Review : Palace of the Twelve Pillars and Palace of the Three Crosses by Christina Weigand

Title – Palace of the Twelve Pillars: Book One

Series – Palace of the Twelve Pillars

Author – Christina Weigand

Genre – YA Fantasy

Publication Date – April 26, 2013

Publisher – MuseItUp Publishing

Cover Artist – Marion Sipe

BOOK SYNOPSIS

The Peace Summit was in shambles, the prince kidnapped.

When the rival king realizes he kidnapped the wrong prince, hostilities escalate. Loyalties to each other and country are tested for the twin princes of Crato, Joachim and Brandan.

Joachim, captive of King Waldrom, faces deception and betrayal as he struggles to find his way home. Brandan, at home with a father focused on rescuing Joachim, wrestles with his own demons as he searches for his place in the world and the favor of his father.

Torn from the safety and peace of their childhood, they are thrust into a world where bonds of family, brotherhood and roles as heirs to Crato are tested. Through war, spiritual journeys, death and marriage, will they choose the path of good or evil? Who can be trusted, as the world they know slips into a whirlpool of chaos?

BUY LINKS

MuseItUpPublishing | Amazon | Barnes & Nobles |Kobo Books

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BOOK EXCERPT

Then his gaze fell on Waldrom. Here was the man, so smug and condescending, who sought to destroy Crato and threatened his parents. He didn’t seem the least bit imposing reclining upon his throne. Disgust overwhelmed the prince, and it was all he could do not to spit on the floor. The man was the antithesis of his father, who, with his broad shoulders and compassionate demeanor, commanded the respect of all who knew him.

The king rose from the throne and waved for the guard to bring Joachim forward.

“Prince Brandan, I presume. I’m King Waldrom.”

“Prince Brandan? No, I’m Joachim.” Waldrom stepped back, and Joachim saw the fire burning in his eyes.

“What do you mean, you’re not Prince Brandan?” Waldrom looked at the guard holding Joachim and waved his hand. A candelabrum flew from the wall, hitting the guard and igniting his beard. The guard swatted wildly at the flames while Waldrom advanced on Melvane, standing by the door. “How could you grab the wrong prince?”

The wizard dropped to his knees. “My Lord, our spies told us Prince Brandan would be in the training room.

Review: This book really drew me in. The characters were very realistic. The struggle between good and evil is the main plot for this book. When two people grow up the same how does one turn to evil with the other turns to good? The twin princes have their own struggles of where they fit into their world. When Waldorms plan does not go to plan because they steal the wrong twin, I was laughing out loud, served him right!! Love, Family, Friendship and Faith all have a place in this book.

Title – Palace of the Three Crosses: Book Two

Series – Palace of the Twelve Pillars

Author – Christina Weigand

Genre – YA Fantasy

Publication Date – September 20, 2013

Publisher – MuseItUp Publishing

Cover Artist – Marion Sipe

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Brandan and Joachim have returned from the brink of Hell, but everyone questions if they are truly healed and one with Asha.

As each prince tries to readjust to life, they must face the funeral of their father and their missing mother.

They each take on the responsibility of ruling a country with new wives by their sides, but can they and the countries survive the trials that will ensue because of their choices?

BUY LINKS

MuseItUpPublishing | Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Smashwords | Kobo Books

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BOOK EXCERPT

Rupert looked through the window in his tower room at the landscape of Wyrzburg. Months had passed since the Battle of Harable Valley and the spring planting season faded into the wonderful summer growing season. The land progressed in its healing and would soon be returned to its former state. As he turned from the window, he thought about the things that hadn’t healed…the twins. Brandan and Joachim still had a long way to go to erase the darkness that infected them. Joachim seemed better, but at night he still dreamed of Sidramah, and the doubts about what happened still haunted him. Brandan appeared even further from the boy that left to find his brother. The darkness appeared to follow him day and night. He withdrew to chambers as far away from Joachim as he could get.

Walking down the stairs to the great hall, Rupert remembered when the princes first returned; both had seemed healed and better than ever, maybe. But it appeared as if the tentacles of Sidramah still lingered. Any small opening the evil one could find, he exploited, and both boys were once again haunted by dark dreams.

Review: The second book was just as good as the first. The relationship between the brothers can it ever truly be healed? Good and Evil still battle in this book. The princes have a lot to work though and ones feelings to the other when one is crowned kind. Their mother goes missing and everyone questions their loyalty to goodness. I will be looking for the release of the next book in the series.

Title – Sanctuary of the Nine Dragons: Book Three

Series – Palace of the Twelve Pillars

Author – Christina Weigand

Genre – YA Fantasy

Publication Date – February 2014

Publisher – MuseItUp Publishing

Cover Artist – Charlotte Volnek

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Joachim banishes Brandan to prison island of Hyogo. His infant son, Prince Airyn disappears from his cradle. A chain of events is set in motion that will pit brother against brother, friend against friend, parents against children as Brandan and Joachim struggle for control of their sanity and their very lives.

With Brandan declared dead and his son missing Joachim sinks into despair and anger, where those close to him fear he may never return.

Is Brandan really dead and if he is, who is manipulating the Mantion and enemies of Crato?

Can Maeve save her country and her husband from the tentacles of evil pervading the land?

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BOOK EXCERPT

“I have sent one who can save them, but he can also bring about their final destruction.

“You, my Guardians, must seek him out. Protect him and ensure he is guided on the right paths.”

Alorn lifted his great ruby-red head. “Tell us who is he, Lord, that we may fulfill Your wishes.”

“I cannot reveal his identity…yet. Just know there are three who need you now. My power will be seen in all, but only one will be the savior in the end. However, all are needed to bring My Will about, and they must all be protected and nurtured.”

“How will we know them?” Stefano leaned forward.

“All will be children of Brandan or Joachim, and they will blend the lineage of the three races.”

“We know of Joachim’s children, but Brandan has none.”

“He has one, a half Mantion-half human child. Gorou is the third, and he will be the hardest to protect and nurture.”

“Why a child of Brandan?” Cielo asked. “Brandan has already chosen the path of evil time and again. Would not a child of his be exposed to that same evil?”

“Although, he fathered the child, Brandan knows not of his existence.

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AUTHOR BIO

Christina Weigand’s a writer, wife, and mother of three grown children and a middle school daughter. She is also Nana to three granddaughters. She lives with her husband and youngest daughter in Pennsylvania, returning there after a short sabbatical in Washington. Currently, she’s working on fantasy novels and inspirational writing. Through her writing, she strives to share the Word of God and help people young and old to realize the love and mercy He has for everyone.

When she’s not writing, she’s active in her local Church as a lector, Bible Study, or with the church theater group, volunteering at her daughter’s school helping the children develop a love for reading and writing. Jesus fills her home with love as she shares Him through her writing.

STALKER LINKS

BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS | AMAZON

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AUTHOR GIVEAWAY

1 eCopy of all Three Books in the Trilogy (Palace of the Twelve Pillars, Palace of the Three Crosses & Sanctuary of the Nine Dragons).

***Note – Sanctuary of the Nine Dragons will be awarded upon its release.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE AUTHORS GIVEAWAY

 

Book Blitz: Mobster's Angel by Amy Rachiele

Book Title: Mobster's Angel Author: Amy Rachiele Genre: Romance/Family Saga/Action Adventure Release Date: December 15, 2013 Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Vito has grown up in the underworld of the mob. He has recently reached age eighteen. His family has been involved since the thirties. In 2014, the rules haven’t changed much. What worked then, works now; power, violence, and loyalty. Love isn’t something you can control. As much as Vito, mobster enforcer, wish he could, he can’t. And falling in love with someone who is close to jailbait age is even tougher. Vito bides his time and waits. For a hasty guy with limited self-control, it’s difficult to curb his impulses. At age fifteen, Erin just wants to forget. Erin’s world came crashing down when she learned her family was not what they seemed. She’s been living in a lie. No one told her her family was mob. The cliché ignorance is bliss becomes a sharp stabbing realization when she has to learn to cope with the aftermath. Being smart doesn’t save you from terror and doesn’t teach you how to live with it. You can’t escape the mob. It’s part of your existence! TAGS: New Adult - Romance/Action Adventure/ Family Saga/Anti-hero/Mobster/Mafia/Alpha-Male/Alternate POV “Sometimes I hear him whispering in my ear as if my conscience has grown and matured into a six foot three dark haired male. The studying, reading, and listening I did to impress adults are nothing compared to what I learned from Vito.” ~ Erin Amy Rachiele is a military spouse and brat who spent many years volunteering and on staff for the Army National Guard and Department of Veteran Affairs with family support, family readiness, as well as, families of the Fallen. Amy devoted 10 years to teaching at-risk students in the Providence School System. She holds a Master's degree from Rhode Island College in English and Secondary Education. She volunteers her time at the local library facilitating a writer’s group in the hope of inspiring other writers. Besides writing, she enjoys scrapbooking, sewing, and traveling. Amy lives in Massachusetts with her son and husband.     Prologue: September

Vito’s Senior Year at Palmetto High School, New Jersey

I jump people in alleys for fun. I say shit I don’t mean.Yeah, I’m an asshole…always been one, always will be.

The way I grew up, nice got you fuckin’ nothin’ but stepped on. The mob life is brutal; a hazy, volatile run of survival. I don’t like it, but I’m proud of my heritage and my friends. One thing I admire is the loyalty in the Mafia. I come from a long line of mobsters. The Rossi’s have been here in New Jersey since the thirties, tommy guns, and zoot suits. My Pop has been gone on business for the Palmetto Mob Boss for over a year now. His loyalty is unwavering. Mom and I see him on holidays, and he calls a lot. It’s not the same as having him here. But Pop being away isn’t what’s wrong with me. Erin, this kid - I can’t get her out of my head. Well, I guess she’s not a kid. No… no… she’s a kid. She’s fourteen… I’m seventeen. Holy shit! I could go to jail. Well, it wouldn’t be the first time - and she’d be worth it. I wouldn’t have even found out she was that young if I hadn’t overheard her sister, Megan, telling my best friend, Antonio. Ugh, shit! It’s not so bad if she’s turning fifteen like - tomorrow. I’m trying, I really am. I just have to keep repeating to myself, she’s a freshman, you’re a senior. She has three more years of high school left; I’m going to college next year. Well, I will if I get my head out of my ass. Every time I see her, she seems to be having the time of her life. She thrives on laughter and fun. Her happiness is contagious. That’s probably why everyone likes her. Erin is way more outgoing than Megan. She’s smart like her sister. I bet she’ll get an early acceptance to the college of her choice, too. What would she want with a stupid ass like me? That damn red hair! And that slim little body. I know that this has to have something to do with Antonio going out with Red…I mean Megan. Yeah, that’s definitely what it is. The hair. The O’Neill girls are different... Irish, not Italian. Forbidden. Antonio’s father, the Mob Boss of Palmetto, New Jersey, warned all of us years ago to stay away from Megan. But Antonio Rinaldo Delisi, Sr. never mentioned Megan’s little sister, Erin. He probably figured she was too young to be of interest to us. I heard some chooches talking about her after school the other day while I was walking down the hallway near the science wing. Typical guy shit. But I wanted to slam their faces into the lockers. I had it all planned out in my head. I was going to take each of them by the scruff of the neck, one by one, and SMASH. I’m familiar with the sound of flesh hitting metal. Then I would’ve taken them into the fuckin’ bathroom and washed their mouths out with anti-bacterial soap. But I held back… And that shows that I’ve been paying way too much attention to someone that doesn’t even know I’m alive. I’m a chooch when it comes to getting attention. I just act like the asshole I am. Like the time I hit on her sister in church. And did I mention that Erin didn’t even look my way? That was just me being stupid. I do stupid shit all the time because I don’t think, I just do. It’s an important motto in the Mafia. Thinking can be very bad for your health. No one wants cement shoes and lungs full of water. She’s got a boyfriend. I’ve seen him. He’s a scrawny little guy. His mother picked Erin up from school one day: I saw the mini-van pull up. The door slid open and she hopped in. Her face said it all; she was happy and excited to see her pansy little boyfriend. as I am. And it’s good because if he were around, I’d consider beating him up every once in a while just for shits and giggles. Like a chooch, I’m on high alert, constantly looking for her in the hallways. I know every class she’s in. I’ve actually cut a few classes to wait outside her classroom like a stalker. This cannot be normal. I know its not. Maybe I need a shrink. Some intense therapy might beat it out of me. That’s it! A good beating!

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Cover Reveal: Love Me by Kristin Mayer

TITLE: LOVE ME (TRUST SERIES #2)

AUTHOR: KRISTIN MAYER

RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 14, 2014

COVER REVEAL HOSTED BY: BOOK PLUG PROMOTIONS

SYNOPSIS:

Engaged and happily in love, Allison Scott and Damien Wales are looking forward to joining their lives together as one. Coming from a mournful year after losing her parents, Allison is ready to heal and move on to the next chapter with the love of her life. 

But Damien’s past continues to threaten their future. A man once obsessed with Damien’s sister is now after his one and only love, Allison. The woman who came before Allison is determined to captivate Damien’s heart. And Damien’s best friend is somehow playing a part in it all. 

One is a murderer, and Damien and Allison discover they can trust no one but each other. When Damien’s history endangers Allison’s life, their relationship is pushed to its limits, and they must determine if their love can overcome any obstacle or if circumstances will force them apart. 

Love Me is the second book in the Trust Series.

Love Me (Book #2 Trust Series) Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20319881-love-me?from_search=true

Trust Me (Book #1 Trust Series) Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18074919-trust-me?from_search=true

AUTHOR BIO:

Kristin Mayer is a wife, a proud mother, and a full-time Analyst and Import Manager. Since an early age, she has always enjoyed reading and writing. While visiting her father one weekend, he suggested that she should take up writing again. With family and a career, she didn’t give it a lot of thought, until a story entered her mind and wouldn’t leave. It just kept forming and developing over a couple of months.

At the beginning of 2013, she decided to sit down and write it all down, but she kept it to herself. One sentence developed into two, and before she knew it, she had the makings of a novel.

Kristin tries to live life to the fullest during every moment. She loves to travel and meet new people. She holds a degree in International Business and uses it daily in her job. Kristin now adds “author” on her list of jobs, and feels very blessed and thankful.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristinMayer

TRUST ME Purchasing Links:

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1d0q4j5

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trust-me-kristin-mayer/1117049617?ean=2940148791720

Cover Reveal Hosted by:

Release Day: From the Embers (Born in Flames Trilogy) by Candace Knoebel

Synopsis:

I am the Progeny. The one deemed to carry this weight. The weight of knowing too much. Of knowing there is a darkness in me. Of knowing that even The Fates can screw things up.

Aurora Megalos knew becoming the Progeny meant great sacrifice, but what she wasn’t prepared for was sacrificing herself. Since the day of her birth, she has been set on a path she couldn’t control; a path conceived by The Fates. And after discovering she is mortally connected to her Arch Enemy Zordon-a son of a Fate, Aurora is now left with a path that seems hopeless.

Until she discovers a revelation in the prophecy.

With war on the horizon, she must now find a way to defeat the one who threatens to take everything and everyone she has ever loved from her, without destroying herself. The barrier between both realms is broken, The Fates have been overrun by Zordon, and his darkness now spreads throughout the lands. The odds are stacked against her. Will Aurora and Fenn find a way to undo the work of The Fates in time to save the realms from complete destruction?

 

 

Meet the Author:

 

Candace Knoebel is the award-winning author of Born in Flames (a young adult fantasy trilogy).
Published by 48fourteen in 2012, Born in Flames went on to win Turning the Pages Book of the Year award in February of 2013. Embracing the Flames, the second in the trilogy, is scheduled for release in the summer of 2013.
Candace Knoebel discovered through lunch breaks and late nights after putting her kids to bed, a world where she could escape the ever-pressing days of an eight to five Purgatory. Since then, she crawled out of Purgatory and has devoted her time to writing and sometimes heelying.
Interests:
Music defines a huge part of who I am. I find myself relating moments of my life to music lyrics more often than not. Actually, I find myself wishing that music would play at epic moments in my life...kind of like this one; becoming an author!
Number one all-time fave band is Thirty Seconds to Mars. I waited for 10 ½ hours just to be front row to see them in concert and of course it rocked. I also love Paramore, John Mayer, Mute-math, Adele, Band of Horses...the list could go on forever and ever.
I love dancing, rocking out in the car to music, spending time with my children and husband, laughing with my bestie, and cooking. I also love watching Tobuscus on you-tube.
Books that pull at my heart-strings: Harry Potter Series, Jane Eyre, The Catcher in the Rye, and The Twilight Saga.

Goodreads Link

My Facebook Page

My Twitter

My Blog

 

Available on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

KOBO

 

 

Born in Flames:

http://www.amazon.com/Born-Flames-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0096PPK4Q/ref=la_B009CW4K30_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390358598&sr=1-1

Red mirrored scales race up my arms as the haze of pain blurs my vision. My bones crack, breaking to realign. I scream. It is then that the realization of my unavoidable fate sinks in; I am of a dying race. I am dragon.

Aurora Megalos, orphaned and teetering on the edge of adulthood, thought finding her past would curb the sting of being an outcast. Having no memories of the time before she awoke on her foster mother’s doorstep, she yearns for the emptiness inside her to be filled. With her fellow orphaned best friend, Fenn, by her side, she has nothing to lose and everything to gain. But something powerful stirred within her that she couldn’t explain. Something wanted out.

In the dark of night, a crazed Seer erases everything she’s ever known with an impending prophecy. She now faces two paths. Return to her true home to protect a dying race against a growing evil, or stay hidden in the safety of our realm with a shot at a true love. With a vengeful Arch Enemy stopping at nothing to see her dead, she’s running out of time; a decision must be made. What would you choose?

 

Embracing the Flames:

http://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Flames-Born-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00DFTQJA8/ref=la_B009CW4K30_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390358598&sr=1-2

The Stone of Immortality has always been kept under the watch of the Draconta. That is, until the betrayal of a Fate. Now, everything is about to change.

Aurora Megalos accepted her destiny without blinking-even if it meant succumbing to her dragon side. Deemed the Progeny, she left the ordinary life she knew and has done everything in her power to learn the ways of her new home and what it means to be part dragon. But when her mentor, Astral, suddenly disappears, she is forced to take the reins with war on the brink. She sets out on an epic journey to find what her arch enemy, Zordon, is after. What she discovers is far worse than she could’ve ever imagined. She will be tested and pushed to the limit. Lives will be lost, love will be found, and most importantly, a battle will begin.

Review Blitz: Goodbye Girl by Scarlett Metal

Book Title: Goodbye Girl Author: Scarlett Metal Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: November 24, 2013 Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

 

Rachel met Clint in a diner one night while she was on the road trying to escape her past. From the moment they lay their eyes on each other, sparks fly. He offers her a job on his ranch and even though she's a city girl, she accepts. It's not long before they give into their attraction and settle into life together on the ranch. They find happiness in each other's arms and Clint quickly wonders if Rachel is the girl that can give him his happily ever after. Rachel's past eventually comes back to haunt her, and threatens her happiness with Clint. Can they work through their demons of the past and find their happily ever after? Or will Rachel leave Clint just like she fled her life before?

Goodbye Girl By Scarlett Metal Chapter 1 - Rachel Just a few more miles…Just a few more miles between him and I and it’ll be ok. My hand was shaking as I took the last sip of my Red Bull. I hadn’t slept in three days and I’d been living on Red Bulls and candy. If I didn’t stop soon for a rest, my body was going to shut down. I’d just made it through South Dakota. I thought about stopping to see Mount Rushmore, but I couldn’t. The more distance I could put between Buffalo and me, the better off I would be. I crossed the state line into Wyoming, watching the sun set into the mountains. It was around nine at night and the highway was fairly empty. I saw a sign for Sheridan, Wyoming and decided to find a small hotel there for a night or two. I would probably be safe there; he’d never think to look for me way up here. We’d always talked about moving south to Florida, so hopefully he’d check down there first. I exited the highway and turned into the parking lot of a small hotel with a diner attached. A shower and a home cooked meal sounded perfect right now. I grabbed my purse and headed inside to the front desk where an elderly woman greeted me. She looked more like a librarian than someone who would work behind the desk of hotel. “Hey hun, what can I do for you?” She smiled at me so wide I couldn’t help but smile back. Her eyes darted to the bruise on my cheek and I self-consciously touched my face. Never again! Never again would I be embarrassed to be out in public because of something a man did to me. “Do you have a room for a night or two?” I asked softly, my hands suddenly trembling. I shoved them in the pockets of my jean shorts so she wouldn’t notice. “Just a second,” she said and looked at the screen next to her. After a few quick keystrokes, she turned back to me. “Yep, we have a room with a king-sized bed available on the second floor for two nights. Would you like it?” I nodded, setting my purse on the counter and reaching inside for my wallet. I pulled out a few hundreds, hoping she didn’t notice the wad of cash I had in my purse. I didn’t want to draw any more attention to myself. I paid for the room and she gave me my key. “The diner is attached and it’s open twenty-four hours a day. They have the best food there, breakfast especially.” I took my key and thanked her before heading back out to my car. I grabbed a few bags, looking around to make sure I was alone before heading back inside to my room. Fuck him for making me so paranoid. I found it easily and threw my stuff on the bed. I looked at the bed longingly. I really wanted to lay down and pass out cold, but I needed a shower and food first I opened one of my suitcases and found a change of clothes and my bathroom stuff. I turned the water on almost as hot as it would go, before stripping off my shorts and t-shirt. I glanced at myself in the mirror, wincing at the bruises he left on my arm. I pressed my fingers gently on my face and bit my lip, fighting back the tears. He didn’t matter anymore; I was never going to see him again. I climbed into the shower, the hot water feeling almost like needles on my skin. I closed my eyes and leaned back, letting the water wash the grime of his touch and the road off of me. As I stood there, all the emotions I’d kept at bay the past few days came crashing over me. I started to sob, my tears mixing with the water running down my face. I reached out and leaned against the shower wall, my body shaking. When I finally had no more tears left in me, I squared my shoulders, determined not to let him break me again. I quickly finished in the shower and got dressed, my stomach rumbling. I took my room key and some cash and headed out of my room. It was already eleven o’clock, but the lady at the front desk said they were open twenty-four hours, so I figured I’d check it out. I’d thought about just ordering a pizza and having it delivered, but after being locked in my car essentially for the past three days, I needed to get out. I walked out of the front door of the hotel and turned the corner to the diner. As I opened the door, I was surprised to find the place busier than I’d expected at this time a night in small town Wyoming. My stomach made a noise I was sure the whole place heard and I quickly made my way to a booth in the corner. I sat down and grabbed a menu. I was so hungry that everything on the menu sounded good. I finally decided on an omelet and toast before the waitress even made her way over to me. “All set to order?” she smiled at me, her black hair back in a high ponytail. “Yes, I’ll take a ham and cheese omelet, wheat toast, and some milk please.” My mouth was watering at the thought of eating real food. Living off of fast food gets really old really quick. She finished writing down my order and tucked her pencil back behind her ear. “Sounds good. I’ll get that in right away and bring you some water, hun." She turned and I smiled. I’d been called ‘hun’ twice in one night. Where was I? People back home weren’t this friendly. Maybe I could get used to this. I glanced around the restaurant, checking out the other patrons. There was a group of older men sitting at the counter, their clothes dirty, looking like they’d just come from work. A few booths away from me sat a young couple sitting on the same side. I rolled my eyes when they kissed, but a part of me felt a twinge of jealousy. There were a few others scattered about but my breath caught in my throat when I noticed him. He was at a table nearby and I have no idea how I didn’t notice him earlier. He was busy reading the paper and drinking his coffee, but I could see his chocolate brown eyes, lashes so long most women would kill for them. He was wearing cowboy boots and a baseball hat, so I couldn’t see what color his hair was or how long it was. He was wearing jeans and I briefly wondered if they were Wrangler jeans and if they fit him like they did the guys in the commercials. A tight white t-shirt showed off his muscular arms and clung to his chest in all the right places. He glanced up and nodded at me with a wink and a smile and I turned away quickly, feeling my face on fire at being caught staring. The waitress came over with my food just then, having seen the whole thing. “He’s hot, isn’t he?” she teased as she set my food in front of me. I laughed and nodded. “His name is Clint. He comes in here all the time. He owns a big ranch nearby where he lives with his mom, sister, and brother. He’s one of the youngest ranch owners in Wyoming.” I turned and stole another glance back at him. He’d folded up his paper and was getting ready to get up. As he stood up, my eyes moved down his body. Yep, he wore the jeans just like in the commercial. I swallowed hard and felt a stirring deep in my womb when he looked over at me again. It was like his eyes were looking into my soul. Sexy as he was, it was a little bit unnerving. The waitress leaned down and whispered, “He’s single too.” “I’m not - I didn’t,” I stammered, totally embarrassed again. Was I that obvious? “Just thought you’d want to know the way you two are checking each other out,” she winked and turned around to head back to the kitchen. Wait – he was checking me out too? I didn’t see that. I shook my head. I just left an asshole, I didn’t need another man right away. It didn’t matter that he was sex on a stick; I wasn’t interested. I couldn’t help but watch him as I ate. He seemed to know almost everyone in the diner and stopped to talk to everyone on his way out. He shook hands with the guys sitting at the counter, laughing and talking with them before turning my way. Shit, he was going to come right past my table. I wanted to slide under the table so bad right now. I cursed myself that I didn’t bring a book or something to read so I could look totally busy when he walked by. “Hey there,” he greeted me, his voice deep and smooth, like whiskey going down your throat. He tipped his hat at me and I thought I was going to swoon. I’d never met a real cowboy before. Growing up in Buffalo, NY, there was nothing but punk ass men who thought they were all that. “Hi,” I said, setting down my fork and taking a drink of my milk. “New around here?” he asked. I swore his eyes darkened when he noticed the bruise on my cheek and I suddenly wished I’d taken the time to hide it better with make up; I’d just swiped on some foundation, not even bothering with concealer. “Just passing through,” I replied. Should I offer him a seat? But I didn’t know him. My heart was pounding so hard I was sure he could hear it. He nodded. “Where ya headed?” I shrugged. “Not sure. My plan was to just drive until I found a good place to stay.” Why was I being so open with this stranger? I rarely shared with people I knew and here I was telling a total stranger my travel plans. “Hmm…Well, this is a good place to stay and if you need work, I can always use help on my ranch,” he grinned at me and my stomach did a flip-flop. He put his hand out to shake mine. “I’m Clint. I own Hidden Lane Ranch just up the way.” “Rachel,” I responded, taking his hand in mine. It was different than his hand; rough, like he knew how to actually do real work. He griped my hand tight and shook it. For a second I thought about what his hands would feel like on my soft skin and desire pooled between my thighs. Sweet baby Jesus, what was I thinking. “Nice to meet you.” He released my hand. “I gotta get back to the ranch, but if you’re interested, talk to the ladies here. They’ll point you in the right direction.” He tipped his hat to me again. “Have a good night, Rachel.” “Goodnight,” I managed to mutter. God the way he said my name made me tremble. What would it sound like if he whispered it in my ear while in the throes of passion? I watched him leave the diner shamelessly checking out his ass in those jeans. I kept my eyes on him until I couldn’t see him in the dark night before turning back to my omelet that was now cold. I was finished with it anyway and paid before heading back to my room. I didn’t think I could keep my eyes open much longer. I stripped off my clothes and climbed into bed naked. As I’m about to drift off to sleep, I thought about Clint’s job offer. Maybe he was right; maybe this was a good place to stay. Then I could be around his sexiness all day. I sighed and rolled over to my side, clutching a pillow against me. I just left a man, would it really be smart to have another in my life so soon? The last thing I saw before I drifted off was Clint’s smile. I might have to check out his ranch in the morning.

Scarlett lives in the Midwest with her family. When she's not busy writing steamy stories, she can be found with her nose in a book, camping, or geocaching with her family. She loves Diet Coke, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, and 80's hair bands.  

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