Friday 56 :: Saving Grace by Julie Garwood

This week's 56 come from Saving Grace by Julie Garwood. (I'll be doing this a bit different as 1 line just isn't enough. The 5th line will be in bold, all the rest in regular fonts.)

Alex was convinced of his importance. His chest puffed up with pride.

"How old are you?" Johanna asked.

He opened his mouth to answer, then closed it again. From the puzzled look on his face, she assumed he didn't know. She turned to her husband to get the answer. He shrugged. He obviously didn't know either.

She was appalled. "You don't know your son's age?"

"He's young," MacBain answered.

About the Friday 56

• Grab the book nearest you. Right now
• Turn to page 56.
• Find the fifth sentence.
• Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
• Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
• Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Now its your turn! Grab a book and post your 56. If you don't have a blog, just post yours in the comments.

(I saw the Friday 56 over at Shiloh Walker's blog. Be sure to visit and read her 56.)

About Lily Graison

LILY GRAISON resides in North Carolina, a stones throw away from the Blue Ridge Mountains and a few hours from the Outer Banks. First published in 2005, her debut novel won a Reviewers Choice Award. The author of over a dozen published books, Lily writes in the Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance genres. When not writing, Lily can be found at her sewing machine creating 1800’s Period Dresses or curled up in a chair with a book in her hand.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Writer Wednesday

I was finally able to get back to writing THE GAMBLER last week but as usual, nothing went very smoothly the first half of this week. For some reason, I just wasn't 'feeling' this story. I knew something was wrong but I couldn't put my finger on it. I had to re-read it. Again.

I spent two days reading, and tweaking, and about half way through, I realized what was wrong. Thankfully, it was an easy fix and once I got going, the story flowed and I was able to get new words on the page. I'm now at 30K for the story with about another 10K to go. Or, that's what I'm shooting for. THE OUTLAW was supposed to be around 40K and it ended up at 51,000, so we'll have to see where the muse takes us.

I don't fret much about word count as I've always believed, a story is as long as it has to be to get it all told. Whether that's 30,000 words or 60,000. Keeping them in the range I think they should be isn't always an easy task. The stories sometimes take on a life of their own and just grow. More conflict is thrown in and you have a novel if you aren't careful. I don't really think readers mind getting more but it throws my schedule off. lol I have everything down to the week and getting behind throws it all out of whack.

I've also been looking at my writing schedule and debating on something that may upset a few readers. I have book 3 in the Night Breeds Series marked as 'to write' come end of year but sales for that series, book 2 to be precise, are not even worth mentioning compared to the first book. Less than half the people picking up The Calling are bothering to read on to book 2 so it really makes me wonder if investing a few months on book 3 will be worth it. I haven't made up my mind yet if I want to put the series aside or not but writing is all about numbers and as of right now, that series just doesn't have them. I get an email every week asking when book 3 will be available so that shows me 'some' readers are waiting for it but taking the time to write a full-length novel for a handful of readers isn't a very good use of time when the financial rewards just won't pay off.

I'm a writer. I love creating stories but most importantly, I love when people read those books. I see the number of readers by sales and I know, with a glance, which books sell and which ones don't. The ones that do sell, are the ones I have to concentrate on and the ones that don't.... Well, I don't write and publish books for the sake of doing it. This is my job and if it doesn't 'pay' me to do something, I see no point in doing it. I don't know of anyone who would get up every morning, go to work and not expect to be paid for it. It's the same principle here. I have to get something back and as much as your lovely words warm my heart, they don't pay the bills.

So...in the next few months, I'll keep a check on those numbers and make a decision when the time comes. You'll be the first to know if you follow my blog or Facebook page so keep your eyes open if you're a fan of the Night Breed series.

In other news.....

The Lawman and The Outlaw are both in the top 20 Bestselling Western chart on Amazon.Com! A huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who has bought those books! I would have never made it there without you.

Until next week,
Lily

Alinar Publishing is saying goodbye....

When I received my first publishing contract from Linden Bay Romance, back in 2005, for a little novella titled, A Touch of Heaven, I never took the time to imagine where I'd be in the future. Like most new authors, I had no idea what I was doing and spent the first year of my publishing venture in a daze. I spent countless hours 'studying' the art of promotion and failed miserable most of the time.

I didn't even have a glimmer of what my future would hold the following year when I sold a short story to Whiskey Creek Press. I still didn't have a clue how to promote my books and even less of a clue how to meet other readers. I did meet some great authors though, and most of those friendships are still strong today.

It wasn't until two years later when I heard my writer friends were going to test the waters of self publishing that I sat back and tried to see my future.

My time with those first two publishers was standard fare. Nothing extraordinary happened, for good or bad, but I wasn't 100% happy. I'll be the first to admit I'm a control freak and not having the ability to do things my way was what drew me to Alinar Publishing, a co-op publisher my writer friends were creating. The idea that I could have full control over my stories, from concept to cover art to editing was very appealing to me and so, I took the plunge and joined Alinar with hopes of great things to come.

And great things did happen.

I was able to write and publish the stories I wanted to tell and present them the way I felt they needed to be presented and I have to say, I've not regretted a moment of it. I've held the #1 best sellers 'site-wide' position at Fictionwise.Com and was finally toppled by the great Stephen King. I currently have TWO titles on the Best Selling Western Romance chart at Amazon.Com, one of which has been at #2 for two weeks now. I've told the stories I want to tell and I've met some fantastic readers along the way.

But all things come to an end and today, the announcement was made that Alinar Publishing would be closing. When the site first opened, it was a way to gain entry into online bookstores as then, 2006, an individual author couldn't submit books for purchase alone. They had to be under a 'publisher' and Alinar made it possible for us to do that. Now, with the creation of B&N's PubIt, Kindle Direct Publishing and Smashwords, anyone can publish...which makes Alinar a bit redundant. It isn't needed now as I can publish at all major online retailers without any major roadblocks.

Come October, Alinar Publishing will cease operation and disappear from the web. I've met some truly gifted authors during my writing venture and the readers who introduced themselves to me have made it possible for me to continue doing what I love. Write stories others want to read.

I do hope everyone will continue on this journey with me and thank you for your many years of support and friendship. Without you, I would have never been able to make my 'dreams' a reality. I see nothing but great things for the future and I hope you'll be there with me as the next stage of my writing evolution begins.

Lily

Find Lily around the web at the following locations.


LilyGraison.Com http://lilygraison.com/
FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/authorLilyGraison
Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/LilyGraison
Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1879747.Lily_Graison/
Yahoo!Groups http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lily_graison/

Friday 56 :: Ride the Fire by Pamela Clare

This week's 56 come from Ride the Fire by Pamela Clare (I'll be doing this a bit different as 1 line just isn't enough. The 5th line will be in bold, all the rest in regular fonts.)

Nicolas was suddenly irritated to find himself so caught up in her plight. This wasn't his baby. He hadn't put her husband in the ground. She wasn't his wife. He had promised to protect her only so long as he sheltered beneath her roof, and he was strong enough now to pack his things, saddle Zues and ride west along the Ohio River as he'd planned.

So why didn't he leave?"

About the Friday 56

• Grab the book nearest you. Right now
• Turn to page 56.
• Find the fifth sentence.
• Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
• Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
• Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Now its your turn! Grab a book and post your 56. If you don't have a blog, just post yours in the comments.

(I saw the Friday 56 over at Shiloh Walker's blog. Be sure to visit and read her 56.)

Writer Wednesday

After weeks of work getting The Outlaw released and promoted, I was finally able to get back to writing yesterday! I complain a lot when I write (who doesn't complain about some aspect of their job?) but I honestly would rather be writing than editing/promoting. For some reason, getting a book 'ready' to be read is mentally draining. Writing isn't.

When I stopped working on The Gambler, I had 23K written so most of yesterday was spent re-reading what I'd already written. I wasn't able to get many 'new' words down, though. Just 5 pages. My internal editor won't let me just give it a fast read through. I have to stop and tweak. Which is fine. Everything must flow in a linear fashion or I can't move forward. Always been that way and I don't see it changing. I just can't write out of order.

I'll manage to get to the end of where I stopped today so hopefully tomorrow I'll be motoring along again. I've been trying to keep spoilers to a minimum for those who don't like them but I can tell you, this book will have more sex than the previous books. My heroine isn't shy, nor is she virginal. So by chapter 3, they were already at it! That should please those of you who complained about the lack of 'hot sex' in the other books. Which, I won't apologize for. I'm not the type of writer who throws sex in for the sake of sex...if it doesn't fit the story/characters, it isn't in there. Plain as that. Besides, the time period I'm writing (1860's) women were a little more reserved. They didn't just lay down with the first man they saw. Most waited for marriage and my heroines have been very true to character. And so is Emmaline, the heroine in The Gambler. She's basically a street urchin, more worldly than the previous heroine so she isn't shy nor does she balk at the thought of sex, so her coming on to the hero early on fits her character.

Anyway, I did want to take a moment to THANK everyone who have bought the books. They're doing extremely well. My biggest seller - ever, which is a bit shocking as I didn't think anything would top my Wicked Series. The Lawman and The Outlaw are both on the best selling Western Romance chart at amazon.com and seeing them there tickles me pink. I also know they wouldn't be there if people weren't buying the books, so again, Thank You!




Books, so far, in the Willow Creek Series

Book 1: The Lawman - Historical Western Romance - 99cent
http://lilygraison.com/bookshelf/historical-romance/willow-creek-series/the-lawman/

Book 2: The Outlaw - Historical Western Romance - $2.99

http://lilygraison.com/bookshelf/historical-romance/willow-creek-series/the-outlaw/

Friday 56 :: Hearts Aflame by Johanna Lindsey

This week's 56 come from Hearts Aflame by Johanna Lindsey. (I'll be doing this a bit different as 1 line just isn't enough. The 5th line will be in bold, all the rest in regular fonts.)

Royce me this news with a mixture of relief and anger. It was the anger to which he reacted. "Out!" he bellowed at the noisy women. "Save your weeping until 'tis needed!"

Darrelle swung around to him, her face as blotchy red as her eyes, her small breasts heaving indignantly at what she considered an outrage. "He is my brother!"

"Yes, but what good do you do him with your screaming? How can he sleep to conserve his strength with such noise as you make? He does not need your tears to know you care, Darrelle."

About the Friday 56

• Grab the book nearest you. Right now
• Turn to page 56.
• Find the fifth sentence.
• Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
• Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
• Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Now its your turn! Grab a book and post your 56. If you don't have a blog, just post yours in the comments.

(I saw the Friday 56 over at Shiloh Walker's blog. Be sure to visit and read her 56.)

New Release! The Outlaw by Lily Graison - Historical Western Romance

Out Now! New historical western romance ebook by Lily Graison...

The Outlaw
Willow Creek, Book 2

Sarah Hartford always dreamed of a grand adventure. She just never expected to find   it in the arms of an outlaw.

When her father’s bank is robbed, Sarah doesn’t make the gunslingers’ escape easy. Putting her own safety behind those she hopes to protect backfires when she’s kidnapped by one of the escaping men. Now her only hope for survival lies with the same arrogant man who laughed at her while staring down the barrel of her gun.

Colton Avery spent months planning the perfect heist, every detail fine tuned and executed with precise timing. Nothing could go wrong. That is until he comes face to face with a determined woman holding a shotgun. She aimed at his head and never flinched when she took a shot at him. He wanted her the moment the smoke cleared and he saw her face.

Robbing the bank, and handing over the gang of notorious outlaws to US Marshals, would be routine and boring. Sarah Hartford made it anything but. Taming the woman who stole his heart the instant he saw her was a challenge he was more than willing to take on. All he has to do now is escape the gang of outlaws he just double-crossed, hideout from an Indian raiding party and elude the town marshal who just happens to be his little hellion’s new fiancé.

Price: $2.99

Buy Now or Read and Excerpt at LilyGraison.Com

Amazon.Com US | UK | DE | FR | IT | ES

Barnes and Noble.Com

Smashwords

Friday 56 :: Ravished by a Highlander by Paula Quinn

This week's 56 come from Ravished by a Highlander by Paula Quinn. (I'll be doing this a bit different as 1 line just isn't enough. The 5th line will be in bold, all the rest in regular fonts.)

She needed to eat something besides berries, but there was no time to hunt. He prayed they were not followed. "If we ride hard," he told them all, stepping out from behind the tree, "we can reach Ayrshire in a few hours."

"Ride hard?" The lass turned to him, her eyes round with dread.

"Are ye sore?" he asked her, noting her hand slipping behind her to give her upper thighs a rub.

"I will be fine." She offered him a quick smile then turned away.

Rob stared after her for another moment, cursing the effect her most casual smile had on him.

About the Friday 56

• Grab the book nearest you. Right now
• Turn to page 56.
• Find the fifth sentence.
• Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
• Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
• Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Now its your turn! Grab a book and post your 56. If you don't have a blog, just post yours in the comments.

(I saw the Friday 56 over at Shiloh Walker's blog. Be sure to visit and read her 56.)

Writer Wednesday

One of the more draining aspects of writing, to me, isn't the actual writing of books. It's all the other things that come with it.

When I finished my final read-through of THE OUTLAW last week my feeling of accomplishment was very short lived. The real work had just begun. I had a virtual book tour to finalize, creating blog posts to go with each stop, and get the book formatted into its various forms - which is five different formats, for anyone counting.

I managed to get four of my five formats created and only 'messed up' once while creating the mobi file…which was a bit distressing as it took me nearly 2 hours to make it the first time. My Hubby listened to me complain and rant about stupid mistakes and nodded his head in sympathy. Bless him! lol

The blog tour is my first such venture into online promotion and I started small. Good thing too as I'm only four days away from the first post going live and I've yet to complete all the required posts. I've sent 2 on their way with another 3 chasing at my heels, one of which is a very lengthy, but fun, interview and a character interview with my cowboy hero, Colton Avery. I'll be up late every night until they're all complete and luckily the Hubby is off work for a few days and can find his own food…and maybe fix up a plate for me as well. *wink*

The blog tour schedule is posted below and I'll be hosting a few giveaways at some of those stops, so be sure to bookmark those blogs and get in on all the fun!

March 12th: Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries and More >> Introduction to Series and Giveaway

March 14th: Candy Nicks/Alexandra Marell Blog >> Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway

March 16th: Tea and Books >> Interview/All Day Q&A and Giveaway

March 16th: Riverina Romantics >> Writing The Outlaw and Excerpt

March 20th: Satin's Bookish Corner >> Character Interview with Colton Avery and Giveaway



The Outlaw is already available on Amazon.Com for you kindle owners. It should be up on B&N in a few days and the 'official' release date is this coming Monday, where it will be available at most online retailers.

Feelin Lucky Giveaway Hop

Winners in the Feeling Lucky Blog Hop were:  Becky R. and Jennifer B. Congratulations! 

Thanks to everyone who came over to play along. It was fun reading all your responses to what you'd do with a leprechaun's pot of gold!









Welcome to the Feeling Lucky Giveaway Blog Hop hosted by Fictional Candy and I Smell Sheep. This hop runs from March 7th through March 13th, so you have 1 week to visit the other amazing blogs that are participating and enter their giveaways.

PRIZE ON OFFER:

An eBook copy of my  historical western novella, the Lawman, book 1 in my Willow Creek Series and signed book swag. This Giveaway will have TWO WINNERS, each winning both the eBook and the book swag.

Here's a very small sample of The Lawman. Enjoy!


“I’ll need clean linens, marshal. This bed isn’t fit for a dog let alone a human.”

“Never heard any complaints before now. Besides, it’s cleaner than the floor. Let’s not forget this is a jail, Miss Thornton. It isn’t set up for your comfort. You’ll get no special treatment from me just because you’re a—lady.”

The way he said lady caused Abigail’s irritation to grow and she looked over her shoulder at him. He was still smiling. “Am I to assume my meals will consist of water and bread, then?”

“You can assume what you want.”

“Well, in that case,” she said, turning to face him and placing both hands on her hips, “I’ll assume you’re as big an ass as you seem.”

HOW TO ENTER:

Follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form and do the mandatory task for your entry to count.

a Rafflecopter giveaway








To visit the other blogs in this hop, check out the links below!

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Six Sentence Sunday :: The Outlaw - Historical Western Romance book

This week's 6, again, comes from my upcoming Historical Western Romance, THE OUTLAW which is due for release on March 12th!

“Just so you know, when we get to the next town, I’m turning you in. Are there any bounties on your head?”

Colt chuckled. “Probably.”

“Good. After all the torment this ordeal has caused me, I deserve some sort of compensation."








To be notified when this book is released, sign up for the Lily Graison Newsletter by filling in the form below!

Subscribe to Lily's mailing list

Check out the other Six Sentence Sunday participants or follow the #sixsunday hashtag on Twitter.

Friday 56 :: The Lawman

Okay...I'm cheating this week, as its very late and grabbing a book 'not' my own would require walking upstairs and that's just too much trouble at the moment!

My 56 this week is from The Lawman, book 1 in my historical western series.

Once inside the house, Morgan wasn't sure what to do. Well, he knew what he wanted to do. Flip up Abigail’s skirts and take her right there on the parlor room floor. He wasn't sure she’d appreciate it, though.

He shut the door, looked out the front window for something to do and waited to see what she had in mind. When she said his name, he turned to look at her.

The small flowers woven through her hair were wilting, the petals coming loose to lie in a crumbling wave of confetti in her hair. A few blonde curls had escaped the pins and dangled near her face. She looked softer, somehow, in the dim lit room. The lacy dress she wore was a pale blue, buttoned to the neck. She looked as innocent as a virgin. And she was all his. ‘Til the day he died.

About the Friday 56

• Grab the book nearest you. Right now
• Turn to page 56.
• Find the fifth sentence.
• Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
• Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
• Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Now its your turn! Grab a book and post your 56. If you don't have a blog, just post yours in the comments.

(I saw the Friday 56 over at Shiloh Walker's blog. Be sure to visit and read her 56.)

Thursday 13 :: Juicy Excerpts

13 Juicy Excerpts From My Books
(click book titles to read an long excerpt from the book!)

1. A Touch of Heaven - Contemporary Romance

"Sorry ladies, but this is one time you're not going to get anything."

"You'll spill or I swear I'll find the most hideous creature at the Reunion and tell him you were madly in love with him all through school!"

"Go ahead." Paige laughed. "There isn't anything you could do to get me to tell. It was private."

"Private!" Kim yelled, "You just fucked a man in a public restroom! There's nothing private about that."

2. Destined Hearts - Contemporary Romance

“What are you smiling about?”

Caitlyn turned her head to look over her shoulder at him. “Nothing.”

“It has to be something,” William said. “It’s been on your face since you stopped screaming my name.”

Her smile widened. “Well, if I’m not mistaken, you enjoyed me screaming your name.”

“Oh, I enjoyed it a lot,” he laughed. “It’s my life’s mission to elicit that sound from you on a regular basis now.”

3. That First Christmas - Contemporary Romance

“I’m going to kiss you, Meredith,” his voice was deep, roughened by barely constrained lust. “If you don’t want me to, say so now.”

She did more than that. She grabbed the back of his head, forcing him close to her waiting lips. The first touch sent shocks of pleasure rippling down his spine.

4. Blame It On the Mistletoe - Contemporary Romance

"Let's get up and go to breakfast before mom comes back."

"Not until you tell me why you're blushing."

She laughed and held the sheet tighter. "You're naked, Sean."

He looked down at himself, noticing not an inch of the sheet covered him. He was bare ass naked, sprawled across the bed in all his glory. Had Rose seen him like that as well? He laughed before leaning toward her and tugging on the sheet. "Think your mom will be blushing when I look at her as well?"

Macy laughed, her shoulders heaving. "Oh god! I can't believe this is happening. My pretend boyfriend just flashed his goods to my fifty-eight year old mother."

5. Wicked: Tempt Me Not - Contemporary Romance

“Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve seen a naked woman?”

Holly shook her head, unable to speak.

“Over a year. Over a year since anyone has touched me. I want you, Holly. I want to feel you underneath me and taste you when you come.”

“Oh god.”

6. Wicked: Leather and Lace - Contemporary Romance

“Luke! We’re in the back of a limo.”

“So,” he said, pulling the material forcefully. “No one can see us and Bobby is paid to drive. He’ll do so until I tell him otherwise.”

Before Roxy could protest further, her panties were tossed to the floor, her skirt pushed up over her hips, and Luke had her bottom pulled to the edge of the seat.

Her first thought was, what would Holly say? Thoughts of her friend didn’t last long, though. Not when Luke suddenly spread her legs wide, bent at the waist, and dropped his head to the heat between her legs.

7. Wicked: Jade Butterfly - Contemporary Romance

"They're just words, Christian," she said. "Read me the card. I promise not to bite."

Something in her eyes told him she wanted him to read the card. She was watching him too intently. Eager anticipation shined in her eyes and he knew in that moment, he'd do anything the girl wanted no matter what the outcome.

Swallowing the nerves choking him, he glanced at the card and lifted his gaze to her face. "Fuck me if I’m wrong, but don’t you want to kiss me?"

8. Wicked: Sweet Temptation - Contemporary Romance

“Put me down and stop calling me Tinker Bell. I told you it was degrading.”

“No its not. It suits you perfectly. You’re small enough to fit into my pocket but at the moment, I’d rather you be down the front of my pants.”

She glanced down and raised one eyebrow at him. “You aren’t wearing any pants.”

“Then you’ll have no problem filling that pretty mouth of yours with my dick.”

9. The Calling - Paranormal Romance

“Is it because it’s been so long or was sex always that good before?”

He chuckled and wrapped his arms tighter around her. “It was always that good for me.” He kissed her cheek again, his lips brushing the side of her face before he paused. “Wait? Wasn’t it always that good for you?”

She leaned up and smiled at him. “I don’t know,” she said. “It’s been way too long for me to remember correctly. I may need more of a comparison. I can’t base all sex on one act.”

“The night is young,” he said, “And lucky for you, I have the stamina of five men.”

“Just five?” She squealed when he flipped her onto her back, his hips fitting between her parted thighs.

10.The Gathering - Paranormal Romance

He entered the room like walking death. Splatters of blood were painted across his cheek; the front of his shirt soaked in crimson and the look on his face was one Rayna would never forget. This was the creature she had feared.

His eyes were wolf amber, his facial features slightly distorted, and she knew he was struggling to hold the beast back. His gaze bore into her as his long stride ate at the distance between them. When her legs stopped shaking, she ran to him.

11. The Lawman - Historical Western Romance

“Do you mind?” she asked. “This is my room after all. You don’t see me barging into your room seeing you in your drawers, now do you?”

He grinned and leaned his shoulder against the doorjamb. “Well, for starters, I wouldn’t object to you doing so, although I’m known to not wear my drawers more often than I do, so I can’t promise what you’d see. As for minding seeing you like that? Not at all. Continue to undress if you wish.”

12. The Outlaw - Historical Western Romance - available March 12th!

“Why did you kiss me?”

He gave her a sudden, lazy smile. “So I’d stop thinking about doing it.” He reached for her, wrapping his hands around her waist and lifted her to the horse. He put her in the saddle this time and climbed in behind her. She wiggled her bottom to give him more room and gasped when his arm clamped around her waist and he pulled her back into his chest, his head lowering until his breath was warm against her ear. “And if you don’t stop wiggling that ass around on me I’m going to do everything else I can’t stop thinking about, too.”

13. The Gambler - Historical Western Romance - Coming Soon!

“Will you be staying the night?” He lifted his head, his eyes a bit too bright. “Or will you just come back tomorrow to get me?”

He looked toward the door and she thought then he’d be leaving but when he faced her and smiled, her pulse leaped.

“Not sure leaving would be a good idea.” He glanced at her breasts again. “Hard to say how much it’ll snow. Be easier to just leave from here.”

Emmaline nodded. He was interested, bony thing that she was. Just proved her theory. All men thought with their cock and a naked woman, or half naked, in her case, was all it took to grab their attention.

She sat the carpetbag on the floor and reached for the ties holding her shift together and pulled the ribbon, the material parting. The shift fell from her shoulders and when it pooled at her feet, Tristan’s eyes widened. “Do you prefer to be on top or bottom?”