When the World Falls Apart . . . Will You Be Ready?

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When the World Falls Apart . . . Will You Be Ready?

What Writing Love Beyond His Walls Taught Me about Survival and Being Prepared!

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t expect disaster to strike while we’re picking out wine. But that’s exactly how it begins for Dr. Meena Jackson in my new romantic suspense novel, Love Beyond His Walls.

She thought she was moving into a calmer, simpler life. Instead, she’s thrust into a world of craziness, survival, and slow-burn tension with Ethan Christensen, a man who’s been preparing for SHTF (sh*t hit the fan) scenarios for years. And suddenly, Meena has to play catch-up fast.

That got me thinking…

💡 What if SHTF tomorrow? Would you be ready?

Recently, we’ve seen crazy flash flooding in Texas, North Carolina, New Mexico, and here in Chicago. Can you be ready to go at a moment’s notice?

Here are 5 basic prepper must-haves inspired by scenes from Love Beyond His Walls that every beginner should keep in mind:

✅ 1. The Go Bag is Non-Negotiable

Meena didn’t have one!
Your go bag should be packed and easy to grab in a hurry. It should include:

  • First aid kit

  • Flashlight & batteries

  • Copies of IDs

  • Portable charger

  • Water & snacks

  • And yes… maybe even a book. Because even in chaos, we all crave stories.

✅ 2. Know Who You Can Trust

Inside Ethan’s compound, not everyone is who they claim to be.
Prepping isn’t just about stuff—it’s about people. Build your circle wisely. In an emergency, you’ll need allies who bring skills, not drama.

✅ 3. Learn Basic First Aid

Meena’s a doctor. Most of us aren’t.
But knowing how to treat wounds, stop bleeding, or spot the signs of distress could be the difference between life and death. Sign up for a class. Watch a tutorial. Get confident.

✅ 4. Secure Your Space

In the book, Ethan’s compound had reinforced walls and surveillance systems.
We’re not saying you need a doomsday fortress but knowing how to lock down your home, fortify weak points, and stay alert is smart. Because sometimes danger doesn’t come from the outside.

✅ 5. Stock for 2 Weeks, Minimum

Start small. Water, shelf-stable food, medicine, hygiene supplies.
The world might not fall apart overnight, but supply chains can and have. Being prepared means fewer panicked grocery runs and more peace of mind.

🖤 Why Prepper Romance?
Because even when the world goes to hell, the heart still wants what it wants.
Love Beyond His Walls is more than a romance, it’s a survival story about resilience, loyalty, and trusting the wrong person at the right time.

If you love:

  • Alpha survivalists with tender hearts

  • Mature Black heroines with brains and vulnerability

  • Emotional slow burns in high-stakes settings

…then this is the romance for you.

Pre-order Love Beyond His Walls now and dive into a world where survival and soulmates collide.

DOWNLOAD

And in the meantime… go pack that go bag. Just in case. 😉

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AMAZON BLACKOUT

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AMAZON BLACKOUT

MAN DOWN . . .

Oops. I mean Amazon AND X (Twitter)?

 

NO, I didn’t have anything with X’s (Twitter) outage this morning 😂!

Yet again, it’s another example of the importance of getting and staying connected to your favs.

 

⚡⚡WE INTERRUPT YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM TO GET INTO SOME GOOD TROUBLE⚡⚡!

I am a firm believer in NEVER crossing a picket line. In this case, it’s virtual. No matter. I will always support people fighting to make life better for themselves and others, even if it directly impacts my bottom line.

Use this Amazon blackout period of 3/7-3/14 to sign up to your favorite author’s newsletter and do some virtual shopping while visiting their websites!

It’s the best way to get current information, updates, maybe even freebies, discounts, and exclusives!!

 

That said, supporting your favorite authors by subscribing to their platforms and making direct purchases makes a huge difference! If you haven’t yet, I’d love for you to join LV’s Love Lair and subscribe to my newsletter 💕!!

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Black HERstory Month

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Black HERstory Month

If you've read my books, you know I celebrate the strength and beauty of Black women in all their glory—flaws and all—being loved out loud.

I strive to make our presence felt in spaces where we're often underrepresented, and Black History Month is a prime opportunity to highlight our beauty and achievements.

Today, I'm shining a spotlight on Black cowgirls. They were there, making incredible contributions and leaving their mark! Check out this article, 'The African American Women of the Wild West,' in Cowgirl Magazine.

Throughout this month, I will be featuring women from my catalog who I think are Black Girl Magic and deserve to be spotlighted for their Black Herstory. Stay tuned . . . #Amreading #BlackHistory #BlackHerstory


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Black History Month

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Black History Month

MARY ELLEN PLEASANT

An Extra Dose of Black Girl Magic during BLACK HISTORY Month

As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s a great opportunity to highlight the many influential figures whose stories often go untold. One such figure is Mary Ellen Pleasant, a true trailblazer whose remarkable journey paved the way for many African American women.

Mary Ellen Pleasant was born in 1814. Pleasant was a self-made entrepreneur, philanthropist, and abolitionist who became a prominent figure in 19th-century America. Often referred to as the "Mother of Civil Rights in California," her contributions were far-reaching—particularly in the fight for equality and in uplifting African American communities.

In the 1850s, when most women, particularly African American women, faced systemic obstacles, Pleasant used her intelligence and savvy business sense to become one of the wealthiest African Americans in the United States. Her fortune came not just from her business acumen but from her deep belief in justice and the importance of giving back to those who were oppressed.

Pleasant's work as an abolitionist was legendary. She secretly funded and organized escapes for enslaved individuals through the Underground Railroad. Her home in San Francisco became a meeting point for some of the most prominent abolitionists of the time, and her connections with some of California’s wealthiest businessmen allowed her to play a critical role in advocating for the rights of Black people.

But beyond her activism, Mary Ellen Pleasant’s story can also be a reminder of the power of resilience, which can inspire both writers and readers. Her ability to navigate and dominate in a world that sought to diminish her is a testament to her strength and determination.

For romance writers, Mary Ellen Pleasant embodies the qualities of many powerful, determined, and intelligent women in the stories we write. Her story is one of survival, ambition, and an unwavering belief in justice—traits that make for compelling characters and unforgettable moments!

Let’s take some time to remember the lasting legacy of Mary Ellen Pleasant. As we tell stories of love, ambition, and triumph, we should also honor the rich history of those who came before us and helped to carve the paths we walk today.

Happy Black History Month!

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LVP Book Club

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LVP Book Club

(Click on the image to take you to full blurb and purchase page)

Help decide which book to read in February! Cast your vote for one of these fantastic titles:

  1. Talk Vino to Me by Nika Stone
    Genre: Romance
    Blurb: A captivating love story intertwined with wine, passion, and second chances.

  2. When The Smoke Clears by Kenya Wright
    Genre: Thriller/Romance
    Blurb: A gripping tale of love and survival in the aftermath of chaos.

  3. The Blood Moon Heir (Dominique LeRoy Vampire Series Book 3) by Mahogany SilverRain
    Genre: Paranormal Romance
    Blurb: Dive into a thrilling vampire saga filled with intrigue, power, and forbidden love.

  4. Rising (State of the Union) by Nielle Nikole
    Genre: Contemporary Romance
    Blurb: A powerful story of love, politics, and personal growth.

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The Elevator that changed my LIFE!

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The Elevator that changed my LIFE!

It all started in an elevator 11 years ago, when I introduced the world to Jason Rutherford and Vicky Martin! ELEVEN years ago?! CRAZY! What’s even more unbelievable is how the stars aligned and how fast time has passed.

Can you believe the Out of Nowhere series has never had a print edition? It didn't until NOW!

(Re)experience this epic love story filled with unconditional love, passion, heartbreak, & forgiveness! Pre-order my special anniversary 4-part PRINT EDITION book box and get ready to be left utterly breathless. EXCLUSIVELY on my LVP!! #JasonandVickyForever #TheirLoveStoryinPrint

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