, it happened, and now she’ll never be the same again.
Christmas Interference (The Baltimore Banners) by Lisa B. Kamps
Shane Masters no longer believes in second chances, happy-ever-afters…or love. Can the woman who knew him best thaw his heart with a little holiday magic before it’s too late?
The Devoted Father and the Introvert (The New Hampshire Bears) by Mary Smith
Elexis Dunaway loves Twitter and work. Dag Limon loves his twin boys and playing professional hockey. Soon their worlds will collide with one simple tweet.
Her Best Worst Boyfriend (Vancouver Vice Hockey) by Melanie Ting
This Christmas, Em Davis is bringing Mr. Wrong home to prove a point to her parents. He’s arrogant, conceited, and uneducated, and they’re going to hate him. But what if Ian Reid turns out to be Mr. Right?
Icing isn’t Only for Cookies (The Renegades Series) by Melody Heck Gatto
Avery James wasn’t looking for love when tall, dark, and deliciously handsome hockey player Kyler Wilson walked into her bakery.
Dallas Christmas by RJ Scott
Logan knows lusting after his captain’s brother can only lead to trouble. But when fate throws him and the temptation that is Archie together, it’s hard not to fall in love.
All I Want (San Francisco Strikers) by Stephanie Kay
When fate finally brings first loves Maggie and Alex back to the same city, will Maggie be brave enough to give the relationship she never forgot a second chance? Or will she put their love on ice?
Holding On Tight (Buffalo Bedlam) by Susan Scott Shelley
For Buffalo Bedlam defenseman Vince Forsberg and his boyfriend Joseph Parelli, the pressure to make their first Christmas together perfect leads to a lot of chaos, holiday mishaps, and some unexpected results.
A Star-Crossed Christmas (Cayuga Cougars) by V.L. Locey
Two years ago, Mitch shared an explosive kiss with his childhood friend, Olympic snowboarder, Shaun. Will Christmas be the time for the two men to untangle lust from love, and find a future together that works?
The Playboy (Redtails Hockey) by Stephanie Julian
Kyle is back in the minors to rehab his career but that’s not all he’s hoping to fix. He wants to get back the girl he left behind, but convincing Leah to take another chance on this former playboy will be harder than making it back to the NHL.
July 20, 2018
Early reviews of Clean Sweep
I’m so excited. The release of Clean Sweep is only three days away. Early reviews have been fantastic. Here are some highlights.
“[Clean Sweep] spoke volumes to my heart, and spoke volumes to my hockey loving soul, I absolutely loved it!! …it’s a beautifully written story certain to leave your heart happy!” —Red’s Romance Reviews
“These are characters that feel so real, so right, and the situations they faced were authentic and heart-tugging.” —Viper S.
“This is my first book that I have read from Kate Willoughby. And I loved it. It is my jam. I am going to add all of her books to my TBR list!” — Emily U.
“Willoughby is one of the best authors I’ve never read.” — Isha C.
July 18, 2018
Win a brand new e-reader of your choice!
Hey, rom-com lovers! If you didn’t score a new e-reading device during Prime Day, this contest is still open! You can win a copy of my hockey-player-goes-to-summer-camp-second-chance-romance, WHATEVER IT TAKES, plus a bunch of other fun summer reads!
Enter here: https://booksweeps.com/book-giveaway/...
