Wyne/Wine and a Giveaway by Donna Michaels

**My Winners are...

Debby  and Jannine!

Congratulations! Sorry for the delay! Wine and Dine is on its way!

Thank you all for commenting. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

*******

Hello everyone, I’m excited! In eight days the third book in my Citizen Soldier Series, WYNE AND SONG releases, and a month later the fourth book in the series WINE AND HER NEW YEAR COWBOY releases in the RING IN A COWBOY boxed set!

This series is special to me because it features National Guard heroes and heroines, and as you know, my husband has been in the National Guard for over 30 years. It’s my honor to portray these brave men and women, and their support on the home front.

I’d like to share some Wyne and Wine and offer a giveaway at the end.

Book 3/Ethan features my single father who surprised me. I usually have pretty much alpha heroes, but Ethan has a little beta going on, too, and I enjoyed every bit of that aspect of him.

WYNE AND SONGCitizen Soldier Series
Book 3/ Ethan
Releasing 11/24/15 Available NOW for Pre-Order!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B016UV023W

 Single father Ethan Wyne’s trust in women stopped when his cheating wife died while he was deployed. Dating and relationships are in the past. His son is his life now and he’s proud of the stable home he’s created through hard work, determination, and support. But when a family celebration in NYC leads to a moment of weakness with a vivacious beauty, he’s tempted to rethink his reasoning. Especially when she turns up in the Poconos. Can he take a chance again when more than his heart is at stake?

Phoebe Weston’s temporary gig in a summer production in the Poconos is just what the Broadway star needs to keep busy while awaiting a Hollywood screen test. The magic of the show reawakens her passion for the basics, and her frequent encounters with the handsome, single father of a young friend awakens something more.

But Ethan’s made it clear he’s not looking for permanent, and for the first time in her life, Phoebe’s not looking for temporary. Maybe what the jaded father’s locked up, guarded heart needs is a little song.

***********************

When I was asked to be in the RING IN A COWBOY boxed set featuring cowboys set around New Years, I knew I wanted to bring a cowboy from my Harland County Series up to the Poconos and create a Citizen Soldier/Harland County Crossover for the set. I immediately thought of Harper, one of my Texas cowboys, then I chuckled gleefully and rubbed my hands together imagining some fun for the displaced cowboy stuck in the snowy north.

WINE AND A NEW YEAR COWBOY
Citizen Soldier/Harland County Series
Crossover Novella
Book 4/ Lucas

Texas cowboy, Lucas Harper relocates to the Poconos when he’s named guardian of a teenager in the will of a father he didn’t know existed. With a new job, new Guard unit, new house, and a new sister, he’s reached his ‘new’ limit, until he meets his sister’s new boss.

A magnet for Mr. Wrong, pizza shop owner, Evie Martelli makes an early New Year’s resolution to go ‘no male’, but the sexy older brother of her employee puts that resolution to the test. Good thing her brother has a ‘no dating rule’ concerning the guys from his unit.

But, everybody knows rules are meant to be broken, and resolutions rarely last more than a few days…

WINE AND HER NEW YEAR COWBOY is part of the
RING IN A COWBOY Boxed Set
Rel. 12/28/15
Available NOW for PRE-ORDER for .99cents at:

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B016SIV2T0
iBOOKS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1047805946
B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ring-in-a-cowboy…/1122768892
KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/ring-in-a-cowboy

Authors:

Kathleen Ball
Rhonda Lee Carver
Amanda McIntrye
Hildie McQueen
Donna Michaels
Lexi Post
Tori Scott
Gem Sivad
Victoria Vane

***GIVEAWAY***
In honor of my upcoming Citizen Soldier releases, I’m giving away 2 eBooks of the first book in the series WYNE AND DINE! Just answer the following question:

What is your favorite wine?

Two random names will be drawn from the comments tomorrow. Good luck!

Each book is a standalone, but as with any series, I think you get more out of the books if you read each hero’s story.

**Citizen Soldier Series**
Book 1/ Ben – Wyne and Dine
Book 2/Mason – Wyne and Chocolate
Book 3/Ethan – Wyne and Song
Book 4/ Harper – Wine and Her New Year Cowboy (Harland County/Citizen Soldier Crossover Novella/Part of the Ring in a Cowboy Boxed Set)

Thanks for reading,

~Donna

www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

Plaid for Poppy by Donna Michaels

Sorry this is a little late. Two significant events happened yesterday. The first--we buried my father-in-law. He passed away Saturday morning after his long battle with cancer. Bless him, he was a stubborn man who hung on for his 56th Wedding Anniversary which was Friday, not wanting to ruin that date for my mother-in-law. He did things his way right until the end.

Poppy loved his flannel and plaid shirts and to roll up his jeans, we called his Fonzie pants. That was how he was laid to rest, and on the night of his viewing, me, my husband, and our children all wore plaid for Poppy.

This week has been sad, but we've also been laughing a lot at some wonderful memories. Poppy had a great sense of humor and was practical joker, something his son inherited, which of course, was what attracted me to Michael. I was seventeen when I first started to date my husband, and thanks to Poppy, no matter how old I get, I will always feel young because of the nickname he gave me. Kid. He was such a great story teller, too. I was always amazed by his memory, but most impressed with the way he summarized the boring details with...yadda...yadda...yadda.

My least favorite part of writing is the fluff! Now I know how to handle them. lol I never thought to use...yadda...yadda...yadda. :-) So, you just might see that in my books from now on. I'm sure my publishers wouldn't mind. lol



The second significant event that happened yesterday, was the release of my Mini Movie by the wonderful Jackson Young for HER HEALING COWBOY.

In this story, my hero Jace lost his father to a disease when he was young. His dad was HIV positive from a blood transfusion, and this shaped his life, and made him determined to become a doctor so he could join Doctor's Without Borders to treat, and help spread awareness to families of those afflicted in Africa on how to live with the disease. He's just waiting until his commission runs out with the National Guard, then he'll join DWB and be on his way. lol Nope. He meets, and falls for, the niece of one of his patients, a very giving woman who is only in town temporarily to help run her uncle's ice cream shop while he recovers from surgery.

Jackson did a fantastic job of capturing, both the importance, and playful essence of Her Healing Cowboy in such a short, limited timeframe. And the incorporation of percussion work lent by Tom Larson who has done some amazing efforts in Africa, just ties it all together.



Buy Links:

USA: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XWFRCX8

UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00XWFRCX8

Thank you for letting me pay tribute to Poppy, Jace, and Jackson today.

Thanks for reading,

~Donna

Pinch me, I must be dreaming...by Donna Michaels

It’s been a remarkable year, so far, and it’s only half over. When I sit and think about all that has taken place the past few months, I can’t help but wonder if I am dreaming.

I barely recovered from hitting the NY Times and USA Today Bestsellers list back in January, (Who am I kidding? That still hasn’t sunk in. It’s just too surreal), then Kathryn Falk personally contacts me to invite me to RT last month—I just…wow. And I got to go up on stage at the welcome party in front of the whole 2k plus contingent with my 11 wonderful cowboy author cohorts to announce the new 12-Alarm Cowboy boxed set spearheaded by Kathryn. As if that wasn’t amazing enough, I got to meet my idol, Jill Shalvis several times, again…just…wow. AmazonEncore Publishing bought one of my books and actually gave me an advance. I’d never received one before. You can bet I copied the check and framed that sucker!!

Next month, I’m receiving 2 awards for HER UNIFORM COWBOY at the Author/Reader CON in New Orleans. (Still in shock, maybe pinch me again…) AND two weeks ago, I learned I have another cowboy up for a possible award this September. HER FOREVER COWBOY just finaled in InD’tale Magazine’s 2015 R.O.N.E Awards for Best Contemporary Cops, Jocks and Cowboys!  

 

Please don’t think I’m writing this post to boast. Absolutely not. I’m writing it to THANK all of those responsible. Don’t think for one second I assume all of that wonderful stuff happened because of me. Nope. It all happened because I have the most amazing, terrific, loyal readers, and the best, fabulous author friends in the world! Thank you all from the bottom of my fluttering heart! <3

The book I have with AmazonEncore is on sale right now for $1.99!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UK7IBEK/ 

That new 12-Alarm Cowboy boxed set I mentioned is up for Pre-Order and only .99cents! Now’s a great time to get 12 hot, cowboy firefighters before the price goes up when it releases on August 4th. My contribution HER VOLUNTEER COWBOY is the 6 ^th book in my Harland County Series, and I won’t be releasing it as a single until September. This is a good way to get your copy, along with 11other smokin’ hot cowboys, and all for only .99cents!

Amazon

US – http://tinyurl.com/12AlarmCowboysUS

UK – http://tinyurl.com/12AlarmCowboysUK

AU – http://tinyurl.com/12AlarmCowboysAU

CA – http://tinyurl.com/12AlarmCowboysCA 

Barnes & Noble (Nook)

http://tinyurl.com/12AlarmCowboysNook 

Kobo

http://tinyurl.com/12AlarmCowboysKobo 

iBooks

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/12-alarm-cowboys/id993683709?mt=11  

And I just had a New Release three weeks ago. HER HEALING COWBOY, Book 5 in my Harland County Series is now available in eBook and Print, and has garnered 16 Five Star reviews and 3 Four Stars. A big thank you to all who took the time to leave such wonderful reviews. <3

Holly’s stay in Harland County Texas is limited. She’s only there to help run her uncle’s ice cream business while he recuperates from an operation. Her home is in Colorado. Her life is in Denver. Her dream job is in Denver but won’t be if she doesn’t get back before her leave of absence runs out. Everybody knows this, but apparently her heart and body didn’t get the memo because they spark to life whenever her uncle’s smoking, hot doctor is around. But she’s been burned by one before and is definitely not interested. Much.

Doctor Jace Turner has one goal: Join Doctors Without Borders. Ever since his father was in a car accident and became HIV Positive from a blood transfusion, Jace set his sights on the organization and plans to join, once his contract is up with the Texas National Guard. The last thing he needs is the crazy attraction he feels toward the beauty from Colorado.

The cowboy isn’t looking for a relationship. She isn’t staying. Perfect set up for a fling. What harm could there be?

US:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XWFRCX8

UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00XWFRCX8 

 As always, thanks for reading,

~Donna

Embracing the New and Magical by Donna Michaels

And suddenly you know: It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings. ~ Meister Eckhart

Seems to be a popular quote this month, and one that’s fitting for me. Like Vonnie, I had a few crazy deadlines last year. The ‘write a book in 3 weeks’ became a reality for me. Three times. Actually, I had 4 weeks for one of those books, then I went right into 2 weeks to revise a novella and lengthen it into a novel, which I turned in the day before I left for a conference. None of the crunching was by choice, but by necessity because of conferences, promo, social media, boxed sets, more promo, blogs, website updates, oh, yeah, and family obligations.

 

Jestina as 'Gloria' in Bye Bye, Birdie

 

There were quite a few this past year. My youngest in her high school productions, graduating from high school, one of my twins graduating college, and my daughter-in-law graduating from law school. Two of my children went off to 2 different colleges. Then there was my father-in-law diagnosed with cancer. Bless him, he was in the hospital for weeks, then a nursing home for months, then finally released to go home on my birthday. ☺ I've been helping to take him to chemo and doctor visits every week, but at least he’s home! Yes, 2014 was a crazy, busy year.

Holy smokes, just reading that makes me nuts. How the heck did I manage it all? Barely. Trust me. It certainly made me realize I need an assistant.

That's me, embracing my something new.

Yes, I am currently looking for an assistant. I know they can’t help me with the family stuff, but an assistant can help with my website, and promo, social media, and even the conferences. Hiring an assistant is scary, but I’m going to be asking my piers for recommendations and hopefully, I’ll find the right fit before I end up in deadline he## again.

So, I will trust the magic of beginnings.

How about you, was 2014 a crazy busy year for you, too? With one activity after another?

Here’s hoping 2015 is a crazy, wonderful year!

One of those boxed sets I mentioned will be releasing next week, Jan 20th, and is available for preorder for only .99¢! I’m honored to be involved in the Cowboy 12 Pack with such wonderful NY Times and USA Best Selling authors!

  

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1H4M25u
Amazon: http://amzn.to/11sGMZb
IBooks: http://bit.ly/1xyPCSu
Nook:  http://bit.ly/1BL0uiS

 

Merrily Suited Part Three by Donna Michaels

 

Merrily Suited

Part Three

by Donna Michaels

Talk…

Yeah, Lauren would get right on that once her heart dislodged from her throat and her voice returned. She was lucky she even remembered how to breathe with the gorgeous cowboy standing so close that his wonderful, spicy, ocean scent teased her senses.

Trent smiled and gently tugged her hair. “You can’t keep running from this, Lauren.”

She managed to clear her throat and tip her chin. “From what?”

“Us,” he replied. “And what happened when we kissed.”

Oh, that. Yes, she could.

His smiled deepened to reveal those dang, sexy dimples—the ones that made her knees weak. “No, you can’t,” he said as if reading her mind. “And you can’t tell me you didn’t enjoy our kiss.”

She grew up in a disciplined household and learned at an early age to bury her wants and needs in order to achieve success. This was no different.

The elevator opened to her floor. Grabbing Trent’s hand, she freed her hair before releasing him. “I did enjoy the kiss. Very much. But I love working for you and your brothers and will not jeopardize it by mixing work with pleasure. I’m sorry. I hope you understand.”

Without waiting for a reply, she exited the elevator and was relieved when he didn’t follow. It wouldn’t have taken much persuasion on his part to make her change her mind. Her heart sat like a piece of crushed lead in her chest as she let herself into her room.

Why did Trent have to be one of her bosses? She really wanted to pursue the crazy feelings he induced. But she just couldn’t bear to put herself out there only to end up like Sandy.

The vibrating of the cell phone in her pocket signaled an incoming call seconds before the ringing filled her room. Apprehension tightened the muscles in her neck. God, she hoped it wasn’t Trent. Walking away from him had been the hardest thing she’d ever done.

Glancing at the caller ID, she smiled. Sandy. She flopped on her back on the bed. “Hey.”

“Hey, yourself. How’s your weekend with Trent?”

She stiffened. “It’s not like that.”

“Too bad. It should be.”

Lauren sat up and blinked. “What?”

“You heard me. The two of you have been making googly-eyes at each other for years. I thought for sure, once you were alone this weekend, you know, the sparks would fly, clothes would fall, to all a good night.”

“I…” She wanted to set her friend straight and tell her she was wrong.

But Sandy was not exactly wrong, so there was no setting straight.

“Uh oh. Something happened. What is it? Spill.”

Again, the urge to deny was strong. Lauren had even gone so far as to shake her head, but the words wouldn’t form. Instead, she sighed and did as told. “We kissed under the mistletoe.”

“Sweet!”

“No, it wasn’t sweet. I mean, it was, but…darn it, Sandy. I don’t want to be attracted to him. I don’t want to like his kisses, or enjoy the feel of his arms around me.” Or get lost in his scent; Want his embrace to go on forever.

“Why not? Trent is one of the good guys. And believe me, they are few and far between. The two of you are perfect for each other. You're suited.”

“But he’s my boss.” There, she said it. “I don’t want to end up like y—” She stopped herself, but shouldn’t have bothered.

“Like me, you mean?” Sandy asked. “Oh, hun. Don’t let what happened to me with that jerk two years ago stop you from taking a chance on what could be the real deal with Trent.”

“But what if it isn’t?”

“What if it is?” Her friend countered. “Besides, I do not regret what happened.”

“You don’t?”

“No. Getting fired was the best thing that happened to me, because I met my fiancé at my next job.”

Fiancé?

Lauren inhaled. “You’re engaged?”

“Yes. That’s why I was calling. To tell you Paul proposed.”

“Oh, I’m so happy for you, Sandy. Congratulations. Paul’s a great guy.”

“Yes, he is, and he’s also my boss. Remember?”

She sank onto the bed and blinked. That’s right. Her friend had gotten a new job, and within a half a year, started to date her new boss.

“So, you see? It is possible to keep your job and have a relationship with Trent.”

If only…

“Promise me you’ll think about it.”

“I promise.” No way would she be able to think of anything else. 

***

The outdoor holiday gala was in full swing with vendor tents, food stands, face painting, and a visit from the big man himself. Seasonal music blared from speakers placed around the grounds, and families and people walked around with hot apple cider, hot chocolate and coffee, enjoying pumpkin rolls and pecan pie donated by the pretty chef from the Texas Pub up in Harland County.

Everyone was having a great time. Not Trent. Not really. He was going through the motions, even managed to paste a smile on his face as he helped people on and off the Santa-horse wagon while the driver remained on the buckboard seat. Everyone's happy faces and excited banter would normally warm his heart, but the darn thing didn’t seem to be working that day. It was kind of numb and reeling.

He’d foolishly thought once he got Lauren alone and away from the main store she would open up and admit her feelings. Dummy him. Her upbringing had kicked in and kicked him out.

“May I ride next?” A familiar, sweet voice asked from behind.

Lauren.

His pulse kicked into gear. Look at that. His numb heart sparked back to life. He’d seen her today, but hadn’t really talked one-on-one with the woman. What was the point? Even though her gaze had been friendly and smile warm, he didn’t want her to feel badgered, and the invisible bands squeezing his chest did not need more encouragement.

Keeping his smile in place, he turned to face her and blinked. Close up, her gaze was more than warm and friendly. A spark of interest lit those mesmerizing green depths. His heart jerked behind its invisible restraints, and then did something none of the happy people could manage to make it do—warmed at the blush creeping into her cheeks.

“Of course,” he answered, treading lightly, grabbing her hand to help her into the wagon.

Maybe the tightness in his chest prevented oxygen to his brain and he was seeing things he wanted to see.

“Good,” she replied, tugging on his hand when he made to release his hold. “Will you join me?”

His head reeled back. He hadn’t expected that question. He also wasn’t slow on the uptake. “Sure.” He quickly hoisted himself into the wagon and settled next to her on the bench.

As the driver made a clicking noise and urged the horse forward, she snuggled closer, causing his ears to ring and eyes to cross.

He cleared his throat and stared down at her. “Uh, Lauren, not that I’m not enjoying having you close, because I really do, but I’m a little confused. The last time we talked you said you didn’t want to mix business with pleasure.”

She tipped her head and stared up at him, that blush deepening along with her smile. “Let’s forget that talk. It never happened. I was stupid. Scared. Not thinking straight.”

“And now?”

“Now, I’m still stupid and scared, but I know what I want. I’ve thought about it all night.”

His heart rocked so hard in his chest he physically moved. “And what do you want, Lauren?”

“You, Trent,” she replied, heart in her eyes, stealing his breath which had already disappeared at the sweet sound of his name on her lips. “You were right. That kiss was amazing. And I think you’re amazing. I have for some time now.” She held up a hand when he opened his mouth to respond. “I meant it when I said I enjoyed working with you and your brothers. But, again, you were right. I can’t keep running from my feelings.”

Joy and happiness mixed to curve his lips into a grin he couldn’t hold back. “I don’t want to run from mine anymore either, Lauren. I know it’s a risk getting involved with a coworker, but it’s one I’m willing to take. You make me feel things no one has ever made me feel before. And I like it. A lot.”

“Yeah?” Her eyes were big and round and full of wonder.

Adorable.

“Yeah.”

A thousand watt smile lit her face. “Same goes,” she said, reaching up to cup his chin. “You’re definitely worth the risk.”

And as the Santa-horse wagon ride rolled on, Trent pressed his lips to Lauren’s, sealing a promising future his dad had set into motion nearly a decade ago.

~♥~

 Come back tomorrow for the start of another FREE Holiday story from Alison Henderson! The Rose of Prose will be posting free holiday stories using the same opening line all month long!

Don't forget my brand new release! HARLAND COUNTY CHRISTMAS is a prequel novella to my Amazon Best Selling Harland County Series! Read the first cowboy to fall...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3PON5G




I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Merrily Suited Part Two by Donna Michaels

Merrily Suited

Part Two

by Donna Michaels

“Your room okay?” Trent asked, stopping beside Lauren in the middle of the bustling lobby.

She nodded, then headed for the exit with no intention of talking, stopping, or breathing, until she was outside and mistletoe free. Too dangerous. She scooted around a pack of incoming guests and pushed through the door into the cool winter’s night air…and underneath more mistletoe, haphazardly dotting the hotel’s grand, wrap-around porch.

It was a conspiracy. Everywhere she turned there was mistletoe. The urge to stomp her foot shook through her boot. This was not here when they’d first arrived.

“Excuse me, honey,” a little old lady called from down on the sidewalk, pushing her walker to the stairs. “Can you help me up?”

Before she could answer, Trent appeared and was at the lady’s side, escorting the beaming woman to the porch. Something inside Lauren’s chest cracked open as he gently placed the woman’s hand on her arm while he went back down for the walker. He was always helping, putting other’s first. It was one of the things that attracted her to him the most.

Dang it.

He needed to stop. Do something mean. Say something obnoxious.

Why did he have to keep being so sweet? Didn’t he know she was having a hard enough time talking herself out of liking him?

“Aw, what a sweetheart. You have yourself a good man, honey.” The woman grasped the walker with one fragile hand and patted Lauren’s arm with the other. “And I think it’s positively perfect you’re both standing under the mistletoe. Go ahead, young man. Do your duty. Kiss your pretty lady.”

Lauren’s heart shot for the stars, via her throat, where it lodged, pounding away her breath. No way was she going to turn to him. No way. But, she needn’t have worried. The handsome cowboy stepped to the smiling, older woman and dipped down to kiss her cheek.

“You young, whipper-snapper. Not me.” The woman giggled, pointing at Lauren. “Her. Go ahead. Don’t mind me. Kiss your girl.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said, turning to face Lauren, dusty cowboy boots standing toe to toe with hers.

She knew this because it was safer to stare at the porch. Not his face. Definitely not his face.

“Lauren.” His voice was low and deliciously sexy.

He’d spoken her name for the first time. Ever.

Goose bumps raced down her arms. She had been right. Her name sounded darn good on his lips.

“Look at me.” Two big, strong, calloused hands cupped her face and gently tipped her head until she finally met his gaze. “You and I both know this has been a long time coming.”

More than a little shocked by the blatant admission he’d wanted to kiss her for awhile, she couldn’t stop her mouth from parting, or the soft ‘oh’ from leaving her lips.

Then all thoughts ceased, and everyone and everything faded from view as he slowly lowered his head.

Work didn’t matter.

Her bosses didn’t matter.

Sandy and her bad relationship didn’t matter.

Only the here and now, and the great smelling cowboy holding her close. Her pulse pounded out of control, growing louder and louder while her heart rocked hard in her chest. An unknown feeling fluttered in her belly while their breath mingled a second before their lips finally met.

Firm and warm, his mouth sent a tremor straight to her toes, and she reached out and slid her arms around his back to hold on since her knees where suddenly too weak to hold her weight. He smelled of the outdoors, and ocean breezes, and male. Very male.

Just like in his business practices, he was thorough, kissing her slow and deliberate, leaving her under no illusion that he indeed had wanted to kiss her for a long time.

When he finally lifted his head, he had her so mixed up she had no idea if they’d kiss for ten seconds or ten minutes. Time had ceased, along with her breathing.

And common sense.

She pulled out of the embrace, vaguely aware of the older lady smiling.

“It’s wonderful to see a nice, young couple fated to be together. Bless you both.” The woman nodded then pushed her walker toward the hotel door.

When Trent rushed forward to hold the door open for the lady, Lauren took advantage of his absence and raced down the steps, needing to put some distance between her and the hot cowboy. Gulping in air, she willed her brain cells to return to working order.

What the heck had she just done?

***

“What in the world did you do?”

Trent had no idea what his brother Cordell was talking about on the phone later that evening, and would’ve told him, if the idiot would’ve quieted down long enough to let him get a word in on their conversation.

“Why does Lauren want to come home?”

“What?” His heart dropped to his boots, and he stopped pacing in the executive office of their Texas City store. “She said that?”

“No, not exactly, but it was implied.”

“Define implied.”

“Indirectly. In a round-about way. To—”

“I know what implied means, you goof,” he interrupted his older brother, trying hard not to give into the frustration clawing his spine. “Did Lauren really call and ask to return home?” His chest hurt at the thought, and he rubbed the tight spot over his heart as if it would ease the ache.

“No,” Cord replied. “She called and asked if it was necessary for her to be down there since Trent was more than capable of handling things himself.” His brother used a girly tone to finish the sentence.

Trent wasn’t amused, but he was relieved. Lauren hadn’t specifically asked to go home. She wanted to bolt. Like she’d done from the porch. Running scared he could handle.

After he’d turned around from helping the nice older lady into the hotel, he’d hoped to get things out in the open with Lauren. Discuss the skirting-around-each-other tactics they’d both deployed over the last few years.

No more skirting.

And after that kiss, they definitely needed to clear the air.

Brew’s sweet lips may not have said the words, but he knew from her response to his kiss, and the way she’d melted into him, that she was more than a little attracted to him.

Which was great, since he was a darn sight more than a little attracted to her.

 “So?” Cord asked. “What did you do?”

It was now or never. He took the bull by the horns and spilled the truth. “I kissed her under the mistletoe.”

Standing stalk still, he waited to see if Cord was going to go ballistic over the fact he’d put the moves on the sweet girl his brothers had always considered their little sister.

“’Bout dang time. Don’t tell me you did that wrong. Do you need pointers?”

He blew out a breath. “No, I didn’t do it wrong. And you can keep your pointers” Trent smiled, despite his frustration. “What do you mean, ‘bout dang time?”

“Did I stutter? It means, about dang time the two of you stop circling like vultures and admit you like one another. Sam and I are getting right tired. It was amusing at first, but after two years it gets old. Fast.” Cord paused, then his tone grew serious. “We love Lauren like a sister, Trent, you know that, but she’s a darn good worker, too. I hope you didn’t screw things up, or cost us one heck of a manager.”

“I haven’t.” He hoped.

“You better make it right.”

“I will. Don’t worry,” he reassured before hanging up, a plan already forming in his head.

Just the fact that Lauren had wanted to leave proved her feelings for him were strong. He knew she didn’t want to jeopardize her job. So he was going to prove to her she could have her job and him.

***

Lauren avoided Trent most of the night, using work as an excuse. There were still a lot of little last minute things to do to get ready for the holiday gala the next day. She helped the workers stuff stockings for the children with donations from local companies, sometimes working right next to Trent. His gaze kept straying to her, she could feel it willing her to glance up. But she couldn’t. Wouldn’t. He’d want to talk about the kiss. The kiss that was incredible and still had her lips tingling.

Yeah, not going to happen.

Two hours later, she breathed a sigh of relief as the hotel elevator doors opened. The stockings were stuffed, and even though Trent had ushered everyone back to the hotel for pizza and beer in appreciation of a job well done, she had managed to avoid being alone with the man.

And being under more mistletoe with him.

A small triumph, despite knowing she would’ve enjoyed every bit of another kiss. But that was how it had to be. So she ate, drank, socialized, and was relieved to say her goodnights and head up to her room.

Only one more day to go.

She punched the button to her floor in the empty elevator, then bit back a few choice words when Trent stepped on before the doors closed.

Sealing them inside.

Alone.

Dang it.

“I’m glad I caught you,” he said, facing her, standing close enough to twist a piece of her hair around his finger, gaze warm and interested. “We need to talk.”

~♥~

 

Come back tomorrow for the conclusion!

And if you're in the holiday reading spirit, don't forget about my brand new release!!! HARLAND COUNTY CHRISTMAS is a prequel novella to my Amazon Best Selling Harland County Series! Read the first cowboy to fall...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3PON5G

 

Rebel Without A Genre By Donna Michaels

Yep, you guessed it. I’m the rebel.

In the writing world, branding is a huge way to get recognized and to gain a following. I should know. It happened to me without even trying. See, I write romaginative fiction, romance mixed with comedy, contemporary, suspense, sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, adventure, time travel. I love to read variety and write variety. My books range from short to epic, sweet to very hot, and I’ve even written a story in first person. Variety. It is the spice in my writing life.

But something happened almost two years ago. The Wild Rose Press released my contribution to their Honky Tonk Hearts Series, COWBOY-SEXY.

Amazon offered Finn for free for four days. This was all new to all of us. I made up promo, and advertised on Facebook and all social media I could think of, plus I handed out cards to anyone locally who would take one. lol The gals at the annual Vampire Diaries Party ( or as I like to call it-VD Party) were given special promo and, bless them, they all promised to download my free book and tell a friend. 

It worked. I had thousands of downloads. Who knew cowboys were so hot?

I do now. Those thousands of free downloads somehow got the book into Amazon emails and I actually sold a good chunk. Good enough to generate a royalty check that could pay for more than lunch. Yeehaw! It also generated fan mail and readers wanting more. This got me thinking. Cowboys sell. I love cowboys. I have more cowboys. I’m going to turn those cowboys in to a series and see if that makes the readers happy. It did, and does. My Harland County Series is an Amazon Best Seller. With four books out so far, I have plans for four more, and I already have another cowboy series talking in my head.

But I told them to simmer down, especially since the contemporary military series I put on hold to wrangle those Harland cowboys was starting to chant really loud. I was getting antsy. Variety. I needed to mix things up or I knew I’d start twitching. Probably develop an eye tick, too. So my cowboy heroes and military heroes starting talking and negotiating. Here’s what they came up with:

They’re sharing custody of me. ☺

I get to write a Harland County spinoff series that ties the National Guardsmen from PA to my Texas cowboys. There will be characters crossing over from both series. In fact, the hero and heroine in cowboy book #3 will be getting married in the first book in the Citizen Soldier Series.

Brilliant. I’m happy. They’re happy. Now, I just hope my readers will be happy. The PA Guardsman aren’t exactly the quintessential cowboys, but they are outdoorsman. They own a resort in the Pocono mountains, so there’s hiking, fishing, boating, white-water rafting, skiing, horseback riding. Those men are no slackers. And they have great bodies to prove it. They may not wear cowboy boots, but they do wear boots. Combat boots. 

As you've probably guessed, even though I write several genres, I’m mostly known for my cowboys. But that’s okay. I love writing them. I’m just not going to write them exclusively. That’s the rebel in me. Guess you could say the rebel made me do it. J

So, if you see me at a convention you’ll find two boots on my table, but they don’t match. One is a cowboy boot and the other is a combat boot. Too bad they didn’t make a suspense boot, or a sci-fi boot, or a paranormal boot…

What are your thoughts on branding and writing? I’d love to hear your input. Especially since my first book in the new series isn’t out until next month. I’ve no idea if it’ll bomb, or if my readers will embrace the change and go with the flow. I sure hope so. I really don’t want to twitch. And that eye tick thing doesn’t sound very fun.

My fourth Harland County book, Her Forever Cowboy is up for Book of the Month over at SSLY!

If you've read Kevin's story and would like to vote, I'd sure appreciate it. Click HERE. Thank you! I'll love you forever and back!

 

Pssst! Speaking of conventions, I’m in New Orleans right now...TODAY, this very minute! at the Author Reader Con at the Marriott. If you’re in the neighborhood, I hope you’ll stop by for the book fair today, it’s 2pm-6pm. You can’t miss me. Just look for the boots!

 

Visit me anytime at www.donnamichaelsauthor.com 

Asking For Trouble--And Getting It! By Jannine Gallant

The long awaited sequel to Nothing But Trouble is finally here! Okay, long awaited by me--and maybe my mom, a couple of close friends... LOL Asking For Trouble released just after Christmas on Amazon, and it actually falls into our Forward and Backward theme.

Miranda and Cole have a past. He believes, if they put some effort into it, they could still look forward to a future together. She's afraid--terrified--to go backward. Everything she knows about Cole leads her to believe he'll just break her heart--again!

Here's the blurb:

Daycare owner, Miranda O’Neill isn’t looking for a miracle. But that’s what it’ll take to convince Cole Matheson the American Dream isn’t a trap designed to suck the life out of a man. She wants a house with a white picket fence. He wants adventure. She yearns for babies of her own. He’s perfectly content claiming his aging hound as his only dependent. The one thing they agree on—they can’t keep their hands off each other.

Six months before, they’d admitted love wasn’t enough and parted ways. But when Cole finds himself in charge of his nephew for the ten longest days of his life, only one person can save him.

Will Miranda put aside her heartache to jump into the fray? Can Cole find any redeeming qualities in a demon in a diaper? Either way, both know they’re just asking for trouble.

And now a snippet to show you just why going forward might not be such a smart move for these two...

   “I loved you, you know.”
   His words knocked the breath out of her. Tears burned behind her eyelids, and she blinked to keep them from falling. “I loved you, too. It’s why I ended things when I did.” She pressed her hand to her chest. “Do you know how much it hurt to walk away?”
   “You didn’t have to.” Stepping forward, he brushed her cheek with his thumb.
   She backed away on trembling legs, knowing all those emotions she’d fought so hard to control were bubbling to the surface, ready to spill over. “You don’t want a family. I do.”
   “Having a family doesn’t need to be about kids.” The smile on his lips didn’t quite reach his eyes. “We could get a puppy or two, or maybe one of those cute little pot-bellied pigs if you want something to baby.”
   She sighed. “You’re all about having fun, being impulsive, letting nothing tie you down. And there isn’t anything wrong with that. But I need an actual grown-up for a life partner, not a guy who never outgrew boyhood.”
   His eyes flashed with a hint of anger. “Hey, I have responsibilities. When someone orders a bear or a moose or a freaking dinosaur, I deliver the finished product on schedule.”
   “But you accept only enough work to survive on, leaving yourself plenty of free time to play.” When he opened his mouth, she held up her hand. “More power to you. Your life is a good one. For you. But I want more than having the man I love drop a distracted kiss on my forehead before he takes off on a two week backpacking trip.” She drew in a breath and let it out slowly. “That would be fine once in a while, but you’re gone as often as you’re home. Babies weren’t our only sticking point, Cole.”
   In the silence that followed her words, a scratch on the door grated down her spine like nails on a chalk board. Turning, she opened it and stepped back to let Tucker inside. His toenails clicked against the hardwood floor.
   “I’m going now.”
   He nodded, defeat dimming those compelling eyes. “Thanks for coming over.”
   “You’re welcome. I guess I’ll see you on Monday when you drop Jackson off at the daycare.”
   “Sure.”
   Crossing the porch, she tilted her face up to the cool night breeze. But it couldn’t dry the tears sliding down her cheeks.

Find Asking For Trouble HERE. Links to all my books are on my WEBSITE.

Happy New Year!