Meet Our Gentleman Caller ~ GENTRY! New Historical Romance From Caroline Clemmons!

  Happy Friday, everyone! Another work week in the books and a few days off to recover. Why not recover with some reading material? With that in mind, I've brought on another fellow Romance Gem, the lovely Caroline Clemmons. And she brought with her the handsome hero of her latest historical romance, Gentry. Let's get to know him...

So, Gentry. Let's start with an easy one...tell me about yourself. What is your occupation? Why? What are your strengths & weaknesses?

Hello, there. Sure nice of you to ask me here.
My name is Gentry McRae, and I’m co-owner of the Bar MM Ranch in Harrigan Springs, Texas. That’s in Harrigan County in the Texas Hill Country, next to Bandera and Medina Counties. I’m easygoing and slow to anger—but that sure doesn’t mean I won’t stand up for myself or my friends and family. While I was fighting for the Union Army in the war from 1861-65, I’d dreamed of getting away from all the destruction, going west, and owning a ranch. The Bar MM Ranch far surpasses those dreams. I’m a lucky man.

What’s your family like and how does your upbringing affect you now?

My parents were loving and kind people always willing to lend a hand to any needy neighbor or
stranger. My brothers, Craig and Quinn, and I were taught to work hard and think things through. We lived in northwest Georgia but signed up for the Union Army together. We were soon separated, and I’ve been hoping to find them ever since. Mama and Papa taught by example which has stuck with me. We learned we have a responsibility to work hard, share with others, and be an asset to the community.

That's admirable. Tell me, what is your earliest childhood memory?

The first thing that comes to mind is sitting around the kitchen table at dinner, listening to our parents talk, and then us boys telling them about our day. Recalling at the same time is playing with my brothers—we were too full of energy and mischief to keep it bottled up inside. We sure were happy growing up.

What tangible object would symbolize you? 

You ought to ask my wife or our three ranch hands or our cook. You’d probably get a different answer from each one, though, so I’ll try to choose. Let me think here a bit ... hmmm, guess you could say I’m like one of the willow trees down by the creek. You can push me and I’ll bend, but I won’t break. Instead, I’ll stand firmly rooted on the ranch I love.

Now tell me about Heidi. How did you two meet? What was your first impression of her?

That’s kind of sad, because my partner ordered Heidi as his mail order bride—with his
grandmother and a matchmaker’s help—from his hometown in Bavaria. But, my partner, who was also my best friend, died four days before his mail order bride arrived. He willed her a fourth of the ranch and me the rest. He also willed me his bride! I have to admit that poleaxed me. At first, I was mad at him and wanted to refuse. After a bit of ranting, I admitted I had to propose to her. Lucky for me she agreed.

Thank you, Gentry! Now let's hear more about your story...

Blurb ~

Nothing much riles Gentry McRae. He works hard on the ranch he co-owns with his immigrant best friend, and is content with his life. He’s proud of all they’ve accomplished in the ten years since the war. That is, until his partner dies and leaves a fourth of the ranch to his mail-order bride—and wills the bride to Gentry. “Now just a doggone minute, I don’t plan to marry for years!” But, a single woman can’t reside on a ranch where four men live without ruining her reputation. What’s a good man to do, except marry the woman when she arrives?

 

Heidi Roth has been spurned for being too plainspoken and too tall. In addition, her sister constantly makes fun of her for those reasons. That’s why—with many doubts—she’s willing to travel for months from Germany to Texas to marry a man who once lived in her town. When she arrives, she learns her prospective groom is dead, but left her his share of a ranch. She has serious doubts, but agrees to wed Gentry to protect her reputation. Sure enough, from the next day, one event after the other happens to complicate her life.

Excerpt ~

“If there’s anything you need from town before Saturday, tell me now.”

She shook her head. “I just want to be where my surroundings are not moving.”

He clicked the reins and they turned onto a road that ran beside a river. “I can understand that. Although I don’t remember when exactly you started your trip, I know you traveled a long time to get here. How long since you left home?”

“Over three months, but it seems much longer. Usually, I am not one to complain or get bored, but I found traveling so long very tiresome. Perhaps it is different if one is on a luxury ocean vessel, but I was on a smaller, very plain ship crossing the Atlantic. In New York, I changed to one even smaller to take me here. Being confined soon bored me, but I never tired of watching the sea.”

He chuckled. “I hope you saw your fill because there are only creeks and this river.”

She thought she should reassure him she was content with this setting. “The river is pretty. I do prefer being on land to sailing on a ship in all kinds of weather.”

He looked at her and raised his eyebrows. “Did you come through storms?”

“Mostly we had good weather. Several rains kept us in our staterooms. One terrible storm blew us off course and delayed the trip. That one terrified me and the other passengers. I was certain we would sink.” The memory sent shivers down her spine. She rubbed her arms, hoping to push away the fear she had felt.

“I’m glad you survived and arrived here in Harrigan’s Springs.”

His comment surprised her. Even if he was not sincere, hearing him speak the nice words boosted her spirits. “That is a kind thing to say. Thank you.”

They rode in silence for quite a while. He appeared concentrating on the road ahead, but surely he had driven this so many times he could do it easily. Besides, the horses probably knew the way.

“You didn’t tell me how Johann died.”

“He tried to rope a longhorn bull, but it gored him then stomped on him before we could rescue Joe.” He scrubbed a hand across his face as if wiping away something. “I’ll never forget that scene. I see it again and again in nightmares.”

“What is a longhorn bull?”

“I’m surprised you didn’t see some from the stagecoach. In a few minutes, you’ll see some longhorns grazing. You’ll know them when you see them. The one that gored Joe had six-foot horns.”

She gasped, imagining what horns that long could do to a person. She couldn’t picture such an animal. She wished her Texas books had illustrations.

YOU CAN GET GENTRY AND THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6YN6QHK

 

Bio ~

Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To compensate for this illogical error, she writes about handsome heroes, feisty women, and scheming villains in a tiny office surrounded by research books and mementos. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their pets, two indoor cats and a dog.

The over seventy titles she has created have made her a Top 100 Amazon historical author, a bestselling author, and won awards. She writes sweet to sensual romances, both historical and contemporary as well as time travel and mystery. In addition to her series, she has written single titles and contributed to multi-author series and box sets. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, reading, dining in restaurants, browsing antique malls, delving into genealogy, checking Facebook, and taking the occasional nap.

Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

Join her and other readers at Caroline’s Cuties, a Facebook readers group for special excerpts, exchanging ideas, contests, giveaways, recipes, and talking to like-minded people about books and other fun things.

Click on her Amazon Author Page for a complete list of her books and follow her there.

Follow her on BookBub.

To stay up-to-date with her releases and contests, subscribe to Caroline’s newsletter here and receive a FREE novella of HAPPY IS THE BRIDE, a humorous historical wedding disaster that ends happily—but you knew it would, didn’t you?

 

 Seventy books? Wow!

Thanks for joining us today, Caroline!

 

 

You'll Be In Luck With LILY'S LUCK ~ From Romance Gem Nancy Fraser

 Happy weekend, everyone! Please help me welcome Nancy Fraser back to visit us with her newest release, LILY'S LUCK. Isn't this a lovely cover? I mean, I really love it! Nancy is one of my favorite writers. Her writing is smart and fluid which makes reading her books a pleasure. Let's find out a little more about this book...

Blurb~ 

Lily O’Halloran is the eldest daughter of Boston elite, and so outspoken she has as yet to find a suitable husband. At twenty-six, she’s considered a spinster. Unlike her more docile younger siblings, Lily longs for adventure. Excitement. With her parents breathing down her neck to accept a proposal from a man she abhors, Lily decides to take matters into her own hands. An advertisement for Miller Matrimonial Services outlining their search for mail-order brides for the upcoming land run sparks Lily’s interest. Surely, considering marriage to a total stranger can’t be any worse than the horrid man her mother has chosen for her. Using a portion of her trust fund, Lily books rail passage west to Wichita.

Brendan (Bren) MacKinnon is eager to begin a new life away from the Kansas farm where he was raised by a beloved uncle. When his uncle passes, Bren sees this as his chance to do what he’s always wanted to do... become a cattleman rather than a wheat farmer. He sells the farm and all that comes with it to fund his dream of setting out on the next Oklahoma Land Run to claim himself a proper homestead. However, he knows the best chance he has of making a go of it is to have someone by his side. A partner. Maybe even a wife.

Will the cowboy and the socialite be a match made in Heaven, or the worst decision either has ever made?

Excerpt~ 

 

Bren stood off to the side of the nearly-empty room. There were less than a dozen people left, five women and six men by his count. The men were all considerably older than his twenty-nine years. Unfortunately, so were the women.

Two widows with grown children, two former saloon workers, and a very stark looking schoolmarm. At least that’s what the listing he’d been given said. Given there were two names on the list that hadn’t shown up, Bren couldn’t help but wonder if they’d met earlier and decided to skip the whole greeting process.

The entryway door opened, the loud click drawing his attention, as well as that of every other person in the room. The woman who stepped through was tall, slim, and at least a dozen years younger than any of her counterparts.

He pushed himself away from the wall and joined the queue of men who’d also noticed the late arrival. Picking up his speed, he closed the distance between them a half-dozen long strides.

Lily O’Halloran. The name badged pinned to the bodice of her plain brown jacket listed her age as twenty-six. She glanced from side-to-side, offering each of the men before her a cautious smile. The closer Bren got, the more he realized she was as nervous as he was—her eyes wide with fear—her pulse beating rapidly at the side of her long, elegant throat.

Bren’s breath hitched. Her skin—what little he could see of it in her buttoned-up suit—was like alabaster. Obviously, Miss O’Halloran wasn’t used to working in the sun. If her delicate hands were anything to go by, she probably hadn’t done a hard day’s work in her life either.

Definitely not what he was looking for in a wife, a partner. Still, he couldn’t help himself when his turn came for an introduction.

“Mister Brendan MacKinnon,” Missus Miller began, “may I introduce Miss Lily Marie O’Halloran from Boston.”

Bren brushed his hand across the leg of his trousers and offered it to her. “Hello, Miss O’Halloran. It’s nice to make your acquaintance.”

She placed her hand in his, the touch of her soft skin sending his senses sideways.

“It’s lovely to meet you too, Mister MacKinnon.”

“Would you like some punch?” he asked, the simple words tangling on his tongue.

“No, but thank you for offering. I’d much prefer to talk, if you’ve got a few minutes.”

“I’ve got all the time you need.”

She gave him a coy smile that set his heart pounding.

“Good. I guess, first of all, I should ask—what are looking for in a wife?”

Bren did his best to recall the long list of attributes he’d thought of the day before, but all that currently came to mind was tall, redheaded, with skin as soft as a newborn lamb. Swallowing back the sudden dryness in his throat, he told her, “Obviously, someone who doesn’t mind marrying a total stranger.” Once the first sentence came out, mostly in some semblance of order, he relaxed a bit and added, “Someone who doesn’t mind the thought of taking part in the land run over rugged territory. A woman who can handle hard work, can cook a decent meal over a campfire, and...”

His words stalled when her complexion paled, the slight change accentuating a spray of freckles across her high cheekbones.

Why hadn’t he noticed those before? The cheekbones, and the freckles.

“Have I said something wrong?” he asked.

She shook her head, the tightly coiled hair she’d pinned at her nape coming loose enough to send a few stray tendrils flying across her cheeks. The beat of his heart picked up speed.

“No, of course not. It’s just that your list is far longer than the few men in line ahead of you.”

Her honesty drew his laugh. “I’d reckon those old codgers would say almost anything to get a young woman like you into their bed.” He immediately regretted the insensitive remark when her face flushed a bright shade of pink. “My apologies. That was rude. I’m truly sorry.”

“Is it rude and insensitive of me to say I agree with you?”

There it was again, her unbridled truthfulness. An attribute he’d not even put on his list, but one he truly valued. “How about you, Miss O’Halloran? What are you looking for in a husband?”

She made a show of glancing around at the men who now stood off to the side, their narrowed stares shooting daggers in his direction.

“Someone far closer to my age than those fellows.” She raised her head, meeting his gaze. “Your age, perhaps. Also, a man who has a plan for this land run over and above just staking his claim to a piece of the Almighty’s fine earth.”

His offered her a tentative smile. “That would be me, then. I’m planning to become a cattleman. I even know exactly which section of land I want, and why.”

“You’ve obviously put some thought into your plan. I like that. The only other things I need in a husband include him being a kind and honest Christian man.” She paused, as if gauging his reaction, then added, “It would also be helpful if he wasn’t absolutely set on those cooking skills you mentioned.”

“Something tells me, Lily Marie O’Halloran, that I’d find it most pleasurable teaching you to cook.”

Her coy smile came again. And, as it had before, it nearly undid what little was left of his composure.

TO PURCHASE LILY'S LUCK:

 Amazon/Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WDJMB1Z/

Series Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XBFXX3X


Puzzle Links:

Simple Link: https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0d4684177be7

Bio~ 

Nancy Fraser is a best-selling and award-winning author who happily jumps across multiple romance genres with gleeful abandon.

She's also the granddaughter of a Methodist minister known for his fire-and-brimstone approach to his faith. Nancy has brought some of his spirit into her Christian romances. And, her own off-beat sense of humor to her clean & wholesome books.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

YOU CAN FIND NANCY HERE:

Website: www.nancyfraser.ca

Blog: https://romancesweetreads.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor @nfraserauthor

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B09FTH655Z

Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/profile/nancy-fraser

Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/bxkKvD

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser


Thank you so much for joining us, Nancy, and best wishes for LILY’S LUCK!

When It Comes To Writing, Romance Gems Author Jan Scarbrough Ain't Horsin' Around, Or Is She?

Hey, all! Won't you please help me welcome Romance Gem Jan Scarbrough. Let's get to know her a little better...

Jan, when did your love for writing start?

I had an inspirational ninth-grade English teacher who encouraged me. For one assignment, we researched a career that interested us. I picked freelance writer. At that time, I doubted that I could even write a novel, let alone make any money doing it.

What is something you struggle with when you write?

Good books need conflict almost on every page. I’m not someone who likes conflict, so coming up with bad things to happen to my characters is hard.

Give us a brief glimpse at your road to publication.

I was an RWA Golden Heart finalist, but it didn’t lead to the publication of that book. After the prerequisite rejection letters, I finally sold a 50,000-word novel to Kensington for the Precious Gems series. This was before ebooks, of course. However, I “sold” my Golden Heart book to an ebook company. DUH. No readers at that time. I pulled it and the book was published in paperback. Around 2006, I published ebooks with a small press. That’s where I learned to make deadlines, work with an editor, and improved my writing. Finally, in 2013 after several small presses went out of business, I began to self-publish my books with the techy help of my husband. These two first books are available today. They are KENTUCKY FLAME and TANGLED MEMORIES.

 

Do you have hobbies that you’d like to share?

Since my nine-year-old daughter begged for horseback riding lessons, I’ve also taken riding lessons. It’s been a long time ago because she now has children of her own! I ride American Saddlebred horses. They are people horses who are fun to ride. I love the history of the breed because they were “American Made.” Usually, I take a weekly riding lesson because I don’t own a horse right now. One of my all-time dreams was to own a horse. Over my lifetime, I’ve owned three!

Info about American Saddlebreds: https://www.asha.net/aboutus/theamericansaddlebred/

Share with us a little about your family. Married? Kids? Pets?

I am married with two children and two stepchildren. Together, my husband and I have ten grandchildren—only one is a girl! Currently, I have a pesky cat named Folly. This summer we lost our beloved Pembroke Welsh Corgis. So, I went to the humane society just to look around. Of course, I spotted amber eyes who begged for a home. My husband agreed, so we brought home a red tick coonhound!! We knew nothing about coonhounds. Her first week she killed a backyard raccoon. She was a coonhound after all! Bella has turned out to be a super sweet dog and a welcome addition to our family.

YOU CAN FIND JAN HERE: 

Website http://janscarbrough.com/

BookBub Author URL https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-scarbrough

Newsletter (download free book and sign up for my newsletter) https://www.booksweeps.com/free/kentucky-woman-bluegrass-reunion-series/

Amazon Author URL https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Scarbrough/e/B001K8768A

AllAuthor https://allauthor.com/profile/romancerider/

 

YOU CAN PURCHASE JAN'S BOOKS HERE:

Check out my two Contemporary Western Series, both on Kindle Unlimited.

The Dawsons of Montana tells the stories of rancher Jim Dawson’s widow Liz, and his children Brody, Mercer, and Ben. Can they find happiness and love in the aftermath of the heartache of the patriarch’s untimely death?

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08ZM6V8H8)

Hank brings two series together: the romantic The Dawsons of Montana and the romantic mystery Ghost Mountain Ranch!

~ BEN IS ON SALE UNTIL MONDAY! ~

Ghost Mountain Ranch, where old secrets are stirring, secrets someone might be willing to kill to keep. Can they finally lay the old ghosts to rest, or will the echoes of a decades-old murder destroy their second chance at love?

(Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BL85Q8W)

DARBY: Thirty years ago, Darby Heston fled her family’s Montana dude ranch. Now she must return to help her father. Would the boyfriend she’d abandoned still be there? Hank Slade has never stopped loving Darby, but is he willing to risk his heart again? Secrets tore them apart once. Given a second chance at love, will more shocking secrets from the past destroy their hopes for the future?

Thank you so much, Jan, for being here today, and for sharing your talent with us!

Good Morning! Let's Start A New Day With SUNSHINE'S WELCOME! From Kara O'Neal

 

I've got one of my absolute favs on today, gang! My Romance Gem buddy, Kara O'Neal! Kara created this charming little town called Pike's Run, Texas full of colorful characters and wonderful stories. SUNSHINE'S WELCOME is one of the last books in the series, which kind of freaked me out until I found out that Kara has started a Gamblers and Gunslingers Series, shoo!  So, without further ado, here's Kara to tell you about her latest release!

SUNSHINE’S WELCOME is on the shelves. Delilah’s story is done. And I’m awed.

 

I started writing the TEXAS BRIDES OF PIKE’S RUN series in 2000. The first book, WELCOME HOME, was published in 2013.

 

My Texas Brides series is almost done. Only one book left. I can’t fathom this.

 

And while SUNSHINE’S WELCOME is not the last story in the collection, it is the last that will take place in the past. We’re going to say goodbye to the characters that started Pike’s Run and the Swinging A.

 

My heart can’t take it.

 

While Delilah’s story is hers, it’s also everyone else’s. We go on a journey that recalls what came before her, those who shaped her, and made her Little-Bit, Dynamite, and now…Sunshine.

 

If you’ve been with us through the whole series, I hope you find SUNSHINE’S WELCOME as the proper goodbye to the past. You might want to read it with some tissues. (I sure needed to.)

 

 

Blurb ~

 

Pike’s Run, Texas, 1891

Delilah Davis has all she could want—a loving family and freedom to do as she pleases. Nothing has ever disrupted her world. That is, not until a tall, dark and stand-offish wrangler is hired to work on her family’s ranch. Killian Blake irritates Delilah’s sunshine life, and she’s determined to show him that she’s more than capable of handling herself.

 

Detective Killian Blake of the Pinkerton Agency must go undercover on the Swinging A ranch to solve a thirteen-year-old murder. Once hired, he expected to be dealing with cowboys. He hadn’t counted on investigating a family with bonds thicker than frozen molasses. And to make matters worse, there’s a beautiful, wild and headstrong female dogging his steps, and cracking the ice around his heart. The closer he gets to Delilah Davis, the more he wants to keep the family secrets. But fate has other ideas…

  

 

Excerpt ~

Killian Blake trotted down Main Street early Tuesday morning, looking straight ahead, senses alert and aware of his surroundings. A variety of shops stood on either side of the road, along with the Royal Hotel that rose two stories and had an upper balcony. The shingle for the sheriff’s office swung in the chill breeze. Not many people strolled the walks, the colder temperature keeping them inside where fires burned, as evidenced by the smoke wisping out of chimneys.

A quiet place. A small town. Not even on his map. But here he was, on assignment. Who knew for how long, but hopefully the stint allowed him to rest for a few weeks. After chasing Sasha Parker, The Debonair Kid, and his gang of train robbers across five states for six months, Killian was ready for a breather. Even if that reprieve put him back in the corral.

But he’d handle it. After eight years, it might be good to work with horses again. Of course, he still had to get the job with the Swinging A ranch. If he didn’t, Detective Irwin wouldn’t be happy.

It didn’t take long for Killian to reach the end of the line of stores, and he continued on, heading to the cattle ranch located two miles outside of town that was run by the Davis and Lonnigan families. Killian was on the hunt for a position as a wrangler.

The solitary ride out to the ranch allowed him the chance to survey his surroundings even more. He went past pasture and forests of pine before a homestead came into view on his left. A sign proclaiming “J. Lonnigan, Veterinarian” stood at the gate. A one-story cabin about fifty feet in length sat on a gentle rise, while a variety of stables, paddocks, pens and corrals were on the side and behind the dwelling. Someone worked with a mule in one of the paddocks, and children darted around, some carrying out chores while others played.

Though the last name was the same as the owners of the ranch, Killian didn’t stop. He had the advertisement for the needed wrangler folded in his shirt pocket. It indicated that more information could be found at Callahan’s in Pike’s Run, Texas. The bartender at the saloon had told Killian to whom he should apply— J.T. Davis, Kyle Lonnigan or Deacon Tolbert—and that their spread was two miles south of town on the right. It shouldn’t be much farther and once he arrived, he just had to be hired.

When the gate to the Swinging A appeared, black iron against a chill, blue sky, he turned his horse down a path with deep wagon ruts going under the arched entrance. To his right rose a three-story, grand Victorian home, while a dog-run cabin stood to his left. About two hundred yards of freshly plowed land separated the dwellings. Probably for cotton, he surmised.

He trotted toward the cabin as the bartender had directed him to do, but when he knocked on the kitchen door, no one answered. Frowning, Killian headed out of the dog-run and scanned the field. A barn had been a little behind the cabin. Perhaps the owner of the home was inside. Leaving his horse tethered to the hitching post outside the house, Killian walked toward the larger structure.

As he did so, movement in a tall oak grabbed his attention. He slowed his steps as bits of yellow peeked through the branches that, despite the season, still held leaves. Someone was up in the tree.

He moved closer, ducking down to try to get a better view of who sat on one of the higher branches. Petticoats peeked out beneath a yellow linen dress. Struck, Killian barked, “What the hell?”

A feminine squeak and gasp accompanied a crash.

The bright yellow bundle tumbled down, and Killian’s heart flew up into his throat. He shot forward, stretching out his arms, and caught her just in time. He stumbled under the blow but kept his feet, jostling her close against his chest.

Breathing heavily, his pulse beating wildly, he gazed into the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. Auburn hair framed an angelic face that blinked in astonishment. Her full lips parted as she clutched the front of his shirt with one hand and held tight to his shoulders with the other arm.

Oh…what the hell…

He’d just caught a beauty.

 

 

 Isn't she awesome! Now, here's where to run get your copy of SUNSHINE'S WELCOME, and then I'll tell you a bit more about Kara and where you can find her.

 

 

Book Purchase Link:  https://books2read.com/u/49ka68

 

 

 

Bio~

Award-winning author, Kara O’Neal is a teacher and lives in Texas with her husband and three children. She writes stories with strong family ties, lots of romance and guaranteed happy endings! Please visit her at www.karaoneal.com.

 

Where to Find Kara

Website –  www.karaoneal.com

Bookbub –  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kara-o-neal

Amazon –  http://www.amazon.com/Kara-ONeal/e/B00FL19TH8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1465007993&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble –  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kara+o'neal?_requestid=845025

Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/KaraONeal84/

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/KaraONealAuthor

Pinterest –  https://www.pinterest.com/karaoneal7/

Goodreads –  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7278350.Kara_O_Neal

Blog -- http://www.karaoneal.com/blog

Blog – The Story Continues -- http://www.karaoneal.com/the-story-continues

 

I'm Holding Out for a MR. PIERCE'S HERO! from #RomanceGems Author Kara O'Neal

Please welcome back one of my favorite authors, Kara O'Neal, with her newest release, MR. PIERCE'S HERO. She's brought along with her Mr. Pierce himself! Let's get to know him...

Tell me about yourself.

I’m a lawyer, which caused tension in my family. My parents wanted me to be a doctor, and I attended a medical college at fifteen, but I had reasons to quit that I’d rather not reveal as it’s too painful. I needed a law degree. At seventeen, I left the Medical School at the College of Philadelphia to attend Harvard. My father was furious, but I had plans to save my brother and no one was going to stop me.

 

What was your family like, and how does your upbringing affect you now?

My parents desired nothing more than power and status. We lived in Philadelphia and were quite wealthy. They had high expectations for me and made demands I eventually rebelled against. They were not kind parents, but because of my brother’s difficulties, I managed to learn compassion, which has made me the man I am. Hopefully, a good one, but I’m not always sure.

 

How did you meet Corinne?

I first saw her sitting on a platform next to the mayor as he made a speech to dedicate the new library. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. I saw in her what I felt inside myself. The sense of being trapped, caged. I was immediately drawn to her. I didn’t get to meet her until she interrupted a gathering at a friend’s house. She ended up needing my advice at how to protect a secret she’d harbored for eleven years.

 

What do you like about Corinne?

Her bravery. She fights her foe with a firm grace that astounds me. She does what I was never able to do, and I’m amazed by her.

 

If you had an unexpected free day, what would you do with it?

I’d have a friendly spar in a boxing ring with my brother-in-law, then help Corinne in her garden.

 

 

Blurb ~

Pike’s Run, Texas, 1882


Corinne Taylor has a secret. And it must be protected. If her mother discovers what Corinne has been hiding, Hell will not describe the place in which she will find herself. Beulah, Corinne’s mother, has proclaimed herself “queen” of Pike’s Run, and no one crosses her, especially not her daughter.



And while Corinne does what she can to guard her secret, her best efforts aren’t enough. War comes to Pike’s Run and the Taylor household when Beulah learns of her daughter’s betrayal. The battle that ensues forces Corinne to seek help from a new arrival.



Jonathan Pierce, a successful lawyer, has come to Pike’s Run looking to find solace from his past. When Corinne asks for his support, her innocence and bravery call to the needs within his broken spirit, and he can’t turn her down. She is capturing his heart, but if she ever learns of his cowardice, she will reject him, killing any hope he has left of finding love.

Excerpt ~

Once Jonathan had crossed the bridge over the stream, he caught sight of a figure walking down the road, heading toward him and away from town. His senses came alive when he recognized Miss Taylor. He gritted his teeth and tried to foster indifference to her appearance.

She faltered in her steps when she saw him, but then picked up the pace. “Mr. Pierce,” she hailed.

Hadn’t he given her permission to call him Jonathan? He stopped in the road near a copse of maple and sprawling live oak and waited for her to reach him. Perhaps she didn’t remember that he’d asked her to use his given name. Until she did, he wouldn’t use hers. It was too intimate, and by the way his body reacted to her swaying hips and smooth complexion, he needed distance. “Afternoon, Miss Taylor.”

She halted five feet from him. Her gaze searched his face, scanned the area around them.

She looked confused. Or uncertain.

“Is something wrong?”

He saw her swallow, and the need to shield her and knock the teeth out of the person who dared upset her came over him. How anyone could torture this lovely creature escaped his reason. He took a deep breath and tried to rein in his fury on her behalf. Her fight was not his.

“My m-mother intends to use my garden tomorrow.” Her eyes went wide with fear.

Her gaze pleaded with him, but what did she want him to say? He’d already advised her on what to do. “I’m sorry.” He didn’t know how else to respond.

“I have to tell her she has no right to,” she rasped.

He inclined his head once, easily detecting the tremble in her, and he wanted to slay her dragon for her. He would have no problem telling the woman any interference would be considered trespassing, but…this was not his war.

Miss Taylor’s shoulders slumped, and she pressed two fingers into each temple. “I can do it. I can stand up to her.”

The words sounded like a litany she repeated to herself. They weren’t an assurance for him. “Of course, you can,” he offered, but he really had no idea of the stuff of which she was made.

She let out a slow breath then drew in another deeply. After a few moments, she lowered her arms to her sides and lifted her chin. “Would you like to see it?”

“Your roses?”

She nodded.

“Of course.”

Aware she gave him an opportunity only a handful of others had experienced, he didn’t dare turn down her offer. He should, though. In fact, he should be going on his way, putting distance between himself and a woman who tugged at his basic needs and protective side.

But instead of heeding good sense, he followed her. She headed into the lush trees to his right, and he lifted his brow in surprise. He’d stopped near the path that hid her handiwork? He hadn’t even realized it. Stunned with how well disguised the trail was, he checked his surroundings in case he needed to get his bearings on the walk back.

He had to duck under sprawling branches, and if he hadn’t had the owner leading him, he would have missed the footpath buried under fern and ivy. They wound among the trees, the forest thick enough that they had to walk single file.

When hedgerows appeared, she unlatched a gate and let him in. He hadn’t gone two steps before amazement struck him. He stopped in his tracks and stared at the beauty.

Was it acceptable to even breathe amidst this labor of love? The blooms were open to the five o’clock sun streaming in. The bright orange light danced off of shades of purple, pink and red. Yellow dazzled the eye, along with peach and white.

He felt a nudge at his elbow. He looked down, and the smile directed up at him put the flowers to shame.

“You can walk around. You won’t hurt them.”

The teasing glint in her eyes made his mouth tip up at the corners. He couldn’t stop himself from glancing at the luscious curve of her lips. Warmth spread through him, but he turned away, avoiding the lust curling inside. Instead of a reply, he went down the stone walk, allowing the glory of her handiwork to delight his eye.

He paused at different varieties, noting the shape of the petals or how they lay against each other. Their fragrance wafted around him, making him want to sit and soak up their loveliness. Which was odd.

When he reached the center, he turned and found her several paces behind him. She hadn’t said a word as he’d explored. He could only describe the expression on her face as one of pleasure. She seemed glad she’d shared her haven with him.

“You did all this?”

She nodded, a blush staining her cheeks.

Even standing amidst the evidence of her talent, modesty enveloped her. He couldn’t help the slight smile that formed. “It’s magnificent.”



Book Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/md7qay



Bio ~

Born and raised in Texas, I had to make the state the setting for my first series. From the food to the fun, like floating the rivers, it is the fire in my blood that inspires me. My family and friends take center stage in my books. My sisters and best friends are my heroines, and my husband created my favorite hero. Love and family are the point of my stories, and I seek to entertain, relieve stress, and inspire people. Books can take one on a journey that one can relive over and over. I am extremely grateful to those authors who did that very thing for me. I learned and I fell in love with their words and characters. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

FIND KARA HERE:

Website – www.karaoneal.com

Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kara-o-neal

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Kara-ONeal/e/B00FL19TH8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1465007993&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kara+o'neal?_requestid=845025

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KaraONeal84/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/KaraONealAuthor

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/karaoneal7/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7278350.Kara_O_Neal

Blog -- http://www.karaoneal.com/blog

Blog – The Story Continues -- http://www.karaoneal.com/the-story-continues



Thank you, Kara, and Mr. Pierce, for joining us today and sharing your stories!

~ Stop In For The Love of Family, Romance, and Danger, Wild West Style! ~

Author Susan Horsnell has joined us today to share her The Glenmore's: Complete Collection with us. Here's a bit about each of the books in the collection. 

Book 1 - Revenge 

The Glenmore Family come to the assistance of a young girl who has been beaten and horse-whipped then left to die on the track leading to their ranch.
She is taken to their ranch to recover; the outlaws responsible for her beating keep watch in the hopes they can recapture the girl and obtain the information they are sure she has.
The search for the outlaws becomes a matter of urgency when murder, shootings, robbery and beatings affect the Glenmore Family.
Rangers are brought in and the assistance of local Indians is sought.
A story about the most tender love; as well as murder, greed and intrigue.

Book 2 - Deputy 

When James Glenmore locks up a feisty young girl because she causes a
disturbance in the local saloon; he doesn’t realise both their lives
are about to change forever.
They have to endure her father’s deadly temper, which has already destroyed
her young life, before they can be free.
A band of outlaws target the bank in Gold Springs and several horrendous
tortures and murders take place before the law finally catches up
with them; James’ life is placed in grave danger.
James and Rebecca’s lives withstand all obstacles that are put before them
but will James survive the capture of the cruel outlaws?

Book 3 - Sacred Secrets 

Laura Glenmore is the youngest child of Virginia and Joseph Glenmore; the largest ranch owners in the district.
She has three older brothers who have watched out for her all her life.
She takes part in the fall round up to Morgan as she has many times before but on arrival in Morgan, while her father and two of her brothers are at the stockyards, Laura decides to ride off alone for fresh air.
A freak accident leaves Laura unconscious and missing; her distressed family and beau, Nick, all gather in Morgan to begin their search.
As the days pass and the searches reveal nothing; Nick becomes desperate and spends a night in the Canyonlands alone. It is here where Nick is found by an Indian and led to the village where Laura is being cared for.
Nick learns the ways of the Indians and both he and Laura make lifelong friends among these people. As Laura heals they learn the Indians deepest secret and fear and vow to help them keep it.
Follow Nick and Laura through the grief, the heartbreak, the discovery and finally the love that will join them together forever.

Book 4 - Caught 

When the Glenmore’s neighbour, Mason Prentiss, passes on suddenly it leaves his ranch to his only surviving relative – Justine, his granddaughter.
Since the death of her parents two years previously in a hotel fire that also left her badly scarred; Justine has been trapped in boarding school in Boston training to be a teacher. When she learns of her grandfather’s death she determines to make a new life for herself at the ranch. She is sick of the taunts and the cruelty and wants to escape to the seclusion of the country.
Justine meets Ben Glenmore when one of the Glenmore bulls escapes and gets in with her breeding cows; it is not a pleasant first meeting! Their lives become intertwined until the most handsome man in Gold Springs falls for the badly scarred young girl from Boston.
Justine’s ranch is under threat when Justine’s cattle are rustled, her stream is dammed and a kidnapping takes place. Ben attempts to help but finds himself caught in the criminals plot.
Will Justine arrive in time to save the one she loves? Will she finally find the peace and happiness she seeks?


Link: http://horsnells.wix.com/susan--1#!book-packages/c19lc

Author Bio ~

I grew up in the Western Suburbs of Sydney in the 50's and 60's.

My parents are originally from the Newcastle-Under-Lyme area of England and came to Australia in 1952 as £10 poms. They came under a migration scheme to help Australia with workers.
My father was a Painter and Decorator and I was the eldest of five children.

I was a Nurse, a career that spanned more than 35 years. During my career I specialized in caring for people with Alzheimer's type Dementia, an area that fascinates me despite how heartbreaking it can be.

When I retired 4 years ago I decided it was time to get the stories out of my head and onto paper. From there I just hoped my stories were interesting and well written enough to attract readers.

It is difficult being a new author now that anyone can publish a book. I can understand readers' reticence to read Indie authors but hopefully they will give people like me a chance. I find as an avid reader, you can be pleasantly surprised most of the time. I can't imagine sticking to just one or two authors and just because an author has a publisher doesn't make them good. I have certainly read some terrible books which have been published by some of the largest companies.

I do hope readers enjoy my books and would love them to leave reviews.


Blog: http://susanhorsnell.wordpress.com
Web: http://horsnells.wix.com/susan--1
Twitter: @susanhorsnell
Bookshop:http://easychairbookshop.com