Every year I enjoy the fireworks a little more, thanks in part to my kids and their growing fascination with the bright lights in the sky.  This year we’re fortunate to live in an area where our neighbors like to try to one up each other with their own shows, so we can stay in the safety of our yard and watch the fun.  For all my US friends and fans, I hope that you have a wonderful, safe, and fun Fourth of July!

Now…onto Hyena Heat News!  It’s almost here!  I’m so thrilled to be able to share that Every Dawn Forever (Hyena Heat Two) will be out the week of July 15th!  That’s right…less than two weeks!  Woo hoo!  I love this story.  It was so much fun to write and get to know the hyenas and explore their world a little bit more.  When the book goes live on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords the week of July 15th, I’ll post buy links on the blog.  In the meantime…here is my amazing book cover done by the talented Ramona Lockwood and the book’s description.

Thanks so much to everyone who has been asking for this book and wanting to know about the hyenas.  All the best, RE

Every Dawn Forever (Hyena Heat Two) By R. E. Butler

When Orion and his were-hyena clan rescue a she-wolf hiding in a bus station bathroom, they had no idea that they would be staring into the tear-filled eyes of their mate.  They’ll do anything to keep her safe and make her theirs forever, even if it means keeping her at arms’ length.

Sydney Nichols never believed she would know what freedom felt like until she found a way to escape her abusive mate.  But before she escaped, her mate did something to her, and she’s unable to hide the effects of his tampering when the group is stranded overnight during a storm.  When the truth comes out, will they forgive her and embrace their future, or will she lose the only good thing she’s ever had?

Contains m/f/m/m interaction.

 It’s finally here!  The sixth book in my Wolf’s Mate Series is out on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble (it will follow on other sites like Apple and Kobo in a few weeks)!  I’m so excited to share Logan’s story.  When I wrote his character in Michael’s book, I knew he would have his own book eventually.  Afterall, who doesn’t like a big hunky, tattooed hero?  I had a ball writing the book, and I hope that you all love him as much as I’ve come to love him, too!

The Wolf’s Mate Book 6:  Logan & Jenna

Jenna Odile planned to spend the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday partying with her friends before she cast a spell to find her truemate.  Before she can, she’s captured by a group of criminally-minded werewolves who want to use her fae-abilities to commit crimes.  Poisoned and left for dead, she used the last of her strength to cast the spell for her truemate, hoping that he would find her before it was too late.

The last thing Logan Anderson wanted to do with his Saturday evening was watch over the young wolf males in his pack while they attended a dance in hopes of finding their mates.  As the night wore on, he began to feel compelled to leave, and his instincts lead him to race into the woods at the side of the highway.  In the darkness of the woods, he found a woman near death, who begged him to protect her.  Now, nothing is more important than helping her get well.  He’ll deal with those who hurt her…  later.

This story contains a male werewolf with a dark past, a fairy who can’t wait to find her truemate, and the betrayal that brings them together.  Features hot werewolf-fairy loving, mythical creatures, full moon madness, and lots of neck biting.

Logan’s Buy Links:

Click HERE for Amazon

Click HERE for Barnes & Noble

Click HERE for Smashwords

I’d like to thank Alexis Arendt at Word Vagabond for editing Logan’s story for me.  When I needed her, she was there for me, and I can’t thank her enough for her insight and help.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a thousand times more:  a great editor is worth their weight in gold!  If you’re in need of an editor, you can find her website HERE.  I couldn’t have gotten Logan’s story done without the help of my two awesome beta readers, Jacq H & Jackie G.  I’m forever in their debt for their help, advice, and support.

I hope that you enjoy Logan and Jenna’s story and another visit to Allen.  Happy Reading! XOXO, RE

When I first introduced Logan’s character in the fourth wolf book, I created him to be more than what he appeared.  I wanted to have a character that was all bad-ass on the outside, sweetheart on the inside.  Logan looks like he could punch a hole through a door.  He looks like he could beat someone to death with their own arms.  But underneath the tattoos and the muscles, is a wolf that’s looking for his mate.  And that’s what I really love about his character.  When I approached my cover designer, Ramona, about creating the cover for this book, it took forever for us to find just the right guy to represent Logan.  He had to be huge.  Not just muscular, but bigger than all the other cover models from the other books.  And even in a relaxed pose, he had to look dangerous.  Finally, we found the right guy, and the cover became a reality, and I fell in love with Logan’s character all over again.  *fans self*  I adore this cover.  I think it captures him perfectly and I’m so glad to be able to debut it here on the blog!  Special thanks to Ramona of Romance Book Cover Designs, who selflessly poured over muscular hotties for hours trying to find the man who would match the picture in my head!

Now…onto the good stuff!  Logan’s book will hit the virtual stands the week of May 15th.  Since I’m not psychic and I don’t know for sure when the various sites will have the book actually up, I’m going with what I did for the last book release and announcing a time frame.  I’ll post here on the blog and my Facebook page when the book is live on Smashwords, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.  I wish I could be more specific, but publication delays that are out of my hands prevent that.  Thanks for your patience and I hope you enjoy the official description and an exclusive excerpt of Logan’s book!

The Wolf’s Mate Book 6:  Logan & Jenna

The last thing Logan Anderson wanted to do with his Saturday evening was watch over the young wolf males in his pack while they attended a dance in hopes of finding their mates.  As the night wore on, he began to feel compelled to leave, and his instincts lead him to race into the woods at the side of the highway.  In the darkness of the woods, he found a woman near death, who begged him to protect her.  Now, nothing is more important than helping her get well.  He’ll deal with those who hurt her…  later.

Jenna Odile planned to spend the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday partying with her friends before she cast a spell to find her truemate.  Before she can, she’s captured by a group of criminally-minded werewolves who want to use her fae-abilities to commit crimes.  Poisoned and left for dead, she used the last of her strength to cast the spell for her truemate, hoping that he would find her before it was too late.

This story contains a male werewolf with a dark past, a fairy who can’t wait to find her truemate, and the betrayal that brings them together.  Features hot werewolf-fairy loving, mythical creatures, full moon madness, and lots of neck biting.

**An Exclusive Excerpt from Chapter 1!!**

Babysitting a bunch of barely-legal wolves on a Saturday night?  That was not how he’d pictured his life turning out.

Across the buffet from him, as he speared a thick wedge of pot roast, Ben said, “Look, there’ll be lots of human and wolf females there looking for a good time, but there will also be other males as well.  It just makes sense to have someone who’ll be the voice of reason.  Plus, you’re big as hell, man.  With your tatts and everything, no one will mess with us, except maybe some tasty ladies.”  Ben grinned broadly and Logan was struck by just how young Ben was and how old that made him feel.

“When is it again?” he grumbled, taking his meat-laden plate back to the table.

Ben plopped down across from him with an equally piled-high plate, and lifted his fork and knife.  “Tomorrow.  It’s in Somerset, so we need to be on the road by seven.  There are four of us going, so we can’t fit in your pickup.  Want to take my Jeep?”

Logan snorted but conceded there wasn’t really a choice, since his truck only held two comfortably; three if they squeezed onto the bench seat.  “Fine.  But I make the rules for the trip.  No leaving anyone behind, no bringing anyone new home, and if any of your buddies annoy me I reserve the right to toss them out of the Jeep without stopping.”

Ben shook his head with a chuckle.  “No problem. I’ll let Jason know.  You won’t regret it, Logan.”  His grin softened slightly, and he looked older than he was.  “There’s a female out there for you somewhere.  I know you’ll find her.”

Suddenly uncomfortable, Logan cleared his throat and turned his attention back to his plate.  “Eat your food, kid.  Dancing takes lots of energy.”

**Coming Soon!**

Thank to all my fans for their continued support!  Happy Reading!  XOXO, RE

I had such a good time reading about everyone’s best/worst/most memorable/strangest first dates!  Some were awful.  Some were downright hilarious.  And some were so sweet.  Between the blog and Goodreads, twenty-five of you shared your experiences with me and I’m so glad for it!

Now…onto the winners!

Using Randomizer.org, the following two people have won a gift package of one $10 GC to Amazon or B&N, one free ebook from my backlist (or Logan’s upcoming book), and my new Wolf’s Mate swag.

1. Jenn
2. Kimberli Crook

Congratulations you two!  Please contact me at my email address (rebutlerauthor@gmail.com) with your home address, type of GC, email address for the gift card, and which ebook you’d like to have.  Get back to me as soon as you can!!

To the rest of you…thank you so much for participating and don’t worry…I’m going to be giving away more swag next month when Logan’s book is debuted (mid-May *fingers crossed*) so there will be another chance to win.

Happy Reading!  XOXO, RE

Happy April!  I’m not fooling, I love my fans!

April is going to be a busy month for me, and not just because I’m editing the sixth Wolf’s Mate book.  I’m being interviewed on two blogs this month, and I’d love to have you stop by!  Commenters on the posts will be entered for fabulous giveaways.

• Thursday, April 4th I’m guesting on TartSweet.com, which is a wonderful review site that I’ve been following faithfully for years.  The interview focuses on what being an indie author is like.  Come and comment for a chance to win an Amazon or B&N gift card worth $25 and a book from my backlist (or psst….a certain wolfish upcoming book!).
• The week of April 22nd, I’m being interviewed on Julie Loves Books, which is a fabulous site that has given many stellar reviews for my books.  I’m giving away a $50 gift card to Amazon or B&N along with a book from my backlist.

Publishing News Update:  Logan’s book should be out in mid-May.  Although I had planned to have a release this month, the timing did not work out.  I’m hopeful to have a Hyena Heat or an Ashland Pride book out this summer, along with either another Wiccan-Were-Bear book or a Necklace Chronicles.  Although different from my plans at the beginning of the year, I promise I’m writing as fast as I can, because it’s always such a joy to share.

**Personal Contest**

April 1st to 3rd – Blog Contest – TWO winners:  $10 GC to Amazon or B&N, Wolf’s Mate Swag Pack, and eBook of your choice

• Comment on the blog this week for a chance to win *details below*

***April 1st Blog Contest***

Peek at my Awesome Swag!!

I have been waiting for an idea for swag for ages, and when I started writing Logan’s book earlier this year, I knew that I wanted to get something done.  So I contacted LMK Graphics and put them to work.  The result was two awesome bookmarks and four amazing magnets!  If you need swag, contact LMK!!

For this contest, the TWO winners will get a $10 GC to either Amazon or B&N, two bookmarks (one signed), and all four magnets, plus an ebook from my backlist or a copy of Logan’s book when it comes out in May.  Comments must be posted on the blog before noon on Wednesday, April 3rd.  I’ll announce the winners at that time.

How to enter:  Just comment on this blog post between now and noon EST on Wednesday, April 3rd.  Topic?  First Dates!  I’ve been thinking a lot about first dates as I’m working on some future books (Hyenas and Mountain Lions), and one of things that always comes to my mind is what sort of first date the couple/group ends up getting.  Many of my characters don’t really get a first date – Linus & Karly got sidetracked on their first date, and so did Grant and Samantha.  But Callie, Ethan, and Eryx had a really sweet date at The Vault restaurant.

So in your comment, tell me what your most memorable first date was.  Best one, worst one, strangest one, I want to hear!  My best first date was with my husband – he took me to a movie and dinner but I just knew we were going to be together permanently after that.  My worst one?  As I walked across the parking lot after dinner with my date, I slipped on ice and went down – hard – and took him with me.  Not my best moment, screaming like an idiot and flailing around like a turtle on its back.  I’m looking forward to reading your comments about your first dates!

Good luck to everyone and Happy Reading!  XOXO, RE

Happy Friday!  I’m thrilled to share the cover for my upcoming release in the Wiccan-Were-Bear series, A Twitch of Tail!  I love this cover!  It’s so sexy and fun!  This is the first time that I’ve used a real animal image on a cover, but this handsome guy is perfect and exactly what I picture Melo looking like!  I used Ramona at Romance Book Cover Designs to do the cover, and once more she came through with flying colors.  I really enjoy working with her, and if you’re in need of an awesome cover, check her out by clicking here or the permanent link on the right side of the blog.

A Twitch of Tail will be out on major ebook retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords) by the end of next week (fingers crossed for good luck!) and will follow on other retailers within the next few weeks.  I’ll post again on the blog with links when it goes live next week.  Here is the official description.

A Twitch of Tail (Wiccan-Were-Bear #6)

Natural witch Wysteria has a great life: a job she loves at the new were-animal hospital and a place in the wiccan coven that resides in Cleveland.  But all is not right in her idyllic life, as dreams of two mystery lovers plague her nightly.  When she arrives at the were-tiger king’s home to heal a young tiger, she comes face to face with the two men from her dreams.

Were-tiger brothers Melo and Tahlon have spent the last three years in different ambushes.  Now that Tahlon is coming to join Melo’s ambush, they both begin to grow unsettled.  It’s not until they follow a sweet scent into the tiger king’s home that they realize the unsettled feelings are because they’ve found their mate.  But Melo and Tahlon’s past comes back in force and it’s not just Tera’s life that hangs in the balance.

Be prepared for plenty of growling, love bites, hot were-tiger loving, and m/f/m interaction.  This novella contains scorching hot sex, two possessive were-tigers, and the witch who loves them both.

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to sharing Melo’s story with all of you next week.  XOXO, RE

Happy March! I’m working diligently with my editor Jen on the sixth Wiccan-Were-Bear book, A Twitch of Tail, which is Melo’s story. Poor guy had to wait fifteen months to get his story!  I’m slating the book for publication at the end of this month. I don’t have a firm date yet, but it will be within the next three to four weeks. Stay tuned to the blog and my FB page for details. In the meantime, here’s an exclusive excerpt to whet your appetite for my favorite white tiger, that takes place in the kitchen of Midas, the tiger king.

A Twitch of Tail (Wiccan-Were-Bear #6)

Silence settled between them for several moments. Tera had the distinct feeling that Midas was going to ask her something, but he mumbled thank you and walked out of the kitchen quickly.

She took a sip of coffee, thinking it would be ironic if he asked her out, considering she didn’t think he was either of the men in her dreams. How does one go about turning down the tiger king? Probably very, very carefully and from a great distance.

Making a face because he didn’t put enough creamer into the coffee, she stood and went to the large stainless steel refrigerator and pulled the door open. The shelves were stuffed full of containers and jars, and she bent over, trying to figure out where a tiger king puts his creamer. She heard a door open and shut somewhere behind her, but she was too preoccupied pushing containers around to see who it was.

“Success!” she said, grinning triumphantly as she pulled the small container of creamer from the fridge and shut the door.

She heard twin growls, low and deep, and turned quickly to see two large men stalk into the kitchen towards her. Despite their size, their bulky bodies moved gracefully towards her, and she straightened against the fridge door. One man had long, curly blond hair, and the other had the same color hair but cut short. They were without shirts and shoes, wearing only jeans that showcased muscular legs. Her mouth went dry as her eyes roamed over them quickly. Part of her thought she was gathering details to give to a police sketch artist, and the other part of her felt like she already knew who they were.

They closed in on her, towering over her with just feet between them, and she looked up, up, up their bodies to their handsome faces. She tried to calm her flying pulse and take in slower breaths, but her body had a mind of its own. Her heart insisted on pounding in her chest like a trapped bird, and she couldn’t stop panting for air that smelled suddenly wild and sweet.

They reached their hands out to her at the same time, and the moment their hands wrapped around her upper arms, everything clicked into place in her mind and her heart. Overwhelmed with sensations, her eyes rolled back in her head and everything went dark, as one word rolled through her mind: mates.

**Coming Soon**

And my most delicious news to-date…I have a book trailer!  My cover designer, Ramona, is spreading her creative wings and doing book trailers.  I had SO much fun working with her on this.  I had always wanted to do one, but never had the skills or time to put one together.  Ramona, as always, was an absolute joy to work with and I highly recommend giving her a shout if you’re in need of a cover or a book trailer.  Or both!  You can find her site by clicking on the link here or on the permanent link on the right of the blog.

I hope you enjoy the trailer!  Happy Friday!  XOXO, RE

It’s here!  The first book in my new series – Seducing Samantha – is available now!

Elementary school music teacher Samantha Thomas moved to Ashland to start her life over. What she didn’t expect was for her ex-husband to follow her to Ashland to take over the vacant principal job at her school. After some clever plotting by one of her students, she meets the gorgeous Grant Fallon and accepts a date with him. On the way home, her car gets stuck and she finds herself face to face with another gorgeous man asking her for a date – Grant’s brother, Aaron. How will Sam decide between Grant and Aaron, when both men fill her with desire?

Mountain lions Grant and Aaron Fallon grew up believing that love was not meant for their kind. When their pride left their former home in Pennsylvania and settled in Ashland, Indiana, they were suddenly able to live their lives however they wanted, without the threat of the female lions holding them back. When they realize that they both want Samantha, they decide to follow their instincts and share her. Can two brothers share a mate? Will Samantha want to be shared?

This book contains m/f/m interaction between two mountain lion males who won’t let anyone harm their mate and a woman with a heavy heart. Expect plenty of hot sex, a little danger, handcuffs, shifting, and liberal use of the word ‘mine’.

Buy Links:  Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Smashwords

As always, the book will appear on other book sites (Kobo, Diesel, iBooks, etc.) within the next few weeks.

I couldn’t have put this book out without the help of my editor, Jennifer Moorman.  If you’re in need of an editor, you can find her website here or click the permanent link on the right.  Special thanks to my two beta-readers – Jacq H and Jackie G (who loves the lions at least as much as I do….maybe more!) – and Ramona, my cover designer, who found the beautiful image to represent Sam.  I really wanted to give the mountain lions their own series because I love their characters so much.  For me, they’re the perfect mixture of possessive and protective, bossy and loving.  I hope that you enjoy the story and the ones to follow as much as I enjoyed bringing the town of Ashland and it’s community to life.  XOXO, RE

Happy Friday!  I’m so excited to reveal the cover of the first in the mountain lion series, Seducing Samantha.  I love this cover so much!  If you look at the bottom, you’ll see the logo for the series.  It’s my first time using a logo for an entire series, but I love it.  The Ashland Pride series is taking off with a bang, starting with the first book.  I couldn’t have done it without my cover designer extraordinaire, Ramona.  I told her I needed a logo, and she went on the hunt, finding exactly what I needed.  If you’re in need of a fantastic cover designer, you can check out her blog here or click the permanent link to the right.

The book will release next week, hopefully by Friday the 15th.  I can’t control when the books go online, because of processing delays, so when they go live on the various sites, I’ll post a blog update with buy links.  In the meantime, enjoy the description and an exclusive excerpt!

Seducing Samantha (Ashland Pride One)

Elementary school music teacher Samantha Thomas moved to Ashland to start her life over.  What she didn’t expect was for her ex-husband to follow her to Ashland to take over the vacant principal job at her school.  After some clever plotting by one of her students, she meets the gorgeous Grant Fallon and accepts a date with him.  On the way home, her car gets stuck and she finds herself face to face with another gorgeous man asking her for a date – Grant’s brother, Aaron.  How will Sam decide between Grant and Aaron, when both men fill her with desire?

Mountain lions Grant and Aaron Fallon grew up believing that love was not meant for their kind.  When their pride left their former home in Pennsylvania and settled in Ashland, Indiana, they were suddenly able to live their lives however they wanted, without the threat of the female lions holding them back.  When they realize that they both want Samantha, they decide to follow their instincts and share her.  Can two brothers share a mate?  Will Samantha want to be shared?

This book contains m/f/m interaction between two mountain lion males who won’t let anyone harm their mate and a woman with a heavy heart.  Expect plenty of hot sex, a little danger, handcuffs, shifting, and liberal use of the word ‘mine’.

Excerpt from Seducing Samantha (Ashland Pride One)

He walked with her, shortening his long stride to match her shorter one.  She was five feet five.  He was at least six feet.  Six hot, hunky feet of … whatever he did for a living.  She bet it was something sexy.  With those cowboy boots, maybe he was a rancher or a farmer.

When she unlocked her door with the remote, he opened it for her and didn’t let go of her elbow until she was seated.  Chivalry was alive and well in Ashland, and she was aware she was grinning like an idiot at him, but she couldn’t seem to help herself.  Handsome and a gentleman.  What a great combination.

“Sam, can I ask you something?”  His brows drew together in a frown, and she had the distinct feeling he was nervous.

Please ask if I want to see you naked!

“Sure, Grant.”

Naked.  Naked!

“Would you like to have dinner tonight?”

Oh.  Oh!

“I’d love to.”

Relief washed over his face as he pulled out his cell phone from a pocket inside his jacket and dialed her number as she spoke it.  Her phone beeped with a text, and she couldn’t stop her silly grin.  The message:  a simple smiley face.  What a great way to end an otherwise typical week.

She quickly texted her address to him.  He smiled down at the screen when it beeped and slid the phone into the inside pocket of his jacket.  “I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”  Oh my, yes.

“Me, too, Sam.”

He smiled, and his whole face lit up.  She turned the ignition, and when the car started, he nodded his head and shut the door.  She watched him walk across the snowy parking lot.  His jeans were far tighter than she realized at first glance, showcasing a perfectly squeezable ass.  If anyone asked her what she looked for in a man, she always said that what she was drawn to was his eyes, but that was just polite bullshit.  Really, she was an ass girl.

XOXO, RE