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I love D'Ann's books. I'm putting that out there first. Yep, I have a fangirl crush! Her cowboys are men who know how to work hard and love fiercely. They are stand-up guys who protect their families and deeply love the women in their lives. She's stopping by my blog today to share her thoughts on cowboys and the hard work they do with the calves and herd. She's also going to share one of her wonderful books. I've written reviews for a few of them as well. You can check out my reviews here on Goodreads: Now...grab a seat... here's D'Ann. A few years ago, my dad was the cowboss on a large cattle ranch. I loved to tag along with him. There’s nothing about being around cattle that I don’t love. Okay, I don’t love branding. There. I admitted it. I’m a softie and I don’t like hurting the calves. I love baby bovines. Their soft hair, their big brown eyes. The way they buck and play and kick up their heels tickles me. They’re not pets. I understand that, but they are, to use my daughter’s favorite word, adorable.  In A Cowboy To Keep, Cody is a World Champion bull rider, but he’s not been around calves much. Excerpt: As they began to cross the field, Justin pointed. One of the heifers had calved during the night. He drove up close to her, and they saw the baby calf lying in the snow, shivering. “He needs to get to the barn to get warmed up,” Justin said. “I’ll hand him up to you. His mama should follow if we drive slow.” Cody took the shaking calf in his arms and cradled it against his chest as Justin turned the tractor around. The mother cow didn’t take her eyes off her baby and willingly followed them as Justin drove into the barn. Waiting until he stopped, Cody stepped off the trailer. “Where do you want him?” Justin pointed to an empty box stall. “There. I’ll fork the mama some hay if you’ll put baby inside.” Cody did as instructed and moved out of the way when the Angus heifer came into the stall. He watched as she nuzzled her baby, checking him over, but she lost interest when she found the fragrant alfalfa Justin tossed into the manger. The calf continued to shiver in the corner. “We need to warm him up or he’s not going to make it,” Justin said. He darted into the tack room at the end of the barn, returning in a minute with a few burlap bags. He slid the latch back. “If you’ll hold up the calf, I’ll rub him down.” Cody nodded. He lifted the baby to his feet, steadying him as Justin vigorously rubbed its little body with the gunny sack. Cody’s arms ached just watching but, gradually, the little animal ceased shaking. Justin dropped the sack on the floor. “I think he’s warm now. He needs something to eat.” Taking the calf from Cody, the boy guided the animal to his mother’s flank and showed him where to nurse. No slow learner, the calf went right to work on his first meal. Cody marveled at Justin’s ability. He didn’t make a show out of it but just did what needed done. This was probably the thousandth time he’d taken care of a newborn calf but, to Cody, Justin had done an impressive job. He said as much. Blurb: After Laney Ellis’ husband is killed by a bull, she is left to run their small cattle ranch and raise their son, Justin, on her own. Despite some of Laney’s worst fears, the dream Justin holds dearest is to be exactly like his dad, a champion bull rider. He finds his chance when world champion bull rider Cody Utah moves in next door. Although attraction between Cody and Laney flares, neither act upon it. Laney refuses to get her family involved with another bull rider, and Cody has heard rumors Laney trapped Wyatt, her late husband, into a high school marriage by getting pregnant.The last thing Cody wants is children. At a rodeo, Justin is thrown and knocked unconscious. As Justin lays in the hospital, Cody begs Laney to forgive him. He realizes he loves her enough to discourage Justin from the sport. Will Laney let Cody into their lives? Will Justin ride again? Buy: http://tinyurl.com/mj5e6y5  Falling in love with romance novels the summer before sixth grade, D’Ann Lindun never thought about writing one until many years later when she took a how-to class at her local college. She was hooked! She began writing and never looked back. Romance appeals to her because there's just something so satisfying about writing a book guaranteed to have a happy ending.
D’Ann's particular favorites usually feature cowboys and the women who love them. This is probably because she draws inspiration from the area where she lives, Western Colorado, her husband of twenty-nine years and their daughter. Composites of their small farm, herd of horses, five Australian shepherds, a Queensland heeler, two ducks and cats of every shape and color often show up in her stories! I love to hear from readers! Please contact me at [email protected] http://dlindunauthor.blogspot.com/ http://www.facebook.com/DLindunAuthor http://www.amazon.com/DAnn-Lindun/e/B008DKL9TU  Styxx
by Sherrilyn Kenyon How do you redeem a horribly evil character? By showing his side of the story! Styxx is Ash’s brother and one we learned to hate in previous books for his careless treatment of Ash and the people around him. But in the latest book in the Dark Hunter series, Ms. Kenyon shares with us the “real” Styxx and readers won’t be able to not fall for him. Styxx is a quiet and determined man who can’t let his demons go. His life has been one of constant abuse and neglect, yet he is able to find friendship, love and family…if only from the people around him. Like her book Asheron, we learn that there is more to a character than what we see in one story. Styxx’s depth of character and heartbreak draw the reader in and make them fall in love with him. While Styxx is a part of the best-selling Dark Hunter series, it can be read alone. The length of the book is long! This is a weighty book but does justice to this complex character and his story. I recommend that fans of Ms. Kenyon read it, but also people who are looking at learning about a strong man who loves with all his heart. 
The fall is the season of the football players. We tune our televisions in each Monday night and all Sunday afternoons for professional teams as well as Saturdays for the college teams. We create our own dream teams and watch the playoffs. America loves football. And romance readers love a good sport romance. Sacking Austin is sure to become a favorite way to spend time with a football player. See for yourself!  Sacking Austin by Lori Beth Johnson
Recently divorced pro quarterback Austin Cook isn't looking for love. After finding his serial-cheating wife in the arms of his biggest on-field rival, Austin vows to never trust a woman again. From now on, all relationships will be on his terms. Yet, when he meets a mysterious artist unlike any woman he has ever known, he finds himself forgetting about the past and living in the moment. Tara Lee had only been looking for new brushes when she visits the art supply shop, but when she runs into the tall, dark, and delicious football star she can't deny the immediate attraction. Sparks fly over small talk, and she knows she's in trouble. When a one-night stand turns into so much more, Tara is torn. If Austin knew the truth about who she is, he'd never want her. Should she deny her feelings and walk away, or take the chance and risk her heart?" Excerpt: “I had a good time tonight,” Austin said as they walked to her building. She maintained a two-story town home in an older neighborhood that attracted an eclectic group of residents. Artists, musicians, and writers were everywhere, but also many young urban executives had moved into the area. She leaned back against the front of her door. “You wanna come in?” Her eyes flashed. “For coffee?” One side of his mouth raised and he inched toward her placing his hands on either side of her head, resting them flat against the wood. “Coffee, huh?” “You like it hot, don’t you?" Even though he had been on the sidelines, Austin still understood how to play this game. “Girl,” he said, his southern drawl more pronounced as he moved even closer. “You are driving me crazy.” She let out a moan as he pressed against her, the large expanse of his upper abs skimming against her breasts. She snaked a hand onto his neck. “You aren’t my type,” she whispered as his lips neared hers. “You aren’t mine, either.” Before Austin could seal the kiss, Tara had turned and slid the key into the doorknob. “Come on,” she said, taking his hand. “Get in here.” Buy Link: Amazon About the Author: If Lori Beth had to choose one word to describe herself, it would be dreamer. Beginning with the daydreams of her youth, she has spent her life spinning stories of love and family. After spending many years on a winding career path that began in retail management and included three-fun years teaching middle school English, Lori Beth decided to get serious with this thing called writing. She now works part-time in higher education student services so that she can devote as much time as possible to her craft. Lori Beth has a B.S. in Elementary Education and is ever so slowly pursuing a M.A. in European History. She is a fervent believer in lifelong learning that can, but doesn't have to, include formal education. Music is her muse, books are her passion, and she is an avid sports fan. Go Colts! Go Reds! Family, friendships, and social issues are central to her character-driven stories. Sometimes steamy, sometimes sweet, and often set in small towns, her tales will surely find a way into your heart. Lori Beth and her husband reside in southern Indiana and have three children: two sons in college and one daughter in high school. Author Links: Site Facebook  Who doesn't love finding new authors? The anthology Celtic Tapestry has eight authors and stories that will be sure to entertain and enthrall you! Don't forget to enter their giveaway below!  Celtic Tapestry Anthology The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc. Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry Crimson Beat--Elle J Rossi In Nashville, Ostara night is filled with monsters...and only one woman can take them on. Beltane Fires--Livia Ellis Deep in the Irish countryside, a witch takes over as Mother of her coven. Will a 'wink at the moon' love spell give her what she most wants? Blade's Magic--Carolyn Wolfe Midsummer celebrations are going as usual for one magical young woman, until she comes into contact with Max Blade--a man from another dimension. Shore's Edge--Tara S Wood Lammas beckons in Ireland in the year 1170, bringing with it war. Will one feisty young woman have to marry the man she hates most, or will the Gods bring her another answer? The Picnic--Elodie Parkes The woods near Morgan's home are under threat. But will salvation come for the woods--and himself--in the form of a beautiful environmental officer? Shadows in the Dark--Miranda Stork A surprising past life regression opens up a new world for one young woman...but it also throws her at the mercy of an unknown Shadow Man. Magic in Memphis--Hunter S Jones Memphis. The favourite place of a hard working public-relations employee, whose life is good, but without surprise...until she has a chance meeting with James Wellington on Yule night, throwing her world upside-down. Brigid's Flame--Laura DeLuca A writer, depressed at the turns of his career and losing his relationship with his girlfriend, looks to the Gods for inspiration at Imbolc...and finds the goddess Brigid answers his prayers. Buy Links: Amazon Amazon UK Barnes & Noble Moon Rose Publishing Watch the Trailer: YouTube link  Giveaway:
Prize package includes star pendant, Steam Punk pendant, incense, keychain, and crystal points. For a chance to win please fill out the Rafflecopter below.  What a sexy cover! Who doesn't like a cop who is not only hot but also protective!! Kay's stopped by to share a special installment story with you. You can read her story in snippets around the blog tour. Don't forget to check out the blurb and excerpt for King of Hearts and be sure to enter Kay's giveaway below. This is the second installment to the sensual pre-book adventure between my hero and heroine in King of Hearts. I’m giving away a gorgeous pair of earrings to one lucky commenter so be sure and check out my blog schedule at KayDavid.com or buythebooktours.com The night was hot and dusty when Jessie Delacourt rolled into the parking lot of the Ice House, the local bar. The heat quotient took a major jump when she spotted Rio County Deputy Kingson Landry sitting at one of the tables outside the bar. Jessie was a Texas Ranger working undercover as a member of Smokin’ ACES, a dangerous biker gang, but she’d come to the bar to blow off some steam. He looked like the kind of man who’s be happy to help her, but she didn’t need the complication of hooking up with Rio County deputy. Life right now was hard enough. But hooking up was the only thing she could think of when she looked at him. Sprawling out where he sat, his back resting against a picnic table on the patio of the Ice House, he looked like the kind of man a woman with any sense would run away from. A long, lean body, a small, still smile… His legs were spread so wide they took up the whole bench where he sat. He wore a black tee shirt and jeans that had seen better days, with boots to match, scuffed and worn. The knuckles on his right hand were scraped raw, and a dark, painful-looking bruise colored his left temple. If he’d shaved in the last few days, it wasn’t obvious. Holding her helmet in one hand, she walked toward the him, using her teeth to pull the glove from her free hand. She managed to get it off just as she passed by the deputy. Their eyes locked and her breath caught, freezing her in place. He dropped his gaze to her body, his slow stare taking in every curve, some of them twice. Jessie felt mesmerized by his attention, a shiver of something hot and electric rippling over her. The secrets in his gaze made her feel sorry for whoever had put them there. King struck her as the kind of man who was unlikely to overlook anything, she thought, especially a slight. Her whole life Jessie had put up with men’s stares. King’s perusal went past the “stare” category. She didn’t even have a word to describe how he looked at her. She did know how she felt. Hot and cold, scared and intrigued, attracted and confused…the reactions combined themselves into a storm of contradictions. She felt her face flush and the rest of her body did the same. King Landry was clearly a man to avoid. And she couldn’t wait to get closer. I don’t know about you but I’ll never forget my first impression of the man I later married. It’s a memory that will never fade. What’s your first impression of your significant other? Keep reading my blogs to learn what happens when Jessie enters the Ice House.  She loved him so much, she was willing to kill. He loved her so much, he was willing to die. One night with bad-girl biker Jessie Delacort should have been enough for straight-laced cop Kingson Landry. But she got under his skin and hasn’t let go. Discovering she’s an undercover Texas ACES agent makes it even harder to resist her. But he must, because his past could kill Jessie just as easily as it has the other people he loves. When Jessie Delacort rides into town on her Harley, the last thing she wants is to fall in love with another man who is hiding secrets too dark to reveal.?But when they’re forced to work together to bring down a powerful drug cartel, Jessie knows she’s got it bad for the quiet cop with the haunted eyes. When the cartel’s vengeance-driven leader sets his sights on the two of them, King knows he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Jessie safe. Even if that means giving up their chance of turning the white-hot attraction between them into love. King of Hearts – Excerpt #1 “Is he a friend of yours?” Kingson Landry dipped head to the man standing across the room at the bar. “I haven’t cultivated any deep relationships here, unless you count Dickie, which I don’t,” Jessie explained. Their stares met in the smoky light, and Jessie knew he was about to say something that would steal her breath. His blue eyes turned navy as he looked at her “You need more than friends,” he said, his voice smoldering. “A woman like you should have lovers.” Her mouth went dry. “You don’t know me well enough to say that.” “We’ve made love. I think that qualifies as knowing you pretty damn well.” “You know my body,” she said. “That doesn’t mean you know me.” Her answer held a world of hurt she didn’t intend to share with King or anyone else. Clearly sensing her reaction, he backed down, his demeanor changing. “You’re probably right. But I know that you’re gorgeous, smart, someone who has everything going for her.” He waited a beat. “If you aren’t involved with anyone, it’s not for a lack of opportunity.” “Thank you for the compliment. I’m not sure what bearing this has on our professional arrangement.” “It doesn’t have any,” he said. “But I want to know something about a woman if I’m about to kiss her when it’s the last thing I should do.” Her breath caught as he reached for her. A moment later, he stilled, his eyes going dark as he froze. He spoke as if to himself. “This is crazy. What in the hell am I doing?” “I don’t know what you’re thinking about…” Her voice was husky. “But it’s too late to quit now.” She yanked him to one side, and they tumbled into the darkness of the alcove behind them. Whatever had made him pause clearly forgotten, he trapped her against the wall, his hands on either side of her, his hips pressing hers. When he crushed his lips to hers, Jessie lost control. Opening her mouth, she allowed the kiss to deepen and moaned, the sound lost in the tiny space that enclosed them. Echoes of what they’d had—of what couldn’t be repeated if she had half a brain—sounded an alarm inside her that she instantly ignored. Dropping his hands to her shoulders, his fingers explored her skin. The burning touch left a trail of heat as it dipped to the tops of her breasts revealed by her tiny camisole. She wanted, no, needed, to immerse herself in his warmth, and she lifted his shirt, slipping her palms underneath it. She tried to slow down, warning herself to stop while she could, but it was a useless gesture; Jessie hadn’t been strong enough to resist King’s appeal before, and she wasn’t now. When she’d decided she couldn’t take another second of his mouth on hers, he lifted his lips and cursed, yanking her to his side and tucking her behind him in single swift move. She spoke without thinking. “What the hell—?”
 Kay David is the author of over thirty-five romantic suspense novels. After enjoying a variety of careers including computer programming at NASA, custom home building and working in the oil and gas industry, Kay admits that writing has always her been her first love. Living in such diverse countries as the United Arab Emirates, Argentina and Bolivia has made Kay appreciate her own great home in Texas while allowing her to add intimate details to her books of the exotic settings she knows firsthand. Kay’s latest romantic suspense trilogy features Smokin’ ACES, an undercover Texas Rangers team fighting crime along the Texas/Mexico border. Hot Texas nights full of dark secrets and dangerous men. Giveaway:: |
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