💕 A Month of Mayhem… and a New Book Release!
Summer break is here in full force, and this Indiana romance author is officially in survival mode. With my kids home, daily sports workouts, softball tournaments, and camps galore, I’ve barely had a moment to catch my breath—let alone write!
That said, June brought some big excitement: the release of my latest contemporary romance, Click of Fate, part of my Happily Ever After, Inc. romance book series!
📚 Click of Fate Is Now Available!
Luke and Stella’s story is finally out in the world, and I’m so happy with how it’s been received! This is my first release since October 2023, and I kept my expectations low—but y’all showed up! Readers are loving the blend of grumpy/sunshine energy, workplace tension, and found family chaos.
If you're new to the HEA romance universe, you can absolutely start with Click of Fate. But if you love reading in order, start with Wed Like Wildfire (Book 1 of the HEA Inc. series).
📖 Click of Fate is available now on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited!
🔥 Romance Tropes You’ll Love in Click of Fate
This story is packed with your favorite tropes, including:
- One-Night Stand (with consequences)
- Workplace Collision (he’s her next photo assignment—surprise!)
- Opposites Attract: broody photographer x golden retriever climber
- Found Family: sisters, coworkers, and meddling friends
- Fear of Commitment (emotional and literal runners unite!)
- Grumpy/Sunshine (but flipped!)
- Small Business Vibes (matchmaking, photography, and climbing gyms)
- Pet Adoption Shenanigans 🐾
- And of course... an HEA worth the climb!
☕ What’s Brewing at HEA Inc.?
Next up in the HEA Inc. romance series is our café queen herself—Hazel! If you’ve fallen for her sassy energy and warm heart, just wait until you see who ends up in her orbit. I’m already giddy thinking about all the flirty banter and late-night café chats to come.
📱 Let’s Get Social
This romance author from Indiana is trying to make Instagram my bookish home, but the algorithm isn’t loving me back just yet. Got content ideas you’d love to see? Drop into my DMs on IG - @author_laurenhelms
Also, where are readers connecting these days? I’ve officially archived my old Facebook reader group (RIP), and I’m toying with starting a Discord. But is that where romance readers are hanging out? Still figuring that out!
🏡 Life Beyond Books: Summer Edition
Here’s a peek behind the scenes of my chaotic, wonderful life:
- My son went to the Police & Fire Camp and had the best time.
- My oldest daughter is starting high school and already rocking summer basketball workouts.
- My middle kid—our softball star—is headed to the State Tournament after winning Little League Districts! (Yes, we’re celebrating with a four-day hotel stay. Send snacks. And a financial planner.)
Oh, and I tried starting a 75 Soft challenge on July 1. Let’s just say… I’ll try again next week. 😅
🖤 Author Obsessions Lately
- Watching: Ginny & Georgia (just started season two, and I’m all in on Joe!)
- Reading: Rewind It Back by Liz Tomforde
- Book Club Pick: Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry – 10/10, highly recommend!
- Bought: A walking pad for my standing desk. (Will I finally stand? TBD.)
- Craving: Homemade açaí bowls with cookie dough granola and chocolate PB drizzle. Seriously. Life-changing.
Whether you’re here for the steamy stories, the book recs, or the family chaos—I’m so glad you’re part of this journey with me. More love stories, more behind-the-scenes peeks, and more HEAs are coming your way!
💖 Lauren Helms
Contemporary Romance Author | Book Nerd | Softball Mom