Covers

What is it about a book cover, whether it’s print of digital, that like most? Is it a hot cowboy, a couple smiling lovingly into each other’s eyes, a spooky scene or a wide-open countryside with prairie grasses blowing? What colors catch your eye? What images make you want to read the blurb?

Harlequin Intrigue has had the same kind of covers for a long time, and with the competition being more fierce in the publishing industry, they’re trying out new cover images to capture the readers’ attention. TRIGGERED from my Covert Cowboys Inc. Series started out in the old cover images and the second book in the series TAKING AIM is in the new format. What do you think?

I personally like the new cover format, but I think it could use a little more color. But dang! I love the cowboy on TAKING AIM. He’s hot, sexy and gritty. What more could I ask for? No really, what more could I ask for? A girl on the cover? A horse? I’d be interested to hear what you have to say. I’ll leave you with the images of all four of the books in the series so you can see what’s changed and where they’re going.

And I hope you enjoy the following blurb and excerpt from:

TAKING AIM

Covert Cowboys Book #2

by Elle James aka Myla Jackson

Amazon | Nook

Don’t forget to sign up on the Rafflecopter for the SWAG BAG I’m giving away as part of
TAKING AIM RELEASE DAY Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

A kidnapping offers an FBI agent a second chance at redemption in Elle James’s Covert Cowboys, Inc. miniseries.
After witnessing the murder of his partner, former FBI agent Zach Adams suffers the weight of his own guilt. An unexpected assignment hunting down the members of the Texas gang responsible—who have kidnapped a local woman—could offer long-awaited revenge.

Zach understands the danger of tracking the cartel, but it’s his desire for the sister of the missing person that he fails to anticipate. Determined to find her twin, Jacie Kosart is as strong-willed as she is alluring. But when Zach’s ruthless search for the kidnappers lands Jacie in the crosshairs of deadly enemies, Zach realizes he’ll risk everything to keep her alive…even if it means confronting the demons of his own past.

EXCERPT

“Yeah, but not only are they putting themselves and the horses in danger, they’re putting the two of us at risk as well.” Jacie hesitated. “Come to think of it, maybe we should head back while there’s still enough light to climb the trail out of the canyon.”

Tracie sighed. “I was hoping you’d say that. I don’t want you to get hurt out here.”

“Me? I was more concerned about you. You haven’t been in saddle much since you joined the FBI.”

“You’re right, of course.” She smiled at Jacie. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Agreed. Let them be stupid. We don’t have to be.” Jacie turned her horse back the way they’d come and had taken the lead when the sharp report of gunfire echoed off the canyon walls.

“What the hell?” Jacie’s horse spun beneath her and it was all she could do to keep her balance.

Aramis reared. Tracie planted her feet hard in the stirrups and leaned forward, holding on until the gelding dropped to all four hooves.

More gunfire ensued followed by the pounding of hooves, the sound growing louder as it neared them.

Tracie yelled, “Go, Jacie. Get out of the canyon!”

Jacie didn’t hesitate, nor did her horse. She dug her heals into D’Artagnan’s flanks, sending him flying along the trail. She headed back the way they’d come, her horse skimming over the rocky ground, his head stretched forward, nostrils flared.

Before they’d gone a hundred yards, Rocky, the gelding Mr. Jones had been riding, raced past them, eyes wide, sweat lathered on both sides, sporting an empty saddle, no Mr. Jones. Rocky hit the trailhead leading out of the canyon, scrambling up the slope.

Jacie dared to glance over her shoulder.

Mr. Smith emerged from the fork in the canyon trail, yelling at Ginger, kicking her hard. Both leaned forward, racing for their lives.

Elle James’s Bio:

Elle James spent twenty years livin’ and lovin’ in South Texas, ranching horses, cattle, goats, ostriches and emus. A former IT professional, Elle is proud to be writing full-time, penning intrigues and paranormal adventures that keep her readers on the edge of their seats. She has 39 works with Harlequin, self published works under pen name Elle James, over 40 works with other publishers including Samhain, Elloras’ Cave, Kensington and Avon and 18 works self-published under pen name Myla Jackson. Now living in northwest Arkansas, she isn’t wrangling cattle, she’s wrangling her muses, a malti-poo and yorkie. When she’s not at her computer, she’s traveling, out snow-skiing, boating, or riding her ATV, dreaming up new stories.

Social Media:

ELLE JAMES  Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

I was asked how this story happened. A few months ago, I received an email from an acquisitions editor at Ellora’s Cave, saying she had visited my website, was impressed, and wondered if I had any books in the pipeline that I could submit. After I picked myself up off the floor 😉 I re-read the email, and decided it must be spam. But a quick check of the editor’s name online showed me that she was indeed one of EC’s editors, and the request was real. The only un-contracted work I had available was a short piece that I had written in response to a friend’s challenge to create a male strip-tease scene. It featured a female dominant, which I (incorrectly) assumed Ellora’s Cave would not want. I mentioned the story in my reply, and was surprised to get a request to read it. I had a contract three days later. I’ve always believed that fortune favors the prepared. Seems to me, this story shows it’s true.

Rai trusts Koo to submit. To keep him, she must trust her heart.

A Romantica® BDSM erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

This book is in the Taboo line — one of the Ellora’s Cave Quickies

A recent college graduate, Koo hires Rai as his attorney after thieves total his car and then dare to sue him. She wins, and takes him out to celebrate. Dinner leads to the hottest sex in his life, and a long-term relationship as her submissive. He adores the way she makes him feel, and the way she makes him burn. He longs to show her he has more to offer. He has a heart, and it’s hers, if only she’ll let him give it.

A successful attorney in her late thirties, Rai has a penchant for handsome young men with long hair. Koo, her newest client, becomes more than her usual boy toy. He likes being tied up and whipped, and he yields the way she’d always dreamed. But he has a future ahead of him, and she’s a jaded lawyer. He wants sex, not love. Right? He wouldn’t stay with her forever. She trusts him to submit. To keep Koo, Rai is going to have trust her heart.

Inside Scoop: Our hero willingly submits to his Dom lady love and all her toys in their BDSM play, including whips and bindings and more.

Buy Link: https://ellorascave.com/keeper-of-my-pleasure.html

Trailer for Keeper of My Pleasure: https://youtu.be/pXmsf8gb6DI

Music is “Road Adventure” from iStockPhoto, used with permission.

Inside Peek: Keeper of My Pleasure This free, illustrated eBook provides insight about the book, its characters, and its creation. When you click the link, it will either offer you a download, or open in a new window, depending on your settings. To read it, you need Adobe Reader, available free.

About the Author

Kayelle Allen is a multi-published, EPIC Award winning author. She writes Contemporary Romance, Gay Romance, Erotic Science Fiction Romance, Mainstream Fantasy, BDSM, and non-fiction. She likes to attend Science Fiction conventions, and has been a speaker at DragonCon, Outlantacon, and Gaylaxicon. Kayelle is the founder of the author-mentoring group Marketing for Romance Writers, and manages the successful Romance Lives Forever blog. She is a US Navy Veteran, and founded the graphics and eBook conversion company The Author’s Secret. Kayelle is married to her personal hero, and makes her home in the southeast.

You can find her at:
Homeworld
Unstoppable Heroes Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Goodreads
Romance Lives Forever
Marketing for Romance Writers
The Author’s Secret

The winner of the free download is Kimberly Mayberry!

* * * * *

Another Saturday morning, and it’s time for you to choose something to read for the weekend, right? I’m going to tempt you with my favorite scene from Laying Down the Law. Why this story? Because it’s the first of a three-book-series that ends on August 13th then the last book, A Long, Hot Summer, releases. Get ready for a wild ride!

If you post a comment today, you’ll be entered to win
a free download of this book, or its sequel, In Too Deep!

“With amazing suspense, and hot, dominant lovin’ this cowboy and his high school sweetheart take the reader on an amazing emotional journey. Mixed with a bit of humor, sizzling bedroom scenes, and cowboys that steal your heart, Ms. Devlin has created a beyond 5 Book worthy start of an incredible new series.” ~5/5 Books, Reviews by Molly

“Laying Down the Law” is another hit… Fun and fast, “Laying down the Law” is great for fans of western romances or someone looking for that great next “hot” read!” ~The Brunette Librarian

“I LOVED it! Now, in fairness, it is my kind of book – Sexy heroic intelligent somewhat domineering man (preferably a cowboy) rescues a sexy, smart and sassy heroine… and she rescues him right back! How can you beat that? And Ms. Delilah is the Queen of Smart and Sexy…a win-win-win!” ~SnifferWalk

Seeking sanctuary could be the hottest mistake she ever made.

The TripleHorn Brand, Book 1

A lifetime ago, Zuri Prescott kicked the dirt off her boots and ditched her small-time small town for the glam city life—and lived to regret it. When she’s framed for a bank job, she lights out for home, seeking refuge with her old high school sweetheart while she figures out her next steps. Only she discovers that the boy she left behind is the last man she should trust.

Sheriff Colt Triplehorn knows trouble when he sees it, especially when it comes in the form of a familiar trespasser, caught naked between an angry bull and her underwear. Sure she’s up to her usual no good, he grants her sanctuary at his ranch—the better to keep an eye on her, and purge her from his system once and for all.

Reconnection is sweet and hot, but the heat can’t hide the truth. When Colt inevitably finds out what Zuri’s running from, it’s too late to put the fire out, and he’s got a career-compromising choice on his hands. Follow the letter of the law, or follow his heart.

Product Warnings: When a sheriff captures the girl who got away, expect revenge so hot it leaves brands on two lonely hearts…

Colt jammed the truck into park in the middle of the road and yanked open his door. Two more county trucks pulled in, spitting gravel from beneath their tires, forming a barrier at the highway intersection. He’d used graveled ranch roads and a cutoff to get here quickly. He’d planned for just such an eventuality, coordinating with the sheriff from the next town over.

Wade stepped down from his truck. “If he makes it through this road block there’s another forming on down the road.”

The radio squawked. “Colt? Colt?”

Colt cussed under his breath. Gabe had never got the hang of the police radio.

“Got his taillights in front of me now. We’re about a quarter mile from you. Get ready.”

Colt clamped his hat on head, pulled out his rifle and opened his truck door to rest the barrel against the bottom of the window frame. In the distance, he saw the glint of metal in the early morning sunlight.

Wade clapped his shoulder. “We’ve got him boxed-in tight. No place he can go. We knew it was a diversion the second the barn went up.”

“Didn’t count on the fact he was already inside the damn house,” Colt ground out. “We were watchin’ the pastures, the roads.”

Gabe had seen him and Zuri slip across the pasture, but the bastard had a gun on her, and his brother had to hold back so Satterly wouldn’t spook and kill her on the spot. “Gabe’s been followin’ with lights off so he wouldn’t know he was bein’ trailed while I called in support. Should’ve arrested his ass the moment he nosed around the Roy’s garage.”

“Didn’t have cause,” Wade said from where he stood, rifle braced in the window on the other side of his truck.

Colt gave him a glance across the cab. “Wouldn’t have mattered. Zuri’d be safe. I should’ve been there. Should’ve stuck to her like glue.”

“You’re the law. It was your duty to alert the feds. When Satterly moved out of his hotel room, the deputies scrambled me. Had to call you, boss. It’s what you’ve been waitin’ for.”

Colt narrowed his gaze on the car approaching at a fast clip. The glint was Satterly’s sedan. He reached into the dash and flipped the switch to set the blue lights strobing. The other trucks followed suit. Read the rest of this entry »

Rhythm Maker

There is a subtle rhythm that beats when you read. One you probably don’t even notice it.

From that first word of any book you read it pulls you in and takes you on a journey. Each step gives you various beats that resonate with you. That first blush of meeting and the little catch that you get when you read it. The foray of the characters as they do that dance of seduction, which keeps your heart racing as you wonder when will they will do it or will they at all. Then when they do, your pulse skyrockets with each kiss, caress and thrust as they come together.

Then you go on the journey of their affair. The up rhythms of them getting to know each other after the sexual encounter. A laugh at their antics, which makes your body move in time with them. That little sound you make as something they do pleases you. The humph as they act the fool. The sway as you enjoy this journey that makes you go up then down and all around. When that obstacle comes and your fist clenches while your heart wonders how can they fix this and the tears fall with the person most devastated after that moment. Then ultimately the triumph they get when they overcome it all to be together. Your soul rejoices and you love it. Once done you exhale and that dance is done at least until the next time.

All this is rhythm that comes from within. One that is individual as each of you. No two rhythms you feel are the same. Heck when you reread the book, the rhythm changes. I love reading books and how it makes the rhythm of my soul move. And this is what I work for when I write. A rhythm that will resonate in a reader. Make them become part of the fabric of the dance I am creating in my story.

As I write and the story progresses I feel the back beat of many rhythms that drive the story. Make it pulse in my soul as I put it on paper. I’ve been called everything from writer, author, storyteller and all the in between. I am all those things and so much more. Of all the names I’m called, I like to call myself … Rhythm Maker.

****

Taige Crenshaw is a multi-published author with books available at Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, Loose Id, and Total-E-Bound. Taige has been enthralled with the written word from time she picked up her first book. It wasn’t long before she started to make up her own tales of romance. With novels set in today, in alternate dimensions, or in the future she writes with adventure, fun sassy heroine’s, and sexy hero’s. Always hard at work creating new and exciting places Taige can be found curled up with a hot novel with exciting characters when she is not creating her own. Join her in the fun, frolic, interesting people and far reaches of the world in her novels. You can find out more about Taige at her website: https://www.taigecrenshaw.com or blog: https://www.taigecrenshaw.com/blog.

Dark Callings—When faced with your destined bond you either accept or face the consequences.

Buy here at Total-E-Bound.

Today, I’m at Quixotic Orchid! She’s talking about Smokin’ Hot Firemen and her experience reading it! There’s a very short interview with me. And she’s offering a free copy of the printed book to one lucky commenter, so head on over there now!

When I grow up I want to be a…

Hang on…I’m thinking. That’s a really big decision.

I’m just kidding. Actually, I’ve reached that age now where I am things. Which is kind of a weird realization when it hits you. You’re in college with the world open to you one day and the next you wake up and you suddenly are things. Wife, mother, and writer are the top three answers I give when people ask me what I am. There are, however, a million subsets to those answers. As any wife, mother, writer will tell you. I’m a housekeeper, a cook, an accountant (not a great accountant but I did do our taxes last year so I’m taking it), a crisis manager (two young boys, one house!), everyone’s personal assistant, and the resident taskmaster. Yep, a whip is constantly on my Christmas wish list but Santa hasn’t delivered yet. This is the year, though. I can feel it. I’ve been a very good girl all year long. I promise.

Still, as much as I love my life, every once in a while I see a help wanted ad and think, I could do that. I’ll fantasize about the life change for a couple of days and then dive back into whatever work-in-progress I’ve got going on. Things I’ve daydreamed about doing? Being a birth doula—I had one with the birth of my first son and Oh.My.God was she phenomenal. Also working in PR. Mainly for politicians and police departments. This usually happens when I see a story on the news that’s handled so poorly I know I could do a better job spinning it. Tends to go something like this, “Who goes on the news and says there’s no way to stop the current alien invasion? Your job is to foster hope and keep the masses from rioting. You say, “We’re looking into all avenues of diplomatic resolution available to us.””

Yes, that was made up. There is no alien invasion. Though that would make an awesome story. File that little mental ramble under stories for another day. But it does kind of bring me to the point. One of the things I love so much about being a writer is with each new story I get to recreate myself. I’m never going to be a rancher on a settler planet. But when I was writing Ulterior Motives, I got to think like one. I got to visualize what her life would be like, what challenges she’d face, and what she’d be looking for in that perfect mate. It’s what I love the most about writing. I get to think like another person in another life. And then, when I reach happily-ever-after, I get to return to the life that’s perfect for me.

Which is all fine and good. But what about this rancher, you ask?

Universal Defiance, Book One

On a rural settler planet, Kat must resort to putting out an ad to find a husband. She doesn’t expect to find love—that’s a dream in these parts—just a partner to help work her ranch. Then the devastatingly handsome Jasper answers her ad and turns her on in ways she never dreamed possible. Too bad he’s not who he says he is.

Jasper doesn’t know what he’s getting into when he ventures undercover to investigate a legal claim against Kat’s ranch. But after a toe-curling night under her roof and in her bed, he’s willing to do anything to stay there. He can’t say no to the tough-as-nails businesswoman who makes his body come alive.

When people start getting hurt, though, both Kat and Jasper have to decide how valuable one piece of land is. And the ranch that brought them together might be the very thing standing between them.

A Romantica® sci fi erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Buy links:

Amazon | Ellora’s Cave | All Romance EBooks 

When he opened the door to the guestroom, though, the blaring of an alarm stopped him from going any farther. At first he thought he’d somehow triggered the noise but as soon as he smelled the first wisps of smoke, understanding filled him. Something was on fire. He wanted to rush out into the safety of the open grounds but he fought against the instinct. He had to make sure Kat got out as well.

He raced back to the bathroom to find her standing in the hallway, wrapped in nothing but a towel, with her dark hair flung over one shoulder in a curly mess. There were no tears or hysterical rants despite the fear clearly reflected in her expression.

His job required him to make quick assessments of situations and he excelled at it. But sometimes that left him blind to the more subtle aspects of life. He’d seen a competent businesswoman when he’d first laid eyes on Katarina Maxim. She’d been nothing but efficient and practical from the moment she held her hand out to him. But now, as she shivered in front of him with alarms going off in the background, he realized how much he’d missed in that original assessment. He’d seen her as a businesswoman but the person standing in front of him now possessed so much more.

The vulnerability of the moment and her calm resolve in meeting it added to her strength and touched him.

“I came to find you as soon as I heard the alarm.”

“Most men would’ve gone to battle the blaze first.”

His heart sank at her words. She saw him as a coward. Not that it mattered how she saw him. He wasn’t really trying out for the role of her husband. As soon as he finished his report, he’d be on his way back to his real life. But her words still stung. He’d like to be the hero at least once. To be the one who rushed in and saved the day.

“Don’t look at me like I just kicked your damn puppy. I meant that as a compliment. Most men stupidly let their hormones control them and they tend to get in the way,” she added as she walked past him. “I’ve never been impressed with the gender as a whole.”

He felt fairly certain they did not share the same understanding of the word “compliment” but didn’t dare ask for a clarification as she bustled down the hallway all businesslike.

Author Links:
Website: https://www.chandraryan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandra.ryan
Twitter: @ChandraRyan

Bio:

Being from a rather nomadic family, Chandra Ryan loves to travel and meet people. But she’s found that sometimes, like when you’re stuck inside because of a good old-fashioned Southwestern heat wave, you have to make do. Fortunately for her and her loving family, who don’t like seeing her suffer from cabin fever, she’s found creating new people and places equally as fascinating. Also, you’re a lot less likely to spill your ice tea.

I’ve been neglectful. Granted, I’ve had a bucketload of releases lately, so I can understand how you missed this one. Good thing is, this is a story that keeps fresh thanks to a lovely new innovation by Amazon. Crescent Moon is a Kindle Serial. What is that, you might ask? Kindle Serials are stories published in episodes, with future episodes delivered at no additional cost. Four episodes of my serial have already released, and another will be ready in a day or two. New episodes are delivered every two weeks.

Something to look forward to every two weeks. How fun is that? And as for the book… You know it’s going to be sexy, right? Add mummies coming back to life, Nile crocodiles inhabiting the canals of New Orleans, and an Egyptian god or two lurking in the darkness, and you have to know what happens, right? Khepri has been resurrected to fight an ancient evil. Armed with knowledge of the modern world that she can access like an encyclopedia, she still has difficulty relating everything she knows to what she experiences. Her attraction to one particular man is most concerning.

Here’s a mockup of the print cover. When all the installments are published, the book will be issued in its entirety in print for those of you who must have paper. Pretty, isn’t it? 

I hope you’ll give my story a good look. I love Khepri and Justin Henry Boucher, her exasperated New Orleans detective/protector. Here’s a little taste of the sexy…

Excerpt from Crescent Moon…

“You should wait for someone special, cher. I’m too rough around the edges. Too old for you.”

“How old are you?”

“Thirty-five.”

Her mouth curved. Age was not an issue. She’d been born millennia ago. “I will defer to greater wisdom, and let you choose how we do this, Justin Henry Boucher.”

His hand curved around hers, which lightly gripped him. For a second, she thought he would push her away again, but the hesitation was followed by his fingers squeezing around hers, firming her grip to ride the long column up and down. The soft cotton separating her fingers from the evidence of his desire was no barrier at all.

As they glided together, their breaths deepened. “I want to see you,” he said, his gravely tone deepening.

“A light,” she said. “Something soft.”

He withdrew and she sat up on the mattress as he strode away. The bathroom light ignited. He disappeared inside for a long moment, the sound of a drawer opening then sliding closed. Silence followed, and then he pulled the door partway closed after he reentered the bedroom. Just enough light remained to see the grim set of his jaw, the wildness in his eyes. Read the rest of this entry »