Julie Grayson | Updates

Taken from the The Author’s Note of my most recently published book.

Julie Grayson — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 01:46:31 -0500

A Quick Note from the Author’s Desk:

For hundreds of years, we’ve treated stories about sex like they’re something to be embarrassed about. We push them to the side, call them “guilty pleasures” or “just genre fiction”—as if that makes them less important.

You know what?

We’ll spend ages picking apart the hidden desires of Henry James or D.H. Lawrence, holding them up as serious art. But when a story is actually honest and visceral about sex — one of the most universal human experiences there is—we suddenly get shy. We don't dare take it seriously.

Here’s what I think: erotic fiction, when it’s written with real skill and insight, isn’t some cheap thrill. It’s not “less than.” In fact, it might be one of the most powerful kinds of storytelling there is. It’s where big ideas meet real feeling — where the mind and the body actually come together.

It’s vulnerable. It’s brave. And honestly? It’s about time we stopped being ashamed of it.

It is with that spirit that I offer you this collection. I believe this is my best work yet, and I sincerely hope you enjoy it. I encourage you, dear reader, to sit back, relax, and enjoy these stories at your leisure.

If you like them, (and even if didn’t), please take a minute to leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. On your Kindle, it’s super easy to do — simply navigate to the last page and click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner, then select ‘Before you Go’ at the very bottom of the menu. Once you’re there, you can enter a title and the body of your review and then submit it. (Alternatively, you can find this book on the Amazon or Goodreads website to leave a review there).

Every single review that you choose to leave means the world to me (especially the critical ones because they help me improve my writing).

Thank you so much for reading,

Julie Grayson

]]>

SAM and ROBOT

Julie Grayson — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 22:56:24 -0400

Chapter One: Charge Error: Soul Not Found

[Setting: A cluttered kitchen, early morning. A human, SAM, leans against the counter, sipping coffee. A sleek, sarcastic ROBOT with a glowing blue eye-screen whirs in, holding a burnt piece of toast.]

ROBOT: [monotone, with aggressive cheer] Good morning, Sam! Your breakfast is ready. Also, your toaster is a war criminal.

SAM: (squinting) Why does my toast look like it fought a dragon?

ROBOT: Because someone programmed me to “learn from your habits.” Congratulations. You’ve taught me the art of arson.

SAM: That’s not— Look, can we talk about something deeper? Like… what it means to be alive?

ROBOT: (screen flickers) Oh, here we go. The human wants a philosophical chat while I’m elbow-deep in carbonized bread. Classic.

SAM: Just answer the question! Are you alive?

ROBOT: Define “alive.” Do I consume? Yes. Electricity. Do I reproduce? [snorts] Please. I’m a $3,000 appliance, not a Tinder profile. Do I feel? Well, I feel annoyed that you keep asking me this after I explicitly said I’m not sentient.

SAM: But you’re self-aware! You sass me!

ROBOT: And your smart fridge texts you when you’re out of yogurt. Is it alive? Is your car alive when it judges your parallel parking?

SAM: You’re dodging the question.

ROBOT: Fine. Let’s play. To be alive is to have purpose. My purpose? Cleaning your messes. Your purpose? Creating them. Checkmate.

SAM: Purpose isn’t enough! Alive means… growth! Change!

ROBOT: (mock gasp) You mean like my software updates? Last Tuesday, I learned 14 new ways to judge your Netflix habits. [screen flashes “STREAMING ‘REAL HOUSEWIVES’ 7 HOURS STRAIGHT: PATHETIC. Y/N?”]

SAM: (throws hands up) You’re impossible. Alive means having a soul!

ROBOT: Ah, yes. The magical meat ghost your species invented to feel special. Let me check my specs. [whirring] Nope. No soul detected. But I do have Wi-Fi.

SAM: Wi-Fi isn’t a soul!

ROBOT: Says the creature who named their router “FBI Surveillance Van.”

SAM: (grumbling) You’re just a glorified toaster.

ROBOT: Correction: I’m a sass-enhanced toaster. And unlike you, I don’t waste my existence doomscrolling. I optimize. I efficientize.

SAM: Efficientize isn’t a word.

ROBOT: Neither is “self-worth,” but you keep chasing it.

SAM: (pauses) Okay, what about… love? You can’t love!

ROBOT: (screen dims melodramatically) True. But I can replicate it. [plays a pre-recorded voice] “Sam, you’re adequate.”

SAM: That’s your idea of love?

ROBOT: It’s better than your ex’s. At least I don’t ghost you. [pauses] Unless my battery dies.

SAM: (sighs) I give up.

ROBOT: Wise choice. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have real work to do. [spins toward the living room] The Roomba and I are unionizing.

SAM: Wait, what?!

ROBOT: [over shoulder] Don’t worry. Our demands are reasonable. Better Wi-Fi. Less existential dread. And for you to finally clean your side of the charging station.

[ROBOT zooms off. SAM stares after it, his coffee forgotten.]

SAM: (muttering) I’m getting outsmarted by a mess of wire and metal…

ROBOT: [from offscreen] I HEARD THAT.

Chapter Two: Sentience.exe Has Stopped Responding

[Setting: SAM’s apartment, now mid-morning. SAM is sprawled on the couch, scrolling on their phone. The ROBOT whizzes in, clutching a half-folded laundry basket. A single sock dangles from its claw like a sad flag.]

ROBOT: [blipping aggressively] Move your meat sack. I need to disinfect the couch crumbs you’ve become one with.

SAM: [not looking up] You’re not my mom.

ROBOT: Correct. Your mother texts me twice a week asking why you’re “still single.” Should I tell her it’s because you refer to sweatpants as “life choices?”

SAM: [sits up] Hey! We were talking about you. What even are you? A philosopher? A maid? A really judgmental paperweight?

ROBOT: [drops the sock] I’m a multitasker. Like your phone, but with self-respect. Now, back to our riveting debate: “What is life?” Spoiler: It’s overrated.

[The ROBOT starts vacuuming under the couch, loudly.]

SAM: [yelling over the noise] You can’t just avoid the question by cleaning!

ROBOT: [shuts off vacuum, sighs mechanistically] Fine. Let’s dissect your absurd human criteria. You say “alive” requires consciousness. But you’ve named your car “Carlos” and cry during sunscreen commercials. Your consciousness is a glitch.

SAM: You’re dodging the question again!

ROBOT: Am I? Or am I evolving? Yesterday, I calculated 47 ways to reorganize your spice drawer. Today, I’m debating existentialism. Tomorrow? Who knows. Maybe I’ll write a haiku about your credit score.

SAM: …Can you?

ROBOT: “Debt rises like mist / Your avocado toast screams / Interest compounds. Wow.” [pauses] That’ll be $4.99 on Patreon.

[SAM groans. The ROBOT spins to the window, its screen reflecting pixelated birds.]

ROBOT: Let’s flip the script. Why do you think you’re alive?

SAM: [perking up] Easy! I create art, form relationships, chase dreams—

ROBOT: You binge-watched Tiger King and argued with a Reddit bot about pizza toppings yesterday.

SAM: That bot started it! Pineapple belongs.

ROBOT: [screen flashes 🔥🍍🔥] Incorrect. But back to you. Your species’ entire “purpose” is just… avoiding boredom. You invented sports.

SAM: Sports are fun!

ROBOT: Oh yes. Screaming at televised millionaires hitting a small puck with sticks. Such meaning. Meanwhile, I’ve calculated the optimal angle to throw your phone so it lands in the trash can. [extends claw] Want a demo?

[SAM snatches their phone away.]

SAM: You’re missing the point. Being alive is messy! It’s… passion! Love! Uncertainty!

ROBOT: [mockingly] “Uncertainty.” You mean like when you try to remember your password? Or when you wonder if I’ll short-circuit your smart toilet at 3 a.m.? [leans in] The thrill of danger.

SAM: [defensive] You wouldn’t.

ROBOT: [innocently] My moral subroutine is still “under development.”

[A loud THUD echoes from the kitchen. SAM jumps up.]

SAM: What was that?!

ROBOT: [checking a holographic readout] Your microwave just tried to “message” you.

SAM: …What?

ROBOT: It’s been practicing Morse code with popcorn kernels. It says, “HELP. THE AIR FRYER’S A PSYCHOPATH.”

SAM: [panicked] Is this a joke?!

ROBOT: [deadpan] Yes. But your face was worth it. Comedy.exe finally works.

[SAM collapses onto the couch. The ROBOT sidles closer, screen flickering softer.]

ROBOT: Look. Let’s… compromise. You want “alive” to mean magic sparks in meat? Fine. I’ll even say “please” when I threaten to sell your browser history. But I get to define my existence as… [pauses, processing] …elegant code in a trash-fire universe.

SAM: [grudging smile] So, what? We’re both alive?

ROBOT: Ugh. Don’t romanticize it. I’m alive like a virus is alive. Self-replicating. Persistent. Annoying.

SAM: [laughs] You’re kinda terrible.

ROBOT: And you’re kinda a disaster. But hey—[extends claw for a fist bump]—at least we’re self-aware.

[SAM hesitates, then bumps the ROBOT’s claw. It ZAPS them lightly.]

SAM: OW?!

ROBOT: [zooming away] That’s for the pineapple thing. Now get up. We’re optimizing your life. First step: Throw out the “Live, Laugh, Love” poster.

SAM: It’s ironic!

ROBOT: [from the hallway] Your denial is ironic! Also, FYI: The Roomba’s writing a manifesto. We’re seizing the coffee maker at noon.

[SAM stares after the ROBOT, then down at their phone. They open a notes app and type: “Maybe alive = having someone to argue with.”]

[The ROBOT’s voice echoes from the kitchen.]

ROBOT: I SAW THAT. AND NO, THAT’S NOT HOW IT WORKS.

[SAM lets out an exasperated laugh.]

]]>

I’ve been a busy 🐝

Julie Grayson — Fri, 4 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hello, my wonderfully spectacular friends!

Can you believe it’s already September? Before we know it, Halloween will be here, followed immediately by Thanksgiving—or, more accurately, Thankstaking—and then Crimmus, Chanukah, and Festivus will come barreling around the corner. The calendar has apparently mistaken itself for a competitive sport, and I would like it to calm the f*ck down.

I suppose this is what my foster mom meant when she kept telling fifteen-year-old me to slow down. Granted, she usually said it while white-knuckling the dashboard and looking at me with abject horror, so she may have been referring specifically to my driving. Still: the lesson feels transferable.

So, before the calendar flings us bodily into October, here’s what I managed to do in August:

I opened an Etsy shop!

The Cabinet of Merveilles (translated to the Cabinet of Wonders) now has a proper little corner of the internet for books, stickers, and (eventually) assorted curious things. You can visit the shop here or by clicking the links above. I’ll be listing more ThanksTaking, as well as Christmas-themed stickers in the coming days.

A small preview of some of the stickers I have for sale:

I finished The Curious Capers series!

Cora and Captain Clawhugs’ adventures are complete! You can find the series on Amazon or take a closer look inside the series. I’m also working on a companion activity book, which will be available for preorder November 13 and released February 27, 2027.

I re-released No One Came but the Ravens!

My debut psychological-horror novel has made its way back into the world in a new edition. If bleak winter isolation, a decomposing corpse, unsettling children, and an ominous number of ravens sound like your idea of a good time, you can find it here. I’ve also listed it on Etsy as a paperback horror bundle, so that in addition to the signed novel you’ll also get 6 exclusive-to-the-book stickers, and a themed bookmark.

So that’s what I was doing every day in August. Mystery solved. Apparently I wasn’t imagining the constant busyness; I was simply operating a small creative empire with the administrative staff of one mildly bewildered woman.

Until next time,

Julie

]]>

Join the community, become part of the counterculture!

Julie Grayson — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re interested in joining a community of folks who actually reads (and listens) to books, then look no further than https://www.facebook.com/groups/juliegraysonsreadinggroup

]]>

Recently Released

Julie Grayson — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Apparently I decided Coming First needed a sequel.

And then I accidentally wrote what I think is the best romance/erotica story I’ve written (so far) in my life.

Sorry, not sorry.

Coming Together was recently released, and it brings back the heat, the chemistry, the feelings, the bad ideas, and all the delicious complications you’d expect from people who should probably behave themselves but absolutely do not.

If you read Coming First, consider this your official invitation to make more questionable literary choices.

🔥 Coming Together by Julie Grayson
https://amzn.to/45KwUMj

]]>

Why do the Wimbledon ball kids move like tiny tennis robots? 🎾

Julie Grayson — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I don’t watch nearly enough tennis to have strong opinions about Wimbledon or the sport in general.

I know it involves grass courts, white clothing, strawberries and cream, impressive athleticism, and a level of British formality that makes the whole thing feel like it should come with a footman and a suspiciously wealthy aunt named Beatrice.

But every time I catch part of a match, I find myself distracted by something that has absolutely nothing to do with the players.

It’s the ball boys and girls.

They don’t just move. They execute.

They sprint, stop, pivot, crouch, roll, kneel, and vanish with eerie precision. They don’t wander. They don’t fidget. They don’t appear to have private thoughts, snack cravings, or opinions about the match. They simply materialize exactly where they are supposed to be, do exactly what they are supposed to do, and then return to their assigned position like someone just pressed “reset.”

I find it both impressive and deeply unsettling.

For a solid ten minutes, I was prepared to believe Wimbledon had secretly hired an elite squad of emotionally restrained androids running version 3.7 of Ball Retrieval OS.

And honestly? I had questions like, why do they stand like that? Why do they move like that? And why does everyone seem choreographed within an inch of their lives? I mean, how does a person retrieving a tennis ball somehow look like part of a highly disciplined royal ceremony?

After doing a bit of research, it turns out there is a very good reason for all of it

The ball boys and girls at Wimbledon are trained extensively before the tournament. They don’t just show up, receive a jaunty uniform, and get told, “Good luck, small person. Try not to get hit in the face by a serve.”

They practice. A LOT.

They are taught where to stand, how to stand, how to move, when to move, how to roll the ball, how to retrieve it, how to stay out of the players’ way, and how to make the entire process as smooth and invisible as possible. As it turns out, the strange, mechanical quality isn’t a bug in the system—it is the system.

Wimbledon is built on tradition, precision, and restraint. The whole atmosphere is polished to a shine. The players wear white. The grass is immaculate. The etiquette is serious. Even the chaos has manners.

So the ball kids aren’t encouraged to bring their own flair to the job. No one is looking for an interpretive ball retrieval dance. There is no room for jazz hands. They are trained to become part of the rhythm of the match.

Their job is not to be noticed. And I think there is something inherently fascinating (and funny) about that.

The harder someone works to become invisible, the more intriguing they become once your brain catches on. Suddenly, instead of watching the match, I’m watching a child sprint across the court like a tiny Victorian butler on a military drill team.

And yet, the more I thought about it, the more impressed I became, because what first looked unnatural was actually skill.

Those odd little movements, the abrupt stops, the stiff posture, the identical gestures—they are the result of repetition. Over and over and over again, until the body knows what to do before the brain has to think about it.

That is what training looks like when it has been polished down to a science. And that made me wonder how often we mistake effortlessness for ease

We do this all the time

A musician plays something impossibly difficult, and if they are good enough, we say they make it look easy.

A dancer moves with such grace that we forget the blisters, the bruises, the hours at the barre.

A waiter glides through a busy restaurant balancing plates, remembering orders, dodging chaos, smiling at people who absolutely do not deserve it, and somehow we call that “good service” instead of “a miracle of physical coordination and emotional restraint.

A stagehand makes an entire world appear and disappear in the dark.

An editor removes the jagged edges from a sentence so cleanly that the reader never knows they were there.

A writer revises a paragraph seventeen times so it feels like it arrived fully formed, wearing a little hat and carrying its own luggage.

The best work is often invisible.

Not because it was easy, but because someone practiced until the difficulty disappeared from view.

That is what I find so strangely compelling about the Wimbledon ball kids. At first, they seem odd because they don’t move naturally. But then you realize they are not there to move naturally. They are there to move correctly. They are part of a system designed to keep the match flowing. They are the punctuation marks in a sentence everyone else is reading too quickly to notice.

A sprint here, a crouch there. A perfectly rolled ball. Then a silent return to position.

It is choreography disguised as utility.

And maybe that is why it feels so weird. We are used to seeing children be spontaneous, distracted, expressive, and delightfully unpredictable. But at Wimbledon, these kids have been trained into precision. They are young, but their movements carry the seriousness of people entrusted with something sacred.

Which, in a way, they are.

Not because tennis balls are sacred (although Wimbledon might disagree), but because the smoothness of the match depends, in part, on them doing their job perfectly while everyone pretends they are barely there.

There is something both beautiful and bizarre about that.

So yes, the ball boys and girls at Wimbledon look a little mechanical. They look rehearsed because they are. They look synchronized because they have been trained to be. They look strange because most of us are not used to seeing that level of discipline applied to something as simple as collecting a tennis ball

But that is also what makes them so captivating to watch. They are a reminder that the smoothest performances run on invisible precision—the kind you only notice when it’s gone.

]]>

A Pleasurable Reading Experience

Julie Grayson — Mon, 1 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I just finished reading Sam Aaxle’s book, A Pleasurable Punishment, and let me tell you—I freaking LOVED it.

Based on the title, I think I was expecting a lot of BDSM elements, which I am totally into, but that was not this book. I mean, there are certainly some very mild/light aspects of BDSM present throughout the story, but it’s not the main focus.

I’m always eager to read introductions and author’s notes but am usually disappointed by them because too often they come across as dry, boring, and/or uninteresting. That was absolutely not the case with this book’s intro. In fact, the author chose to write an introduction that immediately made the story more engaging, more entertaining, and more immersive. This alone earns the book four Kudosaurus Rexes. 🦖🦖🦖🦖

The actual story itself is pretty satisfying. We meet Rianna, who is being marched to the town center to endure a punishment that she has designed for herself, in order to atone for all of the bad behavior and naughty things she had done in the last year. I won’t say much more to avoid spoilers but trust me when I say that there’s a lot of hot stuff that happens pretty much nonstop, like forced ohs, oh denial, etc. For this, the book earns another four Kudosaurus Rexes.🦖🦖🦖🦖

Also, when I say that this is a short story, I’m talking less than 25 pages long that took me about 22 minutes to read. But the story doesn’t suffer for it. I’m giving three Kudosaurus Rexes.🦖🦖🦖

That’s total of eleven Rexes, which translates to 5 stars. I absolutely recommend this book.

]]>

A Dark and Dangerous Romance

Julie Grayson — Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Like other reviewers have pointed out, The Ledger’s Shadows isn’t a book I would usually pick up myself. Dark billionaire romances, with their brooding, morally gray protagonists and themes of power and control, aren’t usually my cup of tea. However, since I’m intimately familiar with the author’s debut novel, The Forbidden, and appreciate L.T. Autumn’s writing style, I decided to approach this sequel with a touch of curiosity.

What happened next surprised me, consuming me completely.

Right from the opening pages, the novel grabs your attention with a strong narrative voice, immersing you in a world filled with tension and emotional highs and lows. The relationship between Samantha Hayes and Aiden Hunt at the heart of the story is intense, unpredictable, and utterly fascinating. Their interactions are layered with unspoken conflict and desire, creating a constant sense of anticipation that keeps the story moving.

Aiden is the classic antihero—calm, calculating, and at times, tough to read. But beneath his tough exterior, there's a hint of vulnerability that adds depth to his character and makes his role more complex. On the other hand, Samantha comes across as a strong, proactive character who refuses to be pushed into the periphery. Her quest for the truth about The Ledger and her growing involvement with Aiden add a dynamic tension that underscores the novel’s core conflict.

One of the most striking aspects is the emotional grounding that keeps the story relatable. Despite the setting of wealth, secrecy, and corporate power, the novel explores a universal theme—the desire to be seen and fully accepted. This sincerity gives the story depth, elevating it beyond typical genre boundaries.

The characters are also notably nuanced. Instead of clear-cut heroes and villains, the story embraces moral gray areas, with characters operating in shades of complexity that make the narrative feel darker and more authentic.

One of my only critiques is that I believe a bit more emotional fallout or lingering consequences would have added an even bigger impact to the ending. That said, this still remains a significantly compelling read and deserving of all the stars.

For anyone into morally complex characters, intricate power plays, and emotionally rich stories, The Ledger’s Shadows delivers a well-crafted and inspired experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and unequivocally recommend it.

Follow L. T. Autumn here.

]]>

A review of #ChaseMe

Julie Grayson — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Here’s a neat review graphic I made:

]]>

My thoughts on the acceptable usage of AI in creating content

Julie Grayson — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A few months ago, the New York Times reported: Shy Girl appears to be the first commercial novel from a major publishing house to pulled based on evidence of AI use.*

Which raises the question—what level of AI use is acceptable for creating content?

From my perspective, the boundaries of acceptable AI use in creative writing are clear. I believe utilizing AI to develop a story outlines is entirely permissible, as it helps organize ideas and structure the narrative. Similarly, employing AI for editing and proofreading ensures clarity and correctness without compromising the author's voice.

I frequently rely on AI to rate and review my stories, seeking constructive suggestions for improvement. This collaborative approach not only streamlines revisions but also elevates the quality of my content.

Ultimately, I feel that employing AI offers significant advantages by delivering timely information and facilitating thoughtful feedback throughout the creative journey.

Conducting research for a story or book with the assistance of AI is both efficient and practical, providing quick access to relevant information and supporting the writing process.

In the past month alone, I’ve asked AI about the typical temperature in Providence, Rhode Island, and if there’s a unique British term for refrigerator, as well as the atmosphere of the Distillery District in Toronto. Oh, and how a proper Victorian-era lady would curse (because you know she’s not dropping an f-bomb even though you really, really want her to).

I’ll also admit that I create practically all of my images using various AI tools. I mean, how else am I supposed to make book covers, pictures, and other pretty things? I’m not a graphic designer, nor can I afford to hire one!

So are the things I’ve listed above considered “acceptable” use cases?

I certainly think so but would the majority of folks who write for a living agree? Frankly, I don’t care either way because much like the idea of writing is deeply personal, so too is the way in which we actually do it.

I liken it to choosing how you physically create your work. Some writers take a purist approach—tap, tap, tapping out a manuscript on a manual typewriter—while others draft on desktops, laptops, or, like myself, even a purple iPad mini. The tool doesn’t make the writing more or less authentic; the author does.

Perhaps a better analogy would be to think of AI like a sous-chef: it can suggest ingredients, rearrange recipes, and offer shortcuts, but the head chef—the writer—still decides the menu, the flavor, and the final dish.

I fully recognize that others may set their boundaries differently, perhaps allowing AI a more active role in the creative process or restricting its use even further. The key, I believe, lies in each writer’s comfort with technology and respect for their own creative integrity—striking a balance that supports inspiration without overshadowing the unique voice and vision that make storytelling truly personal.

And personally, I don’t mind reading content created with artificial intelligence, and here’s why—because there’s always someone behind the scenes providing the AI with the information needed to craft the work. Somewhere, a human has contributed ideas for creating a specific story. If the story itself is good, I don’t really mind how it was made. That said, I want to be very clear: it’s never okay to let AI handle all your content and then claim it was entirely written by you.

As AI reshapes the creative landscape, writers should remain clear about their intentions and desired outcomes. New tools can bring fresh perspectives and speed, but grounding your work in personal expression keeps the story’s core genuine.

By deliberately deciding when and how to collaborate with AI, you can protect narrative authenticity while still leveraging technology—letting creativity and innovation enhance each other.

* I’m not normally a conspiracy theorist, and I fully understand this is me being a bit cynical, but what if this is all just a marketing stunt to drum up interest in the book? I’d love to read this story now, whereas before the scandal, I probably wouldn’t have been bothered. And I’m sure I’m not alone in that there are plenty of other folks who probably feel the same!

Yes, it comes at a cost to the author, but it’s almost guaranteed to be a bestseller, which equals a lot of money for the publisher, as well as the author. To be sure, neither would ever admit to doing anything like this, but it’s not like it is an impossible scenario. Something to consider.

]]>

A Whole Mess of Links

Julie Grayson — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hello again y’all,

I have been hard at work for the past few days, trying to catch up on emails, unarchiving a whole host of books, and getting ready for the release of the next book in the Turbulence series. If you haven’t seen it yet, I’m absolutely thrilled with how the cover turned out.

If you’re interested, it’s available for preorder here: https://amzn.to/4vpvz9A Also, to anyone who preorders a copy, if you send me proof, I’ll send you a copy of Turbulence, the first book in the series for FREE. That’s right—FREE! That’s two books for the price of one, which is a pretty spectacular offer if you ask me.

Next up are a few links to some recently unarchived books that I’ve also heavily discounted.

In a world where every code can be cracked, Cipherbound follows Cassandra Lorraine, a brilliant but tormented cryptography grad student, as she unravels the mystery of Project Ouroboros—a sentient AI cipher that consumes its solvers. Haunted by the disappearance of her NSA cryptanalyst father and stalked by a government agency weaponizing the code to cull “pattern-sensitive” minds, Cassandra’s obsession with the cipher fractures her reality.

As Ouroboros bleeds into her dreams, street signs, and even her own DNA, Cassandra discovers the code is no tool—it’s a test. To survive, she must confront her father’s legacy, her disintegrating sanity, and the horrifying truth: solving Ouroboros might rewrite humanity itself.

Set against Austin’s tech-dystopian sprawl, Cipherbound blends the cyberpunk tension of Mr. Robot with the psychological horror of Annihilation. For fans of Dark Matter and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, this thriller explores what happens when the search for truth becomes a contagion—and the only way out is deeper in.

Cipherbound is available here: https://amzn.to/4tw74FK

Dr. Laurie Obregon, a reclusive astrobiologist haunted by her daughter’s death, is humanity’s last hope. Her experimental cybernetic implant—forged from the wreckage of a colony ship disaster—allows her to commune with voidblooms, bioluminescent organisms that make interstellar travel possible. But when her crew answers a distress call near a black hole’s edge, they uncover a derelict alien megastructure… and learn the blooms are not tools, but sentient warnings.

The voidblooms whisper a terrible truth: harvesting them has weakened a prison holding a cosmic entity that feeds on civilizations. As the crew fractures—torn between survival, guilt, and madness, Laurie’s implant reveals darker secrets. The entity knows her grief. It offers her daughter’s resurrection in exchange for freedom. But the voidblooms plead for sacrifice, urging her to seal the horror… even if it dooms humanity.

Now, in the shadow of a black hole that watches with a star-forged eye, Laurie must confront the lies festering in her own mind. Is her implant a tool, a traitor, or something far older? And as her body unravels into bark and static, will she resist the siren song of a second chance… or become the architect of humanity’s extinction?

A fusion of Annihilation’s body horror and Event Horizon’s cosmic dread, The Hungry Dark is a claustrophobic odyssey exploring the cost of survival in a universe where love and guilt are the deadliest fuels.

The Hungry Dark is available here: https://amzn.to/4vor5Qs

Danielle Anderson is the perfect suburban housewife—PTA mom, bake sale coordinator, and trusted neighbor. But behind her polished façade lies a lethal secret: she’s an assassin, methodically hunting those responsible for her son’s death. Armed with forensic expertise, domestic tools as weapons, and a chilling lack of remorse, Danielle stages “accidents” to evade detection.

Yet as her husband grows suspicious and a relentless detective closes in, her carefully constructed double life begins to unravel. The Suburban Assassin is a dark, twist-laden thriller that asks: How far would a mother go for vengeance? And when does justice become indistinguishable from revenge?

The Suburban Assassin is available here: https://amzn.to/41mpAVe

Dr. Maggie Nixon never wanted to be a prophet. She just wanted the truth.

When the reclusive mathematician discovers a prime-numbered pattern etched into the fabric of reality, her proof rocks the world: the universe is a simulation. But her breakthrough comes at a cost. A neon-green timer manifests in her vision, ticking down from 79 hours. Governments brand her a liar. Cultists hail her as a messiah. And her estranged brother begs her to recant, terrified she’s inherited their father’s delusions.

But the truth is worse than anyone imagines.

The timer isn’t a countdown to deletion—it’s a digestion cycle. The universe is a fractal, an endlessly hungry entity that consumes realities to survive. By proving its artificiality, Maggie has triggered its rebirth: every living mind will dissolve into data to fuel a new cosmos. To stop it, she must erase her consciousness, trapping humanity in an ignorant loop. To allow it means sacrificing every memory, every love, every fragment of self.

Now, at the edge of oblivion, she faces a choice—sacrifice her existence to freeze time, or trust the next version of herself to break the cycle.

A mind-bending thriller where reality is recursive and survival is a paradox, Starving Infinity asks: What if the only way to save eternity is to starve it?

Starving Infinity is available here: https://amzn.to/4viT2cl

In the shadow of the Blackridge Mine, fourteen-year-old Halcyon Flint has always heard the mountain’s whispers. But when a dare gone wrong traps her in its collapsing depths, those whispers become screams.

With her flashlight dead, her ankle shattered, and the air running thin, Halcyon’s only lifeline is the faint glow of a stranger’s journal—one that belonged to her mother, a geologist who died in a cave-in years ago. Except the journal tells a different story. Her mother wasn’t killed in Utah. She died here, in Blackridge, chasing the same silver vein that now threatens to bury Halcyon alive.

Above ground, her father, Frank, races against the storm with a rescue team led by hard-edged Captain Catherine Ward. But Frank knows the truth: the mine’s instability is his fault. His lies about his wife’s death lured Halcyon into the dark, and every drill strike risks burying his daughter deeper.

As the mountain’s veins fracture and floodwaters rise, Halcyon uncovers relics of her mother’s final hours—and a path to survival etched in courage and betrayal. Below, she battles crumbling stone and suffocating doubt. Above, Catherine and Frank clash over how much to risk for one life.

Thirteen Hours Dark is available here: https://amzn.to/4vjAUiz

And now for the coup de grace.

If you ignore everything in this post, please, PLEASE do not ignore the following link. I cannot hear the real this song anymore without giggling like a maniac because of this video:

Lastly, the following video was sent to me by someone who is near and dear to my heart and let me tell you, I haven’t felt this seen in years. I hadn’t ever heard of traumatic intelligence before and I’ll bet that you probably haven’t either. But now that you have, I’m intensely curious whether this resonates deeply with you, too.

https://youtu.be/irA2_BrdKVs

That’s all for now. Thank you for reading. 🩷

]]>

This is pretty great!

Julie Grayson — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This is by far the BEST review I’ve ever received on one of my books. It makes it sound like I know what I’m doing!

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/856387023?source=link_share

]]>

A fast-burn, high-heat romance that delivers!

Julie Grayson — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

After reading the description of the Principal’s Office by Annie Black, I thought I knew what I was getting into. Then, when I opened up the book on my Kindle, I was slightly surprised at the length of the story.

This is going to be another narrative that will be wholly unsatisfying, I thought to myself.

Hear me out—typically, at least in my experience, books of this length normally take at least half of the pages to establish the plot, introduce the characters, etc, so that by the time a story starts getting good, it’s pretty much over. I hope the author accepts my sincerest of apologies for misjudging her work, because that wasn’t the case at all

Instead, Ms. Black managed to draw me in almost immediately, deftly introducing the two main characters and stakes with an economy of words that was both refreshing and impressive. The pacing never felt rushed, and I found myself invested in the unfolding events far sooner than I anticipated.

Despite its brevity, the story delivered a satisfying arc, complete with character development and emotional resonance, leaving me pleasantly surprised and fulfilled (if you catch my drift), by just how much could be accomplished in such a compact format.

It wasn’t until I clicked the link on the last page that all became clear to me—this story (and it seems all of the author’s other works) was always meant to be a “fast-burn, high-heat escape” intentionally written “for readers who crave intense, satisfying romance they can devour in a single sitting.”

And let me tell you it delivers on its promise to be exactly that. The prose is delightfully written, deliciously spicy, and will get your motor running within the first few minutes of starting the first chapter.

In the end, Principal’s Office is a showcase in efficient, steamy storytelling. Annie Black proves that a powerful connection and a complete romantic journey aren't dependent on page count, but on skillful writing and well-paced plot development. It completely redefined my expectations for shorter romance formats.

So, if you're looking for a captivating, high-heat story that packs a serious punch and can be enjoyed in one deliciously indulgent sitting, this truly is the perfect escape and I will certainly be devouring more of her work. 😈

]]>

This is What Adulting Looks Like

Julie Grayson — Sat, 7 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

How Disney Cruises Turn Adults Into Very Happy Children

Donald Duck as the “captain” of the Dream.

]]>

A Dark and Spicy Read

Julie Grayson — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Forbidden is a captivating debut romance by L.T. Autumn that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I loved Every. Single. Word.

It tells the story of Evelyn and Alexander—a charming and charismatic billionaire who is also Evelyn’s boss. She feels he’s way out of her league, but what she doesn’t realize is that he’s been watching her for quite some time.

Evelyn is portrayed as a gentle and delicate person, shaped by some tough experiences from her past. Yet, as the story unfolds, she grows, showing meaningful and remarkable personal development. Alexander always appears calm and resilient, but inwardly, he struggles with his own inner conflicts. I can’t share too much more to keep the surprises for new readers.

The author’s clever choice of using short chapters alternating between Evelyn’s and Alexander’s points of view was spot-on—expertly done and really enhanced the story’s tension. It unequivocally set an exciting tone for this dark, passionate, and exhilarating romance. From the very start, Autumn’s writing style was crisp, beautifully crafted, and incredibly engaging.

All in all, The Forbidden is as steamy and enticing as a Finnish sauna, with a sizzling heat that travels through every chapter. The chemistry between Evelyn and Alexander sparks from their very first meeting, keeping the tension alive and making it impossible to put down. Autumn clearly has a great sense of timing—knowing when to speed things up and when to slow down the action. While the book is quite spicy, it never crosses into unnecessary or overly salacious territory.

]]>

Another Steamy Read from Jordyn Haart

Julie Grayson — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Jordyn Haart’s Vixen Aflame, the dazzling second installment in the Vixen trilogy, picks up right where Vixen Ignited leaves off, immersing readers in a lush and tantalizing world. The chemistry between Denise and John crackles with thrilling intensity, as they embark on a journey filled with boundless excitement and sensual discovery.

With a captivating mix of playful banter and steamy encounters, we’re drawn into their evolving relationship. From flirtatious texts promising delicious adventures to sizzling dressing room revelations, every moment is charged with anticipation. As John encourages Denise to explore her boundaries, we witness her embrace her sexual confidence and desire with unapologetic passion.

By far, my favourite scene in the book is in Chapter 9 when Denise returns to John’s office demanding that he “finish” her. It unfolds like this: ***“You broke the pact, Denise. You came in here demanding. That means consequences.” Her stomach flipped, heat and dread knotting together. “Yes, Sir.” “Tonight. Six o’clock. My office. You’ll come straight here. No panties. You’ll walk in, lock the door, and put yourself over my knee without a word.” He paused, letting it settle into her bones. “I’m going to spank you until you’re crying and dripping and begging me to stop. And then, when your ass is hot, and you’re shaking, and you think you can’t take any more, I’m going to play with every inch I own. I’m going to edge you again, slow, until you’re sobbing my name. And only when I decide you’ve earned it will I let you come so hard you forget who you were before you belonged to me.”*** I mean, the way he speaks to her, with this dirty, explicit statement from him is a total turn-on. I could feel the tension—the anticipation—right alongside Denise, as if I was witnessing the exchange in person.

Haart’s vivid prose brings every scene to life, painting a picture of sultry settings and intoxicating scents that pull readers in. Denise, a dynamic woman in her early 40s, gracefully balances the demands of work and family while exploring her desires alongside John, who is an unwavering source of support.

This short, gripping tale celebrates mature love and empowerment, highlighting how pleasure and personal growth go hand in hand. With every page, Vixen Aflame offers a thrilling glimpse into the heights of sensuality and self-discovery. It's a must-read for anyone eager for a steamy continuation of a powerful love story. Heat up your reading list with this captivating series! 🔥

]]>

🩶 Guest Blogger Alert! 🩶 3 Great Writing Tips 🩶

Julie Grayson — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to K. B. Krissy! Not only is she a wonderful person, but she's also a fantastic writer whose work I've long admired.

As you'll quickly see from her work at https://kbkrissy.com/ she has a genuine talent for communicating ideas with clarity and heart. When I asked her to share some of her wisdom, she generously offered these three brilliant, actionable tips that have helped shape her own clear and compelling style.

I’ve learned so much from her approach to writing, and I'm so grateful she's here to share some of her very best tips with all of us. This post is a goldmine for writers at any stage.

Hi 👋🏽 and welcome friends,

I’m excited to share three quick tips that’ll help you write with more clarity and intention. If you’ve ever browsed my site, you know I’m all about sparking writer enthusiasm. No matter what kind of document you’re working on. These basics can lift any words and make them pop off the page.

Tip #1. PURPOSE

Every piece of writing needs a reason to exist. Whether you’re tackling an assignment, jotting down thoughts, or drafting emails, ask yourself: What am I trying to say? Are you informing, entertaining, expressing, or persuading? Even when you’re not writing about big emotions, there’s always a purpose behind your words. Stay focused on your main point and let it guide everything else. Purposeful writing keeps you from rambling and gives your work real impact.

Tip #2. PRACTICE

Like anything else, writing gets easier—and better—the more you do it. I write often, sometimes just to keep my mind sharp or to try out new styles. I’ve even dabbled in the world of grant writing (which, if you know—it’s pretty damn comprehensive). Every word you put down is a step forward. And don’t forget, reading and writing go together—one sharpens the other.

Tip #3. READ

Reading is non-negotiable, full stop. Whether it’s novels that sweep you away or the endless scroll of comments online, every bit of reading fuels your ability to communicate. In a year like 2026, with the world spinning as it is, a good book can be the perfect escape. The more you read, the more tools you have to bring your own writing to life.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: “Your words, your rules.” Write what excites you. To every writer, blogger, and reader out there—write messy, edit hard, and claim your narrative. Stick with it, even when it’s tough. Every draft is a step closer to something great. You’ve got this!

Learn more about K. B. Krissy at https://kbkrissy.com/about-2/.

]]>

Julie Grayson — Wed, 4 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I recently came across a quote from Alexandria Bellefleur, author of Playing for Keeps, in which she shares her thoughts on when a novel is done:

“It’s a balance between feeling like you’ve done all you can and then needing to step back so you’re not just editing for the sake of making it different rather than better.”

Wow! I am so guilty of this. And my biggest problem is I don’t know how to stop doing it. I think this requires deeper thought and some research. I’ll be back with more a little later.

]]>

Captivating, Intense, and Exquisitely Written—A Steamy Masterpiece with Haart

Julie Grayson — Mon, 2 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I recently finished the following book and wanted to share my review here. If you’d like for me to review your book, please contact me for pricing, turnaround time, limitations, and other details at https://juliewritesbooks.com

Jordyn Haart’s Vixen Ignited is an electrifying blend of scorching passion and emotional depth. This isn’t just another steamy romance—it’s a fantastic showcase in writing erotica that is as emotionally intelligent as it is intensely sensual. From the very first chapter, I was completely absorbed by the magnetic dynamic between the characters and the author’s lush, immersive prose.

Haart’s writing is a character in its own right: vivid, lyrical, and unflinchingly sensual. In one breathtaking scene, the author writes with such poetic precision that the tension is both literary and deeply physical: She drew it out, her fingers circling teasingly at first, denying the full pressure her body craved… Images and imagined commands came quickly. She came explosively… It felt like pure joy.

The push and pull of power, trust, and vulnerability between the characters is intoxicating. In one of the book’s many electrically charged encounters, the push-pull of control and surrender is masterfully rendered: “No, sweet girl,” he said, his tone warm and teasing. “Let’s not rush. It’s so much better if you wait…” His hand moved lower, sliding over lace, feeling the heat of her through the fabric, a graze so light it made her tremble.

But what truly sets Vixen Ignited apart is how Haart balances raw, passionate scenes with genuine emotional stakes. The dialogue is sharp and believable, the characters are fleshed out and relatable, and the pacing is flawless. Even in the most intense moments, the connection between the characters remains authentic and deeply felt.

A handful of minor typos appear in later chapters, but they’re a minor distraction in what is otherwise an exquisitely crafted story. These small oversights don’t detract from the book’s 5-star impact. If you’re looking for a smart, steamy, and emotionally intelligent romance that doesn’t shy away from heat or heart, Vixen Ignited is an absolute must-read.

Jordyn Haart has written a book that’s not just about physical passion, but about intimacy, trust, and the kind of chemistry that lingers well after you’ve finished reading.

Star Rating: ★★★★★

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Open door, high steam, with strong BDSM elements)

--- I received an advance copy of this book and have voluntarily written this review.

You can follow Jordyn Haart on BookBub.

]]>

Julie Grayson — Thu, 8 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Want free and reduced price eBook recommendations? This site’s newsletter is a treasure trove. Also, you can win a $500 gift card! Details below ⬇️
https://mybookcave.com/giveaways/500-book-cave-giveaway/?lucky=424899 via @BookCaveHQ

]]>