a #NKBlogTours feature: Mike Torreano & 'The Reckoning' @mike_torreano #Western #Mystery

Today we have author Mike Torreano visiting. Welcome!

What would you like to tell readers about yourself?

* Mike Torreano has a military background and is a student of history and the American West. He fell in love with Zane Grey’s descriptions of the Painted Desert in the fifth grade, when his teacher made her students read a book and write a report every week.
* Mike recently had a short story set during the Yukon gold rush days published in an anthology, and he’s written for magazines and small newspapers. An experienced editor, he’s taught University English and Journalism. He’s a member of Colorado Springs Fiction Writers, Pikes Peak Writers, The Historical Novel Society, and several western history groups. He brings his readers back in time with him as he recreates western life in late 19th century America.

What are you going to tell us about today?

~ Blurb ~ * Ike McAlister returns home to Kansas after the Civil War, his soul bruised and empty. Worse, his parents have been killed by Quantrill’s raiders who are still on the loose. No stranger to death and destruction, he vows to run the killers down. A clue leads him to the high plains of Colorado, but when his sister, Sue, disappears from there, his world quickly spins out of control. In the midst of this turmoil, a feisty landlady sparks an attraction, the only good thing in Ike’s life.
* Racing against time, he must make a deadly choice. If he continues to pursue the killers, Sue will likely never be found. But if he veers off to find his sister, the killers’ trail will go cold.
* Which track to follow? Will the love of family triumph in his broken heart, or will it be the passionate hate of revenge? ~ Excerpt ~ For an excerpt, visit one of the buy links below. Buy The Reckoning here... Amazon | Barnes & Noble Find Mike Torreano here... Facebook | Twitter | Website Thank you for joining us here today, Mike Torreano! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your story.

a #NKBlogTours feature: London Saint James & 'Trouble in Paradise' @LSJRomance #EroticRomance

Today we have author London Saint James visiting. Welcome!

What would you like to tell readers about yourself?
* London Saint James has lived in many places, but never felt “at home” until she met the real-life man of her dreams and settled down in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. London lives with her husband and their fat cat who thinks he owns them.
* As an award-winning, bestselling, multi-published author, London is living her childhood dream. She knew all the scribbling she did, that big imagination of hers, and all those clamoring characters running around in her head would pay off someday.

What are you going to tell us about today?

~ Blurb ~ If you know what’s good for you, you’ll go back to Dallas.
* Since coming home Sutton has inherited herself a heap of headaches, two bossy men who want her for their own, threatening notes, and a whole lot of trouble in Paradise.
* Having Doc McNab as competition, being ten years Sutton’s senior, and under her employ, meant the deck was stacked against Flint Palmer when it came to winning the sexy, vivacious Sutton as his woman. No way would she be interested in an old, worn-out, ex-rodeo cowboy like him, but that wasn’t going to stop the man from trying.
* With the exception of the pretty as a picture, Sutton Callaway, Kale McNab’s childhood sucked. He’d been jerked up more so than raised by his ex-convict of a father, eventually leaving the girl and West Texas behind. Now, he’s all grown and back in Sutton’s life, willing to do whatever it takes to stay there. ~ Audio Sample ~ CLICK HERE ~ Want to know what readers have to say about Trouble in Paradise? ~ 5 sexy stars!! Whoo I may need to be hosed down after reading this sexy, sexy book!! ~ Melissa –Amazon
Whoo! What a twisting turning, one hell of a cliff hanger, roller coaster ride that was. ~ Cutting Muse Blog Review
It’s a must read book. ~ Shelly – Goodreads

Buy Trouble in Paradise, A Paradise Ranch Novel Book 2, here... Audible | Audible - UK | Amazon | Amazon - UK | iTunes Download for free when you sign up for an Audible 30-day free trial: Audible Offer Find London Saint James here... Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Google+ | Newsletter | Twitter | Website Thank you for joining us here today, London Saint James! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your story.

Deborah Camp & 'Solitary Horseman' @DeboKabaski @GoddessFish #HistoricalRomance #Western

Today we have author Deborah Camp visiting. Welcome!

What would you like to tell readers about yourself?

* Author of more than 45 novels, Deborah lives in Oklahoma. She has been a full-time writer since she graduated from the University of Tulsa. She worked for a few years as a reporter for newspapers before becoming a freelance writer. Deborah's first novel was published in the late 1970s and her books have been published by Jove, New American Library, Harlequin, Silhouette, and Avon. She has been inducted into the Oklahoma Authors Hall of Fame and she is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of the Author's Guild.
* Lover of the west and the people who tried to tame it, Deborah likes to write about strong, independent women and the men who are their equals. She grew up on a diet of TV westerns which have served her well. Since she appreciates men with devilish twinkles in their eyes, she likes to mix laughter in with the love scenes in her books. Also widely published in non-fiction, she writes and edits for a magazine focused on small businesses. Deborah taught fiction writing for more than 10 years at a community college. She is currently working on her next historical romance set in the wild, wonderful west.
* Her books have been re-issued on Amazon for Kindle Direct and have attracted tens of thousands of new fans. For a list of them, visit her website.

Today Deborah Camp will be talking about, "If I Never Heard of Me, Would I Read My Book?"
* I’m going to assume – and rightly so – that you’ve never heard of me. Even though I’ve written and had published more than 40 novels, I know that most of you reading this have never heard of me or read anything by me.
* Would I read what I write? Yes. I do all the time! Like most writers, I write what I would want to read as a reader. I love a good romance, whether it’s present day, back in history, or in the future. I like to read books set in the West because I like cowboys. Living in Oklahoma probably has something to do with that, but also my dad loved to watch westerns so I received a steady diet of them. From Bonanza to Rawhide, we watched them all. On Saturday mornings I watched the Lone Ranger and Roy Rogers.
* The women, I felt, didn’t have much to do in those western TV shows. Even Dale Evans was fairly useless, except for getting into trouble and having to be rescued. I guess that’s why I liked The Big Valley so much. Barbara Stanwyck and Linda Evans did more than look pretty and be helpless (although there was some of that even with them).
* In my books, the women are equal to the men. Heroines should think for themselves and make things happen. While they were definitely hampered in what they could do back then, women managed to leave their mark. The West wouldn’t have been tamed without strong, willful women.
* In Solitary Horseman, Banner Payne takes the reins of her life in her hands and makes the best of the bad situation she finds herself in. She doesn’t sit back and wait for a man to save her. She finds a way to save herself – and Callum Latimer takes notice. His feelings for her begin with admiration and respect and grow into desire and passion.
* I not only enjoyed writing it, but I also enjoyed reading it. A look into...

~ Blurb ~ * Texas rancher Callum Latimer believed that the Civil War had killed everything tender and yearning inside of him until he struck up a partnership with Banner Payne. His dark-haired, golden-eyed, spirited neighbor stirred embers that he thought were long dead . . .
* Sunlight glided over hair as she shifted from one boot to the other, and before his mind could catch up with his instincts, Callum reached out and wrapped his index finger around one of her auburn curls. Its softness against his calloused skin sent longing through him like a rushing river. She’d be like that all over – soft where he was hard, giving where he was not. He heard her gasp and his heart bucked. ~ Excerpt ~ * Topping a small ridge, he caught sight of the two cowhands, who were now with Eller and Hollis. Just as well. He didn’t mind that audience for what he was about to do. They needed to know what he would and wouldn’t put up with. As Butter approached them at a lazy trot, they all turned in their saddles to face him. Shadows played across them, but Callum was fairly certain that Johnson and Baines shared a quick and telling eyeball to eyeball exchange.
* Yes, boys, time to reap what you’ve sown. Callum slowed Butter to a walk and then reined her to a stop near the semi-circle of cowpokes. He looked toward the mooing herd, some grazing and some lying down to chew their cud. They were all Payne cattle. He could tell because they were underweight by his standards.
* “They’re sure on the puny side,” he said, swinging his gaze back to the men and zeroing in on Johnson. He figured that Jeb Johnson was the ringleader and Russell Baines followed along like a faithful hound. “Long way from bringing top dollar at market.”
* “We’ll get them fattened up by market time,” Eller said, all puffed up with confidence he sure as hell hadn’t earned.
* “We will, huh? That’s good to hear. I’ll hold you to that, Eller. If they’re not, maybe you’d be so kind as to let me dock your pay.”
* Eller grinned. “I ain’t that kind, cousin.”
* “Didn’t think so.”
* “But we will get these cattle up to a decent weight.” Eller gave him a wink.
* Callum switched his attention to Johnson again. “Any of you know what happened to the heifer that birthed the calf we found this morning?”
* They all exchanged befuddled glances, shaking their heads.
* “I’ve looked for her off and on all morning,” Hollis said. “I found a trail, but it got washed out.”
* “Over that rise, out by the Pitchfork foothills?” Callum asked, and Hollis nodded. “I saw that, too. Did you notice that it was the tracks of more than one cow?”
* “Yep. Looked like maybe three or four.”
* Callum nodded, all the while keeping his gaze shifting from Johnson to Baines and back to Johnson. “Mama cows with newborns don’t wander off with a couple of other heifers and leave their calves behind them.”
* “Maybe a coyote was after her,” Baines said.
* “No coyote tracks. Just cattle and horses.”
* “Horses?” Hollis echoed with a scowl.
* “They were mostly rubbed out by someone trailing a branch, making them hard to see. I had to get down off my horse and look real close to find a few of them.”
* “Well, hell.” Eller crossed his wrists on his saddle horn. “I don’t like the sound of that, cousin.”
* “Only one conclusion to make from it,” Callum said, staring hard at Johnson and watching the sweat bead on the man’s forehead under his hat’s brim and dampen his droopy black mustache. “We have some cattle thieves in our ranks.” From his periphery vision, he saw Hollis and Eller glance at each other and then direct their attention to Johnson and Baines.
* “I’ve heard about Yanks roaming in these parts and stealing cattle,” Baines piped up, his dark eyes widening.
* “I’ve heard that, too, but I don’t have any Yanks on my payroll.” Callum squinted one eye, taking a sharper bead on Johnson. “You took the Payne’s market money last season, didn’t you?”
* “No!” Baines blurted, his eyes growing even bigger, bugging out even.
* “We was robbed,” Johnson said, quietly, his face tightening.
* “Yeah, I heard that story.” Callum rested his hand on the butt of his gun. “Since then Payne cattle have gone missing every few weeks – a few here and a few there. I reckon you’re in cahoots with another rancher or just hiding the stolen cattle in the brush land by the river. Letting them get fat before you drive them to market. Of course, you plan to hightail it from here before then.”
* “You surely ain’t accusing us of stealing,” Johnson snarled.
* “No.” Callum leaned closer. “I’m calling you thieving sonsofbitches outright and to your cowardly faces. Men are hung for what you’ve done, but I don’t have the time to catch you at your thieving and turn you over to the sheriff to be hanged. So, I’m telling you to get the hell off this land and don’t ever show yourselves to me again or I’ll put a bullet in your brain pans and not lose a wink’s sleep over it.” He stared hard at Baines and then at Johnson. “Either one of you doubt me? Say so now and I’ll demonstrate on one of you.” He tightened the ivory grip on his revolver and pulled it ever so slowly from the holster.
* He could see that he’d made an instant believer out of Baines, but it took Johnson a few seconds.
* “You’re plumb loco!” Baines said. “You can’t just shoot a man and get away with it.”
* “I don’t see anyone who would say that what I do or don’t do isn’t right and proper.” He glanced at Hollis and Eller. Hollis looked off to the horizon and Eller gave a shrug and another grin.
* Johnson stared at him before the blood slowly seeped from his face until he was pasty white. He looked away from Callum’s steady gaze and stared at Eller.
* “You got anything to say about this, Hawkins?” Johnson asked.
* Eller’s brows shot up. “Seems that Cal’s doing all the talking here. I’m just a bystander.”
* Johnson glowered at him for a moment and then spit at the ground near Eller’s horse. “We don’t stay where we ain’t wanted. Where do we pick up our pay?”
* Callum had to smirk at that. “You can pick it up in cow dung on your way off the ranch.”
* Johnson’s head angled back as if he’d been socked. “You’ve made an enemy, Latimer.” He reined his horse around and gave it his spurs. Baines was right behind him, his copper colored mustang throwing up dirt clods. Buy Solitary Horseman here... Amazon Find Deborah Camp here... Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter Thank you for joining us here today, Deborah Camp! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your story.

ANNOUNCEMENT! Deborah Camp says one randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card! So be sure to leave a comment AND use the Rafflecopter below. Also, visit the other tour stops for a greater chance of winning!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a look at Debra Parmley & 'A Desperate Journey' @DebraParmley #WesternHistoricalRomance #NKBlogTours

Today we have author Debra Parmley visiting. Welcome!

What would you like to tell readers about yourself?

* Debra Parmley enjoys spreading love, one story at a time.
* Fascinated by fairy tales and folktales ever since she was young, she has always ended her stories with a happy ever after.
* A hybrid author, Debra writes in many genres. Western historical romance, contemporary romance, fairy tale romance, futuristic romance and 1920’s romance. Damsel in distress stories are some of her favorites and you will find this theme in many of her stories. Her westerns have been described as gritty.
* Debra enjoys writing, reading, playing a medieval lady in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) and world travel. Her work as a travel consultant gave her the opportunity to visit many countries and her luggage often carried home folk tales from the countries visited.
* Her three favorite things are dark chocolate, visiting the beach and ocean, and hearing from her readers. Each card, letter and email is a treasured gift, like finding a perfect shell upon the beach.
* For more information about Debra, please visit her at the links below.
* You can also listen to her live Internet radio show "Book Lights – shining a light on good books!" at 8:30pm EST on Tuesday evenings at www.readersentertainment.com.

What are you going to tell us about today?

~ Blurb ~ * Sometimes a journey of the heart is the most dangerous journey of all. Sally Wheeler learned the hard way that men aren't always what they seem. Now she will stop at nothing to track down the bigamist husband who stole her child and abandoned her on their failing Kansas farm. Even if it means traveling with a handsome maverick who could change her mind about men. Free after spending seven years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Rob Truman aims to balance the scales of justice on the man who sent him there-Luke Wheeler. His quest doesn't include falling for the one woman who will lead him to his quarry, but Sally's courage in the face of her fear touches his soul. Through dangerous days and nights on the trail, neither Sally nor Rob can ignore their growing feelings for each other. Yet both are haunted by the poor judgment that, in the past, led them down the wrong road. Love-and trust-are luxuries neither of them can afford. But as the bullets start flying, love may be all that saves them-and Sally's son. Warning: This title contains ornery mules and ornery men. Get ready to see how the West was really won - one relationship at a time! ~ Excerpt ~ For an excerpt, visit one of the "Buy Links" below Buy A Desperate Journey here... Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords Find Debra Parmley here... Blog | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest | Twitter | Website Thank you for joining us here today, Debra Parmley! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your story.

a look at Jules Dixon & 'Chaps' @JulesofTripleR @evernightpub #gay #western

Chaps: Cherry County Cowboys #2

By Jules Dixon

Evernight Publishing

Release Date May 13, 2016

Rising rodeo star Nate O’Neill never expected to be living in a small Nebraska ranching town waiting for his rodeo brother to recover from a vicious ride. His unplanned stop steers him into the arms and bed of local celebrity, Tennessee Reed. Soon he questions what thrills him more—the rodeo or Tenn. Forced to face his reckless past, he’s reminded that relationships can cause damage far worse than any bull ride … and maybe he’s headed for the same suffering again.
Professional football draft-pick Tennessee Reed returns home emotionally shattered by the unexpected passing of his father who left Tenn with a hereditary secret buried in his chest. He might be dying inside, but when Nate walks into his life all Tenn’s troubles seem to disappear into those hazel eyes and he’s never felt more alive. Will Tenn follow the cowboy wherever life leads? Or will he protect his heart and watch those fringed leather chaps ride away?

BUY LINKS

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FFYCKP8

Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/chaps-by-jules-dixon/

AllRomance.com: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-chaps-2039748-145.html

I slid my eyes up from his boots. His chaps elongated his muscular legs and emphasized his compact waist. The leather vest, worn over a black checkered long sleeved shirt, defined his firm chest, and then I skimmed my eyes up to his face. Our eyes connected, I absorbed an intensity of attraction I’d never experienced. Disturbing and unyielding, and yet, satisfying. His eyes searched my face, his eyebrows bent in and his eyes landed on my lips, but he didn’t move. He hurt from both my behavior this morning and his overindulgence at the bar, but he still gave me his strength through his desire-pooled hazel eyes.

“I’m sorry about last night … this morning.” I choked out the words. “If you’re willing to give me a second chance, I’d like to have you over to my place. Tonight for dinner and a movie. No expectations. Just you and me getting to know each other better.” I rambled the short phrases while my heart banged against my chest. My brain tangled with all the words. The hangover affected me, but asking him on a date spun my head like one of those questionable carnival rides that came through town for the Cherry County Fair and Rodeo in August every year.

Tilt-o-Whirl or Octopus or whatever it is called, this is both worse and better.

He lifted our hands and showed me how his fingers had turned a ghostly white. I loosened my grip.

He stretched his pinking fingers. “You’re sure? I’ve never done the boyfriend thing. And I’m getting a pretty clear message that maybe you’re in the same wagon, but unless you’re givin’ this a real go—and not just to get in my Levis—I’m not in, Tenn.”

I dropped his hand and he tried to shuffle back. Sliding my fingers into the fringe of his chaps, I guided him in between my legs. My heart ticked slower, with more purpose. “You’re right. I don’t have a lot of experience with the bona fide relationship thing with a guy. A few have been repeats in my bed, but not one has made a repeat performance across from me at a meal and none have ever gotten inside my head or heart.” I dragged him closer. “But since last night, I can’t get you out of my head. I’m 100% in, Mustang. Let’s take whatever this is between us for a long ride.”

He dropped his lips to mine. The kiss that I’d been craving since I watched him drive away early this morning. I slipped my tongue into his mouth and dug my nails deep into the pockets of his Wranglers.

Moments like this existed for a reason, so we felt alive.

Spurs, Book 1 in the Cherry County Cowboys Series (Each book is a standalone)

http://www.amazon.com/Jules-Dixon/e/B00PUSNF90/

"In support of those who face not being accepted for who they are, Jules is participating in the Hop for Visibility, Awareness, and Equality (http://hopforvisibilityawarenessandequality.blogspot.com/)  Enter the giveaway here

Author Bio

Fuzzy sock collector, martini connoisseur, baseball fanatic, and dandelion lover, author Jules Dixon is a living testament to the genius of sugar and caffeine being able to keep a human alive. She's addicted to everything related to the amazing emotion of love, probably instigated by her own happily ever after of 25 years with her beer-brewing hubby. Their own love story created a sassy, artistic daughter and a computer genius but ultra-sarcastic son.

Jules explores the rich psychology of sexuality, choices, and conflicts of high school, college, and young adult characters with sizzle and humor in her novels and novellas. She's a busy writer, and she loves it!

Jules Social Media Links

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/JulesDixonAuthor/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Twitter https://twitter.com/JulesofTripleR

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9868691.Jules_Dixon

Blog  http://julesdixon.com

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/JDixonAuthor/

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Jules-Dixon/e/B00PUSNF90/

Lori L. Robinett & 'Diamond in the Rough' @LoriRobinett @GoddessFish #ContemporaryRomance #Western

Today we have author Lori L. Robinett visiting. Welcome!

What would you like to tell readers about yourself?

* Lori is the author of four books, and serves as a mentor for aspiring writers. She is a creative soul trapped in a paralegal’s body. Several years ago, she discovered (and won) National Novel Writing Month and rediscovered the joy of escaping into a world of her own creation.
* She lives in rural Missouri with her husband. One very spoiled Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Beagle allow Lori and her husband to live in their house, and the outside is patrolled by BK (short for Barn Kitty) and Patches (a sweet tom cat stray that missed his calling as a lap cat).
* Her novels cover everything from romance to thrillers, but mystery is the thread that binds them all together. Her favorite authors are Tawna Fenske, Tierney James, Colleen Donnelly, Allison Merritt, Lisa Medley, Lea Waite, Susan Mallery, Hugh Howey, HP Mallory and, well, the list goes on and on.

A look into...

~ Blurb ~ * Ranch hand Aidan Brackston has built a new life at the Diamond J, and he keeps women at arm’s length to protect his secret . . . until he walks into the local scrapbook store on an errand for his boss. When he accidentally knocks Gina on her ass, she respond with a slap . . . and the fireworks begin.
* Single mom Gina Montgomery has her hands full running a business and taking care of her little boy. The last thing she needs is a man in her life, but when a tall, dark and sexy cowboy strides into her store, she’s reminded that she’s still a young woman with hopes and desires.
* Just as passion ignites between Aidan and Gina, her little boy is kidnapped by rustlers. Will the two of them be able to save her little boy . . . even if that means exposing Aidan’s secret? ~ Excerpt ~ * She peeked around the paper rack at the cowboy standing in the front of her store. He was tall, easily six foot. His shoulders were broad, his arms well muscled. A pair of work gloves tucked in his back pockets drew her eyes to his butt. Red dust covered his black cowboy hat, and his boots were scuffed. Yes, yes, yes, she thought, he was a real cowboy.
* She scooped up the box of supplies and smiled around the pencil in her teeth. Something dark and fuzzy came into her field of vision, from below, right across the top of the box. Her focus shifted from the cowboy to the thing crawling across the box clutched to her breast.
* Spider!!
* She screamed. She pitched the box and the contents flew through the air. The spider moved fast across the old linoleum tiles, straight towards her.
* She climbed on top of the folding table and squatted there. Its two front legs felt in front of it, as if it were trying to find her.
* She was so focused on the spider, she didn’t see the others. Wasn’t even aware that she was not alone in the shop, until she heard Midge’s voice.
* “Good grief, stop screaming, would you?”
* And she saw him. The cowboy. It took a moment to remember his name. Aidan. That was it. Aidan.
* Calm as could be, he walked over, picked up a piece of paper and scooped the spider up. It jerked a bit, then froze. Aidan strode to the front door. Gina stood up on the table and watched as he opened the door, squatted down and tipped the paper. Stunned, she stood and watched. She’d never seen anyone do that before. Buy Diamond in the Rough here... Amazon Find Lori L. Robinett here... Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads Thank you for joining us here today, Lori L. Robinett! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your story.

ANNOUNCEMENT! Lori L. Robinett will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour! So be sure to leave a comment AND use the Rafflecopter below. Also, visit the other tour stops for a greater chance of winning!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Vanessa Vale & 'Wildflowers of Montana Series' @iamvanessavale @GoddessFish #Erotic #Western

Today we have author Vanessa Vale visiting. Welcome!

What would you like to tell readers about yourself?

* #1 Amazon Bestseller in Erotic Western and Historical Erotica
* Who doesn't love the romance of the old West? Vanessa Vale takes the sensual appeal of rugged cowboys a step further with her bestselling books set in the Montana Territory. They are much more than just sexy historical westerns. By introducing sexual taboos into this otherwise traditional romantic setting, Vanessa has won the loyalty of a fan base that never knows quite what to expect with each new series.
* "Montana Maidens" was the first to push the envelope with strong BDSM themes. "Montana Men" followed suit with softer themes but lots of deliciously graphic sex. "The Bridgewater Series" showcases ménage relationships because sometimes one hot cowboy isn't enough. No-holds-barred, graphic descriptions, strong storytelling, engaging characters and breathtaking landscapes all combine to make very naughty reads.
* And as a resident of Wild Wild West, Vanessa Vale finds plenty of inspiration for her work, for who doesn't love a handsome cowboy?

Today Vanessa Vale will be talking about "My take on critique groups: They aren't just your friends."

* I have a critique group and we've been together since 2002. That's a long time!
* For me, my writing 'career' and my critique group all started the day of my first meeting with the Colorado Romance Writers. I'm horrendously shy about meeting new people and one of the leaders of the group told me if I wanted to start writing, I should be in a critique group. So she found five other women in the room and pulled us together and said, “There, now you are a group.”
* I'd never laid eyes on any of these women before. Two were my age, three were older. Tall, short, round, thin, dark, light. We were sooooo different! I was having a mental nervous breakdown because not only did I have to get to know five (!) strangers, I had to bare my writing soul with them.
* We met every other Tuesday night at one of our houses. This was before Amazon, before self-publishing and we were all writing to match what Harlequin accepted (Blaze was the hottest of the hot back then) and the stupid query letter.
* Critique partners are better than friends. Why?
1. They tell you the truth. Your 'friend' friends might sugar coat an answer about your writing. “It's not my kind of book, because I don't read those books, but it's good.” You know what I'm talking about. People say romance books are those books. Those books aren't the same caliber as other books and that means writers of those books aren't good either.
* My crit group also loves and writes those books, so it's so SIMPLE to be with them. Except…. They tell me the truth! They would tell me, very bluntly: “No head hopping!” “He was wearing a blue shirt on the other page.” “I thought she was a redhead.” “Don't put sex in a book just because.” We tell each other the unvarnished, often hilarious, truth. Again and again. Sometimes on paper in funny pen colors.
2. They are nothing like you. I was pregnant with my first child and worked full time when the group was formed. Another had little kids. Another got migraines frequently. Another smoked. Another had…. You get the idea. We were from all walks of life, different times in our lives and from different upbringings. Thank God. I didn't need another me. I needed them. My critique group showed me I was a neurotic mess (I still am) and they loved me for being that way. I am completely and totally black and white. They embrace shades of gray that I don't even see. We complement each other.
* Besides that, we all write different kinds of romance. Back in 2002, I wrote historical westerns (yes, even back then!). One wrote romantic suspense that was gritty and creepy. One wrote paranormal. Another historical. None of us wrote the same or with the same kind of voice. Not at all. Again, thank God. That difference allowed us to see the each other's stories differently and give unusual and often crucial feedback (see #1)

3. They are supportive of your weirdness. As I said before, admitting you love to read romance is often akin to saying, “I have no brain cells.” Writing it was (and still can be) even worse. At my high school reunion, some ladies said I was their hero and others said, “You write like 50 Shades of Gray?” Of course I rolled my eyes. With my critique group, it's okay to be weird, because while I write erotic, I do NOT write like 50 Shades.
* Back in 2002, being a sex-writing virgin, they helped me pop my cherry by reading my writing, which happened to be the WORST sex written sex scenes ever. Why? Because I was nervous of what they'd think, so the writing was nervous and stilted and...bad. Then, I got over it, admitted and embraced that I was (and still am) a perv. They knew I could write perv and they were fine with it WAY, WAY before I was.
4. They have your back. Once all of our books went up for sale (we all self-pub now), we read the reviews for each other. Those first one star reviews were cried over and death threats were considered. Chocolate was eaten. A Fuck-It Bucket was made. When some vindictive crazy lady tries to take you down, we come out swinging. Subtly, keenly and very dangerously, but as a group.
5. They are like the mafia. Once you're in, you can't get out. They know you. They know your writing style. They know your weaknesses and see them easily. They tout and applaud your successes. There's really no escape, but then, why would you want to?
6. They know the darkest secrets you don't tell anyone else, but publish to the world. Writing is like exposing part of yourself that could be kept hidden, but isn't. I had no idea I was good at writing erotica. It's my best genre (so they've told me). So that means I'm good at writing sex. They know all my weird, kinky, dirty thoughts I'd NEVER tell my friends because it's all there on paper, black and white. They read it, they don't raise an eyebrow, only a bright red editing pen, and then tell you they love it. They don't judge that I think about how to write being taken by two cowboys at once. They don't care that I've thought of a whole new use for a sock darner. They pull out the chocolate when the sex books sell and move up the charts. The soccer mom down the street? Yeah, she might not be so understanding because she doesn't read those kind of books.
* The ladies in my critique group are NOT just my friends. They are better. They are my dearest of friends, by BFFs and I couldn't be Vanessa Vale or any of my other pen names without them.

~ Blurb ~ * Follow the eight Lenox sisters through this historical erotic series that's as big and bold as the Montana Sky.

* Rose Lenox has grown up to be more comfortable on the back of a horse than wearing ribbons and bows like her seven adopted sisters. For years working the land was enough, but lately Rose finds herself wishing for something different. She wants her own ranch and freedom from her overwhelming and unorthodox family. Rose is determined to strike out on her own and forge her own path. Lenox neighbor, Chance Goodman, has watched Rose grow from a spitfire of a girl to a beautiful and fiery woman. For years he's waited patiently and watched her struggle to find her place in the world. When she leaves the Lenox ranch alone, determined to abandon her former life and to say good-bye to him, he knows the time has come to claim her. Letting her walk away isn't an option. Chance knows exactly what she needs...and he's going to give it to her. Follow the eight Lenox sisters through this historical erotic series that's as big and bold as the Montana Sky. The Wildflowers of Montana begins with Rose and her hot, Alpha cowboy.

* When handsome Jackson Reed comes home from the army, he catches the immediate attention of the seven Lenox daughters. But he only has eyes for one — beautiful Hyacinth Lenox. It's apparent that she notices him as well, so why is she doing everything she can to avoid him?
* Hyacinth can't stop thinking about the sandy-haired newcomer, but while she longs for happiness with Jackson, she feels unworthy to marry him or anyone else. Guilt from a tragic childhood incident dogs her even into adulthood, leaving her to feel undeserving of Jackson's love.
* But Jackson isn't a man so easily dissuaded. He's determined to rid Hyacinth of her pain and make her his wife. Can he heal her past hurt and awaken her to the carnal pleasures he wants just with her? He senses a great capacity for love and passion in this fair Lenox flower. Unlocking it will mean a battle of wills, but love is worth the fight.

~ Excerpt ~ Sorry, there are no excerpts for this tour. Should you wish to read a sample, please visit the Amazon links below and click on the book covers there. Buy Wildflowers of Montana Series here... ROSE: Amazon | HYACINTH: Amazon

Find Vanessa Vale here... Facebook | Twitter | Website Thank you for joining us here today, Vanessa Vale! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your story.

ANNOUNCEMENT! Vanessa Vale will award a $50 Amazon or BN GC to one randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour! So be sure to leave a comment AND use the Rafflecopter below. Also, visit the other tour stops for a greater chance of winning!

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a look at Desiree Holt & 'Naked Hunger' @desireeholt #nkauthorservices #WesternRomance

Today we have author Desiree Holt Holt visiting. Welcome!

What would you like to tell readers about yourself?

* Known to the world as the oldest author of erotic romance, Desiree Holt proves every day that she is more than the sum of her years. She is a winner of the EPIC E-Book Award, an Authors After Dark Author of the Year and winner of the Holt Medallion. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The London Daily Mail and numerous other national and international publications. She enjoys football and reading and her three cats, who are her constant writing companions.

A look into...

~ Blurb ~ His heart has an appetite only one woman can satisfy.
* Sable Hunter paid her dues caring for suburban pets in West Texas. Ready to get back to her first love—large animals—she’s excited about moving to Saddle Wells to take over for the retiring veterinarian. With a reputation to build, she can’t afford any distractions, and the sizzling heat between her and local rancher Ryan Donovan could seriously mess with her focus.
* Ryan earned his stripes the hard way, one bull at a time on the rodeo circuit. Now he’s put his prize money to work raising bulls for competition. He can’t deny he misses the rush of pro riding—until the sweet new vet in town brings a different kind of excitement and makes him want to sweep her into his bed and his future.
* Becoming friends with benefits sounds like an excellent compromise to Ryan until he can convince Sable she doesn’t have to choose between career and love. But a costly mistake could destroy her career, as well as any chance for happiness with the man she realizes she loves.
Warning: Contains a woman whose career is taking off, and a man whose career is changing direction faster than a spinning bull. Hang on, ladies, this cowboy’s got a free hand and it’s about to get wild!
*** Desiree's good friend and best selling author Sable Hunter agreed to let Desiree name her character in this book after her! *** ~ Excerpt ~ * “Does everyone in town come here for lunch?” she asked.
* “If they’re in town. That’s why I wanted to bring you here.”
* He might have said more but at that moment the waitress appeared at their table so they quickly scanned their menus again. They had just placed their orders and Sable had relaxed in her seat, prepared to answer any other questions Lynch asked, when the air around her suddenly seemed to shift. What felt like an electrical charge whispered over her skin, making the fine hairs stand up and her pulse stutter. What on earth?
* Pete Lynch looked up, grinned, and said, “Hey, Ryan. I was hoping to see you.”
* “This the vet you were telling me about?”
* The voice was deep and warm, rolling over her like hot molasses on a summer day and reaching deep into every crevice of her body. When she looked up she nearly swallowed her tongue. She felt as if all the air had been sucked out of her lungs. In her life she had seen many gorgeous men, sexy men, handsome men, some all three. But whoever this was beat all of them hands down.
* He was without a doubt the largest man she’d ever seen, big without being enormous. He was way over six feet, with broad shoulders, lean hips and long, long legs. The work shirt and faded jeans he wore could have been custom made for him. His face was square-jawed with high cheekbones, and lashes as black as the hair on his head and as thick as any woman’s framed eyes a startling electric blue.
* Sable stared at him, her breath trapped in her throat, her nipples hardening painfully into sharp points and the pulse in her sex pounding like a bass drum. In her entire life she had never had such an instantaneous reaction to a man. Any man.
* “Sable?” Pete Lynch’s voice broke into her fog. “Let me introduce you to Ryan Donovan.”
* Ryan Donovan. Of course, she thought. The man she’d read the article about. And he was quintessential Black Irish. Thought to be descended from the Spanish, with skin that tanned rather than freckled, the black hair that was the iconic symbol along with the large muscular body. Sex on the hoof. She managed to shake herself into some semblance of awareness and nod to him.
* “Hi. Sable Hunter. Nice to meet you.”
* “And yes,” Pete continued, “the new vet. I hope, anyway.” He looked at Sable. “Ryan owns the Gold Buckle Ranch.”
* Sable knew what that meant. She lowered her gaze to his waist and yup, there it was, locked to a leather belt and nestled against his flat abdomen. “I read about you in The Hill Country Herald. You competed on the circuit.”
* His laugh had a rumbling sound. “Jinx Malone would like to make me out as some local celebrity but I’m just an old rodeo cowboy.”
* “But a very successful one,” she protested. “Not everyone gets a gold buckle.”
* He shrugged. “As much luck as skill. I quit while I still had most of my bones intact and began breeding bulls for competition.” He narrowed his eyes. “If you take over from Pete here you’ll be tending to them. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone your size wrestle a bull.”
* God, she was so tired of hearing that. But getting irritated at a man who might be a client wasn’t going to do her any good. She’d found humor usually worked a lot better.
* “Actually,” she told him, “bulls have been known to faint in terror just at the sight of me.” She winked. “Some men, too.”
* “Damn, you’re good, Sable.” Lynch burst out laughing. “Ryan, I think you’ve met your match.”
* The look Ryan Donovan gave her was so penetrating it made all her girl parts quiver and her panties were suddenly drenched. Good lord. What was going on here? Buy Naked Hunger here... Samhain Publishing | All Romance eBooks | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo Find Desiree Holt here... Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter | Pinterest | Twitter | Website Thank you for joining us here today, Desiree Holt! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your story.