FIRST KISS: A Gunslinger, a Scandalous Kiss and a Romance Rekindled! @Cherokeegirl57 @KMNbooks #firstkiss #giveaway

KAREN: A scandalous kiss with gunslinger Jake Morgan will ruin Talia's reputation, but when his all so tempting lips touch hers, she can't resist. Enjoy an excerpt from OUTLAW'S KISS by Cheryl Pierson!

***GIVEAWAY: CHERYL PIERSON will be giving away a signed print copy of WISHING FOR A COWBOY to one lucky commenter! 

FIRST KISS: OUTLAW’S KISS
by Cheryl Pierson

 A long-ago schooldays crush is rekindled by an Outlaw’s Kiss that sparks true love, and a new future for Jake Morgan and Talia Delano.

It started with a kiss—a kiss that should have been nothing more than a very tiny, quick peck on Satan’s cheek. Even that would have been bad enough. When Talia had gotten close enough to inhale his intoxicating scent, she knew she was in danger. She’d stood on her toes to kiss his cheek, trying to act as if nothing was amiss—as if she kissed a demon every day.

Then, he’d turned his head at the last moment, his lips coming over hers with a tight-leashed ferocity that posed as indifference to the rest of the world.

But Talia and Jake knew better. His tongue had parted her lips. Or, had she done that herself, the instant he’d put his mouth to hers?  Although he’d bought that kiss with one thousand dollars, he’d taken possession of so much more. What were a heart and soul worth?

His tongue had done at least a thousand dollars’ worth of damage, in a few short seconds.

His lips sculpted hers, as the entire town of Rock Creek watched. His mouth kindled the beginning flame that erupted in a bonfire between them, making her stomach quiver, her heart pound. But it was his velvet demon’s tongue that carelessly sent the cinders of her soul skyward, in front of the cat-calling onlookers who’d gathered for the auction.

There was no defense against his casual, merciless onslaught. Talia’s body warmed as involuntarily, her fingers curled in the front of his cotton shirt, pulling him closer.  Damn you, Jake Morgan. Damn you.

His lips curved upward just before he lifted his mouth, allowing her to breathe once more. She could swear the gunfighter read the thoughts that swirled in her head.

He licked his lips slowly, as if savoring the way she tasted.  The wicked, slow smile spread, lighting his dark eyes with teasing warmth, deadly to what remained of her will.

The breath she took was nearly a gasp, as if she had just been saved from drowning in rushing waters.

“What do you think you’re doing, Mr. Morgan?” Her voice was quiet, with none of the indignation she knew she should be feeling.

“I’m getting my money’s worth.” His large hands framed her face with a gentleness she wouldn’t have thought possible. He leaned toward her. Again.

“No—” Her protest was unconvincing to her own ears.

“Yes.”

“You’re going to ruin me—”

Jake laughed softly. “Later, Talia.  Much, much later.” Then, his mouth closed over hers once more.

The entire town of Rock Creek had been scandalized, and Natalia Delano had been ostracized.

 

***Giveaway: Signed Print copy of WISHING FOR A COWBOY to one lucky commenter! Be sure to leave your contact information in your comment to be entered in the drawing! 

 

ABOUT OUTLAW'S KISS (One of the wonderful tales in WISHING FOR A COWBOY)

Talia Delano has been humiliated before the entire town of Rock Creek by Jake Morgan. A known gunman, Jake has bid an outrageous sum for Talia’s “boxed supper”, a kiss, and the gift of her time for the rest of the Independence Day celebration.  But, as always, Jake changes the rules and takes more than he should—especially with the whole town watching. Talia’s chance of happiness is dashed, along with her reputation, when Jake leaves Rock Creek suddenly.

When he shows up five months later at her farmhouse, wounded, and in the midst of a blinding snowstorm, she can’t turn him away—even though she knows being along with him will cause tongues to wag once more. But with Christmas only two days away, how can she harden her heart against the handsome outlaw who has no place else to go—even if he is being trailed by someone just as dangerous? Magic and danger are woven together in the OUTLAW’S KISS.

WISHING FOR A COWBOY

Cowboys, kisses and love in the holiday air make for a special recipe in each of these wonderful new stories. Christmas miracles can happen when you're WISHING FOR A COWBOY! 

AMAZON REVIEWS: 

1. Great ensemble of short Cowboy Christmas stories. Each story was unique, well thought out, and the characters came alive and sizzled on the pages. I wish I could pinpoint a favorite, but I can't. I liked all of them!

2. All the authors did a superb job of keeping you involved in the stories. It amazed me how the theme continued. I am looking forward to the release of the Valentine version.

3. A pound of Cowboys, a cup of Christmas, a dash of inspiration mixed with equal parts of Love and Miracles....These talented authors have put together the perfect ingredients for a holiday romance complete with recipes for great desserts! If you enjoy Western romance, this anthology is for you.

PURCHASE AN eBook COPY OF WISHING FOR A COWBOY HERE:

Amazon Kindle Link

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Cheryl was born in Duncan, Oklahoma, and grew up in Seminole, Oklahoma. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma, and holds a B.A. in English. 

Writing is so much a part of her life that recently, she and long-time friend Livia Reasoner, decided to open a publishing house. PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS http://www.prairierosepublications.com/ furthers the western-themed writing offerings of women. As if that weren’t enough, there were so many requests for a

publishing house for young people interested in the west that they decided to open the unique imprint, PAINTED PONY BOOKS http://www.paintedponybooks.com/. This line will be open to all authors who have submissions for Middle Grade readers, Young Adult, and New Adult. 

The contemporary/futuristic imprint for these age groups is TORNADO ALLEY PUBLICATIONS http://www.tornadoalleypublications.com/ , and for adult contemporary/futuristic, check out their imprint FIRE STAR PRESS http://www.firestarpress.com/ . 

All imprints are open and accepting submissions.

Cheryl's latest novel is a western historical romance, GABRIEL'S LAW. Her upcoming release, THE HALF-BREED'S WOMAN, will be available early next year through Prairie Rose Publications. To see all of Cheryl’s work, click here:

https://www.amazon.com/author/cherylpierson 

You can e-mail her at prairierosepublications@yahoo.com

Cheryl's WEBSITE:

http://www.cherylpiersonbooks.com/

COMPANY WEBSITE:

http://www.prairierosepublications.com/

BLOG:

http://www.prairierosepublications.blogspot.com/

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.pierson.92

First Kiss: This Kiss is A Promise for the Future in The Second-Best Ranger in Texas @DisorderlyWords @KMNbooks #firstkiss

KAREN: In The Second-Best Ranger in Texas by Kathleen Rice Adams, a washed-up Texas Ranger and a failed nun face a gang of cutthroats, but one stolen kiss and a promise may give them the courage to keep fighting to survive. 

 ***GIVEAWAY: Kathleen is giving away one eBook of Hearts and Spurs to one lucky reader. (In the reader’s choice of formats.) Read on to find out how you may win a copy! Winner to be announced on Valentine’s Day!

FIRST KISS: THE SECOND-BEST RANGER IN TEXAS 
by Kathleen Rice Adams

In “The Second-Best Ranger in Texas,” a washed-up Texas Ranger and a failed nun are the only line of defense for the survivors of a brutal bandit raid. Holed up inside a mission on the Texas-Mexico border, they face a gang of cutthroats.

The Winchester’s thunder and an army’s reply sent Dulce’s hand diving for the rosary beads in her pocket. Quinn’s strangled curse numbed her fingers. A dark splotch blossomed on his sleeve.

She scrambled to his side.

“Get back.”

Ignoring the fierce hiss, she snatched the knife from his belt and slashed her petticoat.

Her shoulders met adobe with a jarring thud.

Green eyes blazed inches from hers. “I can’t fight you and them at the same time.”

“You are bleeding.”

“It’s a scratch. I’ll be fine.”

He possessed an unusual definition for scratch. Blood soaked his sleeve from shoulder to elbow. He did not seem to notice or care.

“Does nothing frighten you?” The shaky words surely betrayed her fear.

A slow blink cleared the anger from his eyes. In the sudden silence, his hoarse whisper filled the room. “You frighten me, Dulce.” A calloused palm cupped the side of her face as his gaze draped her with a caress. “Losing you to a bullet scares the hell out of me.”

Trembling lips brushed hers. So soft. So tender. So much strength in such a gentle touch.

Too soon, he drew away. His thumb rubbed a circle behind her ear. “If we live through this, I’m not going to want to turn you loose.”

Tears burned the backs of her eyes. “Then don’t.”

 ***GIVEAWAY: Kathleen is giving away one eBook of Hearts and Spurs to one lucky reader. (In the reader’s choice of formats.) Leave a comment or ask a question. Don't know what to say or ask? Then answer this question: What are your plans for Valentine's Day?  

Winner to be announced on Valentine’s Day!

ABOUT THE BOOK:  THE SECOND BEST RANGER IN TEXAS in the Valentine's Day Anthology, Hearts and Spurs from the Prairie Rose Publication

His partner’s grisly death destroyed Texas Ranger Quinn Barclay. Cashiered for drunkenness and refusal to follow orders, he sets out to fulfill his partner’s dying request, armed only with a saloon girl’s name.

Sister María Tomás thought she wanted to become a nun, but five years as a postulant have convinced her childhood dreams aren’t always meant to be. At last ready to relinquish the temporary vows she never should have made, she begs the only man she trusts to collect her from a mission in the middle of nowhere.

When the ex-Ranger’s quest collides with the ex-nun’s plea in a burned-out border town, unexpected love blooms among shared memories of the dead man who was a brother to them both.

Too bad he was also the only man who could have warned them about the carnage to come.

Find Hearts and Spurs at:

Amazon (in print and ebook): 

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Descended from a long line of Texas ranchers, preachers, and teachers on one side and Kentucky horse thieves and moonshiners on the other, Kathleen Rice Adams had no choice but to become an outlaw. Fortunately, the wanted posters haven't caught up with her yet.

For the past thirty years, she's stayed two steps ahead of a lynch mob as an award-winning news writer, editor, and columnist, covering everything from airline disasters, political scandals, and courtroom drama to emerging technologies, dog shows, and hauntings. She also has ghost-written or edited several non-fiction books, in addition to co-writing a series of noir-ish parodies starring a canine detective.

A Texan to the bone, when she’s not playing with the people in her head, Kathleen bows to the whims of the men in her life: her significant other of 20-plus years and three tiny canine tyrants.

Find Kathleen on the web at:

KathleenRiceAdams.com

Facebook.com/kathleen.riceadams

Twitter.com/DisorderlyWords

Pinterest.com/disorderlywords

Kathleen blogs about the Old West at:

PrairieRosePublications.blogspot.com (1^st and 3^rdFriday of each month)

SweetheartsOfTheWest.blogspot.com (12^th of each month)

WesternFictioneers.blogspot.comWesternFictioneers.blogspot.com (2^nd and 3^rdMonday of each month)

First Kiss: Ginger Simpson Shares Ellie's first kiss... Pucker up Ellie! @mizging @KMNbooks #giveaway #firstkiss

 THE CONTEST HAS ENDED. And the Winner is.... C.Nickol! CONGRATULATIONS!

KAREN: In Ginger Simpson's tale, Ellie's Legacy, Ty challenges Ellie to a shooting contest. Bets were off the table, but Ty has a clever way of showing Ellie just what he would have wagered. Pucker up Ellie. You both won this day!  

****GIVEAWAY: Ginger is offering a free copy of Ellie's Legacy (PDF) to one lucky reader. Read on and find out how you can win this delightful story.

GINGER SIMPSON: Friday was always film day in the fifth grade.  I had the biggest crush on Mickey Cully.  To me, he was one of the two cutest boys in school, and he'd actually been letting me wear his baseball cap all week, which was a sure sign that he liked me back.  During recess, my teacher, Mr. Cook pulled me aside and asked if I'd close the room darkening curtains in preparation for the movie.  To do so, one had to walk behind the plastic draperies and tug them together with a thick cord.  I had some unexpected help.  Mickey had followed me behind the curtains, and when I turned to express my surprise, he very abruptly, and without any ceremony, pressed his lips to mine, in my very first boy/girl kiss.

We all read about tummy butterflies in romance novels, but I'm here to tell you that this one innocent kiss set a whole passel loose in my stomach.  The kiss didn't last very long, and it certainly wasn't one worthy of a novel, but at that time in my life, I was floating on a cloud.  Mickey Cully had kissed me, and for the moment, I didn't even care about the rumor floating around that he ate dog food sandwiches for lunch.

SET UP FOR THE SCENE in Ellie's Legacy: Ellie is a total tomboy, jealous of the new foreman.  She's been practicing with a gun she purchased in order to show her Pa she can do anything Ty can do, and better.  This is a scene where they ride out into the country, after he's challenged her to a contest.

FIRST KISS from Ellie's Legacy by Ginger Simpson:  

Ty had already tethered his horse and busied himself setting up a line of cans along a fallen log. Ellie found a stump and sat, her heartbeat sounding in her ears. Ty straightened from his task and glanced over at her. “You ready?” 

She stood on wobbly legs. “I…I guess.” 

“You don’t sound too convincing. We can call the whole thing off if you aren’t feeling sure of yourself.” 

Oh, that irritating tone in his voice. Call it off? Not a chance. She could do this—she had to do this. Besides, his attitude was downright insulting. “I’m quite confident about my abilities, thank you.” Ellie spoke through clenched teeth. 

She brushed by him and walked toward the target area. With a glance over her shoulder, she feigned confidence. “So how are we going to do this?” 

Ty came and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with her. “We’ll take turns. I’ve set up the first six targets. I’ll go first so you get the idea.” 

Ellie stepped to the side to give him room. 

Ty’s gaze focused on the cans lined atop the log. Beneath the brim of his dusty hat, determination knit his two brows into one. He widened his stance and rested a hand on the butt of his revolver. 

As soon as his gun cleared leather, a blaze of gunfire ensued. With lightning precision, Ty masterfully downed five of the six cans, and re-holstered his weapon. With a cocky smile, he turned to Ellie. “Well, I must have been distracted on that last one, but five out of six is pretty good, seeing as how it probably only took ten seconds or so.”

Ellie exhaled. There was no denying he’d done a good job. Her heart really started to pound. What if she wasn’t as skilled as she thought? While watching Ty set up six new cans, she mentally pictured her makeshift target filled with holes made by expertly placed shots. The whole time she fought rising nausea. 

Ty strolled back. “It’s your turn.” 

Her stomach clenched. 

“Thanks. I kind of figured that,” she snapped, surprised by her snippiness. This was her idea, not his. She swallowed hard, determined to mellow her tone. “Could you do me a favor?” 

“What?” 

“Can you please stand back a little ways?” She motioned over her shoulder. “It distracts me to see you out of the corner of my eye.” 

“Sure, no problem.” He backed up a few paces. 

It didn’t help. He was distracting anywhere, anytime. Oh, if only her mouth didn’t get her into these messes. 

Ellie swiped at the beads of perspiration on her brow. Despite the brisk air, the pressure of the moment burned beneath her skin. She wiped the offending moisture on her pant leg, broadened the distance between her feet, and readied herself. She briskly rubbed her palms together, and since they were in the perfect position, she took a brief second to mutter a silent prayer. Please God, don’t let me make a fool of myself. 

With determination, she eyed the cans and locked her fingers around the rosewood grips. Recalling exactly how she’d riddled the floral material at the old mine, Ellie drew her weapon and fired. One after another the first four bullets found their mark, but the last two dug deep into the earth beyond the log. Two cans remained. Ellie’s jaw tightened as she shoved her weapon back into its leather restraint. 

“Not bad, not bad at all. I’m impressed.” Ty said, with a smug grin. 

Perhaps it was his attempt at a compliment, but it sounded more like taunting. 

She turned and gave him a forced smile. “You don’t have to rub it in. You won, I lost. It’s as simple as that.” 

“I’m not rubbing anything in. I thought you did a good job under the circumstances.” 

“And what circumstances are those?” 

“You-me…a shoot-off for the first time. I didn’t expect you to hit anything.” 

“Well, thanks for the confidence. I am only a woman, after all.” Ellie seethed inside. 

“Ah, Ellie, don’t get mad. That’s not what I meant. You wanna try again?” 

Her mind screamed no, but her mouth overrode the warning. “Sure, set ‘em up. Why not shoot at the same time this round.” 

“Really?” He eyed her suspiciously. 

“Set ‘em up, I said.” Ellie reloaded her revolver, wondering why he stirred her need for rivalry. 

When would she learn? She’d seen Pa put a mouthpiece on mares that nipped. Maybe she should wear one to keep her words in check. Her competitive nature was going to be the ruination of her. 

Ty fished inside the burlap sack and produced the last ten cans. He spaced them perfectly atop the log, then returned to stand beside her and reloaded his own gun. 

Again he assumed his shooting stance. He grasped his gun butt and turned to Ellie. “So, on my go. I’ll take the first five, you take the last. Are you ready?” 

Ellie sucked in a breath and got into position. Her heartbeat pulsed in her temples, but she maintained a steady hand. Her only thought was showing Ty what she was really made of. She tensed, but remained focused. 

“Go.” Ty’s body reacted to his own cue.

Ellie’s gun cleared the holster. Her rapid gunfire synchronized with Ty’s, sending one can after another leaping into the air and tumbling to the ground. Her last shot sounded just slightly after his, but when the last bullet was fired, only one can was left upright—one of his. 

She holstered her gun and did a little dance. “I got ‘em all, I got ‘em all.” 

Suddenly, she stopped, realizing her reaction belied her statements about being an adult. With hands on her hips, and a cocky tilt to her head, she asked, “So, Mr. Bishop, what have you got to say for yourself now?"

Ellie delighted in the dumbstruck look on his face. She’d matched him shot for shot. Maybe she’d taken a split second longer, but she’d knocked down all her cans. Wasn’t that what counted? What she set out to do? 

Ty still hadn’t said a word. He kept staring at the log as if expecting his one remaining can to fall, or for one of hers to jump back up on it. Ellie couldn’t stand the silence, and containing her need to gloat got harder by the moment. 

“Well, aren’t you going to say anything?” Her lips curved into a smug smile. 

He shrugged. “I’m not sure what to say. It looks as though your practicing has paid off. Good thing we didn’t really wager anything on it.” 

She erupted into uncontrollable laughter. It couldn’t be helped. Her glee at proving she could shoot, and at this moment, better than him, was cause for celebration. She covered her mouth to stifle her levity. It seemed overly cruel to rub it in too much. 

“And…just what would you have wagered?” Her curiosity piqued. 

Without a word, Ty closed the distance between them, gathered her into his arms and covered her mouth with his. Her eyes widened, and a gasp of surprise parted her lips enough for his tongue to dart inside to mingle with her own. Shivers of delight coursed through her body, turning her knees to jelly. Her startled eyes slowly closed and she melted into his embrace. 

Just as she started to revel in the moment, he pulled away and held her at arm’s length. “That’s what I would have wagered,” he said matter-of-factly. “Too bad I lost.” 

With a grin, he turned and began gathering up the strewn cans and putting them back into his burlap sack. 

Ellie stood, frozen to the spot, her fingers tracing her mouth. Her heart raced. She’d dreamed of the moment he’d kiss her, but this was nothing like she had imagined. It happened so quick, over and done, but it was still magnificent. His lips were so soft, yet demanding, his embrace strong, but tender. She took a deep breath. 

ABOUT ELLIE'S LEGACY

Tomboy, Ellie Fountain is determined to stop the conniving neighbors from their plot to take her father’s land. She’s an only child, Fountainhead is her legacy. The handsome ranch foreman, Tyler Bishop, is a burr under her saddle and a barrier to her future. Her pa treats him like the son he never had, and Ellie is jealous. She’s out to prove she’s as good as any man at ranching… but her biggest threat may not be the polecats that are killing the cattle and taking potshots at her….it might be her heart.

PURCHASE A COPY AT AMAZON.

***GIVEAWAY: Ginger is offering a free copy of Ellie's Legacy (PDF) to be delivered to one lucky person's email, drawn from those who leave a comment here on February 1st.  Thanks for stopping by and enjoying "First Kiss"  I hope Ellie's experience prompts you to want to read more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ginger Simpson and her husband, Kelly, moved from California, where she was born and bred, to be near her grandson, Spencer in TN.  She's been writing since 2000, with her debut novel published in 2003.  Since then, she's written cross genres with hopes of producing reads everyone can enjoy.  

She retired from the University of California in 2003 to devote more time to helping Spencer who is autistic and find more time to write.  As happens to some retired people, they find they were much more organized when they worked full-time.  Ginger says she can't seem to tear herself away from Facebook.

If you'd like more information on Ginger, then you can follow these links:

http://www.gingersimpson.com

http:/mizging.blogspot.com

http://cowboykisses.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/mizging

http://www.twitter.com/mizging

Or you can just Google "Ginger Simpson" and see what pops up.