When L.K. Madigan's husband contacted me and asked for help releasing his wife's posthumous novel Project: Boy Next Door, I jumped at the opportunity. I'd only met L.K. online, but she was a super-sweet person. It was heartbreaking when she passed, so having the opportunity to help get another one of her novels out there was an honor. Over the last few months I've been hard at work editing, getting it formatted, writing the book blurb, and working with a cover artist. And now it's almost time for release of Project: Boy Next Door.

Before we release the book, we wanted to do a fun cover reveal. Hence, the purpose of this blog post. :D

But first, let's give you the book blurb:

Being the son of a mega-famous mogul isn't all it's cracked up to be, which is why super-smart but socially awkward teen Melvin Pepper wants to try something new: anonymity. To attend a regular high school, get a normal job, meet real people. A break from the pressure and facade that come with crazy wealth and a world-renowned last name.

But Mel quickly realizes that being Mike, his alter ego, isn't as easy as he'd assumed. He gradually makes friends at work and school and becomes involved in the radio club, plus navigates the rocky waters of first crushes and first kisses. However, he discovers someone out there is on to his secret and is threatening to expose it.

And that's not all. One of Mel's new work friends is hiding a dark secret of her own, and Mel feels helpless to make things better for her. He struggles with juggling two very different identities, balancing jealous old friends and nosy new ones. Yup, Mel's in way over his head...and the only chance he has to make everything right is to be true to himself.

If you want to add it on Goodreads, the link is HERE.

Okay, and on to the cover!

Here it is…I'm so excited! YAY!

Isn't it awesome? The cover artist worked hard to give it the same thematic feel as L.K.'s debut novel Flash Burnout. This novel is a sort-of sequel to her debut, featuring many of the same characters. I laughed and happy-sighed my way through it as I edited. I know you'll love it too.

Project: Boy Next Door will be on sale on Monday, May 6. I'll update this blog post with buy links once it's live. I'll also update Goodreads, so you can check back at either place to get sale links. Thanks! And please, help me spread the word! <3

Rhonda

I've had a slew of good news hit me over the last couple of weeks (check out my books page, hint hint). But in short, I sold another teen romance to Simon Pulse, PLUS I sold 2 New Adult romances to Kensington. I am over the moon right now, you guys. <3

I've had some bumps in the publishing road recently, but I told myself I was going to hang in there and keep working hard. I studied the market, have worked on refining my voice, making my craft stronger. Persistence is key in this industry, and I refused to give up. It also helps that I have amazing friends and family who support me through thick and thin.

For the New Adult books, I sent a proposal for SCRATCH to Kensington editor extraordinaire Peter (my books page tells you a brief summary of what it's about), and he was excited about it--he totally got what I was doing with this story. And then he surprised me when he offered me a 2-book deal. I'm a huge New Adult fan and have been devouring these books like crazy. I love the authenticity in the narrative voice, the dramatic and intense plot lines, the deep romances. So being able to write my own is a dream.

I hope to soon share details about the Simon Pulse sales, so stay tuned!

I know this is a short post, but I have a lot of writing to do now, hah. So I'd better get back to it! ;-)

I'm soooo excited to let you guys know that I'll be contributing a short story in the Magical Mayhem YA anthology, coming out Oct 2012! Isn't the cover to die for?

And here's a little about the anthology itself:

Compiled from a wide assortment of emerging YA talent plus award-winning veteran authors, the Magical Mayhem anthology truly has something for everyone, featuring short tales that will twist your brain and wrap around your soul. From the creepy jumble of Eldritch Black's "Three Curses for Trixie Moon" to the gorgeous magical realism of Anna-Marie McLemore's "Lovesick," Magical Mayhem is the perfect bedtime companion for a cold autumn's night.

I just mailed the contract this morning and am suuuuper excited to announce the following:

Rhonda Helms' UNTOUCHED, in which a girl made a desperate bargain with a demon in the Middle Ages to escape an arranged marriage, but falling for a present-day boy in New Orleans gives her the courage to break her dark curse, to Vikki Ciaffone at Spencer Hill Press.

Guys, I can't tell you how excited I am about this. YAY!!

Also………this is part 1 of my good news. Stay tuned for part 2, hopefully coming very soon!

Booty dance party!

Woohoo! I decided to redesign my website. Do you dig it? I love the simple and clean redesign. <3 Also love the tone--it fits my writing and the mood I hope to evoke!

Anyway, it's been a while since I've posted on here. Hope you're all doing well! I solemnly promise to stop neglecting this poor blog and do more posts. See ya soon!

Rhonda