Kimberly Lewis's Blog, page 39
October 2, 2012
"Gallagher's Pride" by MK McClintock Two Days FREE!
It's a Two-Day Book Blast for
Gallagher's Pride
, the first in the Montana Gallagher Series!
Download your FREE book today
She was on a quest of discovery.He was on a quest for revenge.Together they would discover a second chance.Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher, and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds, and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family.As head of the Gallagher clan, Ethan has more than enough to occupy his thoughts and time—he didn't need the complication of Brenna Cameron and he certainly didn't need the trouble that came with her. Ethan takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.
Download your FREE book today!
GALLAGHER'S PRIDE BOOK EXCERPTSExcerpt One It seemed almost impossible that Brenna was standing in the middle of a dusty street on a brisk autumn morning thousands of miles from everything she had ever known and treasured. Almost impossible, but not quite for there she was in the town of Briarwood in Montana Territory. It had been an arduous journey at best. The seemingly never ending crossing of the Atlantic, the miles of train tracks, the stink of unwashed people the farther from civilization she got, and the rattling stage ride. But this is where her grandfather lived. Or so the telegrams she received months past had indicated. It had not taken long to discover the whereabouts of Nathan Hunter. Once Brenna had arrived on Boston’s soil, a place so foreign to the country existence she loved, she had sent telegrams to the postmarked address in Texas from where Nathan Hunter’s last letter was sent. A reply arrived less than two days later informing her that Nathan Hunter had left Texas. He had moved to the Montana Territory some years back. A dozen more telegrams and the services of a costly private detective later, and she had found him. If Brenna’s mind had not been filled with questions and worries, perhaps she would have better appreciated the grandeur of the place she now stood. Mountains the likes of which she had never seen jutted upward from the earth. So different from home, for those in Scotland were mere hills compared to the towering peaks surrounding the valley, which seemed to stretch farther than she could see. The fresh pine scented air reminded her of the long walks she used to take with her father back home, when she would pick bundles of heather for her mother. Blue skies so vast there was no end to the journey an eagle could take. Wildness and beauty unlike anything she’d ever imagined surrounded her.
Excerpt Two Are you out of your mind?” The words tumbled from her mouth before she could stop them, but he had gone and truly shocked her.“No actually I’m not. It’s your safety I’m thinking of,” replied Ethan, more to himself than her. He loosened the hold on her arm. Brenna let out an exasperated sigh, something her mother had always tried to discourage, and said, “I do appreciate your kindness, Mr. Gallagher...” “Ethan.” “…Ethan, but I’m certainly not the type of woman to just go home with two men whether I know them or not. It would be highly inappropriate, not to mention stupid.” “And you’re not stupid.” “Not as far as I can tell,"...
Excerpt Three He was tired of waiting. Six days now he’d been camped out here and had nearly been caught by one of the Hawk’s Peak hands. He would’ve given up and ridden back to the ranch if he didn’t think his boss would take a whip to him. Why he was elected as watch when his boss found out the pair left the ranch was beyond him. He waited and waited until finally he saw two riders coming through the trees west of his hiding spot. He mounted his horse and rode just a little closer. The rider waited until he was sure it was the Scot who rode in with Gallagher. Once satisfied, he raced his mount up and over the crest and rode hard back to the ranch. His boss was waiting for him on his front porch smoking a clean cheroot. “Did you see them?” “Oh yes, they just rode in, both of them.” “From which direction?” “North.” “The only place north of here is Bright River.” “Yes sir, unless you go way north and that would’ve taken them a whole lot longer.” “Well done Bradford,” the older man said tossing the man a small pouch. The gold jingled bringing a smile to the rider’s lips. Those cold nights hadn’t been a waste after all. “Why don’t you go and find one of the girls. Have a good night, you’ve earned it.” “Thank you sir.” “Oh Bradford, just be ready to ride out again.” The rider nodded and headed to the bunk house. His thoughts turned to the pretty Scot staying over at the Gallagher’s spread. He licked his lips thinking how much fun she was going to be. He pulled the skinny pale girl with the red stringy hair out of her bunk and dragged her to his own. She was a poor substitute, but she’d have to do until he could get on top of Gallagher’s whore.
Excerpt Four “Where did you sleep last night?” “On my bedroll.” Oh God, why was she not surprised he had said that. “But there are only two and I had them both when I woke up.” He looked at her and nodded, “True.” She really wanted to throw that pot of coffee at him. Online website templates
Download your FREE book today She was on a quest of discovery.He was on a quest for revenge.Together they would discover a second chance.Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher, and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds, and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family.As head of the Gallagher clan, Ethan has more than enough to occupy his thoughts and time—he didn't need the complication of Brenna Cameron and he certainly didn't need the trouble that came with her. Ethan takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.
Download your FREE book today!
GALLAGHER'S PRIDE BOOK EXCERPTSExcerpt One It seemed almost impossible that Brenna was standing in the middle of a dusty street on a brisk autumn morning thousands of miles from everything she had ever known and treasured. Almost impossible, but not quite for there she was in the town of Briarwood in Montana Territory. It had been an arduous journey at best. The seemingly never ending crossing of the Atlantic, the miles of train tracks, the stink of unwashed people the farther from civilization she got, and the rattling stage ride. But this is where her grandfather lived. Or so the telegrams she received months past had indicated. It had not taken long to discover the whereabouts of Nathan Hunter. Once Brenna had arrived on Boston’s soil, a place so foreign to the country existence she loved, she had sent telegrams to the postmarked address in Texas from where Nathan Hunter’s last letter was sent. A reply arrived less than two days later informing her that Nathan Hunter had left Texas. He had moved to the Montana Territory some years back. A dozen more telegrams and the services of a costly private detective later, and she had found him. If Brenna’s mind had not been filled with questions and worries, perhaps she would have better appreciated the grandeur of the place she now stood. Mountains the likes of which she had never seen jutted upward from the earth. So different from home, for those in Scotland were mere hills compared to the towering peaks surrounding the valley, which seemed to stretch farther than she could see. The fresh pine scented air reminded her of the long walks she used to take with her father back home, when she would pick bundles of heather for her mother. Blue skies so vast there was no end to the journey an eagle could take. Wildness and beauty unlike anything she’d ever imagined surrounded her. Excerpt Two Are you out of your mind?” The words tumbled from her mouth before she could stop them, but he had gone and truly shocked her.“No actually I’m not. It’s your safety I’m thinking of,” replied Ethan, more to himself than her. He loosened the hold on her arm. Brenna let out an exasperated sigh, something her mother had always tried to discourage, and said, “I do appreciate your kindness, Mr. Gallagher...” “Ethan.” “…Ethan, but I’m certainly not the type of woman to just go home with two men whether I know them or not. It would be highly inappropriate, not to mention stupid.” “And you’re not stupid.” “Not as far as I can tell,"...
Excerpt Three He was tired of waiting. Six days now he’d been camped out here and had nearly been caught by one of the Hawk’s Peak hands. He would’ve given up and ridden back to the ranch if he didn’t think his boss would take a whip to him. Why he was elected as watch when his boss found out the pair left the ranch was beyond him. He waited and waited until finally he saw two riders coming through the trees west of his hiding spot. He mounted his horse and rode just a little closer. The rider waited until he was sure it was the Scot who rode in with Gallagher. Once satisfied, he raced his mount up and over the crest and rode hard back to the ranch. His boss was waiting for him on his front porch smoking a clean cheroot. “Did you see them?” “Oh yes, they just rode in, both of them.” “From which direction?” “North.” “The only place north of here is Bright River.” “Yes sir, unless you go way north and that would’ve taken them a whole lot longer.” “Well done Bradford,” the older man said tossing the man a small pouch. The gold jingled bringing a smile to the rider’s lips. Those cold nights hadn’t been a waste after all. “Why don’t you go and find one of the girls. Have a good night, you’ve earned it.” “Thank you sir.” “Oh Bradford, just be ready to ride out again.” The rider nodded and headed to the bunk house. His thoughts turned to the pretty Scot staying over at the Gallagher’s spread. He licked his lips thinking how much fun she was going to be. He pulled the skinny pale girl with the red stringy hair out of her bunk and dragged her to his own. She was a poor substitute, but she’d have to do until he could get on top of Gallagher’s whore.
Excerpt Four “Where did you sleep last night?” “On my bedroll.” Oh God, why was she not surprised he had said that. “But there are only two and I had them both when I woke up.” He looked at her and nodded, “True.” She really wanted to throw that pot of coffee at him. Online website templates
Announcing the Winners of "Mistletoe Cowboy" by Carolyn Brown!
Thank you all so much for stopping by during Carolyn's interview! And thank you to everyone who left a comment for a chance to win one of two copies of Carolyn's new book, Mistletoe Cowboy. I know you all are really anxious to see who the winners are, so...........
Congratulations to...
Carol
and
Kim!
Please either contact me at kimberlylewisnovels@gmail.com or Carolyn at http://carolynlbrown.com/about9.html to claim your prize:-)
Congratulations to...
Carol
and
Kim!
Please either contact me at kimberlylewisnovels@gmail.com or Carolyn at http://carolynlbrown.com/about9.html to claim your prize:-)
September 30, 2012
"Deep Connections" by Rebecca Graf Blog Tour!
Happy Monday everyone! Today I am pleased to be hosting Rebecca Graf on her blog tour for her new book "Deep Connections"! She is joining us today with a guest post about why you should write a paranormal book. Enjoy!
5 Reasons to Write a Paranormal Book by Rebecca Graf There are so many genres of books today. There are probably three to four as many as there were thirty years ago. Or maybe we just called them different names. When it comes to paranormal, most people either love them or hate them. Why would you consider writing a paranormal book? 1. It’s a Hot GenreIt seems that everywhere you look there are paranormal books on the shelves and being promoted in the literary circles. Yes, paranormal is hot. It has actually been hot for several years, but the latest big movies helped push it over the top. It never hurts to write what is hot, but be careful as you could get lost in the pile of other authors doing the same thing. That is why you need a new twist on it. 2. Plots are Almost Unlimited Think about. The plots for paranormal are completely unlimited. Because it is paranormal, you can go outside the normal to create your plots. The dead can come back to life. Plots are not limited due to….well, read number 3. They kind of go together.3. Few Restrictions The laws of gravity don’t have to apply. The functioning of the body as taught in anatomy class doesn’t have to apply. There are no rules in paranormal. You can take old legends and give them new life. Create new creatures and new powers. Water doesn’t have to run south and rain doesn’t have to fall down. Get the picture?4. Imagination Can Run WildI guess this follows the same pattern. Your imagination has no limits. I love the fact that I don’t have to be ‘realistic’. I save that for realistic speech and characters readers can relate to. As for scenes and plot, being real is boring. That is why people read paranormal. They like to see how things might be.5. It Will Always be LovedA friend told me recently that she couldn’t understand the vampire craze. Why was everyone suddenly fascinated with vampires? Really? It’s nothing new. When I was a young adult, there were movies all over the places about vampires and teenagers. Paranormal stories are nothing new. It is just that more writers are going that route.
Paranormal was always be loved because it is without boundaries.
Just as love appears, so does the darkness. With her heart reaching out for one man, Brenna finds herself the target of an unknown stalker. Who is he? What does he want? How far will he go for her? Death is an option. Brenna discovers more than she bargained for and learns that the stalker will kill for her. It all comes down to decisions, and no matter what she chooses it will demand sacrifice and someone's blood.
Buy the book here! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0091VONS4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0091VONS4&linkCode=as2&tag=hubspace-20
About Rebecca
Rebecca Graf worked as an account for 20 years before taking a chance at a dream. Starting off with writing online, she began to build a reputation and a number of followers. Now, she has one children's book, A Gift for a Mouse, published with Deep Connections being her first adult novel. She lives near Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband and three children as well as two cats, Oreo and Cookie, and two dogs, Bug and Mocha. Rebecca has started her own publishing company, Silver Tongue Press, with two partners. Their goal is to help new authors to achieve their dreams. She also spends her days crocheting and knitting....
Email: writingwithsuccess@gmail.com Website: www.abookloverslibrary.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RebbecaGraf Twitter: @rebeccagraf
Giveaway! Rebecca will be giving away 10 copies of "Deep Connections" (your choice of ebook or paperback) during her tour! Please fill out the raffelcopter entry below for your chance to win. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
5 Reasons to Write a Paranormal Book by Rebecca Graf There are so many genres of books today. There are probably three to four as many as there were thirty years ago. Or maybe we just called them different names. When it comes to paranormal, most people either love them or hate them. Why would you consider writing a paranormal book? 1. It’s a Hot GenreIt seems that everywhere you look there are paranormal books on the shelves and being promoted in the literary circles. Yes, paranormal is hot. It has actually been hot for several years, but the latest big movies helped push it over the top. It never hurts to write what is hot, but be careful as you could get lost in the pile of other authors doing the same thing. That is why you need a new twist on it. 2. Plots are Almost Unlimited Think about. The plots for paranormal are completely unlimited. Because it is paranormal, you can go outside the normal to create your plots. The dead can come back to life. Plots are not limited due to….well, read number 3. They kind of go together.3. Few Restrictions The laws of gravity don’t have to apply. The functioning of the body as taught in anatomy class doesn’t have to apply. There are no rules in paranormal. You can take old legends and give them new life. Create new creatures and new powers. Water doesn’t have to run south and rain doesn’t have to fall down. Get the picture?4. Imagination Can Run WildI guess this follows the same pattern. Your imagination has no limits. I love the fact that I don’t have to be ‘realistic’. I save that for realistic speech and characters readers can relate to. As for scenes and plot, being real is boring. That is why people read paranormal. They like to see how things might be.5. It Will Always be LovedA friend told me recently that she couldn’t understand the vampire craze. Why was everyone suddenly fascinated with vampires? Really? It’s nothing new. When I was a young adult, there were movies all over the places about vampires and teenagers. Paranormal stories are nothing new. It is just that more writers are going that route.
Paranormal was always be loved because it is without boundaries.
Just as love appears, so does the darkness. With her heart reaching out for one man, Brenna finds herself the target of an unknown stalker. Who is he? What does he want? How far will he go for her? Death is an option. Brenna discovers more than she bargained for and learns that the stalker will kill for her. It all comes down to decisions, and no matter what she chooses it will demand sacrifice and someone's blood.
Buy the book here! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0091VONS4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0091VONS4&linkCode=as2&tag=hubspace-20
About Rebecca
Rebecca Graf worked as an account for 20 years before taking a chance at a dream. Starting off with writing online, she began to build a reputation and a number of followers. Now, she has one children's book, A Gift for a Mouse, published with Deep Connections being her first adult novel. She lives near Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband and three children as well as two cats, Oreo and Cookie, and two dogs, Bug and Mocha. Rebecca has started her own publishing company, Silver Tongue Press, with two partners. Their goal is to help new authors to achieve their dreams. She also spends her days crocheting and knitting....
Email: writingwithsuccess@gmail.com Website: www.abookloverslibrary.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RebbecaGraf Twitter: @rebeccagraf
Giveaway! Rebecca will be giving away 10 copies of "Deep Connections" (your choice of ebook or paperback) during her tour! Please fill out the raffelcopter entry below for your chance to win. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 28, 2012
"Embrace the Highland Warrior" Winner!
First off, I'd like to thank everyone who participated in the Highlander Giveaway Hop! This was so much fun and I'm looking forward to doing more of them in the future:-) And now for the winner of the Kindle version of "Embrace the Highland Warrior" by Anita Clenney.
Congratulations...
Diva Jefferson!
Diva you'll also be receiving 2 bookmarks from Anita herself--one of them is going to be autographed!
Thanks again everyone and have a great Friday!
Congratulations...
Diva Jefferson!
Diva you'll also be receiving 2 bookmarks from Anita herself--one of them is going to be autographed!
Thanks again everyone and have a great Friday!
September 27, 2012
Last Day of the Highlander Giveaway Hop!
Today is the last day folks, so if you haven't entered yet to win your free Kindle copy of Anita Clenney's Embrace the Highland Warrior make sure you do it by the end of the day:-) I'll be announcing the winner tomorrow! And bonus, Anita will be sending you 2 bookmarks (one of them being autographed by her) to the lucky winner! And don't forget to check out the other stops on the Hop as well to see what other cool Highlander books you can get! Good Luck!
Click here to enter for your chance to win !
September 26, 2012
Norah--Work In Progress
Okay, so for those of you who have read Zane and are wondering about the second book in the series I just thought I'd give you all a little update on my progress:-) I have began writing Norah's story and am happy to announce that Chapter 1 is complete! 4000+ words down and only 70,000 (give or take a few) words to go, LOL. Now that I've started I'm hoping that things will continue to go smoothly with the rest of the story. Starting on Chapter 2 now, so if y'all will excuse me I'm gonna go pick up where I left off with Norah and Chase. Have a great day everyone!
September 23, 2012
Interview with Carolyn Brown, author of Mistletoe Cowboy!
Okay folks, today we have one of my favorite western romance authors visiting with us today! Please help me give a warm welcome to Carolyn Brown!
Good Morning, everyone! Thank you, Kimberly, for inviting me to visit here today. It’s only a week until Mistletoe Cowboyhits the book stores and I’m so excited about it. Wouldn’t it be fun to find a cowboy like Creed under your Christmas tree?
KL: What inspired you to become a western romance author?CB: Write about what you know. That’s what folks tell us and I believe it. If I tried to write about a chef in New York City, it would come across as fake and believe me readers can spot a fake in the first paragraph. I have written both contemporary and historical books, series and stand alone titles in both, and somehow the rancher or cowboy seems to come through in all of them. It’s what I know and love. It’s where I live and what I see on a daily basis. I was inspired to write romance because it’s all about emotion. Whether historical, contemporary, regency or paranormal, it’s the emotion in the book that touches the reader. If an author can make a reader feel those emotions—tears, laughter, anger, fear—they’ve succeeded in their mission. Cowboys are usually pretty good at touching reader’s emotions!
KL: Do you ever bring events that have happened from your life experiences into your novels?CB: Of course. My life experiences, my step-father’s (he ran moonshine in prohibition days), my granny’s (she was a young bride when the flu epidemic hit in 1919), my granddaughter’s (she was scared on the first day of kindergarten). We use what we have and what we know. We dress it up, dress it down, change the names but it all goes back to writing what we know. Yes, I’ve been rolled in the snow but no, I have not been skinny dipping with a handsome cowboy (I kept my bathing suit on).
KL: If you had to pick one of your books (or series) to be made into a movie, which would you choose and why? Do you have any particular actors & actresses in mind for the leading roles?CB: I would love to see the Spikes & Spurs made into a movie or even a mini-series. Since I was asked to do a casting call for Love Drunk Cowboy and Red’s Hot Cowboy previously, let’s put out a casting call for Mistletoe Cowboy today. Timothy Olymphant could play Creed. I love his swagger and smile. Katherine Heigl’s would be perfect for Sage’s role. The dynamics between those two would be awesome.
KL: How do you come up with your stories? Do you carefully plan each detail out before you start writing or are you a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of writer?CB: I try to do that detail stuff but it never works. My characters work with me on the first chapter and by chapter two they’ve tossed all the details out in the yard and taken over. They tell me how the story goes and what to write. And they’re right demanding. They can and will wake me up out of a dead sleep to tell me that I wrote the last scene wrong and need to fix it before I go on.
KL: Mistletoe Cowboy comes out in October. What can readers expect to see from you in this novel?CB: The title says that it’s a Christmas book. They will see a match making grandmother on a long distance mission to make her granddaughter, Sage, find true love. They’ll see mistletoe temptation every time Sage turns around. And a sexy cowboy with a killer smile. Put them all together for three weeks in a violent winter storm that closes the roads into the Palo Duro Canyonand cuts off the power, shake well, and see what happens.
KL: Were there any particular scenes or chapters of Mistletoe Cowboy that you enjoyed writing?CB: I loved the scene when they meet for the first time. He thinks he’s got it made. There is no way that she can get to the ranch with the roads closed. She thinks her grandmother can’t possibly get out of the canyon with the snow storm in full blast. Surprise, surprise when he barrels in the back door looking like the abominable snow man and the ugliest dog on the face of the earth dashes in ahead of him.
KL: After Mistletoe Cowboy you have Just a Cowboy and His Baby coming out in December. Would you care to share anything about that novel?CB: This is Gemma’s story. She’s the youngest sibling in the O’Donnell family (Love Drunk
Cowboy and Darn Good Cowboy Christmas) and she’s determined to be the second woman to win the buckle and the money for saddle bronc busting in Las Vegas at the Pro Rodeo competition. Only trouble is she’s going up against Trace Coleman, who is just as determined to win so he can buy his dream ranch. Only one can win and it’s a fight to the finish, even when a baby gets dropped right in their laps during the rodeo tour.
KL: What do you have in store for your readers next year? Please say more sexy cowboys:-)CB: Oh, yes. Keep your boots on and your hat handy because there are definitely more cowboys on the way. A brand new set of single titles will debut in the spring when a billionaire cowboy buys a bride. Then in October there’s a cowboy who did not believe in internet dating until he spent a year in Kuwait and comes home at Christmas to find a big surprise waiting for him. And after that we’ll finish up the Spikes & Spurs with Dewar’s story as he and his cousins drive a hundred head of cattle from north Texasto Dodge Cityin a reenactment for a reality television show. AND…I love that word because it means more! My very first women’s fiction book will be published by Sourcebooks in March—The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeno Society Jubilee. Full of humor, it’s about four friends who stick together through tough times in Cadillac, Texas.
And now it’s time for some “just for fun” questions:-)
KL: If you were stranded on a deserted island and had the luxury of having 3 books, and only 3, which 3 would you choose and why?CB: Oh, my! Only three? Okay, I’ll have to choose carefully. The Bible because it’ll give me hours and hours of reading instead of just one day. Cold Sassy Tree because it makes me laugh. And Scarlett because I really wanted Scarlett O’Hara to have a happy ever after.
KL: List 5 things you absolutely cannot live without:CB: As in food: doughnuts, coffee, hamburgers, warm chocolate chip cookies and milk. As in other than food: books, friends, books, family and books.
__________________________________________________________________
MISTLETOE COWBOY
'Tis the season for...
A matchmaking grandmother on a long distance mission...
Mistletoe temptation in every doorway...
And a sexy cowboy with a killer smile.
When Grand Presley agrees to sell Creed Riley the Rockin' C Ranch for a song at Christmas time, he can hardly believe his good fortune. There's just one little catch...her tantalizing granddaughter, Sage, is part of the plan.
Please enjoy this excerpt from Mistletoe Cowboy!
Her hand flew up to her pounding heart and she backed up against the cabinet. The abominable snowman pushed his way into the house behind something that was either the ugliest dog on the face of the earth or an alien from a faraway planet. The huge thing set a galvanized bucket of milk on the table and a basket of eggs right beside it before he stomped his feet on the rug under the coat rack. The dog stopped in the middle of the kitchen floor and shook from shoulder to tail, sending even more snow flying everywhere in her kitchen. When it melted there would be water everywhere and her socks would be soaked. “Who the hell are you? Get out of here and take that miserable mutt with you,” Sage said. Creed removed his old felt cowboy hat and pulled off the face mask. His nose was scarlet and his dark eyelashes dusted with snowflakes. And of all the crazy things, there was a spring of mistletoe stuck in the snow on his shoulder as if it had grown there. “I’m Creed Riley, ma’am, and I reckon if you want to throw your dog out in the snow that’s your business, but I’m not that mean or cruel to animals. And I’m here to stay since I’m the cowboy who bought this ranch. I guess you’d be Sage Presley. I didn’t think you’d make it home in this blizzard. I heard the roads were closed off.” He was well over six feet tall because Sage had to look up to him. His brown hair was a bit too long, and his mossy green eyes were rimmed with black lashes topped with heavy dark brows. His deep voice held a definite Texas drawl. She backed up to the cabinet and braced herself against it. “Where is Grand? Is she behind you?” “No, left a day early since the storm was coming in. I expect she’s in Pennsylvania by now where it’s fifty degrees and sunshiny today. Crazy, ain’t it? We get a blizzard and the east coast is downright pleasant. At least it was yesterday when she called to tell me that she’d made it fine and to tell you so when you got home. Guess her cell phone’s battery was dead and her sister didn’t have one so she called on a pay phone from the airport.” Sage rolled her eyes. “You have got to be kiddin’ me!” “No, ma’am! That’s the truth and that’s really not my dog. I’m bringing my two huntin’ dogs out here soon as we make this sale legal, but this old boy just appeared out of nowhere this morning and rushed right in with me. I figured he belonged on the property. He wasn’t none too pretty when he was covered in snow, but it was covering a multitude of ugly, wasn’t it?” Sage crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. He ignored her and started peeling away layers of clothing, taking the time to hang them on a coat rack just inside the back door. He didn’t stop until he was down to jeans, socks, and a red and black flannel shirt. What have you done, Grand? she thought. The blizzard would end. The sun would come out and melt the snow. Electricity would be restored along with power lines and cell phone coverage. And Sage could have talked her out of the sale a hell of a lot easier face to face than over the telephone—if they ever got service back in the canyon. This was Sage’s home and it wasn’t supposed to be sold to some rank stranger, even if his green eyes were sexy as hell with snow hanging on the lashes like that fake stuff out of a can that she and Grand sprayed on the windows when she was a little girl. “Coffee smells good. Reckon it’s about ready?” he asked. “Thank goodness for a full propane tank. Miz Ada told me that she has a standing order with the propane company out of Claude. And you can wipe that mean look off your face, lady. We’re stuck here together until this ends. I’m not real happy about being holed up with you either, but it’s the way it is and we might as well make the best of it.” Her eyes narrowed and her brow wrinkled. You want your face to freeze with that nasty look on it? Her grandmother’s words came back to haunt her. “Number one, Mr. Riley, you don’t tell me how to look or what to do. Number two, Mr. Riley, Grand won’t ever sell you this place, so don’t get too comfortable.” “Rule number one, lady, I speak my mind, so get used to it. Rule number two, I’m settling in and getting comfortable because I think she will sell the ranch to me. The deed will say that you get to live on the ranch as long as you want when the sale is sealed, signed, and finished. And back to rule number one, darlin’, if you want your face to freeze like that, then just hold on to that nasty look,” Creed said. Her face softened, but she wasn’t ready to smile and welcome the damn cowboy. Not yet, probably not ever.
__________________________________________________________________
About Carolyn Brown
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown has published more than sixty books. Her books have been reprinted in large print, translated into foreign languages, reprinted in Manga, and three are now available in audio books. She and her Husband, a retired English teacher who does not read her work until it is published, live in southern Oklahoma. They have three grown children and enough grandchildren to keep them young forever...and two tom cats who rule the back yard.
__________________________________________________________________ Giveaway! Wow, I don't know about y'all but I'm excited to read this book! Lucky for you Carolyn will be giving away 2 paperback copies of Mistletoe Cowboy to two random commentors on this post! So if you want to read more of Creed and Sage's story leave a comment below for your chance to win! I'll draw the winners and announce them on October 3rd! Good luck to all who enter!
And Carolyn, thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog today! It's an honor having you here:-)
Good Morning, everyone! Thank you, Kimberly, for inviting me to visit here today. It’s only a week until Mistletoe Cowboyhits the book stores and I’m so excited about it. Wouldn’t it be fun to find a cowboy like Creed under your Christmas tree?
KL: What inspired you to become a western romance author?CB: Write about what you know. That’s what folks tell us and I believe it. If I tried to write about a chef in New York City, it would come across as fake and believe me readers can spot a fake in the first paragraph. I have written both contemporary and historical books, series and stand alone titles in both, and somehow the rancher or cowboy seems to come through in all of them. It’s what I know and love. It’s where I live and what I see on a daily basis. I was inspired to write romance because it’s all about emotion. Whether historical, contemporary, regency or paranormal, it’s the emotion in the book that touches the reader. If an author can make a reader feel those emotions—tears, laughter, anger, fear—they’ve succeeded in their mission. Cowboys are usually pretty good at touching reader’s emotions!
KL: Do you ever bring events that have happened from your life experiences into your novels?CB: Of course. My life experiences, my step-father’s (he ran moonshine in prohibition days), my granny’s (she was a young bride when the flu epidemic hit in 1919), my granddaughter’s (she was scared on the first day of kindergarten). We use what we have and what we know. We dress it up, dress it down, change the names but it all goes back to writing what we know. Yes, I’ve been rolled in the snow but no, I have not been skinny dipping with a handsome cowboy (I kept my bathing suit on).
KL: If you had to pick one of your books (or series) to be made into a movie, which would you choose and why? Do you have any particular actors & actresses in mind for the leading roles?CB: I would love to see the Spikes & Spurs made into a movie or even a mini-series. Since I was asked to do a casting call for Love Drunk Cowboy and Red’s Hot Cowboy previously, let’s put out a casting call for Mistletoe Cowboy today. Timothy Olymphant could play Creed. I love his swagger and smile. Katherine Heigl’s would be perfect for Sage’s role. The dynamics between those two would be awesome.
KL: How do you come up with your stories? Do you carefully plan each detail out before you start writing or are you a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of writer?CB: I try to do that detail stuff but it never works. My characters work with me on the first chapter and by chapter two they’ve tossed all the details out in the yard and taken over. They tell me how the story goes and what to write. And they’re right demanding. They can and will wake me up out of a dead sleep to tell me that I wrote the last scene wrong and need to fix it before I go on.
KL: Mistletoe Cowboy comes out in October. What can readers expect to see from you in this novel?CB: The title says that it’s a Christmas book. They will see a match making grandmother on a long distance mission to make her granddaughter, Sage, find true love. They’ll see mistletoe temptation every time Sage turns around. And a sexy cowboy with a killer smile. Put them all together for three weeks in a violent winter storm that closes the roads into the Palo Duro Canyonand cuts off the power, shake well, and see what happens.
KL: Were there any particular scenes or chapters of Mistletoe Cowboy that you enjoyed writing?CB: I loved the scene when they meet for the first time. He thinks he’s got it made. There is no way that she can get to the ranch with the roads closed. She thinks her grandmother can’t possibly get out of the canyon with the snow storm in full blast. Surprise, surprise when he barrels in the back door looking like the abominable snow man and the ugliest dog on the face of the earth dashes in ahead of him.
KL: After Mistletoe Cowboy you have Just a Cowboy and His Baby coming out in December. Would you care to share anything about that novel?CB: This is Gemma’s story. She’s the youngest sibling in the O’Donnell family (Love Drunk
Cowboy and Darn Good Cowboy Christmas) and she’s determined to be the second woman to win the buckle and the money for saddle bronc busting in Las Vegas at the Pro Rodeo competition. Only trouble is she’s going up against Trace Coleman, who is just as determined to win so he can buy his dream ranch. Only one can win and it’s a fight to the finish, even when a baby gets dropped right in their laps during the rodeo tour.
KL: What do you have in store for your readers next year? Please say more sexy cowboys:-)CB: Oh, yes. Keep your boots on and your hat handy because there are definitely more cowboys on the way. A brand new set of single titles will debut in the spring when a billionaire cowboy buys a bride. Then in October there’s a cowboy who did not believe in internet dating until he spent a year in Kuwait and comes home at Christmas to find a big surprise waiting for him. And after that we’ll finish up the Spikes & Spurs with Dewar’s story as he and his cousins drive a hundred head of cattle from north Texasto Dodge Cityin a reenactment for a reality television show. AND…I love that word because it means more! My very first women’s fiction book will be published by Sourcebooks in March—The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeno Society Jubilee. Full of humor, it’s about four friends who stick together through tough times in Cadillac, Texas.
And now it’s time for some “just for fun” questions:-)
KL: If you were stranded on a deserted island and had the luxury of having 3 books, and only 3, which 3 would you choose and why?CB: Oh, my! Only three? Okay, I’ll have to choose carefully. The Bible because it’ll give me hours and hours of reading instead of just one day. Cold Sassy Tree because it makes me laugh. And Scarlett because I really wanted Scarlett O’Hara to have a happy ever after.
KL: List 5 things you absolutely cannot live without:CB: As in food: doughnuts, coffee, hamburgers, warm chocolate chip cookies and milk. As in other than food: books, friends, books, family and books.
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MISTLETOE COWBOY
'Tis the season for...
A matchmaking grandmother on a long distance mission...
Mistletoe temptation in every doorway...
And a sexy cowboy with a killer smile.
When Grand Presley agrees to sell Creed Riley the Rockin' C Ranch for a song at Christmas time, he can hardly believe his good fortune. There's just one little catch...her tantalizing granddaughter, Sage, is part of the plan.
Please enjoy this excerpt from Mistletoe Cowboy!
Her hand flew up to her pounding heart and she backed up against the cabinet. The abominable snowman pushed his way into the house behind something that was either the ugliest dog on the face of the earth or an alien from a faraway planet. The huge thing set a galvanized bucket of milk on the table and a basket of eggs right beside it before he stomped his feet on the rug under the coat rack. The dog stopped in the middle of the kitchen floor and shook from shoulder to tail, sending even more snow flying everywhere in her kitchen. When it melted there would be water everywhere and her socks would be soaked. “Who the hell are you? Get out of here and take that miserable mutt with you,” Sage said. Creed removed his old felt cowboy hat and pulled off the face mask. His nose was scarlet and his dark eyelashes dusted with snowflakes. And of all the crazy things, there was a spring of mistletoe stuck in the snow on his shoulder as if it had grown there. “I’m Creed Riley, ma’am, and I reckon if you want to throw your dog out in the snow that’s your business, but I’m not that mean or cruel to animals. And I’m here to stay since I’m the cowboy who bought this ranch. I guess you’d be Sage Presley. I didn’t think you’d make it home in this blizzard. I heard the roads were closed off.” He was well over six feet tall because Sage had to look up to him. His brown hair was a bit too long, and his mossy green eyes were rimmed with black lashes topped with heavy dark brows. His deep voice held a definite Texas drawl. She backed up to the cabinet and braced herself against it. “Where is Grand? Is she behind you?” “No, left a day early since the storm was coming in. I expect she’s in Pennsylvania by now where it’s fifty degrees and sunshiny today. Crazy, ain’t it? We get a blizzard and the east coast is downright pleasant. At least it was yesterday when she called to tell me that she’d made it fine and to tell you so when you got home. Guess her cell phone’s battery was dead and her sister didn’t have one so she called on a pay phone from the airport.” Sage rolled her eyes. “You have got to be kiddin’ me!” “No, ma’am! That’s the truth and that’s really not my dog. I’m bringing my two huntin’ dogs out here soon as we make this sale legal, but this old boy just appeared out of nowhere this morning and rushed right in with me. I figured he belonged on the property. He wasn’t none too pretty when he was covered in snow, but it was covering a multitude of ugly, wasn’t it?” Sage crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. He ignored her and started peeling away layers of clothing, taking the time to hang them on a coat rack just inside the back door. He didn’t stop until he was down to jeans, socks, and a red and black flannel shirt. What have you done, Grand? she thought. The blizzard would end. The sun would come out and melt the snow. Electricity would be restored along with power lines and cell phone coverage. And Sage could have talked her out of the sale a hell of a lot easier face to face than over the telephone—if they ever got service back in the canyon. This was Sage’s home and it wasn’t supposed to be sold to some rank stranger, even if his green eyes were sexy as hell with snow hanging on the lashes like that fake stuff out of a can that she and Grand sprayed on the windows when she was a little girl. “Coffee smells good. Reckon it’s about ready?” he asked. “Thank goodness for a full propane tank. Miz Ada told me that she has a standing order with the propane company out of Claude. And you can wipe that mean look off your face, lady. We’re stuck here together until this ends. I’m not real happy about being holed up with you either, but it’s the way it is and we might as well make the best of it.” Her eyes narrowed and her brow wrinkled. You want your face to freeze with that nasty look on it? Her grandmother’s words came back to haunt her. “Number one, Mr. Riley, you don’t tell me how to look or what to do. Number two, Mr. Riley, Grand won’t ever sell you this place, so don’t get too comfortable.” “Rule number one, lady, I speak my mind, so get used to it. Rule number two, I’m settling in and getting comfortable because I think she will sell the ranch to me. The deed will say that you get to live on the ranch as long as you want when the sale is sealed, signed, and finished. And back to rule number one, darlin’, if you want your face to freeze like that, then just hold on to that nasty look,” Creed said. Her face softened, but she wasn’t ready to smile and welcome the damn cowboy. Not yet, probably not ever.
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About Carolyn BrownNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown has published more than sixty books. Her books have been reprinted in large print, translated into foreign languages, reprinted in Manga, and three are now available in audio books. She and her Husband, a retired English teacher who does not read her work until it is published, live in southern Oklahoma. They have three grown children and enough grandchildren to keep them young forever...and two tom cats who rule the back yard.
__________________________________________________________________ Giveaway! Wow, I don't know about y'all but I'm excited to read this book! Lucky for you Carolyn will be giving away 2 paperback copies of Mistletoe Cowboy to two random commentors on this post! So if you want to read more of Creed and Sage's story leave a comment below for your chance to win! I'll draw the winners and announce them on October 3rd! Good luck to all who enter!
And Carolyn, thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog today! It's an honor having you here:-)
September 20, 2012
Highlander Giveaway Hop!
We're celebrating Highlanders from the past, present, and future from September 21st-27th! Hosted by
MK McClintock & Kimberly Lewis
Welcome to my stop on the Highlander Giveaway Hop! I'm going to be giving away a Kindle copy of Anita Clenney's Embrace the Highland Warrior! Good luck to everyone who enters! I'll be announcing the winner on September 28th!
Image and Blurb from Goodreads.comThey were driven apart by a timeless secret…Cody MacBain let the woman of his destiny slip away. A member of an ancient clan of Scottish warriors, he grew up beside Shay Logan as her secret protector, but his heart compelled him to become more. Until Shay’s true identity was revealed, and the fated pair’s chance was gone…
But danger will drive them back into each other’s arms…
Shay fell for the boy next door, suspecting nothing of the ancient secrets he guarded. After a stinging betrayal, she’s deteremined to banish the memories of ther first love forever. But the past can’t let go, and the boy she once loved has returned to her a warrior determine to protect her from the unspeakable evil fate has planned…
But will all the Underworld after Shay, Cody will have to call in the entire Connor Clan to keep her safe.
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Don't forget to check out the rest of the stops on the hop for some awesome Highlander Books!
Where'd Ya Go?
Hey folks! I am really sorry for my absence the past few days. We had a family emergency and ended up having to leave town to be with those particular family members who needed us. But I'm back now and am in the process of playing catch-up since I wasn't on the computer at all the past few days. I was completely surprised (and super happy!) when I checked "Zane's" sales this morning and saw that the book is still #1 in Western Romance Bestsellers on Amazon AND it's climbing the bestsellers rank in contemporary romance as well! I am just so ecstatic that you all are enjoying it so much:-) I had to put Norah's story on hold when we went out of town but I'm hoping to get a lot accomplished between now and the weekend. And the last bit of information I have to share is that tomorrow I will be participating/co-hosting the first Highlander Giveaway Hop with fellow author MK McClintock! Make sure you stop by all the blogs and enter for your chance to win some free Highlander books! I'm looking forward to it and I hope to see y'all there!
September 17, 2012
So Happy
Good morning, everyone! I hope y'all had a great weekend, I know I sure did. We took our two year old son to the zoo and had a blast:-) I also got some writing done--wha-hoo! I'm about 2,000 words into Norah and Chase's story and I gotta tell ya that I'm liking it a lot so far. This new story line should be pretty good:-) Zane is still holding in the top western romances on Amazon--actually it's back to #1! It makes me so happy that you all are enjoying the book so much! I appreciate you guys and your support so much...you just have no idea. Well, I hope you all have a great start to your work week. I'm hoping to get more of Norah and Chase's story written...I left them at a weird stopping point after their first interaction and I feel bad for just leaving them hanging like that, lol.
Happy Monday!!!
