Book Tour Perilous Risk by Natasha Blackthorne

Blurb

Heartbroken and disillusioned, Rebecca Howland is done with all men. Especially noblemen. Past a certain age, she knows her previous life of carnal indulgence and grand adventure is over. Or so she thinks. Back at home, whilst working in her family’s shop, a moment of compassion entangles her in an old battle between two powerful, bitter enemies. A commoner, Rebecca finds herself falsely accused of a heinous act by a vicious member of the aristocracy. In grave peril, she turns to the one man she thinks can help her.

Stephen Drake, now inexplicably Baron Drake, has always desired Rebecca. When she turns to him, he vows to protect her at all costs, especially from the dangerous life he lives. The stakes are high and time is running out for her … and for him as well. Stephen finds himself driven to ruthless actions that threaten to kill the fragile bond between them.

Years ago, Rebecca forbade herself to love Stephen Drake. Now he’s back, no longer the young man she remembers but a dark and dangerous stranger. When he demands a fortnight of her complete submission in return for his protection, his sexual dominance ignites carnal passion that makes her feel alive like never before. But … dare she trust a man with too many secrets?

Excerpt from

Perilous Risk

Regency Risks, Book Three

She opened her mouth to deny him.

He brought his mouth down on hers, cutting off her protest. He thrust into her mouth, the taste of his hot, wet tongue more fiery than the best whisky. She shook, not with fear but with anticipation for the next stroke of his tongue against hers.

It came and delicious shudders quaked through her. Another stroke and another. Ruthlessly, he gripped her head and angled it, thrusting deeper. Taking her breath. Sucking her very soul and taking everything.

She didn’t care.

Every inch of his long, lean body pressed hers. She could feel the whipcord strength of his powerful muscles. Could feel his trembling as though he were holding back his ardour. His erection throbbed against her stomach, huge and hard. Heated.

A feeling of letting go, as though a tremendous weight had suddenly lifted from her. As though she’d been waiting forever for this moment. Tenderness burst within her. Her limbs went weak. Her fists unfurled and she grasped his shoulders, learning his feel, breathing in his scent, glorying in his taste, his strength, his forcefulness.

Stephen.

Her Stephen.

If she could, she would simply melt into him. She clung desperately to his hard body, surrendering herself wholly.

He tore his mouth from hers.

She cried out in protest.

He swept her up into his arms then lowered her. Her backside touched the table and the rickety wooden frame groaned and creaked.

He swooped down on her then gripped her chin in his large hand, gently yet firmly holding her in place. His eyes bore into hers, predatory, determined. “Now, tell me that you don’t know me.”

Buy Links--

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3L70KU

 

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00O3L70KU

 

Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00O3L70KU

 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA

Tour home page

http://herdingauthors.blogspot.com/2014/10/perilous-risk-release-week-tour-oct-3rd.html

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My Viking Vampire by Krystal Shannan Release Tour

My Viking Vampire

Sanctuary, Texas

by

Krystal Shannan

Bailey Ross’ world is crumbling around her. Her abusive ex, a human, is closing in on her again, and to make matters worse, a new enemy, a djinn, is stalking her. This supernatural being takes great pleasure in human pain, something Bailey has in excess thanks to her ex. If she’s caught by either, she’s as good as dead.

Backed into a corner and desperate to escape, she does something she swore wouldn’t ever be possible again –trusting a man. And he’s a vampire.

Protection via the sexy vampire Erick Thorson may prove to be a little more than she bargained for. Sparks fly between them and she finds herself agreeing to more than just protection. Though he has promised not to let anyone harm her, the small west Texas town is more than it seems and he may not be able to make good on his vow no matter how hard he tries.

Will Sanctuary be the home Bailey longs for or will she have to die to find out?

Out Now!

Amazon : Goodreads : iBooks : Kobo

Coming to Barnes and Noble August 25th!

Full links:

Amazon: http://mybook.to/MyVikingVampire

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22831236-my-viking-vampire?from_search=true

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1zSiaEU

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/my-viking-vampire

Sanctuary, Texas Pinterest Board: http://www.pinterest.com/krystalshannan/sanctuary-texas-series/

My Viking Vampire Facebook Release Party - come join us for fun, games, and lots of prizes!

https://www.facebook.com/events/555291657926555/

 Excerpt 

“Straddle me.”

I gulped. It wasn’t a question and I didn’t hesitate. I twisted my body and lifted my leg over his lap, situating myself across his thighs. I wiggled a little to get comfortable.

He grabbed my hips and pulled me closer, grinding my sex against his hard length. My body throbbed and my panties were soaked in seconds. Taking a deep breath, I focused on slowing my racing heart and trembling body. What I thought would be an uncomfortable bite and awkward aftermath had turned into something completely different.

Fire licked at my belly and I swayed my hips, allowing his hands to guide the movement. Another growl rumbled from his chest. His hands abandoned my waist and slid upward, grazing my breasts and then over my shoulders. He cupped each side of my face and pulled me closer, kissing me slowly. His tongue grazed first my top lip then my bottom, then plunged between them, sweeping inside. It was euphoric. He tasted sweet and I opened further for him.

My gesture did not go unnoticed and I received an encouraging gravelly moan as a reward. He sucked and nipped at my lips again before trailing his kisses slowly across my jaw and down the side of my neck below my ear. His right hand caressed the nape of my neck and grasped the base of the loose braid of my hair. He pulled my head gently to the side, further exposing my neck and collarbone to his hungry mouth.

My heart raced again. The bite had to be coming soon. I leaned into his kisses, pushing my neck closer. Something had changed in my mind. I no longer feared the bite. Instead, I desperately wanted it.

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Second Place:  3 Belgian chocolate specialty bars (US, CA, & UK Only)

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Meet 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 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 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. But, for those looking for a magical 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.

___________________________________

~NEWSLETTER~  

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Promises Hurt by Elle Brooks Review Tour

Promises Hurt By Elle Brooks

Published August 2, 2014

Synopsis

I wasn't planning on falling for Ethan Jamison, hell I wasn't planning on our paths ever crossing. He’s the most popular guy at school and a complete player. Me; I’m the perpetual good girl, trying to carry out one last request. But when you make a promise, how far do you go to see it through? 

~ Blair

It’s a running joke that I’m a terrible liar, if only people knew the truth. My whole life has been spent making excuses and deflecting questions. I was pretty good at it until Blair Thomas entered my world. She saw through the mask that everyone is so willing to accept. She makes me want to tell her all my secrets, but can she promise to keep them?

~ Ethan

Excerpt

I look down at my cell and it’s 4:54pm. No sign of Ethan. No text to explain. What a douche. I mean, okay so I needed to be here anyway to collect books, but that’s not the point. He didn't know that. I can’t stand people that make plans and then break them without warning. It takes two seconds to send a text.
I’m packing up my things when Ethan Jamison barges through the library doors. He’s panting like he’s out of breath and his eyes are frantically scanning the almost empty room. Then they land on me. I stand completely frozen, mouth gaping like a total moron. Of freakingcourse it has to be that Ethan. He makes his way over, and the sound of his boots echoing through the otherwise silent room awakens me from my dumbstruck state. Emily’s letter flashes in my mind and I feel instantly embarrassed. Like, somehow he knows about it, which of course, he can’t, but I’m still panicking.  
He stops a few feet short of my table and looks a little unsure. This isn't the cocky Ethan Jamison that struts around school thinking he’s god’s gift. It’s thrown me a little.
“Hey, um…I’m Ethan,” he says, looking down at me. He lays his guitar case down at his feet and then adjusts his backpack on his shoulders. “Are you the tutor, I mean, sorry…are you Blair?”
I never realized how tall he actually is up close and personal. I’ve seen him play at a gig for about two seconds once, but he was on a stage, so of course he’s gonna look taller than everyone else. Emily and I have only stalked him at a distance. His blue eyes are boring into mine and I'm just standing there. Staring. Like an idiot. He shifts his weight and I realize he’s asked me a question. I still haven't replied. Shit.
“Er…yeah, I’m Blair, nice to meet you. I was just about to go, I thought you weren't coming. You’re late.” The last part comes out all pissy like I'm mad at him.
An amused grin starts to form; his mouth pulling up slightly at one side and the boy has dimples—real life honest-to-god dimples.
I shake my head and practically bark out, “I’ve been waiting for you for almost a half hour. If you’re gonna be late when we meet, you could at least give me a heads up?” Oh my god, why the hell am I telling him off?
His smile widens and he’s not even trying to look sorry. He drops his backpack on the table and takes a seat.
“Yeah, I had practice and it ran over. Steve has a no phone rule, so it’s kinda hard to let you know when I don't have my cell.”
Steve is the music professor; he’s got the new age hippy vibe going on and makes all his students call him by his first name. I pull my chair back out and take a seat. “Okay. Well, um, let’s just get started then.”
I look up and his eyes are zeroed in on my chest. What a complete douche, he’s already ogling my boobs. I cough twice and raise my eyebrows in a ‘what the hell, my eyes are up here’ stare, and his cheeks immediately redden.
“Shit, no, I wasn't checking you out! I mean…um, I wasn't staring at your…fuck, well I kinda was but I mean, shit; I was just trying to read what your shirt says.”

Holy crap, this guy’s more awkward than I am. 

Buy from Amazon

My Review

I honestly don't know where to start with this book. When I started reading it, I thought Oh no this is going to be one of high school YA books that no way was I going to be able to connect with the characters. But I will have to tell you I was surprised to be proven wrong and then yes I ended up emotionally upset. 

The book starts out with Blair making a promise to her best friend Emily that she would be ok... Fast forward 3 years Emily dies leaving Blair a letter. In it has a bucket list that is not finished and Emily leaves Blair with the responsibility of finishing the bucket list. That is touching and heart breaking for anyone to deal with but the story isn't about Blair and Emily (I thought it was going to be)... It is the story of Blair and Ethan.

Ethan, OMG that boy deals with so much crap, I feel for him. Blair is the only one who sees him for him. She has to deal with tons of high school bullshit but both of the stick it out and love each other. He is dealt some heavy blows both figuratively and actually. Emily is his saving grace and gives him something worth living for. 

Blair grows while being with Ethan, she often feels bad for moving forward and living while Emily died. She spend most of her high school with Emily while she was sick and missed out on most of her high school experience. Being with Ethan she learns that moving forward isn't about forgetting Emily it is about living and enjoying life. 

Blair and Ethan become serious and things seem to look good for them. They love each other but like any story there has to be a misunderstanding which leaves to poor choices and heartache. 

I hate ruining stories, but I do have to warn you that Elle Brooks does leave this with an epic heart wrenching cliff-hanger. I won't lie I almost threw my kindle across the room and woke hubby up because i was so pissed. Pissed because I couldn't keep reading( I am one of those who love to hate cliffhangers).

I loved this story and cannot wait for the second book... because I need to know what happens next. My heart can't take the waiting. 

Overall this is a great first book. I look forward to reading more from Elle Brooks even though YA isn't my go to genre I know that I will be putting Elle Brooks on my buy list. 

I Rate this book 4 out 5 Genie Lamps

* I received copy of this book in return for my honest review 

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@peruseprincess @Ellebrooksautho

Book Tour His Hometown Girl by Karen Rock

On tour with Prism Book Tours...

Welcome to my Book Tour stop for
His Hometown Girl

His Hometown Girl
by Karen Rock
Mass Market Paperback, Large Print, 331 pages
March 1st 2014 by Harlequin


He'd always managed to best her…

Jodi Chapman will do whatever it takes to get top care for her autistic son. If that means going home and convincing local farmers to sell their land, so be it. Even if her biggest opponent, childhood rival Daniel Gleason, is equally determined to convince farmers to buy into his co-op plan. And he's not playing fair.

Facing off against Daniel is the last thing Jodi wants. The attraction that's always fueled their competitiveness is as strong as ever and just as distracting. But with both their futures on the line, and years of distrust between them, how can they ever be on the same side?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * eHarlequin
Book Depository

Interview 

Who is your go to Author for a great read?
Hi, Jeannie! Thanks so much for inviting me on Books and Bling. I love reading all genres, so it's hard to pick one author over another because they are all great at what they do! 

For a romance author, if I could only pick one... (*gnaws fingernail*)... I would go with Nicholas Sparks. His books are so deep and rich. I love that his romances are contemporary, that his heroes are flawed and not Alpha/domineering men, and that he includes families and real life issues, which is very reminiscent of Harlequin's Heartwarming line. I love to read and write stories that people can relate to... that touches them because they've gone through similar experiences. 

What does your Writing Space look like?

Hah! Not very glamorous, I’m afraid. One of my dogs is deaf and has severe heart disease while the other is diabetic. Both need to go outside a lot, so I write from a recliner chair in the living room where I can see the front door in case they wander up to it. It’s so interesting to care for elderly dogs. Puppies are a lot of work, but their cuteness makes up for it. But when they are old and ailing, I’m even more compelled to help because they are a part of my family. I love them so much that there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to help them at this stage in their lives. I wouldn’t want it any other way- no matter how many times I need to hop up out of the chair and let them in and out!

Tea or Coffee?

Is diet soda a category- lol! I love iced tea and iced coffee, too, actually. How weird. I never really thought about it, but maybe I have an aversion to warm drinks...

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I wanted to write ever since I listened to the fairytales my father read to me before bed. I fell asleep imagining- and dreaming- of my own happily-ever-after stories. Once I got a journal, I wrote in it every day through high school and college, but was too fearful to submit anything until some years later. I put off my dream of being a writer until my sister-in-law, a Harlequin author, read my work and told me to give it a try.

What is your favorite go to jewelry piece? I love girly things and accessories fascinate me. Beautifully put together women make me wonder- ‘how do they ever know what goes with what?’ It’s not a talent that comes to me naturally, if at all... So, I guess my favorite jewelry piece is a necklace my godparents gave me when I was baptized. It’s a gold medal with an engraved angel on it and is so simple and pretty that I wear it with just about everything. I like to think it’s a bit blessed, and I always feel special when I have it on J

And lastly, What would you like Readers to know about your book?

HIS HOMETOWN GIRL is very personal to me because it incorporates two topics that are dear to me. The book is set in upstate Vermont dairy country and is very similar to the upstate New York rural area I grew up in. Farming is such an incredible way of life. The families that do it sacrifice so much to live independently and freely. It’s hard work, but so rewarding. My grandparents and now their oldest son, my Uncle Bob, own a Century farm which is a farm that’s been continuously owned by the same family for over a hundred years. Growing up, I loved visiting the farm every Sunday and spending weeks there during the summer. Being surrounded by so many growing things- plants and animals- makes you feel so alive and at peace. Unfortunately, a lot of family farms are being forced out of business as it’s difficult to compete against the corporate mega-farms which is a central topic to this book.

Autism is another major issue in this book and it means a lot to me. My sister, Cathy, has an autistic child, my niece Abbie. We’re separated by only fifteen months in age, so Cathy and I are more like twins than sisters and her children feel like mine and vice versa. As the aunt of an autistic child, I’ve had a unique perspective on the joys and challenges of raising these amazing, special needs children. It’s one of the hardest experiences a parent can go through, but it’s also the most rewarding when your hard work pays off and you see your child making gains.

 Jodi, the main character in HIS HOMETOWN GIRL, is based on my sister Cathy. Although Cathy has been fortunate to have the wonderful support of her husband, Kevin, Jodi is a single parent raising an autistic child, and it was important to me to represent these courageous, loving, hardworking parents accurately and with deep respect for what they do. Cathy was my beta reader for the novel and I kept revising it until she was satisfied that I had captured the true experience of parenting an autistic child. This story goes out as a tribute to all of the parents, and extended family members helping to raise a special needs child. Like your children, you are extraordinary and more than worthy of having lasting love.

Karen Rock has adored romance since receiving Harlequin Presents books from her grandmother each summer. She formed her Young Adult writing partnership, J.K. Rock- pseudonym for the CAMP BOYFRIEND series, with her sister-in-law and Blaze author, Joanne Rock in 2011. When Karen heard of a call for submissions to Heartwarming, Harlequin’s latest line, she was inspired by the possibilities of writing unforgettable, deeply romantic, tender love stories that mothers would feel comfortable sharing with their daughters. When she’s not writing, Karen loves scouring estate sales for vintage books, cooking her grandmother's family recipes, hiking the ‘high peaks’, and redesigning her gardens. She lives in the Adirondack Mountain region with her husband, daughter, and two Cavalier King cocker spaniels who have yet to understand the concept of “fetch” though they know a lot about love. 

For more information about Karen's upcoming books, check out her website, Facebook page, or follow her on twitter. She’d love to hear from you!

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

Tour-Wide Giveaway

Grand Prize: Hand-stitched, authentic Amish quilt (uses their overlapping heart-stitching- pattern), with matching dust ruffle for a king-sized bed, signed copies of Wish Me Tomorrow & Camp Boyfriend, and some surprise swag (US Only)

1 - Paperback/ebook copies of Wish Me Tomorrow and Camp Boyfriend (format is winner's choice, paperback for US Only) and $20 Amazon gift card
2 - ebooks of Wish Me Tomorrow and Camp Boyfriend (INT)

March 3 - 23

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Follow the Tour!

3/3 - Tour Launch & Excerpt

3/4

Katie's Clean Book Collection

Just Jeannies Books & Bling

First Page to the Last

3/5

All That's Written

Cinnamon Cindy's Book Blog

3/6

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

Kelly P's Blog

Harlie's Books

Fiona's Book Reviews

Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

3/7

Mel's Shelves

Read a Book

Reviews By Molly

3/9

My Devotional Thoughts

Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews

Tressa's Wishful Endings

3/10

Giveaway Breaking News for Indonesia

That's the Way it Goes

3/11

Getting Your Read On

Copywrite1985

Bottles & Books Reviews

3/12

The Wonderings of One Person

Letters from Annie Douglass Lima

3/13

Lola's Reviews

I Would Rather Be Reading...

The Written Adventure

Angels With Attitude Book Reviews

3/14

Brooke Blogs

Jessie's Book Place

Total Book Geek

3/16 - Tour Grand Finale

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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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Enchantress of Books Blog Tours

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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