Cover Reveal: Anthem of Survival

I’m delighted to finally reveal the cover art for Anthem of Survival, the third and final book in the Anthem Trilogy.

Blurb: 

Will they ever escape the past?

Revenge casts a long shadow.

Following two prior attempts on their lives, Daniel and Elijah are together and stronger than ever. Their relationship has weathered the toughest elements and survived. Physically and emotionally scarred, the bond between them can’t be broken. One year on from the devastating events in Anthem of the Dark they have reassessed their priorities and want to spend time out of the spotlight.

Elijah has quit his stand-up career to focus on his new passion: training to be a chef. But for Daniel, there are too many questions he desperately needs answers to. Like who orchestrated the violence in Blackpool a year ago? Whose hatred of him runs so deep they’re ruthlessly prepared to hurt innocent by-standers? He teams up with journalist Keeley Rank to uncover the facts.

Though the truth is well hidden, it is closer than anyone thinks. Someone wants revenge. Someone intent on destroying Daniel anyway she can. When Daniel and Elijah attend a fundraising gala for a victim support charity they are unaware they are about to face their most perilous situation yet. Vengeance is a deadly game and not everyone will survive.

BUY LINK

I love this artwork. I think it sums up the dark, tumultuous tone of the last book so well. The team at Pride Publishing have done a terrific job with all three covers for this trilogy.

Anthem of Survival will be released in December but book 2, Anthem of the Dark is available right now.

BUY LINKS:

Pride Publishing: http://ow.ly/wPtQ30lru0X

Amazon: http://ow.ly/qaYM30lru2S

Amazon UK: http://ow.ly/p5nu30lru6D

In other news. What have I been up to? Well, I mentioned earlier in the year I was taking a short break from MM fiction and romance to try my hand at something new.  That something new was a much darker novel, a scary novel. As of now I’m about 50k words in and halfway through, but it’s sooooo dark. Probably the hardest, most challenging and difficult thing I’ve ever written. It’s taking me places I’m not sure I want to go. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not, but I do know I need to take a break from it. So, I’ve started writing a new MM romance. This will likely be a novella length story, but I’ve already had the spark of an idea for a new novel, with the potential to develop into another trilogy. I learned a few valuable lessons writing the Anthem Trilogy and there are somethings I would do differently next time. Who knows? I’d also like to write some MF romance in the next year, but that would probably require a new pen name and starting all over again. I’m not sure about that, but for now I’ll focus on one project at a time and making the MM novella the best story I can.

In among all this writing I took a two-week cruise vacation with my husband. We visited Spain, Portugal, Madeira and the Canary Island. All stunningly beautiful places. We had an amazing time with one tiny grumble: it was far too hot for me, even in October. I like cooler temperatures and don’t function well in excessive heat. For next year I’ve talked my husband is visiting somewhere more appropriate: Iceland.

Love Thom xxx

OUT NOW: Anthem of the Dark

Anthem of the Dark is out now. Yes, I’m thrilled to be able to say that book two in the Anthem trilogy was released earlier this week. It’s been a long journey to get to this stage but I’m delighted we’re finally there and readers can continue the story with Daniel and Elijah. I don’t want to give away anything more of the story than has been revealed in the blurb. There’s a lot going on in this second book. You’ll meet some great new characters along the way, including Max and Ben; I loved writing those two and hope everyone else loves them too. Anthem of the Dark was a challenge to write. As the title suggests things get pretty twisted at times, but it’s a blast. I remember my hands shaking as I tried to write the final few chapters. It was so exciting.

Check out this interview I did about the book: HERE

Anthem of the Dark is available in ebook and paperback from all the usual places.

Eleven months later ... the time for revenge has come.

Eleven months after his attack on board the Atlantic Anthem, Daniel Blake has made a full recovery. Physically at least. The mental scars from what Oliver Gill did to him have been harder to deal with. But Daniel’s a survivor, and determined to move forward with his life. A life that includes Elijah Mann. Elijah has been a constant source of support throughout Daniel’s recovery. His love and encouragement have brought Daniel through the darkest days. Living together and deeply in love, they are stronger than ever.

Daniel has returned to work and is doing what he does best – entertaining the crowds in a smash hit summer show at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, while Elijah has triumphed in a celebrity TV cookery show. On a personal and professional level, life is finally getting back to normal.

Or so it seems. A murderer is at large, a killer with a unique purpose, and when the first two victims are identified, a terrifying link is established. The dead men began their careers in the boy band Overload with Daniel and Oliver Gill. Someone is out to avenge Oliver’s death. Someone who won’t stop until all members of the band are dead. And for a relentless killer, Daniel Blake is the ultimate prize.

BUY LINKS:

Pride Publishing: http://ow.ly/wPtQ30lru0X

Amazon: http://ow.ly/qaYM30lru2S

Amazon UK: http://ow.ly/p5nu30lru6D

ANTHEM OF THE DARK: Available to Pre Order Now

Eleven months later ... the time for revenge has come.

Eleven months after his attack on board the Atlantic Anthem, Daniel Blake has made a full recovery. Physically at least. The mental scars from what Oliver Gill did to him have been harder to deal with. But Daniel’s a survivor, and determined to move forward with his life. A life that includes Elijah Mann. Elijah has been a constant source of support throughout Daniel’s recovery. His love and encouragement have brought Daniel through the darkest days. Living together and deeply in love, they are stronger than ever.

Daniel has returned to work and is doing what he does best – entertaining the crowds in a smash hit summer show at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, while Elijah has triumphed in a celebrity TV cookery show. On a personal and professional level, life is finally getting back to normal.

Or so it seems. A murderer is at larger, a killer with a unique purpose, and when the first two victims are identified, a terrifying link is established. The dead men began their careers in the boy band Overload with Daniel and Oliver Gill. Someone is out to avenge Oliver’s death. Someone who won’t stop until all members of the band are dead. And for a relentless killer, Daniel Blake is the ultimate prize.

 Release date: September 18^th 2018 by Pride Publishing

PRE ORDER NOW

PRIDE PUBLISHING

AMAZON

AMAZON UK

ANTHEM 2: ANTHEM OF THE DARK Cover Reveal

 It’s been a bit slow on news lately but I’m delighted  that I can finally reveal the fantastic cover art for Anthem of the Dark, due for release on 25^th September.

Eleven months later ... the time for revenge has come.

Eleven months after his attack on board the Atlantic Anthem, Daniel Blake has made a full recovery. Physically at least. The mental scars from what Oliver Gill did to him have been harder to deal with. But Daniel’s a survivor, and determined to move forward with his life. A life that includes Elijah Mann. Elijah has been a constant source of support throughout Daniel’s recovery. His love and encouragement have brought Daniel through the darkest days. Living together and deeply in love, they are stronger than ever.

Daniel has returned to work and is doing what he does best – entertaining the crowds in a smash hit summer show at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, while Elijah has triumphed in a celebrity TV cookery show. On a personal and professional level, life is finally getting back to normal.

Or so it seems. A murderer is at larger, a killer with a unique purpose, and when the first two victims are identified, a terrifying link is established. The dead men began their careers in the boy band Overload with Daniel and Oliver Gill. Someone is out to avenge Oliver’s death. Someone who won’t stop until all members of the band are dead. And for a relentless killer, Daniel Blake is the ultimate prize.

Anthem of the Dark is the second book in the Anthem Trilogy and continues Daniel and Elijah’s story one year after events in Anthem of the Sea. I’m so happy this book is about to drop. Due to circumstances beyond my control it’s been a long time coming, And I’m happy to say it won’t be long until the trilogy is complete with the release of book three scheduled for December. I’ll have more news, information and extracts in the coming weeks.

GET ANTHEM OF THE SEA NOW

BUY LINKS:

PRIDE PUBLISHING

AMAZON UK

AMAZON USA

KOBO

BARNES AND NOBLE

REVIEW ROUND UP: WRITTEN IN SCARS

Written in Scars launched earlier this week and I’ve been overwhelmed by the response. I want to send a massive thank you to everyone who read the book ahead of release.

Check out a round-up the reviews.

SINFULLY MM BOOK REVIEWS

4 Stars

The novella is a snapshot in time, taking place over a 24-hour period where Sam is finally shaken enough to make some serious decisions about how his life has been going. Sam needs to change his way of thinking about things. Logan has had to do that in the past and is supportive of Sam, but wonders if he should even contemplate being involved in such a messy situation.

The story was engaging – I read it in one sitting. It’s completely focused on the characters with both of their pasts fleshed out. It's told in alternating points of view that also includes Johan's. There are some serious issues addressed, with some tense moments and thoughtful consideration given to the current situation, the past and what the future may hold. Sam and Logan communicate well and are honest about their lives and I was rooting for them from the start. There were times I wasn’t sure what would occur and the story didn't always go where I thought it would on its way to a hopeful and appropriate HFN.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

DIVERSE READER

Thom Collins writes a remarkable story that touches on more than just one traumatic event for one of his main characters. Yet, instead of the character being shown as a victim he is portrayed  as a survivor from his past events as well as for preceding events. 

 This is an amazing story, filled with hard truths, despair, compassion, and most of all the will to survive.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

MM MIDNIGHT CAFÉ

4 stars

The characters feel real as does their emotions.  I cannot imagine how poor Sam must have felt all those years of abuse, but I felt his pain and struggle to find some self-worth.  Though the book is short, it does not feel too rushed, yes ideally, I wish the book was longer, but I love stories that develop slowly.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

THE NOVEL APPROACH REVIEWS

The story is focused on how Logan, Sam, and even Johan, look at the importance of commitment. Each character also has to make choices in order to better their life, or not. The story is well written, intriguing, has passion and drama, and addresses mental abuse through some tense moments between Sam and Johan.

I’ve read many of Mr. Collins’ books, but Written in Scars is somewhat different as it deals with serious issues.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

BUY LINKS:

Amazon UK: http://amzn.eu/4qdbcXE

Amazon USA: http://a.co/2kp5vJv

Amazon CA: http://a.co/7NqPMMB

Release Day: Written in Scars

Today is the day. I'm delighted to say my new release Written in Scars is available as an ebook from Amazon today. I loved writing the story of Logan and Sam and hope you enjoy reading it. Let me know what you think and don't forget to post your reviews at Amazon and Goodreads.

Pain fades but the scars remain.

When Logan Crawford, a former war correspondent turned best-selling author, appears on TV to promote his latest thriller, he is knocked out by his fellow guest, Sam Radcliffe. Logan’s travels around the world have opened his eyes to many things, but nothing as attractive as the man he meets that night. Sam was the victim of a vicious stabbing in his youth and is now an active campaigner against knife crime and violence. He is perfect in every way but one: the wedding band he wears. That’s a complication Logan doesn’t need.

Sam’s life is far from happy. His husband is addicted to hard-drugs and casual sex: a devastating combination. Johan was once the shining light in Sam’s life. Now he brings nothing but darkness. But Sam respects the vows they made. For better or for worse. The attraction Logan feels for him is mutual. Ruggedly handsome and engagingly smart, Logan is hard to resist. Sam will need to overcome the anguish of his past and barriers of his present if he’s to stand a chance with Logan.

A contemporary new romance from the author of Closer by Morning and The Anthem Trilogy.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon UK: http://amzn.eu/4qdbcXE

Amazon USA: http://a.co/2kp5vJv

Amazon CA: http://a.co/7NqPMMB

Written in Scars: Excerpt

Written in Scars is released next Monday - 23rd April. I’m so happy it’s finally going to out there and everyone can read it in full. Today I’d like to share a short excerpt from near the beginning of the book.

 Excerpt:

His quiet musing was interrupted by voices from the hall. He turned as Amy lead another two guests into the green room. A man in his fifties and a younger guy, late twenties. Logan tried not to stare but the young man was exceptionally good-looking. He had brown wavy hair, thick on top with a full, but tidy beard. His face was perfectly handsome with high cheekbones, level eyes and a straight, broad nose. Dressed in jeans and a well-fitting brown leather jacket, he moved with confidence.

Instinctively Logan straightened his shoulders and tightened his core muscles. He forced himself to look at the older man, who wore a police uniform. He was dashing enough in his own way, but faded in comparison to his companion, despite the uniform.

Amy gave them her spiel about refreshments and collecting them five minutes before they were due on air and left without making introductions.

Never shy, Logan walked confidently towards them, hand outstretched. “Hello,” he said, addressing the police officer first. “I’m Logan Crawford.”

“Inspector John Watt,” the man answered, taking Logan’s hand in a firm grip. He had a broad, clean shaven face, with rough looking skin and thick lips. He regarded Logan with steady grey eyes. His breath and uniform smelled of cigarettes.

“Pleased to meet you.” Logan withdrew his hand to address the real object of interest.

“Hi. I’m Sam. Sam Radcliffe,” the younger man said, taking his hand.

Beneath naturally arched brows, his eyes were large, predominantly brown in colour with flashes of amber and copper. Unlike the Inspector his skin was smooth and blemish free. There wasn’t a fleck of grey in that beard. Logan guessed his age as twenty-seven, twenty-eight. No older. Under the open leather jacket, he wore a dark cotton T-shirt and a few curls of chest hair peaked above the neck.

Logan was six-foot-one, and Sam a couple of inches shorter than him, no more than that.

He’s gorgeous. Logan, dangerously close to losing composure, released Sam’s hand and stepped away.

****

Pain fades but the scars remain.

When Logan Crawford, a former war correspondent turned best-selling author, appears on TV to promote his latest thriller, he is knocked out by his fellow guest, Sam Radcliffe. Logan’s travels around the world have opened his eyes to many things, but nothing as attractive as the man he meets that night. Sam was the victim of a vicious stabbing in his youth and is now an active campaigner against knife crime and violence. He is perfect in every way but one: the wedding band he wears. That’s a complication Logan doesn’t need.

Sam’s life is far from happy. His husband is addicted to hard-drugs and casual sex: a devastating combination. Johan was once the shining light in Sam’s life. Now he brings nothing but darkness. But Sam respects the vows they made. For better or for worse. The attraction Logan feels for him is mutual. Ruggedly handsome and engagingly smart, Logan is hard to resist. Sam will need to overcome the anguish of his past and barriers of his present if he’s to stand a chance with Logan.

A contemporary new romance from the author of Closer by Morning and The Anthem Trilogy.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon UK: http://amzn.eu/4qdbcXE

Amazon USA: http://a.co/2kp5vJv

Amazon CA: http://a.co/7NqPMMB

Written in Scars: Genesis of the book

With less than a month until the publication of Written in Scars, I thought it would be nice to write a little about the genesis of the book. Obviously, this is all spoiler free.

First up, I’ll admit that the title itself is an absolute steal from one of my favourite singers Jack Savoretti. He released an album of that name in 2015 and I absolutely love it. Jack’s an English singer/song-writer with the most incredible voice. If you’re not already familiar with him then check him out.

Jack Savoretti Written in Scars Video

This was always going to be a novella. I finished work on the final book in The Anthem Trilogy last December. The trilogy took over two years of intense work and before I got stuck into another big project, I wanted to write something shorter. Looking over my notebooks I see I tried out a lot of different ideas before settling on an idea of two married men meeting, falling in love and having to overcome some huge obstacles. As I developed the characters, that idea changed slightly. Only one of the men is married when they meet, the other is already divorced.

I almost always start a story with characters: getting to know them, building their backstories and this was no different. I wrote ten-page biographies for the two main characters, Logan and Sam. Most of that never made it into the finished story, but it’s important stuff. I need to know these guys inside and out before I can write them. Where they come from, where they live, the kinds of things they like enjoy or dislike: it’s all nessecary to telling their story.

I always use photographs as a physical reference for the characters. I feel a bit like a director casting a film: getting the right actor for the part. This is how I pictured Logan and Sam while writing them.

Sam

Logan

Pretty hot, eh? It’s easy to fall in love with men who look like that and this was no exception. I love these two characters and with everything in place I found them easy to write for. I plotted the story in advance as I always do and looking back through my notes, that didn’t really change as I wrote it. The finished book sticks pretty closely to the original outline. I guess that’s because it’s short. It took a month to write the first draft. It takes me about six to nine months to write the first draft of a novel, so things are much more likely to change in that time.

And that’s a much as I can reveal ahead of release.

The book is available to pre order right now and I’m delighted to see it’s already picked up a 5 star advance review from Gay Book Reviews. Check it out:

GAY BOOK REVIEWS: 5 STAR REVIEW

PRE ORDER WRITTEN IN SCARS

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

Amazon CA

Written in Scars: Available to Pre Order

I'm delighted to say today that Written in Scars is available to pre order now. The ebook will be released on 23rd April and you can pre-order it HERE:

AMAZON UK

AMAZON USA

Title: Written in Scars

Author: Thom Collins

Release date: 23^rd April 2018

Length: 20,000 words / Novella

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Artist: Studio ENP @thestudioenp

Pain fades but the scars remain.

When Logan Crawford, a former war correspondent turned best-selling author, appears on TV to promote his latest thriller, he is knocked out by his fellow guest, Sam Radcliffe. Logan’s travels around the world have opened his eyes to many things, but nothing as attractive as the man he meets that night. Sam was the victim of a vicious stabbing in his youth and is now an active campaigner against knife crime and violence. He is perfect in every way but one: the wedding band he wears. That’s a complication Logan doesn’t need.

Sam’s life is far from happy. His husband is addicted to hard-drugs and casual sex: a devastating combination. Johan was once the shining light in Sam’s life. Now he brings nothing but darkness. But Sam respects the vows they made. For better or for worse. The attraction Logan feels for him is mutual. Ruggedly handsome and engagingly smart, Logan is hard to resist. Sam will need to overcome the anguish of his past and barriers of his present if he’s to stand a chance with Logan.

A contemporary new romance from the author of Closer by Morning and The Anthem Trilogy.

Cover Reveal: Written In Scars - my new novella

Today I'm delighted to reveal the cover for new novella Written in Scars, designed by the excellent Studioenp.

Pain fades but the scars remain.

When Logan Crawford, a former war correspondent turned best-selling author, appears on TV to promote his latest thriller, he is knocked out by his fellow guest, Sam Radcliffe. Logan’s travels around the world have opened his eyes to many things, but nothing as attractive as the man he meets that night. Sam was the victim of a vicious stabbing in his youth and is now an active campaigner against knife crime and violence. He is perfect in every way but one: the wedding band he wears. That’s a complication Logan doesn’t need.

Sam’s life is far from happy. His husband is addicted to hard-drugs and casual sex: a devastating combination. Johan was once the shining light in Sam’s life. Now he brings nothing but darkness. But Sam respects the vows they made. For better or for worse. The attraction Logan feels for him is mutual. Ruggedly handsome and engagingly smart, Logan is hard to resist. Sam will need to overcome the anguish of his past and barriers of his present if he’s to stand a chance with Logan.

Written in Scars will be available from 23rd April 2018. Pre Order link coming soon.

Out Now Shadows of Our Past @TanyaJRussell, @evernightpub #RomanticSuspense #Romance

Blurb

Jackson Halland has spent ten years running from a mistake that cost him everything, including Amory Parker, the woman he loved. With his gut wrenching response to her reappearance, he realises that if she will forgive him, then maybe, just maybe, he can forgive himself.

After ten years of working undercover Amory agrees to one final mission. Vowing to get justice for the woman she promised, and failed, to protect, nothing will stand in her way, not the prolific criminal she’s determined to bring down and certainly not coming face to face with the man she fell in love with on her very first undercover assignment, even if he has no idea who she really is, or the part she played in his past.

Buy Links

Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2oWRUuo

Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2FywJt8

Evernight Publishing http://www.evernightpublishing.com/shadows-of-our-past-by-tanya-jean-russell/

Excerpt

Amory was so engrossed in her thoughts she didn’t hear the approaching sound of bare feet, padding on the smooth wooden floor, until a deep groan broke through them and she looked up to see Jackson. His mussed, dark blond hair was shot through with strands of gold in the overhead lighting.

The man was incredibly made. His arms stretching up and behind his head caused the bottom of his t-shirt to lift a few teasing inches, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of a tanned, rock-hard stomach. They weren’t the sculpted lines that came from the gym, but powerful, solid muscles. A fine trail of hair led the way to the top of his loose navy shorts. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, her gaze was transfixed.

His legs were long and thick, every muscle rippling as he moved down the stairs into the hallway. A rush of heat shot through her body, setting every nerve alight. Her stomach rolled as she absorbed the sight while a little lower everything tightened and tingled. She’d hoped that her memory had been flawed, tinted by the rose-colored lenses of what she had long since accepted was her first love. That clearly wasn’t the case. Rather than letting himself go he had become more impressive. The slenderness of youth had filled out, living up to the promise of overwhelming masculinity.

His lean muscles had broadened, and whilst the softness of youth had faded from his features, it had left a strong profile in its wake. Jackson had grown up all man. She gulped, heat flooding her.

The good feeling from her run was replaced by a more base desire to touch every inch of his perfect body. To pull it hard against her own and feel those muscular planes mold against her. She unconsciously licked her lips as she watched him.

As she met his eyes, the feeling of heat evaporated, replaced by a harsh chill of dread that sank through to her toes. His emotions were playing across his face and it was clear that, despite her DCI’s reassurances, Jackson had joined the dots and figured out who she was. The recognition clearly shocked him as his whole body jolted abruptly to a stop.

Unable to move, she stared helplessly as he began to walk toward her, his face a mix of unreadable emotions. As he reached out, her body began to respond to the heat that rolled off of him. The scent of his skin washed over her, but she moved back defensively. It was a tactical mistake, giving away that she knew who he was, that she had known all along.

“Amory?” he whispered, hope shining oddly through that one word.

Almost imperceptibly shaking her head, all her professionalism flew out the window, and with her heart sinking she managed a stuttered whisper, “N-n-no… No, you’re wrong. I’m Olivia.”

No amount of training was going to get her through this. Despite her only half-admitted hope that he’d see who she really was, Amory knew too much was at stake for this to happen, but it had. Now she had to endure the awful consequences of him recognizing her, the hatred that would follow this moment.

Author Bio

Tanya Jean Russell writes romantics suspense and lives in England. She is married to an amazing Elvis & Neil Diamond Tribute artist, thanks to whom she has a house full of jumpsuits & trophies. Something which is, of course, a source of much embarrassment to her two teenage children.

She is a little obsessive about books and has an embarrassingly huge (and ever growing) pile of things that she just 'has' to read next to her bed. Something that isn't helped by being a part of the Romantic Novelist Association, or by being published by the amazing Evernight Publishing. With both organisations filled with talented writers, she keeps adding to her pile! 

​Tanya Jean squeezes her daydreaming ... ahem ... 'writing' around her family and her day job in HR, and is convinced that chocolate & diet coke should be considered a well-balanced diet.

Author links

https://www.tanyajeanrussell.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TanyaJeanRussellAuthor/

https://twitter.com/TanyaJRussell

 Release blitz organised by Writer Marketing Services.