I’ve been sick! And not the typical, back-to-school respiratory kind. The I was stressed to the max and my body is screaming at me to take a break kind. So this newsletter is going to be short, but full of news. (Which, I guess, is the actual point of a newsletter). And since I can’t stomach the thought of coffee right now because the gut and stress are actually pretty linked, we’re skipping right to it.

So, listen. I said this newsletter was going to be mostly news today, and it is. And then I had typed out an entire explanation about my health issues. I even scheduled it to send! But I’ve kept all of this private for a reason, and I don’t owe anyone an explanation. So I deleted it.

The bottom line is that I’m fine. But also…my body is shouting at me and I probably need to listen.

Suffice it to say, I have been sick or injured off and on since May. Every time I think I’m better, I jump back into doing all the things, and my body reminds me that that’s a terrible idea. And this time, it smacked me in the face. Probably because I thought I was listening, but I really wasn’t.

You would think that having been burned out and writing about a woman who walked away from publishing for five years because she was burned out WOULD HAVE BEEN A F*****G hint from me to me, but that is not how it works. I do not listen to myself. That would be smart, and like Trina constantly tells Scarlett, I’m the dumbest smart person I know.

So, like the horrors, I persisted. And now I’m paying the piper. Again.

Which means I’ve had to make some tough choices. (More on that later.) I’d like to pat myself on the back for finally listening to my body, but lol we all know I have not been doing that, and this is where it got me.

I want to scream, “I’m listening now, okay! You can feel better any time!” But that’s not how it works. Yet, I am healing emotionally and physically. It’ll take a while, but I’ll get there. And I know without a doubt that it’s going to make for better stories and—more importantly—a better Allie.

Now, to heal my gut so I can drink coffee again.

Here comes the good, the bad, and the ugly.

First, because of all of this, I’m no longer attending Book Harvest in October. Ya girl needs a break. If you preordered a book, please check your email for options about shipping or a refund. If you had books that you wanted signed that you were bringing with you, you can feel free to send me an email to ask for a bookplate.

Second, my serial holiday novella start date is going to be pushed back a bit to closer to the middle of next month. Frankly, no one cares about Christmas until after Halloween anyway, so I’m calling this a win-win. BUT Jack won the MMC name vote, so our two characters are going to be Jack and Claire, and I think that is just perfect.

Third, some good news. I am expanding my Street Team! You can apply here. The form closes on September 26, so don’t wait! You get lots of goodies for participating. All the details are on the form, so be sure to check it out.

And finally, my signed copy shop closes today for a while. All books ordered will ship out on Monday. If you were eyeing a signed copy, grab one now! I have a restock of Love Out Loud and SO MANY HOLIDAY NOVELLAS. (Plus all the other ones, too.)

Looking for something new to read? Check out Live, Ranch, Love by Emma Lucy!

A sweet and sexy enemies-to-lovers romance about a wellness influencer who returns to her late aunt’s ranch in Colorado where she clashes with the grumpy and handsome head rancher.

She’s here to sell my ranch, but now I think she might steal my heart.

Rory Jones prided herself on the successful life she’d built as a wellness influencer and author—until she walked in on her boyfriend with another woman after a family funeral. Forced to run away to her late great aunt’s ranch in Colorado, Rory’s hoping that fixing up and selling the place will help her find her confidence and inspiration to write again.

But Wyatt Hensley, the grumpy head rancher, isn’t willing to hand over the reins to the job he gave everything up for. Especially not to a yoga-loving, manifestation guru who doesn’t even know how to ride a horse. Yet, with a past that’s taught him to not bother dreaming anymore, even Wyatt knows he can’t hold on forever.

Until one day they strike a deal that might just save both of their careers—help Rory turn the ranch into a wellness retreat and Wyatt can stay.

With Rory’s shattered self-confidence and Wyatt’s last drop of hope also on the line, staying professional is a must. But can they ignore the sizzling tension growing between them that could jeopardize it all?

Especially when the rocky path ahead seems a lot easier with the other riding beside them.

Releases September 30, 2025.

Preorder now!

I’ve turned off comments on this post because even responding to well wishes feels overwhelming right now. (See? Yay me for taking care of myself!) But I hope you all are also finding ways to soak up the fall and take care of yourselves, as well.

Happy reading,
Allie