Back in June, I wrote about how I hoped I’d get some summer activities in despite having over committed myself to a number of projects. My summer list was long and included finishing the manuscripts for the four books I’m releasing with Varus Publishing this year. So how’s that working out for me?
Summer Writing!
Writing continues! I always have a variety of projects going on, but with a full batch of books to complete this summer, I have not been able to complete many “side quest” writing projects, with the exception of one cozy bookshop mystery! I submitted it to an anthology and I’ve got my fingers crossed that it gets accepted, but I won’t find out until at least September.
For my slate of 2026 novels with Varus Publishing, progress is on-going. Heart’s Curse is getting an audio edition (woohoo!) which will hopefully be released in late August. Forged in Flame is out now and took a trip to the land of its birth – Hawaii! Book 3 – Curse Locked is currently with the editor and I have wrapped up the manuscript for Book 4 – Fated Fortune. I was going to turn that one in early, but last week I had a sudden realization while brushing my teeth about a specific scene and now I need to go back and do a little editing. However, I’m also reviving a novella that didn’t have a home and expanding it to go into the Montanari Universe Series. Wish me luck as I’ll be approaching Varus to see if they want a book 5 (or more)!
However, once I finish the novella expansion, I’ll be focusing on my next mystery novel. This one is centered around a whiskey bar and I’ve been enjoying all of my whiskey research. Sadly, I don’t have the budget to enjoy all the research I’d like to do. Because, believe me, not only would I be buying expensive bottles, I’d be flying to Ireland for a totally legitimate, not-at-all-a-vacation, whiskey based research project. But I’ve got the location and an excellent cast of characters. Now I just need to figure out which one of them “done it.” Oh, and, of course, write the dang thing.
Art Projects?
Well, if you count painting the house as an artistic endeavor, then… sure? Otherwise, it’s been slow going in the art department. This is partially due to the fact that we also adopted a puppy. Stormageddon, destroyer of all (mostly shoes), AKA Stormy, has officially been welcomed into our house as of August. This charming trouble maker loves the sprinkler, chewing… anything, and barking at dogs on the TV. We’re still working on the potty training situation, but she’s very bright and I’m sure will figure it out in the next week or two. I’m referring to her as “my writing partner” which has been enjoyably confusing for my more human-centered friends. You can catch pics and videos of her on my instagram: www.instagram.com/authorbethanymaines/
I also took on another side-project that I’ll be writing about in September’s blog. It’s currently top secret, but I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone who loves reading.
What about you?
Have you gotten to all the summer projects you that for sure that you’d have time for?
Heart’s Curse
Charlotte “Charlie” Auvray was always told she had no magic and nothing to offer. But Lucas Kane, a ruthless casino boss with a dangerous secret, sees something more. When a curse drives his newest Vegas property into bloody chaos, Lucas realizes Charlie may be the only one who can stop the madness. What happens in Vegas might just break the curse—and his heart.
Dragon fire can be hidden, but never extinguished.
Ava Flynn never meant to awaken the dragon inside her—until betrayal and a dangerously seductive stranger ignite a power she can no longer deny. When billionaire dragon shifter Dalton Rosetti crashes into her life, their instant, scorching attraction leaves both of them burned by secrets, pride, and a single unforgettable night.
Cursed by a stalker’s spell, Rose Ashfield can’t let anyone close without unleashing deadly shadows. But when wolf shifter Jace Kormos is sent to capture her and the mystical jade key she’s stolen, desire ignites into something neither can deny. To break the curse, they’ll have to risk their lives—and their hearts—in a battle against darkness, magic, and fate itself.
Dragon fire can be hidden, but never extinguished.
Ava Flynn never meant to awaken the dragon inside her—until betrayal and a dangerously seductive stranger ignite a power she can no longer deny. When billionaire dragon shifter Dalton Rosetti crashes into her life, their instant, scorching attraction leaves both of them burned by secrets, pride, and a single unforgettable night.
Three years later, Ava is hiding more than a broken heart. She’s raising a fire-breathing daughter while hiding from everyone, including the dragon slayers who murdered her father and want her next. Dalton’s discovery that he has a child changes everything—and he’s determined to protect what’s his, no matter the cost.
With enemies closing in and passion rekindling, Ava and Dalton are forced back together in a deadly game of magic, loyalty, and desire. Forged in Flame is a sizzling paranormal romance of dragonfire, second chances, and a love powerful enough to change destiny.
https://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Catalog-4x5-1-scaled.jpg25602048Bethany Maineshttps://bethanymaines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Aug2016-Logo-op3-300x69.pngBethany Maines2026-06-11 08:00:472026-06-15 11:10:50Painting in a New Old Way
I’m on the countdown to book 2 – Forged in Flame – of my contracted 4 from Varus Publishing. And if that seems fast to you, well, I agree. But it is what I signed up for. But the publishing schedule for four books in one year does mean that while one is getting published, I’m working at least one book in advance. And that also means that my side projects have become sidetracked.
Main Track
I’m contracted with Varus Publishing for a four-book paranormal romance series – Heart’s Curse, Forged in Flame, Curse Locked, and Fated Fortune – under my pen name Sirena Corbeau. Each book is a stand-alone, binge-worthy romance, sparked by the meddling of Dante Montanari, a 400-year-old dragon shifter. So, I’ve been busily bringing characters together, setting a few things on fire, and putting a very neat happily ever after on each of my stories. Because if there isn’t a happily ever after, then what are we even here for? I’m now THISSSSSSS close to wrapping up book four which means I’ll get a little bit of a reprieve to work on a few of the side projects.
Side Track 1
My first side track was, is, and always will be, art. As a graphic designer, I have always done other art, but for the first time in over ten years, I recently submitted some paintings to an art show and got in! Yay! But uh… crap… that’s time and attention going down that track.
Like a lot of my bright ideas, I see an opportunity, throw something at it, and only later realize that if I get said opportunity, I will have to do the work. And then invariably my friends ask what I thought would happen, and I always say the same thing – I wasn’t supposed to actually get it!
However, if I have learned anything from life is that people who attempt something are the people who get things. In fact, attempting things is almost a “life hack.” Are you mostly qualified for a job you want? Put that resume in. Have you been practicing that one hobby for years? Submit to that contest. Turns out that sometimes you get the things you try for.
I’m looking forward to this summer when I’ll get a chance to do more painting and hopefully submit to a few more art shows.
Side Track 2
Mysteries! Yes, I know I always say there is mystery in every genre (and if there’s not, there should be), but I’m now at the point where I have ideas for an actual mystery novel, and at least one short story, and I would like to write them. But how can I kill people off if I’m too busy making love connections? And then there’s the fact, that I’m currently Treasurer of the Mystery Writer’s of America Northwest Chapter. Surely, I should be writing at least one mystery. That seems like practically part of the job description. So yes, I’m looking forward to taking a brief pause on the paranormal to create a some dead bodies, see my Noir at the Bar friends, and solve a few mysteries.
Your Side Track
What about you? What project is dangling tantalizingly out of reach for you? Can you move it to the main track? Or do you have to clear some road blocks to get to it?
Forged in Flame – Book 2 of the Montanari Universe
Ava Flynn grew up unaware of her dragon heritage, raised by her human mother and stepfather. That changes when Dante Montanari’s nephew, billionaire dragon Dalton Rosetti, arrives—and sparks ignite. Their one night of passion leaves Ava with a secret baby and a future she must face alone. But when deadly enemies close in, Ava and her child are thrust back into Dalton’s world. To survive, she must decide: can she trust a bond forged in flame?
Summer Vibes
/in General WritingSummer Has Arrived!
Back in June, I wrote about how I hoped I’d get some summer activities in despite having over committed myself to a number of projects. My summer list was long and included finishing the manuscripts for the four books I’m releasing with Varus Publishing this year. So how’s that working out for me?
Writing continues! I always have a variety of projects going on, but with a full batch of books to complete this summer, I have not been able to complete many “side quest” writing projects, with the exception of one cozy bookshop mystery! I submitted it to an anthology and I’ve got my fingers crossed that it gets accepted, but I won’t find out until at least September.
For my slate of 2026 novels with Varus Publishing, progress is on-going. Heart’s Curse is getting an audio edition (woohoo!) which will hopefully be released in late August. Forged in Flame is out now and took a trip to the land of its birth – Hawaii! Book 3 – Curse Locked is currently with the editor and I have wrapped up the manuscript for Book 4 – Fated Fortune. I was going to turn that one in early, but last week I had a sudden realization while brushing my teeth about a specific scene and now I need to go back and do a little editing. However, I’m also reviving a novella that didn’t have a home and expanding it to go into the Montanari Universe Series. Wish me luck as I’ll be approaching Varus to see if they want a book 5 (or more)!
However, once I finish the novella expansion, I’ll be focusing on my next mystery novel. This one is centered around a whiskey bar and I’ve been enjoying all of my whiskey research. Sadly, I don’t have the budget to enjoy all the research I’d like to do. Because, believe me, not only would I be buying expensive bottles, I’d be flying to Ireland for a totally legitimate, not-at-all-a-vacation, whiskey based research project. But I’ve got the location and an excellent cast of characters. Now I just need to figure out which one of them “done it.” Oh, and, of course, write the dang thing.
Well, if you count painting the house as an artistic endeavor, then… sure? Otherwise, it’s been slow going in the art department. This is partially due to the fact that we also adopted a puppy. Stormageddon, destroyer of all (mostly shoes), AKA Stormy, has officially been welcomed into our house as of August. This charming trouble maker loves the sprinkler, chewing… anything, and barking at dogs on the TV. We’re still working on the potty training situation, but she’s very bright and I’m sure will figure it out in the next week or two. I’m referring to her as “my writing partner” which has been enjoyably confusing for my more human-centered friends. You can catch pics and videos of her on my instagram: www.instagram.com/authorbethanymaines/
I also took on another side-project that I’ll be writing about in September’s blog. It’s currently top secret, but I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone who loves reading.
What about you?
Have you gotten to all the summer projects you that for sure that you’d have time for?
Charlotte “Charlie” Auvray was always told she had no magic and nothing to offer. But Lucas Kane, a ruthless casino boss with a dangerous secret, sees something more. When a curse drives his newest Vegas property into bloody chaos, Lucas realizes Charlie may be the only one who can stop the madness. What happens in Vegas might just break the curse—and his heart.
BUY NOW: Print, Epub & Audio
Dragon fire can be hidden, but never extinguished.
Ava Flynn never meant to awaken the dragon inside her—until betrayal and a dangerously seductive stranger ignite a power she can no longer deny. When billionaire dragon shifter Dalton Rosetti crashes into her life, their instant, scorching attraction leaves both of them burned by secrets, pride, and a single unforgettable night.
BUY NOW: Print & Epub
Cursed by a stalker’s spell, Rose Ashfield can’t let anyone close without unleashing deadly shadows. But when wolf shifter Jace Kormos is sent to capture her and the mystical jade key she’s stolen, desire ignites into something neither can deny. To break the curse, they’ll have to risk their lives—and their hearts—in a battle against darkness, magic, and fate itself.
BECOME AN ADVANCE READER: ARC form
Book Trailer Skillz
/in Life, Marketing, Paranormal Romance, Scripts, Sirena Corbeau, The Stiletto GangForged for Release!
/in General Writing, New Release, Paranormal Romance, Sirena Corbeaubook 2 of the Montanari Universe series!
BUY FORGED IN FLAME NOW: CLICK HERE
Dragon fire can be hidden, but never extinguished.
Ava Flynn never meant to awaken the dragon inside her—until betrayal and a dangerously seductive stranger ignite a power she can no longer deny. When billionaire dragon shifter Dalton Rosetti crashes into her life, their instant, scorching attraction leaves both of them burned by secrets, pride, and a single unforgettable night.
Three years later, Ava is hiding more than a broken heart. She’s raising a fire-breathing daughter while hiding from everyone, including the dragon slayers who murdered her father and want her next. Dalton’s discovery that he has a child changes everything—and he’s determined to protect what’s his, no matter the cost.
With enemies closing in and passion rekindling, Ava and Dalton are forced back together in a deadly game of magic, loyalty, and desire. Forged in Flame is a sizzling paranormal romance of dragonfire, second chances, and a love powerful enough to change destiny.
What You’ll Find Inside Forged in Flame:
LEARN MORE: bethanymaines.com/catalog/sirena-corbeau/
BUY FORGED IN FLAME NOW: CLICK HERE
Painting in a New Old Way
/in General Writing, LifeSide Track to Success
/in General Writing, Life, The Stiletto GangCountdown!
I’m on the countdown to book 2 – Forged in Flame – of my contracted 4 from Varus Publishing. And if that seems fast to you, well, I agree. But it is what I signed up for. But the publishing schedule for four books in one year does mean that while one is getting published, I’m working at least one book in advance. And that also means that my side projects have become sidetracked.
Main Track
I’m contracted with Varus Publishing for a four-book paranormal romance series – Heart’s Curse, Forged in Flame, Curse Locked, and Fated Fortune – under my pen name Sirena Corbeau. Each book is a stand-alone, binge-worthy romance, sparked by the meddling of Dante Montanari, a 400-year-old dragon shifter. So, I’ve been busily bringing characters together, setting a few things on fire, and putting a very neat happily ever after on each of my stories. Because if there isn’t a happily ever after, then what are we even here for? I’m now THISSSSSSS close to wrapping up book four which means I’ll get a little bit of a reprieve to work on a few of the side projects.
My first side track was, is, and always will be, art. As a graphic designer, I have always done other art, but for the first time in over ten years, I recently submitted some paintings to an art show and got in! Yay! But uh… crap… that’s time and attention going down that track.
Like a lot of my bright ideas, I see an opportunity, throw something at it, and only later realize that if I get said opportunity, I will have to do the work. And then invariably my friends ask what I thought would happen, and I always say the same thing – I wasn’t supposed to actually get it!
However, if I have learned anything from life is that people who attempt something are the people who get things. In fact, attempting things is almost a “life hack.” Are you mostly qualified for a job you want? Put that resume in. Have you been practicing that one hobby for years? Submit to that contest. Turns out that sometimes you get the things you try for.
I’m looking forward to this summer when I’ll get a chance to do more painting and hopefully submit to a few more art shows.
Side Track 2
Mysteries! Yes, I know I always say there is mystery in every genre (and if there’s not, there should be), but I’m now at the point where I have ideas for an actual mystery novel, and at least one short story, and I would like to write them. But how can I kill people off if I’m too busy making love connections? And then there’s the fact, that I’m currently Treasurer of the Mystery Writer’s of America Northwest Chapter. Surely, I should be writing at least one mystery. That seems like practically part of the job description. So yes, I’m looking forward to taking a brief pause on the paranormal to create a some dead bodies, see my Noir at the Bar friends, and solve a few mysteries.
Your Side Track
What about you? What project is dangling tantalizingly out of reach for you? Can you move it to the main track? Or do you have to clear some road blocks to get to it?
Ava Flynn grew up unaware of her dragon heritage, raised by her human mother and stepfather. That changes when Dante Montanari’s nephew, billionaire dragon Dalton Rosetti, arrives—and sparks ignite. Their one night of passion leaves Ava with a secret baby and a future she must face alone. But when deadly enemies close in, Ava and her child are thrust back into Dalton’s world. To survive, she must decide: can she trust a bond forged in flame?
Release Date: June 30
PREORDER FORGED IN FLAME – CLICK HERE