I can’t believe it’s already the middle of August, which means it’s my (second) favorite time of year: Back to school! I love my kids—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise—and I’ve been told hundreds of times at this point that I’ll miss these days. And I probably will. But oh. My. Gosh. They’re 11 and 13 and at each other’s throats all the time, so not being stuck in the same space constantly can only help. It’s been driving me bonkers!

We’ve had a great summer, though. Better than I could’ve dreamed. Two birthdays (aforementioned 11- and 13-year-olds), Niall Horan concert, petting kangaroos*, Six Flags, trip one of two to my home state to visit family and friends (the other trip will be around Christmas), swimming… It’s been a blast. I’m glad we did it.

*Did you know kangaroos have super soft, plush fur like a chinchilla? It’s true!

As for writing updates:

I don’t have a release ready for the end of this month/beginning of September. I tried my best, but it just didn’t work. The past two months have been far more hectic than I anticipated. But that’s okay! There’s always more time. I don’t want to put out something less than my best now just because I want to stick to a self-imposed deadline. I’ll wait until something is actually ready because y’all deserve the best I can do.

I have a new beta opportunity for y’all! A new chapter will be uploaded every 2 weeks, and all I ask for is feedback on whether the pacing is okay, does it seem realistic, what’s your opinion of it so far? That kind of stuff. And if you ever no longer want to be a beta reader, please just reach out and let me know. I promise no hard feelings, just complete understanding.

Do y’all remember Letters from Home, the novella I was working on? It just needs a cover, and it’ll be ready for the world! And I’m halfway through the second part of the novella duet. I can’t wait to finish the rest of Oliver’s story and let y’all get to know Sarge a bit more.

Before I go, I have one last thing: I’m thinking of starting a new section in my newsletter, but I’m not entirely sure what it should be! So I’m opening the floor to you. Is there anything specific you’d like to see? Let me know on social media (@finleykjamesauthor) or by replying to this email.

​All to Pieces by Susan Henshaw

Millions watch him play. Except the one who matters most.

Blue

I made the worst mistake of my life when I let my dad move me across the country after my sophomore year of high school.

Had my football career taken off? Yes.

But I’d lost the best thing that ever happened to me because of it.

Anna Dupree was the only girl who ever loved me as a person and not for my athletic talent.

Who cares if I can run the forty in 4.2 seconds, or if beautiful women sneak into my hotel room at away games?

Without Anna, I’m a man slogging through the desert, desperate for a drink.

​

Anna

My gorgeous ex wasn’t supposed to know I came to his game.But when my meddling, country pop-star uncle calls me to the fifty-yard line to perform a pre-game duet in front of one hundred thousand screaming fans, that secret's shot to pieces.

Somehow, I make it through the song. All I have to do is get off this field and I’m outta here. Forget the game.

But then I look up and who happens to be jogging toward me in his tight football pants, wearing that adorable, cocky grin I fell in love with all those years ago?

Yeah, the one guy I’ve spent the last four years trying to forget.

My uncle is so dead when we get off this field.

Releases August 31, 2024

​Undercover Hearts by Lilly Grace Nash

​First Love in Bar Harbor by Amy Rafferty

​Grumpy Protector Billionaire by Anita Shaw

​Fight for It by Lauren Greene

​Fifteen by Emerson Hunt

​I Would Beg for You by Ava Becker

​Sunny Beach University by Ida Duque

​Flock and Roll by Vicki Hilton

Music Corner

This month’s Music Corner is Leave a Light On by Papa Roach.