Cover Reveal Jon Black's Woman by Tilly Greene

Jon Black was part Native American, but that didn’t define him. Being a retired Marine and cowboy who managed his friend’s ranch didn’t either, but they all had a part in making him into a man. Tall, strong and handsome, he was the dream catch for single women and some married ones across a few counties. The dominance he displayed in the bedroom was exciting, hot and pulled even more ladies into his bed, but only one woman struck him silent and ripped his need to the surface—Molly.

 

An English rose by way of Japan comes to Montana and is everything he wants in his life. Has he finally met his match, his mate for life or is she too much for him to handle?

 

*This book is a Contemporary Western Erotic Romance which contains bondage, tattoo and toys

 

 

All Romance link https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-jonblack039swoman-1433289-147.html book is 50% off until it's release on March 10th.

NC Romance Author Signing

Left to Right... Katharine Ashe, Nancy Lee Badger, Lisa Carter, Claudia Dain, Barbara Davis, Sabrina Jeffries, Erin Knightley, Deb Marlowe, Heather McCollum, and Beth Williamson. *Ava Stone/Lyndia Dare is not in picture.

Last Night I went to a signing/panel which was full of wonderful Romance Authors. This was the second event I have gone to at the Cary, NC Barnes & Noble. I had a wonderful time hearing from these authors everything from how they write, what happens when they forget details about their characters and have to fix and/or rework their writing, how long it takes for them to write a book, and if they are a Plotter, Pantser or Plantser. I actually took notes so I want to let you know a little about these wonderful authors and the books they write and their information.

Katharine Ashe writes Historical Romances set in the early 19th century. Her current series is the Prince Catcher's Series and the first book in the series is I Married the Duke: The Prince Catchers.

She is also a History Professor at Duke University. I found that extremely interesting as I love history. I had the pleasure of chatting with her for a little bit. Here is the link to her Facebook Author Page.










Nancy Lee Badger is originally from New York but like all the authors who were at the signing call North Carolina home. She writes Time-Travel Romances that date from 1593 to present. Her Series is called Highland Games though Time and the first book in the series is My Honorable Highlander (Bk#1-Highland Games Through Time).

You can buy most her ebooks for $0.99 and besides this series she also writes about Dragons. Here is the link to her Facebook Author Page.











Lisa Carter is a Raleigh Native and she writes Romantic Suspense.Carolina Reckoning is one of her books.

She recently went to Hawaii (lucky) in order to do research for her book Aloha Rose.











Claudia Dain writes Regency Romance that center around courtesans and them finding the man that is for them, even if it that man is not the one they truly want. Her book Much Ado About Dutton (More Courtesan Chronicles) is about that very same thing.

Check out her Author Website.












Ava Stone/Lydia Dare is of course one of those authors who has two names... Meaning she is actually two people (just kidding) she writes under two names. She writes Regency Romances as Ava Stone  and Paranormal Romances as Lydia Dare. The first book in her Scandalous Series is A Scandalous Wife (Scandalous Series, BOOK 1).

 Check out both her Ava Stone Website and Lydia Dare Website to learn more about her books.












Barbara Davis writes a mash up of genres she writes Historical Contemporary Romances. And her first book is The Secrets She Carried.

You can find Barbara on her Author Facebook Page.











Sabrina Jeffries writes Regency Romance and her new series The Dukes Men is centered around a Missing Person's Agency. The first book in that series is What the Duke Desires (Duke's Men).

You can check out her Author Website and even sign up for newsletter which will be mailed to your house letting you know when she has a new release.  I enjoy her newsletter.










Erin Knightley writes Regency Historical which are sweet and fun. She writes the Sealed with a Kiss Series which currently has four books in it. The first book in the series is More Than a Stranger: A Sealed With a Kiss Novel.

Check out her Author Facebook or her Author Website .












Deb Marlowe writes Regency Romance and admits that she was at one time a Plantster but is now more of a Plotter. She currently has a short story which is Free and can be purchased from Amazon A Slight Miscalculation: A Half Moon House Short Story (Half Moon House Series). Her books are pretty much stand alone.

Nothing says Regency romance like spinsters and emotionally detached heroes.Unbuttoning Miss Hardwick. You can find Deb on her Author Facebook Page .










Heather McCollum writes both Historical and Paranormal Romances and YA... Her new Historical Romance is Tangled Hearts (Highland Hearts) book 2 in the Highland Hearts series. She says it is a cross between the Tutors and Pirates of the Caribbean .

Besides being an author she is also an Ovarian Cancer Survivor, you can find her on her Author Facebook Page.











Beth Williamson/Emma Lang is another one of those authors with two names. She writes Western Romances. She has a new book coming out Tuesday which features the wonderful Harvey Stables on the cover.  Circle Eight: Nicholas (Volume 5) It is the Fifth book in her Circle 8 series with her writing as Emma Lang.

Check her out on her Author Website .












I hope you might of found a new book or author to read from this post. I had a wonderful time at the signing. The next big thing I have of course is The Novel Experience Event in Atlanta, GA next moth. Until then.

Cover Reveal Taking Nicole by Krystal Shannan

TAKING NICOLE

Vegas Mates, Book 4

By

Krystal Shannan

The last thing Nicole Demakis remembers was getting in the car with Sarah’s kidnapper and driving away. Now she faces the cold hard truth. The kidnapper, an agent of the Council, is her mate. But he refuses to claim her, and the Council may take everything away before she even has a chance to convince him to trust her.

Aaron Katsaros was ordered to deliver Nicole to her grandparents, the Antipas royal wolves. It should’ve been an easy task. Clean. No hiccups. But this infuriating woman, this wolf, his mate…is one hiccup after another and she’s arousing him to the point of pain. With his sister’s life hanging in the balance, he refuses to allow his passion to cost him the only family he has left.

Can he find a way to save his mate, or will he be forced to watch another claim the woman he loves?

RELEASES MARCH 13^th

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Krystal Shannan goes to sleep every night dreaming of mythical realms with werewolves, vampires, fae, and dragons. Occasional a fabulous, completely human story slips into the mix, but powers and abilities usually crop up without fail, twisting reality into whatever her mind can conceive.

As a child, her parents encouraged her interests in Ancient Greek and Roman mythology and all things historical and magickal. As an adult, the interests only grew. She is a child of Neverland and refuses to ever stop believing in fairies. She is guilty of indulging in and being a Buffy the Vampire Slayer groupie as well as an Angel fan. For those of you unfamiliar with the world of Joss Whedon, you are missing out!

She also makes sure to watch as many action and adventure movies as possible. The more exciting the better. Yippee-Ki-Yay... If you don't know the end of that phrase, then you probably don't like the same movies.

She enjoys reading romance in all genres, but especially paranormal. Her favorite book is ACHERON by Sherrilyn Kenyon. But really, if it has a 'Happily Ever After', she's on board!

Krystal writes stories full of action, snark, magick, and heart-felt emotion. If you are looking for leisurely-paced sweet romance, her books are probably not for you. However, for those looking for a magickal ride, filled with adventure, passion, and just a hint of humor. Welcome home.

Krystal Shannan

Putting Magick in Romance one Soul Mate at a Time.

___________________________________

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Review Sealed With A Kiss: Hero's With Heart Anthology

Description 

Anthology of 8 Navy SEAL novellas by New York Times, USA Today and award-winning bestselling authors: Marliss Melton, Gennita Low, Teresa Reasor, Elle James, Delilah Devlin, Stephanie Tyler, J.M. Madden and Sharon Hamilton.

CODE OF SILENCE by Award-winning Internationally Bestselling author Marliss Melton: Navy SEAL Vinny DeInnocentis has no idea his news reporter wife is keeping secrets. With her hard-won reputation for rooting out corruption, Ophelia can’t let a little thing like her unexpected pregnancy get in the way of exposing Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor for the liar he is. But will her quest to publicize the truth — and her shocking discovery that her target is far more dangerous than she imagined — cost her more than she ever thought she’d lose?HOLDING ON by New York Times Bestselling author Stephanie Tyler: (a novella set in the Hold series - originally published in SEAL of My Dreams) Jamie Michaels is an FBI Agent, married to a Navy SEAL…and about to give birth while her husband’s deployed. Navy SEAL Chris Waldron’s been on some impossible missions before, but getting home in time for the birth of his son might prove to be the toughest–and most rewarding mission of all.

MUTINY'S BOUNTY by USA Today Bestselling author Delilah Devlin: Interested only in experiencing an adrenaline-packed adventure first-hand to give her credo when she books her clients’ adventure vacations, Lace McElhannon finds more excitement than she can handle when she meets and falls into bed with ex-SEAL Dex Haygood.

WARRIOR by Bestselling author Gennita Low: On a covert operation with his SEAL team, Lucas Branson bumps into his love interest, Kit Ling Harrison, who is overseas with her media team interviewing victims of war. Things get interesting when he and Kit end up on an unexpected road trip. Chasing vehicles, avoiding RPGs, singing silly songs, and falling in love ensue.

SEAL's DESIRE by USA Today Bestselling author Elle James: Back from deployment, Navy SEAL Remy LaDue's planned Valentine's Day date with NCIS agent Mitchell Sanders runs amuck when he finds her undercover as a sexy stripper at a local lounge. Remy and his team join forces with Mitchell to find a missing woman and discover a human trafficking organization in the darkest heart of Virginia Beach. 

BREAKING FREE by Bestselling author Teresa Reasor: When her brother Brett is attacked and left for dead, Zoe Weaver and Lieutenant Adam 'Hawk' Yazzie work together to discover if one of his SEAL teammates is responsible for his injuries. But will loyalties forged on the battlefield prove more binding than the truth? Or their love?

SEAL's LOST DREAM by USA Today Bestselling author JM Madden: Former Navy SEAL K9 handler Joe Flynn lost his dog in the war and doesn't want anything to do with animals, but every stray in Denver seems to head his way. Luckily for him, the luscious veterinarian Willow James doesn't mind taking care of everything he finds. She even seems willing to take him on with all his ghosts, but is he ready to let them go for her?

SEAL MY DESTINY by New York Times and USA/Today Bestselling Author Sharon Hamilton: Back from a horrible tour, Navy SEAL Luke Paulsen has a chance encounter with a woman who begins to unthaw his troubled soul. Deciding he’s too damaged, he begs off further entanglement, but then meets her again a month later at a family wedding, where the unavoidable attraction pulls them together as never before. Will their love be enough to heal them both for a chance at a Happily Ever After?

My Review

This Anthology is full stories of Hot SEALS and by some of my favorite military authors... There are short novella reads and even full length reads... It is a steal for 0.99 cents.  

-Code of Silence by Marliss Melton was the first story in anthology... Vinny and Ophelia have a great story and Ophelia has a tendency to get herself into trouble due to her job. Not to mention she has other reasons for going to her Mother-In Laws for  Thanksgiving. This story has everything you could want in a Military Romance, it pulls at your heart strings, make you call the heroine stupid, has bad guys, Sexy Heroes and even some make up sex. Really liked this one.  

-Holding On by Stephanie Taylor is the second story in the anthology... It was a quick little read, I loved how Chris would do anything to get home in time for the birth of his son. Jamie is hell bent on having a home birth and wants nothing more thank Chris to be there for the birth. Throw in Family, Snowstorm, Stubborn breach baby, crazy travel plans, and just a bit of luck... You get one great read.

-Mutiny's Bounty by Delilah Devlin is the third story in the anthology and introduces us to Lace and Dex... Lace is a travel agent who books adventure vacations... She is out to try swimming with sharks when her fear gets the better of her and literally has her "saved" by Dex. Dex is providing security along with other members of his team...When he see Lace he thinks she is just another rich girl who wants a fling... Couldn't be more wrong... When the Adventure vacation goes crazy and the guides are the bad guys... Can Dex save the day and protect Lace... Falling in love in some cases is more dangerous then swimming with the sharks. I Loved this story as it ties in with Delilah Devlin's other book Dangerous Liaison which was published in the Uniformed Desires Anthology/Box Set. It has great sex scenes,action, alpha males, and a stubborn heroine who knows what she wants.  

-Warrior (Crossfire #5) by Gennita Low is the fourth story in the anthology and I have to say I love me some Cucumber and Cupcake. This was one of the full stories and I absolutely loved it. Gennita Low has a way of writing both action packed and humorous stories. The Pink Room is to die for and so is Kit (Cupcake) and Lucas's (Cucumber) banter. I love how she connects her Crossfire series and the characters from book to book... It have everything interconnecting missions, action, danger, humor, Hot Sex and Complete characters... Great addition to this anthology.  

-SEALS Desire by Elle James is the fifth story in the anthology... It is not only about overcoming loss but also being able to forgive yourself. Remy and Mitchel  shouldn't ever be together as Mitchel was Remy's friend and teammates girl. However both make a pack if they are single on Valentines Day they are going to go out. However,Mitchel is undercover as a stripper and Remy just happens to almost blow her cover... Mitchell is determined to find her friend, even though she could be in a lot of danger, Remy won't let her work alone so him and his team back her up... This is a great read, that has great sex, suspense and a complete story line. 

- Breaking Free by Teresa Reasor is the sixth story in the anthology and one of my favorite. When Zoe's Brother (Brett) is injured during a mission, his Commanding Officer Adam (Hawk) offers both her mom and her a place to stay till Brett gets better. Zoe is knows something happened but Hawk isn't talking and the hardest thing is knowing that someone within the team is responsible for Brett's injury. Hawk and Zoe fight their attraction but soon loose that fight to what feels right. Knowing who to trust is hard and when team secrets come out will the team be broken for it, and will Zoe & Hunter be able to make a go of their relationship. I love that Zoe is not a flawless beauty and the Hawk makes her feel beautiful and worth something. Great Story. 

- SEALS Lost Dream by J.M Madden is the seventh story in the anthology and is connected to her Lost and Found Series. Flynn was a Navy SEAL K9 Handler and deals with PTSD and the loss of his MWD (Military War Dog). He is a magnet for animals that are hurt and takes them to the local Veterinarian Willow. He never says much just makes sure they get taken care of and leaves. When Maya the dog he saves adopts him as her human we see Flynn deal with the loss of his K9 and the inability to function like a "normal" person. I love that Willow accepts him as he is and works to make things easier for him. J.M Madden has a way with writing wounded warriors that touches you heart and has you falling in love the hero along side their heroine. Another awesome read. 

-Seal My Destiny by Sharon Hamilton is the last story in the this anthology. Luke has PTSD and guilt over both the marine and his fiance who died next to him. He finds comfort in the arms of Julie and after their night together he feels closed in and brushes her off. The wedding of his sister takes him right to Julie and the realization that his sister and her brother are getting married. Julie and Luke work it out over coffee and well some hot sex... There are ups in downs in this story which I like and Sharon Hamilton shows that asking for help is not a weakness. I really liked this story and found it a fitting ending to this anthology. 

Overall- This is a great anthology which is filled with stories by great authors and focuses on Alpha men and the women who make them whole. 

I rate this Anthology 5 out of 5 Genie Lamps

You can buy this Anthology from Amazon Barnes & Noble

Review of Wild Fever (Chiasson #1) by Donna Grant

Description

Bound by darkness. Freed by love.

A WOMAN’S PASSION

Olivia Breaux left the small Cajun town the day of her high school graduation and never looked back. Until an unfortunate event sends her home ten years later. Returning to her hometown brings back memories and long held desires for the impossibly gorgeous – and aloof – Vincent.

A HUNTER’S DESIRE

Handsome, resilient Vincent Chiasson takes his job as hunter to supernatural beings in the bayous seriously. When an unknown creature begins killing women the Chiasson family has contact with, Vincent knows this has something to do with his parents’ deaths years earlier. To make matters worse, the one woman he’s yearned to call his own has returned – and is targeted by the beast. He’ll have to face his past – and confront his future – to save Olivia...

My Review

Wild Fever is the first book in Donna Grant's New Chiasson Series, It is a quick read which I like. There was a little bit of everything... Mystery Monster, Hoodoo, Small town Bayou's and Cajun hotties. Small Towns have secrets and Vincent and his brothers need to find out who/what is behind the killing of 3 girls and take care of it. As they are the local cajun monster/demon hunters. 

Olivia hasn't been home for almost 10 years and she is leaving Dallas for reasons she wants to keep quiet. Vincent has always watched out for Olivia and is dealing with his own issues. Can these two over come their issues and have their HEA?

As you all know I hate posting spoilers... I really liked this new series from Donna Grant, it is something different from her and I can't wait to see where it goes. The only issue I had is that I wanted it to be longer and this story only takes place in a span of 3 days. Overall I will be buying the second in the series when it comes out as I want to know more about the Chiasson family and found it an enjoyable read.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 Genie Lamps 

You can purchase this book from Amazon Barnes & Noble

Book Tour Hold On to Me by Elisabeth Naughton

Hold On To Me
(Against All Odds Series, bk #2)
By Elisabeth Naughton

Blurb: 

He thinks he's finally found the one.
Mitch Mathews never believed in love---at least not the happily-ever-after kind. Then he met Simone Conners. One night with the sexy lawyer made him reevaluate his priorities and look toward a future he never planned. The only hang-up is making her see it too.

She's almost ready for a second chance.
What started out as a casual hook-up with a rugged geologist has turned into something a whole lot more. Simone's on the verge of handing over her heart, but fear over what Mitch will say and do when he discovers who she used to be holds her back.

The past could destroy their future...
Just when Simone's ready to take a chance on forever with Mitch, her secrets catch up with her. Suddenly it's not just her life on the line, it's his too. Forced into hiding, Mitch demands answers, and Simone realizes the only way to protect everything she holds dear is to delve into a past she's spent years trying to forget. As they search for the truth, they discover secrets, lies, and a rekindled passion that burns hotter than before. But they also uncover a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society. One that could cost them more than just their future...it could cost them both their lives.

Release Date: 

Feb. 18, 2014

Excerpt

Get out of my way.”

“Why?” Mitch’s eyes narrowed to thin points, and a vehemence Simone had never seen before reflected in their depths. “You came all the way over here in the middle of the night to tell me something. Go ahead and say it.”

Emotions bubbled up inside her—anger, heartache, disbelief—but the one that won out was betrayal, even if a tiny voice in the back of her head said she had no right to feel that way.

She whirled on him. “You have no idea what I was willing to do for you. You have no idea what I’ve been through. I came here to explain, but there’s no point now.”

She ducked under his arm and rushed down the hall toward the door and freedom. Somewhere deep inside she knew she was being irrational. She’d broken things off with him. Whatever and whoever he’d done since had nothing to do with her, and yet even though her head understood that, her heart was having a really hard time accepting it. Because for her, things hadn’t been over. And she doubted they ever would be.

“Hold on. What you’ve done for me?” He grasped her by the arm and swung her around to face him in the entry hall. Moonlight spilled in through the sidelights by the front door, illuminating his enraged features and disbelieving eyes, the t-shirt molding to his muscular chest, the loose-fitting jeans and his gorgeous, bare feet against the hardwood floor. “You’re the one who ended things. You’re the one who said you didn’t care. As I recall, your exact words were, ‘I don’t love you.’ So why the fuck would I believe you’d do anything for me when I already know you just don’t give a shit?”

She wanted to lash out, to make him hurt the way she was hurting, to tell him he was right, that she really did no longer give a shit. But before she could get the words out, the glass in the far sidelight shattered, sending shards flying through the entryway.

Simone screamed. Mitch threw her to the ground face first and covered her with his body. Pain echoed through her hipbones and hands and anywhere she hit the hardwood. But the sound of something small and hard digging into the siding, the door, shattering windows and pinging off metal echoed all through the house, distracting her from the pain.

She pushed against him, but he held her firmly to the ground. “Stay down,” he growled. “Those are bullets.”

About the Author

I was never one of those people who knew they wanted to be an author at the age of six. I didn't have imaginary friends. I didn’t write stories in my journal or entertain my relatives by firelight after Thanksgiving dinner. For the most part, I was just a normal, everyday kid. I liked to read, but I wasn't exceptional at it. And when my teachers complimented me on my writing abilities, I brushed them off. I did, however, always have a penchant for the unique and absurd. And as my mother told me all throughout my childhood, I should have been an actress—I was a drama queen before my time.

Years ago, my husband bought me Scarlett: The Sequel to Gone With The Wind. If you ever saw the book, you know it’s a long one. I sat and read that thing from cover to cover, and dreamed of one day being a writer. But I didn't actually try my hand at writing until years later when I quit my teaching job to stay home with my kids. And my husband? After that week of reading where I neglected him and everything else until I finished Scarlett, he vowed never to buy me another book again. Little did he know I’d one day end up sitting at a keyboard all day drafting my own stories.

To read her full bio, please visit her website.

         

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Hey All I hope you had a Great Valentines Day... I want to thank all who visited during the Share the Love Hop. Now for the Winner..... Drum roll... Rafflecopter do you thing.... The Winner is

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Blog Tour My Heartache Cowboy By Z.A Maxfield

My Heartache Cowboy

(Cowboy Series, Bk #2)
By Z.A. Maxfield

Blurb: 

Can love conquer all?

Jimmy Rafferty and Eddie Molina go way back at the J-Bar ranch. They’ve worked together, bunked together, camped out, and drank together. So how has Jimmy failed to notice that Eddie is gay? Eddie has not failed to notice that his friend has a serious drinking problem, and he’s determined to help Jimmy kick the booze cold turkey.

Taking him up to a snowbound cabin to detox, Eddie is confronted with Jimmy’s fierce denial. But the pains of withdrawal are nothing for Jimmy compared with the heartache of denying his true feelings and his deep longing…for the one man who cares for him more than anyone else on earth.

Available for purchase at 

         

Excerpt

When I woke, I was alone and the truck wasn’t moving.

Who the hell did Eddie think he was, leaving me asleep by myself in a truck outside in the freezing cold? My pa and my older brother, Jonas, used to do that. We’d be on the road, and when I fell asleep, they’d leave me in the parking lot of some dive bar or motel—just leave me asleep outside in the dark. I’d wake up with no clue where I was, no idea if they were coming back or if I should go in and try to find them.

My first useful thought was to look for the keys, because I hadn’t forgotten what Eddie said. I hadn’t forgotten the plans him and boss Malloy made for me behind my back. It would serve them right if I up and hightailed it back to the J-Bar with Eddie’s truck and no Eddie.

No keys.

Not like that was going to stop me. Where the hell did Eddie get the idea I’d go quietly? I slid over and tore the wiring out from under the dash. Found what I needed without hardly even looking.

I hated waking up alone like that. Unwanted. Abandoned.

One twist. Two. Touch the wires together and the engine should . . .

Fuck.

Nothing.

What the hell? I checked I got the proper color-coated strands and tried again. I was frowning down at the mess of tangled wire when someone tapped on the window behind me.

I glanced up and saw Eddie frowning down, no doubt pissed at what I’d done to his truck. Serves you right for leaving me like that, you prick.

“You need a working engine for that,” he told me as he opened the door. “One that has a battery.”

“Fuck you.” I spilled out of the car ready for a fistfight.

“What?” Eddie jumped back.

“Why did you have to leave me like that? What did I ever do to you?”

Eddie shook his head at me. “I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. You were sound asleep and I thought maybe you needed it.”

I took a swing at him. “I hate waking up alone in a car like that.”

Ed plucked my fist from the air and peered at me like he was trying to see through my skin. “I didn’t know.”

“I hate that. Left behind in the car like a damn dog. Like a fucking duffel bag. You can’t be bothered to even wake me up and take me in out of the fucking snow.”

Now Eddie frowned like he was thinking about it. Now, after the fact. “I’m sorry, Jimmy. I didn’t think how you’d feel waking up alone like that. I won’t do it again.”

“Would have served you right if I took your truck and left you up here to walk back to civilization, wherever the hell that is. Would have served you right if I’d died out here.”

“All right, all right. Simmer down now.”

I glared at him. “Fuck you.”

“It’s pretty civilized inside. How about you come in with me.”

“How about you suck my fucking—”

“That’s enough.” He turned and headed toward the cabin’s welcoming front door. “I almost didn’t bother to disable the damn thing, but I thought on the off chance you knew what you were doing and could—”

“Which I did,” I pointed out.

“Come inside.” He jerked his chin toward the cabin like I was a dog and I was supposed to just follow along and yip around at his heels.

I debated making a run at him, but frankly, Eddie was a tough buzzard. He wasn’t too much older than me, just forty-two compared to my thirty-eight. But I was a lover, not a fighter, or at least that’s how I thought of myself. Back there on the road, Eddie had proved he wasn’t above using violence to get his way in this, so I went along.

You’re going to have to sleep sometime.

Eddie led me into a rustic-looking cabin that seemed awful nice for the middle of nowhere. There was a place for us to hang our hats just inside the door, over a table with a passel of pictures on it. There were old time black-and-whites of families and framed pictures of a good-looking man, a pretty woman, and some kids. There were some of the kids alone, and holy cow, there were probably a dozen pictures of Ed. He looked so young in a couple of them, they must have been from before we met.

One of Ed and the unknown man caught my eye. Something about the difference in height, the casual way they leaned together, the way they looked at each other, made me think this was Ed’s friend from the road, Don. Even though they’d both aged some since it was taken, I was almost sure of it.

No knobby hands, no weathered angel, this Don was good looking, without a doubt. He was lanky and chiseled. He had an intelligent face and a smile that drew the eye. He seemed sure of himself and charming. Whatever I’d seen in the darkness outside the car had to be a trick of the light.

Ed looked so young and earnest next to him it took my breath away. Brawny and tan, he wore a yoked Western shirt with the sleeves rolled up past well-muscled forearms and he eyed Don like he would follow him anywhere.

And that Don, he looked like he could appreciate a guy like Ed, as well.

Hadn't I seen firsthand how much he did appreciate him?

About the Author

Z. A. Maxfield started writing in 2007 on a dare from her children and never looked back.  Pathologically disorganized, and perennially optimistic, she writes as much as she can, reads as much as she dares, and enjoys her time with family and friends. Three things reverberate throughout all her stories: Unconditional love, redemption, and the belief that miracles happen when we least expect them.

If anyone asks her how a wife and mother of four can find time for a writing career, she’ll answer, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you give up housework.”

You can find ZA Maxfield at 

            

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