Lily Graison's Blog, page 12
August 6, 2015
Friday First Kiss #72 :: Bring Me Luck by Julie Lence (Historical Western Romance)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from,
Bring Me Luck by Julie Lence
“I severed our relationship!” Jess kicked aside the quilts and lunged to his feet. “You ran out on me.”
Anger sprang into her eyes. “I did not. You shunned me on the boardwalk and then you ceased all contact with me.”
“The hell I did.”
“Oh?” She fisted her hands on her hips. “You didn’t shun me?”
Heat crept up his neck, spread to his cheeks. “That I did do, because I didn’t have a choice. Carl was with me. You and I had agreed to not give our families reason to suspect we favored each other until we were ready to tell them.”
“I would’ve accepted your explanation, except…” Her brow furrowed. “What are you doing on your feet? Lie back down before you do more damage to your back.”
“My back’s fine.”
Her gaze rapidly filled with damnation. “You lied about your health?”
“How the hell else was I going to convince you to let me stay?” he groused. “And don’t change the subject. Finish what you were going to say.”
“You know the rest.” She pivoted on her heel and strode toward the kitchen.
“You’re not getting away this time.” He went after her, gently grasped her arm and turned her to face him. “I’ve waited twenty-two years to hear your side of the matter. I’m not waiting any longer. Spill it.”
“My, my, what a tyrant you’ve become.”
Jess rolled his eyes. “I’ve been called worse. Now talk.”
“I’m sure you have.” She wrinkled her nose in distaste before pulling free from his grasp. “I saw Alexandra and Cynthia at the dress shop before I saw you and Carl. Alexandra told Cynthia you didn’t favor relations of any kind. I didn’t believe her, but then, you shunned me and stopped meeting me.” She squared her shoulders. “I waited for you, but you never came.”
“I came. You were nowhere to be found.”
“You’re a liar! I was at your pa’s lineshack every day for a week.” Her gaze narrowed. “Where were you?”
“For a week? What the hell for? Everyone knew Carl and I were in the calaboose.”
“You were not. I would’ve known if Sheriff Crumb had locked you in his jail cell. The gossips’ would’ve talked about nothing else the whole time you were there.”
“I wasn’t in the Coyote jail. I was in the Pueblo jail.”
“Pueblo?”
At the stunned expression on her face, his blood turned cold. Brawling with his brother. Shattered glass. Ten days of miserable hell. He’d always assumed she’d known. Pa had said everyone knew. But she hadn’t, and he swallowed hard, felt the regret for what should have been burn his gut. “I didn’t abandon you,” he said quietly before taking her hand and leading her to the table. “Sit. Let me explain.”
“I have the noon meal to set out.”
“It’ll keep.”
“It won’t. Vincent-Bodean will be in shortly and―”
“Rachael, this is important. Please?” He held a breath while she assessed him.
“Very well.” She sat.
Jess plopped his weight onto the chair next to hers. “After I shunned you, Carl and I got into a row at home. We broke the parlor window. Ma was ready to box our ears, she was so mad. Pa stepped in and saved our hides. He bade us to go to Pueblo the next day and get a new one.”
“And?” She raised a brow.
“Carl and I got into another fight down there and busted up a saloon. The sheriff hauled us off to jail and sent word to Pa. Pa sent one of our ranch hands to Pueblo with word he’d come and get us when he was damn good and ready.” Jess shook his head in fond remembrance. Pa always did manage to get the upper hand on him and Carl. “He made us stay in the calaboose for ten days, and was damn proud of that decision. He told us he bragged to all of Coyote his new method for teaching us a good lesson.”
“Did it teach you a lesson?”
He grinned, amused. “No. We broke another window.” He sobered. “I imagined your brothers laughing all the way to Wooded Acres to tell your family what had happened.”
“If they knew, they didn’t say,” she said softly, her tone laced with pain and surprisingly, a belief in his words.
“We lost twenty years because of misunderstandings. Please, don’t make us lose another twenty. Let me stay and make things right between us.”
“We lost twenty years because…” Abruptly, she snapped her mouth shut and pushed back her chair, stood and went to the stove along the west wall. “The meal will be ready soon.”
Jess noted her hands quivered as she stirred the stew. Wordlessly, he crossed the floor and rested his palm on her shoulder. “There’s more to the story. Tell me what causes you to tremble,” he gently requested.
She shook off his hand. “It’s nothing.”
“It’s something.” He slid his arms around her waist and eased her back against his chest. “I can’t make things right if you won’t talk to me.”
For a long moment, she stood in his embrace, her fingers covering his and caressing his skin. Hope flared in his gut her silence meant she was warming to him, to the idea of them rekindling their relationship.
“What we shared is in the past,” she said, disheartened. “The past isn’t a foundation to build a future.”
“The hell it isn’t,” he gritted between clenched teeth. “I spent twenty years searching for someone else to love. I didn’t find her. Did you find someone else to love?”
“Yes. Stephen.”
“That’s not the same. He’s your son.”
“Love is love.” She moved away, opened the top door on the hutch. And about damn near caused his heart to cease beating with her next words. “We could start over. Learn to trust each other again. Our families aren’t here to interfere.”
His pulse sped up. “We could.” He went to her, waited for her to set the bowls on the counter before whirling her to face him. “What made you believe me?”
“The anger in your voice. You once hated being blamed for something you didn’t do. Or being labeled a liar when you spoke the truth.”
“Still do.” He swept her into his embrace. “I’m forty-four years old. Reckon I got about ten good years left, maybe more.” He caressed her cheek. “I won’t give you cause to doubt me again.” He lowered his head and touched his lips to hers, gently so as not to scare her. She was still tense and he wouldn’t give her a reason to rescind her words. “I can begin with helping Stephen get his cows back.”
“You can begin with setting the table.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He grinned before releasing her and stepping aside, only to have her grasp his arm.
“Jess, I need for you to trust me, too. Now and later.”
He cupped her cheek, caressed her skin. “Whatever troubles you, you’ll tell me when you’re ready.”
“You’ll hate me.”
“Doubt it. If twenty years separation didn’t banish you from my heart, nothing you say will.”
Bring Me Luck by Julie Lence
A chance encounter with the woman who ran out on him leads Jess Jansen to gamble on love one last time.
For Jess Jansen, grief and guilt are as much a part of him as riding herd. Twenty-two years he’s longed for the woman who ran out on him, and now his luck is about to change. Needing a place to hole up during a thunderstorm, the Lazy K looks to be a safe haven. There’s a barn―and a body with soft curves and sapphire eyes he’d know anywhere.
Rachael Weston is a bundle of nerves when Jess suddenly appears at her door. He shunned her once and will again if she foolishly welcomes him back into her life. But when Jess proves innocent of wrongdoing, Rachael fears revealing to him the one truth that just might cause him to turn his back on her―for good.
Purchase your copy at the retailers listed below.
About Julie Lence
Julie was born and raised in upstate New York. She married her high school sweetheart and accompanied him on his twenty-year career with the United States Air Force. Presently, she resides in the Pikes Peak region, where she’s a stay-at-home mom enjoying a career writing western historical romance.
Throughout her school years, Julie enjoyed reading and writing. A friend introduced her to the romance genre in the late 80’s and she was instantly hooked, crediting Judith McNaught and Johanna Lindsey as her inspirations to pen her own novels. As she puts it, Ms. McNaught’s voice is flawless and Ms. Lindsey’s Malory family is endearing and addictive. Combining her fondness for horses, John Wayne and the television series, Dallas, Julie settled into writing about cowboys, outlaws and the ‘old west’ early in her career.
As a self-published author, Julie enjoys crafting covers as much as she does writing the story, something she never thought possible since she was terrible in school art classes. Most days she can be found at her computer working on her latest book. She enjoys taking care of her family and home, exploring the Rocky Mountains and meeting fans of the romance genre.
Authors, would you like to see your romance book featured on Friday First Kiss? Find out how HERE.
The post Friday First Kiss #72 :: Bring Me Luck by Julie Lence (Historical Western Romance) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
August 4, 2015
Fiddle Dee Dee Recipes :: A Taste of “Gone With the Wind”
Last year I received an email from Terry Lynn Crane, an author who ran across a photo I had taken at one of my historical events. It was from the Hart Square event that takes place every October. I take tons of photos at this event because all the buildings and everything in them are all dated to the 1800’s or later. The photo that caught Terry’s eye was one from inside the old mercantile.
In the email she explained to me that she was writing a cookbook based on “Gone With The Wind.” Her late husband was none other than actor Fred Crane, who portrayed Brent Tarleton. Terry’s cookbook would celebrate the movie and the wonderful actors who have made it such an iconic piece of cinema magic.
Terry was gracious enough to sign a copy of her book for me and I’ve placed it on the kitchen cabinet where I can see it everyday. It too beautiful to shove into a tight space with all my other cookbooks. Take a look at some of the wonderful pages inside the book and see for yourself.
The pages are filled with not only recipes, but small tidbits of movie memorabilia, exclusive, never before seen photographs and hand drawn sketches.
Each page is a work of art, just like the movie is. My daughter has already asked for my copy but this one won’t be leaving the house. Its the one book I’ll be sure to treasure for years to come.
Take a look at the video below and see the entire book and all the wonderful pages within!
If you’d like to get your own copy of this special cookbook, head over to Terry’s Website to order.
About Terry Lynn Crane
Terry Lynn Crane is a published author, free-lance writer for newspapers, magazines, poetry anthologies, an award-winning poet, gifted artist, singer, songwriter, broadcast professional, an actress in live theatre, civic light operas and a marketing professional.
At the age of 14, Terry was one of the youngest members of A.S.C.A.P. (American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers) with her first song, “Glad You’re Still Around”, penned with co-writer, Dan Lambert, published in Nashville, Tennessee. While pursuing her music career, she performed in numerous civic light operas in California, many television variety shows, Jerry Lewis Telethon and live concerts throughout the United States. Terry also studied broadcasting in San Diego, California and was the comedic radio personality, “Shirley Dimple” in Memphis, Tennessee with popular disc jockeys, Rick Dees (Disco Duck and Top 40 Countdown fame), Ron Jordan, Charlie O’Neal and radio legend, Wolfman Jack.
In 2000, Terry and her late husband, “Gone With The Wind” actor, Fred Crane, (“Brent Tarleton”) opened a Gone With The Wind-themed B&B, Tarleton Oaks Bed and Breakfast, where they entertained guests from all over the world. In 2002, they opened The Gone With The Wind Hall of Stars Museum which housed over 100 items previously owned or worn by “Gone With The Wind” cast members such as Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Olivia de Havilland, Leslie Howard, George Reeves, Butterfly McQueen and others, along with many signed photographs from “Gone With The Wind” and letters from the cast members.
FIDDLE DEE DEE RECIPES: A TASTE OF “GONE WITH THE WIND”, is Terry’s newest book release. It is a beautiful unique, Gone With The Wind collectible cookbook. A variety of recipes are offered from the mid to late 1800’s, as well as Fred and Terry’s recipes which were served to family, friends and guests at their establishment, Tarleton Oaks Bed and Breakfast. Also included are special selections from their memorabilia collection, most autographed, which were on display at The Gone With The Wind Hall of Stars Museum. These recipes, memorabilia, autographs, information about the “Gone With The Wind” cast members and historic items are intertwined with memories of their extraordinary experiences at Tarleton Oaks. Other books Terry has in the works are GONE WITH THE PEN: A JOURNEY TO THE HEART, a non-fiction book which contains many of the letters that Fred and Terry wrote to each other as well as photographs, original poetry and artwork of both Fred and Terry Lynn Crane; FROM TARA TO TARLETON OAKS: A GONE WITH THE WIND SCRAPBOOK, a non-fiction book which she co-wrote with her late husband, Fred Crane; two children’s books, HALLOWEEN and THE MAGICAL EASTER EGG HUNT; and a series of travel books.
Today, she and her husband, Frank Crabtree, have their own radio shows, “Feel Good Friday With Frank and Terry” and “Cruisin’ To The Oldies With Frank and Terry” and the soon to be aired “Feel Good Mornings With Frank and Terry”. Since they stream on the world wide web, they have listeners from all over the United States, England, Germany, The Netherlands, Egypt, the Philippines, China, Australia, Indonesia and Thailand on WIHE-LP 101.3 FM and streaming on www.RadioLibertyKY.com .
The post Fiddle Dee Dee Recipes :: A Taste of “Gone With the Wind” appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
July 31, 2015
Friday First Kiss #71 :: More Than She Bargained For by Megan Michaels (Erotica Western BDSM)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from,
More Than She Bargained For by Megan Michaels
He stood on the altar with his new dress shirt and pants, looking better than he’d looked in months, maybe years. And standing before him was his future wife. Even though Daisy still wore a black mourning dress, she looked ravishing. With her sky blue eyes and raven hair, she truly was a stunning woman.
The warning Angus had given him seemed correct, discipline brought out her mild and compliant side. She smiled at him sweetly, holding his hands as the preacher stood with the Bible. The man spoke about commitments, and love, and being one as the church is one with Christ along many other things that Noah couldn’t seem to hear, lost as he was in his own thoughts.
Noah’s marriage ceremony wasn’t exactly as he envisioned it over the years. He never thought he’d be marrying a widow dressed in black for his wedding. He always thought his wife would be a virgin — and blonde like him. For many years, he just assumed he’d marry a woman from his little town in Denmark. He never imagined he’d live in America, much less the wide-open emptiness of Nebraska. And he certainly didn’t envision himself having a mail-order bride.
But life has a way of bringing its plan to you whether it matches your plan or not. His life had finally come together. Through hard work and tenacity, he’d finally begun to see the fruits of his labor. The next phase would be putting the same work and effort required to have a happy family — a loving, obedient wife and — hopefully — a passel of blonde and black haired children laughing and playing among distant pastures of horses. Idyllic, yes. But it’s how he envisioned his marriage now, standing at the altar, his gorgeous wife smiling up at him.
After exchanging their vows, both of them swiping tears away, the preacher asked Noah if he had a ring. He pulled the ring out of his pocket and slipped it onto Daisy’s hand. She smiled through teary eyes and whispered to him, “It’s beautiful, Noah. Thank you.” Just those few words made his chest swell, and he fell in love with her at that very moment. So easily pleased and sentimental. She’d been sent to him — and he knew he’d do anything to make this marriage work.
“You may kiss the bride.” Noah forgot that they were to kiss. It felt odd, and yet, seemed so natural to seal the ceremony with a slow, gentle kiss.
Her ruby red lips were soft and lush, and he pulled her close to his chest, languidly tasting her, pushing his tongue into her mouth, her low hum letting him know she enjoyed it as much as he. She tasted like honey, and he ran his hand up the column of her neck, her skin feeling like satin under his callused hands. Her pulse quickened under the touch of his fingers. His cock turned to steel then, and he quickly pulled away, remembering the preacher standing uncomfortably close. Noah blushed, smiling at him. “Sorry about that, preacher.”
“No worries, son. It’s all part of the process. Now, y’all go home and start your lives. And be happy.” He waved his hands, shooing them out the door.
Laughing, Daisy and Noah grabbed each other’s hands, running outside to the waiting buggy.
More Than She Bargained For by Megan Michaels
Wild as an untamed stallion, Daisy was never much for going along to get along. Her fiery spirit, burning passion and curvy beauty, which had served her so well in her young life were nevertheless useless to her when a Confederate captain comes calling with grave news. The greatest conflagration to ever befall the country has left its mark on her life too — forever. Lost, despairing, and with little choice left to a young widow, Daisy will nevertheless have to draw one last time upon that fierce spirit to strike out on her own. A new life in the great American west. Far from the misery and danger of the post-War South. A Dane transplanted in Nebraska waits for her at the end of the long trail. A mild-mannered Scandinavian man might be just the thing for her. A gentle man would be easily malleable, no match for the force of her personality. Right?
Training — horses specifically — was what Noah Jensen knew, lived, and loved. A new life far from his homeland of Denmark in the wilds of Nebraska suited him though. He needed the open spaces, the endless possibilities he could never have in his home country. Now, he needed more though — he needed a wife. Marriageable women were as rare in Nebraska as a warm spring day, so a mail-order bride was the answer. He’d been warned that the women obtained in such a way often needed… training. And one Daisy Anderson was a woman who particularly needed training. One look at her lush body, keen eyes, and volatile disposition though, and Noah knew she was the one for him. Now all he had to do was convince her of the same — even if it meant showing her just how strict and unbending a Danish horseman could be with his wife-to-be. He had no doubt she’d be making plenty of trips over his lap — or secured over a bale of hay in the shadows of his barn for a lashing of that round, white bottom of hers. The only question was how many times it would take to bend her will to his.
Spirited southern sass, and female pride were about to collide with a Scandinavian rock more than ready to train his woman as thoroughly — and sometimes as harshly — as his fillies. Would the strong Nebraska Dane be able to tame her body without also breaking her spirit? And what was a man to do when his wife’s Civil War past comes back to haunt her, threatening to unravel his carefully laid plans for a life well-lived — and a wife well-disciplined?
Publisher’s Warning: Intended for mature readers. 18 and over only!
This is a MF BDSM Western erotic romance. Themes include: graphic sexuality, exhibitionism, spanking, bondage, pet play, anal play and other BDSM activities. If such content might offend you, please do not purchase this book.
Purchase your copy at the retailers listed below.
Amazon US | UK
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Oyster
About Megan Michaels
#1 Amazon Bestseller in Erotic Western & Erotic Historical. Megan Michaels writes BDSM Erotic Romance that is either Contemporary or Western Historical. Her books delve into Domestic Discipline, Dominance/submission, and all of them have elements of BDSM. Megan Michaels’ books are a sensual exploration into erotic romance. She loves a strong, alpha male who spanks, and if that man is a Dom or a cowboy…well then the perfect situation has been created.
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Authors, would you like to see your romance book featured on Friday First Kiss? Find out how HERE.
The post Friday First Kiss #71 :: More Than She Bargained For by Megan Michaels (Erotica Western BDSM) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
July 23, 2015
Friday First Kiss #70 :: The Blackbird by Kristy McCaffrey (Historical Western Romance)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from,
The Blackbird by Kristy McCaffrey
“How long do you want to keep suffering?” he (Cale) continued, his voice sympathetic. “Months, years? You’re eighteen years old, Tess. You’re a beautiful young woman with an injured leg, who’s thinking of joining a convent so no man will never touch you again. If that’s what you truly want, then so be it. But don’t let that bastard take your entire life from you before you’ve had the chance to choose. And by bastard, I mean not just Saul, but Hank, too.”
“You speak about it like it’s the easiest thing in the world.”
“Of course it’s not easy. Life is a shithole sometimes.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry for the language, but I don’t like seeing you recoil like a frightened animal.”
Shame flooded her from the trembling earlier.
Cale moved to her and gripped her shoulders. “You can overcome this. Not every man is out to hurt you.” He brought his hands to her face and cupped her cheeks.
She knew he would kiss her.
She wanted him to, but at the same time her body rebelled, so she closed her eyes.
“Go ahead,” she whispered.
She was surprised by the barest brush of his lips against hers. Slowly, he made more contact, kissing her gently, but with each pass he deepened the connection more. For Tess, it was achingly sweet, sweeter than she’d ever imagined. But her body shook, from head to toe, and her ragged breathing made it difficult for her to calm down, to enjoy her first, real kiss.
He settled in closer, kneeling before her. She kept her eyes shut as his thumb caressed her lower lip, as he nuzzled her cheek.
“Look at me, Tess.” Despite the demand, his voice was kind.
She opened her eyes. His face hovered close to hers, and a hint of a smile tugged at his lips. He only touched her face, nowhere else.
His blue eyes held desire, but he seemed in no hurry to move any faster.
Although he made a point to shave every few days, his newly-budding whiskers poked her. Despite his restraint, his mouth met hers with a growing hunger, stirring a longing that grew inside her abdomen. He tasted of coffee and the stew they’d just eaten, and she liked it.
His mouth retreated, but she moved forward and kissed him, not wanting the contact to stop. He responded, molding his lips over hers. Her hands grasped his wrists, wanting to touch him but hesitant to initiate more.
The kiss became more urgent, and when Tess opened her lips his tongue swept briefly inside, shocking her. She stilled.
He pulled back, but his face remained only inches from hers.
“You don’t have to worry,” he said. “You can set the pace. You can always tell me to stop.”
She wanted to believe him. “Why would you do this when there are other women with far less difficulties?”
He grinned and leaned away. “None of ’em are you.”
She didn’t know what to say.
Did he mean it? Did it matter if he didn’t?
The Blackbird by Kristy McCaffrey
For two years, Tess Carlisle has tried to heal the mental and physical wounds of a deadly assault by one of her papá’s men, but with no contact from Hank Carlisle since the attack, she’s determined to track him down. Her only hope is bounty hunter Cale Walker, a protégé of Hank’s and a man unlike any she has ever known. As he teaches her strength not just in body but spirit, he also makes her yearn for something she vowed she never would—love.
Purchase your copy at the retailers listed below.
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iTunes
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About Kristy McCaffrey
As a child, Kristy McCaffrey frequently narrated to herself. It soon became apparent that she had an affinity for this writing thing. Raised on a steady diet of sci-fi/fantasy and tales of King Arthur, she transferred this love of mythic storytelling to penning western romances once she decided, at long last, to pay attention to her natural inclinations.
Educated as an engineer, she swiftly gave that up to be a stay-at-home mom and aspiring author. She and her husband live in the Arizona desert, where their four children are in varying stages of flying the nest.
A great love of travel frequently ends up on her blog, along with attempts at humor. This is often at the expense of her kids, which has led them to proclaim, “We will no longer read your blog, Mom.” They also refuse to follow her on Twitter.
Kristy believes life should be lived with curiosity, compassion, and gratitude, and one should never be far from the enthusiasm of a dog. She also likes sleeping-in, eating Mexican food, and doing yoga at home in her pajamas.
Authors, would you like to see your romance book featured on Friday First Kiss? Find out how HERE.
The post Friday First Kiss #70 :: The Blackbird by Kristy McCaffrey (Historical Western Romance) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
July 17, 2015
Friday First Kiss #69 :: Cora Captures a Cowboy by Linda Hubalek (Sweet Historical Romance)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from,
Cora Captures a Cowboy by Linda Hubalek
“Cora…” Dagmar quickly stood and touched her shoulder to turn her around. “I am really sorry this is happening to you, but I’m not the right man to be your husband.”
She had to let him know how she really felt about him, so she set down the plate again, put her hands around his neck and pulled his face down to hers. “Yes. You. Are, Dagmar Thomas Hamner,” she stated firmly before pressing her lips against his to seal their first ever kiss.
He was still leaning over looking shocked when she looked back while entering the house. Let him think about that kiss tonight and see if that turns the tide in his thinking. She had to find a way to capture her cowboy before Sunday noon.
—–
Bostonian Cora Elison arrives unannounced at her family’s ranch in Kansas, after her fiancé changed her status from bride to bridesmaid—at her own wedding. But after a few months, Cora thanks her lucky stars that he did because she has found a set of loyal friends, a way of life she relishes, and a cowboy she has become to love.
Dagmar Hamner and his family emigrated from Sweden to work on a Texas ranch, working cattle and herding them north over the Chisholm Trail. After his family decides to settle permanently in Kansas in 1873, he is hired for the foreman’s job at the six thousand acre Bar E Ranch.
All goes well for the Swedish cowboy until the absentee owner’s daughter arrives, wanting to learn how to become a rancher. Time makes them best friends, until a telegram arrives saying Cora’s parents are bringing an unknown groom to Kansas for her, insisting she be married when they arrive.
Cora asks Dagmar to marry her, but he balks at her proposal. Between confusion and interference, will Cora be able to capture her cowboy in time to haul him to the altar?
Be sure to read all the Brides with Grit series.
Book 1: Rania Ropes a Rancher
Book 2: Millie Marries a Marshal
Book 3: Hilda Hogties a Horseman
Book 4: Cora Captures a Cowboy
Book 5: Sarah Snares a Soldier (August 2015)
Book 5: Cate Corrals a Cattleman (August 2015)
Cora Captures a Cowboy by Linda Hubalek
Mail-order bride Millie Donovan was looking forward to meeting Sam Larson, a Kansas homesteader, who she is sure, from reading his heartfelt letters, will provide her with the love and safety she wants and needs. Millie arrives on the train, not realizing that her husband-to-be was killed in an accident, until Clear Creek’s town marshal informs her of the situation.
Town Marshal Adam Wilerson never plans to marry due to his dangerous job. After reading letters found at his friend’s home following his untimely death which were sent from his friend’s mail-order bride, he can’t help thinking of the woman, and believes he may be in love with her himself. But instead of sending Millie on the train back to her former home, he finds himself welcoming her—and her two-year-old charge—into his house, and into his heart.
When danger threatens, Millie faces it head–on to protect the people she loves, including the town marshal.
Can Adam keep the peace in town—and his house—or will the man following Millie cause an uproar that will endanger them both, and ruin their chance of a life together?
Purchase your copy at the retailers listed below.
About Linda Hubalek
Linda Hubalek grew up on the Kansas prairie, always wanting to be a farmer like her parents and ancestors. After earning a college degree in Agriculture, marriage took Linda away from Kansas as her husband worked in engineering jobs in several states. Meanwhile, Linda wrote about pioneer women that homesteaded in Kansas between 1854 to the early 1900s, especially her Swedish immigrant ancestors. Her historical fiction book series are Butter in the Well, Trail of Thread, Planting Dreams and the Kansas Quilter. She also has a historical western romance series called Brides with Grit. Linda and her husband finally returned back to Kansas, where they raised American buffalo (bison) for a dozen years.
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Authors, would you like to see your romance book featured on Friday First Kiss? Find out how HERE.
The post Friday First Kiss #69 :: Cora Captures a Cowboy by Linda Hubalek (Sweet Historical Romance) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
July 9, 2015
Friday First Kiss #68 :: Harcourt’s Mountain by Elaine Dodge (Historical Romance)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from,
Harcourt’s Mountain by Elaine Dodge
“After you.” He held the stall door open. He could feel her stiffen a little as she stepped past. With both of them inside the stall, the horse seemed large even to Luke. He was aware of how narrow the stall was with Hope standing beside him. “First put the blanket on.” He threw it over and smoothed it down. “Then the saddle.” He showed her how to fold the stirrups over the saddle first. She lifted it up, surprised at its weight. She grunted as she hefted the saddle in her arms to get a better grip, then tossed it up. Luke showed her how to tighten the girth, how the horse always took a breath to try and keep it loose and how to adjust for that. Augustus Brown shifted, side stepping and nodding his head. “Well done.”
Hope smiled joyously at him and ran her hand along the horse’s shoulder. The barn was warm, filled with a golden glow and the scent of fresh hay. She was so close to him. Luke saw the horse’s skin quiver under her gently caressing hand. His blood stirred, he took a breath, it was now or never. No matter what she said, he had to tell her how he felt.
“Hope,” he began. She turned her head, her lips curving with that soft invitation it unconsciously carried. The horse moved abruptly and banged into Luke, throwing him against her.
They crashed into the wooden side of the stall, his hands on the panelling on either side of her face, his body pressed up against hers. He eased back slightly and looked into her eyes. His heart started that slow, deep, hot pounding it always did when he was close to her. Very, very slowly he leant towards her and kissed her, his lips barely grazing hers. He heard her take a small, quick breath, her lips quivered under his. He kissed her again, letting his mouth press softly against hers.
She sighed and then went still. She didn’t move. There was no more response from her. None at all. Had he made a mistake? He pulled away and looked into her eyes. He wasn’t sure what he saw there. Was it fear? Her face was almost blank. She wasn’t even looking at him. Her gaze was fixed somewhere over his shoulder. A small frown creased his forehead. A trickle of fear ran down his spine. He’d thought she was over what had happened with Tobias John. Was he wrong? Had the trapper damaged her worse than he thought?
“Hope?” Augustus Brown was restless; he moved and pushed Luke again. It wouldn’t take much for Hope’s new found confidence in the horse to splinter. Taking the bridle, Luke led the animal out of the barn. Augustus Brown tugged at the reign, dancing around, tossing his head. Bloody Hell, this is the wrong time to misbehave, you stupid animal. He looked back at Hope.
“Hope?” He didn’t know what to say. “He’s going to tear the place up. I’ve got to ride the fidgets out of him. I’m—All right horse!” The animal was jerking his head up and down, trying to wrench the reins out of Luke’s hand. Hope hadn’t moved. Before Augustus Brown could tear his arm out of its socket, Luke mounted and rode away.
Harcourt’s Mountain by Elaine Dodge
Spring, 1867
The western frontier of British Columbia hardly seems a likely place for romance. Filthy, terrified and confused, Hope Booker is waiting to be sold off the ‘bride’ ship. Luke Harcourt happens upon the sale. It’s not love at first sight, but he feels compelled to save her from a life of slavery and prostitution. To allay her fears of being raped by him, Luke promises never to touch her. Being a man of his word, this is a pledge he quickly finds almost impossible to keep.
Battling their growing attraction to each other, they must learn to live together in the forests of the wild and almost unexplored mountains. They face white water, Indians, wolves, as well as a dangerous man from Hope’s past.
No longer able to deny their feelings, their ‘happy-ever-after’ is shattered when a corrupt land baron forces Luke’s hand. Enraged at the man’s actions, Luke rides into town—and disappears.
Alone and pregnant, Hope faces the prospect of the worst winter in ten years. The trauma of fighting off a hungry grizzly brings on labor, but the baby is stuck. Luke meanwhile wakes up on a ship bound for South America, captained by a revengeful sadist who plans to murder him. Luke’s chances of survival are slim. Can he stay alive and make it back to Hope in time?
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About Elaine Dodge
I was born in Zambia, grew up in Zimbabwe and currently live in South Africa. Books have filled my life from the very beginning. I trained as a designer, worked in that industry for years, even running my own company for a while. A long stint in advertising followed. In the last decade, I beavered away in the TV industry, winning an odd international award. But that wasn’t enough. Iwanted to “tell stories”. I am passionate about it. I feel most alive when I’m writing, and I absolutely delight in letting my imagination run riot. In November 2011, I finally took the plunge and decided to “wrestle the Rottweiler” and started putting all those stories on paper. A few months later I swam a little further out and became a full time freelance copywriter so I would have more freedom to write my stories. Apart from the sequel to Harcourt’s Mountain, I’ve finished my second novel, a steampunk story which is currently in edit and the first chapters to two other books as well as the opening paragraphs to two more.
Authors, would you like to see your romance book featured on Friday First Kiss? Find out how HERE.
The post Friday First Kiss #68 :: Harcourt’s Mountain by Elaine Dodge (Historical Romance) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
July 5, 2015
Christmas in July .99cent Sale!
It may be another 24 weeks before Christmas rolls around again but that doesn’t mean we can’t indulge in the holiday spirit with a few warm-hearted Christmas reads!
For the entire month of July, all of my Christmas romances are special priced at .99cent! Take a look below for book blurbs and buy links.
A Willow Creek Christmas
by Lily Graison
Historical Western Romance
Length: Novel
Released: Nov. 2013
Running from a life she no longer wanted…
Widowed with two young children, Keri Hilam is desperate to escape her abusive brother in law, going so far as sneaking away in the dead of night in hopes of finding a better life. She never regrets leaving, not even when they find themselves stranded, starving, and alone. Fate brings them to Willow Creek, Montana, where they’re rescued by an unlikely hero, an ex-confederate soldier who seems more monster than man.
Hiding from a past he can’t seem to forget…
The war leaves Noah Lloyd scarred and bitter. When the girl he left behind broke his heart, he turned his back on the life he used to know, and sought refuge in a dusty little town that afforded him the solitude he wanted. Finding a woman and her kids hunkered down in an abandoned line shack in the middle of a blizzard is the last thing he needs. They’re ragged, half starved and vulnerable, but he’s determined to leave the trio in the care of the town marshal.
Can a future together erase all the pain…
But the innocence of a child at Christmas breaks through Noah’s hard exterior and Keri’s tender care allows him to see that life may be worth living. All he has to do is let go of his past and let this unlikely family love him.
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Blame It On The Mistletoe
by Lily Graison
Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Released: Dec. 2009
When Macy Carter’s parents order her to bring her live-in boyfriend Sean home with her for Christmas she has no idea that her little white lie is just about to snowball into a fabrication of monstrous proportions. Sean isn’t her boyfriend, he’s her boss. Now she has to reveal the lie she’s been telling her family for the past two years or hastily concoct an elaborate ruse to fool them instead.
When Macy tells Sean Mathis of her predicament he does what any gentleman would – he laughs and then agrees to help her out. Little does he know that one misplaced word in their little scheme will backfire and land them both in the hot-seat.
Secluded in the mountains, surrounded by snow and good will, Sean and Macy can’t help looking like the perfect couple. So perfect that the family decides a Christmas wedding will make it a holiday none of them would ever forget!
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That First Christmas
by Lily Graison
Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Released: Dec. 2008
Meredith Gunter has always been Daddy’s little girl. Spoiled all her life, she’s never had to ask for anything and expects to get exactly what she wants. When she wrecks her car on the way home from college for Christmas break, she finds herself stranded on the mountain in the middle of a snowstorm, in a one-room cabin with a man she can’t help but want.
Travis Gregory has lived alone on the mountain for the last four years. He has little contact with the outside world and prefers it that way. When he spots a girl on the side of the road, his conscience won’t let him abandon her. The redhead captivates him instantly.
Worlds collide when Travis and Meredith try to co-exist in his one room cabin. Can they fight their growing attraction when the nights get longer and the storm isolates them from the rest of the world? Can two people, from such different worlds, ever truly be happy together?
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The post Christmas in July .99cent Sale! appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
July 3, 2015
Friday First Kiss #67 :: Ridin’ For A Fall by Kirsten Lynn (Historical Western Romance)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from,
Ridin’ For A Fall by Kirsten Lynn
“Take me home again Kathleen…” The loud baritone singing voice neared the door to Kyle’s room. Katie stirred. Frying was too charitable a thought. Her mind drifted to the treatment stallions met, changing them to geldings.
The scrape of metal on metal for the fifth time told Lena the tale. The ass was drunk and couldn’t get the key in the lock. “Take me home again Kathleen…” She huffed a breath. And obviously all he could remember of the song was the first line of the chorus, and the wrong words at that.
With a yank, she opened the door to a wide-eyed Kyle. His gaze swept over her, and she tugged the top of her wrap together. “Lena Gowan, come to welcome me in for the night.” He strutted in pushing the door shut with a loud thud.
A soft cry from the crib Alt had managed to buy from the hotel manager’s wife made Lena take a step nearer Kyle. “Shhh, ye ass. You’ll wake the baby.”
He flopped on the bed, his arms crossed behind his head. His gaze was too hot, and more disconcerting, it was too familiar. She might as well be standing there stark naked, because sure as it’d rain tomorrow in London, Kyle Allaway saw her that way now. “We’ll have to be quiet about it then. None of your screamin’ my name.”
“Kyle James Allaway…”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk, I said none of that. Help me with my boots.” He waved a booted foot her way.
“I’ll help ye out the window. You’re drunk.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “Yep. That’s why I need yer help, leannán.”
Her stomach grew tight and warmth pooled in her most intimate place at the name he’d murmured over and over against her ear as he sought pleasure from her body and gave hers equal measure. “I am not your sweetheart.” She tried to sound firm, but even to her own ears, the hope was evident.
He tossed his hat at a coat rack and damn the man if he didn’t hit a hook straight on. “No? Then whose sweetheart are you?”
The change in his eyes from blue fire to January ice was confusing. She tipped her head to one side. “No one’s. Did ye drink bad whiskey?”
“Not Bill Reddin’s?”
The laugh bubbled out like hot springs. “Most definitely not Bill Reddin’s. I’m no one’s sweetheart.”
One side of his mouth tipped just a bit in a wicked grin. “Help a sotted friend with his boots then.”
Lena gave up. She wanted to rail at him, but he probably wouldn’t remember it in the morning anyway. She’d just have to hold onto her lecture and every choice name she’d thought of this evening until morning, or afternoon, judging by his condition.
Turning her backside to him, she straddled one leg and tugged off a cowboy boot. There was a low moan behind her, and she turned her head to find him eyeing her backside.
“What’s the matter with you tonight? Ye leave me to watch after Katie while ye go have yerself a drunk and now you’re ogling me like I’m a whore ye paid to trifle with.”
She straddled the other leg and tugged off the boot, but before she could move, a muscled arm wrapped around her waist and snatched her back and she was under Kyle. Her chest rose and fell with an effort to breathe, but with every stroke of her breasts against his chest, the effort became increasingly difficult.
“Lord, ye feel so good under me, leannán.”
She swallowed hard. “Kyle…why?”
His mouth captured hers and he devoured her. It wasn’t a soft kiss, but one of power, and ownership. He nipped her bottom lip until her lips parted and he consumed her. The taste of whiskey and Kyle threatened to intoxicate her as his tongue rubbed against hers and tangled with hers until she had no recourse but to respond. And then his mouth was ripped from hers.
“Because I want you, Lena Gowan. Damn me, I want to be in every part of you again. Just the thought of your mouth takin’ me like before has kept me awake and hard every damn night, and being inside your tight hot sex drives me mad. You know why I bedded Emma?”
“No,” she squeaked. The images his words conjured sent a flood of warm honey out of the very sex he spoke of, preparing for him…only him.
“Because I was tired of usin’ my hand night after night and picturing you.” His mouth was on hers again in a harder kiss. His hands smoothed over her body, and Lena squirmed under their attention as he parted her wrap and pushed up her nightgown. Rough palms smoothed over the outside of her thighs.
Her hands shot to his chest, her palms flat against the hard plains. She wrenched her mouth from his. “Stop!”
His eyebrows flew to his hairline. “What? Did I hurt ye, Lena?”
“Not yet. Please stop.”
KYLE sobered fast. His fingers still dug into the firm flesh of Lena’s thighs, so close to the lush globes of her backside they itched to move. She wanted him; he could see it in those green eyes, the clouds of passion turning them a gray-green, and he felt it from her core so hot it almost burned him through his denims and underwear.
“Why, Lena?”
Large tears escaped from the corners of her eyes, and he caught them with the pads of his thumbs. “Because in the morning, you’ll regret this night, and that will surely shatter my heart, because…” She swallowed hard. “…I won’t.”
He’s the All American Cowboy…
Kyle Allaway is riding tall as one-half of the greatest act in Frank Perry’s Wild West Show. He’s his own man far from Big Horn, Wyoming and the family who betrayed him driving him from his fondest dream…well at least one of his dreams…
She’s the Sweetheart of the West…
Lena Gowan is barely holding onto the reins. Tired of constant travel, the applause of the crowd means nothing to her. She longs to return to the ranch co-owned by the Gowan and Allaway families. To leave Kyle would mean walking away from her dearest friend and heart’s desire.
Together they’ve been a team since childhood…
When a surprise lands in Kyle’s arms, he’s forced to become two things he swore he’d never be… a father to a child born outside of marriage and Lena’s husband. His world continues to tumble when he takes his new family to the one place he both loves and hates … the A&G Ranch. As the world erupts in the Great War, the Allaways and Gowans face a battle years in the making. Kyle and Lena must hold tight to each other and fight internal questions and doubts and external forces seeking their destruction, or risk a fall that will knock them out of the saddle for good.
Sometimes the safest place to fall…is in love…
*This book contains adult language and sexual situations. It is intended for audiences 18 ONLY*
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About Kirsten Lynn
Kirsten Lynn is a Western and Military Historian. She worked six years with a Navy non-profit and continues to contract with the Marine Corps History Division for certain projects.
Making her home where her roots were sewn in Wyoming, Kirsten also works as a local historian. She loves to use the history she has learned and add it to a great love story. She writes stories about men of uncommon valor…women with undaunted courage…love of unwavering devotion …and romance with unending sizzle.
When she’s not writing, she finds inspiration in day trips through the Bighorn Mountains, binge reading and watching sappy old movies, or sappy new movies. Housework can always wait.
Authors, would you like to see your romance book featured on Friday First Kiss? Find out how HERE.
The post Friday First Kiss #67 :: Ridin’ For A Fall by Kirsten Lynn (Historical Western Romance) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
June 26, 2015
Friday First Kiss #66 :: The Best Place to Meet a Man by Robyn Echols (Contemporary Romantic Comedy)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from,
The Best Place to Meet a Man by Robyn Echols
part of SUMMER HEARTS, a compilation of six sweet summer romances.
Okay, I admit it. At times it was hard to stay focused on the quilts because I felt totally immersed in warmth—the good kind, not the summer heat wave kind—thanks to Jeff holding my hand. And, we were at the black and white quilt with red floral designs appliquéd on it when he shifted and placed his hand at my waist and pulled me up next to him before he guided me to the next quilt.
We approached the corner located the farthest away from the entrance. The next thing I knew, Jeff tugged me behind the pair of quilts arranged to form a corner.
“Wouldn’t you like to see the back of these quilts?” he innocently asked.
“Yes, they’re lovely. Some of these quilters make their quilt backs almost as pretty as the tops.”
I barely got the words out before Jeff pulled me into his arms and softly kissed me. The first kiss was quick and gentle, almost like a test kiss, to see whether I would kiss him back or break away and run. I didn’t run. You couldn’t have paid me to run. The next kiss was deeper and longer. It captured my heart and soul. I felt all tingling clear to my toes.
“I have wanted to kiss you ever since I saw you standing in the church foyer this morning,” Jeff said as we came up for air. “You looked pretty good to me at the beach yesterday. But today, seeing you at church and how beautiful you looked, I just wanted to pull you into my arms. Then again, I figured inside the church was probably not the best place to kiss you, especially with your family standing there.”
You can kiss me inside the church at our wedding.
Wait. Where did that come from?
“Here in this corner was a good choice, especially with your mom roaming the premises.”
We both turned as a discreet cough caught our attention. Two women stood before us. One of them, a gray-haired docent wearing white cotton gloves, held up the corner of one of the quilts forming the wall of our hiding place.
“I’m sorry if I’m interrupting, but this lady asked to see the label on the back of this quilt.”
Jeff responded with a smile and once again grabbed my hand as we walked to the next quilt. It was time to get out of there. All those docents were friends of his mother, and who knew how long we had before word got back to her. Jeff must have read my thoughts.
“We better keep moving or, knowing Mom, she’ll come looking for us.”
Every Summer Has a Love Story…Six Summer Tales of Sweet Romance that bring you the very best in Historical, Contemporary and Fantasy Romance. Sarah Daley, Carol Malone, Kathy Bosman, Debby Lee, Robyn Echols, and Lisa Watson weave stories of long days, sultry nights, sun-kissed beaches and sweet romance
The Best Place to Meet a Man:
Jeff goes to the beach to run and clear his head. Meredith goes to the beach intent on burying her nose in her book. In this contemporary romantic comedy, these two collide when Meredith’s two young nephews come up with other plans.
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About Robyn Echols
Robyn Echols has been writing since she was in junior high school. By choice, she spent most of her evening hours in her “dungeon”, as her mother called her downstairs bedroom, writing stories, only joining her family in front of the television upstairs when her favorite programs were playing. She has spent hours learning and teaching family history topics, and focuses on history from a genealogist’s perspective of seeking out the details of everyday life in the past. Several of her family history articles have been published in genealogy magazines.
Now Robyn resides with her husband in California near the “Gateway to Yosemite” and has fun researching and writing the books that she hopes will interest and entertain her readers. She writes Young Adult/New Adult and contemporary fiction under Robyn Echols and adult historical romance under her pen name, Zina Abbott.
When Robyn isn’t busy piecing together novel plots, she stays busy piecing together quilt bloc
Website | Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page
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The post Friday First Kiss #66 :: The Best Place to Meet a Man by Robyn Echols (Contemporary Romantic Comedy) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
June 18, 2015
Friday First Kiss #65 :: Wicked: Tempt Me Not by Lily Graison (Contemporary Romance)
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from, Wiced: Tempt Me Not by Lily Graison
This is the worst idea in history.
Holly tried not to look at Devin as she adjusted the water temperature. He was leaning against the wall, watching her. Her heart felt ready to burst from her chest any minute and a lump had formed in her throat. What in the world was she doing!
Turning her head, she locked eyes with him. Her cheeks burned hot instantly.
His arms were crossed over his chest. That irritating smirk was firmly planted on his face and he looked like the cat that ate the canary. He’d won. Just like that. He’d won.
Holly almost growled in frustration but looked away instead. She tested the water again and busied herself removing her shoes and socks. She’d have to get in with him at some point.
Inhaling deeply, she turned to him, and crossed the room. She avoided his eyes, wrapping her arm around his waist, and helping him to the shower.
It took careful maneuvering to get him over the lip of the shower and not have him face down in the water. Who knew one sprained ankle could cause so much trouble?
He stumbled, grabbed for the wall with his free hand, and dragged her under the water with the other.
She yelled while spitting and sputtering. “Devin!”
“It was an accident!”
She looked up at him, pushing her wet hair out of her face. She could tell by the look in his eyes that it wasn’t. When he smiled, she wanted to drown him.
Snatching the soap from the shelf, Holly held it out to him.
“What?” he asked.
“Wash. That’s why we’re here.”
“And I’m suppose to do that with one hand, how?”
Holly grinned. “I’m sure you’re used to using one hand for many activities. This is no different.”
He laughed and took the soap. “Are you going to watch?” he asked, turning the bar in his palm a few times while holding it under the spray of water. “I’m not particular in my kinks.”
“Obviously,” she said, biting her cheek. She busied herself looking at anything but him or how the water ran over his back. It ran in small rivers across his shoulders, cascading down his spine and disappearing into the fabric of his jeans. What she wouldn’t give to see what those blasted pants hid again.
She shook her head, steering that train of thought away. No need to go there. Especially now.
Hearing him say her name, she turned her head to him.
“Care to get my back? Or am I supposed to do that myself too?”
She wanted to say yes just to save her the embarrassment, but knew she couldn’t. Even she couldn’t get her back without difficulty and that was with both feet planted on the floor. He was bracing all his weight on one foot. He’d fall for sure.
Taking the soap, she pushed his shoulder, trying to get him to turn around. There was no way she could do this with him looking. When he faced the shower wall, she took a deep breath and raised her hand.
The soap glided across his skin, leaving a trail of bubbles in its wake. His skin was smooth and tanned to a warm golden bronze. Her other hand rose without much thought, her fingers working over his back in slow, measured movements.
He dropped his head, palms flat on the wall in front of him. The water ran over his neck and down his back, washing the soapsuds away.
Holly continued her pursuit, her gaze drinking him in while her hands rounded over every contour. He was warm, his skin soft, and every muscle she felt firm and tight.
She bit her lip, mesmerized, watching her hands manipulate his flesh. He suddenly straightened and turned his body, putting his back to the wall.
He locked eyes with her. There was so much heat in his gaze, it made things low in her belly tighten.
He reached out, grabbing her arm just above the elbow and pulled her forward.
Her pulse quickened when he guided her arm to his stomach, moving her hand in slow, long circles over his flesh. She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat and watched his face as he stared at her.
“Touch me, Holly.”
His voice was soft, a barely there whisper over the sound of the water. His lips were parted, his tongue escaping to moisten them when she moved her hand.
He shuddered a breath when she did. The look on his face was her undoing. She was barely touching him but she felt the way his body trembled under her slight touch.
She knew where this would lead. He’d been hinting at it for days now. Is it what she wanted? Really?
“You’re thinking too much,” he said.
Holly took a deep breath and looked at all the delicious flesh under her hand. This was Devin Shaw. A man hundreds of women would give anything to have and here he was, standing naked from the waist up asking her to touch him.
She closed her eyes, trying to think, and felt him move closer. The hand on her arm moved, trailing over her shoulder to cup the side of her neck. His breath tickled her cheek and she drowned in his scent.
“I want you, Holly. Don’t think about it.”
She looked up at him then. He was so close. One simple tilt of her head and she’d be able to taste him. She’d be a fool not to take what he offered. Lord knew she wanted him. Who didn’t?
She’d never thrown her reservation away so quickly before but the look on his face melted her to the core. This man wanted her. Even if it was just sex, he still wanted her. Devin Shaw wanted her.
A small move of her hand and there was nothing left but him, the way his flesh felt under her palm. She took her time memorizing each curve and plateau. Each small dip and ripple.
His chest rose quickly under her palms. His nipples hardened by her touch. She swallowed the lump in her throat when she looked down the length of his body. He was hard, the material of his jeans straining against the erection he sported.
Holly felt dizzy, looking up at him through her lashes. His lips were parted, his eyes, she noticed, were the brightest green she’d ever seen. She stared up at him, her hands still gliding over his skin as he lowered his head.
She closed her eyes when he leaned down. She could feel his breath tickle her lips and she licked them on instinct. His fingers slid across her neck, making a slow path across her flesh before he cupped her cheek in his hand.
His lips still hovered above hers and she opened her eyes to look at him. He was so close, their bodies almost touching, and she craved his touch. She felt it in every nerve ending. They were screaming for it. Her muscles ached and trembled with every second that passed.
“I want to see you.”
Her eyes closed the second his lips brushed hers. Light, soft strokes, his tongue darting out to tease and taste, and Holly’s knees went weak.
She reached out with her other hand, holding onto his hip to steady herself.
He pulled her flush against his body and she breathed in the scent of him. The water trickled between them, soaking her clothes.
The soft caress of his tongue probed her lips and she opened her mouth, giving him entrance. Her senses exploded with the first taste of him.
Goosebumps pimpled her flesh, tingles racing down her spine, and each sweep of his tongue sent shocks straight to her core.
Devin’s kiss bordered on ravaging. She’d never been kissed so thoroughly. She felt hot, her mind clouded and drugged.
His hand was at her hip, lifting the bottom of her shirt and she gasped when he lifted the material, his fingers crawling up her stomach and cupping her breast over the fabric. She broke the kiss and looked up into his eyes.
The heat was still there, more intense than before, and knew she was doomed.
Held prisoner in that one simple look.
Wicked: Tempt Me Not by Lily Graison
Devin Shaw, front man for the band, Wicked, is forced into seclusion by his manager after his destructive behavior almost destroys the band. Sent to a remote cabin alone isn’t Devin’s idea of fun, but to save his career, he’ll do what it takes.
Holly Baker, escaping the hassles of her big city life, arrives in the mountains of Tennessee and awaits the arrival of her friend, Roxy, to start their two-week vacation. Their plans change drastically when Roxy is called away at the last minute, leaving Holly to fend for herself.
Devin and Holly’s worlds collide when a mix up strands them in the same cabin. Alone with nothing but each other for companionship, how will Holly react when she realizes she’s trapped with none other than the hottest lead singer the country has seen in years? Will Devin be able to work with a constant distraction the pretty brunette offers? Or will the two discover that sometimes temptation is a wicked dessert best served hot!
This Book is FREE at most all eBook retailers. Follow the links below to grab your copy!
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Or, grab the entire Wicked Series in one hot boxset!
Wicked Boxset: The Complete Series
by Lily Graison
Contemporary Romance
Format: eBook/Paperback
Length: Novel
All Four Novella’s in one Hot Book!
These four stories are also available as individual eBooks and have been published for more than a year. No new material has been written for this edition.
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About Lily Graison
USA TODAY bestselling author Lily Graison writes historical western romances and dabbles in contemporary and paranormal romance. First published in 2005, Lily has written over a dozen romance novels that range from sweet to spicy.
She lives in the foothills of North Carolina with her family, three high-strung Yorkies and more cats than she can count. On occasion, she can be found at her sewing machine creating 1800’s period clothing or participating in civil war reenactments and area living history events. When not portraying a southern belle, you can find her at a nearby store feeding her obsession for all things resembling office supplies.
To see the dresses Lily has created, visit her Pinterest page.
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The post Friday First Kiss #65 :: Wicked: Tempt Me Not by Lily Graison (Contemporary Romance) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.
