Sharon Hamilton

Accidental  Seal

Newly relocated realtor Christy Nelson has a chance life altering 1st meeting with tough as nails Navy Seal Kyle Lansdowne. Kyle is temporarily staying at a fellow Seal - Armando's house while trying to locate Armando who has gone missing. Trying to make amends for their first meeting, Kyle invites Christy to lunch and they begin a fast paced physical relationship. As their emotions grow toward one another Kyles Seal lifestyle begins to interfere. Not wanting to involve Christy in a dangerous situation Kyle tries to stay away but is unable to keep his Seal life separate. Christy finds herself tangles up in a mess of mystery, murder and intrigue. After a rescue attempt goes awry Kyle becomes the target of a criminal investigation and ends up on the run.

This is a story of Kyles fight to save a friend, save himself from accusations and protect the on woman he swore not to have feeling for. Easy Adult read, action packed with good physical chemistry between characters.

Christine

Giveaway for Followers of Julie's Book Review

OK my followers and friends. The giveaway going on right now is a "Thanks" for all of you. It is a swag giveaway. If you would like some swag from the authors on the site, please do the rafflecopter on the right of the page. This one is for all of you!  If there is an interest in the giveaway (7 prizes), I will start doing giveaways every other wk! At least until I run out of swag. The swag is all from books and authors that have been on Julie's Book Review. The swag I send out will be random and do to it costing me to ship, they will be a envelope size packages. So the swag is for all of you! I would like to add, if you have any suggestions or comments that you have for the site, what you would like to see more of, less of, etc., please leave me a comment! I want to hear from you. So Thanks again. I love doing this and I am glad I have had so many visitors and so many wonderful followers!

Julie Ramsey

Winners Of the Lorraine Nelson Giveaway!

Here are the winners of the Lorraine Nelson giveaway!

1. Paula Whipple
2. Lashawn Williams
3. Carolyn Brown
4. Sherry Bamsey
5. Author Georgina Hannan

I will be sending you an e-mail and giving your info to Lorraine Nelson and she will contact you as well.

Congratulations
Ladies

Julie

Next week! Surprize!

I am holding a special event for my followers! I have some swag and would like to send it out to some followers. Next wk I am going to hold my 1st swag giveaway. This giveaway is a thank you for new and old followers. I really appreciate all of you and I know the authors that I feature appreciate you as well. So I will announce the Lorraine Nelson winners Saturday! Then on Monday a new rafflecopter will be up and any FOLLOWER can put in for the swag! What is swag? Swag is bookmarks, magnets, cards etc. The swag will be from authors who have been on the site. If this goes well and I see an interest in the swag I will start to do these giveaways in between the author interviews (every other wk)! So each person will get a several swag pieces for winning. Thanks again for all my followers.

Love
Julie

Lorraine Nelson review 5

A Cowgirls Pride


Leah, sister to Lucas has been away from home for a long time. The Manning family, has been through hell. With everything settling down from a kidnapping, murder and mayhem that has been ever present on the ranch, a nice break is what they need. Leah, comes home with a new set of issues all together. No one has known where she has been and they have all been upset with her because of the lack of communication. They don't know the hell she has been through in the past 5 yrs. First a witnesses to a gruesome murder, then forced into be a almost slave to the evil man himself, only to find herself pregnant and now on the run. She runs to the only place she knows to go, home to Thunder Creek Ranch. The 1st person she sees is Cal.  Cal and Leah, together as teens, have been apart now for years. Leah trying to make it on her own and Cal wishing for her return. But will Cal be able to handle the life she has had to lead these years or the baby that grows with in already? And will Leah bring even more disaster to the ranch  that she had called home for many years?

Lorraine Nelson, you hit this one out of the park. I loved it! Talk about a page turner. Excitement, mystery, murder, love, heartache, even a lost loved one returned. What more can you ask for in a good story? Loved seeing Zakia and the family again and seeing the twins still causing mischief. Meeting Uncle Cam was unexpected but welcomed. Can't wait to see Michael or Cam's story. Would love to see how Sam and Blake fare.  Hopefully Lorraine will send it to me for the site...would LOVE to follow the story! The series as a whole is excellent and I highly recommend!


See the rafflecopter to the right of the pg to check out the giveaway!

Lorraine Nelson review 4

Trouble Brewing in Thunder Creek

Any who follow this series, know Lucas Senior and Winnie. The story unfolds at 2/3 mark of the last book. Zakia explains what is going on and Winnie not wanting to believe the worst in her oldest son goes on the defense. Any who do not follow, this one gives enough back story to get caught up. The story reaffirms the love between Lucas Sr. and Winne. You get to know there characters very well and you feel the grief of a mother. Winnie being a Manning in marriage and her son accused of doing some awful things, is very torn. As a wife, to support her husband and his family and as a mother to protect her son. Lucas shows his undying love for her and that sex is not just for the young! They have their share of fun in the story. Along the way we see the story again but from a different light. A little slow in parts but you want to see what happens to Roy (Winnie's son) and his true involvement in the kidnapping mystery.

I really like these Thunder Creek Ranch books. This one is a book with a lot of back story. I know some readers hate that, so be for warned. Now if you haven't read the series it is one that gets you caught up to speed. Not my favorite but I loved seeing the relationship between Winnie and Lucas. You understand that they are true mates, in every sense of the word and there undying love for one another. Over 18 lots of really good sex scenes! But a good story too! Thanks for the read Ms. Nelson!

Don't for get to check out the rafflecopter to the right of the pg!

Lorraine Nelson review 3

Covert Mission

As everyone settles sown form the commotion in book one , a stalker, Zakia and Luke coming back together, and everyone being in danger. Things start to resemble a little bit more normal on the Thunder Creek Ranch. The twins thriving, Zakia and Luke are gloriously happy. Sam, Zakia's best friend, war veteran, has loss she has been dealing with on her own. Not even Zakia knows the extent of her headache. So as Blake pushes to get closer and closer, Sam is so drawn to him but holds back. She does not see a future with this man, even with the extreme attraction to both his body and mind. The more time Blake spends with Sam, he knows she is the one. He doesn't understand why she will not give the two a chance. He just knows that he wants her in his life, to raise a family with and never leave his side. As they finally get to the point of talking and getting down to business, danger comes back to the ranch. The stalker, Roy has escaped and the family, Luke and Zakia has created, is in danger. Blake steps up and gets his team in gear to protect the family. Sam, gets a target on her back as well and now Blake has even more at risk. Will they finally be able to put Roy to justice? Will the family ever be safe or will we lose one of the people we have all come to love? And will, a secret Sam has kept, end their budding relationship?

I really enjoyed this book. The romance was building from book 1 and you are at the point you know the characters and the more you learn the more in love you fall for this family. The sex scenes are adult and very steamy. You really are rooting for  Blake and Sam. I also liked how we got to continue to see lots from Luke, Zakia and the boys. My only fault I read was a little bit about the hospital scenes. I personal work in a hospital, so I am more critical of those scenes. Nothing that would ruin a book or plot, just technical issues. The story more than makes up for the slight issues. Am looking forward to reading more on the Thunder Creek Ranch. If you like a good romance, you will love these books! Thanks Lorraine for asking for a review, I thoroughly enjoyed my time.

Lorraine Nelson interview part 2

 Please Welcome back Lorraine Nelson to Julie’s Book Review. Reviews from Lorraine will be posted on the blog this week.  Lorraine Nelson is giving away a free e-book to one lucky winner, any one book of the winner's choice from Lorraine's books. You must follow the Blog to win! Come and let’s meet Lorraine!

Of your published books out, is there a  favorite? Favorite scene? Favorite Character?
Would you want to meet that character in real life?

Favorite Characters: 

I fall a little in love with all my heroes as I’m writing, so it’s difficult to pick a favorite. I think maybe Teddy in Her Unlikely Bodyguard. And for a heroine, I’d pick Sam from Covert Mission: Undercover Cop. She’s feisty and independent, despite a handicap.

Who would you want to meet in real life?

I’d love to meet any one of them if I found an equivalent in real life.

What would that character say to your readers?

Why, they’d tell readers how great I portrayed them in my writing, of course. ;)

LOL, Of Course!

Do you have any new books coming out soon?

Cauldron of Tales is a collection of witch tales (combo of sweet and spicy) written by myself and some awesome author friends. We’re self-publishing this anthology with a scheduled release date of October 1st. Click here to like us and for more info: http://www.facebook.com/CauldronOfTalesAnthology?ref=ts

Bad Boy Blake, a contemporary romantic suspense, is releasing through Evernight in October, no affirmed date yet.

Can you tell us anything about any current projects?

Thunder Creek Ranch series with Evernight…Cameron’s Quest is in the works and I’ve already had requests for Michael’s story. J As long as there are readers interested in my work, I’ll keep writing.

I’ve had requests from Harlequin Intrigue and Harlequin American. Been busy getting those ready to mail. J

Do you have anything specific you would like to tell or share with your future readers and followers?

Follow your heart toward your goals and dreams and you can’t go wrong, whether it be in your personal or professional life. 

Where can everyone find your books?

My books are listed on my website. You’ll find blurbs, excerpts, reviews, and purchase links there. http://lorrainenelson.weebly.com

Or you can check out my author page on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lorraine-Nelson/e/B005XMAYFQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

What social media sites are you on besides Julie’ Book Review?

http://www.lorrainenelson.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/LorraineNelson.Author
http://twitter.com/#!/lornelca
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5254629.Lorraine_Nelson
http://www.amazon.com/Lorraine-Nelson/e/B005XMAYFQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
http://pinterest.com/lorrainefnelson/

http://www.thetalentcave.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82&itemid=4
http://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=hb_tab_home_top
https://plus.google.com/108888628078471384542#108127929561146640061/posts

Lets do something fun!

Ok.

E-reader or paperback

Both!

Chocolate or Vanilla or Peanut Butter

Vanilla

Hamburger or Hot Dog Or Pizza

Pizza

Reading fiction or non fiction

Fiction

Favorite book of all time

Toss up between Gone with the Wind and The Proud Breed

Favorite author of all time

Danielle Steel

Dogs  or cats

Cats

Tea or Coffee

Tea

Favorite color

Purple

Tall Dark and Handsome or Blonde Buff and cute?

Tall, Dark, and Handsome!

Lorraine Nelson is giving away one of her books, winners choice of which. To win, check out the rafflcopter, you can have several entries a day!  Good luck! Winner’s name will be drawn in two week’s time.

Thanks, Lorraine, and it has been a pleasure talking with you! We hope you have great success in the future.

Julie Ramsey

Thank you so much for having me, Julie, and for the best wishes.

Lorraine

More Blurbs from Lorranie Nelson

His Christmas Wish - Excerpt

    Damn! Someone must have left the road.
    His irritation soon turning to concern, he pulled on his winter gear, grabbed the shovel and opened the door to a blast of blinding wind and snow. Fighting his way to the truck, he was relieved when it started on the first turn of the key. He quickly reversed and drove out to the road, pulled in behind the ditched vehicle and grabbed his flashlight.
    The car, covered in snow, had come to rest halfway up the snow bank. His light shone on a busted window in the driver’s door. Alarmed, he waded through the snow and wrenched the door open. The driver toppled against him as far as the seatbelt allowed. A woman. Her subtle scent tickled his nostrils, reminding him of things long forgotten. He felt for a pulse. It was there, but weak, her skin cool to the touch. Her limbs appeared to be okay. Nothing broken that he could tell. He reached around her to undo the catch, carefully lifted her into his arms and carried her to his truck, his headlights picking out burnished copper streaks in the long wavy hair.
    No! Fate wouldn’t be that cruel. Gently, he laid her prone form on the seat, brushing the hair back off her forehead, and stared upon the face of the woman he’d once loved. So beautiful! So intelligent! So sexy! He felt a stirring in his groin and chastised himself for lusting after her when she was hurt and unconscious.

Mistletoe & Mr. Hoe - Excerpt
   “Would you like a coffee, or a glass of wine?”
    “Wine would be nice.”
    “Would you prefer red or white?”
    “Either one is fine, as long as you choose cold and sweet.”
    “Coming right up.” He kissed her again before he let go to grab a bottle and two glasses, then allowed her to lead the way into the living room. He’d lit a fire in the fireplace and the warmth felt lovely after the cool dampness outside.
    “This is cozy,” she said.
    “I like a fire on stormy nights to keep the dampness at bay.”
    “I’ve never lived anywhere with a fireplace, so to me this is extra cozy.”
    “Then I’m doubly glad I had the foresight to light a fire tonight. I want you to be comfortable here, with me.”
    “Oh, Simon, I am comfortable with you, at least, the you that I’ve come to know. But you have so many layers tucked away inside that, when they surface, I don’t know how to respond.”
    “I’ve lived alone most of my life. I moved too fast for all the wrong reasons and I scared you off. This time, we’ll take things as slow as you need to.”
    “Sometimes slow is not necessarily better.”
    “What are you saying?” he asked, his expression a mix of curiosity and hopefulness.
    “I want to be with you. Do you regret making love to me?”
    “No. How could you even think that?” He sat the bottle and glasses on a side table and wrapped her in his arms.   
    “Making love to you has been the best thing to happen to me in years.”
    He proved his words by kissing her senseless, then he undressed her, slowly and with care, caressing and kissing every inch as the golden expanse of her skin became exposed to his view. She was melting and it had nothing to do with the heat of the fire and everything to do with the man lowering her gently to the fireside rug. He lay down beside her, gliding his hands softly over her skin as he kissed her urgently, with more purpose.
    “The firelight is kind to you, Noelle. It flickers over your skin like a lover’s touch, fleeting yet leaving a burnished glow to captivate and arouse.”
    “Do I captivate you, Simon?”
    “More than any woman has a right to. I need you.”
    “And I need you,” she said as she reached for the buttons on his shirt.
    She undressed him slowly and with care, as he had done for her, and when his manhood sprang loose, she ran her fingers gently up and down the magnificent, silky length.   
    When they came together, it was like a mating of souls, each ministering to the other instinctively, without conscious thought of their own needs. Her rapture knew no bounds as she made love with this special man.
    Afterward, they lay entwined, her back to his front, watching the flickering firelight, not speaking, not moving, but comfortable in the silence. Eventually, he began to smooth his hand down her side and up again, getting closer to but not touching the underside of her breast with every upward movement.
    “Want to go for a dip in the hot tub?”
    “Yes, but can we come back to the fire?”
    “We’d be more comfortable in bed.”
    “Mmmm, a bed has certain advantages.”
    “Whatever you wish. I’ll keep the fire burning all night if you want me to.”
    “You would?”
    “If that makes you happy.”
    “You make me happy, but so does your hot tub.”
    Getting up he held out his hand and helped her to her feet, his gaze never leaving her own as he said, “Having you here with me is all the happiness I need.”   
    The firelight reflected their nude bodies in the patio doors, but instead of becoming embarrassed, she felt renewed. This is where she was meant to be, right here, with this man who’d come to mean so much.

Susan Buchaman

 Sign of the Times

This story wraps and intertwines the lives of twelve very different characters. Holly is an accomplished author, who finds herself in a love tough of war between, Tom, her long-time Beau and Dario, the sexy, dark, and rich Italian. Tom, feeling lonely without Holly considers the unthinkable. Maggie, a courageous philanthropist, giggles when she discovered Jen budding romance with electric Ben, but will Ben tell Jen his secret. Oscar and Gaby hit a bump or should I say a baby bump? Sex craze Lucy causes havoc, does her relationship with Carl survive? Needless to say this books has so many turns, dips, and flips you have to hold on tight to not miss the action.

This book comes with no shortage of indiscretions, scandal and secrets. You really have to hold on to every page not to miss a character. Susan Buchanan does a good job of weaving lives, yet proving to the reader just how interconnected we are as people. With just enough scandal and sexuality without becoming lewd or indecent, this book is a nice read.

Akisha Clark

Lorraine Nelson Review 2

Zakia and the Cowboy

Zakia as a young women, married Luke the love of her life. Both were young but the chemistry is strong. Luke, a cowboy through and through. Owning and running a ranch, kept him busy. If not out working on the farm, he was working with his animals. Except for at night. At night, was for Zakia. Zakia although, in love with Luke was very lonely. All ways by herself and never included in the ranch, started to regret getting married so young. So when she leaves Luke, he really doesn't understand why but gives her the divorce. Just when Zakia, realizes she is still in love with Luke, want to go back and finds out she is pregnant, she gets divorce papers n the mail. She thinks, maybe he didn't love me? So as she raises the twins on her own, mysterious things start to happen. Someone is leaving notes around her home, where no can get to. The messages are getting more and more violent and threatening and she fears for her boys safety. So with Sam, her best friend's help, Zakia runs for her life! She goes to the only person she thinks can help her, Luke.

This was an awesome story. You fall in love with Zakia, Luke and her boys. I loved the characters in this book. All were interesting, real, and you cheer for them and want things to go well for them. Of course, if that were all it would not be an interesting story would it? I really liked how the author sets up the next book by including the characters.  Easy, romantic read with some excitement through in for good measures. Contains adult content so 18 and up.

Check out the giveaway to the right of the page. Winners announced SAT!!

Michelle Gordan

The Earth Angel Training Academy

Velvet is an old soul who runs an academy whose main purpose is to train angels, fairies, aliens, and other beings in the ways of human life. These beings are then born into the human world with the intent of awakening people to be good and to do right, in an attempt to make the earth a better place. When earth begins to spiral downward, an influx of students crowd the academy in an attempt to get to earth to save the human race before it’s too late. This book follows Velvet, the headmaster, as she prepares herself and her students for the possible Golden Age of the earth. Through the process she experiences many ups and downs, enjoys new found love, deals with devastating loss, and begins remembering things about her past that she doesn’t recall ever forgetting.

This book was enjoyable and very well written. Geared towards a younger audience, it can be motivational and enlightening. It is based around the idea of reincarnation and the afterlife, and refers to more than one Supreme Being, a god and a goddess. That being said, if you are at all religious, you may have difficulty with some of the subject matter, as I did in parts. The overall message of the book, however, was a positive one.    

Kristen

Lorraine Nelson review 1

Her Unlikely Bodyguard

Jemma Leigh has been tormented by a stalker for months now. She finally gets scared enough to run! She runs to the only place she has left home. Her parents welcome her with open arms even with her son they have never had a chance to know. When her ex-boyfriend accidentally hits her with his truck, the old memories come flooding back to her. Ted and Jemma had been great together. But after graduation they went there separate ways. Ted going to the army and Jemma going to school. Now meeting again, the sparks are still there. When Ted see her son, he also finds out she has keept something from him as well. Will the problems of the past keep them apart? And when the stalker finds her again, and has already killed one of her friends, how will Jemma keep all who she loves safe?

Her Unlikely Bodyguard, is a very sweet love story with some danger mixed in. Jemma and Ted have immediate chemistry and you wonder how they ever separated in the first place. It gives the old adage of 'if it is meant to be , it will be", some merit. The love story itself would have been good but the adding of the stalker, just adds to the excitement. Wonderful, easy read. As a lover of lifetime movies, I could totally see this as one! Does have adult content so 18 and up.

Lorraine Nelson interview part one

Please Welcome Lorraine Nelson to Julie’s Book Review. Reviews from Lorraine will be posted on the blog this week.  Lorraine Nelson is giving away a free e-book to one lucky winner, any one book of the winner's choice from Lorraine's books. You must follow the Blog to win! Come and let’s meet Lorraine!


Hello, Lorraine. How are you doing?
Hi, Julie! I’m doing fine, busy, but fine. J

Welcome to Julie’s Book Review. We are thrilled to have you on the site.

Thank you. It’s great to be here.

I am an avid reader and I always wonder how did they come up with that story? Did you have any special inspiration for your first story?

The first contemporary romance I wrote was Love on the Rocks, recently released from Breathless Press. My main inspiration was in wanting to type something besides typing tests and mundane drills. I was on medical leave for an amputated thumb and desperately trying to get the flexibility back in that hand. I saw an ad about The Rocks at Hopewell Cape, a local tourist attraction. It sparked an idea and I ran with it, finishing the manuscript seven weeks later.



What genres do you like to read personally? Any others you would like to explore as a writer?

I write what I love to read, romantic suspense. I’ve also written historical, inspirational, sweet romance, a medical romance, and a witch story, but my main love is romantic suspense.



As a writer do you have any authors you look up to or even any that have helped you along? Who do you follow and read when not writing books?

Oh golly! There are too many to name. I love so many authors and have made numerous online friends to whom I can reach out for info or a brainstorming session. I have a vast collection of books, both print and ebooks, and what I’m reading depends on my mood at any given time. 

 

Of your published books out, is there a  favorite? Favorite scene? Favorite Character?
Would you want to meet that character in real life?

Tough question, Julie!

Zakia and the Cowboy and Blessed Homecoming have both received their silver stars on Are, so I’m proud of those two babies for sure.

Favorite Scene? 

 Jeesh, girl! You don’t make this easy. LOL The following scene is a short peek at my current work in progress, Cameron’s Quest, Book 5 in my Thunder Creek Ranch series with Evernight.

When Cam returned with the last of their cases, the girls were nowhere in sight. They’d removed their coats and boots, making use of the coat rack behind the door and lining their boots up neatly on the rubber mat. An eruption of giggles drew his glance to the loft and there were his daughters, standing and looking into the master bedroom.

Cam shucked his boots and coat and joined them upstairs. “What’s so funny?”

“Uh, we were just laughing at Mama. She saw your huge bed and her feet took flight,” said Lynne.

“Yeah, she fairly flew and landed on top with a big bounce.” Rena looked almost stunned by her mother’s antics, as did Lynne and Abby.

“Well, she’s never had a proper bed. We’ve all had singles,” admitted Abby, almost apologetic for her mother’s behavior.

Cam stepped into the room to see Lacey sitting primly at the edge of the bed, her cheeks flushed and rosy with embarrassment. He walked closer and leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Anytime you want that bed to bounce, call me. We’ll rock it together.” He pulled back to discover her cheeks an even darker red, her eyes lit with…desire?

“That’s a deal, cowboy.”

Cam’s surprise must have shown on his face for she giggled as she pushed to her feet.

“So, what are the sleeping arrangements?” Hot color crept into her already heated cheeks. Oh, shit! What a bloody fool I am. Why am I always putting my foot in it around this man?

***

OK That is all folks for today! Come back to see part 2 and some more reviews by Lorraine Nelson. Check out the rafflecopter to the right of the page and see how to win a free book buy this awesome author! I have really enjoyed her books, I hope you do as well!

Julie

Blurbs From Lorraine Nelson!

***Warning Adult Material***

Her Unlikely Bodyguard - Excerpt

Jemma Leigh woke to a high-pitched wailing sound and tried to sit up but couldn't, only then realizing she was strapped down in a moving vehicle. Before she could panic or even give voice to the questions floating around in her head, there was a flurry of movement in her peripheral vision.

One of the paramedics kneeled beside her in an instant. "Don't be alarmed, Miss Harding. The straps are for your own protection. You can't be expected to hold on in a moving vehicle when you're unconscious."

"Unconscious?"

"Yes. That truck knocked you unconscious when it hit you. Don't you remember?"

"I remember hearing the truck and jumping back to the sidewalk. I was standing there, watching the approach of a rather irate driver when everything became foggy. I don't remember anything after that."

"We couldn't find any signs of a head injury. Is it possible you just fainted?"

"I've never fainted in my life!" she exclaimed.

"Shock does strange things to people, especially when there's personal injury involved."

"Shock I can understand, after seeing that monster of a truck coming directly at me, but I jumped clear. How could there be personal injury?"

"You have a nasty abrasion on your left ankle. It's going to require stitches, at the very least."

"What? How?" she asked, confused, finally becoming aware of a gentle throbbing in her foot.

"The driver found blood on his front fender. Your ankle got a good clip before he managed to stop."

At mention of the driver, Jemma Leigh's thoughts returned to Theodore Garrity. The moments they'd shared during high school and summer vacations were still mighty precious, turning her dreams into an erotic oasis on more than one occasion over the years. Why did she have to have a close encounter with him of all people…and on her first day back, too? What was he doing in town? Her mother told her he'd married and lived out west somewhere.

The cessation of movement brought her back to the present predicament and she gave the paramedic a questioning look.

"We're at the hospital. The staff here will have you stitched up good as new in no time. You'll soon be on your way as long as there are no internal injuries."

"Hopefully sooner. I don't have time for this."

"Some things you have to make time for and having that ankle tended to is one of them," he answered. Another paramedic opened the rear doors, helped roll the stretcher out of the ambulance and into the emergency department. The smell of antiseptic and disinfectant assaulted her nostrils as they wheeled her over to the nurses' station.

When the nurse came out to greet them, Jemma Leigh stated, "Hi, I need to make a phone call."

"I'll bring you a phone just as soon as we have you settled in an examining room," the nurse assured her.

As luck would have it, emergency wasn't busy that day and the doctor arrived as they transferred her from the stretcher to a bed. He was tall, with short blonde hair and electric blue eyes, and extremely good-looking. "Good afternoon, Miss Harding. I'm Dr. Harrison. Heard you had a run-in with a truck and the truck won," he stated, turning a megawatt smile in her direction.

Wow! She wondered what had happened to draw so many handsome men to this backwater town. This guy seemed almost too perfect…good looks, a sense of humor and a secure, good paying job at that. Clueing in to the silence surrounding her, she shot a shaky smile at the doctor and said, "I prefer being called Jemma Leigh. The truck was much bigger than I was and all it got was a bit of skin off my ankle. I think the fact that I'm still here means I won that round."

"Either that, or God isn't ready for you yet," Ted quipped sarcastically from where he stood in the doorway listening to the exchange. "Maybe it was just my excellent reflexes that saved your hide."

"You always did have a strange sense of humor, Teddy. You should pay more attention when you're behind the wheel of that brute. What are you doing here?"

"Just checking on the invalid. I was worried when you didn't immediately regain consciousness."

"As you can see, I'm fine. No insurance claims pending, so now you can go."

"Consider me gone."

Surprisingly, he left without a good-bye or a backward glance, just as he'd done...no, she wasn't going there.

A Cowgirl's Pride - Excerpt

Prologue

Four years ago

Leah sat straight up in bed, listening intently, wondering what, or who, had awakened her. Roddy’s side of the king-sized bed was empty. Where was he?

A fresh breeze blew in on the night air, causing her to hug herself and rub her arms to erase the chill. She pulled the blankets more securely around her nude form, but still she was cold. She rose to close the window, the autumn winds a bit too brisk for her liking. That’s when she heard it.

Her hands stilled on the frame as she heard the raised voices, anger and rage ringing in their depths.

“Hey, man! I wasn’t coming onto your woman. You can have her. Leah’s a bit too scrawny for my taste.”

“Now you’re insulting her? If you’re not interested, why did you get so close when she danced? Why did you try to climb up on the stage?”

“I do that with all the girls, Rod. You know that. I just try to encourage their dancing. It doesn’t mean anything.”

“It does to me. You touched her…touched my woman, and I won’t have it.”

“She flaunts herself in front of everybody in the club. Can I help it if her moves are drool worthy?”

“Drool worthy? I’ll show you drool worthy.”

The sheen of metal flashed in the moonlight. A knife! Roddy held a lethal looking knife.

“You’re dog meat, Parker.” He plunged the knife into his friend then pushed him backward onto the ground.

Leah gasped in shock, quickly covering her mouth, but he must have heard. His head jerked up and focused on her window—on her. Good Lord!

“Roddy, help me,” Alex’s pain-filled voice begged, drawing his focus. “I thought we were friends.”

“Hard to be friends with a dead man.” He stabbed him again, then whistled for his dogs as he wiped the knife on Alex’s shirt.

Jumping back from the window, horrified at the cold-blooded murder she’d just witnessed, she backed away, ever so slowly, hoping he hadn’t seen her.

She should run! Far and fast. This was a side of Roddy she’d never known existed. Footsteps pounded up the stairs. Too late! She jumped into bed, pulling the blankets tight, her entire body shaking in reaction. What kind of man had she gotten involved with that he could kill one of his best friends in cold blood?

The bedroom door slammed back against the wall and she cringed in fright. He threw back the covers, grabbed her arm and hauled her out of bed.

“You fucking whore!”

“Roddy, stop! You’re hurting me!” She fought against his hold, but it was no use. He half-lifted, half-dragged her to the window, where the sound of his dogs snarling and growling could easily be heard.

“You bitch! See what you made me do? Look! Open your eyes, damn it!”

He jerked her hard against the sill, banging her head on the window. She straightened, felt the tip of the knife under her chin and her eyes flew open. A gory sight met her gaze. Roddy’s dogs, wolfhounds, were tearing poor Alex limb from limb. Bile formed in the pit of her stomach, threatening to erupt. She tried to look away but the knife pierced her skin. A trickle of blood warmed a trail between her breasts. Terrified, she tilted her head back, squeezing her eyes shut against the horrid image. “Roddy, please!”

“Please what?” he asked, skimming the blade from her throat to her ear.

“Please, let me go,” she whimpered. She hated showing weakness of any kind, but she couldn’t stop herself.

“Why? You don’t like the show?” he taunted.

“No…no, I don’t.”

“Maybe you’ll like this better.”

With one hand he scraped the knife down over her shoulder and up again; the other he used to squeeze her right breast painfully hard while holding her tight against him. His erection poked into her backside. She couldn’t believe it! How could he kill a man and get off on it? She held her breath, scarcely daring to breathe as the blade came across under her other breast.

“I could rid you of these, then you wouldn’t be of any use as a topless dancer at Le Club Rouge Sang. What do you think?”

His voice was low, evil with intent.

She sucked in a breath, alarmed at his words. “If my dancing bothers you, why not just allow me to quit?” she asked, a measure of backbone finally coming to her aid.

He flung the knife to the floor and spun her around to face him, his eyes fiery orbs in the glistening moonlight. “Oh, you’ll dance. But no more touching. You’re mine! Do you hear me? Mine! I own you, body and soul! You’d be nothing if not for me.” He shook her roughly, emphasizing his words.

Before she could reply, he’d swung her up in his arms, carried her across the room and threw her down on the bed. She scampered backwards, pulling at the covers to hide her nakedness. His sinister laugh rang out followed by one quick tug wherein he removed all the blankets, only the fitted sheet remaining. His gaze locked on hers, challenging, almost daring her to protest as he kicked off his shoes and began removing his clothes.

“You’re an accessory to murder. How does it feel?”

“I’m not! I didn’t…”

“You could’ve run for the phone, called it in, but you didn’t. That makes you an accessory.”

“No!”

“Yes!” he hissed. “And if I hear you breathe a word of what happened here tonight, your fate will be the same as dear Alex’s. Understand?”

She nodded, afraid, truly terrified for the first time in her life. Without a doubt, he’d kill her and never suffer a moment’s remorse. Her lover was a monster, someone she didn’t even know, evincing a dark evil; the spawn of the devil.

He grabbed her feet and yanked her to the edge of the bed, his hard cock pushing against her clit as he held her legs at his sides. “Understand? I want to hear the words.”

“Yes, Roddy, I understand.”

I understand that you are not the charming, debonair man I thought you were. She vowed to get away as soon as she could. But how?