New Book Cover!

Here's the cover for my upcoming release Negotiating Love. It's a hot interracial romance with a hunky SWAT officer and a sassy Assistant District Attorney.

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Give Thanks Reader Contest

I'm feeling incredibly blessed to have my debut novel Wynter's Blossom published and receiving rave reviews. So in the spirit of Thanksgiving I'd like to give back to you, the readers, who make toiling over my laptop for hours a day worthwhile. For your chance to win a $25 Visa Gift Card just email me (elledhayes@yahoo.com) a proof of purchase for Wynter's Blossom dated Nov 8 - 21. Make sure the subject is Wynter's Blossom Contest. One lucky winner will be chosen on Tuesday November 22.

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

This Is Why I Need Medication - A Mom's Story

Back in February my daughter informed me that she planned to join the Air Force.  I listened to her plans and saw her excitement.  Her enthusiasm was contagious.  This is the child who can’t leave the house unless she’s put together and who appointed herself my official stylist when she was just twelve.  I had a ball making Private Benjamin jokes and even rented the original with Goldie Hawn so we could watch it together (she was not impressed). 

Through mountains of paperwork, testing, multiple trips to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station), delays for vision waivers and self-doubt I’ve been right there cheering her on.  When she started attending thrice weekly physical training sessions with other recruits at a local park I rearranged my schedule so I could attend too.  I rejoiced with her back in July when she finally found out what day she’d be leaving for basic training and when she needed to go shopping for items she’s required to pack I was her willing shopping partner.

Through it all friends and family kept making remarks about how hard they thought it was going to be for me to let go.  I scoffed at them and rolled my eyes.  Are you kidding?  She’s twenty-two, smart, strong and sure of what she wants.  I was looking forward to the opportunity to visit her in exotic locales around the globe.  Then something strange happened.  We hit the one week till leave date mark on the calendar and I lost all sense of composure and bravado.  This bitch named Reality started picking at the scab over the wounds made when my apron strings were cut from my body. 

My Princess leaves for basic training hundreds of miles away and will only have limited contact with home for the next two months.  My only child, my baby girl, my own special treasure.  To say this is going to be a hard adjustment is an understatement.  I understand that now.  I also understand that this is a milestone that millions of moms have gone through before me with their sons and daughters and that it’s not all about me.  This is HER moment.  Out of the nest with wings spread she will soar to heights that I only imagined when I held her for the first time all those years ago.  Back in 1989 she wasn’t quite eight pounds of screaming independence but she was already preparing for this moment with that first change of venue from the womb to the cradle.

So what’s a mom to do but suck it up, smile through the tears and say “I love you.  I’m so very proud of you.  Go get ‘em girl!!!”

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Hot New Releases 11/6-12

One Night Forever by Marteeka Karland

https://beautifultroublepublishing.com/xcart/One-Night-Forever-EBOOK.html

Hell’s Angels by RW Shannon

https://beautifultroublepublishing.com/xcart/Hells-Angels-EBOOK.html

**Coming Soon**
Sweet Allure by Nikki Winter
Life In Two Parts by Janet Eckford

What are you reading this week? What's on your wish list?

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Presenting Wynter's Blossom

When I started the journey to becoming a published author just over two years ago I had no clue what lay ahead.  I just had big dreams of sharing the stories in my head with other book lovers.  Along the way I’ve met some great people, learned to deal with rejection and survived the grueling editing process. 

There were quite a few can’t see the forest for the trees days when I couldn’t really envision celebrating the release of my debut novel, Wynter's Blossom.  Thankfully there were also a bunch of friends who had been there and done that.  They kept me encouraged and motivated.  Now at long last it’s my honor and my privilege to introduce everyone to my wolves and the mates that make them howl. 

Click HERE to read a hot excerpt.

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Six Sentence Sunday - Wynter's Blossom

Sarah wiped her tears with shaking hands, but they kept coming.  After everything she’d been through, this man seemed just too good to believe in, but she did believe in him.  She had no doubt he could be dangerous if he wanted to be, but with her and Summer he was gentle and caring.  He must think I’m a complete nut, she thought as she tried not to look at him.  “I’m so s-sor…” He had her in his arms before she could finish stuttering out her apology.

**Excerpt from Wynter's Blossom. Available November 9, 2011 from Beautiful Trouble Publishing.**

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer