Tag Archives: katja desjarlais

Tule Author Q&A: Katja Desjarlais’s heroine was a mystery to her!

Katja Desjarlais stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the third book in the Hellhounds series, Muzzled!

 

Where did you get the inspiration for Muzzled?

Muzzled is set in the small Canadian city of Saskatoon, my hometown. When I was weaving through ideas for Ryan and Micah’s story, I couldn’t get thoughts of Saskatoon’s busy festival season out of my head. Having spent five summers working on a patio where I was treated to buskers and painters on a daily basis, I knew this was the perfect place for Ryan to find his artist. Every sight and smell in the book is a memory.

 

How is Ryan different from his brothers, Alex and Bo? How is he the same?

Ryan is by far the most responsible, loyal, and reliable of the brothers. He’s the quiet organizer of the hunt and the level head when tempers and emotions flare. His singleminded focus in serving his master and mistress has guided his every decision and action since his birth, and he sees no other path until he meets Micah. Like his brothers, love flips Ryan head over heels and leaves him scrambling to come to terms with an emotion he’s never experienced. Much like Ryan and Bo, it doesn’t take long for Ryan’s inner guard dog to rear up to protect the woman he loves, even if it means going head to head against the god and goddess he serves.

 

If you could spend the day with Ryan or Micah, who would you choose and what would you do?

A day with Micah would be both entertaining and thrilling. She’s a woman who seeks out new experiences, opens her mind to fresh ideas, and sees beauty everywhere she goes. Her fearlessness and determination to embrace everything in life, good and bad, would be life-changing.

 

Are your characters set before you begin writing or do you let them develop as you go? What did that development process look like for Muzzled?

My characters are lucky to have a name and a picture pinned on a Pinterest board when I start a new book. Although he made appearances in both Junkyard Dog and Leashed, it took Ryan’s own book to reveal his deeper nature and motivations. Every interaction he has with Micah is another insight into his character and his morals, and it’s those small pieces which come together to make him whole. 

Micah was a total mystery to me from the beginning. I knew she was an artist but it wasn’t until halfway through writing the book that I felt I had a clear picture of who she is. Unlike Ryan who is quite solitary, Micah’s interactions with her friends and with Ryan speak to her values, her personality, and her desires.

 

What are you currently reading?

Thanks to TikTok, my TBR pile has become borderline unmanageable, but I am determined to persevere. Right now, I have Mia Sheridan’s Signs of the Zodiac series on my Kindle which I keep propped up on my exercise bike as an incentive to cycle myself fit before paddle-boarding season begins. My phone is loaded up with Tillie Cole’s Deadly Virtues, ready and waiting for me to finish the latest Pittsburgh Titans book by Sawyer Bennett.

 

About the Author

Katja Desjarlais is a music teacher by day and a paranormal romance writer by moonlight. She is an unapologetic music addict with an obsession for bad Bach puns despite her irrational aversion to Baroque. Her favorite words include ‘plethora’ and ‘dapper’, and she is physically repulsed by the word ‘moist’. Katja’s interest in the paranormal can be traced to her early childhood movie choices and to the collection of books she has stored on her phone for reading emergencies.

Desjarlais lives in northern Canada with her husband, three children, and polydactyl cat. Her summers are spent driving across North America with her family, while the long Canadian winters are made more bearable by attending heavy metal concerts.

Tule Publishing March 2022 Releases

Read more about our new releases for March!

GIVEAWAY: We will pick ONE winner to receive a digital book of their choice from the March releases. Comment down below saying which book you’re looking most forward to reading! Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. The winner will be randomly selected at the end of the month.

 

The True Confessions of a London Spy by Katherine Cowley (Tule Mystery)

Release Date: March 1, 2022

The Secret Life of Mary Bennet, Book 2

No one said being a spy for the British government would be easy.

When Miss Mary Bennet is assigned to London for the Season, extravagant balls and eligible men are the least of her worries. A government messenger has been murdered and suspicion falls on the Radicals, who may be destabilizing the government in order to compel England down the bloody path of the French Revolution.

Working with her fellow spies, Mr. William Stanley and Miss Fanny Cramer, Mary must investigate without raising the suspicions of her family, rescue her friend Miss Georgiana Darcy from a suitor scandal, and solve the mystery before anyone else is harmed—all without being discovered, lest she be exiled back to the countryside.

This is the perfect job for a woman who exists in the background. Can Mary prove herself, or will this assignment be her last?


She Gets a Happy Ending by Denise N. Wheatley (American Heart)

Release Date: March 3, 2022

A Fearless Fairytale, Book 3

Sometimes happily ever after arrives on its own magical schedule…

Devon Jacobs’s star is definitely in orbit. Despite the cancellation of her weekly sitcom, she lands a job writing for a television drama, then sells her Christmas script to the perfect producer. But her boyfriend, Ryan Roberts, is having no such luck. Down on himself and burning out from all the auditioning, his frustration puts a strain on their relationship, and suddenly they find themselves calling it quits.

A movie shoot in the holiday town of Leavenworth, Washington, is exactly the mental break Devon needs. Until their leading man quits and the producer replaces him with none other than Ryan. Finding the right level of professionalism isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially when this opportunity means everything to their careers—and it’s becoming more obvious with each passing day that neither one of them is successful in saying goodbye.

Can Devon and Ryan find a way to combine their dreams and tie a bow around their relationship—this time for keeps?


A Tasty Dish by Kelly Cain (American Heart)

Release Date: March 8, 2022

The Everheart Brothers of Texas, Book 2

The show must go on…

Kasi Blythewood has spent most of her life in the shadow of her famous film producer father who’s deliberately kept her under his thumb with tough love. Ready to make a name for herself, Kasi secretly heads to Austin for a film conference to rustle up some financing for her dream project—an indie series that showcases cuisine from around the world.

When Kasi meets chef Declan Everheart, it’s instant lust spiced with an intriguing business opportunity. Declan’s father, a Michelin star chef, is interested in funding her film, but there is a sexy string attached—Declan must be a producer on her series. Not ideal. Kasi craves independence, and she knows business and pleasure never mix well, but she’s exhausted all other options.

Declan’s more than just eye candy and Kasi’s not blind. She immediately discovers Declan’s not just a natural producer and talented chef, he also shines on camera as the host. Can Kasi convince Declan to break away from his father and build the life he wants…with her?


Muzzled by Katja Desjarlais (Muse)

Release Date: March 15, 2022

Hellhounds, Book 3

Born in hell. Raised to serve. Destined to disobey.

Hellhound Ryan Echidna is hunting the final enemy of his master, Hades. Running point for his brothers, Ryan’s eager to corner his target and return to his mistress, Persephone. He knows his quarry hides among the crowds of the summer art festival, but for the first time in centuries, he’s unable to pinpoint a location. More confusing, a beautiful, enigmatic human artist is painting scenes straight from his memories.

Artist Micah Wheaton doesn’t understand the dark turn her art has taken when she’s compelled to paint the unsettling images from her dreams. Even worse, she feels she’s being stalked and is afraid to sleep. Her newest fan, a sexy but sweet accountant named Ryan, makes her feel safe—though she suspects he too has secrets.

While Ryan’s hunt hits one dead end after another, the images on the tip of Micah’s paintbrush foretell a fatal end. Ryan must race against time and destiny to eliminate the danger to the woman he now loves and complete his final hunt…before leaving Micah forever.


Reunion in the Outback by Nicole Flockton (Holiday)

Release Date: March 17, 2022

Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 4

Everyone deserves a second chance…

Yolanda Watson thought she had left her hometown in her rearview mirror when she married her high school sweetheart and moved to the big city. Nearly a decade later, she’s returning to Bunya Junction newly separated and with her young daughter in tow. Maybe, surrounded by family, she can start again and rebuild her life. Although a piece of her heart is still miles away…

Michael Watson thought he had it all, until his wife left him and everything else in his life quickly crumbled at his feet. But Michael isn’t one to give up so easily, and he especially isn’t ready to end the marriage to his soulmate. Determined to put his family back together, he heads to Bunya Junction, willing to do whatever it takes to make Yolanda see that their story is far from over. Although telling her the truth about his circumstances is harder than he thought.

But secrets have a way of coming out. When Yolanda’s and Michael’s are revealed, it’ll be the ultimate test of their love.


A Bittersweet Murder by Kaz Delaney (Tule Mystery)

Release Date: March 22, 2022

Hart of Texas Murder Mysteries, Book 1

Everyone knows everyone in small town Airlie Falls, so where could the killer be hiding?

For one brief hour on a sunny Texas morning, amateur baker Rosie Hart glimpses the life she’s always dreamed about—thanks to a surprise inheritance from the late Miss Alice. But her benefactor is barely cold in the ground when Rosie is accused of her murder.

As the only stranger in the tight-knit Airlie Falls community, and the only person with an obvious motive, all eyes turn to Rosie. Especially when more bodies begin to pile up and mysterious letters from the grave start circulating faster than Rosie can pull a tray of cherry nut clusters out of the oven.

When Rosie begins to suspect the murders have links to a sixty-year-old suspicious death on the very property she’s just inherited, town locals become uneasy. But how can Rosie prove the two are related—and prove her innocence—before the killer strikes again?


Texas Cowgirl by Eve Gaddy (Texas Born)

Release Date: March 24, 2022

Texas True, Book 4

They’re made for each other, he just needs to prove it.

Pilot Nate Kershaw may be one of Whiskey River’s biggest players, but from the moment he met cowgirl Damaris Walker, he was smitten. After sharing a searing kiss years ago, she made her feelings clear so Nate doesn’t dare press for more than friendship. No other woman can win his heart, so when his beloved grandmother tells him her dearest wish is to see him settled down, Nate decides it’s the perfect opportunity to convince Damaris they’re meant to be.

After a devastating betrayal years ago, Damaris is still unable to trust or risk her heart—especially with a charming lady-killer like Nate. Against her common sense, she agrees to be Nate’s fake girlfriend and finds herself falling for him harder than she did two years ago.

When Damaris learns Nate has been deceiving her about his true feelings, her fears and trust issues reignite. Will Nate be able to convince Damaris to overcome the pain of the past and take a risk on forever—with him?


Montana Cowboy Promise by Jane Porter (Montana Born)

Release Date: March 29, 2022

Wyatt Brothers of Montana, Book 5

Three and a half years ago, Tommy Wyatt was in Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo. He had only one thing on his mind—winning another national championship—until he met a beautiful young med student who changed his life.

Blake Eden is in the last few months of her general practice residency, interviewing for jobs and eager to move forward. But before she can seize her future, she needs to settle some things from her past—like bringing closure to her impulsive marriage to rodeo champion Tommy Wyatt.

When Blake shows up at the Salinas Rodeo demanding Tommy sign their divorce papers, Tommy makes it clear he isn’t interested in signing anything. When he married Blake, he meant his vows. Now Tommy has one week to convince his secret wife they’re meant to be together.

 

Tule Publishing July 2021 Releases

Read more about our new releases for July!

GIVEAWAY: We will pick ONE winner to receive a digital book of their choice from the July releases. Comment down below saying which book you’re looking most forward to reading! Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. The winner will be randomly selected at the end of the month.

 

 

Texas Made by Eve Gaddy (Texas Born)

Release Date: July 1, 2021

Texas True, Book 1

When pure country meets pure city…

Rancher Marshall Walker isn’t looking for a woman—not permanently, anyway. He’s plenty busy raising beautiful Walker paint horses that are in high demand across Texas. But when his sister’s gorgeous friend arrives for an extended visit, he’s not opposed to exploring what could happen. He knows his heart is safe—Jaclyn Carson is a city girl, and he’s country through and through.

Jaclyn isn’t looking for a man, either. Owner and CEO of her own makeup company, she doesn’t have any desire to relax or slow down. With her condo under extensive renovations, she takes up her friend’s offer to stay at her family’s Texas ranch. Jaclyn’s more than a little curious to catch a glimpse of her not-so-secret college crush, and Marshall is hotter than ever. And his proposition—a steamy but very temporary affair—sounds like a fantasy come true.

What happens when two opposites fall in love? Can they meet in the middle or will they go their separate ways, even if it means breaking their hearts?


Leashed by Katja Desjarlais (Muse)

Release Date: July 13, 2021

Hellhounds, Book 2

A good dog heels when Fate calls. Others take their chance in hell.

On earth, Hellhound Bo Echidna chases his vices and embraces his bad luck, hoping to ease the monotony of his immortal existence while he waits for his master’s call. Bound to the will of Hades and touched by the hand of Dionysus, he drifts from bar to bar and bed to bed on the hunt for his next rush, knowing it will never ease his eternal torment.

Librarian and art history student Sage Marcellus‘s only vice is the caffeine that fuels her revolving schedule of two jobs, school, and her passive position as Nixon’s Girlfriend. Accommodating and quiet, she lives in the periphery of her own life until she meets Bo, whose unexpected friendship leads Sage to ponder her life choices.

While Bo and Sage grapple with their growing attraction, ancient forces and grudges work against them to ensure that Bo never gets his happily ever after. And when Sage is in peril, Bo must play a rigged game against Fate to save them both.


The Best Man’s Bride by Jamie Dallas (Montana Born)

Release Date: July 19, 2021

The Hartman Brothers, Book 1

What else can go wrong? Or is everything finally going right?

After catching her fiancé lip-locked with the wedding planner an hour before their vows, Hailey Miller hikes up her wedding dress and runs. The last person she expects to chase her down is her ex’s sexy but aloof business partner who’s kept her at arm’s length for years. He offers her a lifeline, but his help comes with a catch. Does she dare say yes?

Jace Hartman doesn’t believe in love. And he doesn’t believe in giving up. He won’t let his company’s event planner walk away from their biggest launch—even if she has a broken heart. Business comes first, so he makes Hailey an offer she can’t refuse. But it’s her counter offer that has him worried. She needs a place to live for the month, and he has an extra bedroom.

Jace has spent the past few years trying his best to bury his attraction to Hailey. Now she’s everywhere and making him forget all the reasons he should never mix business and pleasure.


Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton (Holiday)

Release Date: July 20, 2021

Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 1

Coming home isn’t always easy…

Three years ago, nurse Sindy Carruthers returned to Bunya Junction wounded, wary and shamed by a relationship gone wrong. Welcomed home by her family and supportive community, she now manages the local medical practice and enjoys her newfound confidence. She’s perfectly happy on her own, until a blast from the past in the form of Ryan Flanagan appears.

Dr. Ryan Flanagan—renowned plastic surgeon to the stars—heads to Bunya Junction to pay his last respects to the man who opened his heart and house to an abandoned boy. Ryan’s no fan of Bunya Junction or the harsh judgments of some of the townsfolk, so he’s stunned to discover that his old mentor has bequeathed him half a general medical practice—hoping he’ll stay on and serve the community. The other half of the practice now belongs to the beautiful Sindy Carruthers, his closest friend’s twin sister.

Sindy knows Ryan will never stay in Bunya Junction and become her business partner, and that’s a good thing. Otherwise she might just lose her heart to him.


Assigned by Paris Wynters (American Heart)

Release Date: July 22, 2021

Navy SEALs of Little Creek, Book 3

How can she become a new version of herself when she’s married to her past?

After two of his buddies found love through the military’s matchmaking program, Lucas Craiger decides to give it a shot. He’s not necessarily looking for love, just companionship and a kind, reliable stepmom for his young son. When he’s assigned to his high school sweetheart who shattered his heart, his plan for an uncomplicated relationship becomes acutely complicated.

Riley Thompson signed up for the matchmaking program because she needs a fresh start—and the health insurance. She desperately wants to build a life with a man where her autoimmune disease doesn’t define her and she can prove herself. But being matched with Lucas isn’t the new beginning she wanted. He’s the love of her life she let go when she was first diagnosed.

Lucas is determined to make the most of this second chance with Riley, but when his custody battle heats up, his new marriage isn’t the only relationship in jeopardy.


A Slice of Summer by Melissa McClone (American Heart)

Release Date: July 26, 2021

Silver Falls, Book 2

First, he ghosted her. Now, he has a proposition…

Taryn Lawson needs more customers in her bakery to prove she’s capable of taking over the family business. The summer fair is the perfect opportunity to jump-start her vision with a specialized booth showcasing her creative desserts. Despite her fierce work ethic, she needs help to build her booth in time. Unfortunately, the only person available is the handsome attorney who played with her heart last Christmas.

Trial attorney Garrett Andrews regrets not contacting the pretty baker he dated during his last holiday vacation. But he had his reasons and is finally ready to make amends. When he returns to town for his sister’s wedding, Garrett gets his second chance when Taryn needs help building her booth.

Working together reignites the spark, but Taryn is aware the clock is ticking. Will they realize what they have is special before it’s too late, or will their second chance at love once again slip through their fingers?


The Ranger by Julia Justiss (Texas Born)

Release Date: July 27, 2021

The McAllister Brothers, Book 3

He can’t resist a puzzle…

When Texas Ranger Brice McAllister spies a sexy woman in short shorts gardening in her backyard, he can’t help but flirt. She shuts him down hard, and Brice is astonished when he realizes this alluring woman is also the aloof and dowdy librarian—complete with thick-framed glasses and a shapeless dress—who helped him research land deeds earlier that day. He’s instantly intrigued and sets out to discover more—namely, why she’s clearly hiding herself.

She can’t attract attention…

After one side of her crime family is involved in her fiancé’s death, Maria Giordano puts half a continent between herself and her L.A. home and family. She moves to Whiskey River and reinvents herself as “Mary,” a serious and plain librarian. Her only indulgence is her garden and cooking with her neighbor’s young daughter. And then she meets Brice.

Maria has every reason to avoid and resent a man with a badge, but when she needs protection, the last man she thinks she can trust is the first one she turns to.


The Rancher Risks It All by Debra Holt (Texas Born)

Release Date: July 29, 2021

The Tremaynes of Texas, Book 2

She’s on the run…

On a storm-ravaged night, Texas rancher Truitt Tremayne is trying to make it home before the road floods. Years ago he lost his parents, fiancée and youngest brother in a flash flood on the same country road, so it seems like déjà vu when he nearly hits a stranded car with a beautiful woman and her sister trapped inside.

Annie Sims and her sister Jessie are running from their past. She’s headed to San Antonio where they can disappear, but bad luck follows them. With her funds depleted and her car useless, Truitt’s offer of a temporary sanctuary with no questions asked seems too good to be true. Soon Annie finds herself falling under the spell of the kind, silent rancher. But can she let her guard down and still keep her sister safe, or is she courting more danger?

Truitt knows Annie has a secret. He wants her trust, but can he give his heart to another woman after he’s already lost so much?

2019 Holiday Gift Guide – Tule Publishing

Welcome to Tule’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide!

Whether you’re looking to get the book lover in your life the perfect gift or you’re shopping for yourself (you deserve it!), you are guaranteed to find your next favorite read in this gift guide!


For the person who dreams of marrying a cowboy…

The Cowboy’s Daughter by Jamie K. Schmidt

“This one grabs you by the heartstrings and does not let go.” – Bonnie G, Goodreads
“A captivating read from beginning to end…Emotionally heartfelt, enjoyable and fun!” – Kathleen B, Goodreads
“A fast paced, thrilling, sexy romance that was filled with drama and misunderstandings…This romantic second chance love story that should not be missed.” E.L, Goodreads

BUY NOW


For the friend who loves dogs more than people…

A Dog Called Valentine by Roxanne Snopek

“A sweet, slow burn romance with all the feels, two souls in need of love, and a dog who brought them together.” – Denise S, Goodreads
“It’s been ages since I laughed so much while reading. A Dog Called Valentine is pure fun — romantic comedy at its best.” – Shelagh, Goodreads
“Loved, loved, loved this heartwarming romance.” – Shari, Goodreads

BUY NOW


For the person who is obsessed with Christmas…

Oh, Christmas Night by Jane Porter

“A heart-warming, charming and sigh-worthy holiday romance that feels like a Hallmark movie with words.” – Dianne, Goodreads
“This is the perfect book to read to get yourself into the mood for the holiday season. Wonderful characters, wonderful setting and a wonderful storyline all add up to another winner from Jane Porter.” – Mia, Goodreads
“A sweet, charming holiday story with all the magic of Christmas.” – Debra S, Goodreads

BUY NOW


For the armchair detective in your life…

Bittersweet by C.J. Carmichael

“A great addition to the Bitter Root Mysteries series. The perfect mix of both mystery and romance that keeps you going back for more.” – Donnajo, Goodreads
“I was intrigued and held in suspense…A tale rich with suspense, growing love, and interesting interactions between the endearing characters.” – Eileen, Goodreads
“Full of suspense, mystery and a splash of romance that kept me turning the pages.” – Shari, Goodreads

BUY NOW


For the one who swears they were born in the wrong century…

Romancing the Laird by Gerri Russell

“If you enjoy historical tales filled with strong heroines and sizzling romance, this book will pull you in and warm your heart.” – Ann C, Goodreads
“I was captured by the first page and this exciting adventure did not slow down…Gerri Russell successfully immersed me into this time and place with her wonderful descriptions and strong characters.” – Lori D, Goodreads
“A riveting, fast paced, action packed, nail-biting, romantic adventure.” – Barbee, Goodreads

BUY NOW


For the friend who likes sports mixed with their romance…

The Perfect Catch by Joanne Rock

“A sweet story of two people who had been beat down in the past and given a second chance at happiness.” – Carol, Goodreads
“A hunky ballplayer, family drama galore and lots of sassy banter! Joanne Rock brings a baseball dynasty to life with the backdrop of a good-hearted Texas family.” – Lynn B, Goodreads
“A heartwarming and enjoyable baseball themed country romance.” – Maria R, Goodreads

BUY NOW


For the person who wishes their life was a Hallmark movie…

Holiday Hearts by Barbara Ankrum

“Two best friends team up to make a little girl’s first Christmas without her mother special and discover they can make each other’s Christmas special too.” – Janine, Goodreads
“The perfect book to curl up with this holiday season!” – Michelle, Goodreads
“A truly beautiful Christmas story…I totally loved this spell binding romance.” – Elaine, Goodreads

BUY NOW


For the friend who dreams of having a paranormal boyfriend…

Junkyard Dog by Katja Desjarlais

“Filled with humor, intrigue, danger and lots of love, this is a book that will definitely keep you interested to the end.” – Peta, Goodreads
“I really enjoyed this mix of fun, action, romance with a little mythology thrown in for good measure.” – Carolyn, Goodreads
“The chemistry between Charlotte and Alex sizzles with lots of heat.” – Eva M, Goodreads

BUY NOW


For the person who has a case of wanderlust…

What Happens in the Highlands by Kelsey McKnight

“The descriptions of the beauty and uniqueness of Scotland drew me in and made a lovely backdrop for Lachlan and Rose to fall in love against all odds.” – Marsha, Goodreads
“I enjoyed this light romance and it DEFINITELY made me want to visit Scotland more than ever.” – Kat, Goodreads
“A love story rivaled only by the magnificent back drop of the Scottish Highlands and one that deserves every star I can give it.” – Erin R, Goodreads

BUY NOW


For the one who is a sucker for a second chance romance…

A Son for the Texas Cowboy by Sinclair Jayne

“A fabulous Cowboy story with all the angst, drama and passion needed to capture the true romantic’s heart.” – Karen R, Goodreads
“Second chance romances are my favorite ones and this is right up there with the best of them.” – Bonnie G, Goodreads
“This is one story that stays with you long after it has been finished.” – Becky, Goodreads

BUY NOW