Here’s to you, our Military heroes

by Kristin Daniels

As we come upon the Fourth of July weekend, I’d like to take a moment to honor those who fight for and serve our country, and to offer every one of them a huge THANK YOU!

Military personnel have always intrigued me. I've meet someone in passing—both men and women alike--only later to find out they’ve served our country in some capacity. And I always think to myself, “Man, what courage. What dedication.”

Then, the questions start. I can’t help myself—just ask my father-in-law (Hey there, Pops!)—I want to know everything. Some soldiers are more willing to talk than others, and I understand that. In serving our country, people see or do things they just don’t want to relive. I completely respect that.

I recently met a young man, home from Iraq for maybe a year or so. So personable, so willing to share. By this time I had already written Lily’s War and it was due to be released soon. But this soldier’s stories of mental anguish and what he faced once he came home really affected me. In a different context, he could’ve been my soldier/hero.

I have to admit, I started Lily’s War on a whim. It was going to be a hot little story. You know, just a quick, sexy romp starring a returning vet. But then my hero changed. I wasn’t too far into the story before Eric got angry. Really, really angry.

And who could blame him? Even though I never served in the military, I put myself in what I pictured to be Eric’s combat boots. And honestly, the result surprised me. He was overwhelmed and in pain, but loved my heroine with all his heart.

Quite a lot for a guy to deal with.

But Eric shined. He pulled no punches, and in the end he stayed true to himself. Yes, the pain was still there, but so was the support. And beyond anything else, that’s what our military men and women deserve. Our support. Our understanding.

Here’s to them. And now that I think about it, thank you really isn’t enough.

Travel Close to Home

by Kristin Daniels

When it comes to traveling, what’s a homebody to do?

And that is often my predicament. I’m a homebody, through and through. Now, that doesn’t mean I don’t like to travel, but hmmm… I guess it means I’m not what you would call a huge fan of it. Or maybe I just haven’t been to the right places, LOL.

I love my vacations, don’t get me wrong, but I’m more of a “Hey, let’s get away for the weekend” kind of girl than the “Let’s plan a two-week non-stop tour of Europe” type. So my favorite vacays are:

The one week we spend every year on Florida’s Panhandle (heaven on a beach right there).

We rent the same house every year, and I love it. You walk off the deck and you step into the whitest sand. And the sunsets? Amazing.

Throw in some wonderful friends, and that’s a week my entire family can’t wait for!

Then there’s those quick, 4 day cruises to Mexico. The similar white sand beaches once you get there, but then getting there’s half the fun! And when your husband stops a couple cute guys to snap your picture with (taken with the same wonderful friend from the Florida trip!), you’ve got yourself a great little getaway! (And I know I'm short... You don't have to tell me! In my own defense though, everyone else was REALLY tall!)

But then sometimes we like to just chill and spend a few days lounging in our RV. This is our little home away from home (all the luxuries crammed into one tiny place, LOL) where we spend our summer get-the-hell-away-from-the-city weekends. And for you non-nature lovers, don't knock it til you tried it! I have a killer shower, AC and a microwave, and I still get to listen to the owls at night and the woodpeckers in the morning. The best of both worlds!

So yes, I like to travel, but for me? Make it quick, make it often, and of course, make it fun! Thanks for letting me share my "Close to Home" travels!

And on a completely different side note, I wanted to let everyone know about my most recent release. Lily's War (a story near and dear to my heart) came out this past Wednesday with Ellora's Cave. I hope you get a chance to check it out! Thanks!