Lily Graison's Blog, page 26

Friday First Kiss #9 :: The Rancher by Lily Graison - 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 Rancher , book 4 in my Willow Creek Series.

Holden was half way down the
street before he stopped, turned around, and walked back to the school house.

Since the moment Laurel had
slammed her door in his face, he'd gone over everything Morgan had learned
about her, and told him about, and every piece of information he was able to
get from Laurel himself and none of it explained why she was so stand-offish at
times.

Or why he got the impression her
surly attitude was all an act.

She confused him more often than
not and tonight was no exception. It had been a long time since he'd courted a
woman and from what he remembered, there were certain things one hoped he got
at the end of the evening. A kiss goodnight being one of them. A kiss he'd been
anticipating until Laurel shouted goodnight to him and slammed the door in his
face.

He'd seen her gaze linger on his
mouth as they reached the room behind the schoolhouse and that was all it took
for his cock to take notice and jump alive as if a hot coal had been shoved
into his pants. He hadn't made his intentions of courting her be known yet, but
by the time he left town tonight, Laurel would know it.

Rounding the school house, he
didn't stop until he was on the little stoop by her door. He knocked, the sound
loud in the surrounding stillness and when Laurel opened the door, her shocked
gaze landing on him, he was near shaking with the need to have her.

She'd let her hair down, all
those glorious curls dangling down her back and framing her face so perfectly,
and he almost forgot why he'd turned back around and banged on her door as he
stared at her.

"Holden? Did you forget
something?"

He forgot something all right.
His manners. "Yes Ma'am. I do believe I did." He reached for her,
weaving his fingers into her hair and pulling her toward him, kissing her
without another word, her shocked gasp giving him the entrance into her mouth
within seconds. Her hands clutched his shirt and it only took a few seconds to
realize she wasn't fighting him like he thought she might, but was clinging to
him, her tongue tangling with his own, little mewling noises escaping her
throat and making the incessant throbbing in his groin more profound.

She pulled away after long
moments, panting for breath, and those amber eyes he'd admired the first time
he saw her were shining with something he hadn't seen directed at him since the
night he'd spent with her in Missoula.

Lust. Desire.

Her arms were around his neck in
the next instant, her mouth so hot and wet against his own. Holden wrapped her
in his arms, pulled her into his body and took everything he wanted from that
kiss. Deepened it until he had trouble breathing past his need for her.

She took a step backwards and
pulled him into her room, the door kicked shut without ever breaking contact
with his mouth.

He turned her, braced her back
against the door, his fingers moving into those luscious locks of hair and he
was hard and aching by the time she pulled back for air. Her eyes glistened.
Her lips wet and swollen and it took everything in him not to guide her to the
bed and have his way with her.

Laurel inhaled a few deep
breaths and blinked lazily at him. "I didn't want anyone to see us on the
stoop." Her hands slid away from his shoulders to rest on his chest.
"If anyone caught you in here, I would lose my job."

"I won't let that
happen." She blinked up lazily at him, licked her lips and sent his
thoughts racing in directions they shouldn't have. "I didn't come back to
invite myself to your bed so your position as school teacher is safe."

She nodded, her gaze lowering to
his chest briefly. "And why did you come back?"

He grinned and put a finger
under her chin, lifting her head so he could see her. "Because I wanted a
kiss. I thought that was obvious." Even though the room was bathed in
shadows, he could see her cheeks redden.

"Is that all you
wanted?"

He laughed. "Not by a long
shot, darlin', but I'm a patient man. I can wait."

She
smiled up at him, lifted up on her toes and kissed him again, this time without
the frenzy of hurried motions. It was soft, lingering and he cursed his
neglected groin for demanding so much attention and distracting him. When she
broke the kiss, her lips swollen from his kiss, he knew being a gentleman would
be harder than he thought it would. Especially when she whispered, "Make
love to me."

The Rancher - Willow Creek #4

by Lily Graison



Laurel Montgomery wanted a new life, one that didn't include a man. She’d had enough of their pretty lies and broken promises but one night of reckless abandon weeks before taking a job as the new schoolteacher in Willow Creek would come back to haunt her. The man she thought to never see again turns out to be the father of one of her new students. A man so handsome and rugged he takes her breath away. Too bad she’s sworn off men forever. If only the stubborn man would take no for an answer. 

Holden Avery was love-struck the moment he saw Laurel Montgomery and cursed himself for a fool every waking minute since letting her walk out of his life. When she turns up in Willow Creek he’s handed the second chance he didn't think he’d ever get but thoughts of pursuing Laurel are cut short when a stranger shows up in town. A man who claims to be Laurel’s husband. 

The happily ever after Holden thought to finally have is plagued with obstacles but he sets off to prove he’s the man Laurel wants. Convincing her to give him a chance is nearly impossible but he’s waited too long to find her to give up now. One way or the other, Laurel Montgomery would be his wife.

Read an excerpt from this book!

BUY THE EBOOK FROM:
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» Barnes & Noble

» Smashwords

» Diesel

» Sony

» Kobo 

» Apple iBook Store






























About Lily Graison








LILY GRAISON resides in North Carolina, a stones throw away from the Blue Ridge Mountains and a few hours from the Outer Banks. First published in 2005, her debut novel won a Reviewers Choice Award. The author of over a dozen published books, Lily writes in the Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance genres.



When not writing, Lily can be found at her sewing machine creating 1800’s Period Dresses or at a nearby store feeding her obsession for all things resembling office supplies.




Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads







Authors, would you like to see your book featured on Friday First Kiss? Then go HERE to find out how.

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

ManCandy Monday #8 :: Sweet Dreams

I had a bit of trouble dragging myself out of bed this morning and I'm sure I'm not alone so, here's a few gorgeous hunks who would be enough reason to crawl back under the sheets!












































Hmmm....looks like Breakfast is being served!


















All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Friday First Kiss #8 :: Blind Attraction by Eden Summers - Contemporary Rock Star 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 Eden Summers, who has a brand new Rock Star romance to share with us as part of her Blind Attraction Blog Tour. She's also holding a giveaway so be sure to read the entire post to find out how to enter!

She ran
her fingers around to the back of his neck. “I want you to kiss me.”

Her
chest pounded, the fury of each heartbeat echoing in her ears as she waited for
his response. When nothing came, she closed her eyes and began to silently
pray.

His
hands lowered to her ass, lightly cupping. Time stood still as his head tilted
down, and she swallowed hard in the seconds it took for his mouth to descend
upon hers. The pressure was delicate, like silk against her lips. He kissed her
once, twice, his force growing with each caress as he tilted her head back for
better access.

She
teased the hair at his nape with tender strokes and scraped her nails over his
skin. She wanted more. Taste, touch, passion. She wanted to be consumed by him
and driven to the brink of insanity with the ferocity of his worship.

Grinding
her hips into his, she rubbed against his erection, arching her back at the
hardness she longed to take in her hand. He growled into her mouth, gripping
her ass with force and crushed his body into hers. She gasped, all the air
escaping her lungs.

He
deepened the kiss, their tongues clashing as he lifted her off the ground and
placed her on the counter. His weight pushed between her thighs, his erection
nudging against the thin material covering her sex. She gyrated her hips and
tugged at his hair, her body demanding more. He answered her silent pleas by
thrusting into her again, letting the delicious friction of his cock rub
against her clit.

Blind Attraction - Reckless Beat, Book 1

by Eden Summers





He can seduce with a single
glance.



Peering down at a sea of fans, rock star, Mitchell Davies can’t deny the
innocent beauty of a woman in the front row. He’ll stop at nothing to get to
know her. When a public altercation leaves her weak and defenseless, he takes
the opportunity to be her savior.



She’s been sheltered from the world.



Alana Shelton wants to spread her wings and experience life away from her
restrictive upbringing. But she isn’t prepared for a gorgeous stranger to sweep
her off her feet while at her most vulnerable.



Attraction will bring them together, but their pasts will try to tear
them apart.



He wants to teach her how to trust, but she’ll show him how to love. In a
glamorous world of rock-and-roll, only time will tell if they’re up for the
challenge.

BUY THE EBOOK FROM:
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Eden is holding a giveaway to celebrate the release of Blind Attraction. 



Fill out the rafflecopter form below for your chance to win.




The giveaway is open
internationally.















a Rafflecopter giveaway










About Eden Summers






I live in regional New South Wales, Australia with my two highly energetic sons and a husband I don't deserve (in a good way).



I've been an avid romance reader for years, falling in love with fictional hero's left, right and center. It wasn't until early 2011 that I decided to add to my pastime of reading and reviewing and take my own writing seriously.



I joined the Australian Romance Writers Association.



The hunky men and sassy women who dominate my daydreams are now being put to paper, eagerly awaiting their moment in the limelight.



Hopefully one day in the near future I will have something hot and sweet published and available to share with the world.






Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads





Authors, would you like to see your book featured on Friday First Kiss? Then go HERE to find out how.











All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

ManCandy Monday #7 :: Firemen

It's Monday! Let's kick the week off with something HOT. I'd be tempted to set my house on fire for one of these guys!
































I love the ink! The rest is pretty awesome too!







All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Friday First Kiss #7 :: The Calling by Lily Graison - Paranormal Werewolf 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 my paranormal werewolf romance, The Calling.

Garrett’s
pulse raced by the time Rayna looked away from him. She hadn't looked at him
like that in longer than he cared to remember. His body tightened almost
painfully and he wanted her gaze back on him, wanted to see her look at him as
if she still wanted him.

Inhaling
deeply, he scented her on the air. His wolf slid under his flesh like liquid
through his veins when he caught the scent of her. The delicate aroma of
flowers was gone, now… the heady musk of her arousal filled the air mixed with
his own scent. She was wearing his clothes, his scent lingering on her skin.
The wolf howled in his head and a growl worked it way up his chest, vibrating
against his ribs and firing off every nerve in his body.

The wolf
had wanted her from the moment he’d first laid eyes on her over a year ago. Now
that she was in his old house, surrounded by the things he’d left to Jacob and
wrapped in his scent, he knew the beast wouldn't rest until it possessed her.
If he could just find a way to do it without infecting her, he would put
himself out of misery and claim her.

She
looked back over at him, the light from the window shining off her hair and
throwing shimmers of copper and gold across the strands. She lifted a hand,
pulling the edge of the robe she wore shut before pushing her hair away from
her face.

He straightened,
sat the water bottle in his hand on the counter and cleared his throat, forcing
his beast down and trying to keep his voice soft. “It’s probably not a good
idea to stand next to the windows.”

Her eyes
widened before she glanced back out. “They’re really going to come for me, aren't they?” She looked back over at him. “Jacob said they would.”

“More
than likely they will, and they could have you snatched out of that window
before I could get to you.”

Taking a
few steps away from the window, she turned and put her back to the wall. She
said nothing for long minutes, just stood there staring at him. When she
finally spoke, her voice was quiet with a soft tremble. “I guess I owe you my
gratitude,” she said. “It’s hard to tell what they would have done to me if you hadn't been there.”

“You
don’t need to thank me, and I don’t think their intention is to kill you, if
that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Maybe
not, but the alternative doesn't sound too pleasant either.”

He
smiled and tilted his head to one side. “Being a wolf isn't all that bad,” he
said. “It has its advantages.”

“So
Malcolm said.”

“He was
right.”

“How
so?”

“Well,
you can live longer than the average human for one.”

“Being
immortal isn't worth turning into a…” She cut her words off but he could tell
by the look on her face what she was about to say. He was a monster in her
eyes. Something vile and disgusting. His chest ached at the revelation and his
face must have reflected his pain.

She
ducked her head and said, “I’m sorry.”

He
forced a smile onto his face and shrugged one shoulder. “It’s fine.”

“No,”
she said, looking back up. “It’s not. I should be thanking you for saving my
life, not insulting you.”

He
looked her in the eye and said, “You don’t have to thank me, Rayna… there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you.”

She
stared at him and he could tell she didn't believe him. And really, why should
she? When was the last time he had a kind word for her? The day he left her
standing in the middle of the park crying? No. That was the day he told her
he’d just used her and thanked her for the best piece of ass he’d ever had.
Maybe the day before that, when he tried to tell her they were over but ended
up fucking her silly instead. No, not that day either. He couldn't even
remember and he hated himself just a little bit more because of it.

He
sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Look, I know I've been a complete ass
to you for months now and you don’t have to forgive me… ever really, but I want
you to know it wasn't personal.”

“You
hating me isn't personal?” She laughed softly and looked away from him, staring
down at the floor.

“I don’t
hate you, Rayna.”

“Could
have fooled me.”

She
whispered so softly that without his keen hearing he would have never heard it.
“I don’t hate you.”

She
looked back up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Then why?”

Because
I love you and I wanted you safe. Because I never wanted you to know what I am.
He swallowed the words before he voiced them.

“Is it
because…” she paused, her eyes becoming brighter with tears. “Because of what
you are… or was it just me?”

Her
voice trembled and he gritted his teeth together to keep from baring his soul.
Being in the same room with her, alone, with no one to see how he acted around
her left him defenseless. It was easy to pretend when they were in the real
world, surrounded by people, but not here. Not now. Not after everything that
had happened tonight. He came too close to losing her. He still could and that
little piece of knowledge terrified the hell out of him.

He
crossed the room, stopping when he reached her. “It wasn't you,” he said,
softly. “I never wanted to hurt you. It damn near killed me every time I did.”
Her bottom lip trembled as she stared at him and the look on her face nearly
did him in. Hurting her with words he didn't mean scorched him to the bone,
seeing the effects of those words nearly ripped out his soul. He sighed when a
tear fell down her cheek. He raised his hand and brushed it away with his
thumb, staring down at her. “I’m sorry, Rayna. For everything.”

One tear
turned into two and before he could catch them, the dam broke. He grabbed her,
pulling her to him and buried his face in her hair as she cried. She felt so
good, smelled so good, he wrapped his arms around her tighter, nearly sighing
in relief when he felt her arms circle his waist.

Her
tears intensified, her breath hot against his bare chest. He rubbed his face
into her hair, his fingers climbing into the thick strands before he kissed the
top of her head. He lingered there, holding her tighter before she lifted her
head and looked up at him. He wiped her tears away, his fingers sliding easily
across her wet face and the reasons he had for pushing her away vanished.

One look
at her sweet, ripe mouth and his body responded immediately. His chest felt
tight, his pulse raced just a little bit faster and the moment he saw her
tongue slip between her lips to moisten them, he was done for. He leaned down
and kissed her.

Her arms
tightened around him immediately, her mouth opening under his as her tongue
pushed inside his mouth. Months of wanting her and the need he denied himself
tore at his flesh and the wolf howled triumphantly inside his head. He devoured
her mouth, sucking on her tongue until she moaned and went soft and pliant in
his arms. Her hands gripped his arms before sliding over his ribs, slim fingers
tickling his chest and stomach and he hardened in an instant. He leaned into
her, his knee parting her thighs and the desire to strip her bare and take her
right there against the wall screamed through his head. He broke the kiss
before he lost all reason to think. He stared down at her, his lungs heaving
for air as she stared up at him. “If I could take it all back, I would. It
drove me crazy to see you and not have you. The only way I even dared speak to
you was to insult you.” He cupped her face in his hands, kissed her again, his
lips tasting and teasing her own. “I never wanted to hurt you, Rayna.”

“Then
why did you?” she asked.

He shook
his head before laying his forehead against hers and closing his eyes. “I didn't know any other way.”

“Any
other way to what?”

“Make
you hate me.” She didn't say anything but her arms tightened around his waist.
“I knew I couldn't stay away from you so I hoped you’d solve the problem for
me. If you hated me, you would avoid me.”

“Why?
Because you’re different?”

“For
the most part, yes,” he said, leaning back to look at her. “I never wanted you
to know, Rayna.” He sighed and ran his fingers through her hair, brushing his
lips across her face. Her warmth seeped into his bones and if he were able to
purr, he was sure the wolf would be doing just that at the moment. He felt at
peace for the first time in months. All because she was in his arms, her sweet
breath on his face and her hands touching his bare flesh. How long she’d let
him keep her there was a question he wasn't sure he wanted the answer to.

The Calling

by Lily Graison



The Night Breeds Series, Book 1





In a world where the supernatural isn't supposed to exist, one woman comes face to face with the monsters and fights to survive their call. 

Investigative reporter Rayna Ford is sent to the small community of Wolf’s Creek to write an expose on a town supposedly over run with werewolves. Assuming the inhabitants to be under a mass delusion, she learns quickly that all isn't as it seems. Their plans involve more than a newspaper article and her life hangs in the balance as their motive for luring her to them is revealed. 

Garrett Kincaid knows a thing or two about werewolves. He is one. After leaving his pack, he’s spent the last twelve years pretending to be something he isn't. His closely guarded secret threatens to destroy him when he meets Rayna Ford, the woman his wolf has claimed as his own. When he learns the pack has lured Rayna to them in order to get to him, he races to Wolf’s Creek to protect her from the very thing he fears the most. Himself. 

The power struggle within the pack becomes clear once Garrett reaches his old home and learns of the pack’s plans for Rayna. The beast lurking beneath his skin is torn between protecting the woman he wants to call mate and keeping the balance within the pack on neutral ground. When choosing a side no longer matters, he does what he must to save his mate, even if that means making one of the most difficult decisions of his life.

When the stakes are high, and lives hang in the balance, can you ignore life as you know it to answer… The Calling.

Read the first 10 chapters of this book FREE!





BUY THE EBOOK FROM:
Amazon.Com US | UK | DE | FR | IT | ES | JP | CA | BR

» Barnes and Noble

» Smashwords

» Diesel

» Sony

» Kobo

Also available in the Apple iBook Store
















LILY GRAISON resides in North Carolina, a stones throw away from the Blue Ridge Mountains and a few hours from the Outer Banks. First published in 2005, her debut novel won a Reviewers Choice Award. The author of over a dozen published books, Lily writes in the Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance genres.



When not writing, Lily can be found at her sewing machine creating 1800’s Period Dresses or at a nearby store feeding her obsession for all things resembling office supplies.




Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads





Authors, would you like to see your book featured on Friday First Kiss? Then go HERE to find out how.











All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

ManCandy Monday #6 :: Celebrity Editon

Monday...The perfect excuse to oggle beautiful men. This week we have a celebrity edition!











Josh Duhamel

(There's actually (more) to this pic but I cut it off at the hip. Mercy!! *blushes*)







Ryan Reynolds (Those abs!)







Henry Cavill (the new Superman!)







And my personal favorite..Jason Momoa!!  Grrrr This man is Gorgeous!!!

You have no idea how depressed I was when Khal Drogo died on Game of Thrones. *sigh*






All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

ManCandy Monday #5 :: David Gandy

Last week seemed to fly by and I think it may have been those military men who graced the page. So, in order to reproduce that quick week, I'm going to give this week a kick in the pants with my favorite ManCandy, David Gandy!! Feast your eyes ladies and enjoy!










































Hmm....a nap looks nice, huh?







Enjoy your week!






















All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Friday First Kiss #6 :: Masquerade by Melissa Jackson - 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 form author Melissa Jackson. I ran across her on the web one day and when I visited her website and saw her picture, I was pleasantly surprised to realize, I knew her. We attend High School together. Talk about a small world! I contacted her immediately and I've enjoyed reconnecting with her.




This week's Kiss comes from Melissa's book, Masquerade, a contemporary romance set in New Orleans.












Eyes still closed, he heard the person enter. 




“You can put it down on the table.” 




“Tsk, tsk, I’d prefer the desk myself.” 




Julian’s eyes shot open. He would recognize the soft, silky voice anywhere. It was
his mystery lover. She stood in the doorway dressed in the same blue satin costume
holding his sandwich bag in her left hand. Her long, honey hair fell in luxurious waves
down her slender back. Teasing him. Taunting him to touch the silky strands. Damn, but
he itched to bury his face in the heavy tresses and lose himself in her sweet scent. 




Slowly rising, he watched her glide across the room to halt a few inches from him. Silently, she reached behind her to unzip her dress. Slowly and deliberately, she pushed
the material off her shoulders and let it slid down her flushed body. Gloriously naked, she
stepped out of the puddle of silk and sidled closer to him. 




In the dim light and the hindrance of the mask, he still could not discern details of
her face. But her eyes, well, they were unique. He could literally drown in the sparkling
blue pools, never wishing for salvation. 




He lifted his hand to her cheek, his thumb gently caressed her smiling lips. Full,
luscious, lips. “Who are you?” 




“Shh, no questions,” she said softly, laying a finger on his mouth to still his words.
Mesmerized, he watched as she leaned closer to him. She lightly touched her
flaming, hot lips to his. He closed his eyes and lost himself in her soft, gentle kisses. Each
sweet touch radiated delicious warmth through him. Never had he felt such an intense
reaction to something as simple as a kiss from any other woman. Not this degree of desire
or want or passion. He hungered for more. 




Julian claimed her lips with his. Hard and demanding. He wanted to taste her very
soul in that one kiss. When she responded with equal fervor, he deepened the kiss. He
thrust his tongue into her mouth and savored her flavor, her essence. Before this night
was out, she would be totally his.

Masquerade

by Melissa Jackson



After six years of self-imposed celibacy, how does a woman get the nerve to lure a man into her bed? And, what if the man you want just so happens to be New Orleans’ most eligible bachelor who is totally out of your league? This is Lily Hedrick’s dilemma. She wants to feel desired and loved once again, but no average man will do. Only Julian Leaumont, owner and CEO of a renowned financial company, can quench the burning desire raging within her. Her opportunity arises when she attends a masquerade ball. She dons a mask and sets out to seduce him without him ever knowing her identity. However, her scheme could very well backfire in her face.



Julian Leaumont basks in his success and social standing within the community. His notoriety guarantees he is never without female companionship. Yet despite his playboy reputation, he secretly wishes to settle down and start a family. Unfortunately, he has met no one he has desired enough to fulfill that wish—that is, not until he meets a mysterious woman at his company’s masked ball. He wants her, and he would move heaven and earth to discover her true identity..

Buy the Ebook:

Liquid Silver Books

Fictionwise.Com

Amazon.Com

About Melissa Jackson:



I currently live in California, but I am a North Carolina girl by birth and at heart. Growing up in the South, I developed a deep love for history, culture, family, and books, but I have always craved adventure within the world around me. So, I set out to experience life, new cultures, and meet new people.  I have taken those experiences and inspirations and filled notebooks full of ideas for storylines. I look forward to sharing them with you.



Currently, I have two published Erotic, romance eBooks, Masquerade and Escapade. My latest Work In Progress is the last book of the Masquerade trilogy.



In my spare time, I enjoy landscape photography, writing, and travelling. Thank you for reading. Please check out my website.






Website | Facebook | Twitter

Authors, would you like to see your book featured on Friday First Kiss? Then go HERE to find out how.











All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Free Rock Star Romance! Wicked: Tempt Me Not by @LilyGraison

Book 1 in the Wicked Series, Wicked: Tempt Me Not, is now available for FREE at some participating retailers. See what reviewers are saying and read a excerpt below.











Wicked: Tempt Me Not – The Wicked Series, Book 1

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!









GET YOUR FREE EBOOK:

Amazon.Com US | UK | DE | FR | IT | ES | JP | CA | BR

Barnes and Noble.Com

Smashwords

Diesel

Sony

Kobo

Also available in the Apple iBook Store















What Reviewers are saying....



"Ms. Graison has written a laugh-out loud romantic comedy that fills your soul with happiness. -Danielle, Coffee Time Romance



"Holly and Devin are HOT HOT HOT!!!" - Amazon Reviewer



"Sassy, fun and sexy." - Amazon Reviewer


















Read a Excerpt




“It’s about damn time,” Devin said. “Help me put this on.”



Holly held back a smile as she entered the cabin and heard Devin's request. “Your arm broke?” she asked, raising one eyebrow as she looked at him.



“No,” Devin grinned. “I just know how bad you want to get your hands on me.”



Holly rolled her eyes and dropped his boots and shirt to the floor. “You are completely full of yourself, you know that?”



“You could be completely full of me too. Just say the word, kitten.”



She looked away when Devin grinned and rolled his tongue up under his teeth. Roxy had spent an entire hour discussing the things that tongue could probably reach and Holly felt her face flame as she remembered the conversation.



“Come on, princess,” Devin prodded.



“I'm not at your beck and call, Devin. This is my cabin and I do as I please.”



He grinned at her when she walked to the kitchen. “But I can't reach my back.”



Holly sighed before turning to look at him. He was giving her puppy dog eyes and was he pouting? Oh pouty lip. Snapping out of her musings, Holly sighed dramatically for effect before rolling her eyes. “You're going to owe me big time for this.”



“Anything you want, gorgeous,” Devin grinned before raking his eyes over her form.



There it was again. An open invitation. Was he serious? Hello, horny male. Of course he is. You could be a nun and he'd want it.



Taking a deep breath, she tried to clear all the naughty thoughts of Devin from her mind.



She walked to the couch and took the bottle of lotion from him. “Turn around.” A wide smile curved his lips

and she held back a smile as she removed the cap from the bottle. Squeezing out a small amount of the lotion, Holly took a deep breath before looking at his back.



It was perfect.



“There's nothing on your back, Devin.”



“Sure there is.”



“Uh, no there's not,” Holly told him as she looked at his perfect skin. “Not one little blemish.”



“Well it itches like crazy,” Devin said, reaching around and gave what he could reach a scratch. He probably needs a bath.



She recapped the bottle and tossed it on the couch. “Well, there's no rash,” she told him as she turned and walked back to the kitchen to wash her hands. She heard him sigh as she turned the water on and she spared him a glance. He was still scratching and at this rate, he'd have some nasty infection by nightfall.

Closing her eyes, she tried to calm her breathing. Could she really help him bathe? If you were dirty and miserable, you’d want help, wouldn’t you?



Opening her eyes, she turned the water off and dried her hands. “Fine,” she said, “but I swear, if you try anything funny, I’ll drown you where you stand.”



His eyes lit up before he smiled.



“And you’ll bathe with your pants on.”



“What? How am I supposed to get clean like that?”



“You’re not itching anywhere but where you were laying in the grass, and you had your pants on, so they stay. Take it or leave it.”






* * * *




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 manoeuvring 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.





End of Excerpt...





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All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

New Release :: His Brother's Wife by Lily Graison - Historical Western Romance

After an agonizingly long wait, His Brother's Wife is finally available!




The first full-length novel in the Willow Creek Series!










His Brother’s Wife – A Willow Creek Novel







When Grace Kingston accepts a wedding proposal through a mail-order bride agency and travels across country to be married, she has no idea her bridegroom is a fourteen-year-old boy. There’s no way she can accept his offer but with depleted funds, and winter coming on, Grace has little choice but to stay. Things go from bad to worse when she meets Jesse’s older brother, Rafe. The attraction is immediate. He’s surly, rude and downright pig-headed but he makes her pulse race with a single glance.

Rafe Samuels thought to teach his brother a lesson by making him take responsibility for his rash behavior but one look at Grace and his plans go up in smoke. She isn't the dowdy spinster he imagined and having her live in his house and not be able to have her is the worst kind of torment. But putting her out of his mind is impossible.

As fall turns to winter, Grace finds that living with the two brothers isn't as simple a thing as she once thought. Jesse still thinks marriage is in the cards, and Rafe is a devilishly handsome distraction she doesn't need. She can’t decide if he hates her or wants to kiss her. And how does she avoid breaking Jess’s heart when it becomes clear that the attraction between her and Rafe is mutual?





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Read a 2 chapter excerpt below!













Chapter One








He was going to skin that boy alive. Rafe bit his tongue to keep from shouting and crossed the yard to the barn, his heated gaze on Jesse. Stopping by the fence, he adjusted his hat and propped his foot on the bottom rung. And waited. He hid a smile when Jesse stopped, turned to face him and yelled, “What?”

Rafe propped his arms on his raised knee. “Just wondering where the hell you think you’re going. We’ve got things to do around here, if you haven’t noticed.”

Jesse rolled his eyes and cinched the mule before leading him to the wagon. “I got places to be today.”

“Like?”

“Like none of your damn business.”

Straightening, Rafe raised an eyebrow at him. “You aren’t too big for me to take a belt to your hide.”

Jesse scoffed. “Try it.”

“Don’t tempt me.” The rebellious look on his brother’s face darkened, the freckles splattered across Jesse’s cheeks and nose the same color as the thick thatch of red hair on his head. In the ten years he’d been gone, the kid had grown almost as tall as he was. His attitude had too. He lowered his leg to the ground and tried to keep the irritation out of his voice. “Where are you going, Jesse?”

“Town.”

“What for?” Jesse mumbled something under his breath, his face growing brighter red before he turned his back to him. His movements were jerky, his shoulders held rigid. “We don’t need anything from town that can’t wait and that hole in the barn roof isn’t going to fix itself. Unhitch that mule and go grab that bucket of nails out by the work shed.” Rafe walked off, hoping Jesse would just do as told for once.

A glance over his shoulder and he bit his tongue, trying to rein in his temper. Jesse was still hitching up the mule. Rafe stopped, turned to look at him again, and had to remind himself that killing a man, even your own kin, was illegal. If the boy didn’t already hate him with a passion he’d be tempted to take a belt to his backside just as he’d threatened to do.

He watched him finish hitching the mule, his lips bloodless from pinching them together. The silence stretched until Rafe thought he could touch it. “Jesse, what did I say?”

“I don’t really give a damn what you said. Fix the barn yourself. I have things to do.”

That was it. The last straw. Rafe closed the distance between them at a fast clip, his booted feet hitting the ground in loud pops. “And what would that be?”

Jesse swallowed and licked his lips. His face went a funny shade of white before he whispered, “I ordered me a wife.”

It took Rafe a full minute before what Jesse said registered. He stared down at him, letting the words rattle around in his head before he blinked and focused his eyes. “You want to run that by me one more time?”

Jesse flicked a quick look at him before lowering his head. “I ordered me a wife.” He swallowed, his throat moving as he did before he lifted his head, his eyes flashing. “And don’t go yelling at me for it either cause it ain’t going to do you no good.”

He ordered a wife? Rafe tried to wrap his head around the statement but as much as he tried, it just didn’t make sense. Jesse wasn’t old enough to marry. He was just a kid but there he stood, head held high, shoulders back and looking as sure as any man about to make the biggest mistake of their life.

He bit his tongue to keep from shouting what a little fool he was, adjusting his hat instead, and propped his foot on the wagon wheel to give himself more time to collect his thoughts. When he knew he could speak without yelling, he opened his mouth. Nothing came out.

Jesse’s face turned a light shade of pink before the look in his eyes turned murderous. “Just get to the yelling part, Rafe. I’ve got places to be and you’re wasting my time!”

Rafe flinched. Jesse’s high pitched voice grated on his nerves most days, more so when he yelled. The urge to bend the boy over his knee was strong but he refused to treat Jesse like a child even though, in his eyes, the kid would always be his little brother.

When he left home ten years ago, the kid has been docile and sweet natured. That wasn’t the case now. Since the day he’d returned six months ago, Jesse had fought him at every turn. Everything he said turned into a battle of wills and he was at his whit’s end trying to figure out where he’d gone wrong. His pa would have whipped that boy bloody for talking to him the way he did.

Why he was the lucky recipient of his anger was a mystery he’d never figure out.

Crossing his arms over his chest, he narrowed his eyes and pinned Jesse with a glare of his own. “I heard that part, little brother. What I want to know is why?”

The mutinous glare Jesse shot him should have scorched the skin right off of him. “Stop calling me little! I’m fifteen years old.”

“Fourteen. You have nine whole months before you’ll be fifteen.”

“So?”

“So… you’re too young to get married.” The fire in Jesse’s eyes matched the temper the boy had developed over the years. “And you are little.” Rafe grinned. “My little brother.”

Jesse’s face turned red again, his fingers curling into his hands to make fists. “I’m tired of everyone in this town calling me your little brother. I’m a man. Have been since pa died and you were off doing God only knows what. It’s about time people saw me as a man, so, I ordered me a wife.”

Rafe leaned his head to one side. “And what do you plan on doing with her?”

“Doing with her?” Jesse stared at him wide-eyed. “What do you think I’m going to do with her? I’ll make her clean the house and cook my meals. Wash clothes and make sure my socks don’t have no holes in them.”

“And?” Rafe prompted.

“And what?”

Rafe laughed. The boy didn’t have the first clue what he was getting himself in to. “How old is this wife you ordered?”

Jesse shrugged his shoulder. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” Rafe raised an eyebrow at him. “What does she look like?” Another shoulder shrug was all the answer he got. “You do realize most of those mail-order brides are plain and dowdy looking spinsters that no other man would marry, right?”

“What difference does it make? I didn’t order her to look at.”

It was obvious his brother didn’t have the first clue what a wife was for. Sure those other things were nice but a man didn’t take a woman to wife just to make a house servant out of her. He wanted a nice warm body to keep him warm at night. A sweet smelling little thing to make the hard days seem a little less rough. Someone to bear his children.

Rafe grinned and slapped Jesse on the shoulder. “You’re right, Jesse. If your wife is here to cook and clean for you, and darn your socks, what difference does it make how old she is or what she looks like. Tell you what. When she gets here, I’ll let you have the big room at the top of the stairs. We can’t have your bride sleeping in that tiny room of yours, now can we?”

Jesse’s face went a funny shade of white and he raised his hand, scratching the side of his neck. “Why do I need Ma and Pa’s old room?”

“For you and your new bride.”

When Jesse spoke again, it was a tiny sound that squeaked. “You mean I have to sleep in the same room with her?”

Rafe bit his lip to keep from laughing again. “That’s what men do when they take a wife.”

“But there ain’t but one bed in there.”

“Then you’ll have to share.”

Jesse swallowed, his throat moving with the small action before the boy turned and looked back out over the field. “It’ll be okay if she takes that room by herself. I’m comfortable where I am.”

The sun was overhead and Rafe felt his stomach give a painful twist. It was past lunch. He looked toward Jesse, seeing his red-tinted face, and the defiance in his eyes, and knew regardless of what he said, the kid would fight him every step of the way.

Bracing himself for the outburst, Rafe nodded toward the house. “Best go on in there and write that bride of yours a letter and tell her you’ve changed your mind. You’re not old enough for a wife, Jesse. You don’t even know what a man wants one for.”

He turned to the barn, and the gaping hole in the roof he had to fix, and motioned to the mule. “When you get finished with that, come put the mule away and help me with the roof.” He’d taken four steps when Jesse threw his hat at him, hitting him in the back.

“Don’t tell me what to do, Rafe! I’m through taking orders from you. Besides, I can’t send no letter. She’ll be here today.”

Rafe turned to face his brother. “What do you mean she’ll be here today?”

Jesse raised his chin a notch. “I sent away for her months ago. She’s supposed to be on the stagecoach today. That’s why I was hitching up the wagon. I’m going in to town to pick her up and see if that preacher is still over at the hotel.”

The mule was hitched to the wagon and Rafe stared at it for long moments before looking back at Jesse. The kid was serious. He could tell by the look in his eyes. “Jesse, you can’t marry some strange woman regardless of what you think. You’re too young. There isn’t a preacher this side of the Mississippi that would do it.”

“We’ll see about that.” Picking up his hat, Jesse brushed it off and put it back on his head, shielding his eyes from the sun. The hats brim cast his face in shadows, but Rafe didn’t need to see Jesse’s face to know the look being thrown at him would singe the hide off a cows ass.

Watching him march to the wagon, Rafe took off his own hat, ran his fingers through his hair and looked up at sky. “What the hell am I supposed to do now?”

Sighing, he placed his hat back on his head and started after Jesse. When he reached the wagon, he propped his foot on the wheel. “So, what are you going to do?”

Jesse snorted a laugh. “What do you think I’m going to do?”

“I don’t know. That’s why I asked.”

“I’m going to town to pick up my wife. I done told you that.”

Rafe looked toward the sky again hoping some divine answer would slap him across the face and exhaled a long breath when none came. He looked back at Jesse, the fire in his brother’s eyes still shining, and he felt his temper rise again. “You can’t keep her, Jesse. I won’t allow it.”

“You don’t have no say so in it, Big Brother.” Jesse grabbed the reins, throwing them over the front of the wagon and turned, giving Rafe his full attention. “I’m going into town and there isn’t anything you can do about it.”

“I can blister your hide.”

“I’d like to see you try.”

Rafe straightened, towering over his brother. “Don’t test me, Jesse. I have enough work to do to last me clean through the winter and I don’t have but a month to get it all done. I don’t have time for this foolishness.”

“Me getting married ain’t foolish. Every man does it at some point. Hell, even you did! I’m just going to do it earlier than most.”

Memories of Katie flooded Rafe’s mind so quickly they almost staggered him. He pushed her away like he always did and the anger those memories brought hardened his heart just a little bit more.

Bringing Katie up seemed to accomplish what Jesse hoped it would. The boy had a smug look on his face, and the urge to strangle him until his eyes popped out of their sockets was tempting. The little fool never listened. Why did he think today would be any different, especially with this?

The kid had no idea what he was getting himself into. The woman who came to be married would take one look at Jesse and laugh. Then what? He’ll come back home ornery as a bull, he thought. Just like any other day. It would serve him right to be handed his ass by some high-strung woman. Maybe she could put the kid in his place. He sure as hell couldn’t.

Rafe repositioned his hat and stared his brother in the eye. There was no talking him out of this, he could see that now. He rarely could when Jesse set his mind to something. Their fights were beginning to be legendary the boys temper was so out of control, so why not let him have his way for once and let him see, first hand, what it takes to be a man?

“You know what, Jesse? You’re right. I think it is time you grew up. Have a little more responsibility than I’ve allowed. I’ll head on in with you to pick up your bride if you don’t mind.”

Jesse looked confused for a moment before he nodded and climbed up into the wagon. He waited for Rafe to join him before taking the reins and handing them over. Rafe held back a smile. For someone who was old enough to take a wife, you would think he could handle a wagon, and a older than dirt mule, with confidence. Just goes to show, the kid had a lot to learn yet and his brother’s wife was going to give him a lesson he’d never forget.









Chapter Two








They were laughing at her. Grace Kingston’s face heated, embarrassment burning her throat and landing on her face as every person in the room guffawed and belly-laughed while staring at her.

Her nervousness about making the journey across the country to marry a man sight-unseen grew ten-fold as Ellie, the stagecoach station owner, and the dozen or so men scattered around the room continued to stare after telling them the name of her intended groom.

What was wrong with the man she’d promised to marry that had an entire room full of people laughing?

She’d had a bad feeling the moment the stagecoach stopped and she was helped out to stand on the wooden sidewalk, getting her first good look at the town of Willow Creek. It resembled nothing of Boston and she knew Jesse Samuels, the man she’d agreed to marry, had lied. His descriptive letter had painted a picture in her mind that was filled with wild flowers, fields green with grass and clean mountain air, and a town teaming with life.

How disappointing to realize Willow Creek looked like every other dusty town she’d traveled through to get here.

She’d taken in the dirt road, its deep tracks carved from wagons and horse hooves. Dust seemed to cling to everything in sight and her clothing was covered in a light layer of it in a matter of minutes.

The buildings on the one and only street were lined in uneven rows, the wooden walkways unlevel and tilting toward the rutted road in most places. New construction at the end of town told her the small community was growing but it wouldn’t be fast enough for her. She was used to the finer things in life. Why did she think a small pioneer town in the middle of nowhere would be anything like the city she loved, and left, to find an adventure?

Her journey so far hadn’t been at all as she’d imagined. The money she’d saved to make the trip was all but gone due high priced meals and lodging along the way. The lack of proper hygiene was beginning to make its presence known as her traveling dress was stained and was starting to smell. Of course, most of the stench in the air came from the town’s livery stable that sat beside the stagecoach station. The scent of manure and straw filled the air and pulling a perfumed handkerchief from the sleeve of her dress and holding it to her nose, did little to ward off the stench.

The entire situation was deplorable but she had little choice but to see her rash decision through. Which brought her back to Ellie and the men scattered around the room who still snickered at her as if she were the punch line of some joke no one bothered to tell her.

Ellie was heavy set, her graying hair pulled into a tight bun at the back of her head. She had a kind face, wrinkled from laughter and age, and Grace remembered her manners and excused herself without spouting off a biting remark at the woman’s behavior. She turned on her heel and made her way back to the wooden sidewalk outside.

Grace tried her best to look calm but she was failing. Her stomach was in knots as every horrible possibility her friends had told her about screamed through her head in quick succession.

The thought of Jesse Samuels misrepresenting himself was now a reality. The reaction Ellie and the men inside the station had, had to mean something. Was her bridegroom a scoundrel instead of a rancher as he’d said? Was he lacking in some way that caused the prospect of marrying him to be so amusing to the townspeople? Was he was a drunkard or worse? A man so ugly the thoughts of giving her body to him would turn her stomach despite his fortune?

Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. She knew the possibility of marrying a man who wasn’t at all pleasing to the eye was possible but at the time, she felt she had little choice. It was either marry sight-unseen or marry the man she suspected of stealing her father’s fortune. A chill raced up her spine at the thought. She’d marry the lowest man in all of Montana before giving that foul beast the satisfaction of having her and her father’s money.

She could have changed her mind a number of times during her journey but she hadn’t. She’d sold every possession she owned to pay off her father’s debts and have enough to travel across the country. Now, she had no choice but to stay. She didn’t have the money for a return trip home, and besides, what waited for her there left her feeling desperate.

But would her new bridegroom be just as unwelcome a sight as her old life in Boston?

She walked over to her things, grabbing her skirts before sitting down on top of her trunk, and propped her chin on her hand before sighing. She stared out across the dusty road, watched the townsfolk go about their business and prayed she hadn’t made the biggest mistake of her life.

Long minutes of waiting turned into an hour. Grace tapped a heel on the wooden sidewalk and huffed out another breath. A cool breeze sent wisps of dust flurrying across the sidewalk as another wagon rolled over the rutted road. She straightened her back and peered at the driver. He lifted his hat in greeting but kept going just as every other man who passed by did.

She was about to give up hope when she spotted a smaller wagon ambling into town that seemed to be heading in her direction. A man and young boy were both looking at her as they neared the stagecoach station, and she lifted a hand to shield her face from the sun to see them. Surely this wasn’t her bridegroom. The wagon was no more than a broken down wooden box with wheels.

When they stopped in front of the station, the man sat staring at her for long minutes before looking to the boy who was doing the same. Neither seemed inclined to move. She stood, stretching the kinks out of her back, and said, “Hello.”

The man mumbled something to the boy before he shook his head and jumped to the ground. When he approached her, Grace felt her pulse jump and her lungs seized until she found it hard to breathe.

He was handsome and tall, with dark hair that fell to his shoulders in waves. The brown hat on his head left much of his face in shadow but she could see his eyes were green, in a shade so pale she was mesmerized just looking at them. A light dusting of whiskers was growing in on his chin.

When he stopped in front of her, Grace hoped this was the man she’d been waiting on. He fit the physical description she’d received from Jesse in the letter he sent with his request, and he was more handsome than she’d hoped he would be.

“You Grace?” he asked, repositioning his hat.

Grace nodded her head, her heart thumping in her chest. It was him. This was the man she was to marry. The joy she felt was overwhelming. She smiled when she realized the prospect of being stuck in this tiny town didn’t seem like such a burden now. Jesse Samuels was everything she’d hoped to find. A man who was strong, handsome… and who had all his teeth. He wasn’t fat nor ugly. He didn’t have the look of a drunk and his eyes didn’t hold that predatory glint she’s seen in so many of the men she’d known in her life. He didn’t look like a wealthy rancher but she supposed he wouldn’t if he worked his land instead of just hiring others to do it for him.

When he did nothing more than stare at her in return, she looked away. The boy had climbed down from the wagon and was staring at her. His face was bright red, as was his hair, and Grace gave him a smile. His blush deepened before he looked away.

She managed to snap out of her stupor and returned her gaze to the man in front of her. “I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”

“It’s a long trip into town and that old mule can only go so fast.” His gaze moved from her face to her breasts to her hips before coming back up. Grace would have been offended if it hadn’t caused such a delicious tingle to run laps up and down her spine. She averted her gaze, watching the boy as he kicked at the sidewalk with the toe of his boot. He was young, long legged, and thin. He’d yet to put on any muscle she could see. He favored her new bridegroom in facial features but that was about it. Their coloring was completely different.

She smiled again, pleased her trip hadn’t turned out to be a total mistake and settled her gaze back on those soft green eyes of the man standing before her. “Will we marry now or at some later date? Is there a preacher in town?”

He grinned at her before turning to the boy. “You want to go hunt down that preacher?”

Ellie chose that moment to stick her head out the door of the stagecoach station. She gave a chuckle in Grace’s direction before saying, “The preacher ain’t here.” Nearly everyone in the stagecoach station was hovering in the doorway of the building. Ellie was smiling, amusement flashing in her eyes. “He left yesterday morning.”

“Are you sure?” the youth by the wagon asked.

Ellie laughed before nodding her head. “Afraid so.” She glanced at them all before looking toward Grace’s bridegroom. “Afternoon, Rafe. I hear there’s to be a wedding.”

“Seems so.”

Grace turned. She stared up at her bridegroom, the man she knew just spoke, but he didn’t answer to the name Jesse. “You prefer to be called Rafe?” she asked.

He nodded. “Yep. It’s the name my Ma gave me. Everyone uses it.”

The snickers started again. Grace took a step to the side so she could see everyone at once and her fatigue started to take its toll. She was getting irritated as well and her confusion was growing. “All right. I’ll call you Rafe as well.” She smiled at him before asking, “How long will we have to wait to be wed?”

“A while I suppose. The Preacher doesn’t get around to these parts but every few months.” Rafe repositioned his hat again, glancing over his shoulder to the boy. “But don’t worry. Jesse will do right by you. He sent for a bride and he’s determined to have one.”

Now Grace was confused. She looked at Rafe, then Ellie and the men standing in the station, before turning to look at the wagon. The redhead boy was still standing there blushing and Grace felt as if she was being pulled in endless circles. Ellie chuckled one last time before ushering the men back into the building and leaving her alone with Rafe and the boy. “It’s been an extremely long day,” she said. “I’m afraid I’m a bit confused.”

“About what?”

“Well, everything.” Grace sighed. “Are you Jesse Samuels?”

“No. I’m Rafe Samuels. Jesse’s brother.”

Grace’s eyes widened. “Oh! Well, that explains my confusion.” She laughed, trying to mask her disappointment. “I thought you were my bridegroom.”

Rafe smiled, those fine white teeth of his gleaming. His gaze traveled the length of her again, stopping to linger on her breasts for long moments before meeting her eyes. “I’m sorry to say I’m not. There’s your groom.” He turned and pointed toward the wagon.

The redheaded boy was still there, looking at anything but her. It took Grace only moments for Rafe’s words to sink in. Jesse Samuels was there. He just wasn’t who she thought he was. “That’s Jesse?”

“Yep.”

Looking up at Rafe, Grace could see amusement dancing in his eyes. He knew she’d mistaken him for Jesse and he was enjoying her stupidity. And stupid is how she felt. Not only had she agreed to marry sight-unseen, but she’d somehow promised herself to a child. A boy who was too embarrassed to even look her in the eye.




End of Excerpt…

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LILY GRAISON resides in North Carolina, a stones throw away from the Blue Ridge Mountains and a few hours from the Outer Banks. First published in 2005, her debut novel won a Reviewers Choice Award. The author of over a dozen published books, Lily writes in the Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance genres.



When not writing, Lily can be found at her sewing machine creating 1800’s Period Dresses or at a nearby store feeding her obsession for all things resembling office supplies.


All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison