Lily Graison's Blog, page 9

Friday First Kiss #93 :: Wicked: Jade Butterfly (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 week’s Friday First Kiss comes from,

 Wicked: Jade Butterfly by Lily Graison

(This book is rated Spicy Hot and contains very strong language and explicit sexual situations)

The guys were still watching and he wanted to kick their asses. By the look on their faces, they loved this. His humiliation was the price of their glee.

Looking back over at Jessi, he ran a hand through his hair, wondering what to do now. The card was burning a hole in his pocket and he knew he couldn’t actually read that damn thing to her and not die of embarrassment.

But did he really have a choice? It was either her or someone else and a complete stranger would be worse. He knew that from experience. Maybe he didn’t need to read it. He smiled as an idea came to him.

“I’m in need of a favor,” Christian said. “Care to help me out?”

“If I can.”

Jessi smiled at him again and he forgot to breathe. How could any man look at this woman and not want her? She probably has a boyfriend, he told himself, taking in her features. The plump fullness of her lips, the small uplifted nose, and her soft tawny brown eyes reminded him of a Hollywood starlet. She definitely has a boyfriend. No one that gorgeous is single.

She shifted on her feet again and he knew she was getting ready to leave. The small hint of fear some girls got when he was speaking to them was shining brightly in her eyes. He wasn’t sure if it was him or something else causing it but if he was going to do this, it had to be quick.

He swallowed the humiliation his friends had thrown at him and cleared his throat again. “The guys have this game they like to play and I’m the unlucky participant of their fun tonight. I’ll spare you the horrible details so if you have a few minutes, just pretend I said the most outrageous thing you’ve ever heard.”

She raised an eyebrow at him and glanced across the club. He followed her gaze and groaned when the guys waved back at them.

“So, what’s the game?” she asked.

“It’s a pick-up game.”

“A pick-up game?”

“Yes,” he said. “They have a deck of cards with the most humiliating pick-up lines known to man. They get to pick the card and I have to find someone to say it to.”

“And you picked me to hit on?”

He grinned when she flashed him a devastating smile. It lit her entire face and made her eyes sparkle. It also made his already racing pulse nearly choke him as his blood pounded through his veins.

He pulled the card from his pocket and discreetly handed it to her so the guys wouldn’t see. When she looked down at it, reading the line, her soft, feminine giggle nearly brought him to his knees. It danced along his spine and caused visions of her wrapped in silk to caress his thoughts. For the first time ever, he wanted that damn card to actually do what it was supposed to. Entice someone to follow him back to his room.

When she glanced up at him, he sucked in a quiet breath. The clubs colored lights reflected off her hair and cast a halo of blues and greens around her. Her eyes sparkled in the light and a rosy hue tinted her cheeks. Beautiful didn’t even begin to describe her. She was the most glorious thing he’d ever seen.

“So, you’re supposed to read me the card and. what, exactly?”

He blushed. He felt it like a living thing crawl over his features and steal what little air he had in his lungs.

“Well,” he said. He swallowed the sudden lump in his throat and glanced over his shoulder. The guys were still watching him. When he faced Jessi, he noticed her staring at the guys as well. “Um, normally. I mean, when I read the card, whoever I’ve read it to, usually laughs. and then invites herself back to my hotel.”

“Really?” Jessi said. She smiled and leaned her hip on the bar. “And how many girls have you seduced with one of these lame cards?”

“Me personally?” He grinned and felt his face burn hotter. “None. I don’t play this game unless I’m forced.”

“And why don’t I believe you?”

“Because Luke’s reputation rubs off on the rest of us?”

She laughed. “You’re probably right.” Glancing back down at the card, she read it again, smiling before handing it back to him. “Well, your still being watched,” she said, glancing over his shoulder to where the guys sat. “I guess you better do your duty and read this to me.”

He stared at her in shock, watching an amused twinkle shine brightly in her eyes before taking the card and reading it again himself. He cringed. She wanted him to read this to her? Out loud? He’d rather be tied to an anthill butt ass naked and covered in honey than read this card to her.

When she took a step closer to him and the scent of wild orchids filled the air, he suppressed a moan and licked his lips.

She smiled up at him, silently encouraging him. “They’re just words, Christian,” she said. “Read me the card. I promise not to bite.”

Something in her eyes told him she wanted him to read the card. She was watching him too intently. Eager anticipation shined in her eyes and he knew in that moment, he’d do anything the girl wanted no matter what the outcome.

Swallowing the nerves choking him, he glanced at the card and lifted his gaze to her face. “Fuck me if I’m wrong, but don’t you want to kiss me?”

The tinkling laughter he’d heard earlier enveloped him in a blanket of warmth as he stared at her. The heat traveling his limbs intensified the moment she closed the distance between them and raised one arm, wrapping it around his neck.

She molded her body against his, her soft curves fitting against him like plush velvet. Her fingers caught in his hair, forcing his head down. When she took his mouth against her own, he stopped breathing.

At the first taste of her, his senses exploded. The warmth of her mouth, the gentle slide of her lips against his own and he was undone. Fire licked through his veins, stole every thought other than the way she felt against him and his entire body hardened in seconds.

He reached for her, pulling her to him as her tongue probed his lips. He tilted his head and opened for her with a moan of pleasure. At first contact with the heat of her mouth, his hold on her tightened, his arms wrapping around the soft curve of her waist. His hands flattened on her bare back and the heat scorched his palms.

The thrust and parry of open-mouthed kisses dulled everything around him but her. The music in the club was over run with the sound of his blood rushing through his veins. The scent of sweating bodies washed away as wild orchids overpowered his senses. The sweet taste of the fruity drink she’d had earlier filled his mouth and he couldn’t get enough. He drank in her kiss, pulling her to him until nothing remained but her.

 

 

 

Wicked: Jade Butterfly by Lily Graison

Christian Palmer, bass player for the band Wicked, isn’t your typical rocker. Much to his band mate’s amusement, he’s quiet, shy and looks like your average boy next door–but that’s all about to change. An encounter with a girl he can’t seem to forget calls for drastic measures and with the help of his friends, Christian goes from dud to stud in hopes to wow the girl of his dreams.

Jessi McClure has led a fairytale life. She has a job she loves, friends she can count on and couldn’t want for anything else. Until she meets, and photographs, an unlikely rock star. Running into him again was just dumb luck, but when their paths keep crossing, she can’t help but notice the change this shy, gorgeous guy has taken on and is drawn to him even more.

When fate keeps stepping in and hands you something you didn’t realize you wanted, do you throw the chance away or hold on with both hands? Will Jessi get more than she bargained for when the man she thought she knew turns out to be so much more? And can Christian hold on to the girl of his dreams when a misunderstanding threatens to tear them apart?

(Wicked: Jade Butterfly is book 3 in the Wicked Series but can be read as a stand alone story)

BUY THE EBOOK:

 

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 Hickory, North Carolina with her husband, a gaggle of 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 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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Google+  | Instagram

The post Friday First Kiss #93 :: Wicked: Jade Butterfly (Contemporary “Rock Star” Romance) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.

iBooks Top-Rated Romance Series

Wondering what to read next? THE LAWMAN is one of the Top-Rated Romances on @iBooks! Check out the other western titles, all FREE during this special promotion.

For a complete list of all featured books, head over to iBooks

and be sure to “share” this post with all your friends!

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Anna: Bride of Alabama Giveaway

After more weeks than I would have liked, Anna: Bride of Alabama has finally been approved for print! To celebrate, I’m giving a few copies  away. To enter, just follow the directions on the Rafflecopter form underneath the book description and do any (or all) of the tasks. The more you do, the more entries you gain.

 

Anna: Bride of Alabama (American Mail-Order Bride Series Book 22)

Sweet Historical Romance

After a warehouse fire changes her life, Anna Davis makes a desperate decision. Along with the other single women she worked alongside, she places her fate into the hands of a random stranger she found in a mail order bride catalog, the Grooms’ Gazette. But little does she know, the man she thought placed the ad has no idea he promised to marry her.

Gabriel Montgomery has more problems than any one man needs. A neglected cotton plantation, a home in desperate need of repair and Julia, his twelve year old daughter who is more mature than she needs to be. Her antics try his patience on a daily basis but nothing prepares him for her latest scheme.

When Anna shows up on his door with an infectious smile and a promise to love, honor and cherish him, he knows Julia is behind this latest development. He has no desire to marry again, even if the sweet natured Anna is proving to be exactly the kind of woman he needs. He just has to convince Julia that she doesn’t need a new mother and himself that he doesn’t want a new wife. A task that proves almost impossible, especially when Anna reminds him that every day should be savored like its your last

Buy the eBook:

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Note: To keep the spammers from clogging up my comment pages, comments must be approved before they show up. If yours doesn’t display, it’s just waiting my approval.

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Freebie Friday!

 

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I have a sweet treat for all my readers! My latest story, ANNA: BRIDE OF ALABAMA, book #22 in the American Mail-Order Brides Series has been marked FREE this weekend only!

From Friday 12th –  Tuesday 16th, you can pick the book up at Amazon.com for free. Hurry and get your copy and be sure to tell all your friends!

Anna: Bride of Alabama (American Mail-Order Bride Series Book 22)

Sweet Historical Romance

After a warehouse fire changes her life, Anna Davis makes a desperate decision. Along with the other single women she worked alongside, she places her fate into the hands of a random stranger she found in a mail order bride catalog, the Grooms’ Gazette. But little does she know, the man she thought placed the ad has no idea he promised to marry her.

Gabriel Montgomery has more problems than any one man needs. A neglected cotton plantation, a home in desperate need of repair and Julia, his twelve year old daughter who is more mature than she needs to be. Her antics try his patience on a daily basis but nothing prepares him for her latest scheme.

When Anna shows up on his door with an infectious smile and a promise to love, honor and cherish him, he knows Julia is behind this latest development. He has no desire to marry again, even if the sweet natured Anna is proving to be exactly the kind of woman he needs. He just has to convince Julia that she doesn’t need a new mother and himself that he doesn’t want a new wife. A task that proves almost impossible, especially when Anna reminds him that every day should be savored like its your last

Get your FREE eBook copy:



 

 

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Giveaway!

Want to come hang out with me and 59 other authors in Nashville, TN? A Weekend With The Authors event is just around the corner and the host is giving away FIVE reader tickets to the event. This giveaway only has a few more days left so enter quickly for your chance to win.

Follow this link to enter! https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4d5216433/

To learn more about A Weekend With The Authors and reader event, check out the official website:

http://www.aweekendwiththeauthors.com

The post Giveaway! appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.

Friday First Kiss #92 :: The Air I Breathe by Kirsten Lynn (Military – 20th Century)

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 Air I Breathe by Kirsten Lynn

She turned and there he was. The song kicked over and captured her current situation in spades with the lines from Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs’ “Lil’ Red Ridin’ Hood”. It appeared her red mini-skirt had caught the attention of a big bad wolf. She might laugh at the irony, if breathing was at all possible.

She’d only seen him for a few minutes on an airfield, and he looked like he’d swallowed sour grapes when she smiled at him, but here he was, his six-foot four frame parting the crowd swifter than Moses parted the Red Sea. He didn’t look particularly happy to see her. No, he looked…hungry, and every part of her being reacted. Her stomach tightened, and her skin heated to a temperature she was sure wasn’t healthy. Her heart thundered like incoming missiles, and she had the irrational need to rip off her clothes and rid her now oversensitive skin of the scratchy, heavy material.

Lord, his eyes glowed an almost feral yellow and pinned her to her spot, challenging her to run at the same time his smile said he’d be thrilled with the hunt if she did. Unlike the squared away sailors, his midnight black hair ran to shaggy and unkempt. An olive green t-shirt and jacket stretched over sinewy muscle, but instead of camo bottoms, black Levi’s hugged muscled thighs.

He wasn’t going to ask her to dance.

She ran her tongue over parched lips, and with a grunt, he was there, his mouth hot and hungry over hers, devouring her. Oh God, it was so good. When strong fingers dug into her bottom and brought her flush against him, she felt him hard and ready. Libby roped her arms around his neck and held on tight. His tongue swept her bottom lip, and she opened for him, moaning when his tongue tangled with hers in a slow, easy manner. He tasted of cigar, whiskey, and the awful punch they served, but somehow, mixed with his unique flavor, it was nectar of the gods.

In the humid heat surrounding them, she heard raised voices demanding he let her go. When his lips parted from hers, she whispered, “Don’t let me go.”

With a smile that said he owned her, he claimed her mouth again and dug those fingers deeper into the soft flesh of her buttocks until she was sure she’d be branded inside and out.

She’d let a few boys kiss her and even fewer touch her like this, but she’d never surrendered herself to any man. Never wanted to until right now when she ached for this man to fill her and take what was his.

Then, with a jolt, he was ripped from her. “Fuck! Knock it off, Cowboy.”

“Get your goddamn hands off me, Hunter, or lose ‘em.”

The other man, dressed similar to her SEAL, raised his hands in surrender.  “It’s your ass, Cowboy. Here comes Captain.”

The mist lifted from Libby’s mind, and her senses returned one by one. She pressed two fingers to her swollen lips, his taste still filling her mouth. Her gaze swung from one man to the next and then rested on the one called Cowboy as she tugged hem of her mini-dress in place.

She opened her mouth, but shut it when he turned eyes now settled to a shade like warm caramel on her. “Your name?”

There was urgency in his question and she gazed behind him to see an older man plowing through the crowd toward them. She grabbed his hand in hers like she could anchor him there. “Libby.”

“Libby?”

“Libby Boden.”

With a sharp nod, he pressed his lips hard against hers and held her forehead against his. “Jack Kerr. And I’m gonna finish this someday, Libby Boden.”

“Cowboy, get your ass on that chopper before I fry your balls!”

Jack dropped her hand and, with a wink, turned and followed the other five men, including the captain who was still cursing at him. Libby shook her head and then pushed her way through the crowd, hot on the heels of the man who was just seconds from making love to her in a crowded room.

The man called Hunter slapped a Stoner 63 in Jack’s hand, and she continued to follow them onto the field. One by one, the men bent in half under the propellers of the CH-46 Phrog and climbed into the belly of the dark bird.

Jack turned, and there was a flash of surprise when he found her there. “You remember your promise, Jack Kerr! You remember!”

With that wicked smile, he nodded and then slapped the side of the helo. Libby lifted her arm and waved until Jack and the helicopter disappeared into the black night.

“Libby?”

Libby dropped her arm and swiped at the hot tears flowing down her cheeks and dripping into the dirt of Vietnam. She must look like a complete fool crying for a man she didn’t know, who’d just buckled her knees with a kiss, and then flown off with a good portion of her heart.

Copyright 2015© Kirsten Lynn ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

 

 

The Air I Breathe by Kirsten Lynn

A New Breed Of Warrior…

LTJG Jack “Cowboy” Kerr doesn’t know crap about corn and cattle. But put him in a firefight and he’ll clean up like Wyatt Earp on the streets of Tombstone. An elite warrior unleashed on the mangroves and rice paddies of Vietnam, he and his men are common men with an uncommon desire to succeed. It’s not long before the name given to them by the Vietnamese, Men with Green Faces, strikes fear in the enemy and gives hope to allies. His life is the Navy…his family the brother SEALs on his left and right. He’s the ultimate hunter/operator. But Jack never thought stealing a kiss from a USO girl would change his life and turn him from hunter to hunted.

An Old Soul And Tender Heart…

Libby Boden is a Wyoming cowgirl, born and bred. Her determination to serve her country and follow her cousins and brother lands her in Vietnam. She’ll do anything to stay in-country, as part of the USO, to be close to her loved ones and the SEAL who stole a kiss and her heart. When tragedy strikes separating her from her Frogman, Libby will use all the lessons learned at the feet of her grandparents, Kyle and Lena Allaway, to hunt him down and show him the Navy forgot to issue him one essential…her.

Across three continents…

In a world gone crazy, these two might find all they need is the air they breathe and each other…

From the Author: THE AIR I BREATHE is a bit different from other SEAL books out there. This series is about the SEALs during the Vietnam War. This was the first test for the new Spec Ops Teams. Vietnam was their training ground and through the lessons learned in this conflict the SEALs of today were born.

This is a very special story for me combining my love of the military and those who support the warriors on the homefront and like Libby, those who take home to the front.

 

Purchase your copy at:

iBooks

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

KOBO

 

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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

The post Friday First Kiss #92 :: The Air I Breathe by Kirsten Lynn (Military – 20th Century) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.

Friday First Kiss #91 :: Victoria, Bride of Kansas by E.E. Burke (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,

 Victoria, Bride of Kansas by E.E. Burke (American Mail-Order Brides Series Book 34)

His smile broadened.

Oh heavens. Dimples.

Her insides melted faster than butter on hot toast. Quite possibly, he had this effect on all women, if he smiled at them like that. He had better not. From now on, she wanted those smiles directed only at her.

As she stared at him, smitten, his expression underwent a transformation. First, the smile fell away. Then the amused light in his eyes became a blaze, which drew her like a moth, helpless to resist. The attraction grew stronger as he stepped closer. Exciting, but also a bit frightening.

“Mr. O’Brien.” She managed his name, in a hushed whisper.

“David,” he corrected. Even his voice set off vibrations.

He cradled her face in his hands with the same gentleness he’d shown the kitten. “Victoria.”

“Hmm?” If she rubbed her cheek against his palm, he might stroke her. That would be nice.

“Your eyes are very expressive.”

“Are they?”

“Aye, and right now, they’re begging me to kiss you.” Before she could reply, he dipped his head and brought his lips to hers. A soft touch at first, and then with firmer pressure; warm and lush and so…

Her eyelids fluttered shut. Oh my. He did the most amazing things with his lips…delightful things…electrifying and soothing at the same time. That didn’t seem possible, but she was too muddled to analyze it. Lured by the exotic sensations, she didn’t think it strange when he put his tongue inside her mouth and teased hers into a seductive dance.

This was how he kissed? Bertram’s dry pecks didn’t compare with David’s sumptuous mouth-to-mouth exploration.

As he deepened the kiss, her head grew light. She teetered at the edge of a cliff; something wild and wicked urged her to step off. His fingers tightened around her upper arms. She was glad he had a firm enough grip to uphold her else she might hurtle into the unknown.

Trusting him to protect her, Victoria lost herself in the glorious kiss. She had no idea how long she stood there, allowing David to ravish her mouth.

Slowly, he ended it, their lips clinging until the last moment. Still holding her arms, he gazed at her with a smoldering look that made her insides quiver.

“Kiss me again,” she whispered.

“Victoria.” Her name rumbled up from his chest, sounding rough, as though it hurt him to say it. For once, his eyes spoke for him. His hungry gaze, as well as his heated kisses, made it clear he yearned to possess her, but something held him back. She wished she believed it was chivalry, but that wasn’t what she saw. He distrusted her, even after she’d let him kiss her until her toes curled.

She ought to push him away. Only that wouldn’t work in her favor. He would withdraw into his shell and the frustrating cycle would start again. She had to break through his resistance, but how? The answer came with surprising clarity. Reluctant lovers needed to be wooed.

Generally, men did the wooing and women responded. She wasn’t sure how it was done or if she had the courage, but she had to try. This might be the key to winning his heart. If she could convince him to lower his barriers, he would learn to love her.

Take the risk, her heart urged.

She reached up and cupped his jaw in her palm, as he’d done to her. His lower lip, so inviting, she couldn’t resist running her thumb over the smooth flesh. Taking another bold step, she drew his head down and pressed her mouth to his. She wasn’t certain she was doing this properly, but he’d given her excellent instruction, so she applied what she’d learned.

He groaned—a sound that could mean pain or pleasure. Grasping her shoulders, he brought her closer, taking her mouth with greater mastery than before. Pleasure, she decided.

A moment later, he propelled her backwards into the bedroom.

Her legs struck the bed. She fell while still holding onto him, dragging him down with her. He caught himself on his arms, perhaps to avoid crushing her, but he didn’t even try to prevent pressing his hips intimately against hers.

He ground himself against her, all the while kissing her with wild abandon.

The barriers had certainly come down, and in the process her defenses were laid to waste. Any thoughts of resisting were swept away in wave after wave of sensation. Passion surged like the ocean in the midst of a raging storm. In this instance, she wasn’t observing the tempest from the safety of a high point. She’d jumped with both feet into the churning sea. Fierce currents pulled her under, but instead of drowning, she sank into a pleasurable realm where her entire world narrowed to one man.

 

 

 

Victoria, Bride of Kansas by E.E. Burke

Victoria, Bride of Kansas, is the 34th book in the unprecedented 50-book series American Mail-order Brides

Jilted society miss Victoria Lowell travels a thousand miles to marry a man she’s never met whose romantic letters won her heart. Upon arriving in Kansas, she’s surprised to discover that her betrothed has little enthusiasm for marriage.

Divorced shopkeeper David O’Brien wants nothing to do with matters of the heart. However, his young daughter needs a mother and his meddling sister believes she’s done him a favor by corresponding with a mail-order bride. Impressed by Victoria, he holds off on revealing the true author of the romantic letters and proceeds to set a date for their marriage. Love isn’t part of the bargain, far as he’s concerned. But love is what Victoria has come so far to find…

When the truth finally comes out, it will take more than a miracle to deliver a happily-ever-after.

 

Purchase your copy at  Amazon.Com 

 

About E.E. Burke

 

Weave together passionate romance with rich historical detail, add a dash of suspense, and you have books by E. E. Burke. Her writing has earned accolades in regional and national contests, including the RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart. Over the years, she’s been a disc jockey, a journalist and an advertising executive, before finally getting around to living the dream…writing stories readers can get lost in.

You can find E.E. on the blog Get Lost in a Story most Tuesdays hosting the popular “Best of the West,” featuring new releases from award-winning and best-selling authors writing American and Western historical romance.

Website | Facebook | Amazon Author Page

The post Friday First Kiss #91 :: Victoria, Bride of Kansas by E.E. Burke (Historical Romance) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.

Friday First Kiss #90 :: Lilly: Bride of Illinois by Linda K. Hubalek (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,

 Lilly: Bride of Illinois (American Mail-Order Brides Series Book 21)

They both jumped when there was a sharp rap on the door. “Your time is about up!” the rat Hardesty growled. Seth wondered if he could overpower the man and sneak Miss Lind out the back way, but guessed Hardesty had a weapon on him. Why isn’t my loaded revolver in my gun belt around my hips like I always wear in Kansas? I feel so inadequate and unprepared!

Seth pulled his wallet out of his pocket, opened it up and took a twenty–dollar bill out of it. “Here, hide this on your person now before he pushes his way in. If I can’t get you past him now, I’ll wait outside near the end of the alley for three hours in case you can get out yourself.”

Miss Lind turned her back to him, frantically pulling her skirt up to get under the tight corset to her chemise, where Seth assumed she was trying to hide the money. Seth was embarrassed to see her go through her clothing, but she had to hide the money under as many layers as she could.

Hardesty rapped louder on the door.

“Hey!” Seth yelled. “Hold your horses! I haven’t finished using up my two dollars yet!”

Seth leaned down to stare into her eyes and whisper, “Remember I’m in the Hough House, room 217. If you can’t get there, I’ll be in the stockyards the next two mornings looking at the horses in the sale pens… If we can’t meet before I leave in four days, keep trying to escape this place! Use the money to get on the train and head for Clear Creek, Kansas. Remember Clear Creek. It’s opposite of the dirty stinking creek near here. Clear Creek. Go to my parents at the parsonage, or to Marshall Adam Wilerson. Remember Adam is the first man with Eve. He’s the first man you can trust in town.”

“Okay, I promise I’ll get out of this mess and to you as soon as I can. Thank you so much for trying to help me!” Lilly wrapped her arms around his waist and Seth wished he could hold her forever. Why did that thought pop into his head?

“Now, how about a kiss on my cheek to smear a little of your paint on me? Got to make it look like we did something in here besides talk,” Seth said trying to give her a little hope.

Miss Lind stood on tiptoe, grabbed his face between her hands and gave him a kiss on his cheek.

The key turned in the lock and Seth jumped to the door and pulled the chair out of the way. He motioned for Miss Lind to get behind him as he prepared to mow Hardesty down when the man opened the door.

But when the door opened, two burly men stood three feet away from the door—with Hardesty behind them. Apparently the man was used to trouble in his saloon.

“Your escort is ready to see you outside, Mr.…?” Hardesty asked with calculating eyes.

“George Milner,” Seth said the first made–up name which came to him as he stuck his hand toward Hardesty, as if he wanted to shake hands. Hardesty ignored his gesture.

“See he gets outside now, Jones,” Hardesty pretended to say politely. “I need to have a little talk with my newest singer for a moment.” Now his lip curled in a snarl as he watched Seth’s face, but Seth kept all emotion clear of his features.

Seth turned to walk toward the front stairway. He took a quick glance over his shoulder to see Hardesty shut the door and the third man fold his arms and stand guard in front of it.

Jones grabbed Seth’s arm like a vise and pulled him toward the stairs. “Don’t worry about the lady. The boss really likes her looks and voice, so he’ll keep her around. He never hurts them where it shows anyway.”

Seth barely kept the bile down which erupted up this throat. He had to find a way to get Miss Lind out of this place.

 

 

 

Lilly: Bride of Illinois by Linda K. Hubalek

(American Mail-Order Brides Series Book 21)

A clean, sweet historical romance set in 1890. Lilly Lind was forced to emigrate from Sweden two years ago, due to circumstances beyond her control. She finds a job as a garment maker in the Brown Textile Mill in Lawrence, Massachusetts, finally feeling as though she is settling in her new country. Then a suspicious fire burns the mill, making Lilly seek another way to survive. She answers a mail–order bride ad in the Grooms’ Gazette and sets off for Chicago, believing she will be a business owner’s wife.

Kansas rancher Seth Reagan travels to the Union Stockyards in Chicago to attend the 1890 American Fat Stock Show, the American Horse Show, and to purchase horseflesh to augment his herd. When arriving at the train station, he overhears a conversation between a young woman and a shady–looking man. Seth becomes concerned for the mail–order bride who is whisked away to a saloon, not to her new husband’s home.

When Seth goes to the saloon to check on the young woman, he finds her in trouble and offers to help her escape. While buying horses and arranging their return travel to Kansas, Seth realizes he would like to bring Lilly home with him, too, but she is still being hunted by the saloon owner’s thugs.

Lilly’s good fortune in meeting Seth makes her want to start a life with this man, but he came to Illinois for horses, not a bride. Would he want her after he learns of her secrets?

 

Purchase your copy at  Amazon.Com 

 

About Linda K. Hubalek

 

While growing up, Linda Hubalek had always planned to be a farmer, like her ancestors who homesteaded the Kansas prairie. But marrying an engineer changed her plans—and state of residence for a few decades.

To ease the homesickness for soil and family until they could move back home, Linda wrote books about her pioneer ancestors.

Linda’s passion for the frontier has also drawn her into writing western romance featuring Kansas’ cattle town days and the women who lived in those times.

Sign up for Linda’s newsletter at www.LindaHubalek.com.to hear about the release of future books, contests and more.

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page

The post Friday First Kiss #90 :: Lilly: Bride of Illinois by Linda K. Hubalek (Historical Romance_ appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.

I’ve Been Keeping A Secret

Image by Marty Gabel

I’ve been putting off making this post for some time now—over a year, to be exact, but I don’t think it can wait any longer. I’m getting too many emails and messages and my “excuses” are running thin.

I try to keep as much of my personal life separate from my writing one so there are only a handful of people who know that there’s something wrong with me. Its not life-threatening but it is life-altering.

Anyone who has followed me for any length of time may remember me saying I always fought depression when I finished a book. I didn’t think anything of it because really…when you spend months with a group of characters, you do feel a sense of loss when you have to let them go.

At the beginning of 2014…right after I released A Willow Creek Christmas, the depression followed like normal but this time, it didn’t go away. It hung around until I started to worry, then magically, it was gone.

I started writing Wanton Angel, had it half-way finished and hated it to the point I started over. Wrote another 40K and hated that also. Half the year was gone and I had no book. I started Wild Horses instead and made good progress then, the depression came back with a vengeance. After weeks of pretending to write I knew it was time to see a doctor.

Long story short, the depression appears to be here to stay. I was prescribed multiple medications, most of which left me in a zombie-like state where I did nothing but sleep and try to function when awake. It took months and nearly a dozen different meds to find one that worked. Little to no writing was accomplished during this time.

Just when I thought I was going to be able to get back to writing on a regular basis, I started getting weird pains in my hands. Then my arms and legs. My feet and toes hurt until walking was painful and before I knew it, it felt as if I had been hit by a truck. The fatigue came shortly after and I was sleeping anywhere from 12-14 hours a day. It was as if I had the flu every day except there was no head/chest congestion. That weak, can barely lift your head feeling, was my new normal.

More trips to the doctor and tons of test later showed signs of possible Lupus so a specialist was scheduled. I found out in November that it is not Lupus but the doctor still has no diagnosis for me. I’m leaning toward Fibromyalgia but I’ll wait until the doctor tells me its that. I go back January 12th for another visit. We’ll just wait and see what happens then.

The majority of 2015 was spent in bed, either in pain, so fatigued I couldn’t wake up, or depressed to the point I had no desire to move, and as many of you know, my writing has suffered because of it. As of now, I’m still writing and I have no plans to stop but it’s a very slow process. I can go days and feel like my old self, write like the wind and wake up the next day in so much pain I can barely move. The brain-fog hits and its all I can do to remember simple tasks. My forgetfulness is a major problem and if it weren’t for my planner, I’d be completely lost.

I live with this pain daily and thankfully my meds ease the majority of it but my fingers ache constantly and typing isn’t fun, but I push through because I have to. It’s taking me forever to get Wild Horses finished and just when I think I’m almost there, that I can get done by a certain date, I’m laid low and end up in bed for a week. The harder I push myself, the worse the fatigue gets so every thing I do has to be done slowly or I pay the price. Just cleaning the house takes its toll on me.

So, for those of you who have waited so patiently for the next book, Thank You! I appreciate your support and for waiting when the waiting has gone so long it’s ridiculous. Just know that I am writing. It may only be a few hundred words a day or a few lines, but I’m doing what I can when my health allows.

I’ll be making a few changes in 2016. I’ll no longer be writing my article on the Sweethearts of the West blog. I didn’t feel like I should continue when things were so iffy with me. If I can’t give them my best, I’d rather bow out and let someone who can, take my spot. I’ll also be cutting back on the Friday First Kiss posts here on the blog. I’ll not be scheduling them weekly but will occasionally put one up when I have a new book or a friend has a special release.

For now I’m concentrating on what is most important and thats the stories. I’m trying to schedule Facebook posts in advance for those times when I’m stretched out across the bed and can’t get up so if I don’t reply right away, I’m not ignoring you…chances are, I’m having another pain flair or the depression has taken hold again.

Here’s to hoping 2016 is a better year, one filled with tons of new books! Thanks for sticking with me when I get quiet. I’ll always be back around eventually so don’t give up on me just yet. I have too many stories to tell!

Happy New Year, everyone!!

The post I’ve Been Keeping A Secret appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.

Friday First Kiss #89 :: Laurel: Bride of Arkansas by Carra Copelin (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,

 Laurel: Bride of Arkansas (American Mail-Order Brides Series Book 25)

He squeezed her hand and when she looked closer she couldn’t tell where her hand stopped and his began. A moment of panic hit her and she attempted to pull away, but he held fast.

Somewhere in the background she heard Brother Waggoner say, “From this day forward you will be one in mind, one in heart, and by the grace of God, one in eternal destiny. Believing it is God who truly joins a couple together in marriage, let no man put it asunder. Griffin, you may now kiss your bride.”

She lifted her gaze to find him watching her closely. He lowered his head and touched his lips to hers, lightly at first and then with more pressure. When he pulled away, she instantly felt his absence. Literally her first kiss, she hadn’t known what to expect. Her body over heated beyond the stifling temperature of the room and she felt light-headed. She swayed and, before her knees buckled, his arm wrapped around her waist keeping her upright.

“Breathe, Laurel.”

“I . . . I can’t,” she whispered, gasping for air.

 

 

 

Laurel: Bride of Arkansas by Carra Copelin

(American Mail-Order Brides Series Book 25)

Laurel Weidner desires a life of her own away from Philadelphia society and a dull, boring marriage. She is sent to live with her aunt in Lawrence, Massachusetts. When her Aunt dies in a tornado, she gets a job at the Brown Textile Mill to avoid going back home. Two months later the mill burns down, and her father threatens to bring her back to Philadelphia.

When the mill and her livelihood perish with the fire, she has no other choice but to answer an ad in the Grooms’ Gazette and become a Mail Order Bride. Will she find peace and long lasting love in the arms of a stranger?

Griffin Benning needs a mother for his children. When his wife died, he lost his two children to his in-laws who claimed to have a better environment for raising his children. He misses his family and is coerced into advertising in the Grooms’ Gazette for a wife to raise his children and work the farm in order to get them back.

Will his ad for a Mail Order Bride provide what he needs? Can he find love and happiness with a stranger?

Can these two strangers find a common ground to reach their goals along with a happy-ever-after?

 

Purchase your copy at  Amazon.Com 

 

About Carra Copelin

 

Carra Copelin writes “well-written novels, complete with correct places, weather, and flavor.” . . . from a Native Texan reader. Her books are contemporary and historical romantic suspense about Texans set in Texas. No matter the murder, mystery, or mayhem that may surround or involve the hero and heroine, every story revolves around their romance and family.

She is a member of Romance Writers of America and President of Yellow Rose Romance Writers, plus she regularly contributes to Smart Girls Read Romance and Sweethearts of the West Blogs.

She and her hero live in North Central Texas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex where they enjoy their family and grandchildren. In addition to writing and researching with her fabulous critique partners, she enjoys playing bridge, crochet, and genealogy.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

The post Friday First Kiss #89 :: Laurel: Bride of Arkansas by Carra Copelin (Historical Western Romance) appeared first on USA TODAY Best Selling Romance Author, Lily Graison.