The Director releases next Tuesday! I have been so excited about sharing this story. Ginger and John are a dynamic duo, and I loved exploring the tension between them. So spicy! So delicious!

The Cosplayer, The Artist, and The Bodyguard are all available in ebook format! While you don’t need to read these beauties in order, you really should so you get the full immersive experience of the romance brewing at the Philly Comic Convention.

This is Book 4 in the Fangirl Confessions Series and takes place in the same universe as the Her Confessions Series where we found Jen attending the Philadelphia fandom and comic convention.  This is the fourth novella in a five novella series. It’s a short read, but it’s steamy and delicious, giving you an insight into the group of fangirls Jen met in her book Confessions of a Fangirl.

I will release the fifth and final novella in October! Then, in November, I’ll be releasing the series collection in PRINT! You will LOVE it. Or, if you love those pretty shelf trophies, then you’ll want to check out my Kickstarter for the Limited Run Special Edition of Fangirl Confessions. (I’ll be including a bonus scene if I get enough supporters.😉)

🔥 You can pick up a copy of The Director for $0.99 for the next week ONLY! 🔥

I call out director John Martigan in front of hundreds of fans—and the author of the books he butchered. What is supposed to be an innocent question during the Space Vendetta panel at Philly Comic Convention turns into an international fandom incident. Whoops.

Being led out of the panel by security isn’t my finest moment. But when they drag me into a windowless room and leave me there, I panic.

Then Martigan waltzes in and puts me on the spot.

He is Hollywood’s hottest director. Literally. Barely forty years old, he’s been named the hottest celebrity bachelor twice and has been at the top of his game for the past decade. I’ve had a crush on him from day one, but he doesn’t need to know that.

When he makes me an enticing offer instead of having me banned from all fandom conventions until the end of time, I hesitate. There’s always a catch, and I certainly won’t let him take advantage of me—even if part of me wants him to.

Now…the moment you’ve been waiting for! Here’s a little sneak peek of The Director.

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Chapter One

“Ginger, you have an unhealthy obsession with Space Vendetta,” Vicky teases, eyeing me over the rim of her glass.

“Don’t we all?” Beth half snorts. “I mean—it’s why we’re here, isn’t it?”

I shake my head and laugh. “Why do you say that?”

“I heard you say something to Ronnie last night, about a disconnect between the films and the source material.” Vicky looks dazed as she tries to remember. “I didn’t even know half of what you were talking about.”

“We’ve both been fans since the beginning.” I sip my drink. “Ronnie read the books before they even considered making movies, so she’s got stronger opinions than most on how they adapted the story.”

Vicky is lost in thought for a moment before nodding. “Makes sense. I’d be super pissed if my favorite books were turned into movies and they didn’t do them justice.”

“If they fuck it up, that’s where we come in.” Beth winks with a maniacal chuckle. “Fan fiction is our way to correct the natural order of things.”

I nearly snort my drink midsip but manage to not choke. “I mean, you’re not wrong.” A crazy thought crosses my mind. “Can you imagine if we actually convinced them our ideas would sell better than theirs?”

“They’d lose their ever-loving minds.” Beth cackles again. “I’d be there with s’mores and a bottle of whiskey to watch the world burn.”

“You’re wicked, Beth.” Vicky picks up a french fry. “I love it.”

The two of them fall into an animated discussion about Throne of Ashes and how the showrunners deviated dramatically from the books. I’m not sure of the details—I haven’t read the books—so I only half listen to them while I finish my burger and think about tomorrow.

Excitement thrums through me. I’ve been waiting for this convention for months. As soon as I found out director John Martigan would appear to discuss the upcoming installment of Space Vendetta, I started making plans. I’ve been following his career ever since I was in college. According to his wiki page, he’s not much older than me, and the fact that he’s already had such a strong impact on the film industry in such a short time is pretty fucking impressive. He’s got a long career ahead of him, and I’m eager to see what other projects he takes on.

This weekend is my chance, my opportunity to ask him the questions burning through my mind. I’m no director—hell, I’m not even a filmmaker. But I am a storyteller. An amateur storyteller with no publications to my name, but I’ve written a pretty impressive number of fanfics over the years, as well as a healthy collection of short stories and poetry. I’d love to write a novel, but the day job keeps me pretty busy.

Not that it matters; I doubt anyone would read it. Still, I have strong opinions about the direction of the Space Vendetta series.

And when they open the forum to questions tomorrow, I’ll be ready. John Martigan won’t know what hit him after I step up to the microphone.

“Is that why you’re going tomorrow?” Vicky asks, turning her attention to me.

I shake away the errant thoughts and frown. “Is what why?”

“You’re still sore about the interview John Martigan did…when he said they’re planning to add some fresh material to shake up the Vendetta series.” Beth grins, savoring the absolute chaos she knows her statement will create inside me. We’ve discussed it before. At length and with alcohol. It wasn’t pretty.

“I’m fine with them adding new material if it fits the narrative. I know some things in books don’t translate well to film and vice versa, but I will castrate him if he decides to go completely off the deep end by abandoning canon source material. Especially if it’s only to add more CGI or convoluted storylines to appease the higher-ups or sell tickets.” I sniff disdainfully and take a drink.

“He’s made it pretty clear what he plans to do,” Beth says. “I doubt you’ll be able to convince him otherwise.”

“If he decides to completely fuck it up, it’ll be on his head when the fans turn their backs on him. More and more studios are realizing the danger of crossing loyal fans.”

“Like they care—sitting in ivory towers sipping champagne, swimming in vaults of money.” Vicky snorts and crosses her arms.

Beth laughs. “Why am I picturing Scrooge McDuck?”

“Accurate as fuck.” I join in with a chuckle.

“You’re not going to the panel tomorrow just to rip the director a new asshole.” Beth leans forward conspiratorially. “Admit it.”

“Admit what?” I feign innocence.

“I’m lost.” Vicky looks between us.

“John Martigan is an absolute fox,” Beth explains.

“He is?” Curiosity pulling her deeper, Vicky opens her phone and types something. Her eyes widen. “Started as an actor at eighteen and found his footing as a director…one of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors. Holy shit.” Vicky looks at me. “He’s sinfully hot.”

“He’s no Jason Hunt, but that’s like comparing chicken to beef. Two very different tastes.”

My face slowly warms as Beth speaks. Part of me wants to hide under the table, but it’s not like I’m having all my secrets revealed. Just one secret. A big secret.

“Ginger’s had the hots for him for years.” Beth lowers her voice dramatically. “She’s even written a fic or two featuring his surly ass.”

“Fics about a real person? Is that even a thing?” Vicky blinks twice, her mouth agape.

“Oh, it’s a thing. Not a popular thing for obvious reasons, but sometimes you gotta get the fantasy on paper, right?” Beth nudges me with her elbow.

I cover my face with a hand and shake my head. I’m going to fucking kill her.

“Did you publish them on Archive?” Vicky leans closer.

I shake my head. “No. I only publish stories about fictional characters.”

“Can I read one?” Vicky begs. “Please. I–I’m just curious, I swear.”

“Maybe.” I finish my drink and push the glass away. “It doesn’t matter. John Martigan may be hot, but he’s got a damn temper. He’s notorious for storming off if interviews get too personal. The guy has issues.”

“Meh—we all have issues.” Beth waves a hand as if banishing the notion to the inconsequential. “The real question is—what will you do if he answers your question?”

“What is your question?” Vicky asks, brow furrowed. “I missed that part.”

“I have it written down back in the hotel room so I don’t forget how best to phrase it, but basically, I want to know why he wants to change major plot points of the story to pander to a group of investors in suits who only care about a fucking paycheck.”

“If you say it like that, he’ll ignore your question entirely,” Vicky observes quietly.

“I’m prepared for that possibility.” I shrug. “But that’s why I wrote it all down, so I can get it out quickly and at least make my voice heard.”

“What if he goes supernova on you?” Beth asks, munching a chip.

“I’ll give it right back to him.”

“You’ll get kicked out.” Vicky’s eyes double in size.

“They won’t kick me out of the convention for asking a question.” I scoff. “The worst they can do is take away the microphone. Maybe ask me to leave.”

“And you’re okay with that?” Beth studies me.

“Of course.” I bolster my courage with a deep breath. “He needs to hear the truth from the fans. We’re not interested in the same old shit repackaged and resold with a new name. We want the original story, told in a way that enhances the visual aspects of the universe while keeping to canon.”

“You realize that means you won’t get your love triad, don’t you?” Beth smirks.

“That’s right,” Vicky gasps. “You’re a huge fan of a Ransom-Lyanna-Colton triad, but it’s not canon.”

“They’ll never put it in the series. Ever.” I sigh in defeat. “It’s too much for mainstream audiences—they’d never accept it. I’ve come to terms with that simple truth.”

“It would be fucking epic on so many levels,” Beth admits wistfully. “I mean the hate-fucking alone would—”

“Don’t tease me right now.” I press a hand to my heart. “It’s one of those things I know will never come to pass, no matter how much I wish it into existence.”

“Does it happen in the books?” Vicky asks.

“No.” I pout. “But I’m sure Ronnie told Michael DeHart all about the idea when she met him today.”

“Who’s Michael DeHart?”

“The author of Space Vendetta. He started it when he was in his early twenties. Once the books took off, he was slammed with offers to make films based on the novels.” Beth pops another chip into her mouth. “His main caveat was he had to be part of the process to ensure they stick to his vision.”

“But didn’t you just say the director is changing things?” Vicky looks perplexed again.

“He is,” Beth clarifies.

“I’m so lost.” Vicky hangs her head.

“It’s complicated.” I explain in the easiest way I can. “The first studio sold the rights, and a new contract was drawn up. They threw Michael DeHart under the bus by adding a disclaimer that the director has ultimate decision-making over the final product.”

“Fucking bullshit,” Vicky exclaims, slapping a hand over her mouth when patrons at a neighboring table turn to stare. “Sorry.”

“It is bullshit, and that’s exactly why I’m going to the panel tomorrow.” I straighten, filled with righteous indignation and holy purpose. “Someone has to put John Martigan in his place.”

Beth bursts out laughing. “I’d love to see that.”

“Come with us,” Vicky says.

“I can’t.” She frowns. “Photo ops are at the same time as the panels.” Beth winks at Vicky. “Just promise you’ll record the whole thing for me.”

“I can do that.” Vicky shoots me an apologetic look and crosses her heart. “For fangirl use only.”

“I want the whole world to see it.” My heart races at the thought of blasting my confrontational encounter with the director of Space Vendetta all over social media. I take a steadying breath. It’ll be fine. He’ll ignore me like he does anybody who asks questions that challenge his position and authority. I plan on knocking the big fucking chip off his broad shoulder and walking away with a smug smile.

Serves him right.

“I’ll drink to that.” Beth orders a round of tequila shots.

Vicky groans. “Last one. I need to get to bed. I’m fucking exhausted.”

“Okay,” Beth relents.

After our shot, we cash out and head back to the hotel. The moment I get to our room, I slip into the shower, desperate for a few moments of peace.

I love these girls to death, but it’s been a whirlwind of activity today. Between Vicky’s run-in with Jason Hunt, Jessica’s panic attack, Ronnie’s strange disappearance, and Beth’s rollercoaster mood thanks to a grumpy security guard, I’ve had to run interception all day. It takes a toll on a body.

The hot spray soothes my nerves. A good night’s sleep will set things right. Tomorrow I’ll finally have my chance to confront the one man who’s not only inspired my creativity but has haunted my fantasies for years.

I just hope I can keep it together long enough to get the question out. Honestly, I’m afraid if he makes eye contact with me, I’ll spontaneously combust. The last thing I need to do is pump up his over-inflated ego.

Bring it, Martigan.