Springing Forward in Time and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Springing Forward in Time

Daylight saving time began this Sunday, March 10, at 2:00 a.m. And yes, this is the one where we all lost an hour of sleep. How many of you forgot to change your clocks and watches that don’t automatically switch over on a smart device this morning? lol And while we may have lost that hour of sleep it also means we gain one more precious hour of sunlight at the end of the day to beat those end-of-winter blues. I will take that any day of the week! I love having that longer day! How about you?

How about a history lesson?

The practice started with the “federal government as a way to save coal during World War I in the spring of 1918, and was only meant to exist during wartime. The practice was technically ended later that same year, but many regions continued to follow it, until eventually the government put the measure back in place in 1966.

The next major change came in 2007, when the Department of Transportation (DOT), which is surprisingly in charge of the practice, expanded daylight saving time to encompass about 65% of the year. The DOT was assigned the responsibility because the switch affects so many modes of transportation. The agency continues to observe the twice-yearly time swap because it reportedly saves energy, cuts down on traffic accidents and reduces crime.

States have the final say on if they participate, though. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not — the latter because it receives so much sunlight already. The islands of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands abstain as well.”

I really wish Maryland kept the practice year around. How about you? How do you feel about setting the clocks back in the fall? Or this practice of manipulating our clocks? Or are you one of the lucky ones that live in a place that isn’t affected?

Book Covers and Cover Artists

I want to thank all the artists that participated in our month long look at Book Covers and Artist Spotlights! For our readers who may have missed any of the wonderful interviews with these talented artists.

Artist Spotlights Schedule(with links in case you missed one):

February 09: Aisha Akeju

February 10: Garrett Leigh

February 17: Meredith Russell

February 24: Reese Dante

March 3 Paul Richmond

It was a wonderful month, full of insight into the cover making process, book covers in general, and these fabulous artists we have come to admire so much.

Cover Artist Giveaway: Winner is H.B. Congratulations, H.B.! Thank you for all the wonderful questions. Please contact Stella to get your certificate.

Coming up next?

Thoughts about the spring equinox, stories about new starts, and of course, looking forward to perhaps a month of interviews with your favorite narrators. So what questions would you ask a narrator? Start thinking about that and get reading to post them here when our latest contest ends.

Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!”
– Robin Williams (1951–2014)

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, March 10:

Springing Forward in Time and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Release Blitz – Ann Lister – Moved By You
Series Review Tour – Pros & Cons by A.E. Wasp
An ALisa Review: Pros & Cons of Vengeance (Pros & Cons #2) by A.E. Wasp

Monday, March 11:

Review:Release Blitz & Review Tour – Brigham Vaughn – The Ghosts Signal
Review Tour – Bitten By Fate (Regent’s Park Pack #6) by Annabelle Jacobs
DSP PROMO Amanda Meuwissen
An Ali Review: Lunar New Love by Casper Graham
A MelanieM Review: Bitten By Fate (Regent’s Park Pack #6) by Annabelle Jacobs
A Lila Audio Review: A Few Good Fish (Fish Out of Water #3) by Amy Lane and Greg Tremblay (Narrator)

Tuesday, March 12:

A Spotlight Tour and Giveaway: A Chip and a Chair by Cordelia Kingsbridge.
BLITZ Hearts of Fire by Kay Doherty
PROMO Andrew Grey
An Alisa Release Day Review: Hidden Powers (Superordinary Society #1) by Tara Lain
A Vivacious Review: Controlled (Hot Flash) by J.M. Snyder
A Stella Review: How Not to Sin (Lovestrong #2) by Susan Hawke
A MelanieM Review: Magic Triumphed by Andi Van

Wednesday, March 13:

How Not to Break by Susan Hawke Release Blitz
DSP PROMO Tara Lain
Book Blitz – Katherine Wyvern – In The Eye Of The Wind
Book Blitz – Frank W Butterfield – Chasing Eddie
A Free Dreamer Review: Severed (Precinct One #1) by Shona Husk
An Ashlez Review: Diamond in the Rough (Four Kings Security #4) by Charlie Cochet
A MelanieM Audio Review: The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever by Andrew Grey and ;John Solo (Narrator)

Thursday, March 14:

Release Blitz – Brad Shreve – A Body In A Bathhouse
DSP PROMO Elizabeth Coldwell
Blog Tour for The Hands We’re Given (Aces High, Jokers Wild #1) by O.E. Tearmann
An Alisa Review: The Hands We’re Given (Aces High, Jokers Wild #1) by O.E. Tearmann
A Melanie Review: Ties of Destiny (Curse of the Crown #1) by Caitlin Taylor
A Caryn Review: Demon on the Down-Low by EJ Russell
A Lila Audio Review: Running Blind (Havoc #2) by S.E. Jakes and Mark Larchmont (Narrator)

Friday, March 15:

Uncomplicated by KM Neuhold Release Blitz
Release Blitz – A Love Like Fire by Tricia Owens
COVER REVEAL Ties That Bind by Alex Whitehall
BLOG TOUR Order (Tattoos and Ties Duet, Book 2) by Kindle Alexander
An Alisa Audio Review: Once Burned (Anchor Point #6) by L.A. Witt and Nick J. Russo (Narrator)
An Ali Review In His Sights by L.A. Bryce
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Release Day Review: The Leprechaun Next Door by Elizabeth Coldwell

Saturday, March 16:

A MelanieM Review: Step Up With Me by Kris Jacen
RELEASE BLITZ for Becoming D’Vaire by Jessamyn Kingley

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Review : Dance For You by Colette Davison and narrated by Neil Macfarlane

Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5

Mason is a ballet dancer coming off a successful role with a company in another town. As he’s moving into his new flat, complete with package-store boxes containing his new furniture, he accepts help from his neighbor, David. One thing leads to another and the two hook up, despite the fact that David is considerably older.

When Mason starts work at BalletEast, he’s confronted with the fact the guest choreographer is none other than David. In fact, years ago, when a young Mason saw David dancing, he was inspired to take up ballet himself. Such a coincidence! Okay, I’m being sarcastic. So far the story was formulaic. Added to that the fact that the narrator, who sounded authentically British, did not clearly distinguish the two men’s voices and did not even attempt to sound feminine when reading the female parts.

So, though Mason was hired as a junior in this company, he’s given the role of Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a role coveted by a nasty, homophobic bully who should have had a principal role but wasn’t right for the part. Naturally, as David and Mason’s outside of work romance progresses—a relationship that is D/s—and Mason dances his heart out at work, the bully gets angrier and angrier and the insults—always snide and quietly delivered—increase. Then the bully spots the two men together out late one night and the bullying steps up. By the end, I was happy to finish the story.

Much of the book was filled with sex scenes. In fact, when they weren’t at the dance company rehearsing or performing, they were having sex, or doing a BDSM scene or David was speculating on what more he could entice Mason to do. Between the easy to follow story and the somewhat flat, emotionless delivery of the narrator, I was happy to see the end, in which of course, the couple found their way to living together and Mason was ready to explore more of the BDSM lifestyle.

If you love stories of ballet dancers as much as I do, you might like this, but I’d recommend the e-book, rather than the audio, as the narration didn’t enhance the story at all.

The attractive cover features a male dance mid-leap, wearing only a pair of workout shorts. Very definitely attention-getting!

Buy Links (Bounty Links)

Audio Book Details:

Audible Audiobook
Listening Length: 6 hours and 4 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Colette Davison
Audible.com Release Date: February 5, 2019
e: English, English
ASIN: B07ND5CFWF

Love to Listen to Your Books? Check out the Audio Tour for A Dance for You by Colette Davison and Narrator Neil McFarlane

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW TOUR

Book Title: A Dance for You

Author: Colette Davison

Publisher: Colette Davison

Narrator: Neil McFarlane

Release Date: February 5, 2019

Genre/s: Contemporary Gay Romance

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 6 hours 4 minutes

It’s the second of a pair of ballet-based books, but can be read as a standalone.

Add on Goodreads

Tagline

Can David help Mason dance, like he’s never danced before?

Blurb

New job, new city: Mason hopes both will lead to him escaping burnout as a ballet dancer. Not living out of a suitcase anymore is a bonus. His new life gets off to a steamy start when he encounters his new neighbour, David. Things soon become complicated when Mason turns up for his first day at BalletEast, to discover that David is not only his choreographer, but the man who inspired him to take up dancing in the first place.

With two divorces and a string of failed relationships behind him, David has no intention of promising ‘forever’ to anyone. But when he meets Mason, he falls hard and fast for the enigmatic young dancer. As David becomes more serious about Mason, he wants to open his lover’s eyes to the kinks that he enjoys.

Whilst the two men are navigating the early stages of their romance, Mason is facing immense pressures in the rehearsal studios that threaten to dampen his natural enthusiasm for life. Will David’s love and support be enough to help Mason continue to hold his head high and dance like he’s never danced before?

**Contains explicit language and sex scenes, including mild, consensual BDSM**

Buy Links (Bounty Links)

About the Author

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairy-tale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

Author Links

Blog/Website

Facebook

Twitter

Facebook Group: Colette’s Cosy Corner

Bookbub

Goodreads

Instagram: colettedavison

Mailing List

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW TOUR SCHEDULE

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Review: Magic Runs Deep by Alex Whitehall and Adam R Watson (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

I really enjoyed this story. An unusual shifter tale, in this one Veier (rhymes with bear) has been chained to a king’s throne and kept in his bear shifter form for five years. He’s freed when the kingdom is overthrown, but the new king wants him executed and it’s his brother, Elrid, who saves Veier’s life. Elrid is a powerful mage and he rightly points out that the chain indicates Veier was not necessarily loyal to the previous rulers.

But it takes patience and trial and error before Veier is trusted enough to be let outside the room where Elrid works and sleeps with him as the two begin to build trust. He has brief moments of freedom but always seems to be in the wrong place when trouble occurs. He and Elrid become close as he slowly starts to trust that this human may really not wish him harm.

When Elrid is severely injured in an attack by the previous king’s followers, it’s Veier who risks not only his freedom, but his life, to go to Elrid and use his own life force to help Elrid recover and regain his strength.

I liked the way the author created Veier’s character as a very rough, gruff, hard to get to know man, yet one who we definitely want to get to know and cheer for as he slowly grows from the bear who reacts before thinking to the man who feels all levels of emotion. Elrid was the strong, silent type—the kind of man with enough patience to wait out Veier’s slow buildup of trust.

The narrator did a good job with unique vocalizations for each man. If I had one peeve it would be that the MC’s name, Veier, rhymed with bear and he’s a bear shifter. Perhaps the narrator mispronounced it. Or perhaps the author never read the book out loud. In either event, it caused confusion on several occasions when I was listening as I wasn’t quite sure which word was being used. And at some points in the story, when it was important to know Veier was in bear or in human form, it was frustrating.

Other than that, this is a definite recommendation to my fellow MM romance readers. Most definitely not insta-love, this is a slow burn, enemies to friends to lovers story with a unique shifter slant.

The cover by Shayne Leighton features a close-up of a bearded man, hand under chin, and a bear paw print with the title of the story superimposed over it. Very nicely done.

Sales LInks: Riptide Publishing | Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audio Book Details:

Audiobook
Published October 24th 2018 by Riptide Publishing (first published April 9th 2018)
Original Title Magic Runs Deep
Edition Language English

Artist Spotlight: Reese Dante. Book Cover and Artist Month Continues. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Cover Art by Reese Dante

Book Cover and Artist Month Continues

Artist Spotlight: Reese Dante

When people ask me to name favorite cover artists, Reese Dante’s name pops immediately into my mind. Over countless stories, from Amy Lane to Mary Calmes to T.J. Klune to C.S. Poe and so many other authors, there has been one stunning cover after another. These book covers offer an amazing arrange of tone, coloration, composition, and even style depending upon the needs of the author and novel. But they never fail to pull you in, hold your eye, make you linger over the artwork, and then want to read the story within.

These covers are gorgeous, compelling, and often magic.

Reese Dante’s designs can run from singular images to complicated forms and everything in between. From explosions of color to subtle hued covers in greys and whites, both carrying an impact.

I couldn’t wait to hear Reese’s answers to our questions. So on to our interview.

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Interviews Artist Reese Dante!

Thank you so much for the invite!

How long does it takes to put together a cover draft and whether or not they make multiple drafts to show authors/publishers?

That varies with each assignment. Image hunting is extremely time consuming, especially when character modifications are required. But once I have the images selected for a project and know all the character changes needed/requested, I move rather quickly through the design process. Start to finish (including finding the right pics to work with) can take anywhere between a few hours to a full week or more. Again, it all depends on the project.

How much of your covers are original art and how much do you rely on using content purchased elsewhere?

Most of my work involves photo manipulation. I would say about 80-90% of my covers use licensed stock material as a starting point. There are times when I can’t find a resource I need or I’m just too stubborn and want to incorporate something specific. In those instances, I digitally paint what’s needed (such as a tattoo design element, a piece of missing clothes, etc).

How much input comes from the author and/or storyline?

That varies with each assignment and client. With publishers, there are house styles to consider and some are more restrictive than others regarding the level of input to incorporate. For my non-publisher work, all assignments begin with a spec completed by the author. The responses address a mix of questions about their story (characters, tone, time period, design preferences, etc). Some authors start the process knowing exactly what they want while others give me total creative freedom. Even with that creative freedom, the idea is sparked from something the author noted in a response. And ultimately, the tone and theme in their story determines the colors and style I use to finish off a design.

How did you get to become a cover artist?

Years ago, one of my friends needed a cover for a poetry book and asked me to design the cover. When he published his second poetry book, he asked me to design the cover for that one as well. I enjoyed the process and it was a welcome escape from my corporate office job. Some time later, another author friend asked me to design a cover for his first book, and I agreed. After he published his story, word started spreading and I received requests from other authors. One cover led to another and so on.

What mediums do you use?

I would be lost without Photoshop and my Wacom tablet. I also use a mix of software for my vector and illustration work. And when push comes to shove, I revert to my older drawing days and sketch something out with pencil then scan it in.

Do you have a favorite cover you have done?

That’s like asking me to pick my favorite child. 🙂 In truth, there are too many and for different reasons (the author, the story, elements of the piece, or the overall experience). Some designs have challenged me to try new techniques and illustrate something original. While others provided a creative outlet to help me cope while dealing with something personal in life. I have many favorites, whether the author knows it or not.

Do you have a favorite cover artist yourself?

There are tons of cover artists who create beautiful covers and some are truly gifted in what they can do with their creativity. I have favorite artists for different reasons and specialties. It’s impossible to pick one. Some have a gift for using vivid colors, digital drawings that leap off the page, and some can make something so simple look absolutely breathtaking.

Did you look at book covers or were influenced by book covers as a child?

As a book cover designer, I do look at other covers in order to determine market trends for the various genres.

As a child, I spent more time watching movies than I did reading books. 🙂 I was obsessed with movie posters while growing up. When I was a teenager, I reached out to two store owners who received promo items for movies they were selling or renting at the time. When they cycled through movie posters and promos, rather than throw them out, they would give them to the nagging teenager (*me*). My bedroom walls were wallpapered by movie posters—even the ceiling (I did mention I was obsessed). So I can easily say movie posters are a huge influence on my work.

What do you find most rewarding as a Book Cover Artist?

So many things. I get to do what I love and I’m forever grateful. The creative freedom feeds my soul and the author squee is priceless. There’s nothing more exciting than an author telling me I’ve nailed their character or story on the design.

If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?

Do you realize how much you obsess with details?

What or how do you see the role of the Book Cover?

Unless you’re an auto-buy author for the reader, the book cover is a critical marketing piece. The cover is the first encounter a reader has with any story when book shopping. Its job is to entice the reader to stop and take a closer look at the book.

How has the eBook format changed that , if any?

Book covers are still important when book shopping. With the dominance of eBook formats, book covers now need to show well as B&W images and at thumbnail size, more so than a printed paperback on a bookshelf.

What trends do you see in Book Covers in the industry? Past, present, and future? {for example the rise of the naked half male torso, model overuse ,generic covers ,etc.)

Trends cycle (and sometimes recycle) and vary by genre. Whether it’s a cropped face or naked torso, there’s a recent push toward single model covers.

How do you feel about them?

I don’t have an issue with single model covers (or any trend) if it fits the character and/or story.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by. And thank you for all the amazing comments, gifs, and messages over the years. ❤

For more of Reese Dante’s artist, don’t forget to check out her website and the portfolio. You will recognize many of your favorite stories and covers there! I’ve only given you all a tiny sampling here.

For more about Reese Dante, visit

Reese Dante | Book Cover Artist & Designer

https://www.reesedante.com/

Original drawing by the artist

About the Artist

Art has always been a part of my life.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved art. There wasn’t a safe piece of paper in my home. I doodled everywhere and everything…papers, magazines, envelopes, brother’s homework. Then I started sketching people. I’d go through a magazine and rip out ads, preferably in color, then try to redraw them in a pencil sketch. I’d obsess until I thought it was just as strong as the color photo.

I’m a perfectionist and enjoy a challenge.

I’ve drawn and designed for years, but my first professional logo was used in 1991 for a community development and my first (published) book cover design appeared in 2005. I hold both a BBA with a specialization in Marketing and an MBA. After working for a national corporation in a marketing position for 15½ years handling all creative aspects of the company, I realized it just wasn’t enough…something was missing. The day-to-day slowly overpowered the creative elements of the job until there was nothing left but management tasks and responsibilities. I realized I enjoyed art a little too much to let it go. I started actively designing book cover art in December 2009 to fuel my creative need. People began asking about my covers and availability (thank you – I am forever grateful). I am now a full-time book cover artist and designer, using my marketing background to create art that grabs the reader’s attention. And I’ve never been happier.

My only regret…not having started this sooner.

As a teenager, my walls were covered by movie posters. Maybe it’s subliminal after staring at movie posters for so many years. I don’t know, but I do love a good story, especially those told in a picture.

Reese Dante
Book Cover Art & Design
rdante@reesedante.com
reesedante.com
Twitter: @ReeseDante
Facebook

I hope everyone enjoyed this week’s spotlight with Reese Dante. Next week Paul Richmond will be visiting with us. It has been a joy getting to know her further. Please check out more of her artwork and stories at her website listed above.

Cover Artist Giveaway:

Please don’t forget to leave comments or questions for our artists to be entered into our Book Cover Artist Giveaway, a Gift Certificate for $10 the person chosen. Please leave a email address where you can be reached. Open until St. Patrick’s Day.

Now for this week’s reviews and tours. Happy Reading and Listening!

We have more Artist Spotlights Scheduled. The schedule to date (with links in case you missed one):

February 09: Aisha Akeju

February 10: Garrett Leigh

February 17: Meredith Russell

February 24: Reese Dante

March 3 Paul Richmond

Until next week, happy reading and listening! Here is our schedule at the blog this week. Enjoy!

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, February 24:

Artist Spotlight: Reese Dante. Book Cover and Artist Month Continues.
This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Ties of Destiny by Caitlin Taylor Blog Tour
An Alisa Review : Letting Go (The Knights Club Series#2) by CJ Baty

Monday, February 25:

PROMO Empire of Light by Alex Harrow
BLITZ Severed by Shona Husk
Blog Tour Post for A New Life by Mel Gough
An Alisa Review: Fire and Ink by KL Noone
A VVivacious Review Snowed In: Nen and Anani by Nell Iris
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Review: Magic Runs Deep by Alex Whitehall and Adam R Watson (Narrator)
A Chaos Moondrawn Review: The Case of the Arms Dealers (Kanaan & Tilney #1) by Jenna Rose and Katey Hawthorne

Tuesday, February 26:

Release Blitz – Brigham Vaughn – The Ghosts Between Us
Release Blitz – Anna Martin – Helix
ECHOES by LA Ashton Promotion
DSP POMO Cooper West on Mixed Signals
A VVivacious Release Day Review: Helix by Anna Martin
A MelanieM PRErelease Review: Jacked Cat Jive (The Kai Gracen #3) by Rhys Ford
A Free Dreamer Review: Treasure by Megan Derr

Wednesday, February 27:

Release Blitz – Touch Of A Yellow Sun – V.L. Locey
PROMO Emory Schneider
Cover Reveal – A.L. Lester – Shadows On The Border
An Alisa Release Day Review: Skin and Bone (Digging Up Bones #2) by TA Moore
A MelanieM Review: Echoes by LA Ashton
A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Concatenation (Lost in Translation #1) by Catherine Lievens
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Milo by Lily Morton

Thursday, February 28:

Release Blitz, and Blog Tour – The Rising by Morgan Brice
Cover Reveal – Murder At Oakschott Hall – Jim Austen
COVER REVEAL Becoming D’Vaire by Jessamyn Kingley
An Alisa Review Temporary Dad (Bad Valentine #4) by Dev Bentham
An Alisa Review:All He Needs (My Truth #1) by Ann Grech
A Free Dreamer Review: Empire of Light(Voyance #1) by Alex Harrow

Friday, March 1:

In the Spotlight Tour and Giveaway: Demon on the Down-Low by EJ Russell
Release Blitz – DJ Jamison – Rapid Response
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW TOUR – Dance For You by Colette Davison
A Free Dreamer Review: Ostakis by Angelica Primm
A Chaos Moondrawn Review Lord Seabolt (Four Families #2)by Megan Derr
A MelanieM Review A Miracle for Markie by Lynn Lorenz

Saturday, March 2:

Release Blitz and Review Tour – Brigham Vaughn – The Ghosts Between Us
Redeem by Christina Lee Release Blitz
A Stella Review – The Ghosts Between Us(The West Hills #1) by Brigham Vaughn
A MelanieM Review:That Feeling When (#lovehim #1) by S.M. James

A Lucy Audio Review: Rocking the Cowboy by Skylar M. Cates and Colin Darcy (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Opposites who go together like country and rock ’n’ roll.

Long before he was a superstar, Remy Sean had a secret crush on Jed Riley. But Jed sees Remy as a spoiled pop rocker and an extension of his father’s control. Still, Jed is willing to let Remy hide from the press on his ranch—but only as a way to get his father out of his life and business for good.

Used to being admired and fawned over, Remy keenly feels the sting of Jed’s dismissal. Can he make Jed see him as more than a pain in the ass? Or is Jed too tangled up in his ranch to see past his old hurt?

Jed doesn’t believe someone desired by so many fans could want him, a simple cowboy. But Remy is determined to change Jed’s mind and steal his heart….

Remy goes through a terrible event and it freezes his ability to write music or be in front of a crowd. It is his manager, Buddy, who comes up with the idea of sending Remy to the ranch Buddy owns and his son, Jed, cares for. Buddy couldn’t be less interested in the ranch but he is stubborn (and selfish) and won’t sell it to Jed. So the idea of hosting a diva singer in exchange for Buddy selling Jed the ranch as well as showing up for Jed’s sister’s wedding and giving her away seems like a good one.

Remy definitely doesn’t seem like a spoiled pop star. He owns a mansion that he rarely spends any time in. He mentions things like his clothes and hair products as a must, but he doesn’t whine or throw a fit about anything. He’s more down to earth than the blurb made it seem. He definitely isn’t used to not being admired, but he wants to earn Jed’s attention and respect. He takes to the ranch life so well, learning to ride a horse and work around the place.

Jed is quiet, used to the isolation of the ranch and unwilling to admit that the desertion of his father for Hollywood has affected him so much. At first he takes this out on Remy because Remy was Buddy’s big break, the boy who had the potential to be a big star. Potential that was fulfilled and Buddy left the ranch to manage his star without looking back. As the days go on, however, Jed sees what a good person Remy is and what stress he’s been under. Jed starts to thaw and teach Remy the workings of the ranch. TShe two become friends and then turn to more.

Everything is under the cloud of Remy leaving. Remy is an internationally famous pop star and his life and world is a million miles away from the isolated ranch in the mountains that Jed loves so much. They know the time is limited and try to make the best of it. The wedding of Jed’s sister will bring Buddy back to the ranch and Jed knows that will be the end.

There is not a lot of angst here although there is that sense of “how can this work” throughout. We do get Jed acting like a brat who won’t listen, Buddy acting like a major ass and pulling a stunt that proves how selfish he is (as if we didn’t know that from his conversation about Nicky, Remy’s horrible ex-boyfriend, before Remy goes to the ranch) and Remy being his lovely self. I liked how this got worked out and especially that Remy was the strong one throughout.

Narration by Colin Darcy had an odd nasal quality at times but mostly worked. This was my first audiobook with him as narrator and I would try another one.

This is a sweet, low key story of two opposites who want to make it work.

Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson. Eyecatching and in the style of sthe Dreamspun Desires series. Love it.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audio Details:

Audible Audio, 8 pages
Published January 3rd 2019 by Dreamspinner Press (first published August 21st 2018)
Original TitleRocking the Cowboy
ASINB07LB5XBH1
Edition LanguageEnglish
settingCalifornia (United States)

Artists and Book Covers Spotlight: Meredith Russell. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Artists and Book Covers Spotlight: Meredith Russell

If you’ve read a book by RJ Scott or V.L. Locey to name two authors quickly off the top of my head, well, then you’ve seen the covers of Meredith Russell. If you read some or all of the stories in The Christmas Angel series by various authors, then you’ve seen the covers of Meredith Russell. And of course, if you’ve read Forever In The Sun (co authored with RJ Scott) or Fallout, you’ve seen a cover created by the artist for a book she’s written.

Plus if you are a follower of either RJ Scott or VL Locey or the MM Hockey Romance Group, then you are familiar with the adorable chibis that Meredith Russell draws of the characters of the Harrisburg Railers hockey players and their mates and families. I’m hoping she will extend it to the Rush soon. Here is the first chibi she drew. It’s Tennant Rowe! The others can be found here at

Railers Chibi-style promo pieces

Adorable, right? If you are a fan of the Harrisburg Railers series by RJ Scott and VL Locey, then you know Ten is featured in a very special story that’s to be released this summer, June 30th 2019. Here’s a look at the cover by Meredith Russell, of course|

Now onto our interview….

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Interviews Meredith Russell on Art, Book Covers and Much More

How long it takes to put together a cover draft and whether or not they make multiple drafts to show authors/publishers?

Making a draft varies author to author for me. Some come with ideas, or a set style they’ve adopted, or images they’ve found themselves and so we go down one route and a single draft, and it’s a rather painless process. Then others need to see something to help decide what they actually are after from a cover. I’ve never really paid a lot of attention to exactly how long I spend on a draft. There are various stages I go through – getting any info or ideas from the author, looking at what images are available and which might work together, some back and forth with the author as to whether images fit with what they’re after, and finally the cutting/pasting/making etc of the draft. The time adds up but usually after a few days I have something to show them and a starting point to tweak into something final.

How much of your covers are original art and how much do you rely on using content purchased elsewhere (like Shutterstock

I work pretty much exclusively with images from stock sites so I am limited in some ways to what I can find on them and how I can maybe manipulate them into what we need. However, I would love to venture into digital art but I haven’t found the time to devote myself to figuring it out or getting the resources I’d need. I’ve had fun creating some simple drawings for RJ Scott, and a couple of others, who have had me turn their characters into little cartoon people though.

How much input comes from the author and/or storyline?

Again it varies. Some authors have a set idea of what they want. Some (naming no names lol) come to me requesting a man with brown hair and give me a couple of details about the story’s setting. I do like to know about the storyline or at least key moments or places that can be incorporated into the cover.

How did you get to become a cover artist?

What feels like a long time ago now, I used to do bits of fan art, mostly fanfiction banners for myself and some other writers. When RJ Scott went on to self-publishing she asked me to create her a cover and it went from there.

What mediums do you use?

I work on a pc. I do have a pen and tablet that I use for drawing the cartoon characters (see above), but also a lot of those do actually start out as pencil and paper sketches that I then digitize and use as a guide.

Do you have a favorite cover you have done?

Oh that’s a tough one. I recently did a set of seven covers for a series called The Christmas Angel. I liked how they turned out along with the challenge some of them offered considering they were all set in different time periods. A few others I really like include Liam Livings’ And Then That Happened, RJ Scott’s Boy Banned, KC Wells’ A Christmas Promise, and an as yet untitled merman cover I created as a premade that Amber Kell bought off me. Somebody should poke her.

Do you have a favorite cover artist yourself?

I do. I really love Jay Aheer’s work. She does some beautiful pieces.

Did you look at book covers or were influenced by book covers as a child?

I don’t think so much as a child. I was more about the title and blurb, particularly considering what was popular in way of covers back then, or at least for the kinds of books I was reading. It wasn’t until maybe early twenties where I started being tempted by pretty covers, quite a few being the YA type books, or having a striking female model on them.

What do you find most rewarding as a Book Cover Artist?

I just really enjoy getting to work with the authors. I enjoy the sharing of emails, building a working relationship and even friendships.

If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?

It would be, ‘Have you remembered about that request you got over on Facebook?’ Seriously, I have a terrible memory and am constantly emailing myself or telling people to send details in emails as my inbox is something I have open all day whilst on my computer and can easily check on my phone when I’m not at my desk.

From the Christmas Angel series…

For both the Author and Cover Artist:

What or how do you see the role of the Book Cover?

Firstly, as an attention grabber. If you’re looking for something beyond the regular authors you read, the title and cover are the first things you’re exposed to so it helps if they make an impression. And secondly, covers can be a way of making a brand for authors. It might be they all have a set look – so maybe a single model on the cover, or simply keeping the font for their name consistent for all their books.

How has the eBook format changed that , if any?

I don’t think it’s changed it too greatly, in that whether you’re walking a row of books in a store or scrolling through online pages of somewhere like Amazon, covers are there to grab your attention.

What trends do you see in Book Covers in the industry? Past, present, and future? {for example the rise of the naked half male torso, model overuse, generic covers ,etc.)

I think like with everything styles come in and out of fashion. There was the time of the headless models, shirtless torsos, two models, touched up single image covers, Recently, for me at least, it’s been focusing on a single model on covers, for example The Christmas Angel series and having just one of the characters on there. And unfortunately, because cost is a factor for many authors when paying for cover art, repeated use of models from stock sites is difficult to avoid, but it offers artists the challenge to try and use them differently.

How do you feel about them?

Personally, I think the only trend I didn’t like was the headless men one. I know it was a way to make use of limited models in the earlier days, plus allows readers to form their own image of the character simply from whatever descriptions the authors wrote about them, but for me, I just wasn’t a fan. Otherwise, each trend has its place and does its job. There’s a risk of all books looking the same, but that’s then up to the artists, and also the authors and their input, to put their own twist on what’s popular.

Anything you would like to share with our readers?

If you’re interested in my work both as an author and cover artist you can view details at my website meredithrussell.co.uk, or find me over at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/meredithrussellauthor. Thank you.

About Meredith

Meredith Russell lives in the heart of England. An avid fan of many story genres, she enjoys nothing less than a happy ending. She believes in heroes and romance and strives to reflect this in her writing. Sharing her imagination and passion for stories and characters is a dream Meredith is excited to turn into reality.

Meredith Russell’s Media links

Website: http://www.meredithrussell.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/meredithrussellauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeredithRAuthor

Instagram: http://instagram.com/miss_meredith_r

Email: meredithrussell666@gmail.com

I hope everyone enjoyed this week’s spotlight with Meredith Russell. It has been a joy getting to know her further. Please check out more of her artwork and stories at her website listed above.

We have more Artist Spotlights Scheduled. The schedule to date (with links in case you missed one):

February 09: Aisha Akeju

February 10: Garrett Leigh

February 17: Meredith Russell

February 24: Reese Dante

March 3 Paul Richmond

Cover Artist Giveaway:

Now for this week’s reviews and tours. Happy Reading and Listening!

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, February 17:

Artists and Book Covers Spotlight: Meredith Russell.
This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
A MelanieM Review: Hat Trick (Harrisburg Railers #8) by R.J. Scott and V.L. Locey

Monday, February 18:

Release Blitz Milo by Lily Morton
Amy Lane Author Guest Post
Harmony Ink YA John Goode
An Alisa Review: Port in a Storm (Kitten and Witch #1) by K.L. Noone
A MelanieM Review: Wolff (Redemption #1) by J.J. Harper
A Lucy Review: Shine (Uncorked #4) by Shea Balik
A Free Dreamer Review: For the Clan by Archer Kay Leah

Tuesday, February 19:

Book Blitz for Blood Lust by L.E. Royal
Cover Reveal – Broken by Colette Davison
An Alisa Release Day Review: Diplomatic Relations (The Sci-Regency Series #4) by J.L. Langley
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Ithani (The Oberon Cycle #3) by J. Scott Coatsworth
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Release Day Review: My Fair Brady by K.C. Wells
A Lucy Audio Review: Rocking the Cowboy by Skylar M. Catesj and Colin Darcy (Narrator)

Wednesday, February 20:

Ostakis by Angelica Primm
Review Tour – Sam Burns – Eagle In The Hawthorn (Rowan
Cover Reveal,- The Rising by Morgan Brice
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Diplomatic Relations (The Sci-Regency Series #4) by J.L. Langley
A Lucy Review: Sweet (Uncorked #5) by Shea Balik
A Free Dreamer Review: Eagle In The Hawthorn (Rowan Harbor Cycle #8) by Sam Burns
A Chaos Moondrawn Review: No Fae is an Island (Endangered Fae #4) by Angel Martinez

Thursday, February 21:

BLOG TOUR Salute to the Stud by Beth Laycock
An ALisa Review: The Romantic by Elodie Parkes
A MelanieM Review: Gage (Redemption #2) by J.J. Harper
A Lila Review The Mercenaries of the Stolen Moon by Megan Derr
A Free Dreamer Review: Foreign to You by Jeremy Martin

Friday, February 22:

OLD SINS by Charlie Cochrane Tour by Charlie Cochrane
Release Blitz – Jay Northcote – Better Place (Rainbow Place #3)
DSP PROMO Andrew Grey on Reunited
Book Blast – Apple Boy (The Quiet Work #1) by Isobel Starling
An Alisa Review: Ace of Hearts by Caitlin Ricci
A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Broken Alpha (The Alpha/Omega Verse #1) by D.C. Juris
A Caryn Review: Salute to the Stud by Beth Laycock

Saturday, February 23:

Release Blitz Signal – Kris Jacen – Step Up With Me
“Ithani” by J. Scott Coatsworth Mark (OWL) Tour
A MelanieM Review: Step Up With Me by Kris Jacen
A MelanieM Review Waiting on the Rain by Freddy MacKay

An Ashlez Audio Review: Road of No Return: Hounds of Valhalla MC (Sex & Mayhem #1) by K.A. Merikan and Wyatt Baker (Narrator)

Rating – 2 stars out of 5

— Don’t talk to strangers. —

Zak. Tattoo artist. Independent. Doesn’t do relationships.

Stitch. Outlaw biker. Deep in the closet. Doesn’t share his property.

On the day of Stitch’s divorce, lust personified enters the biker bar he’s celebrating at. Tattooed all over, pierced, confident, and hot as hellfire, Zak is the bone Stitch has waited for life to throw him. All Stitch wants is a sniff, a taste, a lick. What follows instead is gluttony of the most carnal sort, and nothing will ever be the same. Forced to hide his new love affair from the whole world, Stitch juggles family, club life, and crime, but it’s only a matter of time until it becomes too hard.

Zak moves to Lake Valley in search of peace and quiet, but when he puts his hand into the jaws of a Hound of Valhalla, life gets all but simple. In order to be with Stitch, Zak’s biker wet dream, he has to crawl right back into the closet. As heated as the relationship is, the secrets, the hiding, the violence, jealousy, and conservative attitudes in the town rub Zak in all the wrong ways. When pretending he doesn’t know what his man does becomes impossible, Zak needs to decide if life with an outlaw biker is really what he wants.

As club life and the love affair collide, all that’s left in Zak and Stitch’s life is mayhem.

I had a few issues with this book, overall it was nice and filthy – lots of loving. There were some points I hated .. the use of the word “fag” was very prominent and I found it a huge turn off. I can’t express that enough, I get that it’s a hardened biker book but the CONSTANT use of the word was just too much for me. The warning says homophobia which like I said, expected in this context but the WORD always used, downer.

I listened to this book in audio format, for which I’m both grateful and not, perhaps the previous word that was used to often wouldn’t have been as strong had I read the words instead of heard them – I didn’t mind the narrator, he had a few moments of over the top biker growling going on, but overall was well read!

Cover – 100% fitting , and very nice.. who doesn’t like leather

Sales Link: Amazon | Audible

Audio Book Details:

Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins

Audible Audio, 12 pages
Published January 19th 2019 by Acerbi&Villani ltd. (first published July 17th 2014)
Original TitleRoad of No Return
ASINB07MWHTTWF
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesSex & Mayhem #1, Sex & Mayhem (DE editions) #1, Serie Sex & Mayhem (IT editions) #5 , more
CharactersZac Richardson, Thor ‘Stitch’ Larsen

More On Book Covers And Cover Artists ~ This Week Garrett Leigh! Our Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Author and Artist: Garrett Leigh

This Week the Fabulous Garrett Leigh!

Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh

When I am looking at book covers, I can spot a Garrett Leigh cover just at a glance. It has a certain style, a tone, a composition that states that yes, this cover was created by Garrett Leigh, and no other.

When sending out Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words questions, Garrett Leigh not only snapped immediately to mind because of the instant recognition factor in her covers but because Leigh is also an author as well. Leigh is in a unique position in that a Garrett Leigh novel can have (although not always) a Garrett Leigh cover, one perfectly tuned to the story and characters within.

I can think of only a few other author/artists off the top of my head in a similar position. Meredith Russell, LC Chase are among them.

So we are lucky to have Garrett Leigh here today answering our questions about books, cover artists, the future of covers, and much more. Check it all out below. Also the link to Garrett Leigh’s design website, Black Jazz Design. Don’t miss out on the gallery there and all the many book covers. Such a delight!

From Garrett Leigh:

Cover Book and Cover Artist Questions:

How long it takes to put together a cover draft and whether or not they make multiple drafts to show authors/publishers?

The time frame varies from job to job. For example, I’ve worked on a series cover today, book 6, that took me half an hour, as we already knew which model we were using, and exactly how the cover would look. Over the weekend, I did a job for a publisher that required three markedly different drafts, before one was chosen to work on further.

How much of your covers are original art and how much do you rely on using content purchased elsewhere (like Shutterstock)

I’m a photographic artist, so most of images come from stock sites, or my husband’s collection (he is a pro photographer/videographer). Stock sites are invaluable, though.

How much input comes from the author and/or storyline?

Again, it depends on the job. Some authors have a clear idea of what they want, and the book is already written, and some have no clue and want their art before they start writing the book. When working with publishers, you also have to consider house style.

As far as the story itself is concerned, the most important aspect is the tone. I wouldn’t want to make a super gritty thriller cover for a cute holiday romance.

How did you get to become a cover artist?

Entirely by accident. I wanted something specific for a book of my own, so I made it myself and went from there.

What mediums do you use?

Photoshop, Illustrator, Daz, Wacom.

Do you have a favorite cover you have done?

That’s like asking me to choose between my children, but I do have a few I don’t like. And no, I’m not saying which ones, haha.

Do you have a favorite cover artist yourself?

Loads. We’re super lucky in the romance genre in that there are dozens of stellar artists to choose from. And I’m good friends with a few too—Kellie Dennis, Jay Aheer, Meredith Russell.

Did you look at book covers or were influenced by book covers as a child?

Not that I can remember, but I mainly read Enid Blyton, so…

What do you find most rewarding as a Book Cover Artist?

When a job “clicks” and the author is over the moon. It makes the trickier jobs worthwhile.

If you could ask yourself a question, what would it be?

Where the hell did you put the spare laptop you bought for camping last year?

For both the Author and Cover Artist:

What or how do you see the role of the Book Cover?

The cover is equally, if not more, important as the blurb. I choose my books with my eyes first, and if a book has a crappy cover, I’ll scroll on by unless it’s been specifically recommended to me.

How has the eBook format changed that, if any?

eBooks have been around as long as I’ve been a professional artist, so I honestly couldn’t say.

What trends do you see in Book Covers in the industry? Past, present, and future? {for example the rise of the naked half male torso, model overuse ,generic covers ,etc.)

Chalkboard cursive fonts are still in, with warm happy colours. But the moody black and white hero is a long time favourite in the romance genre.

How do you feel about them?

Naked torsos? I’ve produced many covers with torsos, and read many books with them on the cover. I think they’re awesome if they suit the book.

Anything you would like to share with our readers?

I bought a cheap laptop last year so I could write on a camping trip. If anyone has any ideas as to where I might have put it, that would be amazing.

About the Author/Artist:

Bonus Material available for all books on Garrett’s Patreon account. Includes short stories from Misfits, Slide, Strays, What Remains, Dream, and much more. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/garrettleigh

Facebook Fan Group, Garrett’s Den… https://www.facebook.com/groups/garre…

Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer, cover artist, and book designer. Her debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and her polyamorous novel, Misfits was a finalist in the 2016 LAMBDA awards, and was again a finalist in 2017 with Rented Heart.

In 2017, she won the EPIC award in contemporary romance with her military novel, Between Ghosts, and the contemporary romance category in the Bisexual Book Awards with her novel What Remains.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible, all the while shouting at her menagerie of children and animals and attempting to tame her unruly and wonderful FOX.

Garrett is also an award winning cover artist, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com, and co-owns the specialist stock site moonstockphotography.com with photographer Dan Burgess.

Contact Garrett Leigh at:

Website

http://www.garrettleigh.com

Twitter

garrett_leigh

More to come next week with author/artist Meredith Russell . Meanwhile keep checking out our reviews and our covers below. What do you think of them? Do they grab your attention? I love quite a few this week. Have a great week. Happy reading to all! And Happy Valentine’s Day!

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, February 10:

More On Book Covers And Cover Artists ~ This Week Garrett Leigh!
Our Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
A Lucy Review Full Bodied (Uncorked #2) by Shea Balik

Monday, February 11:

Release Blitz NOBLE HOPS by Layla Reyne
Release Blitz – Outlaw Girls – Miss Merikan
PROMO Foreign to You by Jeremy Martin
An Alisa Review: How Not to Blend (Lovestrong #1) by Susan Hawke
A Lucy Review: Snowed In: Jonah and Cooper by Kris T. Bethke
A MelanieM Review: In Case You Missed It (#lovehim #3) by S.M. James
A Free Dreamer Review: Battle of Will by Sasha L. Miller

Tuesday, February 12:

TOUR Kicking up My Heels by Liam Livings
Release Blitz – In Case You Missed It by S. M. James
Andrew Grey on Rebound
An Alisa Review: Stepbrother’s Secret (Men of Meadowfall #6) by Anna Wineheart
A Stella Release Day Review: Rebound by Andrew Grey
A Chaos Moondrawn Release Day Review: How to Be a Movie Star (How to Be #2) by TJ Klune
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Release Day Review: Familiar Demon (Familiar Love #2) by Amy Lane

Wednesday, February 13:

Release Blitz – Damaged by Tricia Owens
PROMO The Vampire’s Quest by Damian Serbu
Blog Tour – Darkness Dawns by Zakarrie Clarke
An Alisa Review: Square One by Dale Chase
A Stella Release Day Review: How to Be a Movie Star (How to Be #2) by TJ Klune
A Jeri Review: Damaged by Tricia Owens

Thursday, February 14: Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️

Release Blitz for Sam Burns – Eagle In The Hawthorn
An Ashlez Audio Review: Road of No Return: Hounds of Valhalla MC (Sex & Mayhem #1) by K.A. Merikan and Wyatt Baker (Narrator)
An Alisa Review: Hidden Hearts (Bad Valentine #3) by Clare London
A Free Dreamer Review: Blood Echo by L.E. Royal
A MelanieM Review Old Sins (Lindenshaw Mysteries #4) by Charlie Cochrane

Friday, February 15:

Tour and Giveaway:Old Sins (Lindenshaw Mysteries #4) by Charlie Cochrane
Release Blitz – Apple Boy (The Quiet Work #1) by Isobel Starling
A MelanieM Review: Peony Lanterns by Patricia Correll
A Lucy Review Blush (Uncorked #3) by Shea Balik
A Lila Review: Faeted Box Set By Caitlin Ricci
A Chaos Moondrawn Review :Royal Guardian (Rise of the Symbionts #1) by Jo Tannah

Saturday, February 16:

A MelanieM Review: Little (Trenton Security #2) by J.M. Dabney
Release Blitz – Nell Iris – Snowed In: Nen and Anani

An Alisa Audio Review: From a Jack to a King by Scotty Cade and Kenneth Obi (Narrator)

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

New York Times best-selling mystery writer Bay Whitman leads the life of a celebrity—at least on the surface. In public he’s self-assured and in control. Women hang on his every word, while men envy his confidence and swagger. But in reality, Bay is a loner. He’s shy and introverted, and his life consists of sitting in a dimly lit room writing his famous Jack Robbins mystery novels. His one vice—gambling. Winning an escort in a poker game will change Bay’s life in ways he never imagined.

Matthew “King” Slater is one of the hottest tickets in gay porn. He spends his days in front of the camera and his nights as a highly paid escort to the rich and famous. Deep down, he craves romance and a real connection, but his past makes it hard to separate the needs of his body from those of his heart. For now, it’s easier to think of sex as just a job. But while doing a shoot in Vegas, King is hired for a tryst at a famous hotel and casino, and his handsome client might blur the line between work and play.

Oh, I really wanted to love this story but I felt there was so much left unsaid and jumping to conclusions that for the most part I was left frustrated. Bay prefers to be alone and has to build up the courage to be in public to promote his books. King has shut himself off for years and his first instinct is to run when his heart starts to open up to Bay.

I liked that once these two realized how they felt then they took their time for the most part. I understood King’s issues but didn’t like how he skimmed over it when it was talked about. I was glad that Bay fully supported him no matter what but King’s presence was the best support Bay needed to not feel he had to put up a false front.

Kenneth Obi did a nice job narrating this story. I was able to easily keep track of the story with the voices he used for each character.

Cover art by Paul Richmond is nice and gives visuals of the characters.

Sales Links: Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook, 7hrs 3mins
Published: November 29, 2018 by Dreamspinner Press
Edition Language: English