Everything They Claimed Will Be Challenged: Challenged Arrives September 17

When I released Claimed, I introduced readers to Noble and Solace—a couple whose connection was intense, unexpected, and complicated from the very beginning. Their story was about finding a love neither of them necessarily saw coming and deciding whether they were willing to claim it.

But claiming something and keeping it are two very different things.

On September 17, 2026, Noble and Solace return in Challenged, Book Two of the Crowned Series, and this time, their love isn't the only thing at stake.

Everything they claimed will be challenged.

This One Is Different

If you've read Claimed, you already know Noble and Solace didn't exactly take the scenic route to happily ever after. Their relationship was built in the middle of complicated histories, dangerous circumstances, family, friendships, careers, and more than a little drama.

Challenged picks up in the aftermath of the violence that changed everything.

Solace survived the bullet, but survival doesn't magically erase what happened. There are physical wounds to heal, emotional scars to confront, and pieces of herself she has to reclaim. Noble, meanwhile, is carrying his own guilt over what happened to the woman he loves—and he's determined not to fail her again.

But while they're trying to heal, the world around them isn't standing still.

Blaise may be dead, but the consequences of everything that happened in Claimed didn't die with him.

And neither did every grudge.

Love, Loyalty, Trauma, and Revenge

Challenged is darker than Claimed.

I want to say that upfront because this book takes Noble, Solace, and the people around them into some very difficult places. There are moments of tenderness and humor. There is friendship, family, music, passion, and love. But there is also trauma, violence, revenge, grief, and the ugly reality of what happens when dangerous people decide an old score still needs to be settled.

At the center of all of it, though, is still Noble and Solace.

This isn't simply a story about whether Noble can protect Solace from the people who want to hurt her.

It's also about whether he can love her through the hurt that's already there.

And it's about Solace learning that surviving something and healing from it aren't always the same thing.

Some Familiar Faces—and One You Should Probably Worry About

Don't worry. Your people are still here. 😂

Noble and Solace aren't walking into this next chapter alone. Major, Xena, Que, and the rest of the crew are back, bringing the loyalty, friendship, foolishness, and ride-or-die energy that became such an important part of Claimed.

But there are some new problems waiting for them, too.

And one of those problems has a name:

Luxor.

That's about all I'm giving you. 😂

Just remember this:

Blaise is dead. The debt isn't.

Before Their Love Was Challenged, It Had to Be Claimed

If you haven't read Claimed yet, now is the time.

Challenged is Book Two of the Crowned Series and continues the story established in Book One, so I strongly recommend starting with Claimed. You'll want to understand Noble and Solace's history, the people surrounding them, the choices that brought them here, and exactly why the events of Challenged carry so much weight.

And if you've already read Claimed?

You might want to refresh your memory.

Because some things you thought were over...

aren't.

Are You Ready to Be Challenged?

Challenged releases September 17, 2026, and I cannot wait to finally put this book in your hands.

This story pushed its characters into places they didn't expect to go. It deals with what happens after the chaos—when the adrenaline is gone, the wounds remain, and loving someone means showing up for the parts of their healing you can't fix for them.

But don't get too comfortable.

This is still the Crowned Series.

There's love.

There's loyalty.

There's music.

There's family.

There's danger.

And baby...

there are consequences.

Challenged
Book Two of the Crowned Series
September 17, 2026

Everything they claimed will be challenged.

 

Pre-order Challenged here.

 

Want a Taste of the Vibe? 🎶

Music has always been part of the way I tell a story, and Challenged is no different. Each Read & Vibe selection was chosen to complement the mood, emotion, or energy of the scene you're reading.

While you wait for September 17, press play on “Believe In Love” by Damar Jackson for a little taste of Noble and Solace's world.

Consider it a preview of the feelings.

The rest? You'll have to read for yourself. 👑🩸