Kelli Ireland's Blog

I had a conversation the other day while traveling--total stranger seated next to me on a flight who had no idea what he was getting himself into when he asked, "So, what do you do?" When I responded, "I'm an author," he was openly intrigued...until I told him I write romance. "Why feed the lie that people can meet and fall in love in days or even weeks? It's utter bullshit." (His words, not mine.) To which I smiled and responded, "Thanks for clearing that up. I'll have to let my husband know just as soon as I'm home that we're not really in love." The man looked at me, clearly confused, so I clarified. "We met and were engaged within two weeks, and we married within 9 months. And no, for the record, there was no baby or 'need' to marry other than that we loved each other." The man made a weird noise and asked, "Sure, and how long ago was that?" 

I smiled. "Twenty-one years ago last week."

I kind of get a kick out of telling the story, though very few people have ever heard the whole thing. I don't share the most intimate parts of our meeting, the personal exchange that stole my breath or the fact he was wearing the ugliest cowboy boots I'd ever seen. (True story...) My husband is a bona fide, poop-on-the-boots, black-hatted, Wrangler-wearing, Quarter-horse-master of a cowboy, thanks. Some things he wouldn't want shared. Others? Well, they end up in my books. (What? I'm an author.) LOL

The point of this little ramble is this: do I believe two people can meet and fall in love and be married for a lifetime? Absolutely. My grandpa was a hobo; my grandma was dressed as a boy because her physician father had the family living in a tent in the Texas oil fields and she was damned beautiful. They met and married in five days. If you have the guts to face her down and tell her that he didn't worship the ground she walked on for fifty-six years? Your balls are mighty big or your sense of self-preservation is incredibly small. One or the other, and possibly both.

Now ask me this: do you believe it's the  norm  for people to meet and fall in love that fast? Of course not. Look around you and tell me how often you've known it to happen. Not often and, when it does, it's rarely successful. But when it is? It's a love story for the ages. And really, isn't that what we read romance for--the love stories that defy the odds, test and/or push the boundaries of what we want to believe is plausible and really make us believe true love exists and is there for the bold to seize? I know that's why I read romance.

What about you? Do you believe love--true love--can be experienced in a short amount of time? If so, why? If not, (again) why? I'm always interested in readers' opinions and their take on life. Share with me and I'll send three randomly drawn lucky winners each a copy of Conquering the Cowboy (US and Canadian entries only please; www.random.org is the method of selection; entries are numbered in ascending order beginning with 1 and are recorded in the order in which they are received). 

Until next time,
​~Kelli

I've been buried under piles of (literal) paperwork (paper edits) in which I learned SO FREAKING MUCH from my editor (waves and claps and waves some more). I never knew how informative an edit like that could be, but man, she rocked it! And while it does take a good deal longer to operate that way, it's all for the good--your good, beloved reader. Weird, I know, but I really believe this is the cleanest final manuscript I've ever produced. It's a good, good feeling. Particularly since this has to be my favorite contemporary title I've written to date.

In honor of this story, which will release August 1, 2017 , initially as new content from Audible (audio book), I'll be working with my fantabulous assistant, Nicole the Splendiferous, to put together a little (big) contest. The theme is "Mommy & Me: Back to School." There will be two packages in the prize. The first will be basic school supplies for the child(ren) returning to school. For Mom, who will have a little quiet time and, just maybe, a little separation anxiety, I'll be including a certificate for the audio book as well as some of my backlist titles, a nice relaxation basket filled with goodies from Bath & Body Works, and a little Teavana experience the winner can delve into as well. 

While this has taken a lot of time, it's not the only pie my fingers have been in. I've also, as usual, been writing like mad. Proposals for new projects are ongoing in between working on my first Dare release with Harlequin, tentatively titled DIRTY MONEY. (Heh. I love punny titles.) The manuscript is due to my editor June 1, but I'm hoping to have it turned in a couple weeks early. Fingers crossed for strong (read: fast) edits. The story is seriously hawt, no doubt about it, but the plot is still strong. If you've read my work, you know my rule: no gratuitous sex. I tried, once, to write gratuitous sex. I'm not at all pleased I broke my own rule and so have vowed to never do it again. Sorry if my position isn't what the cool kids are doing, but I feel, and will always feel, that intimacy between characters should have a purpose, not just a...nother pair of "p" words. LOL

As far as the proposals I'm working on? I've put together something brand new for a possible opportunity in the paranormal genre. It would likely be a stand-alone title, but the publisher is new to me. If I hit the right notes and the editor likes what she sees?  There may be a two-book contract. But one will keep me just as busy up front. I really love both proposals I've drafted. Either would be seriously fun to write.

On the personal front, I'm still playing with flowers. I've put together a couple of new arrangements you can see on my Instagram account here. I enjoy playing with flowers so freaking much. Several people have suggested a second career for me. I'm not sure that will ever happen. No one wants a part-time florist who likely uses too many flowers. But oh, how I enjoy it at home!

I've also been doing some more cooking of late. In particular? Baking. I've discovered a to-die-for-simple-as-all-get-out recipe for homemade salted caramel topping. I'm putting it together and packaging it (made) in Mason jars for Christmas this year. The stuff is like crack. Hmmm. Maybe this will be my second career--making caramel-crack and supplying my friends and family whom I'm sure will be as addicted as I am. If the street rules are true and you're never supposed to try that which you sell? I'm screwed. I'm as addicted to this stuff as anyone. Before you demand I apologize, you wanna try it? (winks at your and hands you a spoon)

And beyond all of that, I was prepping my house to sell. Note the past tense in that sentence. It seems Mr. Ireland and I have finally come to an agreement on this particular venture. To get the house we really want, we need to wait a little bit and let life settle. Assuming it will... Regardless, I'm finding my own happy right where I sit: in front of this computer, writing and chatting with other writers and readers and friends, rediscovering the joys of intrinsically happy and positive people, loving those I can't live without and working hard to keep a positive outlook in all things. To that end, I will leave you with this saying I found, and bought, on a little block that now sits right by my bed: Never put the key to your happiness
in someone else's pocket. Until next time,
​Kelli

Today is the release of CONQUERING THE COWBOY and THE IMMORTAL'S UNREQUITED BRIDE. You can now download your digital copy from all retailers. If you purchased a book, I hope you will consider leaving a review.  Trusting him is dangerous…  

When a mission goes disastrously wrong, search-and-rescue team lead Taylor Williams is left with indescribable terror at the prospect of climbing. But she knows she has to face her fear to overcome it. Now she's at a ranch in New Mexico, where her climbing recertification is in the hands of cowboy climber Quinn Monroe. Only this devilishly handsome rancher is about as friendly as a spur in the backside… 

As they prepare for the climb, Taylor can't ignore Quinn's rugged physicality. The scorching heat between them helps distract Taylor from her fear, but her growing feelings make spending time with him dangerous. In the end, conquering her past may be a small feat compared to conquering this cowboy… Kindle Nook Kobo iBooks Google A love that endures beyond death itself… 

Ethan Kemp is a healer, not an assassin. But he's found an unexpected home in the Irish stronghold that houses the Assassin's Arcanum—men who will kill to protect their Druid brethren. Too bad there's a ghost that won't give him peace… 

Centuries in the grave, Isibéal Cannavan has longed to be reunited with her beloved. Finally, he's returned to her. She'd recognize Lachlan anywhere, even as an American warlock called Ethan. But her path to reuniting with him in the land of the living runs through hell itself, and she'll have to take Ethan with her… Kindle Nook Kobo iBooks Google

Who doesn't love to read about sexy cowboys? With the upcoming release of CONQUERING THE COWBOY, be sure to check out my other cowboy books, all available now!              A Cowboy Returns (Wild Western Hearts #1)
 
You never forget your first cowboy
 
Eli Covington erased all traces of his cowboy upbringing to become a high-powered attorney. Then his father dies, and his brothers need him to rescue the family ranch. So, after fourteen years, Eli returns to the life he left behind—and the one woman he can't resist. 
​
Veterinarian Reagan Matthews was furious with Eli for leaving her all those years ago, and yet she was never quite able to let him go. Their attraction is as incendiary as ever, and Eli is very good at stoking the flames. But Eli doesn't belong in her world, any more than Reagan belongs in his. So until Eli leaves for good, why not take her pleasure where she can? Pleasure only her cowboy can provide…
Kindle Nook Kobo iBooks Google                   Cowboy Proud (Wild Western Hearts #2)
 
This cowboy is rugged, proud…and incredibly sexy 

Cade Covington is struggling with turning his family's beloved ranch into a tourist attraction. It's not just the mortgage big enough to choke a horse, or the invasion of his home by strangers. It's also the arrival of a city slicker PR professional who doesn't understand ranch life…and puts every beautiful woman he's ever seen to shame. Cade wants her. 
​
With her company on the line, Emma can't afford any mistakes. Especially if that mistake is a broad-shouldered, blue-eyed cowboy who drives her crazy with hunger. But all it takes is one small wager and their chemistry explodes. When the dust settles, will Emma have obliterated her career…or captured her cowboy?
Kindle Nook Kobo iBooks Google                   Cowboy Strong (Wild Western Hearts #3)
 
Going Down Fighting 

Ty Covington likes to keep things as uncomplicated as possible. By day, all that matters to him is his horse and winning in the rodeo ring. At night, all he wants is a deliciously hot, no-strings affair with his rival, Kenzie Malone. Then everything changes in one heart-stopping split second. 

The accident should have killed both Ty and his horse. Instead, they're both on the road to a hard recovery—but only thanks to Kenzie's family connections and fortune. Which means he owes her. He owes a woman who is both everything he despises and his deepest desire. As need—hungry and demanding—takes them both over, Ty knows that this time, uncomplicated isn't an option. And this cowboy always pays his debts…
Kindle Nook Kobo iBooks Google

I have two releases on April 4, 2017: Conquering the Cowboy and The Immortal's Unrequited Bride. To celebrate, I'll be hosting a Facebook party on April 3 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. There will be guest authors participating (final list coming soon), an agent (maybe 2) popping in and a bevy of prizes  that will be given away at 15 minutes intervals. You'll also have the chance to gain an extra Rafflecopter entry for attending, giving you an even better chance of winning the GRAND PRIZE:

A beach bag stuffed full of goodies, including:
~ On-trend woven beach bag
~ Kindle Fire
~ Lucky brand sunglasses + pouch
~ Book bundle + bookmarks
~ Sunscreen
~ Lip balm
~ Turkish cotton beach towel
~ Neck pillow 
~ Floppy sun hat
~ Water bottle w/cap (to keep the sand out!)

So make sure you check in on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kelliirelandfanpage/) on April 3 between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. There will likely be one surprise guest, but I'm waiting on confirmation.

Finally, a special shout-out to Nicole, my assistant, without whom none of this would be possible. She's is the absolute bombdiggity, peeps. Yay, Nicole!

See you April 3!

​~ Kelli

The third book in the Assassin's Arcanum is almost here, and for those of you doing a re-read of the series, today we are featuring the second book. Book 2 - The Immortal's Hunger WHEN YOU PLAY WITH FIRE...

It was only a matter of time before Gareth Brennan had to die. Before he made that ultimate sacrifice, the assassin wanted to know warmth once again. His recent experiences had destroyed his ability to create fire, yet sexy bartender Ashley Clement was now igniting one within him.

As a Phoenix, Ashley had limited time herself; soon a male Phoenix would claim her. Unless she could find a lover. Gareth was the perfect man for the job. Except he was no human, and their union might draw even more danger. But to deny their fiery attraction...that was a truly impossible task. Kindle Nook Kobo iBooks Google "One of the better Nocturne titles this reminded me like a short version of one of Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld books - if you like them check this out."
--Leila, Goodreads Reviewer

(*Odds of becoming a millionaire determined by the Georgia Lottery and whichever scratch-off tickets I buy. Totally random chances, but hey! Someone has to win, right?)

So, to be honest, I was lying around (see above) and realized I have some contests coming up. Contests mean prizes. And this, dear Reader, is where I need an intervention. You see, I like to give away stuff I find fun, useful, funny, cool, entertaining, etc. The problem (if you've read my bio or any of the shorts--why are you reading my shorts?!?--on this site) is that my sense of humor is warped. What  I  find funny, you may think is ridiculous. What  I  find cool/fun to use/useful/entertaining--the list goes on ad nauseam--may well be something the general masses eschew. That brings me to my request: I need your help via feedback here, on my site, regarding what you, as a reader, find most appealing as contest prizes. 

There are two ways for you to comment here. You may anonymously fill out the survey the comes next or you may leave a comment in the "Comments" section below. Neither method signs you up for my newsletter, gives me a link to your DNA profile or forces you to vow to follow the movement make America great again (when has she not been great, I ask you?). I promise (hand over heart) I won't show up on your doorstep with balloons and a basket of oddities at 3 a.m. Nor will I invite you to dinner and subject you to listen to one of my parrots experiencing all that is spring by way of nesting hormones. That is to say, she's freaking LOUD. With these caveats and promises, if you DO leave a comment where you fill in name/email, I'll enter you for...oh, the irony...a contest. Keeping in mind I haven't heard what you want yet, I'll randomly throw in the following:

~ Four free books (Conquering the Cowboy, a standalone; the first three books in The Assassin's Arcanum series--The Immortal's Redemption, The Immortal's Hunger, The Immortal's Unrequited Bride), signed if you prefer

~ Pens, pins, magnets and the like

~ Bookmarks

~ A hardback Post-It notebook that fits in your bag or briefcase (approx 3" x 4") and is admittedly cool

~ 5 Georgia Lottery scratch-off lottery tickets! 

See? Leave a comment and you could become a millionaire! (rubs hands together) So the poll follows and, below that, you may leave a comment. US shipping only on this particular contest, please. (If you're an international reader, be sure to check out the Goodreads contests for my new releases. There are some slated for international shipping.) You must be 18 to enter in order to receive the lottery tickets. Sorry. The government's funny about minors gambling. Go figure. And if you're under 18 and reading my books, does your mother know what you're reading? ;)
The Best of the Best of Prizes Are: I prefer my prize books to be: * Generically SignedSigned and PersonalizedOther If Other, please specify: * I find pens, magnets and such: * Awesome!Throw-aways...always throw-awaysNo opinion Things I tend to use in a prize pack are: * BooksPensBookmarksCandles (customized with book covers)MagnetsGift certificates to bookstoresI love it all!Other If Other, please specify: * I enter author contests: * Every chance I getOnly if the author is a favoriteNever I'm willing to enter an author contest even if I don't know the author. Might find a new favorite! * YesNoUndecided I'm most likely to enter a contest via: * Amazon contestGoodreads contestOther If Other, please specify: * I think a personal prize like phone call with the author to discuss a book or character (or exchange recipes) would ROCK! * Witness Protection, here I come. The best prize I ever won from a reading contest was: * Comment(s) on additional likes, dislikes or your vacation plans this year: * Submit

With the release of the third book in the Assassin's Arcanum Series on the horizon, now is a good time to catch up with the series!
BOOK 1 - THE IMMORTAL'S REDEMPTION When a brooding Irishman shows up at the hospital where she works, Kennedy Jefferson realizes her fugues are more than simply lost time. She knows this stranger is a threat—even as her body craves his masterful touch. 

Dylan O'Shea is the druid's assassin charged with finding the single woman who can stop an evil goddess from destruction. He's searched to find Kennedy for centuries. But Dylan finds himself inexplicably drawn to Kennedy—the woman he's ordained to kill. 
​
With Samhain fast approaching, duty and desire are on an unstoppable collision course…
Kindle Nook Kobo iBooks Google "This story is hot in all the right ways and took me to the edge of my seat again and again, delivering in the end." — New York Times  bestselling author Larissa Ione 

The rumors you've heard are true.  I'm still alive. I had (very) unanticipated surgery on October 31, 2016 wherein I had my spine fused at two levels. It was an anterior approach meaning the surgeons (plural) went in from the front. In my pre-op appointment, one of the surgeons apologized for the scar he'd have to leave and promised to try to get it straight. I laughed and told him not to worry. Unless I was waking with not only a fused spine but a bikini body, my belly button would never again intentionally see the light of a noonday sun. He laughed. I was serious. This little "inny" is past her prime, and that's all well and good.

Everything went incredibly well and I am now the proud owner of two titanium implants, six titanium screws and a new tattoo. Yes, it's true. We had to pay an alarmingly huge amount on the surgery--enough we could have bought a compact car. New. I told my husband that, if I had bought a car, I'd have had the option of Sirius XM radio, wi-fi hotspot and navigation. As it was, I only got the bill. No wheels. Then it hit me. I  could  have a version of wi-fi! So after the surgery and two months of recovery, it was off to my tattoo artist to get teh wi-fi signal tattooed to the left of the base of my spine (extreme lower back/upper butt). It's about 1 1/2" x 1 1/2", but it's there. I'll post a picture when it's properly healed because, hey, I have no shame. No butt shots, though! Yet another part of my anatomy that need not see the light of day...

Anyhoo, the surgery meant I had to request extensions on my projects. I wasn't (at all) happy to have to ask, but my editors were gracious. It has pushed some of my projects out beyond what I had promised you, but the good news is there are still two new books coming in April. One is a standalone (One word? Two? Help! I need an editor!) cowboy contemporary and the other is the next in my paranormal series. The cowboy cover is a handsome, shirtless man. Can't go wrong there. :)  But the other book... Oh, the other book. I realize it's not in the author's best interest to ever comment on a cover, but this one is just not my favorite. Quite the opposite. However, the hero, however, IS one of my favorites. Ethan Kemp stars in this story of a love that defies the boundareis of time. Both hero and heroine are strong individuals, and Ethan is just irreverant enought to be fun. I hope you'll look past the cover design and give the story a chance to entertain you.

With the holidays over, I'm back to writing. Not as much as I'd like because recovery and physical therapy are both still part of my everyday existence. The neurosurgeon says it will be a full year before my spine fuses. A. Year. I'm not inherently patient by nature. Oh, I used to be, but then something happened--not sure what--and I became a do-it-all-right-now-yes-please-and-thank-you person. So I'm pushing myself to get back to it, to write more every day and get back to burning up the keyboard. But some days? I won't lie. The pain is more persistent than my stubborness, and the most I can do is lie in a cool, dark room and focus on getting by until I can turn the calendar forward another day. Days like those are the ones where breathing is a win and I'll take it because...yeah. There are times you simply have to  celebrate the little stuff or the big stuff gets too big and then your brain threatens to eat itself and wow, the crazy comes out. I prefer to keep my skeletons dancing happily in their closet, paired with the crazy of their choice. :)

I hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday season and that the New Year has already proven to be full of joy and prosperity. As for me, I need to get back to writing. I've proven the stories don't write themselves! (snort)

I'll be back here soon with more chatter and updates!

xoxoxo,
​Kelli

Today is the release of The Immortal's Hunger! I can't wait for everyone to read Gareth and Ashley. I hope you love them as much as I do.

WHEN YOU PLAY WITH FIRE… 

It was only a matter of time before Gareth Brennan had to die. Before he made that ultimate sacrifice, the assassin wanted to know warmth once again. His recent experiences had destroyed his ability to create fire, yet sexy bartender Ashley Clement was now igniting one within him. 
​
As a Phoenix, Ashley had limited time herself; soon a male Phoenix would claim her. Unless she could find a lover. Gareth was the perfect man for the job. Except he was no human, and their union might draw even more danger. But to deny their fiery attraction…that was a truly impossible task. Kindle Kobo Nook iBooks GooglePlay All Romance eBooks