Baby, It’s Cold Outside…

Ironically, Texas isn’t known for its cold temperatures but we can have some chilly days and weeks. Like this weekend when a cold front prompted us to turn on the heater for the first time, discovering it’s broken. 😅 Nothing a supervised space heater and some extra blankets can’t fix while we wait.

It’s hard to believe we’re in the final month of 2025. It reminds me of the phrase “The days are long but the years are short”. Parts of this year have felt decades long while other moments are gone in a blink. I’ll do an author wrap up next edition, but it’s safe to say I’ve learned so much this year, and I thank you for being here.

Unfortunately I haven’t gotten much writing done the last couple of weeks. It’s been all about family and traditions. I shared that I’m not a huge fan of Christmas but there are a few things we try to do each year to get in the spirit. For one, we celebrate one holiday at a time. So Black Friday for us is actually about getting our Christmas decorations up. This year, we let the two and three year old decorate the tree under the supervision of our teen. She may have had anxiety the entire time but it was an afternoon I won’t soon forget.

We followed that up with a drive through Santa’s Ranch, a local driveable light trail. We visit a different one each year, and the drive-through concession stand was a great touch here.

Look at this cover!

I’ve been DYING to share the Untamed cover, not only because I love it so much but also because it’s not like any of my others. Alex at Novel & Navy Designs captured exactly what I was going for in this series!

Preorder details coming soon!

Erin

My return to Bull Creek is only temporary. I’m not getting stuck here, giving up all of my dreams like my mom did. I just need time to recover after my boyfriend nearly kills me.

Reconnecting with my childhood best friend, Whit Mason, is exactly what I need to begin feeling like myself again– even if he joined a motorcycle club and is going by a new name. When we discover I’m being followed, his response is a little over the top. But once he learns my ex left me with a stowaway, he may decide he’s bitten off more than he can chew. 

McCoy

It wasn’t until Erin Callahan left for the big city after high school, presumably never to return, that I realized I missed my one chance at happiness. Despite all the ways I’ve thrown myself into the Falcons MC, embracing the brotherhood, there’s still a hole that’s never been filled. So when she returns to Bull Creek, bruised and beaten, I’m willing to dive head first into the black to protect her and keep her from leaving again. Because losing her this time isn’t an option.

- Untamed, Amanda Marquardt

This also means ARC applications are officially open! If you’re a member of the permanent ARC team, you don’t need to apply again. (This notification came through Discord, so if you aren’t sure, feel free to reach out to confirm.) However, if you’re applying for the first time or for individual books, you can read up on all of the important information and get started here.

(If you want to help spread the word on social media tomorrow for the cover reveal, please respond via email or DM and I’ll share the link with graphics for you!)

Freebies!

If you’re following me on social media, you likely saw my post about free e-books for newsletter subscribers. (Welcome to those of you that joined this weekend!) I’m supposed to be earning money for my books but I have this problem where I’m always giving things away. For you all, that means all three of my currently published e-books FREE. Head over here and grab whichever books you’re missing.

Would I love for you to share a review after you’ve had a chance to read them? Absolutely! Reviews are the lifeblood of small indie authors. Every share and shout lets another reader know I exist. That these books, Bull Creek, and these wonderful characters exist.

Bookish Spotlights

Red Zone Realizations

Fellow Texas author, Emily Rex, recently released her debut novel! Red Zone Realizations is book one of the Houston Hurricanes series and perfect for lovers of sport romance in the big city.

Audrey
Six months ago, I walked away from my picture-perfect engagement to finally start living for myself, after finding out my ex lied about wanting the same future I did.

Now I’m focused on growing my social media business and earning back my family’s approval.

Yoga is my one escape—sixty minutes of silence and invisibility.

Until a six-foot-two NFL tight end slams the studio door into my face.

Noah Fox is calm where I’m chaos, steady where I overthink—and nothing like the cocky athletes my ex used to idolize.

He’s the first person who makes me feel like I’m finally enough. And before I can stop it, we go from strangers to something real.

He might be the man I’ve always hoped for, but when my truth is twisted into an ultimatum, I’m left with an impossible choice— keep the peace or fight for something real.

Noah
The plan was simple: stay focused, heal up, and keep my spot on the Houston Hurricanes.

No distractions. No drama. No women.

Then I bloodied a beautiful stranger’s nose… and broke every rule I’d made for myself.

Audrey Dupree is sharp, guarded and so far out of my league she doesn’t even realize we’re playing the same game.

But just when I think she might be the best thing that's ever happened to me, her past comes back swinging.

When a player on another team starts running his mouth, I lose the control I’ve worked so hard to hold.

Audrey thinks loving her would be too complicated, but she’s the only thing I’ve been sure of all season.

Through Stormy Skies

Book three in the Watford Sweethearts series by Hallie Anne released last month! It’s a small town romance, perfect for lovers of sister’s best friend and “no strings attached” vibes.

As they navigate old scars and new beginnings, Cassie and Lucas must decide if they’re willing to take a chance—on healing, on love, and the possibility that some detours are meant to lead you exactly where you belong.

Reminders & Updates

This month, I’m joining Stacey Hafner’s 12 Days of Bookmas! This Facebook event will take place from December 12th through 23rd with author takeovers, daily giveaways, and tons of bookish cheer! You can join the group ahead of time. I’ll be starting things off on December 12th with some found family favorites!

And don’t forget, I’ll also be joining EK Hunter for a two-day event later on this month! (Pretty sure my brain malfunctioned last issue and I wrote someone else’s name here!!)

Also, this is the final, FINAL call for Rage Is My Love Language: A Queer Feminine Rage Anthology. This book benefitting The Trevor Project, will be out of print and off Kindle Unlimited on December 16th. If you want signed copies, let me know NOW before you lose the opportunity for good.

XOXO, Amanda

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