SAVING THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE

Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride, Book Two

by

LINDA BRODAY

Genre: Historical Western Romance

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Publication Date: April 30, 2019

Number of Pages: 384 pages

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He may have a high price on his head, but all outlaw Jack Bowdre ever desired was a second chance. Now he’s been arrested and on his way to jail, completely unaware that his unexpected —and unexpectedly beautiful— traveling companion is none other than Nora Kane…his mail order bride.

It’s too bad Nora doesn’t know Jack is her groom-to-be. All she sees is a scoundrel. But when their stagecoach crashes, they’re suddenly handcuffed together and running for their lives with nothing but the clothes on their backs. A posse behind and unforgiving terrain ahead, how long can they survive? Hounded by desperate men bent on stopping them by any means necessary, Nora and Jack find the love they both desperately want. But the question remains: will they have a chance to claim it?

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Praise

“Broday continues her Outlaw Mail Order Brides historical Western romance series with an interesting premise…” — Kirkus

“The adventure and dangers kept the pages turning – delivering quite a few surprises and heart-pounding moments. And generously balanced in were moments of peace and beauty.” — Sunshine Lake Reviews

“I loved every deep ravine-gun blazing-twist of this book.”  — Glenda (Goodreads reviewer)

“Linda Broday has spun another great adventure that is full of surprises, has you rooting for the outlaws and people of Hope’s Crossing, and wanting some ‘lawmen,’ ‘businessmen,’ and other ‘questionable men’ to find their deaths. It’ll make you question who should be called an outlaw in this period of time.”  — Stephanie (Goodreads reviewer)

The barrel-chested marshal smiled at Lenora. “Sorry that you have to endure this a bit longer, ma’am. He’s little more than a savage animal.” He said that like the outlaw had a case of rabies or something.

Dollard continued in a tone full of righteous contempt. “Why, he’s so mean the rattlesnakes won’t even come near him. I heard his own kin disowned him.”

Lenora’s gaze followed the outlaw’s long legs and lean form from which enormous power radiated, felt his deep irritation and anger to be cuffed to the marshal. She’d read about men like this one who lived outside the law in dime novels that were all the rage back East. But reading about one and coming face to face with one in the flesh were two totally different things.

Awareness sizzled between them and the tiniest movement captured her attention. But when he turned his gaze to her, a rush of heat flooded her cheeks.

His chiseled features appeared hewn from the hardest stone that the good Lord probably reserved for those like him who lived outside the law. The marshal appeared barely able to contain him. In fact, she got the impression the prisoner merely bided his time until an opportunity for escape came.

He glanced toward the window, allowing her to study him better. The outlaw had uncommon good looks with a hard, angled jaw that sported brown stubble. The rise high on his nose indicated it had been broken few times. Ha! She wasn’t surprised at that.

But most striking were his gray eyes—gunmetal gray. At times they stormed, and other times, like when the marshal shot warnings and threats, they became icy and hard. But amusement colored his gaze when he turned his attention to her.

Was it her appearance or her nervousness that caused his reaction?

Lenora thought about leaning across the space and slapping his brazen face. Except that wouldn’t be the thing to do. She’d never struck anyone even though she’d been sorely tempted a few times.

The way he glanced at the door then back to the marshal told her he was planning an escape.

He suddenly swung his attention back to her and slammed into her bold perusal. Lenora stilled and held her breath, her pulse racing. Would he use her somehow in his escape plan? Maybe take her hostage? Oh dear. She glanced at the marshal, wondering if he’d pull his gun and shoot him if he tried anything.

The handsome outlaw lifted a finely arched brow. “Here in Texas they make you pay to gawk, ma’am. But I reckon this is the first time a gentle woman like yourself has laid eyes on a born and bred killer. Who knows? Maybe you can come to my hanging. Now that’ll be a real treat.”

Beneath his mocking tone, she saw the layer of sorrow, felt his heavy heart, tasted his bitterness. She couldn’t bear the thought of him swinging from a rope.

 

 

I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty historical western romance novels and short stories. I reside in the Texas Panhandle on land the American Indian and Comancheros once roamed, and at times if the breeze is just right, I can hear their voices whispering in the wind. Texas’ rich history is one reason I set all my stories here where cowboys are still caretakers of the land. I’m inspired every day by their immense dedication and love for the wide-open spaces.

When I’m not writing, I collect old coins and I’ve also been accused (quite unfairly I might add) of making a nuisance of myself at museums, libraries, and historical places. I’m also a movie buff and love sitting in a dark theater, watching the magic unfold on the screen. As long as I’m confessing…chocolate is my best friend. It just soothes my soul.

 

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FIRST PRIZE: Signed Copy of Saving the Mail Order Bride + $25 Amazon Gift Card 

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MAY 7-17, 2019

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Check out the other blogs on this tour

5/7/19	Character Interview	All the Ups and Downs
5/7/19	BONUS Post	Hall Ways Blog
5/8/19	Review	Book Fidelity
5/9/19	Excerpt	StoreyBook Reviews
5/10/19	Review	Carpe Diem Chronicles
5/11/19	Guest Post	The Clueless Gent
5/12/19	Review	Reading by Moonlight
5/13/19	Top Ten List	That’s What She’s Reading
5/14/19	Review	The Book Review
5/15/19	Author Interview	Forgotten Winds
5/15/19	BONUS Post	KayBee’s Book Shelf
5/16/19	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog

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Book Title: Trials and Trails by Jim Halverson
Category: Adult Fiction, 276 pages
Genre: Western, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Gail Force Publishing
Release date: January 2019

Synopsis

With a past of slavery and compliance, LeRoy has learned to pick his battles carefully. Johnny B, a quick-tempered Sioux, is still learning to control his anger. When dangerous circumstances bond them together, the pair learn to navigate Reconstruction Era America and all its prejudices. They save an innocent man from hanging, reunite two old friends, assist in an honorable death for an elder Indian, and discover their worth as they steadily assimilate self-respect into their lives.

From Jim Halverson’s debut novel comes a tale of adventure, purpose, and the pursuit of self-actualization. Cowboys and psychology ride hand in hand, traveling a journey from living life on the edge to finding a place of belonging, joy, vulnerability, and distinction. Through trials along their trails, LeRoy and Johnny B transform people they meet, brand the world a better place, and reap the benefits.

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Guest Post

Why I Ignored A Reviewer’s Complaint

One recent review was critical of a lack of ‘language that sings.’ How do you feel about that?

I think it was a fair review. The book may have been improved with more prose that sings to the reader. I intentionally wrote the book using ‘kitchen table talk.’ I tried to be true to the times and the characters. John and Lee, although educated better than most cowboys, were still cowboys, worked around cowboys, and lived practical lives in unsettled territories. I wanted the reader to join the characters in their journey. I feared that if I described John, Lee, and Alice helping deliver a calf in the mud, or any other similar scene, in practical language followed by poetic singing language the reader would be taken out of the reality of present time.

In another scene, for example, I wrote: After breakfast, Leroy and Johnny B went to the livery to trim their horses’ feet. The work freed their minds while they gave their horses the attention they deserved. When they had the hooves trimmed the blacksmith walked in. … The blacksmith looked out onto the street and announced that it looked like they were going to have a trial soon.

Rather than that straight forward language, the reader could have been been jarred into the next world if I had written: Johnny B thought about some of his favorite things as he ran his rough fingers down the smooth silken leg of his most prized possession. His horse stood patiently expecting the caress he knew was coming. The horse valued every interaction with John and would hold his foot up for John as long as necessary for the loving attention. … My concern: The reader would disappear into oblivion thinking about the natural beauty of horses, or the last Kentucky Derby race, or wishing he had a horse. During the time the reader would lose away from the story, the fact that the judge just rode into town would be lost.

 

About the Author

Jim Halverson grew up in the rural, gold-mining town of Mokelumne Hill, CA and received his MBA from Golden Gate University. He spent part of his life on a ranch and is an avid student of psychology. He recognizes the struggles of all men and women seeking equality and respect. Jim and his wife, Gail, spend their time traveling from their small farm in Forestville, CA.

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Giveaway

Prizes: Win a copy of Trials and Trails by Jim Halverson. One winner will also get a $25 Amazon GC (7 winners total / open to USA and Canada)

(ends April 5, 2019)

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Cowboy’s Honor

By Amy Sandas

Publication date: 2/26/19

Synopsis

Three runaway brides

Determined to escape their fates

Flee West to find freedom that can only be had in a cowboy’s arms…

Courtney Adams never questioned the future her parents laid out for her…until the day she was to marry one of Boston’s elite. Desperate, she flees the church in a flurry of bridal finery and trades her pearls for a train ticket to Montana—only to be mistaken for a surly cowboy’s mail order bride!

Dean Lawton doesn’t want a wife—especially not some fancy Eastern lady he believes his brother “ordered” behind his back. Yet one mistake leads to another, and before the dust can settle, he finds himself married to a woman who challenges him at every step…and sets his wounded heart ablaze. But the clock is ticking on this marriage of inconvenience, and soon Dean must decide: convince Courtney to remain in his arms, or lose her light forever…

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Excerpt

“Is there a hotel in town where I might procure a room for a few days?”

“Miss Mabel has a boardinghouse down the road, though I don’t know for sure if she’s got any open rooms.”

Courtney smiled her thanks to the postal clerk, already envisioning a quaint but comfortable room with clean sheets on the bed. Maybe even a hot, tasty meal. She had given up on finding food that was near the same quality she was accustomed to, but she would settle for edible and filling right now. She couldn’t very well expect a rugged town in the Western Territories to provide the same levels of comfort as a big city back East. She had left Boston in search of a new life. It was time to embrace all of what that meant.

As she stepped onto the boardwalk, blinking against the bright summer sunlight, Courtney didn’t realize she had stepped right into someone’s path until it was too late.

And of course, it had to be Mr. Martin.

What should have been just a very brief bumping of elbows and shoulders became much more when he took swift advantage of the encounter by wrapping his arms around her in an exaggerated and unnecessary attempt at steadying her.

Courtney immediately put her hands up to try to shove him away, but her efforts were ineffectual. He was intent on holding her close.

“It’s my lovely traveling companion,” he exclaimed. His face was so close that she could feel the heat of his breath on her cheek. “What a pleasure to run into you again so soon.”

“I would thank you to release me, sir.”

“Not yet, sweetheart. I never did get your name.”

“And you never will. Now let me go,” Courtney stated more forcefully. Her stomach turned in distress as she glanced around to see if there was anyone who might come to her aid.

“Let the lady go.”

Despite their low timbre, the words were spoken from behind her in such a hard and forceful tone that Mr. Martin’s grip around her waist loosened as though on command. She did not waste time in giving a solid push against his chest and wrenching free. She quickly backed away from Mr. Martin’s grabby reach, which brought her closer to her unknown rescuer.

Turning to acknowledge the man who had come to her aid, all she saw was the expanse of a broad male chest covered by a faded blue cotton shirt. The scents of horse and leather and sunbaked earth filled her nostrils. Distracted and still a little distressed, she felt her foot catch in the twisted length of her skirts on her next step, and she started to stumble. Warm, rough, capable hands grasped her arms as the stranger held her secure until she regained her balance. A low sound escaped the man’s throat as his hands dropped away.

“My apologies,” he muttered as he stepped back from her. The velvety texture of his voice soothed and flustered at the same time.

Courtney took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure after the discomfiting experience of being handled so familiarly first by Mr. Martin and then by the tall stranger. She wasn’t used to such treatment…but while Mr. Martin’s assistance had caused only irritation, this stranger certainly deserved her thanks. She corrected her posture and made sure her expression was perfectly neutral before she lifted her chin, prepared to utter a swift expression of gratitude.

The words never made it past her lips.

In fact, everything—her train of thought, her breath, time itself—just stopped.

The man stood a few inches taller than her and wore a wide-brimmed cowboy hat that blocked the sun, giving her an unimpeded look at one of the most handsome faces she had ever seen.

His skin was bronzed from exposure to the sun, and a hint of sandy-brown beard shadowed a hard jawline and square chin. Though his mouth was pressed into a firm line, it didn’t disguise the masculine beauty of his arched lips beneath a well-shaped nose and strong cheekbones. His features were put together in a way that was rugged yet undeniably attractive.

But his eyes—pale blue like a summer sky brushed with wispy clouds—were what had given her the intense little shock of awareness. It was like being woken up from a hazy dream. Everything just suddenly became more vivid, more…awake. His gaze held a hint of impatience as he looked down at her from beneath a furrowed brow.

While she stood dumbfounded, he swept his stunning gaze over her person.

His hard expression tensed even more as he took in the sight of her elaborate wedding gown before finally returning to her face. Only now, instead of impatience, she saw the glimmer of something more in his eyes.

She had to consciously tell herself not to react to the way he eyed her so openly. Keeping her expression calm and unruffled under this man’s intense regard was not an easy task, especially now that she was dealing with strange little sparks that had ignited beneath her skin everywhere his gaze had fallen.

She was accustomed to inciting admiration in the gentlemen of her circles—she had been told she was beautiful often enough throughout her life to believe it was so. But she could not say she had ever inspired the flash of irritation she noted in his eyes when he finished his perusal.

He sent a focused glare toward the post office behind her before looking down at her once again. “You’ve gotta be kidding me,” he muttered, his smooth-textured voice a strange contradiction to his harsh visage.

He was scowling. At her.

About the Author

Amy Sandas’ love of romance began one summer when she stumbled across one of her mother’s Barbara Cartland books. Her affinity for writing began with sappy pre-teen poems and led to a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She lives with her husband and children in Wisconsin.

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Hot For A Cowboy

By Kim Redford

Publication date: 2/26/19

Synopsis

Two flames burn way hotter than one…

Eden Rafferty has lost it all: big time career, high-profile marriage, and just about everything she owns. Coming back to Wildcat Bluff with her tail between her legs, the only person who can help her heal is cowboy firefighter Shane Taggart. But nothing is simple, and their high-octane past is just the beginning of their current problems…

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Excerpt

Shane didn’t dare touch Eden. He hardly dared speak. Everything that meant anything to him hung on his next few words. He was better with animals than he was with people. Still, he’d do his best. He knelt in front of her and drew her hands away from her face. “Look at me, Eden.”

“No.” She shook her head, causing her hair to fly out then back down. “I want to go home.”

“You are home. The Rocky T has always been your home.”

“No. It’s your home.”

“You’re wrong.”

She finally glanced up at him, but only to give him a baleful glare.

“It’s our home.”

“The lease—”

“I told you I’d renew it.” He abruptly stood up. “But that won’t do now, will it?”

“You can’t imagine how badly I wanted to get home, where nobody could take away what was mine and where I could feel secure again.”

“So you wouldn’t be vulnerable to the likes of Tanner.”

“I guess I’ve been running so hard since I got here, trying so hard to get back what I’d lost, that I didn’t stop to think about the reality of my situation. Maybe I should thank Graham for making me see the light of day.”

Shane felt sick at heart. He was losing her before his very eyes. And he didn’t know how to stop his loss or her pain.

She glanced around the room. “I adore this room, this house. It’s been a wonderful visit to happier days. Thank you.”

If he didn’t do something drastic, she was going to leave and she wouldn’t be coming back. She’d talk herself not only out of his life but out of Wildcat Bluff, too. He couldn’t let her do it. He knew her heart. He’d always known it. He’d just grown up too much to remember—or maybe, when she’d left, it’d been too painful to hang on to all the details of that night up on Lovers Leap.

“It’s not just a visit. You’ve come to stay.”

“I told you—”

“Do you remember the last thing you promised me on Lovers Leap?”

She abruptly stood up, eyes wide in wonder.

“Do you remember your promise?”

She turned away, paced across the room, and stood with her back to him.

“I waited.” He walked closer to her.

“We were young. We didn’t mean—”

“I promised I’d wait.”

“That’s why you didn’t marry?” She whirled around, searching every feature of his face with her wide blue eyes.

“I’ve had your ring for years.”

“My ring?”

“You showed me one you liked in a magazine.”

She put a hand over her mouth, blinking back tears.

He didn’t let her emotions stop or slow him. He had to be ruthless—for both of them. “We could go to Vegas, but I bet Wildcat Bluff would like to see a big, fancy wedding. Summer ought to be about right.”

“Wedding?” She stepped back, keeping her hand over her mouth as if to retain words or emotions.

“That’s what you promised me.”

“When I got back?”

“You told me you loved me and you’d be back to marry me.”

“I’m not comfortable with the L word or marriage anymore.”

“I love you. I’ve always loved you. I will always love you.” He reached up and gently brushed a tear from her cheek. “I know you love me, too.”

She closed her eyes, bowed her head, and then looked back at him. “I tried not to love you. It hurt too much being separated from you. I figured you’d moved on with life. I’ve tried not to love you since I got back.”

“Didn’t work, did it?” He felt a small frisson of hope, but he knew he wasn’t out of the woods yet.

“No.” She straightened her shoulders and stood taller. “But it doesn’t matter.”

“How can it not matter?” He felt his hope plummet again.

“If I married you, we’d both always wonder if I did it just so I’d have a home on the Rocky T, someplace where I’d feel safe and secure, someplace where I could build KWCB without worrying about losing it.”

“Stop right there. We’ve always loved each other. Marriage has nothing to do with what happened to you in LA. Once you get back on your feet, you won’t feel vulnerable anymore.”

She reached up and stroked his face with tears streaming down her cheeks. “I love you, but I’m leaving you.”

He simply pulled her against his chest, cradling her like he’d done when they were young and she’d stubbed her toe or fallen out of a tree. If she was hurting, he was hurting. Right now, they were both hurting.

She eased back from him and brushed her tears away. “I need to go home.”

“You can’t go back to Clem’s place. It’s not safe.”

“But I want—”

“You know it’s not safe.” He put his arm around her shoulders and tugged her against him. “You’ll stay here and get a good night’s sleep. Everything will look better after you’re rested in the morning.”

“I guess you’re right. It’s not safe. But I’ll sleep here in my room.”

“That bed’s too small for me.”

“I’ll sleep alone.”

“We’ll sleep in my room.” He guided her in that direction. “If I can’t watch over you to make sure you’re safe, I won’t sleep a wink.”

She gave a little huff, frowning. “But I’m not sure—”

“And if we both can’t get to sleep, we can make wedding plans,” he said with a chuckle to ease the tension, but he meant every word of it.

About the Author

Kim is an acclaimed, bestselling author of Western romance novels. She grew up in Texas with cowboys, cowgirls, horses, cattle, and rodeos for inspiration. She divides her time between homes in Texas and Oklahoma, where she’s a rescue cat wrangler and horseback rider–when she takes a break from her keyboard.

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The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride

Mail Order Bride, #1

by

Linda Broday

Genre: Historical Western Romance

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Publication Date: January 29, 2019

Number of Pages: 384 pages

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE GIVEAWAY! 

When the West was wild, and man’s law favored the few, extraordinary women could be found…in the heart of an outlaw.

Outlaw Clay Colby is tired of living one step in front of the law and wants to see his dream of having a wife, a family, to give his life meaning. So far, he’s been rejected twice, and he won’t try again if this one doesn’t work out. But hope fills him that Tally Shannon will see his heart and help him finish this town where once stood an outlaw hideout. On the day when she’s supposed to arrive, a bitter enemy sets fire to the buildings he’d fought to erect and he’s back with nothing to show for his efforts. There’s no woman in the world who’d stand by him now.

But Talley Shannon is no ordinary woman.

After escaping the living hell of the Creedmore Insane Asylum into which she was thrust to die, Tally only wants someone to protect her and the little girl under her care. She doesn’t mind that Clay’s home is dang near burned to the ground—not when he makes her feel so safe. So cherished. But it’s only a matter of time before the ghosts of her past come calling, intent on stealing her happiness, her very life…and her loving cowboy must defend his new bride—and the family they forged—to his very last breath.

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Praise for The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride

“Broday’s earthy, no-nonsense characters fit the rugged setting perfectly, and it’s a pleasure to watch these two lonely, cynical souls forge a powerful, passionate partnership.” – Book Page

“Clay and Tally’s story will captivate the historical western lover in us all. Linda Broday has earned her way into the coveted title of “Queen of Texas Historical Romance.” — Tonya, Goodreads reviewer

“If love is your interest, do not miss this book. I could not put it down it was so compelling.” Cricket, Goodreads reviewer

“Trying to put this book down at times was like trying to get off of a high-speed roller coaster — the kind with twists, turns, and even loops; it’s just impossible.” Glenda, Goodreads reviewer

Clay stared at the stars dotting the dark expanse above. “I love you, Tally. I really deep down love you. This is nothing like when I told you I was going to choose to love you. This is different and it makes me…” He paused and faced her. “We are truly one person, one heart. Does that make sense?”

Tally tenderly cupped his jaw. “I think I first came to realize that I loved you when Josie almost died. But now, I have to tell you and not leave anything important unsaid, just in case…”

“Nothing is going to happen. Get that thought out of your head.” Clay regretted his rough voice, but it hurt too much to even consider the possibility of life without her.

“It might. You know Slade will come back with more men sooner or later. That’s just a given. When he does, I won’t have left anything unsaid. My love is solid and I’ll never feel this way about another as long as I live.”

Her vow created a tranquil glow around him. He finally had what he’d searched his whole life for. He blinked away the sudden mist in his eyes.

“Get some sleep.” He tucked her head onto his shoulder, her heart beating in rhythm with his.

Hours before dawn came, Clay woke to find her gone. The candles around the bed had gone out. He sat up quickly, a knot forming in his stomach. He jerked to his feet, his gaze sweeping the unfinished house. “Tally, where are you?”

Movement in the shadows revealed her location and concern replaced his worry. He dropped down beside her. “What’s wrong?”

Tally swung to face him, her eyes like pieces of glass. “A secret that I was going to take to my grave.”

I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty historical western romance novels and short stories. I reside in the Texas Panhandle on land the American Indian and Comancheros once roamed, and at times if the breeze is just right, I can hear their voices whispering in the wind. Texas’ rich history is one reason I set all my stories here where cowboys are still caretakers of the land. I’m inspired every day by their immense dedication and love for the wide open spaces.

When I’m not writing, I collect old coins and I’ve also been accused (quite unfairly I might add) of making a nuisance of myself at museums, libraries, and historical places. I’m also a movie buff and love sitting in a dark theater, watching the magic unfold on the screen. As long as I’m confessing…chocolate is my best friend. It just soothes my soul.

 

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FIRST PRIZE: Signed Copy of The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride +  $25 Amazon gift card

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FEBRUARY 5-15, 2019

(USA only)

 

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Check out the other blogs on this tour

2/5/19	Excerpt	All the Ups and Downs
2/5/19	Bonus Post	Hall Ways Blog
2/6/19	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog
2/7/19	Excerpt	StoreyBook Reviews
2/8/19	Review	That’s What She’s Reading
2/9/19	Author Interview	Forgotten Winds
2/10/19	Top Ten	Reading by Moonlight
2/11/19	Review	Carpe Diem Chronicles
2/12/19	Guest Post	Book Fidelity
2/13/19	Review	The Book Review
2/14/19	Review	Momma on the Rocks

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Title: Trailblazer

Author: Anna Schmidt

Series: Cowboys & Harvey Girls, #1

Pub Date: January 1, 2019

Synopsis

MEET THE HARVEY GIRLS

These real-life pioneering women were symbols of elegance in the wild frontier: taming rough manners, falling in love, and changing the face of the West forever.

Grace Rogers is ready for the adventure of a lifetime. With her family’s farm falling on hard times, she accepts a position with the prestigious Fred Harvey Company and heads for Juniper, New Mexico. There she meets a handsome cowboy who quickly turns her head. Too bad the Harvey Girls are forbidden to marry…

Nick Hopkins has a plan: buy a little land, marry, and raise a family—in that order. But after meeting Grace, he can’t keep away. Their only choice is to marry in secret…but Nick isn’t the only man entranced by Grace’s charms, and this unexpected rival doesn’t plan on taking no for an answer. He will have her, no matter the cost: to Grace, to Juniper, or to the happily ever after Grace and Nick fought so hard to make their own.

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Excerpt

She glanced at him, saw his lips quirk in what might be a smile and then turn his attention to the window. His skin was tanned to a burnished gold except for a lighter stripe across his forehead. His head was probably usually protected—her father had the same line on his face for the same reason—though in the cowboy’s case, it would have been by that black hat on the seat next to him. His thick, chocolate-colored hair kept falling over his forehead even though he repeatedly brushed it back with his fingers. He needed a shave, but there was something appealing about the stubble of whiskers. He was tall; that much was evidenced by the fact that even when occupying a seat meant for two, he seemed to need more space. He had broad shoulders that stretched the limits of the dark-gray sack coat he wore. The tan cotton shirt underneath it was in need of a good ironing. His trousers were a dark brown and his boots black, with fancy tooling.

“Do I pass inspection?” he asked, jarring her back to reality—and the realization that she had been studying every inch of him.

Her cheeks grew warm and red. “I…”

He waved away any excuse she might offer. “Look, Miss…” He waited.

“Rogers,” she said, her voice cracking. “Grace Rogers.” She saw no harm in giving him her name, and she didn’t want to be rude.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Rogers.” He hesitated, then added, “Like Ollie said, I’m Nick Hopkins. I wonder if you would do me the honor of joining me for supper?”

The offer was more tempting than it should have been. She had looked forward to dining in a real Harvey eatery, but even though her first-class ticket included meals, having dinner with this stranger—even paying her own way—simply would not do. “I have food with me. Apples and cheese and some bread.” She nodded reluctantly toward the carpetbag and the sack of food inside it that Miss Culver had given her at the station.

“But did you ever eat in a Harvey House, Miss Rogers?” he asked.

“Yes. In Kansas City.” She took pleasure in his surprise. He probably saw her as some country bumpkin. She straightened her back and shoulders and met his gaze directly for the first time. “You see, I work for the organization.” She flashed the practiced smile she’d developed in training.

His return smile took her breath away. How could any man be this good-looking? She felt her cheeks begin to turn pink, but she shook off the attraction. She had no time for flirting. She was on her way to a job, a new life that would hopefully provide adventure for her and much-needed financial assistance for her family.

Still, she couldn’t help but cast him a quick look from beneath her lashes.

“Well now,” he drawled. “In that case, it seems to me it would be to your advantage to try as many of Mr. Harvey’s establishments as possible. You could look at things from the customer’s view and see how the one we’ll be stopping at soon is different from the one where you’ll be working.”

“Oh, there are no differences, Mr. Hopkins,” she replied, parroting the information she’d absorbed during her training. “At least not when it comes to service and quality of food. Our organization adheres to the same standards no matter where we are. It’s the Harvey way.” As the train pulled into the station, Grace pressed her hands over her skirt. “Enjoy your meal, Mr. Hopkins,” she said brightly.

Nick Hopkins grinned and stood. He reached past her and took her carpetbag from her, lifting it into the overhead rack, then stepped back to allow her to go ahead of him. “If you change your mind, Miss Rogers…”

A dozen different thoughts flashed through Grace’s mind. She reminded herself that going with this man might be construed as breaking the strict rules for conduct set forth in her training. She reminded herself of her mother’s warning not to talk to strangers. She reminded herself that she had no time for exploring a possible friendship with a man—or more.

She was a Harvey Girl now and, as such, represented the high standards of the company. “I won’t,” she said, “but thank you for your kind offer, sir.” With that, she made her way to the exit.

The establishment was a far cry from the place her train to Kansas City had stopped. Greeters met passengers at the entrance and discreetly directed them to the appropriate washroom. By the time Grace returned to the dining room, Mr. Hopkins was already seated at a table near the door. He looked up, arching an eyebrow and nodding toward the empty place across from him in question.

She hesitated. The truth was, now that she was actually standing in the dining room filled with people, it struck her that she was alone and knew no one—other than Mr. Hopkins. Where would be the harm in sitting opposite possibly the most handsome man she’d ever seen, a man who also appeared to be quite intelligent, and genuinely concerned for her welfare? After all, the conductor had vouched for him.

On the other hand, given how strict Mr. Harvey’s standards were for his employees, how did she know someone wouldn’t be watching and report her? Maybe Mr. Hopkins worked for Mr. Harvey and was supposed to be testing her.

She straightened to her full height—just over five feet—scanned the room quickly, and made her way to a vacant chair at a table occupied by two other women. Seating herself, Grace smiled up at the waitress in her pristine uniform: a black dress covered by a crisp white pinafore apron, black shoes polished to a sheen, and black hose, all topped off with a perky white bow in her upswept hair. “Milk, please,” she said and watched as the waitress set her coffee cup next to its saucer, its position a simple cue to the girl who served the beverages.

As soon as the waitress walked away, the drink girl arrived, glanced quickly at the way the cups had been set, and poured coffee for Grace’s tablemates, leaving a full pot on the table in case they wanted refills. Moments later, she delivered a tall glass of milk to Grace, presenting the beverage on a small silver tray. A girl could be fired for simply carrying a glass or plate to a customer. Serving on a tray was the Harvey way.

This is my future, Grace thought, not some cowboy who is far too handsome for his own good.

About the Author

Award-winning author ANNA SCHMIDT delights in creating stories where her characters must wrestle with the challenges of their times. Critics have consistently praised Schmidt for the reality of her characters—exposing their flaws as well as their strengths as she delivers strong tales of hope and love in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. She resides in Wisconsin and Florida.

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Title: Hot Target Cowboy

Author: June Faver

Series: Dark Horse Cowboys, #2

Pub Date: January 1, 2019

Synopsis

His loyalty is to his family. But his heart belongs to her.

Eldest son Colt Garrett is the biggest, strongest and steadiest of the Garrett brothers. Colt accepts his responsibilities, knowing his future is tied to the land. Colt has stayed centered—but when he falls in love, he falls hard. He is mesmerized by Misty Dalton, the younger sister of one of his brother’s friends.

Misty Dalton has held together a family plagued with problems since her mother passed away. But when the threats to her family turn deadly, Misty turns to Colt. If anybody wants to hurt Misty, they’re going to have to go through the toughest of the Garrett boys first.

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Excerpt

It was at dinner that Misty announced her intentions of moving back to the Dalton ranch.

Colton could not have been more surprised if she had smacked him in the face.

There was a chorus of disappointment, but Misty seemed to have made up her mind.

Colton was angry. He tried not to show it, but he speared his food and shoveled it into his mouth in silence.

“Do you think it’s safe?” Leah asked, giving voice to his concerns.

Misty shrugged. “I don’t know why it wouldn’t be. Mark and I don’t know anything about the banker’s death or why he wound up there.”

Leah’s brow puckered in a frown. “But what about Joe? Whoever killed him is still out there. As I understand it, the sheriff doesn’t have a lead on the person who shot him.”

“Trust me, Joe’s death is on my mind all the time.” Misty’s lips trembled before she pressed them together in a firm line. “I—I don’t know anything about that, either. I mean…” Her voice dropped to a lower register. “Mark and I weren’t in the loop. Joe didn’t share his thoughts or his activities with us.”

Colton swallowed hard, his food going down like a load of concrete. “Yes, but whoever shot him might not know that. I don’t think you’ll be safe there.”

Her large, dark eyes appraised him, as though wondering at his motives … causing him to wonder what his own motives were. “Well, we can’t keep imposing on the Garrett family hospitality forever. We need to get back home and try to pick-up the pieces.”

Colton stabbed a piece of meat and poked it into his mouth, thus ending his commentary.

Later, he asked Misty to take a walk with him.

She hesitated, but took the hand he offered.

It wasn’t fully dark outside, but the sky was streaked with purples and crimson from the setting sun. Crickets chirped and the smell of damp earth and grass wafted on the light breeze.

Colton tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and laid his hand on top of hers. It always felt so small and soft when compared to his.

“What did you want to talk about?” she asked.

He sucked in a breath and blew it out in a huff. “I’m concerned about you and Mark moving back to your home so soon after all the violence. I wish you would give the sheriff a chance to find out who’s behind the murders of your brother and Mr. Hamilton.”

Misty hung her head, but stayed in step with him as they made a wide circle of the house and outbuildings. “I feel like such a moocher staying here. I appreciate you for taking us in when we were about to be thrown out. I appreciate you even more for all the sweet things you do without even thinking about it.”

He stopped, turning to face her, and lifted her chin. “Misty, honey—you’ve got to know how I feel about you.”

She gazed up at him solemnly. “No, I can honestly say, I don’t have a clue. I think you like me, but maybe you need to spell out your feelings for me.” The silence that followed was like a black vortex sucking him inside.

Colton’s chest tightened as though a steel band was constricting his lungs. He swallowed hard. “Well, I guess you could say I love you.”

She raised her brows. “Guess you could say? What the hell does that mean?”

He grinned. “Damn, you’re a tough woman. I love you. There! Are you satisfied?”

“Well, I don’t know. Why was that so hard to say?”

“Because I’ve never said those words to any other woman before. It’s you. You’re the one I love.” He stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers.

She broke into a wide grin of her own. “Now I’m satisfied.” She slipped both arms around his waist and delivered a fierce hug.

Colt wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight against him. Now she knows. He pressed a kiss against the top of her head, rocking her slightly.

“Oh, Colt. I’ve been hoping you felt that way about me.”

He snorted, indelicately. “Well, if you didn’t know, you were the only one. I’ve been taking heat from Beau and Leah … and my dad.”

She gasped, raising her head. “Your dad?”

“Yeah, everyone knew but you.”

She ducked her head again, but she was grinning. He thought she was blushing, but the diminishing light hid her embarrassment. “So, now what?”

“So now I ask you again, as the man who loves you, please don’t move back to your house until the sheriff has caught whoever murdered your brother and Fred Hamilton.”

“Well, since you’re the man who loves me, I’ll take your concerns very seriously.” She blew out a breath. “Do you suppose we could go talk to the sheriff tomorrow and see if he has anything new to tell us?”

He kissed her forehead and then her nose. “Sure thing. As long as you give him a little time to solve the murders.”

She broke loose with an impudent smile. “Why Colton Garrett. I do believe you like having me around.”

“More than you know.” He gave her a little squeeze. “Now promise to let the sheriff get to the bottom of the violence before you go moving back to your ranch.”

“It depends on what he has to say.”

About the Author

June Faver loves Texas, from the Gulf coast to the panhandle, from the Mexican border to the Piney Woods. Her novels embrace the heart and soul of the state and the larger-than-life Texans who romp across her pages. A former teacher and healthcare professional, she lives and writes in the Texas Hill Country.

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COWBOY CHARM SCHOOL

HAYWIRE BRIDES, #1

by

MARGARET BROWNLEY

  Sub-genre: Western / Clean Romance

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Date of Publication: September 4, 2018

Number of Pages: 384

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When Texas Ranger Brett Tucker accidentally derails a wedding, he’s determined to bring the estranged couple back together…but he never dreamed he’d start falling for the bride!

Texas Ranger Brett Tucker hates to break up a wedding, but the groom—notorious criminal Frank Foster—is a danger to any woman. So he busts into the church, guns blazing…only to find he has the wrong man.

STOP THAT WEDDING!

Bride-to-be Kate Denver is appalled by her fiancé’s over-the-top reaction to the innocent mistake and calls off the wedding—for good. Guilt-ridden, Brett’s desperate to get them back on track. But the more time he spends with Kate, the harder he falls…and the more he yearns to prove that he’s her true match in every way.

 

“Light and airy as cotton candy, this tale charms.” — Publishers Weekly

A great combination of romance, humor, history and even a little bit of a mystery!

This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I’ve featured her books on my blog many times in the past. I wasn’t aware of what I was missing until I read this book. Another book I just couldn’t put down and wanted to know what was going to happen next for Kate. Was Frank Foster going to win her heart again or was it lost to Texas Ranger Brett Tucker?

This is set in a small Texas town (heck I think they were all small back in the late 1800s) where Kate is running the family business, a candy store that also happens to sell dime novels, much to the horror of some town residents (they think the books are risque). The descriptions of her sweets were very tempting. I loved that she befriended a young boy that was being bullied and actually helped turn that situation around.

When it comes to romance, Frank Foster has no idea how to woo a woman. Brett Tucker feels it is his obligation to teach Frank how to woo since he broke up their wedding. This reminded me a little bit of My Fair Lady and the basic story line. It is obvious that Frank has his work cut out for him especially since he is allergic to animals and Kate loves animals. I enjoyed the interaction between Brett and Frank and found it quite humorous. Plus Frank has this jealous streak a mile wide, that causes some issues for all involved.

The mystery portion of this book is who was in the gang that kept robbing towns and how did they keep eluding law enforcement. I was quite surprised by the reveal when it was discovered but it made sense. However, before getting to that point a few people were in jeopardy because the outlaws thought they knew more than they really did, so of course they wanted to make sure the citizens didn’t reveal their identity.

This is one of my favorite lines in the book: “Heck, she hadn’t just sneaked her way in; she’d practically burrowed a hole right through him all the way to his heart. And he had no right feeling this way.”

We give this 5 paws up!

 

New York Times bestselling author MARGARET BROWNLEY has penned more than forty-five novels and novellas. She’s a two-time Romance Writers of American RITA^® finalist and has written for a TV soap. She is also a recipient of the Romantic Times Pioneer Award.

Her story, A Pony Express Christmas, will appear this fall in the Old West Christmas Brides collection, and book two of her Haywire Brides series will be published May 2019.  Not bad for someone who flunked eighth-grade English.  Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.

 

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9/24/18	Excerpt	Hall Ways Blog
9/24/18	Excerpt	The Clueless Gent
9/25/18	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog
9/26/18	Author Interview	Book Fidelity
9/26/18	Top Ten List	Books in the Garden
9/27/18	Review	Momma on the Rocks
9/28/18	Guest Post	Books and Broomsticks
9/28/18	Author Interview	Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
9/29/18	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
9/30/18	Guest Post	That’s What She’s Reading
9/30/18	Excerpt	Forgotten Winds
10/1/18	Review	Carpe Diem Chronicles
10/2/18	Guest Post	The Book Review
10/3/18	Review	Reading by Moonlight
10/3/18	Review	Missus Gonzo

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TO CATCH A TEXAS STAR

Texas Heroes, Book 3

by

Linda Broday

  Genre: Western / Historical / Romance

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Date of Publication: July 3, 2018

Number of Pages: 352

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On her way to town early one morning, Marley Rose McClain finds a man unconscious and bleeding at the side of the road. She loads him in the wagon and takes him to her family ranch.

Drifter Roan Penny fights for his life, his one goal eating at him—to find the ones who murdered his best friend. As he recovers, he finds himself falling in love with Marley. She’s everything he wants and dreams of making her his wife even as he knows it’s impossible.

A terrifying stranger appears and a long-kept secret shakes Marley to the core. Roan helps her through very frightening times and they pledge their love for each other.

As Roan hunts down the hooded men who killed his friend and grows closer to learning the truth of the stranger’s identity, he finds both himself and Marley being stalked.

Shocking events unfold, secrets come to light, and a love refuses to be denied in this cat and mouse game where danger lurks around every corner. Will Roan and Marley survive to see the future they plan?

Praise

“Fans of the previous books will enjoy returning to the McClain clan, and new readers will appreciate the story’s layered mysteries, emotional depth, and believable scenes of attraction.” — Publisher’s Weekly

“I loved the twists and turns that this story takes. It is pretty interesting seeing this romance blossom and how much their relationship strengthens as they face danger and the truth together.” — Addicted to Romance

“Marley Rose has one of the most gentle and winsome souls; her affection and compassion for others and delightful creativity pour off the pages and you can’t help but adore her.” — Michelle (Goodreads)

I’m so happy to be here, sharing my new release To Catch a Texas Star! This brings the Texas Heroes series to an exciting conclusion. It’s been a long time coming. After I wrote the first two books in the series – Knight on the Texas Plains and The Cowboy Who Came Calling – the publisher folded, and I never got to complete the series … until now. This is the book of my heart that I always wanted to write.

We met Marley Rose McClain as a baby in Knight on the Texas Plains and now she’s all grown up and looking for love. But there are secrets. Why does she look so different from her parents? What is the secret they’re keeping?

She discovers Roan Penny lying severely injured at the side of the road one frosty morning and takes him to her family ranch. As he recovers, their attraction grows stronger and stronger and Marley knows he’s the one for her. He calls her his Texas Star, and she sees undeniable love in his eyes even as danger surrounds them at every turn.

Much of Marley’s time is helping to care for all the children her parents take in and in this story, the McClain’s have twelve of them.

People ask why I write orphans into almost every story and here’s why.

The 1800s were overrun with orphans. New York City alone had 30,000 in 1850. Immigrants arrived, and a good many died of disease and starvation, leaving their children with no place to go. The orphanages bulged at the seams, and there were still so many living on the streets.

In an effort to curb the situation, they began shipping children out on orphan trains and offering them to anyone willing to give them a home. From 1854 to 1929, a quarter of a million orphans rode on those trains. Yet, with no oversight, a good many faced horrible abuse.

Things weren’t much better out west. People were dying in cholera epidemics, yellow fever, small pox, etc. Then you add in the numbers of the women dying in childbirth, and it’s staggering. Then came the Civil War that left even more children without parents. On the American frontier, there were Indian uprisings in addition to everything else. It was a horrible time of upheaval and children bore the brunt.

Characters like Marley’s mother and father can’t turn a blind eye so do whatever they can to help.

I think adding children to stories makes them richer. Children bring a greater level of emotion that isn’t there otherwise.

I hope you’ll try To Catch a Texas Star and see what I’m talking about. I have a brand-new series beginning in January. It’s called Outlaw Mail Order Brides. Maybe you’ll look for it.

Linda is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of full length historical western romance novels and novellas. She’s published over twenty books and short stories and resides in the Texas Panhandle on land the American Indian and Comancheros once roamed. On a quiet day, she can often hear their voices whispering in the wind.

The love of this state and its people runs bone deep and she instills that into each book she writes. She sets all her stories in Texas because of the rich history and interesting people.

A mother, grandmother, and soon to be a great-grandmother, Linda finds research fascinating and always looks for little known tidbits to add realism to her stories. When she’s not writing, she collects old coins and confesses to being a rock hound in addition to making herself a nuisance at museums, libraries, and historical places which inspire her.

 

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7/3/18	Excerpt	That’s What She’s Reading
7/3/18	Bonus Series Spotlight	Hall Ways Blog
7/4/18	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog
7/5/18	Guest Post	StoreyBook Reviews
7/6/18	Review	Carpe Diem Chronicles
7/7/18	Character Interview	The Librarian Talks
7/8/18	Review	Reading by Moonlight
7/9/18	Playlist	Tangled in Text
7/10/18	Review	Books and Broomsticks
7/11/18	Author Interview	Dressed to Read
7/12/18	Review	Margie’s Must Reads

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Synopsis

Three runaway brides

Determined to escape their fates

Flee West to find freedom that can only be had

in a cowboy’s arms…

Alexandra Brighton spent the last five years in Boston, erasing all evidence of the wild frontier girl she used to be. Before she settles down, she’s determined to visit her childhood home one final time. But when she finds herself stranded far from civilization, she has no choice but to trust her safety to the tall, dark and decidedly dangerous bounty hunter Malcolm Kincaid.

Now that Malcolm finally has the location of his brother’s killer, he has no intention of wasting time protecting a pampered Eastern lady. But something about Alexandra speaks to the heart he long thought frozen—and her slow transformation from proper miss to wild-eyed beauty leaves him shaken. By the time they reach Montana, Malcolm must decide if seeking justice for past wrongs is worth losing a future with the woman he never expected to need…

Excerpt

After knocking sharply, he lowered his chin, crossed his arms over his chest, and waited. He chose not to analyze why the idea of disturbing her sleep gave him a perverse sort of pleasure.

He was about to knock again, when the lock released and the door opened to reveal a very sleepy— and very undressed—woman blinking at him with wide blue eyes.

“Mr. Kincaid? Is something wrong?”

Wrong? Hellfire and damnation. Malcolm could barely think.

The foolish woman stood there in nothing more than a white towel wrapped around her body from chest to knee. The creamy skin of her limbs and shoulders was entirely exposed, and dark hair fell in heavy waves down her back. She looked soft and feminine and too damned enticing.

Lust swept hot and furious through him. He ground his back teeth hard to stop his body’s instant reaction to the sight of Miss Brighton in such a state.

“What the hell are you doing opening the door like that?” Malcolm growled, glancing down the hall to make sure no one else was about.

Her eyes grew wider as she looked down at herself. A swift blush pinkened her cheeks, and she tried to step back around the edge of the door. “I was in a deep sleep,” she explained. “I forgot I wasn’t dressed.”

“What if it hadn’t been me knocking?” he asked angrily.

It was probably his tone that had her lifting her chin and narrowing her gaze. “Well, it is you, isn’t it? And you still haven’t told me why you have come to bother me in the middle of the night.”

“It’s barely ten o’clock.”

Apparently over her embarrassment, she crossed her arms over her chest in a perfect copy of his own stance and lifted her brows in question. The action plumped the upper swells of her breasts, and Malcolm’s mouth went bone-dry.

Forcing his attention back to her face didn’t seem to help much. Not with her eyes all soft from sleep and those lips looking so damn kissable.

“I’ll take you to Montana,” he said abruptly, trying to shake himself free of the sensual snare he’d walked into.

Her mouth dropped open in surprise. “You will?”

Malcolm was tempted to back out then simply due to the strength of his unbidden desire. He did not want to entertain the idea that his attraction to her was growing stronger rather than fading. But it was the damned truth. The journey was going to be torturous in more ways than one. He had no intention of acting on the lust she inspired, but that didn’t mean he didn’t feel it, and it didn’t mean he’d always be able to hide it.

But he couldn’t in good conscience leave her stranded. Doing so would make him no better than Lassiter, and there was no telling what manner of character she’d end up in the hands of if he wasn’t there to keep her out of trouble.

“We do things my way,” he stated firmly. “No arguing.”

She nodded vigorously. “Of course. Whatever you say, Mr. Kincaid.”

Malcolm narrowed his gaze. Her ready agreement was suspicious, but he’d made his decision. “Malcolm,” he muttered.

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. Then she smiled, and Malcolm’s gut clenched. The curve of that lower lip was going to be the death of him.

“All right, Malcolm.” She unfolded her arms to extend her hand. “And you may call me Alexandra.”

Malcolm knew he shouldn’t take her hand. Not there in the dark while she stood in nothing but a towel, not when desire ran rampant through his blood at the simple sight of her. But she kept her hand extended and lifted a brow as though in challenge.

He took her hand in his, noting its softness and how easily it became folded up in his larger grip. His bicep tensed with the urge to give a quick and forceful tug so she’d tumble toward him until her breasts flattened against his chest, her thighs bumped his, and her breath spread across his throat. It’d be so easy to take her in his arms and claim her mouth.

But she was innocent and far too trusting—not to mention way the hell out of his class—and Malcolm had never taken anything from a woman that wasn’t freely given. Miss Brighton was not for him.

Oblivious to his train of thought, she gave a surprisingly firm handshake. Her smile never wavered as she declared, “You won’t regret this. I promise.”

Malcom released her hand and stepped back. “Be downstairs by seven o’clock tomorrow.”

“I will. Thank you, Malcolm.”

“And ask who’s at your door before you open the damned thing.”

Malcolm held his position until the door closed and he heard the lock click into place. Then he stalked down the hall to his own room, taking slow breaths to rein in his body’s fierce and unwelcome craving. He’d need to see to his own relief tonight. There was no way he was going to start on the trail with that woman wound as tight as he was.

Not if he hoped to survive the journey.

About the Author

Amy Sandas’ love of romance began one summer when she stumbled across one of her mother’s Barbara Cartland books. Her affinity for writing began with sappy pre-teen poems and led to a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She lives with her husband and children in Wisconsin.

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