8 Authors, 8 Books, 1 Amazing Collection
Saddle up for a thrill-ride that will leave you breathless and longing for more!
Ever since I was part of a couple of multi-author boxed sets, I’ve wanted to put one together for adult equestrian fiction–to collaborate with other authors of horse books for grownups. My experience with boxed sets has been nothing but positive. Meeting and working with other authors to create and promote a project is fun and rewarding. But it looked like a daunting task to wrangle several authors and their books, and the formatting and getting of a cover, and the uploading, and then the marketing and all the details that go into publishing a book. To be in charge.
I didn’t want to do it alone.
When I met Carly Kade at the American Horse Publications Equine Media Conference last year, I knew I’d found the right woman to partner with. We talked, emailed, had Zoom meetings, and we figured it out together.
Of her interest in getting involved, Carly, author of In the Reins–set on a southern farm–said, I’ve learned so much from other equine authors and appreciate how unique each writing journey is. I think it is so important to support each other and share knowledge. We are stronger when we work together to share about the equestrian fiction genre. When women support each other incredible things happen. Horses, Hearts & Havoc is a great example of that. It’s an honor to team up with such talented women who are all equine authors on such a unique project.
The result is Horses, Hearts & Havoc, a boxed set of eight complete novels by eight talented authors of equestrian fiction for adults. Read on to learn more about this fabulous collection of books and the authors who wrote them.
Why horses, hearts, and havoc? Well, at the center of each story are the horses, of course! But in what is probably a first for a boxed set, not only do we have multiple authors, but we also have different genres and disciplines. We have romance, and mystery, and suspense stories set against backdrops of eastern show barns, western ranches, and midwestern and southern farms that include gaited show horses, jumpers, racing, western pleasure and more.
Why now? As Susan Abel, author of Through the Mist--set at an equestrian camp in the Rocky Mountains–pointed out, with all the book and horse event cancellations this year due to the pandemic, I was looking for any opportunity for exposure and to promote my books. Plus having never worked on a book set before, it sounded like fun to offer such an unique product to fellow horse enthusiasts.
So, the timing turned out to be good, although we never would have wished for a pandemic! But people are staying in, and many are looking for new books to read.
Bev Pettersen, author of Riding for Redemption–set at a cutthroat California jockey school–said, I joined because it was a great chance to meet and work with like-minded authors, and I’ve always enjoyed being in other box sets. And this was an equine box, yay! But best of all, at a time when people need a diversion, it’s great to have the opportunity to offer a range of full-length books at such a bargain price.
What is that bargain price? I’m glad you asked! Horses, Hearts & Havoc—8 complete novels–is only 99 cents while on preorder. The set will be delivered to your e-reader on October 15. Order your copy now.
One criteria I insisted upon when considering titles to include is that each book be the first in a series. Reading Horses, Hearts & Havoc is not only an opportunity to be immersed in hours of reading pleasure, but it’s your chance to find new authors to binge. There’s plenty more horses, hearts, and havoc from these authors waiting after you finish this set!
All the authors involved expressed their interest in collaborating and getting new exposure for their titles.
Natalie Keller Reinert, author of Show Barn Blues–set at a Florida show barn–said, multi-genre for me is a big opportunity because I write women’s/contemporary fiction, so reaching across the aisle to try and pick up some mystery, thriller, or romance genre readers would be great.
When I was in boxed sets before, I learned so much from the other authors involved. And those authors became friends. I knew we could learn and grow together while also exposing new readers to our work.
Sue Archer, author of Stake Night--about gaited show horses–said it well. I saw it as an opportunity to meet and learn from other writers. Writing fiction is a hobby for me and I have already learned a lot from the women in this group about promotion and networking. Also, I value the social connection of working on a collaborative project.
All of the Horses, Hearts & Havoc authors are horsewomen, many for their entire lives, and their stories ring with the authority of real-life experience. But for most, it’s their first time being involved in a boxed set.
Amy Elizabeth, author of Cut and Run–set on a Wyoming ranch–said, I’ve never had the opportunity to do a collaborative project like this before. Not only did it sound like fun, but I knew I’d learn a lot from other talented authors and marketers (and I have)! As my books have only ever been offered on Amazon, I’m also excited about reaching new audiences on different platforms.
Horses, Hearts & Havoc is the perfect indulgence for fans of suspense, mystery, romance, and horses! Whether riding jumpers, dressage, western, racehorses, or gaited horses, the heroines of these books are in for a bumpy ride. The heroes and villains include jockeys, cowboys, PIs, ranch owners, trainers, land developers, and veterinarians. You’ll find yourself reined into stories with stalkers, conspiracy, unexpected turns, cut-throat competition, and love-at-first-sight romance.
And yes, Horses, Hearts & Havoc is available everywhere for every kind of e-reader. Whether you shop at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks, or elsewhere, you’ll be able to find your copy to read via the links on this page.
What are you waiting for? Follow a link and preorder your copy today. You’ll be glad you did.
Until next time, enjoy the ride!