UPDATE: The winner is…Nathalie!
*~*~*

I’m at Book #9 in my Montana Bounty Hunters: Dead Horse, MT series. Jackson was the last one (it was released in July). I know I’ll write at least one more book in the series, entitled Malcolm. He shows up in next Tuesday’s book, Hard Knox, in case you read the story and recognize the description of the newest bounty hunter in town… Anyway, the point is, while I will likely write a bounty hunter in Dead Horse here and there, Dead Horse will still be a thing because I’m moving my attention to that quirky little town with the We Are Dead Horse, MT series.

However, I’m not done writing many more bounty hunters, they’re just too much fun, and I want to look at starting up something new somewhere else. So, I’m running a poll to see where your preferences lie. Here’s the poll. You can choose up to three. If you have a suggestion that’s not listed, add it in the comments!

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Saturday Puzzle-Contest

Today, I begin a new story in a setting I’ve never tried before. I’ve been doing some research to make it fun! Solve the puzzle, then for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me whether this is something you’d ever want to do or have already done—and where!

In case you haven’t ordered your copy yet! Here’s a reminder.

After relentlessly pursuing the biggest badass around and failing, Dead Horse, Montana’s wild child offers him an irresistible proposition—one night of passion, one and done, and she’ll walk away forever…

Dead Horse, Montana’s wild child, Carleen Crossley, knows what she wants—or rather—who. She’s spent years chasing after Knox Ramsey, the biggest badass in Dead Horse, MT. However, she’s resigned herself to the fact that her methods of gaining his affection aren’t reaping any rewards. Yes, her antics keep the townsfolk amused, and Knox definitely knows she’s alive, but she has yet to break through his cold, hard heart to claim her man.

For Knox, Carleen is impossible to ignore. She’s everywhere he is. The sexy vixen has made him uncomfortably aware that she’s his for the taking, and the Lord knows he’s tempted. However, he knows he’s not the man for her. He’s his father’s son with his father’s temper, and he won’t succumb to Carleen’s charms because she deserves better than him. So, when her sexy short skirts and heavenly scent drive him crazy, he curls his fists and pretends disinterest to keep from reaching for her.

In one moment of frustration over his refusal to really see her and everything she’s offering, Carleen proposes a deal Knox finds impossible to resist. One night of passion—one and done—and she’ll never bother him again.

When she keeps her promise afterward, Knox’s pursuit begins because once was not enough.

Pre-order your copy now!

UPDATE: The winner is…Sara D!
*~*~*

Next Tuesday, Hard Knox releases! I’ve loved writing this story. Knox is a badass and a grumpy guy. Carleen is, um, adventurous and persistent. Their romance has the town of Dead Horse buzzing!

It’s a sexy read, for sure, and the second in my We Are Dead Horse, MT series. I created Dead Horse as an off-shoot for my first bounty hunters series, and I love the town so much, I couldn’t resist writing more about the quirky characters who people this small Montana town.

I’ve had particular fun with the names of businesses in Dead Horse. They have a theme—something the town council thought would attract tourists. Here are some of the names I’ve come up with so far…

• Better Off Dead — Taxidermy Shop
• Day of the Dead Cantina — Mexican Restaurant
• Dead ‘n’ Gone Antiques
• Dead as a Doornail Hardware
• Dead Center Guns & Pawn
• Dead Easy Saloon
• Dead Heat & Air
• Even a Dead Horse Gotta Eat — Grocery Store
• Dead Horse Motel
• Deadly Delights — Dessert Shop
• Dem Bone Package Store
• Drop-Dead Gorgeous — Salon
• Ride or Die Body and Repair

Since I’ll have more stories coming, I need to feature more businesses and more of the townsfolks. Maybe you can help me out…

Contest

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me what other businesses should exist in Dead Horse—and if you have suggestions for names of businesses or even for streets, I’d love to see them!

UPDATE: The winner is…Rachel Blackburn!
*~*~*

It’s READ A BOOK DAY! Our Day, right?

A girl can hope you’ll pick up one of her books to celebrate. I’ll have a new one out this time next week, so my feelings won’t be hurt if you choose another book to celebrate this holiday!

For fun, and for a prize, how about we play a game?

First, you’re going to learn a new word — Bibliomancy! It means divination by book. Many of you have practiced it—most likely with the Bible. You know, get a book, close your eyes, flip open the pages, and point your finger, without looking, at the page. Whatever your finger lands on will have some meaning for you.

So, go ahead. Whatever book you are reading right now, close your eyes, point that finger, and tell me what your sentence is. Do you know its meaning for you? It can take some time for the meaning to reveal itself, so no cheating! No pointing your finger and choosing another!

Share your result in the comments for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

How do you write the third book in a YA pop star romance series? By listening to songs that bring feel good moments, inspire you, get you through hard times, and are perfect for working through those dramatic and angsty scenes. So, what songs did I use to inspire me during writing Cecily in the City? Read on!

In Cecily in the City, Cecily is still dating her favorite pop star, Andrew Holiday, but she’s now working as an actress and model. She gets to be in an up-and-coming pop star’s new music video, but she doesn’t realize that Dex is about to become Andrew’s biggest rival. Things get complicated when her star starts to rise as she begins acting on a soap opera and all eyes are on her. Then rumors begin that she’s actually dating Dex, which upsets Andrew. Add in a singer named Everly who wants Andrew for herself and drama occurs both on the set of the soap and off. Can Cecily and Andrew’s love overcome the odds?

So here are some of the songs that inspired Cecily in the City.

Kasey Musgraves’ Star-crossed album. I had the whole album on repeat for sooo long. “Simple Times” was on during writing the scenes where Cecily was trying to keep her head straight while one part of her life was exploding the same time another part was taking off. “Justified” was another perfect track to her and Andrew dealing with rumors and drama. “Camera Roll” also inspired me as I was writing. I don’t want to give too much away, but you already know I write happy ever afters, but let’s just say this one is a hard fought one!

Taylor Swift’s “Lavender Haze” & “Cardigan” both fit with Andrew’s indie pop star career and their relationship being tested by their big careers in the spotlight. (Here’s a sneak peek of the spinoff book’s inspiration: “Cruel Summer” has been playing a lot.)

Olivia Rodrigo’s “deju vu” &“good 4 u.” These songs were on repeat when I was working on the scenes where Cecily is on Instagram looking at Everly’s posts where she’s hinting she’s with Andrew now. So yeah, I needed angsty music!

Jon Connor’s “Selfish” & “Every Other Word.” When I was writing about the rumors of Cecily dating a new pop star (Dex), I needed to picture how the whole scene would appear to Cecily’s pop star boyfriend, Andrew Holiday. Andrew is a soulful singer/songwriter who writes about heartbreak and painful breakups, so I wanted to get into his character’s head of how he’d feel about not only having Cecily in the music video of this up-and-coming singer who is a rival of his, but then have to deal with rumors about Cecily and Dex dating. So, to get me into Andrew’s head space to write his dialogue and reaction, I listened to “Selfish,” before I’d start writing. It took me right into the feelings I needed to conjure up the right emotions for the scene. Note though that Cecily is NOT a toxic girl—I just needed a perspective of what Andrew might be feeling in that moment as the anxiety hit. And, if you follow me on Instagram, you know Jon’s song, “Every Other Word,” is one I’ve been talking about inspiring me as I was writing. Andrew and Cecily both they want a loyal relationship, but there’s so much drama in the celebrity world they’re in and this song fits that vibe.

Pokora’s “Tombe’” is what I was thinking of when Cecily was starring in Dex Doyle’s new video in NYC. So much of the Pyramid album was inspiring the vibe of the style for that shoot. Also, he’s become a new favorite singer of mine.

Marina’s “Complete.” MaRina’s a go-to of mine for song inspiration. “Complete,” was the uplifting and upbeat, happily-ever-after song I needed to inspire me as I wrote the feel-good ending to the book. Another song from her inspired me as I’m writing the spinoff book, Stars in the City, that’s coming next, so stay tuned!

I have Andrew Holiday sing a cover of George Michael’s “Waiting for that Day,” so if you’ve read the book, you already know about that inspiration! A few other songs that inspired me include: “Shawn Mendes’ “Wonder.” Ed Sheeran’s “Beautiful People,” and “Don’t.” There’s a link to the playlist on my Instagram as well to hear the other songs.

Find the bestselling book, Cecily in the City, here:
https://books2read.com/u/4DD6OO

The entire bestselling series is free in Kindle Unlimited:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B35LSJRK

About the Author

Krysten Lindsay Hager is a bestselling author of YA and contemporary romance. Krysten writes romance because she loves bringing people swoony moments & hope-filled happily ever afters. Her books are known for making you laugh, cry, & swoon. Along with romance, her novels deal with self-doubt, finding where you belong, true friendship, & soulmates.

Website: https://www.krystenlindsay.com/
Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Krysten-Lindsay-Hager/e/B00L2JC9P2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlindsay/

X: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsay

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/

“You can’t catch trout with dry breeches.” ~ Anonymous

I’ve marked this week on my calendar as “Hell Week.” That’s because I have so many mountains to climb by Friday. I didn’t get good rest last night because I drank coffee after noon and was up until 4 AM; however, I can’t let that stop me. I’ll take a nap sometime today—with a timer (because I can’t rest too long or I’ll feel sluggish)—but that will have to do. I’m home after my long weekend with my sister and fellow writers. Now, I have to do the work!

So, back to that obscure quote… Today, it means I have to wade into the river, regardless of the discomfort.

I need to play some inspirational music to get my butt into gear. Any suggestions?

No tarot card today! I’m catching up after a trip to North Arkansas for a writer’s retreat hosted by my sis, Elle James! Here’s me, Cynthia D, and Cara S enjoying Elle’s gorgeous pool. I arrived home today to find my pool is a lovely neon green. It’s what happens when the pool girl isn’t home! 🙁

Open Contests

1. 10 Things to do on a Writers’ Retreat/Girls-Only Weekend! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Word Search: A Blue Moon Tonight & Names of the Full Moons (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
3. August into September (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
4. FREE READ! “Ripples” from SILVER SOLDIERS! Download now! — EVERYONE, download your FREE story!
5. Saturday Puzzle-Contest! — Win an Amazon gift card!