V.L. Locey's Blog, page 23

Cover Me!

Is there anything more exciting than a new book cover to dream and drool over? I love it when I find a new cover waiting for me in my email. It’s like Christmas! The excitement of opening that mail and finding the cover art that you and your artist have labored over sitting there waiting for your eyes to touch it. It’s an amazing feeling to see the characters in your head on the cover. 
But for some authors the process of getting their covers completed varies. I thought I’d explain how I like to do things in terms of my covers this week in case anyone is interested in how this whole wonderful thing works.
Firstly, for me, if possible, I like to find an image before I write one word. That isn’t always how things work however. Sometimes my muse is far ahead of me or my cover artist and the story is written before the cover art is done. And that’s okay, but it makes finding an image harder, in my opinion. If I have the image already purchased I can build the character’s physical traits to reflect the models on the cover.
So, the first step is searching for that right shot. I can tell you now that most stock sites are sadly lacking when it comes to good pictures of LGBTQ+ or interracial couples. Sometimes I get lucky but overall, I end up frustrated at the lack of erotic gay imagery. Most of the time the models in stock MM shoots looks like they’re scared to touch each other. And for those who know my books, one man being leery of putting a finger on another man just is not going to cut it. My men are all about the touching! Which is why I now almost exclusively use one of two MM photographers for my cover images. Yes, I have to pay for each picture but it is well worth it in my humble.
Okay, so we now have the image. Let’s say this one from the Point Shot Trilogy--



It’s paid for and the exclusive rights are mine. It’s now time to talk with my amazing cover artist about what I want the book to look like. It’s important to have a brand or a look that readers will see and say, “That’s one of V.L.’s books. I can tell by the cover!” My cover artist and I worked hard to get my brand set up when I began self-publishing my MM books. I wanted something that wasn’t the typical MM cover. It had to be filled with passion yet classic. We went with black and white imagery which makes the font and lettering pop, yet keeps the sultry feel of the images.




Each book has its own feel, but the lettering usually remains the same in a series, to keep a clean and consist cohesion from one book to the other. You can see how my brand runs through each book cover yet the individual book has its own identity and sensuality.



























Once the digital cover is done then Amber, my cover artist, will begin working on the print version. This takes longer and generally has to wait until the book is completed to make sure the spine is the proper width. Most cover artists offer a package price for digital and print covers. 
Since so many of my novellas that had been with publishers were never in print – houses generally won’t pay the extra cost to put a thinner book into print – I’m now getting every darn book I write available in print. I like to see all my books lined up on my bookshelf. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment. And they’re such gorgeous books that simply looking on them makes me happy.





Now the covers for my coauthored books with Rj Scott are  a little different. When Rj and I discussed the covers for our books, I knew that her brand was already established, and since it was her Love Lane Books publishing the Railers, I was more than happy to have the covers for our collaborations be in the style that her books are known for. 
It's a breathtaking cover and so is the one for the second book in the series. Yep, we have the cover done for First Season already. Rj's process is amazingly similar to mine in just about all ways, not just cover art, and she prefers to have the imagery ready so she has a model to use for inspiration. 
If you're looking to grab a copy of Changing Lines, it's now available for preorder. You can locate the link either in the bar on the right side of this post or under the amazing cover starring Jared and Tennant below:


http://www.mylanderpages.com/rjscott/RailersHockey



Do you have a favorite style of cover? Is there a kind that you’re not fond of? Let me know down in the comments!

Tuesday Tales - Stone

It`s time for Tuesday Tales.


 Welcome back! “Stone” is our word this week. Today I’m sharing a snippet from First Season, the second Harrisburg Railers book. I’m coauthoring this M/M hockey romance series with Rj Scott and am thrilled to be able to share excerpts with the Tuesday Tales readers!
In today’s post, Adler is in a bit of a dark place.
This story may have gay erotic scenes, strong social issues addressed and mature language. If those things offend now is the time to move onto another Tuesday Tales blog. Thanks for stopping by!



He thought I’d left. I guess I had in a way. I was no longer in his space or face but I was in the hall, staring at the door to his place, willing it to open and to see Layton calling me back in. Maybe he had changed his mind and wanted me around again. After thirty minutes, and no open door, I had to accept that he wasn’t ready for me now…or ever. I’d not been good enough again.
And that fear and anger and helplessness and regret and pain all started to coalesce in my breast. I wanted to do something for him but there was nothing I could do. I wanted to go back in time and find the motherfuckers who had hurt my man and beat them into paste. I wanted to punch holes in the walls of this nice corridor but couldn’t. So, I left his building and I drove around Harrisburg until I ran out of gas. Then I walked. Somehow, I ended up by the capitol building. It wasn’t open yet. I sat down on the west side on the grand stairs leading up the impressive white building. The ice on the steps made my ass cold. I got up after a bit, hands in my pockets, and continued walking.
I ended up by the banks of the Susquehanna River. There were big chunks of ice along the banks. The stones lining the shore were slick with ice as well. My breath fogged in front of me. I felt hollow inside. Hollow and angry. Angry at me, that stupid, hateful, homophobic fan for refusing to let his son have a puck from a queer player, the press, my parents, and myself. Somehow my love hadn’t been enough for Layton. I’d not been a good enough boyfriend. Probably because I was hiding the fact that I was his boyfriend. I was never good enough…
And so, the rage and self-disgust fed off the confusion and fear and it quadrupled. It was so large come evening that it was all there was of Adler Lockhart. I was a skating ball of chaos who was on the edge. All it would take would be a comment or a nudge. I got both ten minutes into the game with Philadelphia. The nudge was from Gabriel Marsan, a defenseman from Philly known for being one of those players who likes to push. He rarely made the mistake of being way over the line, but if he could instigate and pull a penalty then he would. He was good at both, pulling penalties and poking a humming hornets’ nest with his stick.







Copyright 2017 ©by V.L. Locey & Rj Scott
*~*~*
Click on the link below to return to the Tuesday Tales main blog for more great reads from the Tuesday Tales authors.
Tuesday Tales

Blue Line Collection #1 Available Now!

Happy news! I've got four of my previously released MM erotic hockey books back! They've gotten a beautiful new cover and have been bundled into one reasonably priced collection. 




Blurb:

There’s no sport quite like ice hockey. The speed, the action, the physicality, the blood, and the rabid fans. Add in sizzling hot M/M romance and you’ve got the setting for some amazing romance tales! In the four stories contained in this collection, you’ll experience the ups-and-downs of finding that one true love through the eyes of four different men, ranging in age and experience, from collegiate players to the pros. 

Readers should be over 18 due to mature language and gay sexual situations. The set includes:

Crashing the Crease 
Long Change 
Shutdown Pair 
Heir Apparent 


Buy Links:Amazon:
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35113233-blue-line-collection-1


R-rated Excerpt: (From Crashing the Crease)
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe I'm secretly harboring lustful desires for you and so I hide them by hurling cutting comments at you." I spun around to find his dark eyes latched onto me. While the acidity of his words could have eaten through a Sherman tank, the lust in his gaze was anything but corrosive. The knowledge that this man actually wanted me made my blood thump in my ears. My shoulders tensed. "What are you, five years old or something?" My fingers tightened around the hand sanitizer. "If you had pigtails I would dunk them into an inkwell," J.D. countered. We stood facing each other. Something was crackling in the four feet of space that separated us. "Or maybe I should just jack you up against that tree and kiss you until you beg me to fuck you. You do know that's how it will be, right? This antagonistic 'I hate you!' crap is just a cover that we're both using because we want to get at each other. Yeah, you know. I can see it in those blue-green eyes of yours." My breath hitched. I took a step in reverse. J.D.'s mouth curled into a predatory smile then he stepped closer. "I have a boyfriend." It rolled out of me before I could think properly. The sensual smile that had been playing over his lips disappeared. "And you are not my type." "You're lying," he said as he reached up to stroke my cheek. The feel of his fingers moving over my whiskers made my skin prickle. "I just can't figure out if I should pretend to believe that you don't like men who take charge or if you're just scared about meeting the first man to ever tell you just how shit will be."

Changing Lines Cover Reveal Party w/ Discount Preorder Link

Come join Rj Scott and I as we show off the mouthwatering cover for Changing Lines, Harrisburg Railers #1! There's a wonderful line-up of guest hockey romance authors, games galore, and giveaways.

The party runs from 5-7 pm EST and you can join us by following the link below --

Changing Lines Cover Reveal Party

Tuesday Tales - Purple

It`s time for Tuesday Tales.


 Welcome back! “Purple” is our word this week. Today I’m sharing a snippet from First Season, the second Harrisburg Railers book. I’m coauthoring this M/M hockey romance series with Rj Scott and am thrilled to be able to share excerpts with the Tuesday Tales readers!
In today’s post, we get to see some interaction between the two leading men, Adler Lockhart, a Railers player, and Layton Foxx, a social media expert working with the Railers. We also get some interplay with Adler and his best friend/PA Apollo.
This story may have gay erotic scenes, strong social issues addressed and mature language. If those things offend now is the time to move onto another Tuesday Tales blog. Thanks for stopping by!






He rolled his eyes. “Far too much information. But, I did pack about twenty clean handkerchiefs for your trip.” He closed the case, latched it, and turned to look at me. “Ad, do me a favor, okay? Try to keep a rein on yourself.”“I know, you already told me not to buy anyone any more presents.” I shuffled the shrimp from one hand to the other. “Yeah, there’s that, but I see how much you love this man.”“I never said that. Never. Not once. Did I?” I didn’t recall saying the L word in any way that linked with Layton.“You didn’t have to. It’s written all over your face. Mr. Foxx is nice and very good-looking but deeply troubled. Don’t let your desire to be loved override what he can give you, okay?”“Yeah, sure, okay. I’ll go slow. I promise.”“You don’t mean a word of that, I know.” He sighed, padded over to me, and gave me a chaste kiss on the lips. I wiggled the prawn platter out of the way. “I’m leaving now. I want to get home, sleep, and be able to do Christmas eve mass with my parents.”“Cool. Tell them I wish them the best holiday ever. Seems funny not to be going with you this year.”“It’s nice that you have someone else in your life now. Just don’t suffocate the man, okay?” He patted my cheek, snuck a shrimp from under the plastic wrap, and walked off making yummy sounds. I heard the doorbell ring. My body reacted instantly knowing it was Layton. I jogged to the door. It had been days since I’d last seen him. He looked so good. Relaxed, calm, smiling, casually dressed in a loose purplesweater and jeans.“Missed you,” I said as his gaze moved over me then settled on the shrimp platter. “Treats for later. Come in. Can I kiss you?”“Sure,” he said as he slipped in around me. I leaned in, stole a tiny smooch, and then jumped back out of the way when Apollo came charging at us with travel bags bouncing off his back. “Hello, Mr. Foxx,” he smiled at Layton then wagged a finger at me as he hurried past. “You, remember what I said. Have fun. Merry Christmas, Ad, Mr. Foxx.”“Same to you,” Layton said before I closed on the door on my best friend. “He doesn’t like me.”“He does, he’s just worried about me falling for you too quickly. He seems to think I can’t control myself for some reason.”“Your lack of a filter might have something to do with how he thinks,” Layton said then lifted the shrimp platter from my hand. “Why don’t we put these in the fridge. Warm seafood makes me nervous.”





Copyright 2017 ©by V.L. Locey & Rj Scott
*~*~*
Click on the link below to return to the Tuesday Tales main blog for more great reads from the Tuesday Tales authors.
Tuesday Tales

Here a trope, there a trope...

Everywhere a trope! I, for one, don’t think that’s a bad thing despite what the powers to be may say.
For those who aren’t familiar with the term, a trope is basically a figure of speech, character, or plot element that’s been used many times.
There are a bazoodle of romance tropes such as dating the best friend’s sister/brother, the alpha hero, accidental pregnancy, or enemies to lovers. Even writing about athletes is considered a trope and it’s one that I fully embrace. *hugs her hockey players tightly*
Now you can find all kinds of dialog about avoiding tropes online and I agree that there are a few that should be avoided. Overall though, tropes are a wonderful way to get your hero and his love together and most readers have favorite tropes as do authors.
I tend to really like those May/December stories. There’s something about an older man with a younger man that really sends me as both an author and a reader. I’m also partial to the hero being a bit flawed. *looks right at Victor Kalinski* Or in some cases really flawed. I love peeling back one layer at a time to expose the good heart under all the bluster and jerkish behavior.
I like a good case of opposites attracting as well. I have a couple of MM books in the queue that fit this trope. One is a romance between a math teacher and a baseball player and the other is a closeted hockey player falling head over heel for a drag queen.
Wait? What?! Vicki is writing about a sport other than hockey?! It’s a sign of the end times! Flee! Flee! Grab the cat and kids and get into the basement right now!
There’s a trope for every taste. Tell me about your favorites in the comment section.

Tuesday Tales - Hug

It`s time for Tuesday Tales.


 Welcome back! “Hug” is our word this week. Today I’m sharing a snippet from First Season, the second Harrisburg Railers book. I’m coauthoring this M/M hockey romance series with Rj Scott and am thrilled to be able to share excerpts with the Tuesday Tales readers!
In today’s post, we get to spend some time with Adler as he does a bit of shopping.
This story may have gay erotic scenes, strong social issues addressed and mature language. If those things offend now is the time to move onto another Tuesday Tales blog. Thanks for stopping by!




Sitting at a red light, Winger on the stereo, I mulled over how the three main players in this press event had to be feeling. Tennant and Jared were probably hot, nervous messes. Layton too, I wager. He was kind of high-strung anyway. The man needed a hug. I glanced to the right and saw a small boutique. Classy by the looks. Maybe I should grab them all a little something. I checked my Rolex. Plenty of time. Flipping the turn signal on I slid out of traffic and parked.
The inside of the tiny shop was nice. It was a high-end gift shop with some jewelry. Hand-crafted according to the filigreed signs. Inside the glass were some quality men’s gifts. I settled on cuff links for Rowe and Madsen. Matching silver ones, square, classic, and simple. They fit the men, or so I felt.
Layton would be trickier. None of the jewelry felt like him. I meandered around, checking things out: pretty trinkets and little wooden boxes for earrings or bangles. Silken scarves, frilly shawls, brightly-colored ties. Then I found a box holding a silk handkerchief. It was eggshell white with vibrant rainbow thread handstitched around the scalloped edges. Folded and tucked into the pocket of one of his tailored suits, it would the perfect accessory for a hot, professional gay man.
Ten minutes later I was back in my car, Winger’s “Can’t Get Enuff” vibrating out of the speakers, my gifts lying on the passenger seat.





Copyright 2017 ©by V.L. Locey & Rj Scott
*~*~*
Click on the link below to return to the Tuesday Tales main blog for more great reads from the Tuesday Tales authors.
Tuesday Tales

Remembering Those Who Served...

Tuesday Tales - Staple

It`s time for Tuesday Tales.


 Welcome back! “Staple” is our word this week. Today I’m sharing a snippet from First Season, the second Harrisburg Railers book. I’m coauthoring this M/M hockey romance series with Rj Scott and am thrilled to be able to share excerpts with the Tuesday Tales readers!
In today’s post, we get to see some interaction between the two leading men, Adler Lockhart, a Railers player, and Layton Foxx, a social media expert working with the Railers.
This story may have gay erotic scenes, strong social issues addressed and mature language. If those things offend now is the time to move onto another Tuesday Tales blog. Thanks for stopping by!



One of the equipment managers slid some guards on my blades and I thumped off, face red, stomach all sorts of knotted up, my goal the dressing room. Honestly. It had been my plan to shower and go home to talk to Apollo. Then I’d eat, come back to the barn, and go out there and beat the sass out of Philadelphia. But then I saw Layton Foxx in that tiny room and all my plans kind of went left of center. I stopped on a dime, took a step in reverse, and walked into the press room. His head came up and his eyes – they were incredible stormy gray eyes with thick dark lashes – flared when he saw me. He grabbed the stapler.
“Okay, see here’s the thing…” I used my stick to shut the door. “I don’t think you get how hard it was for me to tell you that I was gay.”
“I really wish you’d open the door.” He held onto that stapler like it was a Ruger or something. “We’re done for the day.”
“Yeah, I thought so too but how you treated me is stuck in my chest.” I thumped on my breastbone with a gloved hand. Layton eyed me nervously. He was so damn enticing in an uptight, corporate way. He needed me to peel him out of that spiffy suit, lay him over that ugly desk, and make love to him until he was loose as a damn goose. I bet he bottomed. I hoped he did. Also, he needed to let go of that stapler. “Are you going to shoot me in the eye with a staple or something?”
“What? No.” He put the stapler down but left a well-manicured hand resting on it. He had nice fingers. Soft looking, like he never did dirty work or tinker with engines. Not that I tinkered with engines either but my hands looked like hockey player hands. Scarred up from fights and being slashed by opposing players. “You need to go though.”

Copyright 2017 ©by V.L. Locey & Rj Scott
*~*~*
Click on the link below to return to the Tuesday Tales main blog for more great reads from the Tuesday Tales authors.
Tuesday Tales

Tuesday Tales Bookstore

The authors of Tuesday Tales are kicking off a new and exciting monthly feature. We'll be sharing cover art, buy links, and an excerpt from books that came to life in Tuesday Tales. This month I'll be highlighting the third in my M/F To Love a Wildcat series, O Captain! My Captain! in the TT bookstore. 
Make sure you go back to the main blog to look over the other wonderful books written by the  talented Tuesday Tales authors. 
Tuesday Tales

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Free with Kindle Unlimited or $3.99 without KU subscription  

Kindle Unlimited



“Oh yah, you telling that little girl to tell me,” he recalled, waving a hand the size of a hubcap from me to him and back again. “You think that’s a grown-up, womanly way to handle it?”
 “Maybe not, but at least I made the effort!” I shot back, losing my train of thought as I stared into his eyes. They had small flecks of gold amid the jade. 
“Oh yah, yah, yah. You made the effort! That was some piss poor effort,” he huffed. “It’s a good thing that I didn’t really think you was all that sexy to begin with.”
 That stung a lot more than I wanted to admit. “Oh yeah? Well, I didn’t think you were all that sexy either with your face hair and crazy Scandinavian Rose Nylund manner of talking!”
We stared at each other for the longest moment of my life. And then some bizarre need to kiss each other grabbed us both and threw us into each other. My back hit the wall of the elevator. Derrick’s arms were wrapped around me like twin bands of steel. His mouth was moving over mine, seeking and tasting. I shoved my fingers into his hair to pull him down to a less neck-wrenching level, then I gave him the access he had been searching for. 
*~~*