Buy the Book Tours: "Embrace the Wild Land" by Rosanne Bittner Blog Tour

About Rosanne Bittner

I've been writing for nearly thirty years and to date have had 57 novels published, all about the American West of the 1800's and Native Americans. I write romance, but not the typical bodice-ripping adventures. My stories are deep love stories, often family sagas told as a series. It is the hero and heroine's love that holds them together through the trials and tribulations of settling America's western frontiers. I absolutely love the Rockies, the Tetons, the Sierras, and the wide-open plains, prairies and desert land west of the Mississippi. In my books, I strive to tell the truth about the settling of the West and how it affected our American Indians, as well as the gritty depth of what our brave pioneers suffered in their search for free land and a better life.

I am a member of the Nebraska and Oklahoma Historical Societies, my local southwest Michigan historical society, Women Writing the West, Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America (treasurer) and the national RWA, and a local charity group called the Coloma Lioness Club. I help run a family business and love doing things with my three young grandsons. If you visit my web site at www.rosannebittner.com, where all my titles are listed as well as a page that lists all my many writing awards; or you can visit me on Facebook. At either site you will learn news of new books to come as well as reprints of many of my past titles soon to be published in trade paperback and as e-books! I also have an author site at Amazon.com.

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About Embrace the Wild Land {Book 4 ~ Savage Destiny Series}

Not only do the developing Indian wars threaten to destroy the family dynasty Zeke and Abbie Monroe have begun to build together, but now the Civil War rears its ugly head to intrude into their lives in wrenching twists and turns that tear Zeke and Abbie apart in ways they never expected.  


The Savage Land is exploding both on the lawless plains and in the South, where Zeke must go to find one of his white brothers.  Don’t miss this compelling story of love, choices, dreams and cruel reality wherein only the strongest of love can hold two people together, the kind of love shared by Zeke and Abbie Monroe.

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Excerpt

(Lone Eagle is Zeke Monroe’s Indian name)

“Lone Eagle?”  Abigail called out again.  She walked into the darkness behind their tipi, for she had not seen him anywhere in the light of the fires.  “Lone Eagle, where are you?”  She gasped as a strong arm grasped her about the waist and pulled her close.  In the next moment he was kissing her savagely, a light odor of whiskey on his breath.  … Somehow he was different tonight, his soul torn and his desire enhanced by whiskey he’d drunk to try to forget the ache of what was happening to his people.  He released the kiss but kept a tight hold on her so that it was difficult to even breathe.  “I want you,” he told her fiercely.

He came down on her, wrapping his arms around her and rolling over quickly so that she was on top of him.  “Be free tonight, woman of Lone Eagle,” he told her.  “Do not be like a white woman.  Be Lone Eagle’s woman …”

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CBLS Promotions: "Stetson’s Storm (Lasso Springs #3)" by Kathleen Ball (Ends 3/12) WW

Stetson's Storm (Lasso Springs #3)

by Kathleen Ball

Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Dessert Breeze

Release Date: February 21, 2012

Heat Level: Steamy

Word Count: 64,000

Buy Links

Available 2/21/13

Blurb

Hunky, Rodeo Star, Stetson Scott is back in town after a 5 year absence. Storm McCrory has what he unknowingly left, his son.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language which may be considered offensive to some readers.

Excerpt

The bells above the diner door rang eerily in the still of the night. Storm startled then whirled around. It'd been quiet all night; the graveyard shift usually was. The money wasn't the greatest, but somehow she managed. Her eyes widened and her heart raced faster. It couldn't be, but it was. Stetson had returned.

He noticed her. Storm saw no sign of recognition in his eyes. Maybe it was a good thing. She knew she looked drawn and tired. The circles under her eyes never seemed to disappear anymore, her hair no longer shone, and she was rail thin.

His lack of recognition cut deep. The pain in her heart overwhelmed her. He didn't remember her, but she hadn't forgotten him for one day during his five-year absence. Grabbing the glass coffee pot, she quickly walked over to where he sat at the counter. "Coffee?"

"Sure, honey," Stetson replied, looking over his shoulder at a group of new customers.

Disappointment filled her being as she poured the hot liquid into his mug. "Anything else?"

"Uh, no."

Storm nodded, put the pot down, and walked into the kitchen to regroup. He unnerved her.

"She's not the one for you." Storm heard one customer comment.

"I'm not interested," Stetson's familiar voice responded.

"Good thing. She's got a bit of a reputation." The busybody female's voice sounded sultry, as though she wanted Stetson for herself.

Tears welled up in Storm's eyes waiting for his reply. All she heard was the ringing of the bells. She hoped she hadn't been stiffed again. Last time it had come out of her pocket. She walked back behind the counter. Stetson had left. He was always leaving.

Storm had finally and firmly written him off, but her heart didn't agree. Thankfully, she had a strong mind. No man would ever play her for a fool again. Stetson had cost her everything, her home, her family. Most of the members of the town wouldn't talk to her.

If it hadn't been for Nellie, Stetson's sister, she wouldn't have survived the last five years. She had to admit he looked damn good in his jeans, boots, and blue chambray shirt. Blue always brought out his striking, sky blue eyes. He had a few more lines on his face, his handsome, tanned, chiseled face. His thick blond hair curled out of control, and she had to stop herself from remembering how it felt to run her fingers through it.

He'd filled out. He had a man's body now, with big shoulders and a slender waist. He probably had his share of women over the last five years. The thought crushed her. She'd been left to suffer and he'd gone on to fame.

It still stung that Stetson never even said goodbye. He just up and left town one day. Storm had waited and waited to no avail. Finally, she had to tell her daddy she was pregnant.

About the Author

Kathleen Ball has been writing a little over three years. She has four published novels: The Lasso Springs Series--Callie’s Heart and Lone Star Joy are available now.  Stetson’s Storm will be available in Feb 2013 all from Desert Breeze Publishing. She also has the Dawson Ranch Series from Secret Cravings Publishing. Those titles are Texas Haven and Ryelee’s Cowboy.

Kathleen lives in Texas and loves the fact that she can drive out of her subdivision and see cattle. She is a native New Yorker from Rochester, New York.

Kathleen is married and has one son who is a Marine. She started writing when she realized that she was facing an empty nest. Always an avid reader, she writes what she likes, Contemporary Western Romance.

Visit her at her website at www.kathleenballromance.com.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lasso-Springs-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B00BIW9GGS/

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lasso-springs-book-three-barbara-scott/1114670256

Prize is 10 eBook copies of "Stetson's Storm" (1 each to 10 winners). Contest is tour-wide, open internationally and ends Mar 12. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

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Follow the entire tour.

Buy the Book Tours: "River of Love" by Roseanne Bittner Promo

Zeke Monroe will do anything to protect his Abbie and make sure she is happy, which is why he opts to settle into ranching and build his Abbie-girl a home of her own where they can begin raising a family on the plains of Colorado along the Arkansas River.  But the encroachment of white settlers and its affect on Zeke’s Cheyenne brothers begins to threaten his and his family’s safety, and the paradise he and Abbie find is short-lived.  Still, nothing can kill the devotion these two share toward each other, and it’s love that holds them together through heartbreaking adversity outside their private world.

Excerpt

“Come back to bed, Zeke,” Abbie told him softly.  “You know how I hate storms.  Come and hold me.”

The rain started pelting the roof then, and he came back beside her.  Both were naked, for that was the way they always slept.  … She pulled the buffalo robe over them, snuggling close to him, finding perfect shelter from the storm that frightened her.  She was afraid of nothing when Zeke was beside her.  He was like a rock, indestructible, strong, hard, never afraid.  She lifted her face to his.  Then his lips covered hers and she had no defense against the way he had of enticing her, as if his manliness and his touch were not enough. …

About Rosanne Bittner

I've been writing for nearly thirty years and to date have had 57 novels published, all about the American West of the 1800's and Native Americans. I write romance, but not the typical bodice-ripping adventures. My stories are deep love stories, often family sagas told as a series. It is the hero and heroine's love that holds them together through the trials and tribulations of settling America's western frontiers. I absolutely love the Rockies, the Tetons, the Sierras, and the wide-open plains, prairies and desert land west of the Mississippi. In my books, I strive to tell the truth about the settling of the West and how it affected our American Indians, as well as the gritty depth of what our brave pioneers suffered in their search for free land and a better life.

I am a member of the Nebraska and Oklahoma Historical Societies, my local southwest Michigan historical society, Women Writing the West, Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America (treasurer) and the national RWA, and a local charity group called the Coloma Lioness Club. I help run a family business and love doing things with my three young grandsons. If you visit my web site atwww.rosannebittner.com, where all my titles are listed as well as a page that lists all my many writing awards; or you can visit me on Facebook. At either site you will learn news of new books to come as well as reprints of many of my past titles soon to be published in trade paperback and as e-books! I also have an author site at Amazon.com

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Rosanne's Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

River of Love on Amazon (Book is exclusive to Amazon)

Publication Date: September 25, 2012

Follow the tour.

"Capital Bride" by Cynthia Wolf Book Review

Read my review below, and be sure to check out more information about the tour and enter the giveaway!

Capital Bride by Cynthia Woolf

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I can honestly say this is one of the easiest-to-road historical romances I have read in quite some time.  The language and font make the reading of this book go by very quickly, and the story (though simple) is fantastic.  I struggled to put the book down because I was so enraptured.  I loved Sarah and John, and who can pass up the old romance of a mail order bride?  This is the almost-perfect historical Western romance.

As you can imagine, I do have a few minor critiques.  I will not complain about the bedroom scenes.  Though they are only for adults, I can easily say that I was not offended.  I was quite pleased that they were married!  After all, in so many romances, they don't bother to take that step.  The profanity in the book was so mild that it was almost nonexistent.  I can safely say that the two major issues I often point out with books are truly no problem.

My only complaint has to do with the style of the writing.  I discussed this very issue with my mom, and she helped me understand what I struggled to put my finger on.  This novel is fast-paced, but it is not detailed.  I realize that there is a fine line between too much and not enough detail, but I am one who truly desires to connect with the story and the characters in a book.  To do this, I usually need a little more detail than this book provides.  I often felt that I was reading a newspaper article or journal entry.  And for that very reason, there may be readers who will be clamoring to read this.  And all I can say is that you will not be sorry.  The story is enchanting, and I am so glad that I was privileged to read it.  Highly recommended for an easy evening romantic read!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

Buy the Book Tours: "Ride the Free Wind" by Rosanne Bittner Promo

Blurb:

Abigail Trent Monroe abandons the only life she’s ever known to live among the Cheyenne with her half-breed husband, Zeke.  Together they face peril and enjoy a passion most never experience.  Their love is so strong that no amount of danger or rugged living can come between this man and woman so devoted to one another.  

Against the backdrop of a magnificent landscape and during a time when freedom meant everything to the Native Americans, Zeke and Abbie cling to one another for courage and strength.

Excerpt:

Clinging to Zeke tightly, Abbie pleaded.  “Don’t let go!  Don’t ever let go!”

“It’s all right, Abbie-girl,” he told her quietly.

He gladly kept his arms around her, and she kissed his neck, breathing in the wonderful, manly scent of him, running her hands across his broad, strong shoulders.  He moved his lips back to her own in one long, lingering, hungry kiss, then he swung her up into his arms.  She rested her head on his shoulder and asked no questions. … It did not matter at the moment where he had been or why.   All that mattered was that he was here now. …

Buy Links:
Amazon**This book is e-Book is exclusive to Amazon**

Author Bio:

I've been writing for nearly thirty years and to date have had 57 novels published, all about the American West of the 1800's and Native Americans. I write romance, but not the typical bodice-ripping adventures. My stories are deep love stories, often family sagas told as a series. It is the hero and heroine's love that holds them together through the trials and tribulations of settling America's western frontiers. I absolutely love the Rockies, the Tetons, the Sierras, and the wide-open plains, prairies and desert land west of the Mississippi. In my books, I strive to tell the truth about the settling of the West and how it affected our American Indians, as well as the gritty depth of what our brave pioneers suffered in their search for free land and a better life.

I am a member of the Nebraska and Oklahoma Historical Societies, my local southwest Michigan historical society, Women Writing the West, Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America (treasurer) and the national RWA, and a local charity group called the Coloma Lioness Club. I help run a family business and love doing things with my three young grandsons. If you visit my web site at www.rosannebittner.com, where all my titles are listed as well as a page that lists all my many writing awards; or you can visit me on Facebook. At either site you will learn news of new books to come as well as reprints of many of my past titles soon to be published in trade paperback and as e-books! I also have an author site at Amazon.com.

Author Links:
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

"Alaina Claiborne" by MK McCllintock Book Blast (Ends 1/22) WW

MK McClintock's Alaina Claiborne

Alaina Claiborne

How far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?

In nineteenth-century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace.

Then tragedy strikes and her world is forever changed. Searching for those responsible is her only focus . . . until she meets Tristan.

Tristan Sheffield, a man of many talents, searches out those who don’t want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life unexpectedly entwines with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire to catch a murderer.

On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against evil, and they'll stop at nothing to survive.

Purchase Now on 

Kindle

Enjoy Excerpts from Alaina Claiborne
(Excerpts may or may not be in the order in which they appear, and may differ slightly from the final book.)

Excerpt One: 
   Tristan had spent months negotiating with the lord, who decided to hold out for all he could the moment he realized who was interested in the property. Apparently, Lord Melbourne had been so deep in debt that he had no choice but to sell off his ancestral estate. Tristan knew a desperate man when he saw one and Lord Melbourne had been desperate. He eventually yielded to Tristan’s way of thinking and settled on a fair price. Tristan was happy to be rid of the man and even more pleased to find the daughter of Melbourne’s deceased neighbor in his own backyard. Tristan studied the object of his thoughts for a moment longer, trying to catch another glimpse of those revealing eyes. She declined to look at him, but he wanted a reaction from her—any kind of reaction would please him.
   “It seems we will be neighbors.” He realized he had blundered when her spine stiffened and she turned toward him. Anger marred her lovely face, and he guessed she likely suffered from temper when the mood struck, as it seemed to be doing now.
   “You, sir, may now own this property, but I assure you we will be neighbors in no other way except that we share a border. I see no reason why we should ever meet again.” With her back stiff and head held high, she turned to her impressively large stallion and mounted with surprising ease, her riding habit no hindrance to her. He wondered if she rode with as much confidence as she showed him right now—he thought she probably did.
   “There is no reason why we can’t be civil to one another, Alaina. After all, I now own half of your favorite lake.” He couldn’t seem to stop saying all of the wrong things, but he was enjoying himself. She stared down at him from her elevated height and looked him over with a mixture of what he thought to be disgust and perhaps admiration. But there was only anger behind her next words.
   “I have plenty of ponds on my own property.”
   “Then why are you here?”
   “That, sir, is none of your business.” She turned the horse, spurred him forward, and once she broke through the trees, she sent the horse into a suicidal run, one which she surprisingly had complete control over. Tristan followed her with his eyes until she rode over the hill and out of sight.
   “Interesting,” he murmured. “A most interesting woman.” He turned to his horse and stroked his muzzle. “What do you think, Admiral?”
   The horse whinnied and nodded his head. “I agree, old boy,” he murmured and his gaze returned to the hill where she had been moments before. “I agree.” Tristan mounted his horse with equal ease and turned to continue the inspection of his property.

Excerpt Two: 
     Across the acres, darkness enveloped Alaina, her surroundings illuminated by the flickering flame of a lamp. She moved around in the attic, searching through trunks of the items that had come from her mother’s cottage in Ireland. It was difficult to see so many memories reminding her of her parents, but she also found it calmed her. She had avoided these things since they had been delivered years ago, but now her fears became secondary. She hoped something from her parents’ past might shed light on what was happening in the present. Alaina rummaged through a trunk of some of her mother’s clothes, pulling them out and smelling them, hoping for a faint whiff of the soft rose scent her mother used to wear. There was something lingering around the old clothes, and it took Alaina back to a time when she was a little girl. Nevertheless, the memory ended there. She paused for a moment, as if the scent reminded her of something else besides her mother. She subsequently released the memory when she saw the bottom of the trunk was not as deep as it should have been. She pulled out the remaining dress and ran her fingers along the bottom and edges. She next looked on the outside of the trunk. Nearly six inches of extra space remained near the bottom on the inside.
     Alaina felt along the inside edges and became excited when she found a gap. Slowly reaching her fingers into the hole, she simultaneously pushed down on the other edge for leverage and surprised herself when the bottom tilted to reveal the extra space beneath. Removing the thin board, she set it aside and gasped when she turned back to the trunk.
     “Oh, Mother. What did you do?”

Book Trailer

Author MK McClintock

MK McClintock is an entrepreneur, baker, photographer, and multi-genre author.

Over the years MK McClintock has traveled the country and abroad, experiencing the beauty of other lands and cultures. She dreams of a time when life was simpler, the land rougher, and the journey more rewarding. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, McClintock will always call Montana home.

MK McClintock is a member of Romance Writers of America, Montana Romance Writers, and Women Writing the West.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter | YouTube

BookBlast $50 Giveaway
Ends 1/22/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

As a side note, I will be reviewing this book fairly soon.  After all, MK McClintock is one of the finest authors out there!  I work with her regularly, and I love the fact that I get to promote her book!  And review it!


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Black Lion Tours: "Capital Bride" by Cynthia Woolf Book Blast

Introducing Cynthia Woolf's 

CAPITAL BRIDE

Unexpectedly homeless, un-wed mother Sarah Johnson has few options.  They could go live with her cousin William, but Sara believes there’s something untoward about his offer and it leaves her feeling uncomfortable.  She's qualified to be a governess, but no one will have her because she wasn't married when she had her precious MaryAnn.  Matchmaker & Co could be her salvation as mail-order-bride to Mr. John Atwood.

Single father, John Atwood, is raising his daughter the best he can in the wilds of the Colorado Territory but knows he needs help.  No woman he knows wants to take on the raising of his daughter who hasn't spoken since she saw her mother brutally murdered during a bank robbery.  Can Sarah, John and their two daughters overcome their pasts and find happiness together?

Amazon | Smashwords

An Excerpt from Capital Bride

New York City    April 10, 1867

On the other side of the door was her last resort.  Either this or prostitution and prostitution was not a choice.  She couldn’t raise MaryAnn in that environment, nor if truth be told, could she lower herself to live like that.  At least this way there would be some stability in her little girl’s life.
    Sarah took a deep breath, turned the knob, and walked through the door to a better future for her daughter and, if she were lucky, for herself.
    The office was small and precisely kept.  A single desk with a straight, high backed wooden chair, one in front and one behind, sat in the middle of the room.   She’d noticed the flowered curtains were open on the way in, curtains tied to the side.  The small area was flooded with dazzling afternoon light.  The walls were whitewashed and the desk well organized.  There were several tables with neat piles of files along one wall.  The other wall held several rows of pictures of women and men.  None smiling, as that was the way pictures were taken, but all appeared to be wedding pictures.  Below each picture was a small brass place with the names of the bride and groom and the date of the wedding.
     A small, woman in her late thirties with fiery red hair, sat behind the desk.  When Sarah got closer she saw gorgeous dark blue eyes behind the wire rimmed glasses perched on the end of her nose.  Her eyes were so dark a blue they could almost be called violet.  They were striking and clear, honesty shone from them along with a “no nonsense” attitude.
    “May I help you?” the woman asked.
    “Um.  Yes.  My name is Sarah Johnson.  I saw your advertisement for mail order brides.”
    The woman looked Sarah over, taking in her clothes, her hands clasped in front of her and ending at her face.
“First, let me introduce myself.  I’m Margaret Selby and I own Matchmaker & Company.  Please, sit down.  You’re older than the women we usually have.  You’re also better dressed and don’t appear to be hungry.  What would bring someone like you to my door?”
    “I’ve been living with my great aunt.  She passed away suddenly two weeks ago and the lawyer says I need to find other lodgings.  My cousin, William, has inherited everything except a small stipend she left for me.  William is selling everything.  MaryAnn and I have nowhere else to go.”
    “MaryAnn?”
    “My daughter.”
    “So, you are a widow?”
    Now was not the time to be less than truthful, if she wanted this woman’s help.  “No.”
    “I see.  How old are you, Miss Johnson?”
    “I’m twenty-eight.”
    “And your daughter?”
    “MaryAnn is five.”
    “Tell me, Miss Johnson, how did you come to find yourself with child at age twenty-two without being married?  Surely you knew how those things happened by that age.”

Meet the Author

Cynthia Woolf was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in the mountains west of Golden.  She spent her early years running wild around the mountain side with her friends. She worked her way through college and went to work full time straight after graduation and there was little time to write.  Then in 1990 she and two friends started a round robin writing a story about pirates.  She found that she missed the writing and kept on with other stories.  In 1992 she joined Colorado Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America.

In 2001, she saw an ad in the paper for a writers conference being put on by CRW and decided she'd attend.  One of her favorite authors, Catherine Coulter, was the keynote speaker.  Cynthia was lucky enough to have a seat at Ms. Coulter's table at the luncheon and after talking with her, decided she needed to get back to her writing.  She rejoined both CRW and RWA that day and hasn't looked back.

Learn more about the author at:  www.cynthiawoolf.com.

 Join the tour in January!

Come back and read my review for the tour on February 13.  This looks to be a fantastic book!

"Gallagher's Pride" by MK McClintock Book Blitz

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!

Don't wait--this is only a two-day blast.  And if for some reason it is not showing as free, check later.  Sometimes there are glitches--especially in the beginning of a free promotion.  If you do run into a problem, do not hesitate to post so I can notify the author.

I plan to download this book--I have never read it!  It sounds good!

GALLAGHER'S PRIDE BOOK EXCERPTS

Excerpt 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.

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Black Lion Tours Presents "Family Ties" by Krista Kedrick Guest Post/Review/Giveaway

She’s all country…

He’s all city…

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Grace Tucker thought she had her life put back together - with the help of her over-protective brothers.  She had a quiet, predictable life operating the family hardware store in her hometown and spending her free time with her friends, the Caldwell family.  That was… until a tragic accident took her two best friends and left their daughters orphaned.  If that wasn’t devastating enough - Dirk Caldwell, the egocentric, completely handsome brother no one’s met, blows into town.

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Dirk Caldwell realized he wasn’t in California anymore when he stepped from the redneck, rattletrap airplane and was smacked in the face with a cold breeze laced with manure.  It was exactly what he’d expected from the backwater town his brother called home.  But going head to head with Grace Tucker was not.  The hot-headed, leggy cowgirl was almost more than he could handle.  But, oh how he’d like to give it a try.

When two worlds collide can they realize love, tame passion and form a bond strong enough to tie a family together?

Book Information

Release Date: May 18, 2012

​Genre: Contemporary Romance ​

Formats: Paperback/Kindle/Nook

Publisher: Cowboy Capital Publications

Excerpt

“Push that tape down so it don’t stick to your butt.”
     Twelve hours ago Dirk Caldwell would’ve never imagined another man making reference to his butt.  Ever.  It just wasn’t done.  Then again, twelve hours ago he wouldn’t have pictured himself struggling to get inside a tiny, run-down, four-seater plane carrying his own luggage. 
     He would never have been anywhere near a man who’s idea of style was Wrangler jeans paired with scuffed cowboy boots, Nebraska Huskers t-shirt and a dusty camouflage baseball cap with the phrase “That’s Mr. Redneck to You” emblazoned on it.  He hadn’t realized people like that existed let alone were allowed to hold a pilot’s license.  Yet here he was bumping elbows, knees and any manner of body parts with him while juggling his way around the cockpit.
     “Just toss yer’ bag back over there.”
     Dirk looked in the direction the work-worn hand pointed and balked.  He was supposed to put his $4,000 Bottega Veneta on top of a pile of dirty rags, maintenance manuals and something that looked like it came straight out of the engine of this nineteen-seventy something Cessna?  Yeah right.
     He surveyed the tiny plane, finally resigning to set his bag on the floor beneath the mess.  The distinct sound of tape being pulled from its roll drew his attention back to the pilot in time to see him tear a strip free with his teeth.  At least they were clean and in the vicinity of white.
     The weathered hand held out the wide silver tape motioning towards the co-pilots seat populated by other such strips.  With a sneer, Dirk took it and laid it across the most obvious spot.
     “Good as new.”  The pilot smiled and tucked the roll back under his seat.
     Oh Christ!  They were going to end up dead in a fiery inferno in the middle of some cornfield.  Well, then he wouldn’t be any worse off than his brother.  His chest constricted the instant he thought that.  Danny.  Tears stung his eyes, he swallowed hard and they disappeared.
     Dirk loosened his tie.  Not his favorite.  He normally went for a flashier style, but it was a Christmas present from his brother and it just felt right to wear it for the occasion.  The tears threatened again, he blinked rapidly, but they welled further.  Thank God for his Ray-Bans.  He quickly swiped a finger beneath them while pretending to check his pockets with the other hand.
     “If you’ll get buckled up, the tower said we’re next for take-off.”
     Dirk was grateful for the distraction.  He wondered if the seat belt was also secured with Duct Tape.  He wouldn’t be surprised.  It was amazing this rattle-trap passed inspections, but then he wasn’t sure if privately chartered planes to nowhere had to go through inspections.  Probably not.
     The seatbelt seemed secure enough.  At least he would be strapped in when they crashed.  The pilot adjusted his headset and communicated with the tower.  Dirk was surprised he actually used professional pilot jargon.   Instead of   “Gee, y’all we’re ready to git the heck outta here now”.
     His estimation of a safe arrival notched up a fraction.  Even though, his full attention was on the runway and horizon until they were safely up and cruising.
     Dirk pulled his phone from his pocket with the intention of getting some work done, except it wasn’t working.  He poked at the screen anyway.  They hadn’t even left the state of Colorado and already he felt the constricting weakness of being disconnected from civilization.  It was like being naked in the wilderness.  He unbuttoned his top shirt button.
     “Sorry you won’t be able to use that for a while, probably not til you get home.”
Dirk twisted his head to the pilot.  “I’m sorry….”  He honestly couldn’t remember the guy’s name.
     “Clive.”  The pilot nodded.  “Name’s Clive.”  He returned attention to the sky.
     Of course it is.  “Clive.  I can’t go two hours without contacting my clients, let alone two days.” 
     Dirk didn’t like the assessing once-over he got from Clive.  What did he know anyway?  He probably communicated by smoke signal.  Dirk adjusted his cuff links glancing at his watch.
     “I’ll getcha there on time.”
     Dirk looked sideways at Clive, whose concentration was still on the horizon and his gauges.  If it weren’t for the sympathetic half smile on his face, Dirk wouldn’t have known the man said anything.  He was really tired of those smiles; he had seen them on his girlfriend’s face for twelve straight hours.  At least it looked genuine on Clive’s.
     “Did you know Danny?”
     “Of course.”  Clive smiled warmly, as if remembering better times.  “He was a good man.”
     Dirk waited for him to say more, wanted him to say more, but Clive fell silent again.  He seemed to be a man of few words, not something Dirk was used to.  In his line of work people never shut up.  They jabbered just to hear their own voice, thinking if they stopped they might disappear from the spotlight.
     It was that very thing that kept him busy twenty-four hours a day covering media, defusing situations and bailing clients out of trouble or jail.  So busy, in fact, he hadn’t seen his brother in more than a year.  He hadn’t even met his youngest niece and she was nearly five.  Not that Danny hadn’t asked him to visit; there just was never a right time.  Public relations never slept.
     When Dirk’s phone had rung two nights ago he thought that’s what Danny was calling about.  Another trip.  A vacation to Nebraska.  Nebraska.  Not exactly the ultimate dream destination.  Corn fields and feed lots.  Seemed like a place of misery to Dirk.
     He had ignored the first call.  He would listen to Danny’s lighthearted message and subtle plea later.  He was making progress with a smoking hot redhead at the club and didn’t need any distractions.  Of course in L.A. you never could tell what was fake and what was real, so smoking hot was all relative, but that was part of the fun.
     Dirk loved his life.  He was successful; at least it appeared that way.  His bank account wasn’t too awful to look at.  He worked and played with the rich and famous.  They liked having him around and it was nice to be needed by them.  He had been gifted with the amazing talent to twist anything into an advantage.  He was the ultimate bull-shit slinger and the people loved him for it.

Family Ties by Krista Kedrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, I guess I am smitten with "Western" romances.  I never thought I would see the day, but I absolutely love them!  And this book is no exception.  Yes, there is some profanity and a mild sex scene I could have done without, but the book is a wonderfully sweet romance that I think most romance-lovers would enjoy.

This book does have a few minor twists and turns that added interest to the basic storyline.  Krista Kedrick's easy-to-read style is quite pleasing and humorous.  I review many books each week, and it is not often that I find a book that actually makes me laugh out loud, but this one certainly did.  There is not much better than seeing a city slicker trying to fit in with the country folk.  It does make for some humorous scenarios.

The thing I love about modern Western romances such as this is the "old-fashioned" charm.  Everyone knows everybody else.  Most people go to church and even profess a belief in God.  They know what hard work is, and they believe in family values.  This is something that most contemporary romances do not have, and it is refreshing to read a book like this.  I certainly plan to read more in this genre and by this author!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my hoenst review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

Krista was born and raised in Nebraska.  Her first years were spent on a ranch near the Stinkin' Water Creek in Chase County with her family raising cattle, lambs and chickens and stirring up trouble.  After spending several childhood years in Colorado and Kansas her family returned to make Nebraska their home.

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Her light-hearted take on the world splashes the pages of her novels creating a wonderful mix of seriousness and humor.  And living in small communities has given her the inside view of small town people -their wholesomeness, kindness and appreciation of the little things in life.  These one-of-a-kind people are the heart of her characters.

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She stumbled into broadcasting when her friend interviewed her on his show and a love for the microphone bloomed into a weekly broadcast of news and humor as a co-host for the online show @Random.

Krista makes her home in Nebraska with her husband, two daughters and basset hound where she loves to work in her yard, which supports her vivid settings in her novels.

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Her novels Under a Prairie Moon and Family Ties are available in both paperback and ebook on www.createspace.com, www.amazon.com, www.smashwords.com and for the nook at www.barnesandnoble.com.

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Learn more about Krista at: http://www.kristakedrick.com.

Website Link:  www.kristakedrick.com and www.anovelidealive.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Family-Ties-Krista-Kedrick/dp/1475296835/ref=la_B007Y5PH70_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1345237510&sr=1-2

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/family-ties-krista-kedrick/1110925098?ean=2940014459082

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Krista-Kedrick-Fans/214174931950086

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KristaKedrick

The Inspiration behind becoming a writer

By Krista Kedrick

Once upon a time there was a little girl with a wild imagination. She loved to crack jokes and make up crazy stories. She did this nearly every day. With whom did she share these stories? 

Her father.

An average and yet extraordinary and talented man.

He would smile and laugh and join in from time to time with details and variations of his own. He answered every question with patience and specifics that his little girl asked no matter how many back to back to back questions she would pepper him with.

And so the little girl’s imagination grew and her stories became a part of their relationship. The years passed and she continued to weave her worlds sometimes writing them down, but rarely did she ever share them with anyone but her father.

Theirs was a close bond continuing into adulthood.  She set forth from home, married and returned to live nearby.

Father and daughter worked and continued to laugh as they built their own tails of sarcastic heroes and quick-witted heroines together.  Life was shared, altered and intertwined.

But all this joy was not to last, the hard-working, regular dad began to grow weak and change. A devastating diagnosis broke a family. One year later the loving daughter accepted the journey her father must traverse never realizing his own dream. Life had hindered what he dreamed to become.

This impacted the path his daughter elected. Resolute to realize her dreams and have no regrets, she set out to become a successful published author. Had she known the winding road would lead to hills, obstructions and detours, she still would have taken it.

Six years have passed and she is still trudging the road today a little farther than when she began.

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Our wonderful author will be awarding an e-copy of Family Ties to one of my readers--all you need to do is comment!  And if you want to follow the entire tour, click here.