I was feeling a little discouraged and restless today. Dealing with a sick hen, a sick cat, and me still being somewhat sick on top of work-related issues. Work issues are never fun. And just having too much to do, you know? I mean, too much personal stuff on a day where the sunshine is beautiful and the weather is a perfect 70-something degrees while I’m stuck in a stuffy office building with no windows.
But I received a message that a reviewer had posted her review to Burn on the Western Slope and that she LOVED it. So I click on the link and reading her review made my day, week, and year. It’s a great feeling when a perfect stranger says such nice things about the story you put so much hard work in!
Then I come home to receive a beautiful package from a dear friend (a late birthday present) and I got to visit with my aunt whom I don’t see but for once or twice a year.
And of course I have to mention Valentine’s Day. Whether you love it or hate it, I like that it gives couples who otherwise don’t express their love enough to have a day for themselves. I also love that it can be a day for kids, and for you to express your love to your kids. Yes absolutely that love should be expressed every single day, but it’s nice to have a day set aside, even if it has been overrun with commercialism. So whether you hate it or love it, I hope you enjoy it.
Crimson Romance is celebrating Valentine’s Day throughout the month of February by offering all their first and second year titles for $1.99!
Burn on the Western Slope is part of that special. The story has a Valentine’s Day scene and, to celebrate my awesome review and the fact Valentine’s Day is on a Friday for the first time in years, I have a special excerpt to share with you! Unless you’ve read the book, this is the first you’ve seen this! I hope you enjoy and remember, it’s $1.99 all month long! This excerpt also features Chayton and Naomi, and we see more of them next month in Fatal Snag!
Read the excerpt and don’t forget to head over to Romances with a Little Kick to read from a reviewer who says: “I am excited to have read a new author that has so much power in her writing skills she gave me chills”. Burn on the Western Slope is a recommended read!
EXCERPT:
The décor wasn’t set for sweet. It was set for sexy.
Chayton stood behind the bar with a bright red jersey shirt advertising the number sixty-nine. Only he could look good wearing a shirt like that. With extra help, he tended a flurry of customers. The other bartender was the woman she knew as Simone. The lights flickered off blonde and cherry streaks to make it appear outrageous in an appealing way.
Just the kind of woman Chayton would like. Reagan perceived Naomi’s sigh more than she heard it.
“Ladies, ladies, welcome.” Chayton retrieved two glasses hanging above the counter. “What can I get you? You want to try my Valentine Rose?”
“What’s that?” Naomi asked.
“My specialty. You have to try at least one.”
“Hit me,” Naomi said, and glared when Chayton winked. And here Reagan thought they were getting along.
“And you, Reagan?”
“I’ll try it,” she said, trying not to be too conspicuous as she searched for Garret. Even if it was best he didn’t come, she longed to see him. It wouldn’t be hard to blend in here. Masses of people swarmed the bar and the dance floor brimmed with patrons.
Reagan watched Chayton concoct the beverages. Naomi focused her attention away from the bar.
“I thought you and Chayton were friends,” Reagan said.
Naomi nodded. “We are.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Chayton returned, furnishing their requested beverages.
Reagan popped a couple bucks in the tip jar. “What’s going on tonight?” she asked.
“Entertainment night. Tourists and locals play music, tell jokes, karaoke, whatever they want to do onstage as long as it’s legal. Gets pretty crazy but it’s loads of fun.”
“Where’s Garret?” Naomi asked, as if she knew Reagan was dying to ask but wouldn’t.
He nodded behind them before turning to another customer.
Reagan swiveled her chair to look. Garret stood on stage, a guitar strapped around his neck. The loud music overhead stilled and Garret sat on a chair in the middle of the stage. The lights dimmed.
Reagan swallowed. The pulse in her throat ached. A bright flash of panic seared her eyes. She blinked.
His hair, mussed to perfection, coasted across his forehead and curled at his neck. She resisted the urge to jump him, right there on stage. Her thoughts grew naughtier as she imagined the stage lights illuminating their bodies as they made love.
Reagan gripped Naomi’s hand. “Ohmigod. He sings.”
“That’s yet to be determined,” Naomi said.
“He’s a Greek God.”
“Yes, he is.”
“And I haven’t slept with him yet.”
Naomi coughed as her drink sputtered to her nose. Reagan slapped her back with the palm of her hand. Okay, not the best move if her friend had been choking, but whatever.
“Yet?” Naomi asked.
“I should live a little dangerously, right? I can’t help that the first guy I see is fine, intelligent, and sings. Remember, I’m being wild? Leaving my safe little past behind?”
“Okay, so you’re ready to make the first move?”
“Give me a few more of these,” Reagan said as she held up her drink, “and I will.”