2011 was insanely busy. In this year I was writing at least 5000 words a day. The biggest seller of the year had to be The Heart of Texas, which of course exploded into 9 books, plus the 3 books in the Legacy series. Also on this list was my first ever translation – a Spanish version of The Christmas Throwaway.
Books included: Darach's Cariad, The Heart Of Texas, Valentine 2525, All The King's Men, Back Home, Deefur Dog, The Soldier's Tale, One Night, Love Is In The Title, Love Is In The Hallways, Love Is In The Message, Eoin's Destiny, Guarding Morgan, El Chico Indigente en Navidad, Texas Winter, The Gallows Tree, Jesse's Christmas, Proteggere Morgan, Protéger Morgan
This year is where Sanctuary started with Guarding Morgan. Sanctuary saved my house – more details on that in the post for 2012!
Deefur Dog was a lighthearted Manny story, Back Home was angst, and All the Kings Men was a sprawling disaster movie book with an earthquake and forest fires.
I also had my first french and Italian translations with book 1 in the Sanctuary series into both languages and also my first audio with The Christmas Throwaway.
You could say it was the year I tried everything.
Competition
2011 was when I wrote Deefur Dog. I love Manny stories, I love dogs, I love writing kids into books. Do you have a pet? Would you like one? Tell me everything! Comment below for a chance to win.
Prize: An e-book from this featured year, or your choice from my backlist
Valentine 2525
Max never wanted a Companion, but his family and society leave him no choice.
Samekh Taw designation #65572—aka “Sam”—is the Companion created in a laboratory, to Max’s specifications.
Working and then falling in love with Sam is easy, but when it becomes clear that Sam believes he is flawed, it’s up to Max to convince him to hold their secrets close.
And more importantly, to show Sam that love is never just for one day.
More info →
The Soldier’s Tale
Book Two in The Fitzwarren Inheritance
Corporal Daniel Francis has returned to his childhood home in England to heal; the only one of his unit that survived a roadside bomb. His reasons for skipping medication are based on a stubborn refusal to become an addict, and he is overwhelmed with survivor's guilt.
Doctor Sean Lester has joined his father's surgery and when he is held at knifepoint by a patient high on drugs it is Daniel that leaps to his rescue-much to his horror.
When Sean nearly runs Daniel down in the dark he finds a man who needs help and resolves to be the person to show Daniel that it is possible to live through guilt and find happiness.
Set against the backdrop of the Fitzwarren family curse, The Soldiers Tale is a story of one man's fight to find his place in a new world outside of the Army.
Books in this series...
Book 1 - The Psychic's Tale by Chris Quinton
Book 2 - The Soldier's Tale by RJ Scott
Book 3 - The Lord's Tale by Sue Brown
More info →
The Gallows Tree
Cody runs to England after an abusive relationship destroys his trust in love. He's inherited a cottage in a small village and needs somewhere to hide away and give himself time to heal.
What he doesn’t count on is meeting the enigmatic Sebastian, a man who may be able to show him he can stop running.
But first Cody and Sebastian have to deal with the ghosts of lost loves and destinies that weave into the story of the village watermill. A legacy twisted into the sycamore trees that stand on mill land. One of which might be the gallows tree.
More info →
Protéger Morgan
Morgan Drake est témoin d’un meurtre dans une ruelle. C’est la seule personne qui peut témoigner lors du procès du flic responsable du crime. Quand la maison sécurisée où le FBI le cache est compromise, il suit les instructions de l’agent en charge et s’enfuit.
Nik Valentinov travaille pour le Sanctuaire, une fondation qui offre une protection aux témoins quand la sécurité promise par le FBI est remise en cause.
Lorsque le flic responsable de Morgan l’envoie à Nik pour assurer sa sécurité, ni Morgan ni Nik n’auraient pu imaginer que deux semaines seuls dans une cabane perdue dans les bois bouleverseraient leurs cœurs avec autre chose que le simple fait d’essayer de garder Morgan en vie.
Traduction de l’anglais : Bénédicte Girault
Relecture et corrections : Lady L
Proteggere Morgan (edizione italiana)
Morgan Drake assiste a un omicidio in un vicolo ed è l’unica persona in grado di fornire le prove per incriminare il poliziotto che ne è il responsabile. Quando il rifugio segreto in cui l’FBI lo nasconde viene compromesso, Morgan segue le istruzioni fornitegli da Taylor, l’agente incaricato della sua sicurezza, e scappa.
Nik Valentinov lavora per il Santuario, una fondazione in grado di offrire protezione ai testimoni quando l’FBI fallisce. È da lui che Taylor manda Morgan perché lo protegga, ma nessuno dei due uomini si aspetta che due settimane da soli in una remota baita in mezzo ai boschi sconvolgeranno i loro cuori con qualcosa di completamente diverso dal tentativo di mantenere Morgan in vita.
Traduttore: Claudia Milani
More info →
Jesse's Christmas
Can Gabriel show Jesse that a real Christmas is more than parties and plastic trees and that taking a chance on love can wash away even the worst of memories?
For world-renowned photojournalist Jesse Connor, Christmas is a stark reminder of last year’s misery when his banker boyfriend embezzled and mishandled millions of dollars of client money, and left Jesse with unmanageable debt. The ring he’d bought to propose was the first item he had to sell, and it wouldn’t be the last thing.
With this December fast approaching, he tells his agent he’ll take an assignment to get out of the city, but he pictured Tahiti, not wintery Eden Vale, Vermont. He’d signed the contract, there was no way out, and he was trapped in a town cut off by snow. Not only that, but the entire town population of only a thousand souls was determined on dragging him kicking and screaming into Christmas, led by the sexy teacher-handyman-hotel owner, Gabriel.
Gabriel has lived his entire life in the mountains, in a place awarded Best Christmas Town, 2011. A teacher at the elementary school, he shows others that the season of goodwill unites community, family, and that love resides in everyone’s heart.
When Jesse arrives in town, lacking even an ounce of Christmas spirit, Gabriel immediately sees through his defenses and bonds with him. Despite the barriers that Jesse throws up, Gabriel is determined to show the deeply sad man what a real Christmas can be. And, who knows, after that, maybe get him to stay in Eden Vale for longer than just a few snowy weeks.
More info →
All The King's Men
All The King's Men (Standalone Peril)
Arriving in Los Angeles to reconcile with his lover, Ryan is caught up in the strongest earthquake to hit the city since records began. Even as he watches L.A. fall, he refuses to join the people running from the destruction. Instead, as the city burns, fires igniting high in the hills, he heads straight into the chaos to save Nathan.
In a race against time to survive, both injured, with the earth shifting beneath their feet, Ryan and Nathan's only hope for survival is to escape before the aftershocks tear the ground apart and the all-consuming fires reach them.
Can they outrun the destruction, or is it too late?
More info →
Deefur Dog
For over a year, widowed Cameron Jackson has tried to juggle his business with childcare for his two year old daughter ...all while living with Deefur, a Great Dane who believes he rules the house.
Nannies last a day, some don't even make it through the front door if the self-proclaimed ruler doesn't approve. Something has to give. Enter Jason Everson, nanny, a teacher in training, apparent dog whisperer, and the only man who seems to make it past the initial scrutiny of the king.
Can Jason help Cam put his house in order and help to heal his heart?
More info →
Back Home
Returning to his hometown, Kieran finds himself reunited with the one man he could never have.
It all started with a single birthday kiss, given on a dare, but for Kieran, it ignited a deep and unrequited love for Jordan, his brother’s boyfriend. Aware that their relationship can never be, Kieran makes the painful decision to leave Coopers Bay behind in order to protect his heart. Even the passing of his brother couldn't bring him back permanently; he only returns for the funeral before returning to his new life an ocean away in London.
However, when Kieran's sister pleads with him to come home for good, he reluctantly agrees, only to discover that the family business is on the brink of bankruptcy. To make matters worse, Jordan, the man he had fled from, is now burdened with despair and guilt. As they reconnect, old memories resurface, secrets are revealed, and emotions run high. Kieran and Jordan must confront their shared history and in doing so their friendship turns to love.
Now, the challenge lies in convincing Jordan that their love is worth fighting for.
More info →
One Night
Opposites attract after one night of passion in a world where Liam wants sex, and Micah wants love.
Liam Wade is wealthy, successful, and only weeks away from marrying the perfect woman to be his new wife. An arranged marriage is the merging of two families, but Liam gets a new mom for his tiny daughter. Despite Liam being gay, this business arrangement is a viable solution because he wants little Emma to have a mom. When he marries, he will never betray his wife, but is he ready to hide his true self and deny finding love with another man? Is it too late to change his mind?
Micah Adamson is the owner of a vineyard in Rochester, New York, and has yet to find the partner he knows is out there for him. He believes in love, and one day he knows he will find his 'forever' man. Attending a wine festival in Santa Monica, he has seven long nights in a beautiful hotel on the beach, and meeting Liam seems to be the start of a fairytale.
Micah wants to show that love between two men includes affection, understanding, love for family, and can be forever. Will he make Liam see sense?
More info →
Guarding Morgan
Morgan Drake witnesses a murder in an alleyway. He is the only person who can give evidence in prosecuting the cop responsible for the crime. When the FBI safe house where he’s being held is compromised, he follows the instructions of his agent in charge and runs. Nik Valentinov works for Sanctuary, a foundation that offers witness protection when FBI security is questionable.
When Morgan's handler sends him to Nik for safety, neither Morgan nor Nik could imagine that two weeks alone in a cabin in the woods could start something more. Something way more than just trying to keep Morgan alive. Something that makes their heart race more than danger. Love.
More info →
El chico indigente en navidad
Para Zachary Weston Navidad significa dormir bajo un intenso frío y nieve en un banco en el patio de una iglesia sin esperanzas para el futuro. Echado de su casa por ser homosexual, está sin dinero y sin un lugar de refugio.
Hasta que un desconocido le muestra que hay algunas personas a quién sí le importas Ben Hamilton es un policía novato en su pueblo natal. El encuentra un joven sin hogar, recién llegado de la ciudad, durmiendo en un banco en el patio de la iglesia en una Nochebuena fría y nevada.
¿Será el el que le de a Zachary su propio milagro navideño?
More info →
Texas Winter
Riley Hayes thought he'd left the ghosts of his past behind, but fate had other plans.
As Riley navigates the demands of running Hayes Oil, his late brother’s shadow resurfaces in ways he never could have predicted—threatening his reputation. When a shocking discovery implicates Riley in a federal investigation, the FBI comes knocking, and it’s not just his career on the line. Riley’s integrity, family, and future are all thrown into jeopardy.
Thankfully, Jack Campbell, his rock-solid husband, is by his side, providing unwavering support. But as the pressure mounts, Riley questions how much more Jack can endure. Love may conquer all, but can it withstand the weight of betrayal, secrets, and Riley’s dangerous family legacy?
Amidst the chaos, a revelation during their delayed honeymoon shakes Riley. He has an eight-year-old daughter—one he never knew existed—turning his world upside down. Struggling to connect with a child he’s only just met while fighting to clear his name, Riley must find a way to hold his life together.
With time running out and his enemies closing in, Riley faces the ultimate test of his love, resilience, and determination to protect his family. Will he and Jack emerge stronger than ever, or will the secrets of Riley’s past destroy everything they’ve built together?
More info →
The Heart of Texas
In a world of wealth and power, where love is a liability and family can be a weapon, Riley must decide if winning is worth losing everything. The Heart of Texas is a tale of blackmail, revenge, passion, and redemption that will leave no heart unscarred.
Riley Hayes is the golden boy of the Hayes family—wealthy, charming, and ruthless in both business and pleasure. As heir to HayesOil, his future seems guaranteed until his father’s will throws everything into chaos. To secure his inheritance and control of the family empire, Riley must do the unthinkable: marry for love and stay married for a year.
Furious and desperate, Riley concocts a plan that will both satisfy the stipulation and humiliate his father’s oldest enemy. He turns to Jack Campbell, a rugged and principled rancher—and the son of his family’s greatest rival. But Jack has no interest in being a pawn in Riley’s game. Until Riley uncovers a devastating secret that gives him leverage to force Jack into a marriage neither of them wants.
As the world watches their union with suspicion and scorn, Riley and Jack are drawn into a web of lies, betrayals, and dangerous ambitions. Enemies circle, alliances shift, and murder lurks in the shadows of the Hayes empire. Jack, with his quiet strength, becomes Riley’s only anchor—but their growing connection threatens to expose Riley’s carefully constructed façade.
More info →
I have a Siamese who happens to be a holy terror quit frequently but she’s mine.☺ Anyone who has a hyper 🐱 can you tell me does age calm them down or should I get her a playmate?
Deefur Dog was the first book of your that I read, and you got me hooked 🙂 I have never really been a dog person, but cats I love. My current cat is Neve she is all white (not albino) and she is a bit of a minx. She is convinced the bird feeders are really cat feeders!
I don’t have any pets at the moment (unless kids count 😀 ) but I used to have a pitbull that was the best cuddle bunny out there 🙂
First off I love Deefur Dog and the Christmas story that goes with it. Manny stories or just stories with a single dad is great. As for pets, I don’t personally own a pet. However, I live with family and they have currently 5 dogs (2 big and 3 littles). I think the funniest to me is when I hear my uncle fussing at one of them for doing something crazy. Weirdest was once I apparently didn’t close the door to my room well and I woke up because one was literally licking and munching on my hair. Dog slobber might not be cool but I was just happy he was playing and not actually trying to yank the locs out because he could have snatched me bald. Over the years 2 have gotten so sick the vet didn’t have any option but euthanasia and those were horribly sad times. I think that’s the thing about pets. We know intellectually that we will definitely likely outlive them and yet you can’t help but love them. I think I get the greatest benefit of pets because I’m not responsible for them but if I ever need a snuggle, they are there ready and willing. It really does make you understand why people have emotional supports animals because even when they are having a barking concert because I have had the nerve to leave my room lol they make me grin every time.
I have had pets. My mom has had dogs since I was little. I’ve had 2 cats & 1 dog myself. We are petless right now after our last fur baby passed away. We will again just taking a break for a bit
I have a Ragdoll cat. She is the boss of the house.
I have a Westie, the apex predator of my back garden. Her formal name is BirchBark The Good Witch, but she answers to Glenda. She’s very clever and a wonderful companion.
I have a Beagle/Basset Hound mix named Duncan that we adopted and a Labradoodle named Gypsy.
I have 3 cats, 2 dogs and a turtle. I would have more if the husband would go along. Lol
We have two very large and beautiful GSDs! Wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Evelise
We are owned by Leona Mae. A rescue we got from our local animal shelter in 2012. She is a Korat. She was found wandering our local park in late , freezing January. She adopted us on Valentine’s Day.
I would love a dog! My boys always wanted one but living in apartments that never allowed for one made that an impossibility.
I grew up with a cat, and love cats. Unfortunately I married a man allergic to cats, so we have dogs.
I have a black and white cat named Lucy. She’s not cuddly and bit weird, but she’s ours.
I have a small fish tank with a few fresh water fish at the moment. I would love to have a dog or cat but am pretty allergic to both. A dog I might be able to do depending on the breed. Maybe someday in the future.
I am currently without a pet. Buttons was a wonderful boy and I’m just not sure if I’ll ever be ready for another dog. He’s been gone 7 months and it’s the longest time in 46 years that hubby and I haven’t had a dog.
I would love to have a dog in the house again (used to have a Golden and a Pekingese (tempermental bastard, but I loved him)). I know myself well enough to know that a low key dog would be best, but that (and finances) aside, if I had a choice it would either be an Irish Wolfhound or a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
I would love to have a dog in the house again (used to have a Golden and a Pekingese (tempermental bastard, but I loved him)). I know myself well enough to know that a low key dog would be best, but that (and finances) aside, if I had a choice it would either be an Irish Wolfhound or a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
My beautiful Jack Russell passed away 6 years ago at the ripe old age of 18. I could never replace her she was a sweet old girl that only barked 3 times in our hearing. She grumbled when there was knock on the door but never barked. Still miss her loads
we have a zuchon..which is a bishon/shiztu mix
I currently have 4 ferrets (Nessa, Michael, Jonathan and Monty) but I run a ferret rescue so that could change at any time. Lol
I have 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 ducks 🦆
Victoria, you’re a winner – email rjscott.team@gmail.com
I have a rescue dog and a rescue cat. they are my girls, and I love them to bits. Besides, I volunteer at a rescue shelter in my home town. I go there every day to work with the dogs, so you could say I have 250 dogs…
We call our dog our daughter and have no intention of giving her any human siblings 😆 but someday I want a giant old farmhouse so I can take in all the rescue animals. I’m a massive animal lover, and as someone who has ALWAYS had at least one dog, they hold a special place in my heart.
Loved Deefur Dog. I have a dog, love reading books with pets
I have two dogs
When we move I want a snake also
I would love to have multiple dogs.
I have a Petit Bassett Griffin Vendeen named Walter. He’s a scent hound. He’s going to be 10 in July and that sounds old, I can’t bear it. But He was diagnosed with epilepsy at 3 so we’re pretty lucky he’s still here. It’s bloody awful but on the bright side I’ve met some hunky vets. Mostly when I’m dressed in PJ’s but still.
I have 4 dogs, 2 cats and 3 horses.
Have a tortie cat and used to have a bearded dragon and Madagascar hissing cockroaches. Always wanted a husky, a tarantula, and a ferret.
I have a naughty tortie – a tortoiseshell cat called Kaylee. She’s mellowed as she’s got older, but used to bring home fresh dog bones that she’d stole from the neightbours’ dogs.
I don’t have any pets can’t have any but if I could, I would definitely have a Bengal cat or a hedgehog.
I have two rescue dogs one I rescued 11 years ago and one I rescued 18 months ago I believe our fur family find us and these two are my babies
No pets at present but I could see getting a dog (that’s hypoallergenic!).
I’ve had pets most of my adult life and I like dogs bigger than a teacup. I moved into a tiny studio apartment with an exorbitant nonrefundable pet deposit, and even if I could afford the deposit, it wouldn’t be fair to the pup.
I have a black cat who does a circus act (she walks along the curtain rail) when I am on the phone as she is jealous I am not paying attention to her.
I love cats! I have one named Tiger and a dog named Bravo
I have three cats, the love of my life, my dream is to change house and to adopt a lot of pets that need a home
I don’t have any pets can’t have any but if I could, I would definitely have a Bengal cat or a hedgehog.
Over the years, we’ve had a zoo. Now we’re down to on small dog.
We currently have two cats. Chuck, short for Chuckles, who was originally named Olivia (my husband and I love Supernatural) is a striped tabby “fat girl” with big green eyes. Her younger “brother” is a tuxedo cat who she acted like a mother too; he is now twice as big as her but loves to lay on her still. He is half Maine coon. He was originally named Phantom but is now called Black short for Black Cat. He has the cutest rabbit looking white feet with black pads. My husband wants a Maine coon kitten as a third now.
No pets now but had dogs and cats growing up but I have always found the idea of fish quite serene and you don’t have to worry about stepping in any mess 😁
Deefur Dog is one of my favorite stories. My pet is my big fat baby boy cat named Tobi. He is like a baby. He loves being held, very demanding, loves lying around and is absolutely amazing. I love my Tobs
I have one dog (16yrsold and deaf as anything), 4 rats, 2 bearded dragons, 1 crested gheko and 1 tortoise 🐢
We lost our beloved Toy Poodle, Buttons, 7 months ago. This is the longest time in 46 years that we’ve gone without having a dog. For many reasons, I don’t think we will adopt another one. All 3 of our dogs were special in their own way but I think he meant the most to us because one of us was nearly always at home with him. We were both working while we had our other two dogs.
We rescued Caleb, our dog, 7 years ago during a pet adoption. He’ll stand by me, in front of me when barking at whoever’s at the door, and shadows me when I’m handling food. Though he’s afraid of light reflecting off of mirrors and windows, he’s still the best boy.
We are on our 3rd Spring Spaniel and love her. She is aging and probably won’t be around much longer, but she has been such a wonderful addition to the family.
We have a ‘rescue’ border collie. She and my husband felt an instant attraction and I’m not sure who brought who home! Unfortunately she is ‘slowing down.’ I don’t look forward to the day he loses her.