Cowboy Lovin' Day 31: Cat Johnson

Alas, Cowboy Lovin' is at an end, but we're going out in hot style today with western romance author Cat Johnson. Enjoy!

Thank you so much for inviting me to blog about one of my favorite topics—cowboys.

There is a long history that spans centuries, of women fantasizing about cowboys, but sometimes in today’s modern times, especially for us who live closer to the city than the country, it is easy to forget that cowboys are real. That makes it even more exciting when you stumble upon a real one. Then, let the fantasies (and for a romance author—the story plotting) begin in earnest. Oh, yes. You guessed it. I stumbled and then fell hard when I came across my very own cowboy.

How did I, living in the northern suburbs of New York City, come across a real live, chaps wearing, bull-riding Oklahoman cowboy to consult on my contemporary western novels? The internet, of course. Working online with my personal cowboy consultant helped me clean up my rodeo bronc rider book Rough Stock, and leant it realism. After sitting up with him on instant messenger until 4:30 am after a bull ride, his passionate and detailed descriptions of the sport made me realize I wasn’t done with cowboys yet. I needed a book about bull riders next. In fact not just a book, but a series. That’s how Unridden, the first book in the Studs in Spurs series, was born.

Unridden (which is nominated for a CAPA at The Romance Studio for best erotic contemporary of 2009, BTW) is about a NY writer attending a romance convention in Oklahoma who finds herself not one but two bull riders to help her with her book. The two heroes, Slade and Mustang, teach her more than she expects to learn. Book 2 in the series, Bucked, is Mustang’s story and releases February 16th from Samhain Publishing. It focuses on what happens to a bull rider when an injury takes away from him the only thing he knows and loves. After that I have plans for Book 3 about one of my favorite side characters, Chase, a young bull rider who likes older women.

You’ll find pieces of my cowboy consultant in every one of the heroes in the Studs in Spurs series. Slade’s story about his first bull ride is taken almost verbatim from my middle of the night online conversation with the cowboy. Yes, I was taking notes, but don’t worry, I told him. Mustang’s broken arm in Bucked is the same injury my cowboy incurred. The enthusiastic, sincere and adorable character of Chase was totally inspired by my cowboy consultant.

Will there be more cowboy books in my future? Very possibly. Even though we’ve never been in the same state at the same time, thanks to the phone and the internet the cowboy and I are now great friends. He is the one I texted much too early the morning I woke to find Rough Stock had hit #1 on my publisher’s list. He is the one who patiently let me cry to him the day I read a nasty reader review on Amazon and threatened to quit writing (FYI, I am no longer allowed to read reader reviews). He is also the one who had me quickly laughing through my tears when my entire backlist went out of print the day my former publisher closed down. But until he casually lets another plot bunny drop at my feet, readers will just have to make due with my current cast of cowboys found in Rough Stock, Unridden and Bucked, all of which can be found at Samhain. And here is a party gift for you all as a thank you for coming here today. I have a short Studs in Spurs free read available featuring Chase and titled “8 Second Ride”. You can download the PDF at the FREE READ tab on my Wordpress.

Before I go, let me leave you with the following scene from Bucked (available in eBook February 16, 2010 and in paperback December). This exclusive excerpt features two of my favorite cowboys, Mustang and Chase, while they are out on the prowl to get Mustang’s mind off his injury.

Enjoy and thanks for joining me in my homage to the modern American cowboy!

Cat

EXCERPT FROM BUCKED (rated PG 13 for language)

“So what are you going to do now?”

That seemed to be the question of the night. Mustang looked up to find Chase watching him with concern. The last thing he wanted was pity. He forced a smile.

“First, I’m gonna find me a woman and get laid. An injury is like a magnet for chicks, especially on the night it happens. Gotta take advantage of it while I can.”

Shaking his head, Chase broke into an awed grin. “You are the master, Mustang. I bow to you, man.”

“Stick with me, kid and I’ll teach you all I know.” His smile was genuine now.

Glancing around the bar and looking for likely candidates, Mustang noticed Chase’s two friends.

Garret and Skeeter seemed to be trying for a pair of hot girls who looked like they’d rather be elsewhere.

He shook his head. “Didn’t those two learn their lesson about picking up girls out of their league yet?”

Chase leaned back against the bar and laughed. “Guess not. It’s fine with me if they get shot down again. We’re all sharing one room. If they hook up, I’m out in the cold, or sleeping in the bathtub tonight. So which woman are you gonna go for?”

Mustang took a sip and browsed the many choices. Taking a young rider under his wing and teaching him the art of seduction was bringing back the thrill that had been missing for him lately. He nearly forgot about his arm, but not quite.

“You tell me, kid. If you could have any woman in here, which one would you want?”

“That’s easy. I picked her out the minute she walked in the door. Actually, I spotted her in the stands back at the arena.” Chase’s gaze skipped directly to a table in the corner where a mature brunette was seated next to a man. She looked a good fifteen years older than Chase.

The kid really did stick to the same type. This woman looked a lot like Jenna. It was no secret Chase had a huge crush on her back in Tulsa.

Mustang swallowed another mouthful of beer. “So why are you way the hell over here and not over there talking to her?”

Chase’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline. “Because she’s here with a guy.”

“Yeah, so?”

“Are you crazy? You can’t hit on a woman in front of her boyfriend.”

“Well, no you shouldn’t do that. In that case, you wait for her boyfriend to go take a piss and then you hit on her while he’s gone.”

Read a different excerpt at Samhain!

Thank you, Cat, for sharing the Studs in Spurs series! Love those covers! Readers, you can see more of Cat's work at her website.

We might be wrapping up the January celebration, but there are still prizes up for grabs. Christine Columbus's The Perfect Country and Western Story free paperback giveaway is open for entry until midnight EST tomorrow night. Winners from Week 4 will be announced the next day, Tuesday February 2nd! All entrants, please check back in to see if you won...

Cowboy Lovin' Day 30: A Personal Thank You

Okay - so we've talked quite a bit this month about why cowboy heroes are so great. There's a few things I'd like to say before the party ends tomorrow. First of all, thank you to all the Cowboy Lovin' guest authors who have brought their love of western romance and cowboy heroes here to The Cozy Page. And I think I can speak for every single one of you and every other western romance author out there, thank you to the readers. If it weren't for your continued love and revival of the genre, we'd be lost. It's an honor to share our stories with all of you. Finally, a personal thank you to all the readers who participated in my first major blog event. You made every moment special - even those of you who just lurked. (Yes, I know you're there ;) You've made the start to the new year truly amazing!

While parading around the web in my cowgirl boots and my western frame of mind, a few interesting articles caught my eye. One especially on target was New York Times bestselling historical romance author Eloisa James's eloquent blog piece "Way, Way Out West" on Barnes & Noble's Reading Romance. She not only recommends great "cowboy" titles, she pinpoints that X-factor of a true cowboy hero - the one that keeps us readers coming back for more. A must-read....

While trying to make an early dent in my 2010 reading list, I came across my copy of Jillian Hart's Homespun Bride - an inspirational western romance. It isn't often that I read inspirational romance. However, I couldn't resist the western aspect of this one - or, of course, the cowboy hero. It's been a WHILE since a story has brought me to tears and left me as satisfied. I loved it so much, I plan on reading the first book in the series His Hometown Girl, as well as the close tie-in to Homespun - High Country Bride. Another recommended read...

And I can't recommend the Wayback, TX series enough - not just because I am a part of it. While researching the town of Wayback for Blackest Heart, I was incredibly intimidated by the first stories in the line-up: Rita Thedford's Hot Night in the Blue Bug Saloon and Judith Rochelle's Shadow of the Hawk. Thank you to all the Wayback authors who joined the fun here at Cozy. You are all amazing champions of the genre and an inspiration to me and so many other newbies :) Readers who would like to read the series in its entirety, refer to editor Spencer Glenn's January 11th post....

If you're still hungry for eye candy, Smart Bitches Trashy Books recently featured a Harlequin cover shoot documentary that features...you guessed it: cowboys! The videos are so worth the procrastination time, LOL

This month several of Cozy's guest authors talked about that iconic cowboy hero. Bonanza came up in many Cowboy Lovin' posts. On January 25th, star of Bonanza Pernell Roberts passed away. I think it's only right to take a moment here at Cozy to acknowledge this rugged cowboy's passing.

Since this month was such a blast, I'm planning another party soon here at Cozy. Probably late spring or over the summer. I've mentioned before that 2009 rejuvenated my love of historical romance and it also marked the publication of my first historical - Forever Amore. Any of you readers up for a little Historical Lovin'? Stay tuned for news on that and the launch of Bet It On My Heart in March....

There's still time to enter Christine Columbus's giveaway for a free paperback western romance. And tomorrow is the last day of Cowboy Lovin' and we're going out with a real treat: our last surprise guest author! See ya on the flipside!

Cowboy Lovin' Day 29: First Look at BET IT ON MY HEART

Today is the day that I introduce Keefe Ridge and Bet It On My Heart - Book III in the Wayback Ridge trilogy - exclusively to readers of The Cozy Page and to celebrate Cowboy Lovin'. I've said it once, I'll say it again: this cowboy was a whole barn full of fun to write! He has all the ingredients of the true cowboy hero that I love and more! He's a man of the land, he likes his women but he sees himself as a solitary individual. Plus, if you thought his brother Casey from Bluest Heart was charming, you haven't seen anything yet! Throw in a ball-bustin' Yankee heroine to knock him down a notch or two and...well, why don't I just let them tell you more about the story. Here's the official first look at Bet It On My Heart:

ANTE UP!

Keefe Ridge's bronc-busting days are nearly over. Despite that and the fact that he is slowly making his dream business venture a reality, Wayback's wildest cowboy doesn't see any reason to settle down. He is even willing to bet that marriage isn't in the cards at all for him.

Agent Calli Morlani came to Wayback on a mission: to bring Stella Ridge back to Hollywood . When Stella refuses, she dares Calli to take in some local color and see what Wayback has to offer. Whether that includes Stella's devastatingly charming brother becomes irrevelant once Calli finds herself in bed with him - in more ways than one…

Will it take a tough city girl to make the Wayback playboy finally fall long and hard? Or will Keefe give Calli a reason to stay? Place your bet!

Excerpt:

"Are you a gift from God or do they make all the men like you around here?"

"What’re you talking about?" he asked with a chuckle, threading his fingers through hers and pull-ing her close, navel to navel.

"You ride a horse like a Trojan warrior," she pointed out. "You happen to look like one, too, minus the hat and boots. You’re ninety-nine-point-nine-nine percent charm. And you also happen to be a fabulous dancer." She tilted her head curiously. "All that’s missing is ‘Great Kisser.’"

He lowered his lips. They brushed hers as he murmured, "Got that covered."

Her eyes drifted to a close while he lingered a breath away, teasing her. That fresh smell of his wrapped her close and warm. "Of course, you do." Her lips parted under his to accept the full depth of his smoldering kiss. The hands she’d twined at the nape of his neck fell limp on his collar. Her head bowed back into his cupped palm as his tongue danced over hers in firm, languid strokes.

Heart pattering, breath stalling, she hardly no-ticed the hum that escaped her throat. His hand was trekking down her back, long fingers inciting the skin underneath the zipper of her dress.

The song ended, but she didn’t break away from him when applause sounded around them and people began to nudge past them on and off the dance floor. His hands gripped her hips as the kiss intensified.

Good God.

BET IT ON MY HEART (c) Amber Leigh Williams

Look for it March 3, 2010! The teaser trailer should launch here at Cozy in late February. The Wayback Ridge trilogy doesn't have to be read in order, but if you'd like to catch up, Book I - award-winning Blackest Heart - is available for just $3.00 from TWRP and is featured in the paperback anthology The Way Back Home! Book II, Bluest Heart, is a new release at TWRP, downloaded for just $3.75!

And I'll be signing copies of The Way Back Home as well as LASR "Best Book" Forever Amore and romantic suspense Denied Origin for readers at the 2010 Silken Sands Conference on the Beach in March! For more details, check out the GCCRWA website....

Today is the last day to enter Donna Marie Roger's giveaway for a free western romance. There is also still tiem to enter Christine Columbus's giveaway for a free paperback western romance. And stay tuned tomorrow for reflections on Cowboy Lovin'....

***Today only, I'm giving away a copy of Blackest Heart at Much Cheaper Than Therapy to one lucky commenter. Be sure to drop by!

Cowboy Lovin' Day 28: Christine Columbus

It's time for another western romance guest spotlight - Christine Columbus, a fellow western romance author of TWRP's Yellow Rose imprint and the woman behind The Perfect Country and Western Story....

Passion without purpose is pointless…That’s why I believe in Happy Endings.

Perfect Country and Western Story

Release Date: February 5, 2010

Digital $6.00

Print $11.99

How The Perfect Country and Western Story came to be…

I was at WE Fest in 2007 sitting around the campfire with my daughter, sister-in-law and nieces when I told them an editor, Rhonda Penders from The Wild Rose Press suggested writing a story surrounding a cowboy hat. I like the idea of a backwards Cinderella story where the woman had a hat and was looking for the cowboy that could wear it. So, we began to plot. I left the concert filled with ideas. When I started the story all I knew is I had a woman with a Toby Keith autographed hat and she needed to find her cowboy at an outdoor concert.

I also wanted to tie the story to …“You Don’t Call me Darlin’, Darlinnnnnn…” by David Allan Coe, otherwise known as the perfect country & western song. The song is perfect because it has trucks, momma, gettin’ drunk, prison, and trains.

So tongue in cheek, I decided that The Perfect Country and Western Story has romance, country music, and Alexandra trying find the cowboy whose head fit an autographed Toby Keith hat.

Back Cover Blurb:

Alexandra has the Stetson hat, now all she needs is the cowboy. But with three days and over 50,000 faces to search, will she be able to find the man who stole her heart? Ben still can’t believe he was foolish enough to let the beautiful thief walk away with his autographed cowboy hat. If the heartbreaker dares to show up at Country Time again this year, he’ll not only be looking to get his hat back, but aiming for a little payback as well.

The final reader from The Wild Rose Press had this to say about The Perfect Country and Western Story… One of the best things a good story has is wonderful characters, I fell in love with all of them, but I must say Patrick was my favorite. I did cry in a part or two which added to the flow of the book. All in all great job, loved the story.

Who is Patrick?

“Would you be a hon and grab me a cold beer.” Julia said.

Ben’s arms folded across his chest. He needed to put an end to this now or she’d have him running ragged by the end of the weekend. “If all you’re asking is for me to be your servant or
lap dog this weekend—”

Patrick started barking, rushed to the cooler, trotted over to Julia and handed her a beer. “I’ll
be your junk yard dog.”

“Hmmmm,” Julia reached out and scratched Patrick’s tummy. “Would I be able to teach you
some new tricks?”

Patrick’s tongue fell out of his mouth. He panted ‘yes.’

Ben rolled his eyes. This was going to be a loo-ong weekend.

One Writer’s Opinion…

I believe being a writer takes vision. I attended a class a number of years ago where I learned: Vision + Passion (Emotion) = Reality.

So, five years ago, I created a Vision Board and placed it in my cubicle at work. The board included all the things I would like to have come into my life or things that stirred an emotion when I viewed them… At the time I had no idea I was going to write The Perfect Country and Western Story… When I went to take a look at the board now and saw all the photos from concerts and cowboys…I wasn’t surprise that I wrote The Perfect Country and Western Story.

I also ran across a book by Gay Hendrickson back in 07…the instructions were simple imagine you are on your deathbed and looking back on life… any regrets?

I wrote….

For my life to have been a total success, I wish I’d love more, found a man to make me dance.
And I wish I’d laughed harder.

I also wish I’d never talked negatively about others – found forgiveness and had the confidence not to put down anyone, listened more and talked less..

And wrote a best selling novel.

And traveled – let go of my fear.
Since writing down my wishes and creating a vision board… I have written a novel in 08’/09’, met the man of my dreams in 07’, travel to Washington DC and Germany in 08’ went on a cruise on 09’ and am going to Switzerland in 10’.

Create a Vision add Passion to make the Dream become a Reality and Live Your Dream.

I also tell people that I am going to be on the Oprah show, because I found the perfect skirt to wear while shopping in Galena Illinois….Who knows…I might just get there.

Christine Columbus
http://www.christinecolumbus.net/

Today Christine is giving away a paperback edition of The Perfect Country and Western Story. Enter by commenting to this post before midnight EST February 1st. The winner will be announced the next day, Tuesday the 2nd. Chances of winning depend on the number of entries and you must be 18 years or older to enter.

Today is also the last day to enter to win a free Stacey Joy Netzel title. Also open for entry is the Donna Marie Rogers giveaway.... And tomorrow check back in for the exclusive first look at the 3rd book in the Wayback Ridge trilogy, Bet It On My Heart....

Cowboy Lovin' Day 27: Loretta Rogers

It is my pleasure to welcome talented western romance author Loretta Rogers who's here to tell us Why Women Love Cowboys...

As soon as you read the word ‘Cowboy’ close your eyes and conjure up an image. Whose handsomely rugged face do you see? Is it your favorite cowboy movie star?

If you enjoy western movies, you know cowboys are supposed to wear white hates, rescue women in distress before riding off toward a slowly setting sun. Cowboys were supposed to live by the code of the West where the outlaws were all bad and the good guys weren’t always good.

All Western movies contained the same basic formulaic elements: the heroic cowboy expunged all traces of evil from a frontier town, then won the girl in the end.

Women realized that the frontier and the age of the living cowboy were dead, yet they were enthralled by the cowboy persona. The mass marketed cowboy was bold and virile. Each Western movie depicted the cowboy fulfilling the typical masculine ideal: he destroyed all evil forces, conquered his enemies, possessed tireless strength and physical skills, and always found love with a beautiful woman. The superficiality of the cowboy's image was the secret of his appeal. Don’t we all still idealize the Western hero because he did all that we fantasize about, but have no prospects of accomplishing?

American women were attracted to Western films for many of the same reasons that men were. Women viewed the unrealistic cowgirls and western heroines as fantastic extensions of themselves. When frustrated by urban life, demanding children, and over-worked husbands, American women could envision themselves in the place of Maureen O’Hara or Dorothy Malone. The notion of standing up to male authority figures, then ultimately succumbing to the charms of a rugged hero appealed to countless American women movie-goers.

Once women readers enter the fantasy world of the mass marketed entertaining western romances, they’re hooked. Just as movie goers had envisioned the West as an escape valve a century before, women who read cowboy fiction, whether historical or contemporary, continue to love the cowboy hero for their vicarious link to the mythical untamed land of opportunity.

Now, answer the question, which actor floated before your eyes, fluttered your heart, and made your secret woman’s place, yearn? Was it—Clint Eastwood (remember Rowdy Yates of Rawhide), Russell Crowe (High Noon), Tom Selleck (Quigley Down Under), Viggo Mortensen (Hildago), John Wayne (The Searchers), Sam Elliot (The Shadow Riders), Paul New and Robert Redford (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) or perhaps, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Gregory Peck and Paul Newman (Hombre)?

It doesn’t matter who you chose, the fact remains that women love cowboys.

Loretta C. Rogers aka L. W. Rogers
Author of: The Twisted Trail, Brady’s Revenge, Isabelle and the Outlaw, and
McKenna’s Woman
http://www.lorettacrogersbooks.com/

"A man's got to have a code, a creed to live by, no matter his job."
- John Wayne

Thank you, Loretta, for joining us for Cowboy Lovin'!

There's still time to win a free western romance from Stacey Joy Netzel and Donna Marie Rogers! And stay tuned for the event's last guest author - we're going out with a bang! - and an exclusive first look at the third book in my Wayback Ridge trilogy....

Week 3 Giveaway Winners

It's time to announce giveaway winner from week 3, chosen by the True Random Number Generator at Random.org....

The winner of Anna Kathryn Lanier's Salvation Bride and a $10 Gift Card for The Wild Rose Press is...COMMENTER #13 - LISA L. LEIBOW!

Congrats, Lisa - please send your mailing information to amber@amberleighwilliams.com to confirm your win!

For everyone else, there's still plenty of chances of win. Stacey Joy Netzel's giveaway for western romance Chasin' Mason is still open of entry. You can also still win Donna Marie Roger's Golden Opportunity.... And it isn't over until the 31st so keep checking in for more contests and cowboy-related fun through the week....

Cowboy Lovin' Day 26: Round Robin #4

Okay, Cozy readers - it's time for our last Cowboy Round Robin... Every Tuesday this month, YOU get to tell the western romance story here at The Cozy Page!

Today we continue the Round Robin from last week. But before we get started, the rules...

For those of you who weren't with us for Round Robins 1, 2, and 3, a round robin story is one that is started by one person and then continued sucessively by others in turn. Today we'll continue to do one paragraph (3 sentences min./10 sentences max.) per commenter. You may comment again but only after THREE other people have added their paragraphs to the story. This way we have a nice variety, but everyone can feel free to come back and get involved in the story. And no pressure on the day's last commenter - our story will continue next Tuesday, the 19th! (If you're still confused, here's a little more detail about Round Robins in general...)

Please keep in mind that The Cozy Page does not have a content disclaimer so though the story may definitely be sexy, no explicit material. This is important today because the scene is heating up fast. NEW RULE: If you have nothing to contribute to the story, please do not comment on this post. Any comments not related to the round robin or any inappropriate material will be deleted immediately. Comments are on moderation so don't be distressed if you do not see your paragraph right away. It hopefully will appear within 5 minutes of publishing.

And remember - this is all about having FUN so don't be afraid to jump in! Here's the content from last Tuesday....

"He walked across the corral in a slow, smooth gait, whistling a bluesy tune. He seemed totally unaware that she stood watching. Gawking, really. She wondered why his shirt was unbuttoned. Then again, she wasn't supposed to be there. He wasn't expecting curious gawkers. A flush crawled up her cheeks as he got closer and tried hard not to watch the way his Wranglers rode his tan, trim hips..." [Amber Leigh Williams]

"...nor the expanse of his muscular chest and the twinkle in his eye.'Mornin' Miss Skylar.' 'Mornin' Adam.' She sighed as he moved closer and she could smell his musky scent mixed with the tang of sweat and horses. 'How's the mare this mornin?''Doin' fine I'd say. Labor wasn't too bad and now we have a nice healthy stud for the place.' [Sandy Sullivan]

"Her lips edged up in a slight smile. Seems like we have more than one here, she thought. 'I'm glad the mare came through it well. She's my favorite mount.'" [Ilona Fridl]

"Skylar looked off into the distance. Cumulus clouds brewed angrily above the horizon. 'Adam I suggest you lock things down here, we are in for some serious weather.' She wouldn't mind spending some time in a storm cellar with him." [Mary Ricksen]

"Adam grinned crookedly, and used one index finger to tip his hat back on his head. 'Ma'am, would you come into the barn with me? I'd like to get your opinion on some improvements I've been considering.'Skyler nodded and walked into the barn, the horses nickered and stomped, feeling the impending storm. And she fidgeted, knowing Adam was interested in something completely different than structural improvements to the barn." [Laura Breck]

"She walked quickly to keep up with his long strides. The humid breeze coming in the barn door pushed her toward him as if nature herself approved. He stopped in front of the last stall. It was empty except for..." [Alexis Walker]

"...two rows of bundled bales of hay neatly placed side by side like a long bed with a handmade quilt thrown over the top of it. Swallowing hard, Skyler turned her head, giving Adam a curious look. She licked her lips. 'You’re moving into the barn?'Adam chuckled, a deep, husky sound that gave Skyler chills. 'It kind of looks like a bed, doesn’t it?' His gaze slowly lowered, taking in every inch of her curves. 'If it was a bed that I wanted to show you, what would you do, Miss Skyler?' Mischief twinkled in the gorgeous depths of his sensual look." [Laurann Dohner]

"Skylar checked her smile and returned his assessment. 'I won't turn tail and run.'" [Autumn Jordon]

YOUR TURN!

Cowboy Lovin' Day 25: Donna Marie Rogers

Today I welcome to Cowboy Lovin' the talented Donna Marie Rogers, author of western romance Golden Opportunity, who brings to The Cozy Page an interesting question: "Can a city girl do a cowboy?"

Amber, thank you so much for including me in your homage to cowboys, those classic American heroes. You've had some amazing guest bloggers this month, including my fantastic editor, Spencer Glenn!

What does a city girl know about cowboys? Not much, actually...LOL But this city girl has always had it bad for those rugged, handsome heroes, whether in historical or contemporary settings. Picture it...A dark-haired, blue-eyed cowboy leaning against the corral, one booted foot up on the rail, black Stetson tipped back as he gazes off into the beautiful Colorado Rockies....

Oh, yeah, I like the Stetson. Hat head doesn't bother me a bit. *grin*

I fell in love with Colorado through the eyes of my good friend & co-author of Welcome To Redemption, Stacey Joy Netzel (you may remember her from yesterday). I knew if I ever decided to write a western, it would have to be set in Colorado. That's how Golden Opportunity came to be. Fascinated by Stacey's passion for those gorgeous mountains, I decided to do some research, and fell hard & fast for the city of Golden. And their motto: Where the West Lives. Love it!

Golden lies west of Denver at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Situated between Lookout Mountain and the two Table Mountains, this gorgeous city lies within a sheltered valley fed by Clear Creek. Sigh...Doesn't that sound stunning? Here's the picture that first stole my heart. And how breathtaking is this?

A few fun facts: Golden was Founded during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush on 16 June 1859; the mining camp was originally named Golden City in honor of Thomas L. Golden. The Adolph Coors Company was Founded in 1873. Golden is the birthplace of the Jolly Rancher, a candy bought out by the Hershey Foods Corporation. Famous western showman William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody is buried nearby on Lookout Mountain.

Okay, so Colorado is obviously my favorite setting for a western. But I must admit, Texas runs a close second. :-) So tell me, what is your favorite setting? One commentor will win an e-copy of Golden Opportunity!

Blurb:

James McMillan is a third generation owner of the most prosperous horse ranch in Golden, Colorado. When a gorgeous little filly shows up at his door waving what she says is the deed to half his ranch, James is unconvinced. But the document is authentic, according to his lawyer - his brother, Reese, sold her his half of the Double M during a poker game in Atlantic City. So not only must James find a way to get back those shares, he needs to fight his growing attraction for his luscious new business partner, who turns out to be a lot more than just a pretty face.

Having been on her own since she was a teenager, Angela Roberts has never wanted nothing more than the security of a real home. Her dreams come true when the chance to own half of a Colorado horse ranch falls into her lap. If Reese McMillan is too blind to appreciate what he has, that's his loss. Only she hadn't counted on the hostile reception she receives from his brother. Surly as a bear, James McMillan is also much too handsome for her peace of mind. Refusing to be intimidated, Angela sets out to win him over by proving she has what it takes to help him run the ranch - and ends up losing her heart to both.


Excerpt, Opening scene:

"I'm telling you I bought it fair and square. This deed proves it."

James McMillan glared down at the crazy woman waving a document under his nose. So his fool baby brother had finally done it--he'd gambled away his half of the ranch. James' biggest fear had come true, and she barely reached his shoulder. He blew out a silent breath and thumbed his Stetson back. "Look, Miss...?"

"Roberts. Angela Roberts."

"It'll take me a few days to raise the funds to buy it back. In the meantime, there are several hotels in downtown Golden-"

"Sorry, Cowboy, but you're not getting rid of me that easy. I'm staying right here at the Double M. Reese said-"

"Reese is an idiot, and I don't give a damn what he said. I'll be dipped if some gold-digging opportunist is gonna set one foot inside the home my great-grandparents built with their own hands. Now, I'll pay for your hotel room if you can't afford one, but either way, you're leaving."

She huffed out a sigh of frustration and crossed her arms over her ample chest. Big blue eyes clear as the Colorado sky gazed up at him, and for a brief moment, James became lost in them.

He gave himself a mental shake, ignoring her full pouty lips and shiny auburn hair, which hung in loose waves down to her waist. Lord, did he love long hair on a woman. Damn you, Reese.

"I told you, I'm not going anywhere. I own half this ranch, whether you like it or not. And if you insist on making me leave, I promise you I'll be back with the sheriff."

Great. Just freakin' great. Sheriff Martin would pounce like a mountain lion on a chance to make James miserable. And if she got that vindictive old cuss involved, the story of Reese's stupidity would be all over town by nightfall. His frustration must have shown on his face because a knowing smile curved those luscious lips. James propped his hands on his hips in defeat and took a step back. "Fine. You wanna play house, lady, be my guest. Just don't get too comfortable."

With a toss of her head, she picked up her suitcase, her high heels clicking on the tiled floor of the foyer as she strode past him. It took all James' self-control not to give her denim-clad ass a swat as she passed by.

Excerpt #2:

"What the hell do you mean it's legal and binding? It's written on a hotel letterhead, for chrissakes."

"I'm sorry, James," his lawyer said with an audible sigh. "It would be legal if it were written on toilet paper. It's spelled out to the letter, both parties signed it, as well as two witnesses and a notary republic. I'm afraid Miss Angela Roberts owns forty-nine percent of the Double M Ranch."

James blew out a hard breath. "Thanks, Cal." He tossed the receiver in its cradle and leaned back in his leather armchair. Bitterness ate at his soul until he thought he might choke on it. Reese's resentment of James had been going on for so long he could barely remember how the hell it got started. Over something minor, no doubt. And each year the rift between them had grown wider.

Until Reese had stepped over the line and lost James' respect for good.

He shot to his feet and paced the floor for a few seconds, then headed to the sideboard to pour himself a bourbon. The welcoming burn blazed a path straight to his gut. He downed a second and was about to pour a third when someone knocked on the study door. Shit, the last thing he wanted to do was sit through one of Meara's lectures. He set his glass down with a thunk, stalked over and yanked open the door.

Only it was Angela standing there in the dim light of the hallway, gazing up at him with those big blue eyes. She wore an oversized New York Giants T-shirt that hung down to just below her knees, and she'd pulled her thick auburn hair up into a ponytail. She looked vulnerable and uncertain and more beautiful than any woman had a right to.

And the bourbon was suddenly warming more than just his stomach.

~~~~~~~~

Amber, thanks again for having me, and thank you to anyone who stops by! I hope you enjoyed the excerpts. Golden Opportunity received some amazing reviews including a Reviewer Top Pick from NOR, and 5 hearts from The Romance Studio. It's available at The Wild Rose Press. Please visit me at my website: http://www.donnamarierogers.com/

**Remember to leave a comment and share your favorite Western setting for a chance to win an e-copy of Golden Opportunity!

Wow, that's a great prize! Readers, Donna's giveaway will be open for entry until midnight EST January 29th and the winner will be announced the following Tuesday, February 2nd. Chances of winning depend on the number of entries and you must be 18 years or older to enter.

Thank you so much, Donna, for visiting! I can't wait to read Golden Opportunity!

And I should mention that if you'd like a real taste of Welcome to Redemption, Donna's co-author Stacey Joy Netzel's giveaway is still open for entry as well as Sandy Sullivan's giveaway....

Cowboy Lovin' Day 24: Stacey Joy Netzel

It's the final week of Cowboy Lovin' and the guest authors keep on coming! Today I'm pleased to welcome Stacey Joy Netzel, a fellow author of The Wild Rose Press's Yellow Rose imprint. Take it away, Stacey!

Amber, thanks so much for the invitation to join you today. Looks like you and the other wonderful authors have been having QUITE the month! *grin* I have enjoyed a few of the featured books, as well as Blackest Heart, and now I'm looking forward to an afternoon on the recliner with a hot cup of tea and Bluest Heart on my Nook someday soon.

A man on a horse in jeans and boots is about the sexiest thing I can think of. So, while CHASIN' MASON might be the first 'western' romance I've had published, it's not the first time a good-looking cowboy has ridden through the pages of one of my books. See, I spent two summers working at The Aspen Lodge Ranch Resort and Conference Center in Estes Park, Colorado after high school, which is where I met my first true blue cowboy and heard a genuine Texas drawl. (Funny enough, the drawl didn't belong to the cowboy, but instead a fellow children's counselor, named Robert Foster.) I'd grown up with horses and applied to be a wrangler to guide trail rides through the beautiful Rocky Mountains, but checked children's counselor as a back-up job. Considering I was a young graduate at 17, I got the back-up position. I did, however, get to guide a half-hour children's ride with my 'kids' two times a week and loved it.

Anyway, I completely fell in love with the mountains, and my first three romance manuscripts were set right out there in the Rockies with a cowboy on a horse somewhere in the mix. The only thing that doesn't quite trip my trigger is the cowboy hat. Not sure why (maybe it's the hat-head when they take them off) but I prefer my cowboys in boots, soft faded blue jeans and chaps, a worn plaid cotton shirt rolled to the elbows to expose sinewy forearms, and hair that tumbles rakishly over their forehead. I know, I know, the hats serve a practical purpose, but since they're my stories, hats are optional for this writer. :)

Having said that, Tripp and Reggie both wear hats in Chasin' Mason--because it makes sense in the hot Texas sun. See? I'm not completely illogical.

Before I share an excerpt from my book, I'd like to know...how do you like your cowboys? (remember, PG-13)

***One winner will be drawn from the comments for an e-copy of CHASIN' MASON.***

When his father announced his engagement to a gold-digger with a lying, scheming fourteen-year old daughter, seventeen-year old Tripp Warner left Warner Ridge Ranch and never looked back. Until the day he got the phone call that his father had died unexpectedly.

Reggie Reed lives with her guilt every day but can't quite work up the courage to track down the son of the man who raised her as his own. When Tripp shows up at his father’s funeral eleven years later--and a hell of a man to be reckoned with--he has no interest in her too-late apology. Worse, they’ve inherited half shares of the family ranch—but only if they work together to catch Mason’s Gold, the stallion a young Reggie let escape and made sure Tripp took the blame for.

Tripp proposes a secret competition to the beautiful witch who stole his life: whoever catches the stallion first gets the ranch all to themselves. It sounds simple, but once they’re out on the range, tempers and passions flare in the Texas heat and nothing goes as either of them expects.

Excerpt:

She should apologize to Tripp right now for stealing the life he should’ve had, but, impaled by the icy shards of his blue eyes as she stared up at his impressive height, the words stuck in her throat with a thick coating of guilt and shame.

Instead, she averted her gaze and murmured, “I should get back to the house or Grandma will start to worry.”

When she started to walk past, a strong, calloused hand clamped over her arm, halting her mid-stride. Startled, she jerked her chin up to find his eyes narrowed accusingly.

“You don’t get to call her that,” he ground out. “She’s not your grandmother.”

Despite the warmth of his fingers burning her skin, and the fact that she was more intimidated than she’d ever been in her life, she forced herself to hold his gaze and show some backbone.

“She helped raise me since I was fourteen. It was her idea, not mine.”

His lip curled. “You wormed your way in nice and tight, didn’t you? I bet you and your mother can’t wait for the reading of the will.”

A discreet attempt to pull free only succeeded in making him tighten his steel grasp.
“My mother’s not here.”

“That explains why I haven’t seen her, then. What, did she take a shopping trip to celebrate her new status as a wealthy widow?”

She frowned, momentarily accepting his hold without resistance. Did he not know? Loretta, in fact, had called yesterday from her new yacht in the south of France to offer insincere condolences before bragging about the size of the rock her fourth husband had bought her—a wedding Reggie hadn’t even known about.

She did her best to ignore the sharp bite of bitterness that always surfaced with any thoughts of her mother and simply replied, “They never did get married.”

The slackening of his grip and genuine surprise on his face told her he hadn’t known. His expression quickly hardened again. “Leaves more for you then, doesn’t it?”

“I’m not the same person I was back then, Tripp.”

His fingers tightened. “And that’s why you were smiling during the service, isn’t it, because you’ve changed so damn much.”

“You were there?” Reggie flushed with the realization that he’d seen her bittersweet smile earlier.

“It’s not my fault you were too busy figuring out how to spend the money to notice.”

“That wasn’t it at all.”

“Well, then, please, tell me what was so amusing when my father’s body was being lowered into his grave?”

In truth, the shock of seeing the casket disappear into the dark hole in the earth hit home with a finality she hadn’t even imagined. In desperation, she’d looked away and focused on the antics of the foals in the pasture below the hill.

“I was only remembering how much Judd enjoyed watching the newborn foals every spring,” she whispered. “He used to love it when they—”

Tripp’s fingers bit into her skin, effectively cutting off the rest of her sentence. His eyes darkened for a few seconds before he subjected her to another sweep of his chilling gaze. “You took everything from me. You and your gold-digging mother. You can dress all respectable and shed some of your well-timed tears, but we both know you’re nothing but a conniving stepsister in Cinderella’s clothing.”

Thanks again to Amber, and to everyone who stops by today! CHASIN' MASON received a Night Owl Reviewer Top Pick and was voted a LASR Best Book of the Week. It's available from TWRP! and you can read a different excerpt and the reviews at my website: www.StaceyJoyNetzel.com

Have a wonderful day!
Stacey

Oh ~ one last bit of fun trivia: While writing Chasin' Mason, this picture of Matthew McConaughey was my inspiration for Tripp (yes, hat and all *grin*). A few months after contracting the book with TWRP, I watched MM in the movie Failure to Launch, in which his character's name is...Tripp.

Woot! Thank you, Stacey - very much ;) - for sharing here at The Cozy Page today! I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Chasin' Mason. And thank you for the compliments as well. They mean the world to me!

Readers, be sure to check out Stacey's website. Her backlist - Welcome to Redemption, Dragonfly Dreams, and If Tombstones Could Talk - are all great reads! As for her giveaway, it will run through January 28th. The winner will be announced the following Tuesday, February 2nd. Please check back in to see if you have won. Chances of winning depend on the number of entries. Entrants must be 18 years or older.

Cowboy Lovin' Day 23: Nancy O'Berry

Today I welcome a friend from my group blog The Roses of Prose, romance author Nancy O'Berry! Today she's sharing an excerpt, her thoughts on the western genre, and a short story...



Giving in to Charity
Sweetbrier Academy Book Three
Mainstream Romance: Historical/Period, WesternISBN: 978-1-60435-360-0
Word Count: 65,130Release Date: July 02, 2009
Cost 5.99

http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=151&osCsid=e9577a0e0d1277e1d08495efcdf005c5

When Opal Benedict offers Charity Wilson a chance to further her horizons, she travels to Virginia City and accepts the job of personal secretary for the wealthy J. T. Merewether. Here she plans to sort out her personal life and better herself.


Unaware of the tension between Merewether and his business partner, Charity is entangled a love affair that may well exact the highest price of all when she falls for the genteel Silver Baron.

Can Tobias Merewether overcome his dark past and fulfill their destiny?

Excerpt:

“Miss Wilson, mining is as much back-breaking labor as it is reading the earth and having intuition on where to find the veins of silver trapped in the ore. Every miner has his secrets.”


“Including you?” she asked. Charity leaned toward him, her voice lowered to a husky whisper.
Tobias reached over and placed his hand over hers. Drawing his head within inches of her face, he gazed into her eyes. Her scent overwhelmed him. He saw her surprised expression.

Her soft breath slipped from her lips and fanned his face, and beneath his thumb, the increased thump of her pulse touched his skin. He gazed at her lips. A sprinkle of sugar caught against them, and he had the overwhelming urge to sample, to lick off the sweetness, and plunge into the warmth depths.

“Especially me,” he answered.



His hand still upon hers, he brought the other up and slid it along her cheek. “You have sugar on your lip,” he explained.



Her eyes warmed, their color deepening. “I do?” she whispered, her voice barely heard.



“Indeed,” he replied.



He couldn’t stand it. He had to see. Tobias lowered his head. She closed her eyes as if giving consent for his action. With a groan, he captured her mouth with a waiting hunger. Never had he expected such a tangible mix of flavors assaulting his senses. The tanginess of the hickory from the coffee beans, the sweet burn of the crystals from the sugar, the warmth of her lips melting into his, all of these senses helped to develop an urgency of its own. With the tip of his tongue, he traced the line of her lips, begging. She opened for him with a moan from the back of her throat that drove him to near madness. His tongue rushed in and stroked her inner cheeks. She drew a breath and suckled him.



Damn the table for being between them. His body rose from the chair. She pushed forward.

He stroked harder, his fingers sliding around each side of her neck, feeling the race of her blood as wild as his own. Only when his lungs threatened to burst did he pull back. Her eyes remained shut, her lips swollen by his rakish antics—and Tobias regretted nothing.

“Miss Wilson, eating with you is quite an experience.”

****

We've all grown up with heroes of the silver screen, Roy Rodgers, John Wayne, Gene Autry come to mind and each cowboy had a similar group of beliefs they carried with them. These truths are the ideals that draw us to the mythical cowboy. These ideals were brought to the American consciousness in 1934 in the book entitled "Code of the West". In this work, the author, Zane Grey, highlighted the ideas of hospitality to others, fair play, loyalty to the brand, and respect of the land. Many of these principles are interfused with Native American culture, hence the conflict between the two cultures.

Ramon Adams, a western historian went further to explain , that in the west were there were few written laws a cattle man must create his own in order to establish order in chaos.
In Wayne's last movie "The Shootist" ,his character remarks, "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand upon. I don't do this things to others and I require the same of them"

Yep, it says it all.

On http://www.legendsofamerica.com/WE-CodeOfTheWest.html , a list of some forty agreed upon guidelines have been written down. Here are some of the more "interesting" rules.

· Don't inquire into a person's past. Take the measure of a man for what he is today.



· Never steal another man's horse. A horse thief pays with his life.



· Defend yourself whenever necessary.



· Look out for your own.



· Remove your guns before sitting at the dining table.



· Never order anything weaker than whiskey.



· Don't make a threat without expecting dire consequences.



· Always fill your whiskey glass to the brim.



· A cowboy doesn't talk much; he saves his breath for breathing.



· A cowboy is loyal to his "brand," to his friends, and those he rides with.



· Never shoot a woman no matter what.



· Honesty is absolute - your word is your bond, a handshake is more binding than a contract.



· Live by the Golden Rule.

All good rules to live by.

****

" Yes, it is true that men on the plains are all men but even the most ardent cowboy must yield to a woman's touch," or so says Miss Charity Wilson formally of Wyoming Territory and now residing in Virginia City, Nevada.

Traveling to San Francisco, I happened to meet a very elegant woman in the dining car. She wasn't your usual traveler. Most women rarely even in these modern times travel without a companion. I suppose that is what drove me to speak. Dressed in lavender with a magnificent hat complete with a tulle veil that was tucked neatly under her chin, she strode past me and sat down at a small table near the back of the dining car.

It was interesting to watch her. She moved in a slow silent glide that barely rustled the taffeta. Yet, ever man in the car looked at her with envy and each woman with distain. Being a reporter, she peeked my interest. Standing, I retrieved my cane and hat and walked toward the rear where she sat. I stood waiting for her to take notice like some dog expecting a pat upon the head. She took her time and pulled her lace gloves off slowly revealing long slender fingers that were made to stroke the keys of a piano.

I cleared my throat and she looked up. I dare say even at twenty and eight my knees shook like a youngster at their first church social. She placed her gloves on the edge of the table and spoke. "May I help you?"

The words could melt butter spoken with such a soft southern drawl.

"I was wondering if I might dine with you?" My God, I even stuttered.

Her lips twitched and she nodded toward the empty seat. "A gentleman is always welcome."

I bowed, pulled the chair out, and took my place. "So, what brings you out west?"

Again, her mouth pulled as if she were trying to hide a smile. "What makes you think, I was not born here?"

"Your dress, your manners," I expounded. "I think that perhaps you are from the continent."

"Hum," smiled and dropped her chin no more than an inch hiding the lovely face.

The steward came and took our order. Once he left, she took hold of the netting that covered her face and pulling it back exposed her most charming features, her eyes. Those deep grey orbs were in deep contrast to the color of her skin. Such a unique color they reminded me of water and as a man, I would have loved to dive into those limpid pools to drown in delight.

Over coffee, we talked. In the course of our conversations, I discovered that she was from New Orleans and on a journey to Virginia City to become a social secretary for J. Tobias Merewether. As the afternoon dragged on, I found the conversation turning toward her true occupation, an escort. She explained to me, how after the civil war, women were a commodity to be traded and how through some fortunate circumstances she was saved by another woman named Opal Benedict who educated her and taught her the social graces.

Opening her reticule, she pulled a small white engraved card from her purse. Pressing it into my palm, she told me to use it on my return visit at a place called Sweetbrier Academy, in Panther's Landing, Wyoming.

I promised I would and tucked the sweet trinket into the breast pocket of my coat.

Slipping her gloves on her hands and lowering the veil, Charity Wilson rose. I stood. A woman such as this deserves the dignity of a man paying respects. "Might I accompany the lady back to her coach?" I asked.

She gave me a coy smiled and lay her sweet palm upon my arm. The scent of lavender slid around me making me rather heady from the experience. "I'm afraid that would not be something I could allow."

And she walked out with just as much dignity as she came in. Oh, Tobias Merewether, you are one lucky man.



Thanks, Nancy! I can't wait to read Giving Into Charity! Readers, be sure to look for Nancy's books!

Cowboy Lovin' Day 22: Sandy Sullivan

Today help me welcome western romance author Sandy Sullivan to Cowboy Lovin'! Her next title, Love's Sweet Surrender, launches next Tuesday. Here's a fun peek into Cowboy Love:

I've decided to share an interview I did with Tanner and A

my, my hero and heroine from Cowboy Love. Theirs wasn't an easy road to love so let's see what they were thinking.

SS: Hello Tanner and Amy.

Tanner: Hi Sandy. How are things going today for you?

SS: Good. Let's start with a little about how you and Amy met. Who wants to start?

Amy: I will. Let's see. Chris, that's my best friend, and I decided to make a long weekend trip to her parents place in Brenham. I'd broken up with a guy I'd been dating and pretty much decided to give up on men.

Tanner snorted and Amy shot him a saucy look.

Amy: I went outside that morning after we got there, to check out the place. I've always been an earlier riser with my work schedule as a registered nurse. I stood outside admiring Chris' mom's roses when I heard some pretty descriptive cuss words floating over the fence.

Tanner blushed.

SS: Let me guess. Tanner.

Tanner: I already apologized for that.

Amy: I know.

Tanner: I was trying to break a mare in the pen at my family's house. We've lived next door to Chris since we were kids. The horse wasn't being very cooperative. Amy caught me with my butt in the dirt.

SS: That would have been funny.

Tanner: It wasn't from my position.

SS: I bet. So, did she come over and help you up?

Tanner: Sort of. She helped, yes. Has she ever told you about her gift for taming horses?

SS: I think it's been mentioned. Why don't you explain it a little Amy, so the folks reading this will understand.

Amy: My father rode rodeo for several years when I was a kid and he had a way of taming horses. Sort of like a horse whisperer you could say. Horses are very gentle creatures with the right motivation. The mare Tanner was working with at the time needed the right touch. That's all. My father taught me his techniques and I've done pretty well with it.

Tanner: She calmed that mare right down and I haven't a trouble with her since.

SS: In another words, your butt hasn't been in the dirt while you've been on her.

Amy laughed and Tanner frowned.

Amy: Its okay, Tanner. I've had my butt there too.

Tanner: Yeah, but you have a much nicer butt.

Amy: Mmm…I wouldn't say that. Yours is pretty nice in a set of Wranglers.

Tanner: Have you been looking at my ass?"

Amy: Of course! Why wouldn't I?

SS: So how's the singing career going, Tanner?

Tanner: Good. We're keeping busy. We sing every weekend at the bar.

SS: Amy. You ride rodeo too, right?

Amy: Yes. I team rope.

SS: Wow! That's impressive. That's pretty much a man's rodeo sport. What position?

Amy: I'm usually at heeler. My dad team roped when he rode, I guess it seemed natural for me to learn to, too.

Tanner: She's damned good too.

Amy: Thanks Tanner.

SS: Your relationship is going well then?

Tanner: I think so, what about you, baby?"

Amy: I kind of like him, too.

We all laughed when she reached over and kissed him hard on the mouth.

SS: You two seem happy. That's for sure. Any plans for the future.

Tanner: We're still in the getting to know you stage, but I'm liking it so far.

Amy: Mmm…me too. He's pretty good in bed too.

Tanner: You didn't just say that.

Amy: Sure I did.

SS: I guess it's about time for me to wrap up this interview. Make sure you two come back and see me in the future and let me know how things are going. Good luck.

Tanner: Thanks for having us and I'm sure you'll be seeing more of the two of us. We're keeping an eye on Chris. She needs a good man. If you know of any, let me know.

Amy: We were glad to come by Sandy. Keep in touch and keep writing.

Readers, be sure to look for Sandy's titles! She's a true champion of the western romance genre and the cowboy hero! She's also hosting a contest on Facebook through the end of January for a $25.00 Barnes & Noble or $25 Amazon Gift Card. Today here at Cowboy Lovin' she's giving away a free download of Wild Wyoming Nights to one lucky commenter who answers the following question...

What kind of car does Katrina drive in Wild Nevada Ride?

Hint: you can find the answer on Sandy's website.... This contest runs through January 26th. The winner will be randomly drawn the following Tuesday. Check back in to see if you have won. Chances of winning depend on the number of entries and you must be 18 years or older to enter.

Cowboy Lovin' Day 21: Stacey Coverstone

Readers, please help me in welcoming western romance author of Outlaw Trail, Stacey Coverstone...

At nineteen, Josie Hart has lived a hard life on her New Mexican farm. A cryptic letter gives her a chance to change all that and guides her on a perilous journey toward freedom. But, there are others who want what she's after, and will stop at nothing to get it.

Grey Paladin seeks justice after having had his fortune stolen out from under him. He'll do whatever it takes to retrieve what's rightfully his and reunite with the only family he has left. That is, until a feisty girl stands in his way.

When Josie and Grey form an uncertain partnership, they must battle outlaws, nature, and each other while riding two hundred miles of dangerous trail to reach their destination. What they discover at the end is something that's been sorely lacking in both their lives--leading them each to rethink what the future holds.





EXCERPT:

Josie let her weary eyes skim over the parchment once more. The trail will be long, her pa had said. Will I have the courage and strength to follow it? Will I be able to fulfill his last wish and make my own dreams come true?

For the first time in her life, she felt hopeful about the future as she clutched the map tightly in her fist. Though excited, she was dog-tired, both mentally and physically. Her eyes started to drift shut.

She had barely nodded off when the sound of snapping branches roused her. Her head jerked and her eyes flew open. Her spine went rigid when a low voice addressed her. “I’ll take that map now.”

She fished around in her pants pocket for the Derringer. Her hand touched the cold metal, and she squeezed her finger around the trigger of the gun and stumbled to her feet.

“Stay right where you are, and take your hand out of your pockets,” the voice ordered. “You won’t get hurt if you do as you’re told. Do it!”

She squinted at the tall figure standing in the shadows at the mouth of the cave and heard the click of a revolver. Ragged breaths escaped her throat. “Are you going to kill me?” she asked in a throaty whisper, as she showed him one empty hand.

“That depends on how much trouble you decide to cause. Just hand over that map and I’ll be on my way.”

Inhaling deeply, her eyes roamed over the parchment still clutched in her fist. The trail will be long. Don’t give up. Her pa’s words rang in her ears. Nothing was going to stop her from going after whatever lay at the end of that trail. Her pa had died so she could have a better life. No one was going to take that from her.

“If you want it, you’ll have to pry it from my cold dead fingers,” she replied with bravado.

The man said nothing.“Show yourself,” she challenged. Josie’s fingers twitched as she let her hand creep back into her pocket. She gripped the pearl handle of her Derringer again. “How do you know about this map? Who are you?”

The man took one step forward, but she still couldn’t see his face. When he spoke again, she sensed he was someone of little patience.

“I don’t have to explain anything to a girl,” he snapped. “Walk around that fire and lay the paper on this rock over here.” His gloved hand pointed to a stone ledge, which jutted out from the cave wall.

“I’m not a girl,” she snapped back. “I’m nineteen and this map belongs to me. I’m not about to give it to some coward who won’t even show his face.”

Apparently striking a nerve, the man swiftly strode forward out of the darkness, with his gun raised and leveled at her. The fire danced upon his features. She gasped. It was the stranger who rode the white stallion—the one all in black who’d been watching her in Dry Gulch. Her heart lurched. He tilted his dusty hat up with a finger to show her eyes the color of dark molasses. She could feel the heat radiating from those fiery pupils as they bore into her.

“Is that better?” he asked.

“It’s you!” she exclaimed. “Why are you following me?”

“I think I already explained. I’ve come for the map. Now, hand it over.”

She gripped the parchment even tighter. The man’s brow creased. “Pass that paper to me. I’m not in the mood to play games.” He advanced, stopping in front of her. His tall, muscular frame towered over her petite body.

Quick as a snake striking, she jammed the map in her back pocket and thrust the double-barreled Derringer into his rib. Just as speedy, he shoved his revolver against her temple.

“You’re fast, but not fast enough,” he drawled. “Put down the gun.”

“You put yours down first,” she countered.

Neither one moved. Josie’s chest rose and fell in erratic rhythm. The pistol felt cold as it pushed against her skin.

“Are we going to have a Mexican standoff?” he wondered aloud.

She felt his warm breath on her face. He stood so close, his musky smell, mixed with sweat and the faint scent of lavender made her woozy. “I know how to use this gun,” she managed. “I’ll shoot you. Don’t think I won’t.” She cocked the Derringer to show him she meant what she promised.

The tall, dark stranger looked down into her eyes. A muscle ticked along his jaw. After several long moments, she felt the release of pressure from her temple.

“Toss the gun down on the ground,” she commanded, as she kept her gun pointed at his ribcage.

“I’ll toss mine when you toss yours.”Josie searched his face. “Are you crazy, or just stupid? You stalk me, want to rob me of my personal possession, and you think I’m just going to throw down my gun? Why should I trust you?”

“Because I’ve never killed a woman before,” he said without skipping a beat. “And I don’t intend to start now.”

His response surprised her. After considering his words carefully, she removed the gun from his rib. “On the count of three, we’ll both throw our guns onto the ground. Do I have your word as a gentleman?” she asked.

The man in black threw his head back and laughed. “Whatever gave you the idea I’m a gentleman?”

She rammed the Derringer into his gut again and narrowed her eyes. The gun pressed into taut, rigid muscle. She realized he could probably break her in half with one hand tied behind his back, but she was not going to be intimidated. She had too much to lose to let him scare her out of what was rightfully hers.

“I’ll kill you right now, mister. And it won’t bother me none. Believe me. I’ll take my map and high-tail it outta here, leaving you dead as a stone.”

The man grinned, baring a perfect row of sparkling teeth. “You’re a tough little half-breed, aren’t you?”

“Half-breed!” she shrieked, lunging at him. She pounded on his chest with her fists and clawed at his shirt. He grabbed her wrists and both the pistol and Derringer flew out of their hands and clattered to the hard ground.

Stacey Coverstone
Western Romance Author
http://www.staceycoverstone.com/

Thanks, Stacey! Outlaw Trail sounds like a great read!

Readers, don't forget that today is the last day to enter Anna Kathryn Lanier's giveaway for a free ebook download as well as a TWRP Gift Card...

Cowboy Lovin' Day 20: Susan Shay

Today we're welcoming western romance author of To School a Cowboy Susan Shay to The Cozy Page....

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a cowboy.

No matter how often my cousins told me I had to be a cowgirl, I was adamant. I wanted to be Roy, not Dale. John Wayne, not Maureen O’Hara. I wanted to be the rescuer, not stand around and flap my hands while someone else had the good times. What fun was it to just watch the guys? I wanted to be in the action!

For Christmas every year when I was small, I got a doll, and a pair of guns, which I used to shoot my dolls. I loved cowboy boots, riding horses, playing cowboys and Indians, all those fun boy games. You’ll find a lot of me in my book. And you just might find a few of my real life friends, although not by name.

Cathy has been a friend since my first memories. Like my family, she’s always had horses, but she went a step farther. She learned all about them, has shown and exhibited them. She can back a horse trailer with the best. And she wore her hair in two braids until we went to junior high.

I met my other horsey friend, Meg, after I was grown, but we became instant friends. She’s raised and raced horses. She loves them from full size to miniatures. There’s nothing she doesn’t know about them, including terms. She’s the best when it comes to catching my boo-boos.

When I started writing, I naturally wrote about cowboys. (In case you’re wondering, I’ve never even dated one.) One day DH asked, “Do you wish you were married to a cowboy?”
;) “Uh, no.” I explained, “Cowboy is an American icon. It’s shorthand for a brave and honorable man.” Much like DH, but I didn’t tell him that.

Many real life cowboys are missing teeth, have bad dip (aka smokeless tobacco) problems, they’re gone a lot if they rodeo and, because they’re gone so much, often have an eye for the women, so I was never attracted.

I really enjoy researching them, though. Rodeos are my favorite research venues, and even though my DH has never been close to being a cowboy, he often accompanies me on those research trips.

My very first book I sold is, TO SCHOOL A COWBOY, available from The Wild Rose Press.
You probably won’t be surprised to learn it’s NOT about a cowboy who rescues the heroine.

It’s about a cowboy, his daughter and her teacher, the heroine. The cowboy doesn’t rescue the teacher, and she doesn’t rescue the cowboy, but in the end, after a twist or two, they fall in love.
And don’t we all love stories that end that way?



Susan Shay
http://susanshay.net/
http://the-twisted-sisters.com/
http://writingsluts.com/



Thanks, Susan! Stay tuned for more fun from western romance guest authors this weeks!

And today's the last day to enter Anna Kathryn Lanier's giveaway for Salvation Bride and TWRP Gift Card...

Week 2 Giveaway Winners

It's time to announce Week 2 giveaway winners, chosen by the True Random Number Generator at Random.org...

The winner of Marie-Nicole Ryan's Sunday giveaway for either a Samhain or Amazon Gift Card is commenter #6: JULIE!

The winner of Marguerite Arotin's Friday giveaway for a Victoria's Secret Gift Card is commenter #2: AMY!

Congrats, ladies! Please email your mailing information to amber@amberleighwilliams.com to receive your prizes! For everyone else, Cowboy Lovin' might be halfway over but there are still two weeks to win prizes. Tune back in this week and next week for more giveaways from guest authors and more Cowboy Lovin' fun!

There's still time to enter Anna Kathryn Lanier's giveaway for a TWRP Gift Card and a free ebook...

Cowboy Lovin' Day 19: Round Robin #3

It's Tuesday and time for another Cowboy Round Robin! Every Tuesday this month, YOU get to tell the western romance story here at The Cozy Page! Today we continue the Round Robin from last week. But before we get started, some rules...

For those of you who weren't with us for Round Robins 1 or 2, a round robin story is one that is started by one person and then continued sucessively by others in turn. Today we'll continue to do one paragraph (3 sentences min./10 sentences max.) per commenter. You may comment again but only after THREE other people have added their paragraphs to the story. This way we have a nice variety, but everyone can feel free to come back and get involved in the story. And no pressure on the day's last commenter - our story will continue next Tuesday, the 19th! (If you're still confused, here's a little more detail about Round Robins in general...)

Please keep in mind that The Cozy Page does not have a content disclaimer so though the story may definitely be sexy, no explicit material. This is important today because the scene is heating up fast. NEW RULE: If you have nothing to contribute to the story, please do not comment on this post. Any comments not related to the round robin or any inappropriate material will be deleted immediately. Comments are on moderation so don't be distressed if you do not see your paragraph right away. It hopefully will appear within 5 minutes of publishing.

And remember - this is all about having FUN so don't be afraid to jump in! Here's the content from last Tuesday....

"He walked across the corral in a slow, smooth gait, whistling a bluesy tune. He seemed totally unaware that she stood watching. Gawking, really. She wondered why his shirt was unbuttoned. Then again, she wasn't supposed to be there. He wasn't expecting curious gawkers. A flush crawled up her cheeks as he got closer and tried hard not to watch the way his Wranglers rode his tan, trim hips..." [Amber Leigh Williams]

"...nor the expanse of his muscular chest and the twinkle in his eye.
'Mornin' Miss Skylar.'
'Mornin' Adam.' She sighed as he moved closer and she could smell his musky scent mixed with the tang of sweat and horses. 'How's the mare this mornin?'
'Doin' fine I'd say. Labor wasn't too bad and now we have a nice healthy stud for the place.' [Sandy Sullivan]

"Her lips edged up in a slight smile. Seems like we have more than one here, she thought. 'I'm glad the mare came through it well. She's my favorite mount.'" [Ilona Fridl]

"Skylar looked off into the distance. Cumulus clouds brewed angrily above the horizon. 'Adam I suggest you lock things down here, we are in for some serious weather.' She wouldn't mind spending some time in a storm cellar with him." [Mary Ricksen]

"Adam grinned crookedly, and used one index finger to tip his hat back on his head. 'Ma'am, would you come into the barn with me? I'd like to get your opinion on some improvements I've been considering.'
Skyler nodded and walked into the barn, the horses nickered and stomped, feeling the impending storm. And she fidgeted, knowing Adam was interested in something completely different than structural improvements to the barn." [Laura Breck]

"She walked quickly to keep up with his long strides. The humid breeze coming in the barn door pushed her toward him as if nature herself approved. He stopped in front of the last stall. It was empty except for..." [Alexis Walker]

"...two rows of bundled bales of hay neatly placed side by side like a long bed with a handmade quilt thrown over the top of it. Swallowing hard, Skyler turned her head, giving Adam a curious look. She licked her lips. 'You’re moving into the barn?'
Adam chuckled, a deep, husky sound that gave Skyler chills. 'It kind of looks like a bed, doesn’t it?' His gaze slowly lowered, taking in every inch of her curves. 'If it was a bed that I wanted to show you, what would you do, Miss Skyler?' Mischief twinkled in the gorgeous depths of his sensual look." [Laurann Dohner]

"Skylar checked her smile and returned his assessment. 'I won't turn tail and run.'" [Autumn Jordon]

YOUR TURN!