I've been trying to write this update for nearly a week and can't figure out how to start, so I'm just going to jump into it.

Captive of Wicked Souls won't be releasing until 2027.

When in 2027? I'm not sure yet.

Why? Like Nessa, I have endometriosis. I mentioned in my July update that my symptoms were slowly coming back. At the time, I still thought I might be able to finish the first draft by September and have the book out this winter.

Unfortunately, my health rapidly declined in mid-August. My endometriosis is definitely back, and it's not pulling its punches for round two. It also brought some "friends" along, and those issues can only be resolved with surgery.

After my excision surgery in 2023, I thought I was free. I knew endometriosis was chronic, but the few symptoms I had afterward were nothing compared to what I'd experienced before surgery. I could accept that.

I was able to live my life again.

I was able to write again.

But for the last three weeks, I've lost both of those things. I've had to cancel so many plans. Nessa’s voice, which is usually so clear in my head, is gone. Even Jules is being quiet, and that’s saying something.

There's a line in Chapter 1 of Bride of Brutal Hearts where Nessa thinks about having a body that revels in betrayal. I've always loved that line, but it's never felt more accurate than it does now.

Right now, I need to focus on my health and getting back to Book 2, so I might be a little more MIA than planned this fall. Luckily, I have an assistant who can keep my social media and shop running, so things should mostly continue as normal on the outside. But given that it's vampire season, I really wanted to go all out for October. Those plans are mostly scrapped now, though I will still have some Halloween art to reveal.

I don't know exactly when Captive of Wicked Souls will be ready. But I need you to know I'm not giving up on Nessa, her kings, or their story. I just need some time to find my way back to them.

P.S. If you're looking for a way to help while I'm taking a step back, sharing Bride of Brutal Hearts with a friend, posting about it, or leaving a review would mean more than you know ❤️❤️❤️