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Please give a warm welcome to Leigh Greenwood!  She’s here with a Top 5, as well as a giveaway!

Top 5 reasons cowboys make such appealing heroes?

1 – They’re ruggedly handsome

2 – They don’t hesitate to stand against the world alone

3 – They are idealists as well as pragmatists

4 – They hold all women in high regard

5 – They have a gentleman’s code of ethics they won’t break for anyone. Their word is their bond.

Torn Between a Desire to be Free…

When Laurie Spencer said “I do”, she never realized she’d be trading one pair of shackles for another—until her husband’s unexpected death leaves her with an opportunity to escape her controlling family for good. Determined to be independent, Laurie approaches sexy rancher Jared Smith with an offer she hopes he can’t refuse…

And a Longing to be His…

Jared’s determined to make it in Texas, but with the local banker turned against him, it looks like his dream may be slipping through his fingers. When unconsciously sensual Laurie offers a partnership, his luck may be changing…but when she throws herself in as part of the deal, Jared’s not sure he’ll be able to respect the terms of their agreement and keep his eyes—and his hands—to himself.

There’s something about Laurie that awakens every protective instinct Jared has…and when all hell breaks loose, there’s nothing and no one who’ll be able to keep this cowboy from her side.

Leigh Greenwood is the USA Today bestselling author of the popular Seven Brides, Cowboys, and Night Riders series. The proud father of three grown children, Leigh resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. He never intended to be a writer, but he found it hard to ignore the people in his head, and the only way to get them out was to write. Visit him at www.leigh-greenwood.com.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1suOlUq

Apple: http://bit.ly/1xw9imm

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B&N: http://bit.ly/1tZr0kX

Chapters: http://bit.ly/1xwaki8

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Kobo: http://bit.ly/1wBHWgb

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The post Guest Post and Giveaway: Leigh Greenwood, Author of To Love and To Cherish appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

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Always, Cowboy by Allison Merritt

The past is better left behind, unless it offers a brighter future.

Brody Longtree’s first love was bull riding, but he loved beauty queen Libby Dempsey equally as hard. When she turned down his marriage proposal, everything from his rodeo career to his love life went to hell. His love ran too deep for blame, so he made the best of what life threw at him. Things finally get back on track…and then she almost runs over his dog.

When her pageant dreams died in an embarrassing display of nerves, Libby made a new, cowboy-free life for herself. One where she could train other girls who want to be pageant princesses. One that doesn’t give her any reason to dwell on what might have been with Brody until his dog bounds into her heart. And she bounds into Brody’s bed.

Despite the differences in their lives, they mesh together, the way Brody always knew they would. No matter what, he’s waiting until he’s certain Libby is ready to get married before he asks again, but their relationship comes under fire when one of her friends reveals a secret about a little girl Libby is awfully attached to—a girl who’s the right age to be Brody’s daughter.

D’Ann Lindun

Website | Facebook Page | Twitter | Amazon Page

 

 

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The post Spotlight and Giveaway: Cowboy Up Box Set appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

May Contain Spoilers

Review:

Stranded with the Rancher caught my attention because the hero breeds thoroughbreds.  I’ve already stated that I have a one track mind when it comes to romances; include a few animals or just dangle their presence out there and I’m all over it.  The storm angle sounded interesting, too.  I get very anxious when the weather turns violent, so the thought of huddling in a storm shelter while a storm rages outside had me intrigued. 

The storm descriptions were kind of scary and oh-so hard to step away from.  I know that I would not have handled being trapped in a small storm cellar with half the grace that Beth managed.  I go all crankypants when the power goes out, and the thought of not being able to take a hot shower in the morning is enough to make me psychotic.  So when Beth and Drew flee from a twister, I was hyperventilating just the slightest bit.  When they were unable to open the storm shelter door, I was completely hooked on the story.  Now what?  I kept asking.  How are they going to get out?  What if there are bugs in their little bunker?  What if they have to sleep on the cold, hard ground?

Thankfully, their rescue isn’t too far away, and the experience buried the animosity that had boiled between Beth and Drew.  Beth had a hard life, and now that she’s purchased a small farm, she is determined to turn it into a thriving business so she never has to worry about making ends meet again.  Her roadside vegetable stand has got Drew up in arms.  He claims the constant traffic is scaring his million dollar horses, and the stand detracts from the beauty of his property.  He’s been trying to get her to move or buy her out, but she steadfastly refuses.  After the tornado, life has a different prospective for both of them.  Drew and Beth can’t deny their attraction, and with her house damaged by the twister, Beth wonders if life wouldn’t be easier if she just sold to Drew.

I liked the pacing, and thought that the story flowed effortlessly after all of the excitement caused by the storm.  The  nearby town is in ruins, and both Drew and Beth pitch in with cleanup and humanitarian efforts.   Beth’s brother, Audie, shows up to cause stress and chaos for her.  Audie’s a reckless, selfish man, and his frequent run-ins with the law are a testament to how messed up his life is.  Every time he needs money, he shows up at Beth’s.  He has stolen from her, embarrassed her, and made it generally impossible for her to harbor loving feelings for him.  It seems that all he’s good at is disrupting her life.

Drew was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, while Beth’s mother begged for money on the streets and sold everything of value for a few extra bucks.  Beth scrabbled for everything she has, and if she’s honest, she is a bit jealous that Drew’s had everything handed to him.  This resentment is what originally made their relationship so combative.  Drew always gets what he wants, so Beth was determined to never give him her property.  He wanted it to expand his pastures, using her land, and he was having a hard time taking “no” for an answer.

I loved how their relationship changed after the storm.  Drew is a thoughtful, caring man, and once he’s gotten to know Beth better, all he wants to do is help her.  His desire to help Beth causes a lot of conflict between them, because of Beth’s pride.  Having lived on handouts as a child, she refuses to accept them now that she’s an adult.  After helping with the relief efforts, though, she slowly realizes that relying on your friends isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of being part of strong community.

Stranded with the Rancher will appeal to both fans of small towns and cowboys.  Being part of the Desire imprint, there’s some steam, but not too much.  Overall, I found it a very entertaining read, and I’ll be tracking down Janice Maynard’s backlist.

Grade:  B

Review copy provided by publisher

From Amazon:

Enemies forced together just might become lovers in USA TODAY bestselling author Janice Maynard’s Texas Cattleman’s Club tale 

For billionaire horse breeder Drew Farrell, the day starts with the usual argument with ornery neighbor Beth Andrews. But within minutes, he and the irritating beauty are huddled together in a storm cellar praying for their lives. They call a truce…and seal it with an unexpected kiss. 

They emerge to a scene of utter devastation. Their passion to rebuild is only rivaled by the very personal passion they’ve just discovered…until Beth’s past catches up with her, and a very different type of storm erupts….

The post Review: Stranded with the Rancher by Janice Maynard appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

I haven’t read anything by Emma Cane previously, so I was looking forward to checking out When the Rancher Came to Town.  If I had to knock the story for anything, it would be for being so short.  This is a novella, so the timeline is very compressed; the story takes place over a weekend.  I love novellas because I can plow through them so quickly, but when I like them, I always wish they were longer!  So, for me, the format is a double-edged sword.

Amanda Cramer is hiding out in Valentine Valley, a small town Colorado town.  The former lawyer’s career came crashing down around her after she was harassed, so Amanda quit her job and fled back to the safety of her parents’ home.  After a peaceful stay at a B&B, she decided to open one of her own, so now the former legal eagle is the owner of Connections Bed and Breakfast. 

When Mason Lopez checks in for a weekend stay, the two are immediately drawn to each other.  Mason is in town to try to secure financing to expand the family ranch, as well as to participate in the weekend rodeo.  A series of poor decisions by his father have placed the business on shaky ground, and all Mason wants to do is set everything back to rights so he can continue to do what he loves best. 

Amanda and Mason hit it off immediately, and they confide in each other about their pasts.  Amanda has become reclusive, and she hates being in crowds.  After the scandal broke and ruined her career, she  developed an understandable reluctance to being out in public.  Determined to overcome her new phobia, she is working hard at coming out of her shell and learning to trust again.  It’s very hard for her, though, and even with professional help, she struggles at the thought of being around a large group of strangers. With Mason’s help, she begins to trust again.

As I mentioned earlier, the timeline for Mason and Amanda’s romance is very compressed, and while I enjoyed this story very much, I thought they moved from liking each other to the “L” word a little too fast to be believable.  I loved how supportive and protective Mason was of Amanda, and I liked how he gently urged her to take her life back from her fears. 

If you are looking for a quick read with relatable characters, I’d say give When the Rancher Came to Town a chance.  The story clicks rapidly along, and I was never bored with it.  I would have liked to spend more time at the rodeo Mason was participating in, and I wish the novella was just a little longer, but otherwise, I enjoyed the read and am looking forward to spending more time in Valentine Valley.

When the Rancher Came to Town

A Valentine Valley Novella

By: Emma Cane

Releasing September 23rd, 2014

Avon Impulse

Blurb

Emma Cane returns to the amazing and romantic town for the latest installment in her sparkling series. When and ex-Rodeo star falls in love with the agoraphobic B&B owner, he must pull out all the stops to get her out of her shell.

Welcome to Valentine Valley!

The Silver Creek Rodeo is in full swing and everyone’s talking about the rancher who came to town…

Bed & Breakfast owner Amanda Cramer wants nothing more than a quiet, private life. Well, she wants guests too, but after her share of unwanted notoriety she’s gotten comfortable hiding out in her inn…perhaps a little too comfortable. When her newest guest arrives, tall, dark and breathtaking…Amanda begins to question her self-imposed exile.

Ex-rodeo star Mason Lopez knows all about the limelight. He’d avoid it if he could, but since one last ride could mean saving his family’s ranch, he’ll go all in. When he gets to Valentine Valley for the Silver Creek Rodeo, Mason checks into Connections B&B and finds himself immediately drawn to the beautiful, reserved woman who owns it.

Mason only has three days in town…can he convince Amanda to open her heart to him and welcome the world back in?

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/08/when-rancher-came-to-town-valentine.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22823561-when-the-rancher-came-to-town?from_search=true

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/When-Rancher-Came-Town-Valentine-ebook/dp/B00JZOX5DQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1408549113&sr=1-1&keywords=When+the+Rancher+Came+to+Town

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-the-rancher-came-to-town-emma-cane/1119645618?ean=9780062369529

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/when-the-rancher-came-to-town/id870615707?mt=11

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/when-the-rancher-came-to-town

Author Info

Emma Cane grew up reading and soon discovered that she liked to write passionate stories of teenagers in space. Her love of “passionate stories” has never gone away, although today she concentrates on the heartwarming characters of Valentine, her fictional small town in the Colorado Rockies.

Now that her three children are grown, Emma loves spending time crocheting and singing (although not necessarily at the same time), and hiking and snowshoeing alongside her husband Jim and two rambunctious dogs Apollo and Uma.

Author Links

Website: http://www.EmmaCane.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaCaneAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/emmacane
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5035994.Emma_Cane

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Five Print Copies of A TOWN CALLED VALENTINE)

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The post Novella Review and Giveaway: When the Rancher Came to Town by Emma Cane appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

Since I am in the land of the cowboys, I thought I’d share some info about a cowboy romance.  Be sure to enter the giveaway for a $50 gift card! 

AUTHOR NAME: Parker Kincade

BOOK TITLE: Cowboy Redeemed

SERIES: Shadow Maverick Ranch , #3

BOOK GENRE: Western Romance

PUBLISHER: Parker Kincade

PUBLICATION DATE: September 30, 2014

PRINT LENGTH:  135 pages (est)

AVAILABLE FORMATS: ePub, mobi

BOOK BLURB:

Unlike his brothers, Clayton Mathis isn’t looking for the woman of his dreams. He works hard, plays harder, and enjoys every minute of it. And with his family preparing to expand Shadow Maverick Ranch, settling down is the last thing on his mind—until a sexy blonde makes him an offer he can’t refuse.

Of all the men in the bar, Ainsley Russell has to go and proposition the one man who will cause her nothing but trouble. The Mathis family has been persistent in their bid to buy her property. Inheriting her uncle’s ranch has given her the first home she’s ever known … along with a mountain of debt that threatens to take it all away.

After learning Clay’s identity, Ainsley can’t run fast enough. Or far enough … since the gorgeous cowboy shows up on her doorstep the next morning, looking to pick up where they left off the night before…

BUY LINKS (please include all links that you want promoted on tour)

Amazon: www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Redeemed-Shadow-Maverick-Ranch-ebook/dp/B00NUPY4YA/

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/cowboy-redeemed

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cowboy-redeemed/id922310879?mt=11

AUTHOR BIO:

National Bestselling Author, Parker Kincade, writes edge-of-your-seat-sexy romantic suspense, hot and steamy sports romance, and erotic western romance. Her first novel, One Night Stand, won the 2013 Reader’s Crown Award for Best First Book, the category of Best Erotic Romance in the Celtic Hearts Romance Writers Golden Claddagh contest, and was named finalist in the Romance Writers of America/Passionate Ink Stroke of Midnight contest.

Parker lives in the southern United States. She loves to read, play golf, spend time with her family and friends, snuggle with her beloved boxer, ice cream from the ice cream truck, and watching old musicals.

AUTHOR CONTACT LINKS:

Website: http://parkerkincade.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/parkerkincade

Twitter: http://twitter.com/parkerkincade

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6475101.Parker_Kincade

Newsletter: http://www.parkerkincade.com/

Cowboy Redeemed by Parker Kincade

Excerpt:

The Texas sun was in full force by the time Ainsley finished in the barn. Her clothes were soaked with sweat. She smelled like a horse and probably had hay sticking out of her hair like a scarecrow. And she felt fantastic.

Her muscles ached, but in the deeply satisfied way only achieved through physical exertion. Not the physical activity she’d hoped for once Clay had shown up unexpectedly this morning, but her work in the barn had done the trick in burning off her libido and filling her with a sense of accomplishment.

Using the hose, Ainsley rinsed off her arms and shook the excess water from her hands. She locked the paddock gate behind her and started the walk back to the house. Her grumbling stomach convinced her to swing by the kitchen long enough to make a sandwich before she headed into the garden.

As she neared the house, a soft bang sounded.

Ainsley stopped, cocked her head, and listened. Nothing. She resumed her walk, only to stumble three steps later when the sound echoed again.

What in the world?

Ainsley took off running. When she rounded the house, she came to a dead halt.

The place where her porch had been was now a mangled mess of discarded, rotted lumber. The steps were gone. The path to the front door? Yeah, gone.

And there on his hands and knees, shirtless and glistening with sweat, was Clay Mathis. All tanned, bulging biceps, and ropes of muscle undulating as he swung the hammer in his hand.

Bang, bang, riiiip.

Another board went flying.

Ainsley was stunned. A truck bed filled with lumber was parked next to the house. Panic threatened. She’d have to dip into the operational account to pay for that kind of purchase, which meant less money to pay what little help she’d managed to keep.

Goddamn it.

Bang, bang, riiiip.

“What the hell are you doing?”

Clay straightened his back. His mouth curled into a sexy smile when he saw her. “What’s it look like? I’m fixing your porch.”

“I didn’t ask you to fix anything. Put it back the way you found it.”

He wiped his hands down the front of his jeans and stood. “No can do. Jesus, Ainsley. You’re lucky you haven’t hurt yourself. Some of the boards disintegrated the minute I touched them. Even if they hadn’t, there’s no way I’d put it back. Damn thing was a death trap.”

“So you just decided to take it upon yourself to fix it? Without asking me?” From the looks of it, he’d been at it for a while.

“Pretty much, yep.”

Beyond irritated, she snapped. “And how much is all of this going to cost me?”

His eyes darkened as he looked her over, head to boots and back again. Ainsley’s cheeks heated as she waited for him to come out and say what was clear from his expression. The arrogant bastard wanted sex for fixing her porch.

Ainsley’s stomach flipped. She wanted him, but sleeping with him to resolve a debt came too close to whore territory. No thank you.

He jumped down, his long legs eating the distance between them in no time. “Hey, it’s okay.” He ducked his head to capture her gaze. “It’s not going to cost you a thing, Ainsley.”

“Then what was that look about?”

“Damn, you’re suspicious. I was just enjoying the view, darlin’. You look mighty pretty with dirt on your cheeks and straw in your hair.” He reached up and pulled a stray piece from her hair and let it drift to the ground. “What’cha been doing to get so dirty?”

Her nipples tightened.

How does he do that?

“I cleaned out the barn. It’s something I’ve been meaning to do for awhile, but hadn’t gotten around to.” She stepped back, needing distance while they talked. “I won’t let you pay to fix my porch, Clay.” As much as it would set her back, she’d make it right.

He waved an arm toward the truck. “The lumber didn’t cost anything. It’s left over from a deck my brother and I built a few years back. I kept the leftovers for a project I don’t have time for. Honestly, by using the lumber to fix your decrepit porch, you’re saving me the guilt of having an unfinished project hanging over my head.”

“I can’t let you do this for nothing. If you won’t let me pay for the lumber, then I’ll pay for your time.” She wouldn’t be indebted to him. Not in any way.

He seemed to consider that for a minute. “You know how to cook?”

Ainsley puffed out a laugh at his unexpected question. “Yes.”

“Then my fee is dinner.” He patted his flat stomach. “And don’t laugh. I’m a hearty eater. It’ll take me a few more hours to shore up the frame and add the new decking. I’ll need a shower when I get finished, but if you don’t mind me using yours—it’ll save me the drive home and back—we can eat before nightfall.”

The image of Clay in her shower hit her. With his height, he’d have to bend his knees to accommodate the showerhead. She imagined him, rivulets of water racing over his muscular body, the scent of her soap on his skin. Would he stroke his length to full erection and picture it was her hand instead of his own? Would he want her to join him?

Ainsley shifted. “And this is how you wanted to spend your Sunday?” She doubted it as much as she doubted his story about the lumber. He’d said his interest in her had nothing to do with his brother’s attempts to convince her to sell. Did she believe him? Or was this another attempt to gain her compliance? Improving the house added to the value, didn’t it? If Clay were in cahoots with his brother, he could kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. Add value to the house while endearing her to him with the gesture.

“The scenery is better here than at my place.” His voice turned thick, husky. “And we have some unfinished business to explore.”

Sweet mercy.

“So, how about it?” He stuck his hand out. “Have we got a deal?”

Ainsley studied his tanned face. The sharp angle of his jaw, the curve of his nose, eyes dark as coffee. He stared at her with a mixture of interest and amusement. There was no indication he was anything but sincere.

No sense fighting the inevitable. She’d started them down this path when she’d tried to pick him up last night. They were adults. And she wanted him.

“I planned to make spaghetti tonight.”

“My favorite.”

“None of that store-bought crap. I make my own sauce from ingredients out of my garden.”

“Even better.” He twitched his hand. “You gonna leave me hanging?”

Her sex clenched. Oh no, she wouldn’t leave him hanging. Not now, not later. She placed her hand in his and gave it a shake. “You’ve got a deal, but this is the last time you pull a stunt like this. If I need something fixed, I’ll take care of it. This ranch, this house—both are my responsibility. Got it?”

Even as she scolded him, a strange sense of satisfaction settled in her chest. She would take care of him tonight, in more ways than one. Her hands would create something to sustain him, while later, those same hands would give him relief—a massage for his strained muscles—and release—while she stroked him.

Ainsley wasn’t a girly-girl, but the innately feminine part of her purred at the knowledge she’d know him intimately before the day was through.

Clay jerked her against him, brows lifted. “What’re you thinking about, Ains? ’Cause I gotta tell you, the sexy expression on your face has me intrigued.”

The way he shortened her name made her heart flutter. She curled her arms around his neck and went up on her toes. “I’m thinking I’ve got a half-naked, sweaty cowboy all to my little ole self.”

The arrogant, panty-melting smirk made a reappearance. “That right? What’re you gonna do about it?”

Ainsley didn’t wait for him to take the lead. She dove in, lips first, and took the kiss she craved.

Clay didn’t disappoint. She half expected him to wrestle her for control. He didn’t. Instead, he kept his hold on her firm, but not pushy. His mouth opened at her insistence, and he seemed content to let her explore—his teeth, his tongue, his lips—to her heart’s content.

And explore she did. Not only with her mouth. She speared her fingers through his sweat-soaked hair and massaged his scalp with her fingertips. She traced the curve of his ear, tugging slightly when she reached the lobe. His broad shoulders were slick and hard. The light smattering of dark chest hair tickled her palms as she moved over the curves of his pecs. She took her time, learned what he liked by the rumble in his chest.

When she swiped a thumb over the flat disc of his nipple, his breath hitched. He stilled her roaming hands, nipped her bottom lip, and pulled away.

“Unless you’re prepared for me to fuck you right here in the dirt, your clever little hands better take a rest.”

She blinked. “What if I said I wanted you to fuck me right here in the dirt?”

He groaned and dropped his forehead to hers. “I’d say you’re an evil woman. I’d say give me the word and I’ll have you on your hands and knees. I’ll yank your shorts down and shove my dick so far inside you, you’ll feel me for a week. And I won’t give a shit if anyone sees us.”

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

GRAND PRIZE: $50 Gift Card to book reseller of winner’s choice

RUNNERS UP: Two runners up: Each receives an ebook of choice from my backlist

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Spotlight and Giveaway: Cowboy Redeemed by Parker Kincade appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

Please welcome R. C. Ryan to the virtual offices this morning!  She has a Top 5, as well as an awesome giveaway for you to enter!

Ash is planning the perfect dinner date to woo Brenna – What are the Top 5 items on the menu?

Sizzling steak (this is a cattle ranch, after all.)

Mad’s fabulous garlic mashed potatoes

Instead of a salad, just simple slices of garden tomatoes garnished with thick slices of mozzarella cheese and drizzled with homemade vinaigrette dressing.

Myrna’s rolls still warm from the oven

And finally, slices of carrot cake from Rita Bakes, (the bakery in Copper Creek) 

But, in truth, it would be a feast with simple grilled cheese sandwiches, as long as it was served by Ash to Brenna with love.

About THE MAVERICK OF COPPER CREEK

A COPPER CREEK COWBOYS NOVEL

First love always burns hotter . . .

Ash MacKenzie broke his share of hearts when he left Copper Creek all those years ago and struck out on his own. Tall, tough, and proud. That’s how Brenna always remembered him, and from the looks of things, he hasn’t changed much. Once, she thought he could save her-whisk her away from her rough childhood home and start fresh together. Now she knows better . . . Ash isn’t planning to stick around town long. As soon as he uncovers the truth about his father’s death and makes sure the family ranch is safe, he’ll be back out on his own. And then he runs into Brenna Crane. It broke his heart to leave her once-a herd of stampeding horses couldn’t make him do it again. But Brenna has made a new life for herself, one that doesn’t include him. Now he just has to convince her to give their first love a second chance.

About R.C. Ryan

New York Times bestselling author R.C. Ryan has written more than ninety fiction novels, both contemporary and historical.  Quite an accomplishment for someone who, after her fifth child started school, gave herself the gift of an hour a day to follow her dream to become a writer.  In a career spanning more than twenty years, Ms. Ryan has given dozens of radio, television, and print interviews across the country and Canada, and has been quoted in such diverse publications as the Wall Street Journal and Cosmopolitan.  She has also appeared on CNN News, as well as Good Morning America.  R.C. Ryan is a pseudonym of New York Times bestselling author Ruth Ryan Langan. 

R.C.’s social media

http://www.ryanlangan.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3348509.R_C_Ryan?from_search=true

https://www.facebook.com/pages/R-C-Ryan-and-Ruth-Ryan-Langan/120740961280094?fref=ts

@RuthRyanLangan 

Buy Links

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1u3smJe

Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/ZZdujU

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1pwS4Q7

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/ZZdVuC

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1Cu2cSy

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1xq2b21

Excerpt

She was looking up into his eyes, her smile wrapping itself around his heart and squeezing. “Thanks for driving me to town. And for helping Vern. Tonight was…special.” She shrugged, looking shy and awkward.

He seemed about to say something. Instead he swore and let his hat drop to the floor, while he dragged her into his arms.

“Why do you have to be so sweet and forgiving? Why can’t you just hate me for leaving you?”

“Hate…” She blinked. “Ash, I tried that. But I realize now I could never hate you.”

His eyes were hot and fierce as he lowered his head. His kiss was so hot, so hungry, it rocked her back on her heels. A kiss that was all fire and flash and sizzle. It drained her even as it filled her. There was nothing tentative or teasing about this. It was bold and possessive. Demanding. And it spoke of a blazing-hot need.

With lungs straining, he lifted his head. For a moment he merely touched a finger to her cheek while he stared into her eyes, as though trying to read her feelings.

Then, muttering an oath, he lowered his head and kissed her again.

This time it was achingly slow and thorough, his mouth whispering over her eyelids, her cheek, the corner of her mouth, until, with a guttural moan, she laced her fingers around his head, clinging to him as her lips found his.

Now it was all heat and frantic need, as each took from the other with a hunger that bordered on desperation, mouths seeking, bodies straining.

His hands were in her hair, though he couldn’t remember how they got there. Hers were raking his back, her nails digging through the fabric of his shirt in a frantic effort to get closer.

He turned her, pressing her against the closed door, his body imprinting itself on hers as he took the kiss deeper, then deeper still, his mouth restlessly seeking what he really wanted. He couldn’t get enough of her.

The quick, jittery charge to their systems had them practically crawling inside each other’s skin. And still it wasn’t enough.

When he took a moment to change the angle of the kiss, his name was torn from her lips in a frantic cry. “Ash!”

At the sound of his name on her lips, he suddenly went very still.

Chests heaving, they stepped a little apart, waiting impatiently for their world to settle.

Was the floor tilting? Was the room spinning? Or was it their heads? Their hearts?

When he could finally catch his breath he managed to whisper, “Sorry.” He shook his head. “Not for that kiss. I’ve had a hunger for that since I first saw you again. But I…almost crossed a line. I guess I let myself forget for a moment that you’ve moved on with your life, Sunshine, and I’m not a part of it anymore.”

When she said nothing, he bent and retrieved his hat.

He left without another word.

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The post Guest Post and Giveaway: R C Ryan, Author of The Maverick of Copper Creek appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

Please welcome TJ Kline to the virtual offices this morning!  She’s going to share her writing essentials list.  Check it out and be sure to enter the giveaway  below.

T.J. Kline’s Writing Quirks & Must-Haves

I like to think that I’m fairly laid back compared to most people. When I hear about celebrities that demand a list of items at every appearance, I wonder what makes them feel so entitled. But then I started to think about what I feel like I need in order to write and I realize it’s not entitlement as much as it is having the right circumstances in order to best perform. Like an athlete eating a proper diet to fuel a workout, there are certain things that put me in the frame of mind to work at the top of my game.

1. Internet

I get that this might not make a lot of sense to some writers who find themselves distracted by the constant barrage of social media but I must have an internet connection. If, for no other reason, than I always have a thesaurus ready. I don’t have time to keep flipping in a physical one. I want a quick suggestion so I don’t lose my writing “zone.”

2. A clean desk

I don’t demand an empty desk by any means but I do insist that I don’t have papers strung out across my work space. It needs to be tidy, dust free and, preferably, have a window nearby for natural lighting so that, when I get stuck in a scene, I can stare into space and figure it out in my head. Too much clutter makes me cringe so I do a weekly paper purge where everything is either filed away or thrown away.

3. Coffee

It’s a bit cliché, I know, but I love my morning coffee. If I don’t have it, there better be a good reason (like Armageddon or a zombie apocalypse.) I like it strong, dark and with whipped cream. Hmmm, sounds like the hero of a romance novel. In my world, coffee is a hero!

4. Quiet

With three teens, a husband, three dogs and three cats, we have a busy household. That busy-ness can get loud, rambunctious and chaotic, which makes writing difficult at times. My best writing moments are usually when I can shut out everything around me and focus on the story so once the last child leaves for school in the morning, I have the peace and quiet I love.

5. Water

As much as I’d like to, my body doesn’t like to have coffee all day long. It does want to sleep at night. Once lunch time rolls around, I make the switch to water, and tons of it. I usually drink a gallon a day in the form of filtered water and seltzer water (coconut and apricot being my favorite flavored waters). And ice, lots of ice! I suppose I should add a bathroom to this list, as all of the water does make it a bit of a must.

6. Good chair

This is a recent addition for me. I love to sit and write on the couch, or in a recliner, but I’ve been noticing more nerve issues with my back lately and upgraded my chair in my office to a plush, ergonomic one. It’s made a world of difference and now, I’m spoiled. I want nothing less.

7. Music

I know, I said I like quiet but I also like the option of music to fit my story. Most of the time, that means country music but having Spotify (I am in no way affiliated, I just love it) I’m able to set up several playlists and pick whatever tunes fit my mood. I also love the fact that I can add and subtract music easily so that I don’t find myself singing instead of writing.

8. Colored pens

Colored pens are my little guilty pleasure. Recently, I found several packs in my desk, unopened, because I just can’t ever have enough. I love writing notes in color. I’m sure there is some psychological reason for it but I don’t really care. All I know is I will use a black or blue pen if I must, but if you give me a purple, turquoise or green pen, I’ll write notes and plot all day long without getting tired or bored.

9. Post-its

Yes, another guilty purchase but this one serves a purpose. I buy colored Post-its in various sizes but these are what I plot stories on. I keep a notebook nearby, labeled by chapter, and when an idea hits, it goes on a Post-it. Usually, one idea leads to several and I find I can plot entire chapters this way. Or, I take the notebook and Post-its with me on the road and plot while waiting in line. Each color will represent a different point of view (Hero/Heroine) or plot point (conflict/love) and the colors let me see if I have too much of any point of view, conflict or love scenes at a glance.

10. Melt Warmer

Who wouldn’t want their work area to smell nice? You know these things where you put a square of scented wax over a light bulb to melt. I have them in several rooms but I tend to keep scents to suit the seasons. Summer is vanilla or fruit, Fall is pumpkin or spices and Winter is some sort of peppermint.

I’ve come to realize that it’s not a matter of being an entitled diva to want these things but knowing they help me work better, faster and just make me a happier writer.

Learning the Ropes

Rodeo #3

By: T.J. Kline

Releasing September 30th

Avon Impulse

Blurb

Rule #1 – Don’t lose focus…

Barrel racer Alicia Kanani has had a long road to the top – and she’s not quite there yet. Finances have always been tight, and in the glitz and glam world of professional rodeo, that means that second best is probably the best she can hope for. With the National Finals coming up, she’s certainly not looking for a pair of cowboys to distract her.

Rule #2 – Don’t gamble what you can’t live without…

Playboy Chris Thomas is sure Alicia’s the perfect woman for his level-headed team roping partner, David Greenly. It seems like a match, until Chris realizes he wants Alicia for himself. The stakes have been raised; David and Chris are supposed to be a team, and this time, they’re on opposite sides.

Can Alicia rope this playboy’s heart, or will they find themselves too tangled up to let true love in?

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/09/learning-ropes-by-tj-kline.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22608150-learning-the-ropes?from_search=true

Buy Links

Purchase at: Amazon | Barnes | iBooks | Kobo

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Ropes-T-J-Kline-ebook/dp/B00LEYI3WI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409594534&sr=8-1&keywords=Learning+the+Ropes

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-the-ropes-t-j-kline/1119887872?ean=9780062370082

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/learning-the-ropes-5/pk7uh6BF-k6BbX_Xd_JJCQ?MixID=pk7uh6BF-k6BbX_Xd_JJCQ&PageNumber=1

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/br/book/learning-the-ropes/id894886146?l=en&mt=11

Author Info

T. J. Kline was raised competing in rodeos and Rodeo Queen competitions since the age of 14 and has thorough knowledge of the sport as well as the culture involved. She has written several articles about rodeo for small periodicals, as well as a more recent how-to article for RevWriter, and has published a nonfiction health book and two inspirational fiction titles under the name Tina Klinesmith. She is also an avid reader and book reviewer for both Tyndale and Multnomah. In her spare time, she can be found laughing hysterically with her husband, children, and their menagerie of pets in Northern California.

Author Links

http://tinaklinesmith.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TKlinesmith

https://twitter.com/TinaKlinesmith

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7379969.T_J_Kline

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Digital Set of RODEO QUEEN and THE COWBOY AND THE ANGEL and Second Winner for Print Copy of THE COWBOY AND THE ANGEL)

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The post Guest Post and Giveaway: T J Kline, Author of Learning the Ropes appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

May Contain Spoilers

Review:

I am a big fan of Donna Alward, so when I saw this free novella, I scooped it up and immediately sat down to read it.  Like her other books, this short story just clicked with me.  I could easily relate to Megan; she’s a hard working vet during the week, but she loves participating in rodeo during the weekend.  Pax isn’t a bad guy, he’s just a bit misguided.  Five years ago, after a traumatic event puts him in charge of the family business, he abruptly breaks things off with Megan after she leaves for college.  He ignores her calls and emails, leaving her broken hearted and confused.  Hadn’t they fallen in love over the summer before she left for school?

Megan realizes that she never got over Paxton when she sees him at the fairgrounds where she’s competing.  His family breeds stock for rodeos, and he’s there with a trailer of animals for the show.  They immediately butt heads, and when he tries to apologize for ending things the way he did, Megan just can’t get past her anger.  He took the coward’s way out back then, and she doesn’t want to hear his excuses.  Deep down Pax thought he was doing the right thing.  By ending their relationship, he was ensuring that she would follow her dream of becoming a veterinarian, instead of being tied to the fortunes of his ranch. 

Now that Megan has built a life that she likes and is proud of, she resents that Pax has come marching back into it.  She has bulls to ride, and she needs to concentrate on that, and not let Pax distract her.  She keeps dredging up the past, though, and wonders if she’ll ever be completely over him.  When a bull ride goes wrong, Pax thinks that he made a mistake, but nothing has really changed, so he doesn’t see a way for them to be together.

Even though Rodeo Rebel is a short story, it packed a big emotional punch.  I could feel Megan’s pain and frustration over Paxton and his insistence that there was no way they could be together.  Though he originally thought he was acting in her best interests, he still refuses, years later, to compromise.  He doesn’t like being at the rodeo fairgrounds, but Megan thrives on the excitement and the commotion.  He loves the quiet of his ranch, and Megan has a job that she loves, at a vet practice far away.  Instead of thinking of ways to work things out, he keeps putting up road blocks, and threatening to break Megan’s heart all over again.

I enjoyed this so much that I grabbed the rest of the books in the Texas Rodeo Barons continuity, and I am looking forward to reading them.  I like the Harlequin American Romance line, but I don’t feel that I read enough of them, which is unfortunate, because I know I’m missing out on some good stuff.

Grade:  B+

Review copy purchase from Amazon – FREE

From Amazon:

The Barons, six tight-knit siblings—loud, daring and loyal—are about to discover that love can be as rough as the rodeo. Bestselling author Donna Alward introduces the exciting Texas Rodeo Barons series with her charming prequel novella, Rodeo Rebel.

Back in the ring

As the first female bull rider in her circuit, Megan Robertson needs to focus. But all she can think about is her ex, Pax Lantry. Megan knew their paths would cross again—she just wasn’t prepared for the effect it would have on her. More surprising than the old heartache is the jolt of pure attraction she still feels for him.

Even after five years, Pax has never gotten over Megan. All it takes is seeing her, just once, for him to know that their connection is as strong as ever. But he’s committed to his family’s ranch and Meg has her own demanding career. It seems as if Pax and Megan have moved on, so why can’t they let each other go?

Don’t miss the first heartwarming novel in the Texas Rodeo Barons series, The Texan’s Baby.

The post Novella Review: Rodeo Rebel by Donna Alward appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

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I’m so excited to be part of the Southern Sweethearts blog tour!  I asked Sandra Hill, Marilyn Pappano, and Laura Drake how they survive the pressure of their deadlines.  Check out their answers, and then enter the giveaway below.

Top 5 items in your deadline survival kit

Sandra Hill:

1. Jelly beans

2. Coffee, but no more than two big cups

3. Alarm clock (I usually get up no later than 4:30 a.m.)

4. Ear plugs (I need quiet.)

5. Comfy clothes (usually lounging pj’s)

Marilyn Pappano:

1. Lots of Diet Dr. Pepper

2. My ancient, tee-tiny computer that I can tuck away and take anywhere

3. Snacks that won’t transfer too much gunk to the keyboard

4. A bathroom (see #1)

5. My husband, who keeps life on track, reminds me to sleep, looks up any and all information I need, and makes food runs

Laura Drake:

1. A husband who runs interference with everyday things, and doesn’t expect that I’ll remember a conversation we had, just yesterday.

2. Protein. The only thing that satisfies me.

3. Coffee. Unending gallons of it.

4. My bicycle. It’s where I work out all my plot problems!

5. A schedule. I work backwards to figure out how many words I need a day, and I don’t quit until I’ve written them. Sometimes takes 2 hours, sometimes (like yesterday) 15. But I typed ‘The End” this morning! Whew!

SWEET ON YOU by Laura Drake (August 26, 2014; Forever Mass Market; $8.00)

A Love as Bold as a Texas Sunset . . .

Ex-army medic Katya Smith has always healed other people’s pain. Now she has to deal with her own. Taking a job as an athletic trainer on the Pro Bull Riding circuit seems like the perfect escape from her grief-except Katya doesn’t know anything about bulls, and even less about the tough men who ride them. She doesn’t expect to fall for the sport, or for one tantalizing cowboy who tumbles her defenses.

For rodeo champion Cam Cahill, fifteen years of bucking bulls have taken their toll on his body. Before he retires, he wants a final chance at the world title-and he doesn’t need some New Age gypsy telling him how to do his job. But when the stunning trainer with the magical hands repairs more than his worn muscles, everything changes. Soon Cam finds himself trying to persuade Katya to forgive her past so she can build a future . . . with him.

Buy Links:

B&N

BAM!

iBooks

Kobo

IndieBound

Google Play

Amazon

About the author:

Laura Drake grew up in the suburbs outside Detroit, though her stories are set in the west.  A tomboy, she’s always loved the outdoors and adventure. In 1980 she and her sister packed everything they owned into Pintos and moved to California. There she met and married a motorcycling, bleed-maroon Texas Aggie and her love affair with the West was born. Laura rides motorcycles: Elvis, a 1985 BMW Mystic, and Sting, a 1999 BMW R1100.

In Texas, Laura was introduced to her first rodeo, and fell in love. She’s an avid fan of Pro Bull Riding (PBR,) attending any event within driving distance, including two PBR National finals. She is hard at work at her next novel.

Social Media Links:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

SNOW ON THE BAYOU by Sandra Hill (August 26, 2014; Forever Mass Market; $8.00)

THE BAYOU’S BADDEST BAD BOY IS BACK!

Joining the Navy was the second best thing that ever happened to Justin “Cage” LeBlanc, the rebel son of a no-account convict. The first was Emelie Gaudet, the love of his life . . . until he was forced to leave town and swore there would be snow on the bayou before he ever returned. Now, only his mortally ill grandma can bring the injured Navy SEAL back to Terrebone Parrish, where he must face his past-and Emelie, who’s even more beautiful than she was all those years ago.

Bourbon Street blues singer Emelie is once bitten, twice shy. When she learns that Justin is back in town, she wants nothing to do with the once wild Cajun teenager who fled with the law on his tail-and broke her heart. But she can’t deny the red-hot attraction between them . . . or his efforts to prove he’s finally changed his hell-raising ways. Can she trust that this time the bad boy of the bayou will be the best man for her?

Buy Links:

B&N

BAM!

iBooks

Kobo

IndieBound

Google Play

Amazon

About the author:

Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.

Social Media Links:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

A LOVE TO CALL HER OWN by Marilyn Pappano (August 26, 2014; Forever Mass Market; $ )

It’s been two years since Jessy Lawrence lost her husband in Afghanistan, and she’s never fully recovered. Drowning her sorrows didn’t help, and neither did the job she’d hoped would give her a sense of purpose. Now trying to rebuild her life, she finds solace in her best friends, fellow military wives who understand what it’s like to love-and lose-a man in uniform . . . and the memory of one stolen night that makes her dream of a second chance at love.

Dalton Smith has known more than his fair share of grief. Since his wife’s death, he revels in the solitude of his cattle ranch. But try as he might, he can’t stop thinking about the stunning redhead and the reckless, passionate night they shared. He wasn’t ready before, but Dalton sees now that Jessy is the only woman who can mend his broken heart. So how will he convince her to take a chance on him?

Buy Links:

B&N

BAM!

iBooks

Kobo

IndieBound

Google Play

Amazon

About the author:

Known for her intensely emotional stories, Marilyn Pappano is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly eighty books. She has made regular appearances on bestseller lists and has received recognition for her work in the form of numerous awards. Though her husband’s Navy career took them across the United States, he and Ms. Pappano now live in Oklahoma high on a hill that overlooks her hometown. They have one son and daughter-in-law, an adorable grandson, and a pack of mischievous dogs.

Social Media Links:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

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The post The Southern Sweethearts Blog Tour appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

This morning special guest Derek Chandler answers a few questions, and after, you can enter to win Rodeo Queen by TJ Kline!

[Manga Maniac Cafe]  Good morning, Derek! Describe yourself in five words or less.

[Derek Chandler]  Adorably charming, Yeah, I think that about sums it up. *wink* Unless you have anything you’d like to add?

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share a typical day in your life?

[Derek Chandler]  That would depend on whether we’re at a rodeo or not. At a rodeo, I oversee the entire operation from meeting with the rodeo committee to making sure the judges and vets show up on time. Most of the time, I’m on horseback, running from one end of the arena to the other. On the ranch, there are animals to feed, horses to work, fences to mend, machinery to repair, bills to pay, cattle to doctor. It’s never-ending but I love being there.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words come to mind when you think of Angela?

[Derek Chandler]  Hmmm, Angel is a lot of things but I’d say the first three words that come to mind would be dangerous, determined and oh, so tempting.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What’s her most appealing quality?

[Derek Chandler]  To me, her determination to do whatever it takes to help her father, even at her own expense. She’s given up a lot for him her entire life. As much as I hate to think about all she’s had to go through, I know it’s made her the incredible woman she is today.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What just drives you nuts about her?

[Derek Chandler]  Assuming you mean a character trait, her stubborn independence. Damn but that woman wants to fight me at every turn. She thinks she knows best and still thinks she has to do everything alone. She won’t trust that there are people in her life willing to help shoulder some of the burden. We’re still working on that lesson.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you could change one thing you’ve done in your life, what would it be?

[Derek Chandler]  I’m sure some people need to think about that but I don’t. I never would have gotten involved with Liz or her schemes. I was selfish and too many people were hurt by what happened. It could have been far worse than it was but it was bad enough. Knowing I was partially responsible for that will haunt me forever, even though Sydney and Scott have forgiven me.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What’s one thing you won’t leave home without?

[Derek Chandler]  My sense of humor. Life throws me enough I need to be serious about – sick animals, traveling long distances in bad weather, two thousand pound bulls that can be unpredictable. Hell, then there’s women like Angel who knock me off my high-horse. Without a sense of humor, I’d be…well, I’d probably be my brother. That guy takes everything too seriously.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share your dreams for the future in five words or less.

[Derek Chandler]  Family, together at the ranch.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

[Derek Chandler]  Anytime! I’m thrilled to take you out riding if you want to come by the ranch.

The Cowboy and The Angel

Rodeo #2

By: T.J. Kline

Releasing August 5th, 2014

Avon Impulse

Blurb

From our NaNoWriMo author T. J. Kline comes the stunning follow up to RODEO QUEEN. When a sexy cowboy falls for a not-so-angelic reporter, secrets and sparks abound.

Reporter Angela McCallister needs the scoop of her career in order to save her father from his bad decisions that have depleted their savings. When the chance to spend a week at the Findley Brothers ranch arises, she sees a chance to get a behind-the-scenes scoop on rodeo. That certainly doesn’t include kissing the devastatingly handsome and charming cowboy, Derek Chandler, who insists on calling her angel.

Derek has a rodeo to run and a chip on his shoulder. He has no time for the fiery woman who is clearly hiding something. But for some reason he can’t keep his hands off of her. Their connection is instant and explosive but Angela’s secrets could threaten his family and Derek needs to prove that he’s not the irresponsible kid brother anymore.

When the rodeo dust has settled, will the Cowboy and his Angel allow themselves to give in to the attraction that threatens to consume them both?

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2014/06/now-booking-tasty-virtual-tour-for_9536.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22493055-the-cowboy-and-the-angel

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JZOX5CM/ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=avonromancehc-20

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cowboy-and-the-angel-t-j-kline/1119471859?cm_mmc=affiliates-_-linkshare-_-mdxm68jzjz8-_-10%3a1&ean=9780062370075&isbn=9780062370075&r=1

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-cowboy-and-the-angel-4?utm_source=linkshare_us&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=linkshare_us&siteID=MdXm68JZJz8-ZNNsDrsxVS8YoMK7PeFdLw

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-cowboy-and-the-angel/id870615758?mt=11

Author Info

T. J. Kline was raised competing in rodeos and Rodeo Queen competitions since the age of 14 and has thorough knowledge of the sport as well as the culture involved. She has written several articles about rodeo for small periodicals, as well as a more recent how-to article for RevWriter, and has published a nonfiction health book and two inspirational fiction titles under the name Tina Klinesmith. She is also an avid reader and book reviewer for both Tyndale and Multnomah. In her spare time, she can be found laughing hysterically with her husband, children, and their menagerie of pets in Northern California.

Author Links

http://tinaklinesmith.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TKlinesmith

https://twitter.com/TinaKlinesmith

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7379969.T_J_Kline

Two Digital Copies of RODEO QUEEN by T.J. Kline

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The post Meet Derek Chandler from The Cowboy and the Angel by T J Kline and Giveaway! appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

May Contain Spoilers

Review:

I have been having a hard time finishing a book for the last week or so.  Nothing has been holding my interest, and when that happens, I usually pick up a Harlequin to help me over my reading hurdle.  There’s just something about the formula and the guaranteed HEA that I, and many, many others, find appealing.  I picked up Her Cowboy Hero because it has, you guessed it, a cowboy!  Yeah, I can be pretty shallow.

Her Cowboy Hero is a very touching story about loss, acceptance, and finally moving forward instead of avoiding the future  and wallowing in the past.  Colin is still suffering from the tragic accident that took his wife and young son from him, and instead of trying to deal with his pain, he runs away from his memories.  Traveling from one short-term ranch job to another, he has given up his house, his vet practice, and even his siblings.  He never wants to be hurt again, so instead of caring about the people he still has left in his life, he turns his back on them, ignoring their gestures of comfort.  When he runs into Widow Shaw and her broken down truck, she’s the last person he thinks he needs in his life.  The young widow is beautiful, perpetually perky, and so not what he wants right now.  Maybe not, but he sure does need Hannah and her bright dreams for the future.

Hannah is struggling with grief, too.  Her husband was killed overseas, serving the country, and her mother-in-law, the only family she had left, passed away soon after.  Neither survived to see the birth of her son, Evan.  Having  been bounced around from one foster home to another when she was growing up, Hannah is determined to provide a loving, stable home for Evan, even if she has to do it on her own.  With a dream of fixing up the ranch that has been in husband’s family, and turning it into a B&B, she always puts her best foot forward.  Money’s tight and financing is a challenge, but she knows that everything will work out in the end.   Deciding long ago that she could either dwell on all of the unhappiness in her life or find the bright side to any situation, she is the ultimate glass is half-full kind of girl.  Colin, on the other hand, is a cheerless, grumpy cowboy, and he needs to lighten up.  A lot.  Good thing he ran into Hannah.

There were times during the first half of the book that I had tears in my eyes.  I loved how the relationships developed between Hannah and Colin, and Colin and Evan.  Colin has avoided children since the death of his son, and he feels panicky whenever Evan is around.  If he sees him coming, Colin turns and practically runs in the other direction.  When Evan tries to slide head first down the banister, Colin saves him from hurting himself, changing their relationship.

“Mr Colin?”  Evan’s voice was hesitant, but close.

Colin jerked his head up, realizing Evan had partially emerged from his sanctuary.

“Are you gonna cry?”

“What?” Surprised by the question, Colin raised a hand to his eyes, realizing his vision was beginning to blur.  Dammit.  He looked back at the curious little boy, but for a moment, he didn’t see Evan Shaw. He saw Danny’s face, Danny laughingly demanding to be swung high in the air.  Danny, solemn as he nodded his understanding that the oven was hot and that he needed to stay back.  Danny worn out after a Christmas carnival, asleep on his stomach with his little butt curved up in the air.

That now familiar suffocating sensation crowded Colin’s chest.  He shot to his feet, wanting to put as much space as possible between himself and this room filled with all the bright adventure of childhood.

I loved that scene between Colin and Evan.  It marks the point in Colin’s road where he is able to look at Evan and see beyond his grief.  He agrees to keep a secret for Evan, something he is reluctant to do, because he fears the bond it will forge between them, and the pain it might bring him.  It does change their relationship, allowing Colin to finally realize that, while he’s still heartbroken over the loss of his family, closing himself off from others is just as painful.

This conversation between Colin and his younger brother is another of my favorite scenes.  Colin has never seen comfortable discussing his feelings, but he discovers the value in doing just that, despite how awkward it makes him feel.  He also begins to acknowledge that he hasn’t done himself any favors by walking away from his family and friends.

“It’s like I’ve had a splinter in my heart,” he said haltingly.  “It got worse and worse and worse for two years, infected probably.  And Hannah somehow drew it to the surface.  She has this way of getting me to talk-about the accident, about random stuff like picking out nursery furniture before Danny was born.  She’s not only extracting the memories but the pain.”

Her Cowboy Hero is a sweet and touching journey from the grip of grief and despair, to the courage of self-forgiveness and the power of a second chance at love, because everyone deserves happiness-even a cranky cowboy.

Grade:  B+

Review copy provided by publisher

From Amazon:

He’s Just The Hired Help… 

What kind of cockeyed Pollyanna is Colin Cade working for? Her porch is rotting, her “guest cabin” is cheerless and her land and livestock have only a geriatric cowboy to care for them. Yet Hannah Shaw is positive she can turn her ranch into a successful B and B—and that Colin’s the man to make it happen. 

But Colin can’t stick around. He lives with the loss of his family by avoiding the memories, and the way he feels around Hannah and her young son is like a knife to the heart. Trouble is, he’s better at ignoring his own pain than someone else’s, and bright, cheerful Hannah has a heart as haunted as his own. She deserves to be happy—but could she really be with him?

The post Review: Her Cowboy Hero by Tanya Michaels appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

Here’s a look at some books that I read recently but never got around to reviewing.   

Donna of the Dead is a fun, tongue-in-cheek YA zombie book.  I didn’t take this too seriously, and I enjoyed it better for that.  There’s a ton of action, a little romance, and room for a sequel, which I will definitely read.  Donna’s adventures begin on a cruise ship, and her vacation goes to hell as the other passengers succumb to the zombie plague.  She and her best buddy, Deke, manage to battle their way to freedom, only to seek sanctuary at their high school with a handful of uninfected classmates.  This reminded me a lot of the Buffy the Vampire movie (not the TV series!). If you like campy humor and groan worthy one-liners, Donna of the Dead should appeal to you.

Grade:  B

Review copy provided by publisher

From Amazon:

Donna Pierce might hear voices, but that doesn’t mean she’s crazy. Probably.

The voices do serve their purpose, though—whenever Donna hears them, she knows she’s in danger. So when they start yelling at the top of their proverbial lungs, it’s no surprise she and her best friend, Deke, end up narrowly escaping a zombie horde. Alone without their families, they take refuge at their high school with the super-helpful nerds, the bossy head cheerleader, and—best of all?—Liam, hottie extraordinaire and Donna’s long-time crush. When Liam is around, it’s easy to forget about the moaning zombies, her dad’s plight to reach them, and how weird Deke is suddenly acting toward her.

But as the teens’ numbers dwindle and their escape plans fall apart, Donna has to listen to the secrets those voices in her head have been hiding. It seems not all the zombies are shuffling idiots, and the half-undead aren’t really down with kids like Donna…

Last of the Red-Hot Cowboys is another book that is best enjoyed with a sense of humor.  Some of the characters are so odd that I feared for the small Texas town they resided in.  Ava has traveled to Hell, Texas to train at the Outlaws Training Center, only to learns, much to her dismay, that Trace, the spokesman for the rodeo training instructors, refuses to train women for the dangerous arena.  Ava wants to be a bullfighter, and she knows that she rides well enough to protect bull riders after they get tossed into the dirt, but Trace says no way!  I liked the quirky characters and verbal exchanges, but some of the shenanigans had me rolling my eyes.  And the mayor’s hair could be a character by itself!  This is the perfect read for a day in the sun.  The smexy times are hot, and the oddball cast kept me amused.

Grade:  B = BEACH READ!

Review copy provided by publisher

From Amazon:

A sexy cowgirl gives a rugged Texas loner the ride of his life in USA Today bestselling author Tina Leonard’s seductive new series.

Ava Buchanan dreams of a career on the rodeo circuit. Winning a spot on a one-of-a-kind team would be her ticket to the life she’s always wanted. Ava won’t let anyone stand in her way—not even a stubborn cowboy whose slow-molasses smile and red-hot swagger set her senses aflame . . . and whose talents as a trainer could make her a star. Rodeo might be a man’s game, but Ava knows the right woman’s touch can tame the wildest heart.

Trace Carter believes his mayor’s plan to raise the town’s profile has disaster written all over it, and he won’t allow the Hell’s Outlaws Training Center to be dragged into the fiasco. Yet watching Ava’s delectable body on horseback proves too much of a temptation, and his fantasies stray to her riding skills outside the arena. Soon Trace is fighting like hell to rein in his unbridled desire for the petite brunette before it becomes a passion hotter than the Texas sun.

May Contain Spoilers

I loved this novella!  Poor Lou, a total control freak, chases away the band she’s managing on the eve of their big break.  Desperate to salvage her chance at the big time, she is forced to confront her extreme stage fright, with the help of Zippy, better known as Crash Burns.  Zipman was the big time, until tragedy derailed his career.  Now he has the opportunity to help Lou get over her anxiety about performing onstage.  The chemistry clicked between the protagonists, there’s a great sense of humor, and Lou’s fear of performing live was completely engrossing.  If you are looking for something quick, sexy, and romantic, give Zipless a go.

Grade:  B+

Review copy provided by publisher

From Amazon:

Rocking, rolling and romancing in New York City — Scottish style!

Unable to perform due to paralyzing anxiety, singer-songwriter Lou Marzaroli has been managing her brother’s band for years, driving them out of Scotland and into the big time. But days before their American network debut, the band is imploding and Lou is relieving her stress in a no-strings-attached sexual encounter with an aging scenester she’s nicknamed Zippy.

The Zipman is sometimes remembered as Crash Burns, formerly of seminal L.A. glampunk band, Snakebite. It’s been years since he’d trashed the eyeliner and hairspray, and he hasn’t written a song since. Now he’s penning lyrics about the mysterious woman he last saw sprinting barefoot in a miniskirt down West Twenty Third. She’s the muse he’s been longing for, and he’s determined to be more than her one night stand.

When the head honchos learn Lou wrote the band’s material, they agree to give her the TV spot, sending her to be coached by their performance guru, Crash Burns. Now Lou must put herself in Zippy’s hands as he coaxes a life-changing performance from her. And the man who used to perform in nothing but a leather thong must find ways to get her confident on stage— and content in only one bed.

20,390 Words

The post Micro Reviews: Zombies, Cowboys, and Rock Stars appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

This morning I’m excited to welcome Lori Wilde to the virtual offices!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in five words or less.

[Lori Wilde] Tall. Texan. Foodie. Adventuresome. Expressive.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about your book?

[Lori Wilde] It’s the last book in my Cupid, Texas series, Love with a Perfect Cowboy, is set in the rugged terrain of the Davis Mountains. The hero, Luke Nielson, and the heroine, Melody Spencer, are star-crossed high school sweethearts caught in the middle of a decades old family feud.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Lori Wilde] Melody was the fourth cousin in the series, and honestly when I was writing the rest of the books, I didn’t know much about Melody, other than she was a big ad executive in New York City. I also knew I wanted to tell the story of the Nielson/Fant/Greenwood family feud what started back in 1924 when Melody’s wealthy great grandfather, John Fant, left Luke’s high-society great-grandmother standing at the alter in order to marry housemaid, Millie Greenwood. When it came to the hero, I asked myself, what kind of guy would cause an ambitious urban woman the most trouble, and laidback cowboy, Luke was born.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

[Lori Wilde] Working out how to end the family feud so Luke and Melody could be together.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What gave you the most trouble with this story?

[Lori Wilde] I had the worst time trying to figure out the turning points in this book. I kept moving the turning points around—trying to create the highest escalating stakes—and it drove my beta reader crazy. But in the end, she declared the trouble was worth it.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had a theme song, what would it be?

[Lori Wilde] “I’ve Got a Little Hillbilly in Me” by Brent Amaker

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing you won’t leave home without.

[Lori Wilde] My purse.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name three things on your desk right now.

[Lori Wilde] Circular knitting needles. Swiss Army knife. Fitbit.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you could trade places with anyone for just one day, who would you be?

[Lori Wilde] No one. We’ve all got our ups and downs. I finally got myself good and broke in, and I know what I’m dealing with. If you switched places with someone, no telling what mess you’d find yourself in.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are some books that you enjoyed recently?

[Lori Wilde] Is this where I lie and pick the latest best seller or tell the truth and admit the last three books I’ve read are all for research? Story Solution, 23 Actions All Great Heros Must Take by Eric Edson. The Wrong Stuff, the autobiography of lefty pitcher, Bill “Spaceman” Lee. 101 Nights of Great Romance by Laura Corn.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Lori Wilde] Yoga, watch movies or glom on a TV series, cook something challenging, spend time catching up with family and friends.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Lori Wilde] Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest. www.loriwilde.com.

About the book:

Love with a Perfect Cowboy

A Cupid Texas Novel

By: Lori Wilde

Releasing May 27th, 2014

Blurb

Cowboys always seem to have the most spectacular butts, probably from all that hard riding in the saddle. But Melody Spencer had long-ago wiped the dust of Cupid, Texas off her cute shoes…and done her best to forget the chiseled jaw, strong arms and those other assets of cowboy Luke Spencer. Their families might be part of a long-time feud, but he was her very first love even if it turned out they never wanted the same things.

But now Luke’s come striding back into her life, tempting her with the memories of long, lazy evenings and hot, passionate kisses. And he has an ulterior motive-as Mayor of Cupid, he knows Melody’s business savvy can help save their beloved hometown. His smooth-talking might get her to Texas, but that doesn’t mean he’ll get her in his bed. Still, people do say love can be more perfect the second time around…

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2014/04/now-booking-tasty-virtual-tour-for-love.html

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Perfect-Cowboy-Cupid-Texas-ebook/dp/B00FJ331SQ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-with-a-perfect-cowboy-lori-wilde/1116864927?ean=9780062219015

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/love-with-a-perfect-cowboy/id718570475?mt=11

Author Info

LORI WILDE is the New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty books. A former RITA finalist, Lori has received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Holt Medallion, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers’ Choice, and numerous other honors. She lives in Texas, with her husband and a wide assortment of pets. Lori teaches Romance Writing Secrets via the internet through colleges and universities worldwide at www.ed2g.com. Visit her at www.loriwilde.comor @LoriWilde on Twitter.

Lori’s Links:

www.loriwilde.com

twitter handle is @LoriWilde

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Lori-Wilde/126384860719020?fref=ts

Cupid Texas Series

Love at First Sight Release Date May 28th, 2013

All Out of Love Release Date June 25th, 2013

Somebody to Love Release Date Dec 31st, 2013

Love with a Perfect Cowboy Release Date May 27th, 2014

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/series/99988-cupid-texas

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Two Winner’s will win Two Print Cupid Texas Romances)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Interview with Lori Wilde, Author of Love with a Perfect Cowboy and Giveaway appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

BRANDED

Cavanaugh Brothers, #1

Publisher: Signet

ISBN: 978-0451464873

ASIN: B00GSBM4XG

Format: Paperback, eBook and Audiobook

Release Date: June 3, 2014

In the small town of River Black, Texas, sits the Triple C—a working cattle ranch that sustains the town. But it also holds painful memories and shocking secrets for the Cavanaugh brothers….

When the Cavanaugh brothers return home for their father’s funeral, they discover unexpected evidence of the old man’s surprising double life—a son named Blue, who wants the Triple C Ranch as much as they do. The eldest son, Deacon, a wealthy businessman who couldn’t wait to leave the ranch and move on with his life, is looking to use his powerful connections to stop Blue at any cost. He never expected the ranch’s forewoman, Mackenzie Byrd, to get in his way.

Mac knows Deacon means to destroy the ranch and therefore destroy her livelihood. But as the two battle for control, their attraction builds. Now Deacon is faced with the choice of a lifetime: Take down the Triple C to feed his need for revenge, or embrace the love of the one person who has broken down every barrier to his heart.

AVAILABLE NOW:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Branded-Cavanaugh-Brothers-Laura-Wright/dp/0451464877/ref=tmm_mmp_title_0

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/branded-laura-wright/1117502499?ean=9780451464873

Indiebound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780451464873

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/branded/id760012729?mt=11

Audible: http://www.amazon.com/Branded-Cavanaugh-Brothers-Book-1/dp/B00KFO7DTW/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

BROKEN

Cavanaugh Brothers, #1

Publisher: Signet

ASIN: B00ISEF68G

Release Date: October 7, 2014

The Cavanaugh brothers left behind River Black, Texas, long ago. But after their father dies, bequeathing them the Triple C, a cattle ranch that sustains their small town, they return—and confront the painful memories of their childhood home and the truth about their sister’s murder…

For years, James Cavanaugh has traveled the world as a horse whisperer, but even the millions he’s earned hasn’t healed the pain he hides behind his stoic exterior. Forced to tackle old demons at the ranch, James throws himself into work to avoid his true feelings. Until he meets a woman who shakes the foundations of his well-built walls…

Sheridan O’Neil’s quiet confidence has served her well, except when it comes to romance. Tired of rejection, she’s ready to swear off men. But after being rescued from a horse stampede by the most beautiful cowboy she’s ever met, her resolve wavers. Only, as Sheridan uncovers James’s belief that no woman is safe with him, she wonders if such a wounded man could ever give in to love, or if some hearts are too broken to be healed…

Preorder Now:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Cavanaugh-Brothers-Laura-Wright-ebook/dp/B00ISEF68G/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1P7KNFT2VSPNAVA9RQJQ

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/broken-laura-wright/1118867539?ean=9780451464996

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/broken/id834652086?mt=11

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author of the Bestselling Mark of the Vampire series, Laura Wright spent the early years of her life immersed in the worlds of singing, acting and competitive ballroom dancing. But when she started writing, she knew she’d found her true calling. Laura lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband, two children, three dogs, two frogs and two fish. She’s been thrice nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, and loves hearing from her readers.

Connect with Laura:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Excerpt

Deacon opened his door and stepped out into the hall. No one was there, and for a second he wondered if maybe she’d just been passing through on her way downstairs. But then, he heard her. A few doors down, barking at someone inside her room.

“Goddamn you, Blue!” she called out in a strange combination of a hiss and shout.

Blue? Deacon mused darkly, instantly on the move. Was the cowboy in Mac’s room? And why was she so pissed? 

“You!” she continued, her voice echoing down the hall. “This whole thing…you’re acting like a…bullshit.”

Deacon came to her open door and stopped, frowned, when he saw that she was talking on her cell phone. Talking and trying to unzip the back of her dress at the same time.

“You know I’m so worried,” she rambled on loudly, her words slurred.

She’d been drinking.

“I’m worried, Blue. Don’t you get that? Worried. You better call me back, cowboy. No, you’d better be up and out at dawn or maybe I’ll fire you.” She pulled at her zipper, managed to get it halfway down her back before it refused to go any further. She released it with a frustrated curse. “I wouldn’t fire you, Blue. You know that, right? I love you.”

Deacon leaned against the doorjamb, his frown downgrading to a scowl. Why was she saying that? Like that. All fearful and passionate. Friends didn’t talk like that. Not any of the people he called friends, at any rate. 

“I love you,” she said again, then punched the end button on her cell, and threw the thing on the bed. She stared at it, and in a soft voice, she whispered, “And I can’t lose another person I love.”

For a moment, Deacon contemplated walking away and pretending he hadn’t seen a goddamn thing. That would’ve been the right move, the smart move. He didn’t need to engage with a drunk woman who was grieving the man he despised, and crying out for the cowboy who could threaten his plans for vengeance. But then she turned and caught sight of him.

She didn’t even startle, which was a big clue to how drunk she probably was. She narrowed her eyes and her upper lip lifted into a sneer. “What do you want, Deacon?” she muttered irritably.

“I heard you yelling all the way down the hall,” he said. “Just checking to see if you’re all right.”

She snorted. “As if you care,” she said, pointing at him, her cheeks flushed.

“I care, Mackenzie, or I wouldn’t be standing here.”

She snorted again, then started working her zipper again. “You are a mean upstart.”

“Yes.”

“Greedy, too.”

“Sometimes, I can be, yes.”

“Don’t patronize me, Deacon.”

“Not trying to Mac. I swear.” Shit, if she did manage to get that zipper down and started undressing in front of him, things were going to get problematic. He wasn’t a dickhead, but he wasn’t much of a gentleman either. She was a beautiful woman, and he couldn’t say he wasn’t curious. 

“You shattered this day,” she said, yanking and pulling. “Wasn’t your day, Deacon. Not every day is your day.”

If she tugged on that thing any harder it was going rip in two. He pushed away from the wall and stepped into the room. “Come on, Mac. I’m only responsible for one of the scandals today. And, frankly, I’m thinking it’s not the worst of the lot.”

“Your plan to destroy us all is the ultimate of worsts,” she slurred, turning to look him. She narrowed her eyes. “Wait a minute. I didn’t invite you in here.”

“Your door was open.”

“Still not an invitation.”

“All right. Say the word and I’ll leave.”

Her eyes widened, hopeful. “The ranch? You’ll leave the ranch?”

He laughed. “No.”

She scowled. “Well, then, you might as well stay. Witness what you’ve come to destroy. What you’ve wrought.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “And maybe what Everett wrought a little bit, too.” 

Her eyes filled with tears on that last bit, and Deacon sighed. Damn woman. Damn Everett. “You been drinking, darlin?”

“No.”

He went to her and took her by the shoulders. “Just a little bit?”

Her head dropped back and she looked up at him. “Maybe.”

“Whether you believe it or not, I’m not looking to destroy you, Mackenzie.” Her cheeks were flushed, and the color made her eyes so brilliantly blue it was like staring at the sky round noon on a perfect spring day. “Beautiful works of art should never be destroyed.”

Deacon realized what he’d said one second after it was out of his mouth. Where the hell had that come from? he mentally growled. Not from any rational or reasonable place he knew of. Shit, that was Hallmark card, romantic bullshit territory. He didn’t deliver that kind of slop with a woman he was interested in.

He released his hold on her.

Mac didn’t move. She was still staring at him, pursing her full, pink lips at him. “Don’t you try and sweet talk me, Deacon Cavanaugh. Unlike those beanpoles with fake tits and faker smiles that you go out with, I know you.” She pointed at his face. “I know the country boy you were and the heartless man you’ve become. I know everything.”

She didn’t know everything, Deacon thought. If she had, she’d never have taken Everett up on his offer to work at the Triple C. And clearly, she’d needed that job. It was a choice he and Cole and James had made long ago. To keep the truth from her. Losing Cass and dealing with a drunk for a father had been enough for her to handle. She didn’t need to take on their pain and humiliation along with it.

“Why do you pick women like that, Deac?” she verbally stumbled on, reaching behind her back and once again working her zipper. “You came from real. Why wouldn’t you want real?”

His mouth twitched with amusement. “Sounds like you’ve spying on me, Mackenzie.”

She cocked her head, trying to get a better angle on the willful little bit of metal. “Don’t have to. You’re all over the rags in town. Every time I buy a tub of ice cream, there you are.”

His brow lifted. “A tub of ice cream?”

She glared at him. “You got a problem with that?”

“Nope.” He chuckled. “No problem.”

“Good answer,” she growled softly as she continued to pull on that zipper. 

“Need a hand, Mackenzie?”

“I have two.” And she brought both out from behind her back to show him.

He grinned. “They don’t seem to be working all that well.”

She ignored him, and kept at it for the next thirty seconds. Then she let out a frustrated groan and dropped her hands to her sides. “I think it’s stuck.”

“You think?” he said, laughing.

“Shut up.”

Laughing, he reached for her waist and turned her around. “Drinking alone isn’t a good idea. You should’ve waited for me.”

She sighed tiredly. “I got tired of waiting for you, Deacon.”

The words were spoken softly, but Deacon heard them clear as day. His fingers went to her dress, wrapped around the zipper and eased the tiny piece of metal out of the fabric it was caught on, then down very slowly. Mackenzie Byrd wasn’t some female from the city who wanted a few nights of uncomplicated fun. She was his past. Or a part of it. She belonged to a different time, and he didn’t want any part of that time. 

He stared at her back. The smooth, tan skin, and the back clasp of her pale blue bra. His mouth watered, his nostrils widened to take in her scent, and the urge to slip his hands inside the flared material of her dress, feel the heat of her skin against his palms, was nearly debilitating.

“I wasn’t alone,” she whispered.

Deacon’s mind couldn’t seem to process her words or their meaning. His fingers flexed as he uttered, “What’s that?”

She turned around then, held her dress up with both hands, and lifted her dark blue gaze to his. There was heat and confusion within their depths. “I wasn’t drinking alone. I was with Elena.”

Deacon’s jaw tightened, and rational thought returned in a quick, jarring manner. The woman his father had been allegedly having an affair with for years – the woman who had bore Everett’s child, then kept it a secret. The woman Everett had no doubt turned to when he should’ve been helping his wife with her grief, and protecting his sons from the terrifying effects of that grief.

Her eyes still hazy from all the alcohol she’d consumed, Mackenzie looked at him, studied him, like she was trying to read his mind. “Does it make you crazy not to have control all the time?”

His brows came together in a frown. “I always have control, Mackenzie,” he said, not sure where she was going with that line of questioning. “Even when it might not appear that way.”

Her cheeks were still very flushed, but her eyes no longer held the deep sadness from a moment ago. “You don’t now.”

“Why do you say that?” he asked.

Without warning, she reached up, fisted the collar of his shirt in her hand and pulled his face down to hers. Her lips captured his in a hungry, almost angry, way that made the breath leave his body, then rush back in at a hundred miles per hour. Holy shit! What the hell? She groaned against him, lapped at him with her tongue, then nipped at his bottom lip with her teeth as her hands ran up his jaw and neck, then into his hair.

TOUR GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Grand Prize: $10.00 gift card to Amazon & paperback of BRANDED (International winner will get gift card & eBook)

Runner-up: 1 runner-up will receive an eBook of BRANDED

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Spotlight and Giveaway: Branded by Laura Wright appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

Here’s a great deal!  Six cowboy books for one low, low price!

About TALL, DARK AND COWBOY BOX SET=

Everybody loves cowboys! Now in this special six-book box set, meet the best of the tall, dark, and handsome cowboys and get ready for the ride of your life . . .

SOMEBODY LIKE YOU by Lynnette Austin: Cash thought he had plenty of time to find the right woman-until he learns that he must marry soon or lose his family’s Texas farm. When Boston beauty Annelise enters his life, Cash wonders if she’s what he’s been looking for all along.

AIN’T MISBEHAVING by Molly Cannon: After her ex-husband leaves her for another woman, Marla Jean won’t settle for another lonely night. And her childhood crush, Jake, may just be the right man to help make this good girl go a little bad.

THE SWEET SPOT by Laura Drake: Charla Rae thought she was over her ex-husband-they’d both been through too much together. But when the championship bull rider comes back into town and offers to help with her ranch, will he also convince her to give their love a second chance?

LOOKING FOR TROUBLE by Erin Kern: Fleeing her rich, overbearing family, Avery makes her way to Trouble, Wyoming. She soon tries things the old Avery wouldn’t dare, like having a sizzling affair with her sexy new boss, Noah-and discovering he’s just the kind of trouble she needs.

GOING COWBOY CRAZY by Katie Lane: When Faith is mistaken for her identical twin sister in Bramble, Texas, there’s bound to be trouble-especially with her sister’s ex-boyfriend Slate.

MONTANA LEGACY by R. C. Ryan: When Amy left Jesse, she broke his heart. Now she’s back in town and stirs his old desires, even as she promises to help him find his family’s gold. But under the prairie skies an unseen enemy is closing in to threaten their love-and their lives.

You can purchase it here:

B&N

Quick questions for the authors:

A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less.

R.C. RYAN- Can Jesse McCord guard his heart against Amy Parish, the only woman he ever loved and lost? Or will danger change the game? 

ERIN KERN- Would you give up your inheritance to live in the middle of nowhere? Avery Price did. And ended up getting way more than she bargained for!

KATIE LANE- A small, Texas town filled with sassy heroines, hot cowboys, and zany matchmakers whose hearts are as big as the state they live in.

LAURA DRAKE- A grieving housewife throws her cheating Ex off their ranch. But when the sweet cowboy she married returns, can they both learn to forgive?

MOLLY CANNON- When Marla Jean’s husband dumps her for an older woman, chaos in the form of hunky Jake turns the rest of her life upside down.

LYNETTE AUSTIN- When a cowboy meets an heiress…Somebody Like You—one sexy cowboy and a Harley-riding heiress, each with a secret.

What is the funniest note you’ve received from your editor?

R.C. RYAN- “Whew.  Hot.”  I love reading that in the margin.

Despite hot love scenes, scary shoot-outs with bad guys, what really got my editor all charged up were the food scenes.  She claims to love the meals I serve my cowboys and their ranch families, and put a note in a margin that just reading the scene had her salivating.

ERIN KERN- It’s hard to say, because I’ve received a lot of notes! And after a while they all kind of run together. I’d say my biggest “doh’s” are the typos that even my five year old wouldn’t have made.

KATIE LANE- It’s not a note as much as pictures. My editor owns a cat named Clara, and every Halloween, I get a picture of Clara in costume. The cute photos always brighten my day and make my granddaughters giggle.

LAURA DRAKE- n/a

MOLLY CANNON- She asked if I was willing to change my cat into a dog. I was reluctant at first because I loved my kitty cat, but finally agreed when I found a picture of the puppy that became Sadie.

LYNETTE AUSTIN- Lauren Plude, my fantastic editor, chewed out Ty Rawlins in Nearest Thing to Heaven. Lauren is a vegan, and every once in a while I stick something in, just to make sure she’s paying attention. And she always is. ? Poor Ty got in trouble for it. Riding to his favorite fishing hole, he asked Sophie, “You don’t have a problem with fishing on some philosophical level, do you? I mean, you’re not a vegan or anything. I watched you devour too much Texas beef at the wedding to believe that.” Lauren’s comment? Hey no ragging on vegans, Ty!

What is the most interesting thing you learned from research?

R.C. RYAN- Just how dedicated our farmers and ranchers are to maintain the lifestyle and the land of their ancestors.  It takes true grit to stay the course when fighting fickle weather, predators, and the rising cost of feed for herds.  Ranchers and farmers can never take a vacation from their demanding job.  

ERIN KERN- In the Trouble books, the brothers are in the restaurant industry. I was really surprised to learn that chefs work really long hours. Way longer than I expected.

KATIE LANE- I did a lot of research on famous brothels for Miss Hattie’s Henhouse in Trouble in Texas. It is believed that the infamous Chicken Ranch got its name during the Great Depression. Money was so scarce that the prostitutes started taking chickens in exchange for services.

LAURA DRAKE- Next weekend I’m auditing a three day Bullfighting class! Not the ‘El Toro!’ type – the ones who distract the bull from a downed bull rider. Cannot wait!

MOLLY CANNON- I love researching recipes for my books. Reading cookbooks is less fattening than eating the finished product-but not as much fun.

LYNETTE AUSTIN- Cowboy hats should always be set down brim-up. Not only does this help preserve the shape, but it allows for all the luck that passes by to collect in it. Fun, huh?

What’s one book you read in the last 6 months that has left a lasting impression and why?

R.C. RYAN- The Book Thief.  I thought, because it was originally written as a young adult novel, I’d breeze through it and on to the next, but it was heart-wrenching, and I found myself fully immersed in that era.

ERIN KERN- Jill Shalvis has been a huge inspiration of mine for a long time. I love just about everything she does. But when I read At Last, I was more or less blown away. It’s one of the few books that I pre-ordered and then re-read as soon as I finished it. After reading it the second time, I actually re-wrote some of my current manuscript because I was so inspired by Ms. Shalvis’s writing and storytelling abilities.

KATIE LANE- Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. It was the most wonderful, bittersweet romance I’ve ever read. It made me sob like a kindergartener on the first day of school, but it also reminded me how life-changing love can be.

LAURA DRAKE- Coyote Dream, by Jessica Davis Stein. The author uses wonderful characterization of two disparate cultures and ethnicities (NY Jewess and Navajo New Mexican) in a believable, wonderful way. The characters’ journey both inner and outer, are long, arduous, and believable. A wonderful romance!

MOLLY CANNON- BEST KIND OF BROKEN by Chelsea Fine. This book was funny, heartbreaking, and it was one of those books that stayed with me for days after I finished. Loved it!

LYNETTE AUSTIN- I couldn’t put down The Collector by Nora Roberts. Not only was the plot intricately and brilliantly woven, but it revolved around Faberge eggs, the Romanovs, and Russian history. I love it when, while reading a great book, I learn along the way.

About the Authors

You can learn about Lynnette Austin at: www.lynnettehallberg.com
You can learn about Molly Cannon at:

MollyCannon.com

Twitter @cannonmolly

Facebook
You can learn about Laura Drake at:

http://lauradrakebooks.com/

Twitter @PBRWriter

Facebook
You can learn about Erin Kern at:

http://www.erinleighkern.blogspot.com

Twitter @ErinKern

Facebook
You can learn about Katie Lane at:

www.katielanebooks.com

Twitter @ktlane3

Facebook

You can learn about R.C. Ryan at:

RyanLangan.com

Twitter @RuthRyanLangan

Facebook

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The post Spotlight and Giveaway: Tall, Dark & Cowboy Box Set appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

May Contain Spoilers

Review:

I don’t read many Inspirational romances because I don’t like having the religious aspects shoved down my throat.  I took a chance on A Cowboy Unmatched because the cover is cute, and because it’s a novella.  I figured it couldn’t be too overwhelming considering the length, and there are several other books by the author I am itching to try, but I wanted a less expensive introduction to her writing.  After reading this, I am game to give a few others a go.

Neill is traveling the countryside, working odd jobs and saving money to start a ranch with his best friend.  He’s arrived at Dry Gulch in the Texas Panhandle, but job prospects are looking bleak.  Then he finds a note tucked away in his Bible, giving him directions to a job replacing a roof.  When he arrives at Clara’s rundown farmhouse, he’s in store for a surprise.  Clara greets him with a loaded shotgun, demanding to know why he’s on her property.  After explaining about the note and that someone hired him to replace her roof, she reluctantly decides to trust him.  The young widow doesn’t have much choice.  Her deadbeat husband left her with a derelict shack and a baby on the way.  With no money and in no condition to complete the repairs herself, she allows the good Samaritan in town foot the bill for the work.

As Neill works around the homestead, he sees what a ruin the house and property is.  He can tell that Clara is doing her best to take care of things, because her animals are well-tended, but everything else is falling apart.  While she doesn’t have money to hire him, she can give him food and place to sleep, so he stays on, fixing up what he can.  He starts to fall for her during their evening meals together, and learns that her father-in-law wants her baby and will stop at nothing to take it once it’s born.  Her husband only married her to vex his father.  A gambler, he died shortly after their wedding, leaving Clara with no means to take care of herself or their child.  What. A. Loser!

The father-in-law, Mack Danvers, is a wealthy rancher used to getting his way.  He’s irked that Clara is defying him by not agreeing to give up his grandson (he refuses to believe the baby will be anything but a boy), and he’s taken to threatening her to intimidate her into giving up her baby.  He’s a great villain, because you feel just a tiny slice of sympathy for him.  His son and heir died, leaving him no one to carry on the family name or to take over the family ranch.  What you don’t feel sorry for are his underhanded tactics to get what his wants.  No wonder his son was such a spoiled, selfish turd.

I couldn’t put my Kindle down when I was reading A Cowboy Unmatched.  Neill is such an honorable man that I couldn’t help but like him.  He’s hard working, caring, and kind; how could Clara not fall for this guy?  He risks his life to help her and her baby, and you are immediately cheering for this guy.  He’s out to prove himself to his older brothers, but he puts his own dreams for the future aside, and instead makes new plans for himself and Clara, after meeting her.  Yeah!  I really liked Neill.

If you are looking for a cute, sweet read, look no further than A Cowboy Unmatched.  The setting feels authentic, the characters are likeable, and the story moves along at a good clip.  I would like to read more novellas from this collection (A Match Made in Texas) because I enjoyed this one so much.

Grade:   B

Review copy purchased from Amazon

From Amazon:

Neill isn’t sure who hired him to repair Clara’s roof–he only knows Clara desperately needs his help. Can he convince this stubborn widow to let down her guard and take another chance on love?

The post Novella Review: A Cowboy Unmatched by Karen Witemeyer appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

Please give a warm welcome to Lane Donaldson from Kathie DeNosky’s latest release, Your Ranch…or Mine?

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in five words or less.

[Lane Donaldson] A professional poker playing, psychologist.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share a typical day in your life?

[Lane Donaldson] When I’m not sitting at a poker table in a high stakes tournament, you can usually find me on the back of my horse, Blue, herding  cattle or doing any number of other chores on the Lucky Ace Ranch.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words come to mind when you think of Taylor?

[Lane Donaldson] Beautiful, stubborn, passionate.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What irritates you the most about her?

[Lane Donaldson] Her stubbornness. When she makes her mind up about something, hell will freeze over before she changes it.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you could change one thing you’ve done in your life, what would it be?

[Lane Donaldson] I can’t think of anything I would change–not even the trouble I got into when I was in my early teens and ended up at the Last Chance Ranch. That’s where my life took a miraculous turn for the better and I met my foster brothers. I couldn’t think more of those five men if we had the same blood running through our veins.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How do you relax after a hard day working on the ranch?

[Lane Donaldson] I usually read or watch television and on occasion meet one of my brothers at The Broken Spoke Roadhouse over in Beaver Dam for a drink and a few laughs.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What’s one thing you won’t leave home without?

[Lane Donaldson] That’s a tough question. It would have to be my cell phone or a deck of cards. It’s essential for my brothers to be able to reach me. (Grinning.) And I never know when someone will want to pit their poker playing skills against mine. I wouldn’t want to disappoint them.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you share your dreams for the future in five words or less.

[Lane Donaldson] Taylor and a family.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

About the book:

Know when to hold ‘em… 

One winning hand of poker and the Lucky Ace ranch was his—half his, at least. The only thing standing in the way of Lane Donaldson making it his permanent home is the ranch’s other owner.  

Taylor Scott sure is something fine to look at, but she’s adamant about running the ranch herself. And then she moves in—with him! So Lane challenges Taylor to another game of poker for the ultimate prize—winner takes all.  

But who’s to say they can’t have a little fun while they wait for fate to deal their hand….

The post Meet Lane Donaldson from Kathie DeNosky’s Your Ranch or Mine? appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

White Collar Cowboy

A Shadow Maverick Ranch Novella

By Parker Kincade

Publication Date: March 4, 2013

Publisher: Parker Kincade

Genre: Contemporary Western Romance

81 Pages

Retail: $2.99

Book Description

Gavin Mathis is ready to settle down. He’s quit his job and come home to Shadow Maverick Ranch to do just that. Too bad his decision caused his beautiful former colleague to lose her job.

Lauren Delgado is a no-nonsense businesswoman. She’s had a crush on Gavin for years, but has a strict “hand-off” policy with the men she works with. When her life takes an unexpected turn, there’s nothing to stop her from accepting his invitation to Galveston Island, where the policy is definitely hands-on.

Praise for White Collar Cowboy:

“Parker Kincade knows how to write romance HOT! You will be left breathless and begging for more.” – Mandy Harbin, National Bestselling Author

“Parker Kincade has done it again with her first novella in the Shadow Maverick Ranch series. White Collar Cowboy is a down-to-earth, sexy romance about real people with real world problems who find their happy-ever-after together.  Can’t wait for the rest of the Mathis siblings’ stories.” – Monette Michaels, author of the Security Specialists International series.

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Collar-Cowboy-Shadow-Maverick-Novella-ebook/dp/B00IRFF4BU/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/white-collar-cowboy-parker-kincade/1118856297

All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-whitecollarcowboy-1441171-149.html

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/white-collar-cowboy

Excerpt

Gavin reached the shore and dragged his tired limbs from the water. He snatched up his clothes and walked, naked and unconcerned, up to the house. His legs protested as he climbed the stairs to the porch. Maybe he had overdone it a little, but he resisted falling into one of the deck chairs, instead dropping his stuff outside the door as he slid it open. A quick shower to rinse the Gulf from his skin, maybe a beer or two, and he was done.

As he breeched the threshold, a movement to the left caught his attention and he turned, completely gobsmacked by what he found.

His weakened limbs found the renewed strength to hold him in place, standing completely still so as not to shatter the vision before him.

She was here. She was actually here.

Gavin watched in utter fascination as Lauren slipped the shirt from her shoulders. Inch by gorgeous inch, she unknowingly revealed her back to him. The creamy skin made his mouth water. His body tensed and he yearned to reach out, to touch, to tease, to pleasure.

Obviously, she thought she was alone. He should make his presence known. Shouldn’t stand here and watch as she unhooked her bra. And definitely shouldn’t watch as she … sweet mercy, was she caressing her—fuck.

A flash of lust burned through him. Gavin licked his lips, his tongue suddenly desperate for something to do. His gaze focused on the movement of her arms as she cupped her breasts. He’d give anything to know what, who she was thinking about right now. He wanted it to be him, hoped it was him. It was wrong, so wrong, yet he remained still, transfixed, waiting to see what she did next.

A tiny sound emerged from her throat, and his cock hardened in response. Her arms dropped. So did his gaze. The shimmering blue panties she wore didn’t quite cover her butt cheeks and he groaned as she bent to pick up what appeared to be a bikini top. Not panties then. Jesus, she was changing into a bathing suit. Not performing some kind of erotic strip tease.

Lauren spun, slapping her palms to her breasts. Not fast enough to keep him from seeing her tawny nipples, both drawn up to tight little buds.

Her gaze drifted over him, lingering over his chest before heading lower. Her eyes widened as she took in the rest of him. “W-what are you doing here?”

He made no attempt to cover himself. “It’s my house.” Simple, to the point. Truth. And all he was capable of at the moment.

Her fingers tightened, her breasts threatening to spill from the confines of her small, delicate hands. Hands he’d like to replace with his own.

“That’s not what I meant. You said you were leaving tonight.”

He nodded slowly. “Yes, and I did. You never asked me where I was going.”

“So, you asked me to come, but thought I wouldn’t if I knew you’d be here?”

He could practically hear the gears turning in her head. And he appreciated the fact she was pleased with what she saw, but she was making coherent thought damn near impossible.

“Staring at it like that is only going to make it worse, sweetheart,” he said gently.

Her eyes snapped up, a light blush staining her cheeks. “Like what?”

“Like it’s candy.” She was killing him. He couldn’t remember ever being so hard. The stubborn set of her chin, the darkening of her eyes, everything about her intrigued him, called to him.

“I need a shower.” The saltwater from his swim was already starting to make his skin itch, and he needed to get the hell away before he tossed her to the couch and fucked her blind.

He looked her up and down again, taking full advantage of his first opportunity to see her body, the curves that had tempted him for so long. She was even more beautiful than he’d imagined. Lean, muscular legs, rounded hips and an ass he’d like to sink his hands into. Breasts too big for her smaller hands, but perfect for his.

“Unless you’d like to join me, I’d suggest you put on something more substantial.” He glanced pointedly the apex of her legs. “Because knowing I’m one scrap of material from having you naked is driving me crazy.” As if she hadn’t seen the rock-hard evidence of his arousal already.

Slowly, her lips curled upward. “Well, I seem to remember you telling me I could help myself to anything I wanted.” She dropped her hands, baring her nipples for his view. “So, yes, Gavin. I think a shower sounds perfect.”

Author Bio and Links

Parker Kincade is the award-winning erotic romance author of The Martin Family Series. Her first novel, One Night Stand, won the 2013 Reader’s Crown Award for Best First Book, the category of Best Erotic Romance in the Celtic Hearts Romance Writers Golden Claddagh contest and was named finalist in the Romance Writers of America/Passionate Ink Stroke of Midnight contest.

Parker lives in the southern United States with her husband, children and beloved boxer sidekick. She loves reading, playing golf, spending time with her family and friends, ice cream from the ice cream truck, taking her dog to the park and watching old musicals.

Website: http://www.parkerkincade.com

Blog: http://www.parkerkincade.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/parkerkincade

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/parkerkincade

Group Blog: http://www.lovelustandlaptops.wordpress.com

TOUR GIVEAWAY :

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It’s already the middle of September?!  Yikes!  That means that I’m way, way behind on my diet of new Indulgence titles!  I’m going to spotlight one title each morning for the next four days, so check out these releases if they look interesting to you.  I’ll get things kicked off with – no surprise – COWBOYS!!!

Reforming the Cowboy: A South Beach Book by Marisa Cleveland

Imprint: Entangled Indulgence

About the book:

Purchase link

About the author:

Marisa Cleveland loves to laugh, hates to cry, and does both often. As a writer, she writes. Every day. Perhaps because she married her best friend, her adult romance novels focus on relationships developed through friendship and family-oriented values. She loves to connect with other writers and readers.

Marisa Cleveland loves to laugh, hates to cry, and does both often. As a writer, she writes. Every day. Perhaps because she married her best friend, her adult romance novels focus on relationships developed through friendship and family-oriented values. She loves to connect with other writers and readers.

Marisa’s Social Media:

Twitter – http://twitter.com/marisacleveland

Facebook – http://facebook.com/marisacleveland00

Google Plus – http://plus.google.com/102206201174009013772

Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/marisacleveland

Tumblr – http://marisacleveland.tumblr.com

Goodreads – http://goodreads.com/marisacleveland

Please welcome Rebecca Winters to the virtual offices this morning! Rebecca is here to discuss her Daddy Dude Ranch series, which is published by Harlequin.

[Manga Maniac Café] Please tell us a little about yourself.

[Rebecca Winters] I’m a mother and a grandmother and have been a student all my life which means I’ve been a reader first. Victor Hugo is a favorite author. I have a great love of Europe because I went to school both in Paris and in Switzerland and did a lot of traveling. Because I had to learn French, I found myself wanting to learn Spanish and Italian. It seems like every step I’ve taken in my life has led me to a new place. When I turned my hand to writing, I was able to go everywhere in my mind. I love the British comedies, Days of Our Lives, politics, canasta, great art (The French Impressionists) I played the piano and love classical music. My favorites are the piano concertos of Brahms, Grieg, Rachmaninoff, Tchkaikowsky. I love opera: Aida, Carmen, Tosca. I’m an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Manga Maniac Café] Can you tell us a little about your Daddy Dude Ranch series? How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the series?

[Rebecca Winters] I was reading about some military men in a magazine who developed a coughing problem while they were deployed and it gave me an idea about 3 vets who are in a hospital at a low point in their lives. They have to leave the military and go home. TO WHAT? Their therapist suggests they find a way to serve others so they won’t feel so empty. One of the vets comes from a ranch in Wyoming, but with his grandfather gone, he’s going back to an empty ranch house. He and his buddies start talking about turning the place into a dude ranch for kids who’ve lost a father in the war. They can be dads and bring a little joy into their lives. Maybe for a week?

[Manga Maniac Café] What traits best define the heroes of these books?

[Rebecca Winters] These guys are pretty selfless. Although they’re ill and down for a while, they have this wonderful desire to be of use and never give up hope. Their compassion for their comrades who died in battle and left wives and children at home takes them out of their despair. They are steadfast and indomitable in their desire to make a difference.

[Manga Maniac Café] Why did you choose to have the series set in Wyoming?

[Rebecca Winters] The Tetons are my favorite vacation place in the West. You can’t see them without it taking your breath. It’s glorious scenery and air, the perfect place for a son or daughter to enjoy nature in God’s country. That’s what I call it.

[Manga Maniac Café] What motivated you to write about former marines?

[Rebecca Winters] They have a reputation for being in there first during war and they’re fearless. I wanted to use them for the great example they are.

[Manga Maniac Café] What do you enjoy best about writing for Harlequin?

[Rebecca Winters] They encourage me to write about the subjects and places I know best. I love Europe and I love the West, so I’m very happy.

[Manga Maniac Café] You are so prolific! What’s your secret to keeping your stories so fresh?

[Rebecca Winters] I’ve done a lot of genealogy in my life. As you study the stories of those who have passed on, you realize every living soul has his or her own story to tell. Keeping that in mind, I find I never run out of ideas. Each person is precious and has a unique history. Like snowflakes and grains of sand, not one is alike. That’s what makes it fun to write.

[Manga Maniac Café] What has changed the most in publishing since you started your career as an author?

[Rebecca Winters] Technology! I used to hand write, then write on an old black typewriter, then an electric typewriter, then a keyboard and computer. I used to have to go to the library to look up all the research. It took hours, days, weeks. Now I can get answers to a hundred different questions in one day on the Internet. Because of the speed, you can write more books at a time and there are new avenues with the digital printings and of course ebooks with the Kindle and Nooks. The public’s appetite for more stories is greater than ever before. We lucky authors want to meet those needs. Don’t forget I’m a reader first and I look forward to one of my favorite author’s next books as much as the next reader does.

[Manga Maniac Café] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Rebecca Winters] Due to my marvelous mom who opened my eyes to this wonderful world, I’m influenced by: music, movies, art, theater, opera, nature itself, travel, family. Everything!

[Manga Maniac Café] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Rebecca Winters] An idea.

Something to help me get it down.

Energy to keep at it!

[Manga Maniac Café] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Rebecca Winters] THE HELP.  A few years ago I took my children on a driving trip to the South and we toured several plantations and tried to get a feel for the past. I only recently read THE HELP and it opened my eyes to so much!

[Manga Maniac Café] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Rebecca Winters] I spend time with my children and grandchildren, read, watch movies, spend time at the park, the mountains, travel to the beach.

[Manga Maniac Café] How can readers connect with you?

[Rebecca Winters] Email me at [email protected]

Facebook  www.cleanromances.com

[Manga Maniac Café] Thank you!

Purchase links

Dorothy Callahan is visiting the virtual offices today to chat about her book Taming the Stallion.  Check out what she has to say.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Dorothy Callahan] I’m an avid animal lover who has always dreamed of being a published author. I’m also a chocoholic who refuses any 12 step program.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Taming the Stallion?

[Dorothy Callahan] Raylie really just wants to get a great promotion; she’s done with men and dating. Her baggage is tragic and too hard to deal with, so she represses it, focusing instead on her career. She takes a horse case despite dealing with her past, because she really thinks she can make one more headline arrest.

Ashton is the top horse trainer/breeder around, so the fact this Peace Officer wants to arrest him is ludicrous. He just wants to know who’s poisoning his horses, and the ones he’s losing point to someone being aware of his secretive past.

Neither one really wants anything to do with the other, but they just can’t fight their attraction, despite the risks to their professional careers. Who’s going to solve this case?

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Dorothy Callahan] Working in a busy humane society gave me lots of ideas for stories, and, being an animal lover with a defined sense of justice, I knew my heroine would have to embrace those qualities as well. Plus, in all my years working at the humane society, no one ever stumbled on anyone as great a catch as Ashton! All I needed was a situation that put both of them at their personal worst, then stepped back to watch what would happen.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Raylie?

[Dorothy Callahan] Driven, empathic, unwavering. She is definitely NOT a closet romantic. Nope. (Ignore her artwork. She does.)

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Ashton had a theme song, what would it be?

[Dorothy Callahan] "Unanswered Prayers" by Garth Brooks.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Raylie is never without.

[Dorothy Callahan] Her sidearm.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Ashton’s bedroom?

[Dorothy Callahan] Neutral colors, art work, potpourri.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Ashton’s greatest regret?

[Dorothy Callahan] Dropping out of college, despite how his life prospered.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Dorothy Callahan] Movies, so I can "veg" and let the juices flow, chocolate, because, well, it’s chocolate, and my husband, who is the best sounding board in the entire world.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Dorothy Callahan] A pen to chew on, a cat on my lap, and silence.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Dorothy Callahan] Ooh, it’s a tie between "Darkfire Kiss," by Deborah Cooke, and "Homer’s Odyssey" by Gwen Cooper.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Dorothy Callahan] A book I read as a child about a young boy whose father (a forest ranger) rescued a mountain lion cub, and as she grew into adulthood, the boy risked his life to return her to the wild. I can’t recall the name of it, but I read it about 8 times in elementary school. (I think the librarian hid it from me after a while….) After that, in middle school, it was Piers Anthony and Robert Asprin.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Dorothy Callahan] What do you mean? 
I love to watch movies, read, renovate our house, and shop for antiques. I’m also a Facebook junkie. I love to repost!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Dorothy Callahan] Online at Dorothy Callahan Author on Facebook, or dorothycallahan.com to visit me.  In person, just talk about movies, your pets, or antiques!

Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog! I appreciate the opportunity to be here.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

You can purchase Taming the Stallion from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the link below. 

About the book:

About the Author:

Dorothy Callahan lives in upstate New York with her wonderful husband, a pride of demanding cats, and two loyal dogs, all rescued from shelters (not the husband). When she is not writing, she enjoys shopping for antiques and renovating their pre-Civil War house.

Title: Betting on Texas Author:  Amanda Renee

May Contain Spoilers

From Amazon:

Review:

Once again, I am drawn to a cowboy book.  Betting on Texas by Amanda Renee even has horses.  Bonus!  Surly Jesse is a horse trainer, and they are actually featured predominately in the story.  Yeah!  Unfortunately, Jesse knowingly puts Miranda in some hazardous situations, which did make me think less of him.  A horse trainer of all people should know better to put a horse and a human at risk like that. 

Miranda Archer is embarking on a new life.  Having won the state lottery, she purchases a ranch in Texas, loads up her meager belongings in her brand new pickup truck, and heads for greener pastures.  What she finds isn’t exactly the solitary haven she’s expecting.  Instead, she discovers that she also owns several horses, a small herd of cattle, and some chickens in addition to the farm house and acreage.  Oh, yeah, and there’s that angry, angry cowboy, Jesse Langtry, in residence, too.  Jesse has sacrificed the better part of the last 15 years  working on the ranch, training sought after cutting horses and managing the property for the former owners.  They had a hand shake agreement that Jesse would buy the ranch when they were ready to retire.  Unfortunately, the older couple is tragically killed in an accident, and the ranch is placed on the auction block by.  Jesse is outbid by Miranda, and he is pissed!  How could this rich, city-slicker from DC just stroll into town and take away his  dream?

I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did, but the story didn’t gel for me.  The adversarial relationship between Jesse and Miranda turned me off.  Jesse completely and unfairly misjudges Miranda, which makes him hard to like.  They are constantly bickering about the ranch, which is legally Miranda’s, and Jesse blames her for buying it from under him.  He is so bitter that I just couldn’t buy into their relationship.  He puts her at risk several times with the horses, and I couldn’t get over that.  Horses are large animals, and when handled by inexperienced people, they can be dangerous.  Heck, they can be dangerous when you know what you’re doing!  To leave her to load a horse onto a trailer after getting mad at her; I just can’t imagine a professional horseman doing something risky like that.  After getting dumped off of my mare the same day I read a majority of the book, for no other reason than she was feeling frisky, I know how quickly things can go wrong with horses.  This probably won’t be a major sticking point for most, but it was for me.

I did like Miranda.  She put up with Jesse’s sullen behavior and tried not to let it bother her.  She met his dismissive treatment of her head on.  She didn’t let him alter her plans to have the home she had always dreamed of.  When life bit her in the behind, she quickly made adjustments to ensure that the animals and the people who were now depending on her were taken care of.  Her initial poor reception in town was entirely due to Jesse spreading false rumors about her and her plans for the ranch, and she acted forcefully to try to counteract the gossip he had spread about her.  Even though he did this before he met her, it’s hard to forgive a guy who would try to sabotage a complete stranger like that.

To settle things between them, Miranda and Jesse make a bet, and the winner ends up with the ranch.  Because of Jesse’s determination to win the bet and get his dreams back on track, it was hard to buy into his sincerity when his feelings for Miranda started to change.  I wasn’t sure if he really did like her, or if gaining control of the ranch was playing into his change of heart.  In fact, it wasn’t until the last two chapters that I even started to like him. 

Betting on Texas was a mixed bag for me, and I blame the confrontational relationship established early in the story for my tepid respond to Jesse.  It was hard to look beyond Jesse’s desire to own the ranch, and his less than chivalrous behavior rankled at times.  Even though Betting on Texas didn’t work for me,  I am looking forward to getting to know Jesse’s brothers better in Home To The Cowboy, the next book in the series. 

Grade: B-/C+

Review copy provided by publisher

Amanda Renee dropped by the virtual offices to chat about her debut novel, Betting on Texas.  Please give her a warm welcome.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Amanda Renee] Risk taking, no holds barred author who believes dreams really do come true if you work hard for them! No regrets, no apologies. Just do it!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Betting on Texas?

[Amanda Renee] Miranda Archer buys the Double Trouble Ranch sight unseen at the urging of her best friend and unwilling upends Jesse Langtry and his plans for the ranch.  Believing he can chase the city girl back where she came from, he bets she won’t make it one month working on the ranch like everyone else.  If she wins, he goes away quietly, if he wins, she sells him the ranch.  It’s a 30 day battle of wits and determination.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Amanda Renee] Miranda and Jesse live in my dream town.  The characters throughout Betting on Texas are the people I would want for neighbors, but that’s not to say there aren’t a few bad eggs in the bunch.  Life in Ramblewood, Texas is far from perfect. I love the down home atmosphere of ranch life.  It’s hard work, but at the end of the day, you have something tangible to show for it.  Jesse and Miranda never fear the unknown.  Nothing is ever impossible to them and that’s my favorite quality in a person.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Miranda?

[Amanda Renee] Determined, Spunky, Competitive

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Jesse had a theme song, what would it be?

[Amanda Renee] All We Ever Find by Tim McGraw – sums up his feelings for Miranda perfectly.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Miranda is never without.

[Amanda Renee] Her determination! It’s all she needs to get through life.  She never considers giving up on anything, regardless of what it is. 

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Jesse’s bedroom?

[Amanda Renee] Sex Toys (he’s good to go on his own), frou-frou (he keeps things simple), television (if you’re in his bedroom, you’re there for a reason and it isn’t to watch I Love Lucy reruns)

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Miranda’s greatest regret?

[Amanda Renee] Her relationship with her deceased alcoholic mother.  Miranda always wonders if she could have done more to save her from herself.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Amanda Renee] Edward Lear – For his whimsical style of writing and brilliant artistry

Sandra Brown – I aspire to one day reach her level of greatness

Antonio Vivaldi – His compositions inspire greatness

Jonathan Firth – For the emotional depth of every character he portrays

Dave Sabo of Skid Row – His musical creativity blows me away every time

My Grandpa Joe – There was nothing he wasn’t willing to try

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Amanda Renee] Quiet (I’m easily distracted), my netbook (all 1st drafts are written on my netbook so I can easily take it anywhere and the battery lasts the entire day), my dog

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Amanda Renee] Triggerfish Twist by Tim Dorsey – I howled all the way through it!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Amanda Renee] Wow!  I’ve read since I was 3 years old. I come from a family of bookworms.  Dr Seuss started it all – Green Eggs and Ham!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Amanda Renee] I hate to sound cliché but long walks on the beach with my dog, motoring in my Mini Cooper, spending time with family & friends, anything on the water and anytime I can work with animals, I’m happy!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Amanda Renee] My website: www.amandarenee.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheAmandaRenee

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmandaReneeFanPage

Snail Mail: Amanda Renee, PO Box 3251, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Thank you!  It’s been a pleasure speaking with you!

[Manga Maniac Café] Thank you!

You can purchase Betting on Texas from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the links below.

About the book:

About the Author:

Born and raised in the northeast, Amanda Renee currently resides on the Intracoastal Waterway in sunny South Carolina. She was discovered through Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest and began writing for the American Romance line. When not creating stories about love, laughter and things that go bump in the night, she enjoys the company of her Schnoodle named Duffy, traveling, photography, playing guitar and anything involving horses. You can visit her at www.amandarenee.com.

Add Amanda’s books to your shopping list!

BETTING ON TEXAS – March 2013

HOME SWEET COWBOY – August 2013

LEGACY OF A LONE STAR – Early 2014

I am back from Disney World, trying to recover from a week long vacation from work and a cold.  Dean and I have dubbed WDW the germiest place on earth, because we always get sick there.  I even got a flu shot this year!  Please enjoy this Romance @ Random excerpt of Wyoming Bride by Joan Johnston while I recharge and attempt to get back on track with the blog posts.

WYOMING BRIDE by Joan Johnston, Excerpt

About the book:

If you enjoyed this excerpt, follow the links below to purchase a copy.