Friday, May 17, 2013

Collector's Item - New Paranormal Romance in the Garden



Alpha were-jaguar, Katarina "KT" Marant is trained to protect the pride so when her aunt disappears, KT naturally takes up the hunt. Her suspicion settles on the Collectors, humans who view shapeshifters as the ultimate big game.

Peyton Allers can't believe he's got to blow his cover to rescue a shapeshifter "princess." Even harder to believe is that she wants to stage her own kidnapping in order to catch the leader of the Collectors and find her aunt.

Everything goes sideways when KT is kidnapped for real and by someone she never suspected. Will Peyton find her before time runs out? Or will she become a true Collector's Item?

Excerpt:
A lone light shone above an open gate in a high chain-link fence at the far end of the hangar. Andi growled, uneasy. The shadows between the cars could hide an army. As if to compensate for the ringing in her ears from the gun battle inside coupled with the roar of jet engines, KT’s eyes and nose kicked into overdrive.

Blood! KT eased up enough to peer through the windshield of a large sedan. But whose?

The whine of jet engines faded away, and in the buzzing silence, a car engine snarled to life. Tires squealed somewhere to her left. She flinched back from the glare of headlights as a low-slung sports car spun out of a parking space.

“Stop!” Her attention snapped to her right at the sound of Peyton’s voice.

Over the hood of the sedan, she saw Peyton standing behind the front end of a pickup truck about midway down the opposite lane, a gun aimed at the car. The car accelerated, and he fired. A shot from inside the car made Peyton stagger. He held his position and fired a couple more times. The car zigzagged toward Peyton and two more shots spun Peyton around to disappear behind the truck.

“No!” She sprinted toward the truck, keeping low, and with one eye on the sports car as it raced toward the open gate in the rear fence. In the glare of the overhead light, she glimpsed Torne hunched low over the wheel. He made a sharp right turn just outside the gate and, for a split second, KT saw a face through the passenger window, staring back.

KT stumbled to a stop. Patricia? Just a flash of an oval face surrounded by a cloud of dark hair. KT’s heartbeat sped up. Patricia! 

Because of Rebecca - New Historical Romance in the Garden



Rebecca Davis promises to raise her dying sister's newborn son as her own. She also agrees to help a female slave reach freedom. It's the right thing to do, but can she trust her fellow conspirators without endangering her future or her son? Her handsome contact, Jared Hollingsworth, won't discuss their mission, but her attraction to him has Rebecca fearing she will endanger not only her freedom--but her heart.

Jared Hollingsworth refuses to use slave labor. Despite this sentiment, he's been able to keep his plantation going, even while mourning the death of his wife and son. Now, thanks to his notorious cousin, Jared is in danger of losing Oak Hill. When he meets Rebecca Davis, he isn't ready to love again, but she may be just what he needs to save his home and his heart. When he discovers Rebecca embroiled in a conspiracy, will he follow his heart and dare to love again? Or will he risk her heart to save his beloved plantation?

Excerpt:

“Do you like me, Jared?”

Her unexpected touch seared his flesh and he hesitated a moment trying to read her thoughts before he answered. “Yes. I like you. Why do you ask?”

He could feel the rise and fall of her breasts as she stood so close to him. Her emerald eyes were dark and her lips were pink, inviting him to taste them if he dared.

My God yes, I like you. Inwardly he groaned, but did he dare to confess his desire to her?

“Come with me.” He entwined his fingers with hers and led her quickly into the library past the many bookshelves of leather bound volumes. He walked over to an alcove for privacy. Turning around, he pulled her close until she was pressed against him. “I like you far more than I should for the time I’ve known you, Rebecca.”

She swallowed. “You do?”

With his free hand he cupped her cheek, caressing it gently. He rubbed the pad of his rough thumb over her lips. They trembled in response and he lowered his head, nibbling at her mouth with small kisses until she responded in kind. Without warning, he parted her lips with his tongue and captured her mouth, exploring its depths.

Her hand crept up his arm to his neck, holding his head so he couldn’t pull away. Her fingers speared through his damp hair, sending shivers down his spine.

His body hardened and he groaned, pulling away before he lost his head completely. 

A Rose in No-Man's Land - new historical romance in the garden



Sister Amy Smithfield is carrying on her family's military tradition in the only way she can, as an Australian Army nurse. Dedicated to her calling, she has sworn off interest in men for the duration of the Great War in Europe. When she literally runs into Mark Tremayne, an English captain in the Australian army, her real struggle begins.

Mark has his own reasons for keeping any relationship with the opposite sex in the casual mode, and he fights to deny his attraction to the petite blonde nurse who stirs his senses beyond the ordinary.

Their battle against love continues from Australia to the Mediterranean to France. When Amy is captured by German soldiers, Mark realizes how much she means to him -- but can he overcome pride and find Amy after his jealous anger pushes her away?

Excerpt:
His gut clenched as he waited just off the Rue des Trois Cailloux in Amiens. Six o’clock. Where the hell was that staff car? He lit a cigarette and paced the foyer of the hotel where he had booked two rooms. Would she be all right? What if the Germans had violated her? The thought was a sword thrust through his heart.

“Mark?” The one husky word, sounding as if it had been dredged from deep within her soul, caused him to swing around.

“Amy!” She looked so little and frail standing there in a stained and muddied German uniform, her beautiful hair a tangled mass about her shoulders. “I thought I’d never see you again.” He took a step forward, then abruptly stopped.

Tears welled up in Amy’s eyes. She looked frightful, while Mark was freshly bathed and shaved, his uniform immaculate, boots shined to a glossy finish.

“What’s the matter, darling? What is it?” He opened his arms to her, but she did not run into them as she usually did.

“I’m so dirty,” she sobbed.

“Amy, you little fool.” He pulled her close. “After the hell you’ve been through? Oh, God, how like a woman to worry about her appearance.”

“You’re so clean,” she blubbered, burrowing her face into his chest.

“I had to tidy up before going to Headquarters.”

She raised her head. “If it hadn’t been for loving you so much and wanting to see you again, I wouldn’t have
survived.” 

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

A Midsummer Night's Demon - new paranormal romance in the garden



Daelyn Torres is determined to break free from her over-protective brother. Born a demon, she knows little of the world outside her home and work. A chance blind date promises adventure and perhaps a walk on the wild side. But her night on the town takes a deadly turn when she is gravely injured and left to die. A handsome, mysterious stranger comes to her rescue and brings with him a passion she has never experienced.

A dark guardian sent to investigate a series of missing person cases, vampire Ky Robinson is ready for anything, except the insatiable desire that engulfs him when he meets Daelyn. He senses their destiny is intertwined and vows to do everything in his power to keep her safe. The only problem: demons and vampires go together like fire and ice.

Daelyn never believed in things that went bump in the night but is more than willing to be seduced by the sexy vampire who marks both her body and soul. Will Ky be able to keep them both alive long enough to prove that vampires and demons can be so much more than friends?

Excerpt:
He ghosted behind the couple. Following them on silent feet, staying deep within the shadows of the buildings. Ky noted the way the woman walked as they made their way along the sidewalk. Her legs appeared unsteady, most of her weight supported by the male’s arm around her waist, which seemed strange because she had not consumed all that much alcohol at the bar. Only two glasses of wine, by his count. The agent heard her speaking throughout the night and she had enunciated clearly. Yet now she seemed unsteady, and her words slurred as they left her lips.

She stumbled. Catching on a bit of raised sidewalk, her shoe flew off behind her in Ky’s direction. She turned and looked over her shoulder. When her eyes met his, Ky’s heart hitched in his chest, time froze.

The bronzed skin of her heart-shaped face appeared flawless. Long dark haired flowed around her shoulders with the turn of her head. Her chocolate eyes captured his, holding his gaze. The fall of her lashes broke the spell, creating dark crescents on her delicate cheekbones. Her petite nose led to full, pouty lips that sent a surge of desire through his body. His sure strides faltered under the weight of her beauty. She was
a goddess.
And she was in grave danger. 

The English Lily - New Romance in the Garden



Lady Kendra Frazier is devastated. The love of her life just married another, and now all she desires is to be as far away as possible. She takes passage on the first boat leaving the harbor and finds herself on the way to America, still hiding a guilty secret.

Viscount Lawrie, Joseph Pinetti Gray, is facing financial ruin and needs a wealthy heiress. Luckily for him, Kendra's impetuous nature has handed him the fortuity he requires to save his family from downfall, and he pursues her once their ship is underway.

But Joseph's carefully cultivated plans come to a grinding halt when he finds himself falling in love instead of arranging a marriage of convenience. How can an old secondhand doll save the day?

Excerpt:
He rushed over. “Thank God,” he whispered. He crouched down next to her. “Thank God,” he said again, touching his forehead to hers.

“Joseph? Lord Lawrie?” Her voice cracked. Her white glove was no longer white. He wished he could have protected her from that.

Leaning back, he peeled the stained fabric away. Her hand clenched. “My hands—”

He brushed his lips over the tiny scars. “Your hands are perfect,” he said. “We’ll have to marry, you know.”

“Married. I’ve dreamed of marrying,” she whispered, smiling. Her eyes were dry, but in them he read the shock and fear.

Something tight squeezed Joseph’s chest, and he found he could hardly breathe. Death hovered over them. While he might fail in creating bliss for Kendra’s last moments on this earth, he could offer her the whimsical fairytale.

Joseph dropped her hand and cupped her head with both hands. “Lady Kendra Frazier, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife, mademoiselle, s’il vous plaĆ®t?”

With a stately incline of her head, she replied with a trembling smile. “I shall be honored, Viscount Lawrie, Chevalier Joseph Pinetti Gray. Lord Hardwick’s Marriage Act was put in force in Scotland in fifty-four, so we’ve no need to post the banns.” A small hysterical laugh erupted. “Shall we escape to Gretna Green, my lord?” 

Friday, May 10, 2013

Unlock the Truth - New Suspense in the Garden



Dena Roman needs closure. Three months ago, her sister's murdered body was found in the California desert. When a second body is found at the same site, Dena jeopardizes her public relations position to go undercover and investigate. But falling for the main suspect isn't part of her plan.

Zeke Cabrera needs help. He sold a portion of his family's Three C's Estates to keep his citrus farm afloat, but when bodies are unearthed on the site, he's suspected of murder. Help comes in the form of a communications expert who makes all the difference in his life and business--and in his heart.

Amidst an attack on her life and run-ins with a cantankerous foreman, Dena digs for the truth, even as she forms a strong bond with Zeke. But can their newly found love survive all the deep secrets hidden at Three C's Estates?

Excerpt:

“Someone shot at me!” Dena rushed toward him. Her bottom lip trembled. “Who…who would do that?”
Terror was written across her face. He reached out a hand, drew it back. “Are you hurt? Where did it happen?”

“Just after I drove onto your private road—”

“What? Wait a minute.” He grabbed her elbow and eased her into a chair. She dropped a coat hanger of clothes, a pair of high heels, her purse and laptop onto the foyer floor.

“I’m a bit shaky, but I’m not hurt,” Dena mumbled, and lowered her head to almost between her knees.

“I get water,” Irma said, and hurried to the kitchen.

“Tell me exactly what happened.” Zeke kneeled on the tile floor beside her and stroked the top of her arm.

She raised her head. “There’s a hole in the side of my car. I…I could have…could have been killed. Two shots.” She raised two fingers then took in a huge gulp of air.

Zeke took the water glass from Irma.

“Sip it,” he said to Dena, and held the glass to her lips. “You’ve had an awful shock.” He turned his head.
“Grab my phone, please, Irma.”

Irma returned a couple of minutes later and handed him his BlackBerry. He still hadn’t made much sense of Dena’s ramblings.

“Who would try to kill me?” Dena asked again. She took the glass from him and drained it. Irma bustled over and retrieved it.

“I’ve no idea. But we’ll find out.” 

Apocalyptic Moon - New Paranormal Romance in the Garden



Dr. Dora Adler's life has been in disarray since the beginning of the zombie apocalypse, but when she gets bitten by one of the undead, her whole world is turned upside down. Held captive in a secret underground lab, the tall, muscular hunk in the next cell is her only hope for salvation. Unfortunately, he claims to be a werewolf. Yeah, and she's supposedly a witch.

Dirk Gunderson is an alpha Arbor pack werewolf. Captured and collared, he's sold to the zombie lab in hopes his blood serum can create a vaccine. He needs to escape, but not without the hot little brunette witch.
In the midst of enemy werewolves and the hordes of undead, Dirk and Dora's sexual tension ignites a blaze hotter than the desert highway. Along their journey, they battle the inevitable: a werewolf must never take a witch as a mate.

Excerpt:

“My first lycanthropy case.” The guy was psycho, but it didn’t matter, he was immune to Z-phage. He’d be another lab rat to experiment on. Maybe they’d give her a break and poke him instead, giving her injection bruises time to heal. Still, he was mentally ill and needed her help.

Mansfield chuckled. “More like lupus or rather Canis lupus.”

Dirk corrected. “Homo sapiens lupus.”

She rolled her eyes and huffed, “Can I change rooms? Maybe one with a view?”

Dirk gave her a seductive gaze. “Actually, my view is stunning.”

Her knees weakened and her voice disappeared. For once in her life, she had no smart-ass comeback.
Mansfield smiled. “All other rooms are reserved for the undead.” He unlocked her door and dragged her out. “Time for your daily shower.”

“Hey, take me along. I don’t mind sharing a shower with the doc.” Dirk winked at her.

Had he forgotten that he was strangled with a torture collar, locked up in a rat cage and oh yeah, the outside world overrun by zombies? It wasn’t the time to flirt.

As Mansfield escorted her out, she twisted around and glared at Dirk. “Bite me!”

“I promise.” He cupped his hands over his mouth and howled.

Damn real. She pulled away from Mansfield. “Great, I’m stuck in a psych ward.”

****

Dirk paced his sealed prison cell. He sniffed. The stench of rotting flesh seeped through the walls. This fucking place was infested with zombies. They must be keeping a zombie zoo. One breach and they’d be overrun. Soon the hot little brunette would fall prey to the zombies. He needed an escape plan. ASAP.
The soldier that escorted Jaeger out had the virus. The soldier reeked of fear. He hid his recent bite. Oh well, not sharing. Only he and the woman mattered. He needed the access code since the damn door was werewolf proof.

Mad Scientist Mansfield definitely thought Dora could mate a werewolf. Why hadn’t Jaeger mentioned that was impossible?

Bayou Born - New Romance in the Garden



Branna Lind's self-esteem rests at the bottom of the Mississippi River. She canceled her "wedding of the decade," though she isn't saying why. She wants life on her own terms, no ready-made job in the family business: no safety net of close-knit kin, and no more betrayal.

College professor James Newbern prizes his bachelorhood. Experience has taught him beautiful women are high-maintenance trouble and Branna fits that type. He is happy to avoid her until the college vice president assigns him to mentor the newest hire--Branna.

Branna is on her way to a new life, but will the scars of the past send her running from love? Even if she stands her ground, can she convince James that she truly is his "type"?

Excerpt:

Branna closed her phone and turned to James. “I’m grateful for the help. You’ve got stuff to do, so please don’t feel obligated to stay.” In truth, she hated to see him leave. Being close to him, despite her injuries, made her pulse beat stronger. Faster. She could finally admit to herself, there was only one reason for that, even if she wasn’t ready to speak the words aloud.

“I’ll have some food delivered for you. I’ve a class this afternoon. I’ll call you later this evening.”

He surprised her when he moved close and cradled her face with his hands. His warm lips pressed firmly against hers. She leaned in and kissed him back, wishing she could melt into his arms and hold him tight forever. The accident had brought focus to her mind and clarity to her heart. Being near him heightened each of her senses. Her toes curled. In his arms, the connection to him ran deep.

He touched her as though he cherished her. Tender and light. She loved that about him. Her heart skipped several beats. Her pulse pounded faster. Quivering sensations flooded her body.

This was love. The real thing.

James owned her heart. 

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Help Sessions - New Vintage Romance in the Garden



Chemistry major Roy Jensen isn't looking for romance. He's having trouble with a difficult class and needs to get at least a high B to keep his advisor happy. When his all-male study group proves useless, he joins the brightest students, the only two women in class, for their study sessions. Heather Kallin is persuaded by her friend to help Roy but makes it clear to him she isn't interested in his attention. Sure, he's made an impression, from his friendliness to his extreme capability in the lab, but her trust in men was shattered once and she refuses to allow any two-legged male too close, ever again. Can Roy convince her his love is unconditional, no matter her secret?

Excerpt:

“Excuse me, ladies, do you know where...” Roy began, but the blonde with perfect wavy hair, painted red lips, and a distracting figure accented by her tight-fitting sweater, interrupted him.

“Did you hear that, Heather? He called us ladies.” Heather, a tall slender redhead, adjusted her steel-rimmed glasses but remained focused on the p-chem problems set, not even looking up when Roy spoke. Her lips, full and sensual, remained curved downward.

“I’m looking for Willie. He’s the chem E. who sits next to me in lecture. Short, unruly black hair, horn-rimmed glasses—”

“And buck teeth. Yeah. I just saw him heading for the smart alecks, to join them.” The blonde pointed at the cubicle where Roy had just received his boot.

“Oh.” That dashed his last hope for help. 

Twice the Trouble - Contemporary romance in the garden



Lacey Carlyle has worked for years to create the perfect blend of home, business and family. Now she risks losing everything when the land she farms is bought by the man who abandoned her thirteen years ago.

Alex has never understood why Lacey walked away from him. Now, he holds the deed to her farm and intends to make her pay. The only problem - two kids weren't part of the plan.

Jenna and Jarrod may not see eye-to-eye but they are both determined to find happiness for their mom and keep their home safe. Can Lacey and Alex put their pasts behind them and embrace a future together?

Excerpt:
Lacey let her legs dangle over the end of the dock. The pink twilight sky made the surface of the lake look like a sheet of lavender tinted glass. If she had to leave the Double J, the lake was what she’d miss most. She’d never lived in a place where she couldn’t see the water from her window. But she’d decided that if she did have to move, it would be to a new town. She’d make a fresh start. She’d go to a place where people didn’t know every detail of her past. Her kids shouldn’t have to hear gossip about her.

Jerrod was clearly ashamed of her. That had been the worst pain she’d ever experienced. Then, to solidify his low opinion of her, she’d struck him. She wished she’d never gotten out of bed that morning.

Alex’s footsteps sounded on the wooden planks’ but she didn’t turn around. She was too embarrassed. He sat on the corner of the dock with his back against the rail post, facing her right side.

“If you’re thinking of jumping in the lake to end it all, let me know in advance.” He stretched out his legs and crossed his ankles. “These shoes set me back a couple hundred bucks. I’d want a chance to take them off before I dive in after you. There’s also my wallet and cell phone to consider.”

Alex always could make her smile.

“I’ve never heard Superman complain about having his cape dry-cleaned,” she replied. “I’ve never seen Batman ask for time to remove his utility belt. The Incredible Hulk never asks for a safety pin. If you’re going to be a hero, you’ve got to be tough.”

Alex’s eyes widened. “So that’s who you’ve been dating since I’ve been gone.” 

Friday, May 03, 2013

Roxanne's Realm: To Tame a Montana Heart Tour Wrap Up and Giveaway

Last chance to WIN an autographed copy of 'To Tame a Montana Heart'.

Roxanne's Realm: To Tame a Montana Heart Tour Wrap Up and Giveaway: I would like to thank you all for stopping by my tour stops. For a little fun, I thought I would let you see a scene from my upcoming r...

Fender Bender Blues - new romantic comedy in the garden



Rachel Bennett loved her job until the day she finds herself doubting her choices. Now she's hunting for a new career, but starting over isn't easy. Her plan is simple --no distractions until she finds her dream job. She didn't plan on fate throwing her a curveball in the form of a fender bender with a sexy guy in an expensive suit.
Craig Larsen is a wealthy, successful business owner with a plan of his own: survive his current PR nightmare and stay away from his overly determined ex-girlfriend. His need for control and personal success is turned upside down when he meets Rach, a sassy redhead who can't drive.

Soon they find themselves battling with Rach's grumpy old neighbor, toilet-papering the trees of a high-school nemesis, and fighting over the last slice of pizza. Can two very different people plus one fender bender equal a chance at forever?

Excerpt:
“Now what?”

“Nothing.” Rach sniffed.

Craig shifted to eye her warily. “Since when do you answer me with single words?”

“Since I decided I’m not talking to you,” she answered with a shrug, crumpling up the white paper wrapper from her sub.

Craig leaned his face in close to her neck and enjoyed the startled jerk of her shoulders. Her eyes opened wide in surprise. His breath shifted a few strands of hair at the nape of her neck as he whispered, “Why, because you want me?”

“You’re incorrigible,” she said, breathless, her cheeks flushed.

She’s enjoying this. The thought pleased him. Rach was on her back beside him now, her eyes closed. He glanced around the park to see if anyone was watching. No one was. He could swoop in for a kiss and no one would catch him. No one would care, he told himself. She won’t mind...

“I can feel you staring.”

Craig smiled down at her. “So what.”

She peeked at him with one green eye. “So stop it.” “And if I don’t?” Maybe she’d tackle him, push him down on the blanket and...

She didn’t. She promptly closed her eye and went back to pretending indifference. “I’ll hit you, that’s what.” 

Reckless Abandon - New Suspense in the Garden



Filled with regret over his rocky past, Reece Morgan has no desire to go home after ten years away. But when Billie Bradshaw becomes the target of killers, he returns to defend her with a vengeance born of salvation. He charges to the rescue, only to realize she's the bait to tempt him into the open.

Billie has a choice to make. She can risk violent death, or allow the man she considers her worst nightmare--the man she's already loved and lost, the man who fell off the grid a long time ago, taking her heart along for the ride--to keep her safe. What could be worse? Maybe the fact he's unknowingly brought death to her door.

As Billie and Reece follow the twisted trail of a psychotic mind, their reignited passion takes a front row seat in their struggle to stay alive.

Excerpt:
She instantly recognized those green, green eyes; his chiselled features; and a five o’clock shadow that seemed to be a permanent fixture on his jaw. Ten years older, he was a breathtaking version of the teenager she’d known. The teenager she’d loved. The teenager who’d scored and bolted, taking her heart along with him for the ride.

It wasn’t a dream at all, but her worst nightmare. And why was a gun clipped to his belt?
She cleared her throat and found her voice. “You look like a hundred-mile stretch of bad road, Rocket. What are you doing here?”

He cracked a smile displaying white, even teeth. Moving to the foot of the bed, the air around him hinted of sandalwood and peppermint. “It’s nice to see you too, Billie. I see you’re still styling your hair with a stun gun.”

Actually, her hair didn’t feel half bad when she ran her fingers through it in a self-conscious gesture. Oh, sure, it was long, wild, and curly, but at least it was brushed—except for where a mountain of bandages was taped behind her left ear. What is that?

“Not fair, Reece, like I’ve had time for the salon.” She tried to hide her confusion by pulling herself higher in the bed. Starbursts flashed behind her eyes. Her vision tunnelled and her stomach heaved. “Whoa…”

“Be careful. There were complications—the bullet wound is infected.”

Bullet wound?

She didn’t move, waited for the dizziness to subside while she soaked up Reece’s words. The ache in her head and her sense of helplessness said he was telling the truth. 

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

May Day Magic - new in the garden


May Day Magic

Beverly Breton

    Single mother and school nurse Diane Avery is on overload, too busy caring for her children and everyone else's to consider any TLC for herself. Her back seizes in front of hunky nursery owner Marc Stafford, and he rushes to her aid. Self-sufficient Diane laughs off the attention.
    After a divorce, with his son now heading to college, Marc Stafford is faced with an empty home and heart. Intrigued by the school nurse, Marc plans a May Day surprise to bring them together.
    Can Diane let Marc into her world? Can Marc find the courage to step out of his role of single father and bachelor? Will a simple tradition dedicated to flowers and affection bring the two together and set them on a path to love?

Excerpt:
“Hey, Diane.”

She stilled for a moment, the husky male voice obliterating every other awareness. Wet tissue in hand, she turned.

Her dark-haired daydream stood leaning against the doorjamb of her office. A frisson of response at seeing him live in the flesh leaped through her. “Hey, Marc,” she said in a stage whisper. Raising a hand, she stepped toward her desk. “Come on in.”

Walking toward her, Marc beamed a smile that spread over her like the new floodlights on the football field. Her pulse kicked up.

His gaze centered on the sleeping boy, and he stopped.

“It’s okay.” She gestured him in and, incapable of concealing her pleasure, shot him a wide smile.

He stepped closer.

She caught his irresistible scent—fresh, outdoorsy, a hint of lime. If only she had a student file or something to occupy her hands. Was something developing between them? She wished she knew if she had a valid reason to become all thumbs and blushes.

She leaned against her desk, crossing one pink-polished foot over the other in a pose she hoped looked nonchalant. “How did your program go?” At least, her voice didn’t betray her, sounding level and nurse-competent. After years of doing the presentation, no doubt Marc had it down. His support of the community was a trait she loved about him.

Loved about him? She swallowed a gulp. OMG! Once again, impersonating a girl in middle school! She blinked, steeling herself not to react to the fracas in her brain. 

Dreams of gold - new in the garden



Dreams of Gold
Linda Carroll-Bradd
Lawmen and Outlaws Series

Easterner Ciara Morrissey travels west to honor a sacred promise to her mother and locate her fortune-seeking father. Three years of acting as caretaker to her grandparents and mother until their deaths has created a thirst in Ciara to see what the wide world has to offer.

Sheriff Quinn Riley has been tracking the Irish charlatan who swindled half the population of Bull City, Wyoming. He's determined to stick close to the opinionated woman who arrived on the runaway stagecoach. Within only a few hours, she's got the town in an uproar by making inquires about his prime suspect. He's duty-bound to keep her safe, even when being close to the green-eyed beauty sets off a stampede in his heart.

Excerpt:
Quinn glimpsed a flash of a well-shaped calf sheathed in a dark stocking and purple petticoats, and then a rounded bottom in green cloth filled his vision. He clasped hands around her trim waist and lifted her the remaining three feet to the ground. In case she was still shaky from the panicky ride, he allowed his hands to linger a bit longer. At least, that’s what he told himself.

“Thank you, sir.” Easing from his grasp, she turned and tugged down the hem of her jacket. “Where might I get that drink of water?”

Her hat tilted at a crazy angle, and waves of auburn hair hung around her face. Rather than unkempt, she appeared innocent and vulnerable. Like someone who needed his attention. He shook his head at the errant thought and gestured. “Uh, your hat is...”

“My hat?” She lifted her hands to where it should have been and then patted gently until she touched it. With a few movements, she tucked her hair under the hat and secured it atop her head. “I apologize for my disheveled appearance, Sheriff.”