Books Breaking Barriers

What It Is

The mission of Books Breaking Barriers (BBB) is to end the stigma associated with disability and show readers we are people first.

I'm asking for your help in spreading the word about disabled romance and its positive impact on the romance community. Together, we can share the kinds of love stories we all already enjoy--with accurate and honest representation.

Click here to fill out the interest form.

Why It's Important

There are 1.3 billion people with disabilities in the world. That makes the disabled community the largest minority group in the world—but how many romance protagonists have you seen represent us?

✦ Over 1 in 4 of today's 20-year-olds will become disabled before they retire.
The majority of disabilities occur due to disease, not accidents, and you are more likely to become disabled from either one than to die from them.

That means, in your lifetime, you have a 25% of becoming disabled and a near 100% of knowing someone with a disability.

✦ 75 million people use a wheelchair, which represents 1% of the world’s population.
To put that in perspective, that's Canada's population twice over! Yet, it's rare to find a romance or romantic suspense novel that accurately and fairly portrays a character who uses a wheelchair.

✦ 65% of individuals living in poverty for more than three years have a disability.
Not only do people with disabilities make less in the workplace, those who are unable to work are forced to live in poverty in order to keep the benefits they need.

This, along with a lack of inclusivity in publishing, is the main reason why many writers with disabilities are unable to publish works that could break the stigma of disabled romance.

Why It's Personal

I've been disabled most of my life, starting at age 13 when I shattered my ankle on the bunny hill. I lived with pain and limited mobility until I was 35 when I had my leg amputated due to the original injury.

Being an avid romance reader, I searched for romance novels featuring characters with disabilities and was incredibly disappointed. Not only were they hard to find, they were often disgustingly inaccurate or relegated the character to the role of 'poor, pitiful best friend'.

As a wife, mother, and employed person with a disability, I wanted to change that—so, I sat down and wrote Sugar's Dance. When it released, the response from readers was phenomenal. They wanted more Sugar and more novels where people with disabilities were written with honesty and integrity. Now, thirteen years later, I've published over 60 novels that all feature characters with disabilities!

How You Can Help

✦  Read and Share Novels Featuring Characters With Disabilities
Submit your interest form for a chance to join the Books Breaking Barriers program. In the meantime, be sure to check out the 60+ romance titles I have in my catalog below!

✦  Use People-first Language (PFL) in Your Content
Not familiar with PFL? I've got a guide right here on my website.

✦  Talk about disabled romances with your friends, followers, and family
You have the power to influence readers by sharing your honest opinions on books that feature characters with disabilities. The more we talk about disabled romance, the more we normalize it; the more we normalize it, the more likely readers will be to pick one up and fall in love with characters who want what everyone wants—an epic love story!

Package Choices

Note: While these promotional packages are 100% free to readers, there is a significant cost on my end. As such, please be patient as I try to add more of you to the community each quarter. 💜

Love Rekindled
Genre: Sweeter Contemporary Romance
POV: First Person
Disability: Paraplegia

Robin Simmons has been in love with her best friend, Aaryn Whitney, for ten years—the same number of years he’s been gone—leaving her heartbroken and adrift. Then fate steps in and there he is, his cornflower blue eyes peeking out at her from his old ’67 Ford. Surrounded by their childhood memories, passion flares amidst the intoxicating scent of popcorn and the vibrant light of a summer sunset.

However, not everything is kettle corn and sunshine in Corn Hollow, Minnesota. A mysterious figure threatens Aaryn's farm, jeopardizing his family business. Aaryn and Robin race to uncover the truth behind the attacks, leaving behind the pain of the past. Can they catch the culprit before their dreams—and the future of Whitney Premier Popcorn—go up in smoke?

Caught by the Complicated Doc
Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance
POV: Third Person
Disability: Below-knee amputee

Hannah McCallis is all sunshine and sweetness as lead physical therapist at Clear Meadows Rehabilitation Hospital, but she wants nothing to do with the grumpy, arrogant, yet handsome Dr. Clark Parks. Despite the snick of connection when they touch, he's everything she's sworn off. When their late-night work conversations become Saturday morning coffee, Hannah wonders if she can heal this complicated doc with a little TLC. She’d better be careful, though, as someone else wants Clark for herself…and will stop at nothing to have him.

The Red River Slayer
Genre: Romantic Suspense
POV: Third Person
Disability: Bilateral Drop Foot and PTSD

Confronting their pasts…to stop an infamous killer

When a fourth woman is found dead in a river, security expert Mack Holbock takes on the search for a cunning serial killer. A disabled vet, Mack is consumed by guilt that’s left him with no room or desire for love. But while investigating and facing danger with Charlotte—a traumatized victim of sex trafficking—he must protect her and win her trust…without falling for her.

FILL OUT THE INTEREST FORM

Find Your Next Read:

While you're waiting to hear back on your Books Breaking Barriers membership, feel free to explore my current catalog of romance novels. You can filter what appears by clicking the black buttons (e.g. Heroes with Amputations). When you spot something that catches your eye, click the cover to visit that book's information page. You just might find your next read!

Happy reading!

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A female FBI agent wears a tactical vest and holds a gun. She has a brace on her left foot. It says: "Harlequin Intrigue," "Going Rogue in Red Rye County," and "Katie Mettner".

The Perfect Witness by Katie Mettner published by Harlequin Intrigue. There is a man and a woman on the cover running through the woods

The Red River Slayer by Katie Mettner. There is a man and a woman on the cover. He is holding a red piece of fabric

The cover for The Silent Setup for Katie Mettner

the cover for The Masquerading Twin by Katie Mettner. There is a woman on the cover looking down at water

The cover for Holiday Under Wraps by Katie Mettner. There is a man running through the woods with the trees covered in snow

A man in a red plaid shirt and cowboy hat stands with his back to the viewer, looking over his shoulder. There is a sunset behind him and a field of bison. It says: "Cowboys of Bison Ridge," "Blazing Hot Nights," and "Katie Mettner".

A man in a white t-shirt and jeans with a white cowboy hat has his back turned to the viewer. He is standing next to a wooden gate as clouds gather in the sky. There is a field of bison in the background. It says, "Cowboys of Bison Ridge, Long Past Dawn, Katie Mettner"

A man in a long sleeved plaid and tan flannel shirt and jeans with a white cowboy hat has his body turned away from the viewer. It is nighttime and the background is the northern lights. It says, "Cowboys of Bison Ridge, Due North, Katie Mettner"

A man in a long sleeved shirt with a leather vest and jeans with a white cowboy hat has his body turned away from the viewer. It is nighttime and he is in a bar and there is hay in the background. It says, "Cowboys of Bison Ridge, His Christmas Star, Katie Mettner"

The background is a summer pasture at sunset. In the center are three paperback books for Blazing Hot Nights, Long Past Dawn, and Due North. It says, "The Cowboys of Bison Ridge Box Set, Katie Mettner"

There is a woman falling through the water toward the bottom of the river. She is wearing a white dress. The cover says, Someone in the Water by Katie Mettner

The top of the cover says The Fluffy Cupcake 1 Cupcake. There is a woman sitting on the counter in a pink shirt holding a coffee cup. her legs are bare. There is a man next to her in a white t-shirt and boxers holding a cup of coffee. They have their foreheads touching. At the bottom it says, "Katie Mettner"

The background is a kitchen and there is a couple standing in the middle of it. They are close together, almost kissing. He is wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. She is also wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. She has a long blonde ponytail and he has short brown hair and a beard. At the top it says, The Fluffy Cupcake 2 Tart, Katie Mettner

The book cover for Cookie, Book 3 in the Fluffy Cupcake Series. There is a couple on the front He is wearing a pink shirt and has a dark beard and dark hair. She has a short bobbed haircut and is wearing a striped shirt while sitting on the counter.

A small blonde woman sits on a dark-haired man's lap, smiling. Beside them is a dog with a butterfly on its nose. Behind them is Lake Superior. It says, "Butterfly Junction Book 1," "Butterflies and Hazel Eyes," and "Katie Mettner".

The background is a summer wheatfield with a cloudy sky at sunset. There is a couple at the bottom of the cover. She is wearing a blue and white striped dress and he is wearing a white shirt. She has long brown hair and has her hand on his face. The top says, Honeybees and Sexy Tees. Butterfly Junctoin Book 2. Katie Mettner

"The background of the cover is a snowy night with a brown cottage decorated with Christmas lights. There is a couple on the righthand side hugging, and the woman's leg is popped up into the air. She is wearing a white hat, a brown coat, blue jeans and brown boots. he is wearing a black stocking cap, denim jacket, and denim jeans. The top says A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls. The bottom says Katie Mettner."

A wintry illustration shows a fir tree, gazebo, mistletoe, and a silhouetted couple. It says, "Meatloaf and Mistletoe" and "Katie Mettner".

A wintry illustration shows a fir tree, gazebo, holly, and a silhouetted couple. It says, "Hotcakes and Holly" and "Katie Mettner".

A wintry illustration shows a fir tree, a sleigh with reindeer, jingle bells, and a silhouetted couple. It says, "Jam and Jingle Bells" and "Katie Mettner".

A wintry illustration shows a fir tree, gazebo, angel wings, and a silhouetted couple. It says, "Apples and Angel Wings" and "Katie Mettner".

A wintry illustration shows a fir tree, and bells, and a silhouetted couple with the man carrying the woman. It says, "Eggnog and Evergreens" and "Katie Mettner".

A wintry illustration shows a fir tree, and a gazebo with a silhouetted couple inside the gazebo. There is garland around the gazebo. It says, "Gumdrops and Garland" and "Katie Mettner".

cover for Candy Canes and Caroling by Katie Mettner

The background is an illustrated Christmas town scene with snowflakes falling. The top says, Christmas box set II. Katie Mettner. In the center are three paperbacks for Meatloaf and Mistletoe, Hotcakes and Holly, and Jam and Jingle Bells

There is a man in a black suit and white shirt with a black tie laying on a black piano. He is grasping the tie with one hand and has short dark hair and a short beard. It says, Katie Mettner, The Secrets Between Us

A woman with long hair and a floral headband cups a man's face. They're leaning in, forehead to forehead. It says, "October Winds" and "Katie Mettner".

The backgrouns is a forest of trees with a sunset. There is a couple in an protective embrace. They are both wearing a winter coat and scarves and the woman's face is turned away from the camera. It says, "Ruby Sky, Katie Mettner"

The background is a backyard with a clothesline. There are white sheets hanging from the line. There is a couple on the lefthand side kissing with a little girl in front of them holding her straw hat on. The girl and the woman are wearing a white dress. The man is wearing a grey shirt and jeans. On the righthand side it says, "White Sheets & Rosy Cheeks. Katie Mettner"

An interracial couple leans in, resting their foreheads against each other. It says, "Inherited Love" and "Katie Mettner".

An interracial couple is laughing while sitting on a pier near an amusement park. It says, "Inherited Light" and "Katie Mettner".

An interracial couple is sitting in a summer park. The man is sitting on the ground holding a small dog. The woman is behind him with her arms around his shoulders and he is kissing her cheek. It says, "Inherited Life, Katie Mettner"

A woman and man stand under a streetlight on a dark street. Her back is to his chest. They both look off to the side with serious expressions. It says, "Magnificent Love" and "Katie Mettner".

A man and woman are embracing in the dark. He is black and wearing a white tank top. She is white with long black hair and wearing a white tank top. She has a serious expression on her face. It says, "Magnificent Destiny, Katie Mettner"

The background is black with a gold hue in the center. There are two paperback books in the center for Magnificent Love and Magnificent Destiny. It says, "Magnificent Series Box Set, Katie Mettner"

A kissing couple is silhouetted against a Hawaiian sunset. It says: "Calling Kupid," "A Kupid's Cove Novel," and "Katie Mettner".

A kissing couple is silhouetted against a Hawaiian sunset. It says: "Me & Mr. I.T.," "A Kupid's Cove Novel," and "Katie Mettner".

A kissing couple is silhouetted against a Hawaiian sunset. It says: "The Forgotten Lei," "A Kupid's Cove Novel," and "Katie Mettner".

A kissing couple is silhouetted against a Hawaiian sunset. It says: "Hiding Rose," "A Kupid's Cove Novel," and "Katie Mettner".

A couple in coats lean in to each other with snowflakes in the background. It says, "Snow Daze" and "Katie Mettner".

A couple in winter coats are embracing. There are snowflakes in the background. It says, "December Kiss, Katie Mettner"

The couple on the front is wearing wool coats and scarves with a bridge in the background. There are hearts on the background. It says, "Noel's Hart, Katie Mettner"

The couple is sitting on a beach in the sand. The man is holding a guitar and smiling at the camera. A woman has her arms wrapped around his shoulders from behind. She is wearing a black leather coat and has long blonde hair. The background has music notes. It says, "April Melody, Katie Mettner"

The background is a park in the summer time. There is a couple on the front. The girl is wearing a green shirt and has long blonde hair. She is holding up a cell phone to take a selfie. The man is behind her and is kissing her cheek. He is wearing a plaid button up shirt and sunglasses. It says, "Liberty Belle, Katie Mettner"

There is a couple embracing against a black background. She is wearing all black, has a black hat, and black gloves. She is holding the man from behind and covering the side of his face with her glove. She is wearing bright red lipstick. It says, "Wicked Winifred, Katie Mettner"

The background is mountains of snow. There is a couple wearing winter coats and embracing at the front. It says, "Nick S. Klaus, Katie Mettner"

"The background is a house that is burning with flames. There is a fireman's ladder and water spraying onto the fire. In the front of the image is a couple. he is wearing a brown sweater, black glasses, and has brown hair. She is wearing a brown dress, and has long brown hair. It says, Torched, Katie Mettner"

The background is a green summer field with a path through it. There is a woman in the center wearing black leggings, a racer bra, and a white shirt. It says, Katie Mettner, Finding Susan. Based on a true story

"The background is a summer yard with a large tree. There is a girl on a tree swing, flying up into the air. her hair is blowing backward. It says, After Summer Ends, Katie Mettner"

A couple in hats and scarves are cuddled up at the base of a tree, drinking from mugs. It says, "Granted Redemption" and "Katie Mettner".

The background is a lake with a couple standing in front of it. The man is holding a small boy. They are all wearing winter coats. It says, "Autumn Reflections, Katie Mettner"

The couple is kneeling and looking at each other against the backdrop of a log cabin. He is wearing a black shirt with a brown vest. She is wearing a white fringe dress and has long dark hair. It Says, "Winter's Rain, Katie Mettner"

There is a couple embracing in front of a long set of concrete stairs. The man is lifting the woman in the air. She is black and wearing a straw hat and dark sunglasses. He is wearing a long sleeve blue shirt and sunglasses. It says, "Forever Phoenix, Katie Mettner"

There is a couple standing outside in an ebrace. She is wearing a burgundy tank top and jeans. She has long blonde hair. He is wearing a white t-shirt and has short dark hair. it says, "Sugar's Dance. Katie Mettner"

A couple in formalwear are embracing outside in the snow. It says, "Sugar's Song" and "Katie Mettner".

There is a couple embracing with the night sky behind them. She is wearing a blue dress and has long blonde hair. He is wearing a light grey suit with a white shirt and has short dark hair. It says, "Sugar's Night. Katie Mettner"

A couple is standing beside a white wall. The man is standing behind the woman who is wearing a white t-shirt and has long blonde hair. She is holding paint samples. One is blue and one is pink. It says, "Sugar's Faith, Katie Mettner"

There is a couple embracing wrapped in a brown blanket. The background is a window with snow falling outside. It says, "Trusting Trey, Katie Mettner"

A romance cover for Seducing Serenity by Katie Mettner. There is a man on the cover standing in an office dressed in a suit.

There is a man in a suit with the collar open and the tie loose around his shoulders. It says Protecting Pia by Katie Mettner

the cover for Caught by the Complicated Doc. There is an illustrated medical couple wearing scrubs. They are embracing while the woman's left leg is popped out and she is wearing a below-knee prosthesis. A small brown and tan dachshund is running around them tying them up with his leash

The cover for Love Rekindled by Katie Mettner. There is a man holding a woman in the park. Next to them is a wheelchair

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