This week feels different.
I’ve officially entered four of my novels into the Next Generation Indie Book Awards:
• After the Applause
• Between Heartbeats
• Champions Way
• The Ties That Made Us
And I won’t lie — pressing that submit button hits differently.
Awards aren’t about ego. They’re about longevity. Legacy. Proof that the work holds up under scrutiny. That the emotion isn’t just loud — it’s layered. That the love stories aren’t just hot — they’re human.
These four books represent different pieces of my heart.
After the Applause — the quiet ache after the spotlight fades.
Between Heartbeats — love built in the fragile spaces.
Champions Way — grit, pride, and passion under pressure.
The Ties That Made Us — family, second chances, and the kind of love that doesn’t break.
If you’ve read any of them, you already know:
I don’t write surface romance.
I write earned love.
Messy love.
Irish-hearted, emotionally charged, deeply lived love.
Submitting to awards means standing behind that work publicly. It means saying, “This belongs in the room.”
And honestly? I believe it does.
What This Means for You
If you’ve been thinking about picking one up — now’s the time.
If you’ve already read them — your reviews matter more than ever.
If you’ve messaged me saying these books made you feel seen — this week is proof that your support builds momentum.
This isn’t just about trophies.
It’s about building something lasting.
It’s about showing that Irish contemporary romance deserves a seat at every table.
And we’re not done.
More submissions are coming next week.
More stories are on deck.
More risk. More heart. More fire.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Truly.
You can find all my books on Amazon, Kobo, Apple Books, and other major retailers.
And if you’re not already on the inside list — join here:
👉 www.lauracarpenterbooks.com�
Big week. Bigger vision.
Let’s build.
— Laura 💛