Write the kind of story you would like to read. People will give you all sorts of advice about writing, but if you are not writing something you like, no one else will like it either.
-Meg Cabot
-Meg Cabot
Monday, April 30, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Done!
I just finished with my own final edits for my new cowboy romance novel! Woo-Hoo! Now it's off to my editor for her to look over and approve. So excited and happy right now that I'm finally done:) I can't wait for her and my Beta readers to read it and let me know what they think. And I'm even more excited for it to come out later this year for everyone else to read! Can't wait! Have a great weekend everyone!
Friday, April 27, 2012
"When the Heart Falls" Blog Tour Kick Off!
I am so excited because today is the first day of my blog tour for "When the Heart Falls"! Today I'm visiting at the Virtual Book Tour Cafe Blog. I hope you all will join me and follow me along the tour:) I will be giving away 2 ecopies of my book and one $15 Amazon gift card during the tour. Just leave a comment at any of the stops for your chance to win! Here's the tour schedule:
April 27 - Introduction at VBT Cafe' Blog
May 2 - Guest Blogging at Mass Musings
May 5 - Interviewed at BK Walker Books Etc.
May 7 - Review & Interview at A Book Lover's Library
May 9 - Interviewed & Reviewed at My Addiction is Reading
May 11 - Guest Blogging at Books Are Magic
May 14 - Review & Guest Blogging at Words I Write Crazy
May 16 - Guest Blogging at Waiting on Sunday to Drown
May 18 - Guest Blogging at MK McClintock's Blog
May 21 - Reviewed at Mass Musings
April 27 - Introduction at VBT Cafe' Blog
May 2 - Guest Blogging at Mass Musings
May 5 - Interviewed at BK Walker Books Etc.
May 7 - Review & Interview at A Book Lover's Library
May 9 - Interviewed & Reviewed at My Addiction is Reading
May 11 - Guest Blogging at Books Are Magic
May 14 - Review & Guest Blogging at Words I Write Crazy
May 16 - Guest Blogging at Waiting on Sunday to Drown
May 18 - Guest Blogging at MK McClintock's Blog
May 21 - Reviewed at Mass Musings
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Interview with MK McClintock
Today I am excited to have author MK McClintock visiting my blog! Please join us as we chat about her Gallagher Series, British Agent Series and the world of writing:)
Welcome MK! Let's get started...
KL: Have you always wanted to be a writer? If not, what drew you to the world of storytelling?
MK: Actually I didn’t always want to be a writer, but I always enjoyed writing. Growing up, I spent more time reading and learning my way around a kitchen than writing. I started out writing short stories and I was the one in class who wrote extra papers just so I could do the research. My writing actually began with poetry – over the years I’ve written hundreds of poems. Right after high school, I began to toy with the idea of writing my own books, but it wasn’t until years later when I took it seriously and realized how much I enjoyed it. What drew me in was imagination – I’ve always had an active one and I need the creative outlets.
KL: Let's talk about your work starting with Gallagher's Pride, the first novel in your Gallagher Series. Tell us a little bit about how you came about the idea for this novel.
MK: First– I wanted a western. Second – I wanted it set in Montana. Third – I wanted Scotland to somehow make an appearance. I also knew that I wanted a story that I could continue on. I didn’t want the story to be wrapped up prettily (even though a lot of readers like some kind of finality), but it was either write a 1,000 page book or create the series as I have – I like this way better. The exact idea? I honestly couldn’t pinpoint the how – I put the elements together, had some character interviews, wrote the back cover and the story unfolded.
KL: Gallagher's Hope is the next installment in your Gallagher Series. Can you tell us a little bit about what's in store for us with this new book?
MK: Gallagher’s Hope features Gabriel, the second brother and a woman from New Orleans, Isabelle Rousseau. They have their own love story, but it’s not an instant and easy romance. There’s more adventure and a continuing of the main conflict from the first book – will it conclude? Well, you’ll have to wait and see. One thing about this series is that even though the focus is on the two main characters featured in that book, the secondary characters still have semi-prominent roles and you continue to have that in the second book. I really can’t tell you more than that without giving anything away.
KL: You also have another novel that takes place in 19th century England, Alaina Claiborne (British Agent Series). Can you tell us a little bit about this novel and what readers can expect to see from you in this series?
MK: Of course! Alaina Claiborne is as you said, set in 19th century England, though I’ll tell you right now that it’s not meant to be a history lesson. It’s a romance/adventure/murder mystery. You start out meeting Alaina in the beginning – a young girl from a loving family who faces terrible tragedy. She’s then a young woman who meets our first British Agent, Tristan, and together they seek to uncover the people responsible for tragedies in both of their lives. They do a bit of traveling in this one – from England to Ireland to the States and back again.
I have to more British Agent novels planned, though technically you could read each one as a single title. The other two agents, who are close friends of Tristan’s, are in the first book. I enjoyed both so much that I wanted to give them their own stories.
KL: What is your process for creating characters? Do you carefully plan each character's traits before the writing process begins? Or do you find that their personalities sort of develop on their own as you write the story?
MK: Both actually. I always start with the name. Even if the name might change as I progress (as has happened before), I begin with the name – first and surname. Then we have the character analysis where I break down their appearance and surface traits, where they are from, etc. I then conduct character interviews with each one to learn their personalities. Once their basic foundation is set, I let the characters come alive on their own. Sometimes their personalities develop beyond what I originally planned, so it’s a fun process.
KL: Out of all the characters you've created in your novels, do you have any particular favorites? If so, what is it about that/those character(s) that make them so special to you?
MK: I’ve gone back and forth lately between favorites. When I first wrote Gallagher’s Pride it was Brenna, then Ethan, then Gabriel took the favorite spot as I began to write more of his character. Then they all lost out to Eliza. If I had to pick just one it would be Gabriel – he’s a charming and likeable cowboy and he makes me smile. We haven’t seen all of his flaws yet though. Eliza is special to me because I wrote a bit of myself into her character – I won’t say which parts though!
KL: In your novels, we are transported from our modern day society to a world of simpler times. What inspires you the most to write about that era?
MK: Most likely because I dream of a simpler time and I could easily imagine living during that time in history – perhaps even further back. I suppose I chose the 19th century specifically because it fit with what I wanted for the stories, but also because it’s a time in history I would have enjoyed being a part of – especially in the west. So many changes were taking place and yet they weren’t yet weighed down by everything that comes with existing in our modern world. I know it was a difficult time in which to live and not as glamorous as books sometimes make it out to be, but I believe I would have enjoyed it. When writing my books, I get to live that dream.
KL: What kind of preparations and research did you do to ensure that your book stayed true to the time period?
MK: It took a bit of research just so that I could be sure I wasn’t making obvious historical faux pas. I did take some liberties, seeing as how it’s fiction, but nothing that would be too noticeable (unless you’re perhaps a history major for that period). At times my language may have seemed antiquated to some readers, but since I often use antiquated speech myself, I went with what felt comfortable. When writing these books, I chose to add history to the story, not add a story into history.
KL: As an author with multiple novels published, what would be a good piece of advice that you could share with other authors who are trying to make their way into the writing world?
MK: It’s not easy! Now that’s not encouraging is it? First I’d tell them to write and keep on writing. A writer must write books in order to sell, they must write books in order to improve. Just don’t stop writing – even if it’s a few moments a day or if you have to keep a journal handle to jot down notes – keep writing.
The other bit of advice I would give is to start marketing your book before you publish. Begin months before if possible. Create a book trailer, get the cover ready to give reader’s a teaser and setup a virtual book tour.
The most important bit of advice I could give? Don’t let the marketing, the reviews, or the politics of writing interfere with your creative voice.
KL: And now it's time for a "Just for Fun" question:) Being a person who has traveled and lived all over the country, you must have been and seen a lot of wonderful places. If you had to pick anywhere in the world to live - and live there for the rest of your life, never leaving that area - where would it be and why?
MK: Well, I’d want to live exactly where I’m at now – Montana. I love it here and it wasn’t until after I’d seen so much of the country that I realized no other place would be right for me-this is home. My second choice would be Scotland – I love the Highlands, the people, the landscape, the beauty, the energy – all of it. It’s a magnificent place and I could see myself there; exploring the land and islands, castles and ruins, graveyards and gardens. There is so much to see and do there, not to mention the Highlands would be as equally inspiring for an author as the mountains of Montana. In some ways Scotland still has a simplicity and wildness about her which greatly appeals to me.
Please enjoy this excerpt from "Gallagher's Pride":
Brenna couldn’t decide which would be a better death for Ethan Gallagher. A knife wound through his black heart or a bullet through his calculating and twisted mind. Oh, she really didn’t want him dead, but at the moment if he came close she didn’t think her heart would break. Then again, if she stopped lying to herself, Brenna would realize that she didn’t want him injured at all. She just wanted him writhing in agony and preferably by her hand. Why the despicable man thought she would enjoy two hours of breakneck speed on the back of her horse, she couldn’t fathom. Not only had he barked at her when she was one minute later than the ten he had allotted, he practically threw her onto the saddle, tied her satchel to the back of her mare, got on the back of his own horse and left the town and the pack horse behind.
Welcome MK! Let's get started...
KL: Have you always wanted to be a writer? If not, what drew you to the world of storytelling?
MK: Actually I didn’t always want to be a writer, but I always enjoyed writing. Growing up, I spent more time reading and learning my way around a kitchen than writing. I started out writing short stories and I was the one in class who wrote extra papers just so I could do the research. My writing actually began with poetry – over the years I’ve written hundreds of poems. Right after high school, I began to toy with the idea of writing my own books, but it wasn’t until years later when I took it seriously and realized how much I enjoyed it. What drew me in was imagination – I’ve always had an active one and I need the creative outlets.
KL: Let's talk about your work starting with Gallagher's Pride, the first novel in your Gallagher Series. Tell us a little bit about how you came about the idea for this novel.
MK: First– I wanted a western. Second – I wanted it set in Montana. Third – I wanted Scotland to somehow make an appearance. I also knew that I wanted a story that I could continue on. I didn’t want the story to be wrapped up prettily (even though a lot of readers like some kind of finality), but it was either write a 1,000 page book or create the series as I have – I like this way better. The exact idea? I honestly couldn’t pinpoint the how – I put the elements together, had some character interviews, wrote the back cover and the story unfolded.
KL: Gallagher's Hope is the next installment in your Gallagher Series. Can you tell us a little bit about what's in store for us with this new book?
MK: Gallagher’s Hope features Gabriel, the second brother and a woman from New Orleans, Isabelle Rousseau. They have their own love story, but it’s not an instant and easy romance. There’s more adventure and a continuing of the main conflict from the first book – will it conclude? Well, you’ll have to wait and see. One thing about this series is that even though the focus is on the two main characters featured in that book, the secondary characters still have semi-prominent roles and you continue to have that in the second book. I really can’t tell you more than that without giving anything away.
KL: You also have another novel that takes place in 19th century England, Alaina Claiborne (British Agent Series). Can you tell us a little bit about this novel and what readers can expect to see from you in this series?
MK: Of course! Alaina Claiborne is as you said, set in 19th century England, though I’ll tell you right now that it’s not meant to be a history lesson. It’s a romance/adventure/murder mystery. You start out meeting Alaina in the beginning – a young girl from a loving family who faces terrible tragedy. She’s then a young woman who meets our first British Agent, Tristan, and together they seek to uncover the people responsible for tragedies in both of their lives. They do a bit of traveling in this one – from England to Ireland to the States and back again.
I have to more British Agent novels planned, though technically you could read each one as a single title. The other two agents, who are close friends of Tristan’s, are in the first book. I enjoyed both so much that I wanted to give them their own stories.
KL: What is your process for creating characters? Do you carefully plan each character's traits before the writing process begins? Or do you find that their personalities sort of develop on their own as you write the story?
MK: Both actually. I always start with the name. Even if the name might change as I progress (as has happened before), I begin with the name – first and surname. Then we have the character analysis where I break down their appearance and surface traits, where they are from, etc. I then conduct character interviews with each one to learn their personalities. Once their basic foundation is set, I let the characters come alive on their own. Sometimes their personalities develop beyond what I originally planned, so it’s a fun process.
KL: Out of all the characters you've created in your novels, do you have any particular favorites? If so, what is it about that/those character(s) that make them so special to you?
MK: I’ve gone back and forth lately between favorites. When I first wrote Gallagher’s Pride it was Brenna, then Ethan, then Gabriel took the favorite spot as I began to write more of his character. Then they all lost out to Eliza. If I had to pick just one it would be Gabriel – he’s a charming and likeable cowboy and he makes me smile. We haven’t seen all of his flaws yet though. Eliza is special to me because I wrote a bit of myself into her character – I won’t say which parts though!
KL: In your novels, we are transported from our modern day society to a world of simpler times. What inspires you the most to write about that era?
MK: Most likely because I dream of a simpler time and I could easily imagine living during that time in history – perhaps even further back. I suppose I chose the 19th century specifically because it fit with what I wanted for the stories, but also because it’s a time in history I would have enjoyed being a part of – especially in the west. So many changes were taking place and yet they weren’t yet weighed down by everything that comes with existing in our modern world. I know it was a difficult time in which to live and not as glamorous as books sometimes make it out to be, but I believe I would have enjoyed it. When writing my books, I get to live that dream.
KL: What kind of preparations and research did you do to ensure that your book stayed true to the time period?
MK: It took a bit of research just so that I could be sure I wasn’t making obvious historical faux pas. I did take some liberties, seeing as how it’s fiction, but nothing that would be too noticeable (unless you’re perhaps a history major for that period). At times my language may have seemed antiquated to some readers, but since I often use antiquated speech myself, I went with what felt comfortable. When writing these books, I chose to add history to the story, not add a story into history.
KL: As an author with multiple novels published, what would be a good piece of advice that you could share with other authors who are trying to make their way into the writing world?
MK: It’s not easy! Now that’s not encouraging is it? First I’d tell them to write and keep on writing. A writer must write books in order to sell, they must write books in order to improve. Just don’t stop writing – even if it’s a few moments a day or if you have to keep a journal handle to jot down notes – keep writing.
The other bit of advice I would give is to start marketing your book before you publish. Begin months before if possible. Create a book trailer, get the cover ready to give reader’s a teaser and setup a virtual book tour.
The most important bit of advice I could give? Don’t let the marketing, the reviews, or the politics of writing interfere with your creative voice.
KL: And now it's time for a "Just for Fun" question:) Being a person who has traveled and lived all over the country, you must have been and seen a lot of wonderful places. If you had to pick anywhere in the world to live - and live there for the rest of your life, never leaving that area - where would it be and why?
MK: Well, I’d want to live exactly where I’m at now – Montana. I love it here and it wasn’t until after I’d seen so much of the country that I realized no other place would be right for me-this is home. My second choice would be Scotland – I love the Highlands, the people, the landscape, the beauty, the energy – all of it. It’s a magnificent place and I could see myself there; exploring the land and islands, castles and ruins, graveyards and gardens. There is so much to see and do there, not to mention the Highlands would be as equally inspiring for an author as the mountains of Montana. In some ways Scotland still has a simplicity and wildness about her which greatly appeals to me.
Please enjoy this excerpt from "Gallagher's Pride":
Brenna couldn’t decide which would be a better death for Ethan Gallagher. A knife wound through his black heart or a bullet through his calculating and twisted mind. Oh, she really didn’t want him dead, but at the moment if he came close she didn’t think her heart would break. Then again, if she stopped lying to herself, Brenna would realize that she didn’t want him injured at all. She just wanted him writhing in agony and preferably by her hand. Why the despicable man thought she would enjoy two hours of breakneck speed on the back of her horse, she couldn’t fathom. Not only had he barked at her when she was one minute later than the ten he had allotted, he practically threw her onto the saddle, tied her satchel to the back of her mare, got on the back of his own horse and left the town and the pack horse behind.
Once outside of Bright River, Ethan spurred his stallion forward and the race began. It hadn’t stopped until they reached a small creek bed almost two hours later.
The animals had shown amazing endurance but desperately needed a rest. Brenna only wished that she could have shown the same. She dismounted and grabbed hold of the saddle for support. She wasn’t about to let Ethan see the condition she was in. The hateful man probably wouldn’t even notice. Brenna avoided looking at him as she unhooked her bag and walked slowly to the creek.
Ethan wanted to swear, a lot, and at no one but himself. He unsaddled the horses, grateful that they had been bred and trained for stamina, but wishing that he hadn’t put them through that. Ethan brushed them both down with a rag he wetted with cool water from the creek and set them to grazing for the evening.
It was entirely his fault that he was in his present condition. He was angry with himself for being unable to control his feelings towards Brenna and was taking it out on her and the horses. Ethan honestly couldn’t decide which of the two he was sorrier for.
They should have turned back for the ranch. He doubted that they would find anything at Desperate Creek. Hell, there was a good reason the settlement had been named that. What little he had seen, painted a dirty picture consisting of some ramshackle farm houses, a few planted fields, and some out-buildings. Ethan remembered Elizabeth Hunter well and she was as fine a lady as his own mother. He couldn’t imagine her throwing her life away to such dire circumstances even to get away from Nathan Hunter. Then again, he knew Nathan Hunter.
His thoughts turned back to Brenna. She had endured better than he thought she would have. He really should have known. She had survived the death of two parents, a ship crossing, train rides, and stage coach rides. She came to a place where she didn’t know a soul save for a grandfather who scorned her, humiliated her, and thrust her away. She had stayed with perfect strangers, though she seemed to trust his family as they trusted her, even after so short a time. She then took to the trail with him in search of a grandmother she didn’t know existed until a few days ago and through it all she was managing to ignore him.
Ethan smiled. Oh he had seen the fire in her eyes on numerous occasions and wondered what would happen if that spark ignited. He thought he’d like to see her lose her control. He kept to the fire until he realized that she’d been down by the water too long. Ethan listened but didn’t hear a thing coming from the creek. A tremor of fear coursed through him. He had mocked her when she saw the little black bear, but he should have stopped in his laughing long enough to warn her that dangers really did exist out here, including bears.
Ethan raced down to the water and stopped cold. Lying down on a bed of autumn grass with her torso leaning against a large flat rock, Brenna slept.
***Giveaway***
MK is giving away one paperback copy of her "Gallagher's Pride" novel to one lucky person who comments on this post! This giveaway is limited to US only.
Visit MK:
Website:
http://www.mkmcclintockmt.com
Find the Books:
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Gallaghers-Pride-First-Gallagher-Novels/dp/1456346814/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1333576022&sr=8-2
MK would also like to let you know that she will be doing a FREE promotion for "Gallagher's Pride" on May 4th and 5th! Check it out:)
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
My "Gallagher's Pride" by MK McClintock Review
Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher, and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family. As head of the Gallagher clan, Ethan has more than enough to occupy his thoughts and time-he didn't need the complication of Brenna Cameron and he certainly didn't need the trouble that came with her. Ethan takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.
My Review:
The novel begins quite a few years before our hero and heroine meet. In the first two chapters we are introduced to Brenna Cameron and Ethan Gallagher. Brenna lives in the Scotland countryside with her mother and father, and Ethan lives on his family’s ranch in Montana. After the loss of both of her parents, Brenna travels from Scotland to Montana in search of the only living relative she knows of. When she arrives in the unfamiliar territory, she is saved by Ethan Gallagher when a disgusting, drunk man attempts to hit on her. Ethan, believing Brenna to be just any old regular visitor to the area, asks her why she has come to Montana. When Brenna confesses she’s there to find her estranged grandfather, Nathan Hunter, Ethan can’t help but be shocked and angered by this information; shocked because he didn’t realize that Nathan had any relatives, and angered because this beautiful woman who instantly stole his heart was kin to the one man who was his sworn enemy.
Brenna is such a strong-willed woman and I instantly liked her. She faces so many hardships throughout the novel, but strives to continue on her journey. I admire her very much for that. And Ethan…Oh I loved Ethan. Sure he can be a bit hot and cold, but his past explains all of that. I really liked how he wanted nothing more than to fall for Brenna, but struggled with his feelings because of his past. I found myself, multiple times, saying “Come on, just tell her you love her already!” I wanted nothing more than for these two characters to be together because they obviously were meant to be. One of the things I thoroughly enjoyed about this novel was the fact that the author really kept you on your toes. There are so many twists and turns and to be honest I didn’t see a single one coming…especially the ending. I loved the ending but hated it at the same time; loved it because it promises a continuation of the story and hated it because it ended and I wanted to keep reading:) All in all this was a really good book and I can’t wait for the next one to come out! If you enjoy historical romance then I definitely recommend you check this one out!
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Content: This book contains mild adult language, mild violence, and mild sexual situations (all physical acts of love happen behind closed doors).
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
"Talisman of El" by Alecia Stone Blog Tour Stop
Today I have the pleasure of hosting author Alecia Stone during her blog tour for her new novel "Talisman of El" and she is joining us today with a guest post about one of her characters. Welcome Alecia!
Character Profile of Thomas Wakeman
from Talisman Of El
Ah, the mysterious Mr.
Wakeman. When I first started writing about Thomas, I didn't know at the time
how significant his role would be in the book. Here's a little more about him.
Name: Thomas Arthur Wakeman
Age: 85
Height: 5'10''
Hair Colour: Grey
Eye Colour: Hazel
Where was Thomas born?
Tom was born in the
county of Norfolk, England, United Kingdom.
Who are Thomas'
parents?
Thomas' parents are
Jennifer and Jonathan Wakeman. His mother was an auxiliary nurse and his father
was a historian. His mother died of cancer when he was in his late forties and
his father disappeared when he was a child.
At what age was Thomas
when his father disappeared?
Thomas was ten years
old when his father vanished. He last heard from his father on December 25,
1937. His father was in West Sussex when Thomas last heard from him.
What was Thomas'
occupation?
Thomas has had two occupations in life, one being a carpenter in his earlier years, and then in his later years, he became an explorer searching for clues and answer as to the disappearance of his father.
Thomas has had two occupations in life, one being a carpenter in his earlier years, and then in his later years, he became an explorer searching for clues and answer as to the disappearance of his father.
Does Thomas have any children?
Yes. Thomas had one child, a daughter who died four years prior to the beginning of the story.
Visit Alecia:
Author website: http://www.aleciastone.com
Talisman Of El website: http://www.talismanofel.com
Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/Alecia_Stone
Monday, April 23, 2012
Lots of things going on this week
Happy Monday everyone!
There's a lot going on with my blog this week and I just wanted to fill you all in:)
Tomorrow we have author Alecia Stone here doing a guest post. Alecia is currently on a blog tour for her new book "Talisman of El".
Wednesday I will be posting a review of "Gallagher's Pride" by MK McClintock.
Thursday MK McClintock will be stopping by for an interview.
And Friday will be the first day of my own blog tour for "When the Heart Falls".
I'm excited to have some wonderful guests on my blog this week and I hope you all stop by and join us!
Have a great day everyone!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Having one of "those" days...
Oh my goodness. Today is just...sigh...I don't know. I am really having one of those days where I want to shout at the top of my lungs, "Come on! Really?" Totally ridiculous. But anyway, I was browsing through the quotes on Goodreads.com and came across one that kind of made me feel better. I think this is going to me my motto for when I have bad days:)
“Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hope you all are having a wonderful day! I'm going to follow Mr. Emerson's advice and be done with my old nonsense. Here's hoping this day turns around:)
“Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hope you all are having a wonderful day! I'm going to follow Mr. Emerson's advice and be done with my old nonsense. Here's hoping this day turns around:)
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
My "Cowgirls Don't Cry" by Lorelei James Review
Good girls can play rough too…
Rough Riders, Book 10
Jessie McKay has accepted her marriage to Luke McKay wasn’t perfect. After two years of widowhood, she’s ready to kick up her bootheels—until Luke’s younger brother shows up to spoil her fun. But if Brandt thinks she’ll ever take orders from another McKay male, he’s got manure for brains.
Brandt McKay has avoided his sweet, sexy sister-in-law ever since the night he confessed his feelings for her weren’t the brotherly type. Unexpectedly faced with proof of Luke’s infidelity, Brandt is forced to ask for Jessie’s help in taking care of Luke’s young son. Jessie agrees on one condition—she wants Brandt’s boots exclusively under her bed for the duration.
The sexual heat that’s always simmered between them ignites. Brandt is determined to make the temporary situation permanent, proving to Jessie he’s a one-woman man. And Jessie is shaken by feelings she’s sworn never to have again for any man…especially not a McKay.
Warning: Contains branding-iron-hot sex , the one McKay on earth who wants to be tamed, and a woman who’s decided tame is for nice girls who finish last.
My Review:
Jessie McKay is trying to move on with her life after the death of her husband, Luke. She no longer lives on the McKay land, thanks to Luke's father throwing her off the property, and is getting by just fine on her own until Luke's brother, Brandt, comes to her asking for help. Brandt has been contacted by the mother of Luke's child; a child he fathered while still married to Jessie. Brandt feels a responsibility for the toddler (seeing as it is his nephew) and agrees to take care of him while the mother goes to jail for a DUI. But Brandt can't take care of the child alone, and that's where Jessie comes in to play. He's done his best to avoid her after he confessed his true feelings for her, and showing her the proof of Luke's infidelity is the last thing he wants to do. After initially telling Brandt no, Jessie changes her mind after seeing the child and agrees to help Brandt until the child's mother is out of jail (a duration of 4 months). Brandt moves in with Jessie and the two of them together take care of the boy. But soon Jessie finds herself frustrated with the whole arrangement. Here she and Brandt are playing house but without the sexual benefits that two people raising a child together normally share. As things heat up between Jessie and Brandt, the two of them can't help but wonder if leaving each other at the end of this arrangement is going to be as easy as they originally thought.
I really felt for Jessie. Here's this woman who loses her husband, gets kicked off his family's land, and finds out her husband fathered a child with another woman. It's enough to make anyone go insane and hide. But Jessie held her chin high and faced the world, not letting all the bad stuff get her down.
And I've got to say that Brandt is definitely one of my favorite McKay men. He is tender, thoughtful and truly cares for Jessie and has for a very long time. But he, like the other McKay men, has a dark side that is dangerous when let loose. I like that about these characters because it makes them human.
The relationship between Jessie and Brandt is really sweet. They are friends who grow to love each other through trust and understanding and that's one of my favorite types of romances.
Overall I enjoyed reading this novel very much (as I do with all Lorelei James' novels). I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good erotic romance with a western flare.
My Rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Content:
This book contains graphic adult language and graphic sexual situations. Reader discretion is advised.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Thank You!
First I just want to apologize for my absence yesterday. I was a little under the weather and stayed in bed for a good part of the day. My poor son wasn't feeling well earlier in the week and I guess he must have passed it to me. But we're both starting to feel a little better now:)
Moving on to the topic of my post for the day. I just want to thank everyone for their support during my two day free promo of When the Heart Falls! These promotions are a lot of fun to do and I'm looking forward to doing another one here in a few weeks. Thank you all again so very, very much and I hope you all enjoy reading it:)
Moving on to the topic of my post for the day. I just want to thank everyone for their support during my two day free promo of When the Heart Falls! These promotions are a lot of fun to do and I'm looking forward to doing another one here in a few weeks. Thank you all again so very, very much and I hope you all enjoy reading it:)
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Today's the Last Day!
Today's the last day to download my novel "When the Heart Falls" for FREE through Amazon! And don't forget to check out MK McClintock's "Alaina Claiborne" novel which is also available for FREE download today! Happy reading!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Who wants some FREE books?
Today and tomorrow my book, When the Heart Falls, will be available for FREE download through Amazon. Don't have a Kindle? No worries:) Amazon has an app for that...and it's FREE too! Hope you all check it out and happy reading:)
When Misty Prescott moved back home to her parent’s ranch after catching her husband cheating on her, she couldn’t have possibly known that she’d fall for not one, but two cowboys at the same time. Nor could she have known that getting involved with both men would bring unwelcome excitement, turning her already messed up world completely upside down. As Misty’s relationship with Vance Kinney begins, she can’t help but develop an intense attraction to her best friend’s older brother, Dylan McCoy. But just as Misty makes her choice, she indirectly becomes the target of one horrific event after another. Now, Misty must fight the very obstacles that threaten to tear her apart from the man she loves, and survive the danger lurking around every corner that threatens their very lives.
Excerpt:
“Howdy, stranger,” a deep masculine voice said behind her
ear.
She jumped just a little and turned to see who it was.
“Dylan! What are you doing here?” she asked excitedly.
“Heard there was a band playing here tonight, decided to come
check it out. You here by yourself?” he asked, hoping that she would say yes.
“No, I came with Vance,” she said as she gestured towards the
bar.
His heart sank just a little but he quickly recovered. “You
think he’d mind if I asked you to dance?”
Misty was elated. All she wanted to do tonight was dance and
have a good time. And she knew that Vance wasn’t going to dance with her so why
should he be mad if she danced with Dylan. They were just friends so she saw no
harm in it.
“Nope, I don’t think he’ll mind at all,” she said as she got
up from the table and let Dylan lead her out onto the dance floor. They
followed right in line with the other dancers, circling the dance floor and
swaying back and forth. She couldn’t help but notice how nice Dylan looked
tonight. She had been used to seeing him in his worn out tan cowboy hat,
t-shirt and worn out boots. But tonight he had on a white cowboy hat, pale blue
western style shirt with pearl snap buttons, Wranglers, and what looked like
new brown boots. He looked even better all cleaned up than he did in his work
clothes. The song ended and the couples started to depart the dance floor. The
jukebox kicked back on with Tracy Bird’s “Watermelon
Crawl” and dancers swarmed back onto the dance floor.
“You know this one?” Dylan asked Misty.
“It’s been a long time, but I’m sure it’ll come right back to
me,” she said as she watched what the other dancers were doing.
Dylan joined right in with the other line dancers and Misty
was surprised to see how good of a dancer he was. She caught up and blended in
to the sea of people as the steps of the dance came back to her. She laughed
and continued to dance for the next few songs, Dylan by her side the whole
time. Another slow song came on and Dylan took Misty by the hand and pulled her
close.
“This ok? Or do you need a break?” he asked as he looked down
at her face.
“No, this is just fine,” she said, tilting her head back to
look at him.
He took her right hand and molded it with his left, then
placed his right hand on the lower part of her back and turned them in a small
circle there on the dance floor. She leaned her head against his chest and took
a deep breath. He smelled absolutely wonderful. She couldn’t explain it, but
the way he held her in his arms as they danced made her feel safe. Like he would
do anything for her and protect her at all costs.
Dylan leaned his head down and rested it on the top of
Misty’s hair. The aroma of citrus and flowers that nestled there sent his
senses spiraling into a whirlwind. He hadn’t expected to see her here of all
places tonight. But when he caught sight of her, all dolled up and sitting
alone at that table, he thought that someone was surely looking out for him. He
loved the way she had left her long brown hair loose instead of pulled back
into a ponytail like he was used to seeing. The silver sequined tank top she
wore hugged her in all the right places. And Lord bless those jeans. A part of
him wondered how she even got them on being as snug as they were.
He twirled them around the dance floor one last time as the song faded. When the room was
quiet he stopped and Misty lifted her head to look at him. She was still
wrapped in his arms and her face so close to his that she could feel his warm
breath on her lips. Her heart started to race like a horse that had just been
released from the starting gate. The moment was ruined when she caught sight of
Vance from the corner of her eye sitting at the table with a furious look on
his face. She quickly pulled back from Dylan and staggered before catching her
balance. He looked at her confused and when he saw her glance towards Vance’s
direction he understood.
“Thank you for the dance,” she said and gave him an
apologetic look.
He watched
her walk away from him and he felt an overwhelming sense of defeat. Surely she
had to feel what he was feeling. Why else would she have lingered there in his
arms after the song had ended?
_________________________________________________________________________
And don't forget to check out MK McClintock's "Alaina Claiborne" novel! Available for FREE download Friday April 13th & 14th!
In 19th century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace. Then tragedy strikes in the worst possible way and her world is forever changed, childhood gone and a new course set. Searching for a killer is her only focus, that is until she meets Tristan.
Tristan Sheffield is a man of many talents, among them searching out those who don't want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life is unexpectedly entwined with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire to catch a murderer.
On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against evil and they'll stop at nothing to survive.
Excerpt:
Tristan ignored the pain in his shoulder from busting down the back door as he made his way frantically through the old house. It was dark, dank, and an unpleasant odor wafted from the skeleton of every room. It looked as though someone had been there on and off for a while. The floors were covered in an inch of dirt except through the kitchen and the back hallways, both of which appeared to be well trodden paths through the house. Tristan swore that he could hear rats scuffling along the upper floors and there was the distinct smell of death lingering in the air. Whoever had made their temporary home in that debilitated old structure was probably shoved away in a closet somewhere.
He continued his search, finding nothing. The screams had stopped the moment he broke through the back door and he was now looking everywhere for a basement door. The sounds had been too muffled to have come from upstairs. Charles met him halfway through the search, revealing that he too had found nothing; until they happened upon a door in the kitchen floor.
Charles placed a hand on Tristan, holding him off, wanting to go first, but Tristan shook him off and pulled up on the heavy door. The corridor leading down was darker than the rest of the house and smelled much worse. Feeling their way along the wall, both men carefully felt their way down the steps. Up ahead a dim light cast shadows and the glowed a little brighter with each step. Picking up his pace, Tristan moved towards the light and came to another door. This one was bolted shut and on the other side came the moans-barely audible, but they were there.
“Alaina?” Tristan yelled through the bars in the door.
No answer; a small moan. Charles studied the lock for a moment.
“We won’t be getting through this one easily,” he offered.
“Like hell we won’t,” Tristan replied and pushed Charles back.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Meet Me at MK McClintock's Blog Today!
And don't forget...tomorrow will be the first day of my two day FREE promotion for When the Heart Falls!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
My "Slow Ride" by Lorelei James Review
A Rough Riders free read.
Keely McKay Donohue is enduring the longest wedding reception of her life: her own. The only saving grace is that Jack Donohue is finally hers. Usually her hunky man gives her everything she wants, so why is her groom denying her the one thing she wants right now?
Jack thought his secretive wait-for-the-honeymoon plan was romantic, until he realizes he’s only put Keely in a fighting mood. If he wants to get back on his temperamental bride’s good side, he’d better find a way to sweep his cowgirl off her boots…fast.
My Review:
This is the very first novel I read of Lorelei James and what got me so hooked on her stories. In this short story, we follow Keely and Jack during and after their wedding reception. Keely is excited to finally become Mrs. Jack Donohue and can't wait to "seal the deal", wishing she and Jack could sneak away from the party unnoticed for a short while. But Jack isn't having any of it, wanting their first time together as husband and wife to be a special thing instead of a quick romp in the bridal dressing room. Throughout the remainder of the wedding reception and the entire fourteen hour trip to their honeymoon destination, Keely torments Jack and almost drives him to the point of giving in to her needs. I just love Jack and Keely and it was nice to see their story briefly continue after "All Jacked Up". This is a quick and enjoyable read, and what makes it even better is that it is a free download! You can't go wrong with free:) Happy reading!
My Rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
"Alaina Claiborne" by MK McMclintock FREE download Friday April 13th
MK McClintock is celebrating this Friday the 13th by offering Alaina Claiborne for free! Are you feeling lucky? Get your copy today!
How far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?
In
19th century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished
friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the
grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace. Then
tragedy strikes in the worst possible way and her world is forever
changed, childhood gone and a new course set. Searching for a killer is
her only focus, that is until she meets Tristan.
Tristan
Sheffield is a man of many talents, among them searching out those who
don't want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he
would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life is unexpectedly
entwined with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual
desire to catch a murderer.
On their hunt for a man driven by
greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against
evil and they'll stop at nothing to survive.
Excerpt:
Tristan ignored the pain in his shoulder
from busting down the back door as he made his way frantically through the old
house. It was dark, dank, and an unpleasant odor wafted from the skeleton of
every room. It looked as though someone had been there on and off for a while. The floors were covered in an inch of dirt except through the kitchen and the
back hallways, both of which appeared to be well trodden paths through the
house. Tristan swore that he could hear rats scuffling along the upper floors
and there was the distinct smell of death lingering in the air. Whoever had
made their temporary home in that debilitated old structure was probably shoved
away in a closet somewhere.
He
continued his search, finding nothing. The screams had stopped the moment he broke through the back door and he
was now looking everywhere for a basement door. The sounds had been too muffled
to have come from upstairs. Charles met him halfway through the search,
revealing that he too had found nothing; until they happened upon a door in the
kitchen floor.
Charles
placed a hand on Tristan, holding him off, wanting to go first, but Tristan
shook him off and pulled up on the heavy door. The corridor leading down was
darker than the rest of the house and smelled much worse. Feeling their way along the wall, both men
carefully felt their way down the steps. Up ahead a dim light cast shadows and
the glowed a little brighter with each step. Picking up his pace, Tristan moved
towards the light and came to another door. This one was bolted shut and on the
other side came the moans-barely audible, but they were there.
“Alaina?”
Tristan yelled through the bars in the door.
No answer; a small moan. Charles studied
the lock for a moment.
“We
won’t be getting through this one easily,” he offered.
“Like
hell we won’t,” Tristan replied and pushed Charles back.
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