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Out, Proud and Prejudiced by Megan Reddaway: RDB, Release Day Review and Giveaway

June 4, 2018 by Denise

One’s proud, one’s prejudiced, and they can’t stand each other.

Quick-tempered Bennet Rourke hates Darius Lanniker on sight. Darius may be a hotshot city lawyer, but that doesn’t give him the right to sneer at Bennet, his friends, and their college. It doesn’t help that Bennet’s restaurant job has him waiting at Darius’s table. So when his tutor recommends him for an internship at Darius’s Pemberley estate, Bennet isn’t sure he wants it. He’s also not sure he can afford to turn it down.

Darius is a fish out of water in the small college town of Meriton, but something keeps pulling him back there. He’s helping out a friend with business advice, nothing more. If he’s interested in Bennet, it’s not serious. Sure, Bennet challenges him in a way no other man has. But they have nothing in common. Right?

Wrong. Their best friends are falling in love, and Bennet and Darius can’t seem to escape each other. Soon they’re sharing climbing ropes and birthday cake, and there’s a spark between them that won’t be denied. But betrayal is around the corner. Darius must swallow his pride and Bennet must drop his prejudices to see the rainbow shining through the storm clouds.

A modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

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This is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, where Bennet is the main hero who is slowly drawn towards Darius, a snobbish lawyer who treats our hero pretty shabbily from the get go. Bennet swears to have nothing to do with Darius, but because his best friend Jaime is dating Darius’ best friend Tim, the two would-be enemies keep finding themselves thrown together. They slowly learn to see past the superficial first impressions and find spots of common ground. And still some things manage to get in the way. But if you’re a fan of P&P, you’ll enjoy the ride knowing you’ll be satisfied in the end.

I really liked this book. I love retellings of classics. It’s so fun to see how much the author changes, what is kept the same and how it’s all modernized. It’s fun all around. In many ways it’s pretty faithful to the original, with minor twists. Instead of the five Bennett sisters, there are four roomates (poor Mary) whose personalities match the girls very well. There’s still scandal, and miscommunication, and oh how fun is Darius’ “I hate myself for loving you” speech? Love how this author changes things up.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

MEGAN REDDAWAY lives in England and has been entertained by fictional characters acting out their stories in her head for as long as she can remember. She began writing them down as soon as she could.

Since she grew up, she has worked as a secretary, driver, barperson, and article writer, among other things. Whatever she is doing, she always has a story bubbling away at the same time.

For news of Megan’s gay romance releases and two free stories, visit her website: http://meganreddaway.com
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Wash Out (Anchor Point #7) by L.A. Witt: Exclusive Excerpt from Sink or Swim (Book 8), Blog Tour, and Giveaway

May 25, 2018 by Denise

Casey Olson has always known he was destined to be a Navy SEAL, and the best day of his life was when he was accepted into training. The worst day was when a snapping bone ended his dream.

After three combat tours in five years, Logan Carter left the Marines and self-destructed. Now he’s sober and, thanks to a forgiving ex with friends in high places, has a promising job as a civilian contractor. All he has to do is stay on the rails and out of a bottle, even when his demons won’t leave him alone.

Logan likes his job, and he really likes the gorgeous man at the next desk. Casey tries not to check Logan out, but who is he kidding? From the start, despite their best efforts, neither man can resist the other. Sizzling chemistry leads to sex so hot they can both almost forget why they’re stuck in this office to begin with.

It would be perfect, except Logan can’t stop reliving wars he’ll never forget and Casey can’t stop grieving the SEAL he’ll never be. And they’ll never have a future together until they can make peace with their pasts.

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Riptide Publishing

Calm and ready to face the snarl of corroded wires I’d been working on before lunch, I carefully rolled-up the mat and collected my misbaha and Qur’an. As I rose, I nearly dropped everything, though.

When had Dylan come into the sanctuary? I’d been distantly aware of movement and footsteps, and I’d heard someone take a seat in one of the creaky pews, but somehow hadn’t realized it was him. Which was stupid. He was the chaplain. Of course he was in here.

For whatever reason, though, my heart was suddenly racing. Had he been watching me pray? Did it bother him even though he’d insisted he had no problem with it?

Dylan wasn’t watching me, though. In fact, he was staring straight ahead. Elbows on his knees, hands clasped under his chin, he just . . . stared. Probably not at anything in particular.

Or rather, probably not anything that was actually in this room.

I swallowed. I knew that look. No one served in the military or even lived within spitting distance of a base without becoming familiar with the thousand yard stare. Even the fluorescent glare on his glasses couldn’t hide the blank look in his eyes.

It had been jarring the first time I’d realized chaplains weren’t immune to combat-related PTSD. Intellectually it made perfect sense, and I’d never thought they were immune to it, but actually seeing a chaplain fighting off a flashback had hit me hard. They were the counselors of every command. The guy you went to see when separation from your family was getting to you, or if you’d been to combat, when the nightmares and flashbacks caught up.

So who does the chaplain talk to when he’s the one with PTSD?

Maybe the other chaplain? Or . . . I didn’t know.

I stepped a little closer, moving cautiously, and kept my voice soft. “Hey. You all right?”

Dylan jumped, but then he nodded. He shook himself and wiped a hand over his face as he sat back in the pew. “I’m sorry. Did . . .” He blinked a couple of times. “Did you need something?”

“No, I just, uh, thought you were kind of . . .” I waved my own hand in front of my face.

“Oh. Right.” He dropped his gaze as his cheeks darkened. “I’m fine. Just distracted.”

You’ve been somewhere with bombs dropping, haven’t you?

Who do you talk to?

I cleared my throat. “Hey, um. This might be out of line, but . . .” I hesitated, muffling another cough, then blurted out, “Do you want to get coffee later?”

Dylan blinked. “Coffee?”

“Yeah.” With a cautious smirk, I added, “You know—hot bean water?”

He actually laughed, and the color in his face deepened. “Cute. But I mean, you’re . . .” He looked in my eyes. “Coffee, together?”

“Yeah.” I shrugged. “You look like you could use some company. Maybe someone to talk to.” The words were out before I could stop them, and now that they were, I wanted the deck to split open and swallow me up so I wouldn’t have to be here for his reaction.

To my surprise, though, he smiled. Faintly, but genuinely. “That would be nice, actually.” He paused. “Did you have any place in mind?”

“Not really. There are a few cafés in town.”

Dylan’s eyes lost focus for a second before meeting mine again. “What about the O-club on base?”

The officers’ club? For coffee? Wasn’t exactly the first place that sprang to mind, but I supposed if they catered to officers, they would have decent coffee.

“Sure.” I matched his smile. “I clock out at four, so I can meet you any time after that.”

“I’ve got a meeting at 1700, so why don’t we say 1830?”

I nodded. “Great. I’ll see you there.”

Welcome to Anchor Point!

Nestled on the northern coast of Oregon, this small town is home to Naval Air Station Adams. On base, you’ll find freshly minted Sailors who’ve just graduated boot camp, salty officers counting down till retirement, grounded pilots who’ve landed behind desks, and everyone in between—and they’re all looking for love. Well, not all of them, but that won’t stop love from finding them.

So pull up a barstool, grab a beer, and get ready for some sea stories as these men in uniform—or not—navigate the waters of love and life in the military.

Anchor Point stories can be enjoyed in any order. Hop in wherever you’d like!

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn’t lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies. She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don’t tell Lauren. And definitely don’t tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut.

L.A.’s backlist is available on her website, and updates (as well as random thoughts and the odd snarky comment) can be found on her blog or on Twitter (@GallagherWitt).

To celebrate the release of Wash Out, L.A. is giving away reader’s choice of two eBooks off of her backlist! (Excludes Wash Out.) Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on May 26, 2018. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following along, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

Whisper by Garret Leigh: Blog Tour with Giveaway

May 21, 2018 by Denise

Lonely physiotherapist Harry Foster has the world at his feet. A full client list, a six figure Instagram following, and a publishing deal for a book he doesn’t have time to write until his agent offers him a break—a retreat to the wild south west coast.

Cornish horseman Joe Carter is lonely too. Rescuing horses and managing Whisper Farm takes up most of his days, and by night he plays chicken with the farm’s perilous bank accounts.

At his sister’s unwelcome suggestion, he rents his only bedroom to a bloke from the city, and when Harry arrives, he’s everything Joe isn’t—calm, patient, and gorgeous enough to be exactly the kind of distraction Joe doesn’t need.

Harry doesn’t have time for distractions either—even shirtless farmers riding bareback past his bedroom window—but his moody host proves impossible to ignore.

On paper, they have nothing in common, but Joe is beautiful…glorious, and when an accident puts his life in Harry’s healing hands, the whisper of true love is inevitable. If the trouble that put the farm on its knees in the first place doesn’t get in the way.

Cover Design: Black Jazz Design

Length: 260 pages

Skins Series

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Dream (Skins Book# 1)

May 2 – Gay Book Reviews, Sanaa’s Book Blog

May 3 – Rainbow Gold Reviews, Jessie G, The Geekery Book Review

May 7 – Katie’s Book Corner, Wicked Faerie’s Tales, Mikku-chan

May 9 – Mainely Stories, Gay Media Reviews, Cupcakes & Bookshelves

May 11 – Open Mind For A Different View

May 14 – Jim’s Reading Room

May 16 – Love Unchained, Kimmer’s Erotic Book Banter, Joyfully Jay

May 18 – Mirrigold, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Book Lovers 4Ever

May 21 – Drops Of Ink, Two Chicks Obsessed

May 23 – My Fiction Nook, Sarandipity

May 25 – Wicked Reads, Urban Smoothie Read

May 28 – Min and Her Books, Making It Happen, Diverse Reader

May 30 – Reading In Sarah’s Corner, Au Boudior Ecarlate, Bayou Book Junkie, Unquietly Me

Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer and book designer, currently working for Dreamspinner Press, Loose Id, Riptide Publishing, and Fox Love Press.

Garrett’s debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and her polyamorous novel, Misfits was a finalist in the 2016 LAMBDA awards.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible, all the while shouting at her menagerie of children and animals and attempting to tame her unruly and wonderful FOX.

Garrett is also an award winning cover artist, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com, and co-owns the specialist stock site moonstockphotography.com with photographer Dan Burgess.

Website: http://www.garrettleigh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrettleighauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Garrett_Leigh

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Level Up by Annabeth Albert: Exclusive Guest Post, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

May 17, 2018 by Denise

Landon can’t believe he’s let himself get roped into participating in a charity calendar, let alone one that features tastefully photographed nudes. The genius physicist is hardly model material and he’s dreading the nude part of the photoshoot. Amid his reluctance, the one bright spot is his emails back and forth with the photographer.

However, Bailey ends up being not quite what Landon expects, and their first meeting is decidedly awkward. Bailey’s persistent though, and gradually Landon warms to the burly photographer, and they discover they have a shared love of gamer culture.

A tentative friendship is born, but the road from friends to lovers isn’t easy. Landon’s battling past trauma and must decide how much of a risk he’s willing to take. A sexy connection may not be enough to keep them together unless both are willing to put their hearts on the line.

Approximately 40,000 words. Previously released as part of the EXPOSED anthology, and loosely linked to the #Gaymers universe, this friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort story stands alone with a guaranteed happy ending. Contains a brief mention of a prior assault, but no on-screen violence or flashbacks.

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I’m so excited to be here today! I’m celebrating the re-release of my novella LEVEL UP which is loosely connected to my #gaymer universe and was originally in the EXPOSED anthology with some other great authors. Landon, our hero, is a genius physics professor and the book centers around his decision to pose nude for a charity calendar featuring rising stars in their professions. These sorts of charity calendars are all the rage lately what with Naked Rowers and other causes. I love these calendars of all genders and body types because there’s something so brave and real about posing nude. A talented photographer captures so much more than just skin.

Here’s a little glimpse of what Bailey sees as he photographs Landon for the first time.

“Pull the robe off your shoulder,” Bailey suggested. Baby steps. They’d get to pictures they could potentially use eventually.

One slim but muscled arm emerged as Landon freed one arm from the robe. He kept his lower half behind the sculpture, but more of his upper body was visible now. He was lean, but his arm and chest had the sort of muscular definition that suggested he was no stranger to exercise. His ropey neck and prominent collar bones were particularly hot, and Bailey tried to capture the way the light played with the contours.

The robe fell open more, and a hint of blond fuzz showed in the gap of the robe. He hadn’t waxed, for which Bailey was selfishly thankful, as a lot of the guys on these calendar projects always seemed to go for the totally smooth look.

“How about both arms now? Leave the robe around your waist.”

“Okay.” Landon slipped out of the other sleeve and leaned forward more, looking at Bailey instead of Savannah. Snap. Snap. That inquisitive, cautious stare was catnip to the camera, as it gave Landon a vulnerable air, would make the viewer feel like they got to see something secret.

“Kick out a leg, like you’re about to run away,” Bailey directed.

“That allowed?” Landon laughed. “It’s hard to kick with all this fabric, but I’ll try.”

“Let it drop. Then show us the one leg and your upper body, like you’re about to sprint, but stay playful about it.”

Landon took longer to comply this time, but then a bare leg emerged along with Landon’s upper body.

“Woohoo!” Savannah called. “Now stop looking like you’re running from an alien invasion and start looking like you’re on the hunt for fun.”

“Hey, alien invasions are fun,” Landon protested. “Point me to the nearest LAN party. That sounds way more my speed than anything risqué.”

“Smart guy,” Bailey said as he got a few more pictures. He had to remind himself not to let his voice get too light. Landon was not here for flirting, no matter how much they had in common. “Me too. And we don’t need you looking like you’re heading to an orgy. Just like you’re ready for a good time. Rachel, can you grab the robe so it’s not visible at the bottom of the frame?”

Landon looked down with a sagging face like Bailey was removing his security blanket.

“I’ll be right here,” Rachel promised, standing just out of the frame.

“You’re doing great,” Bailey encouraged. He was rapidly scrapping huge portions of his shot list in favor of things that might coax more smiles out of Landon. “Can you turn, make it look like you’re about to duck behind the piece instead of emerging from it?”

Landon sucked in a deep breath before following directions, turning so that Bailey had a great view of the curve of his ass and one thigh. He had a gorgeous tat above one shoulder blade that Bailey wished he could see more clearly of some sort of colorful bird.

“What’s the tattoo?” he asked because he was never very good at restraining his curiosity.

Landon’s blush was seriously adorable and Bailey managed several good shots as he waited for an answer. “It’s Fawkes the Phoenix from Harry Potter. Laugh and I’m done.”

“Never! I love it. Turn your shoulder more toward me.” He set up the shot before asking, “What’s your favorite book in the series?”

And with that, they were off to the races, discussing the books as Bailey got more of the pictures he was hoping for.

“And now, move about three feet to your left, back to me, and look over the rail.”

“Away from the sculpture?” Landon frowned.

“We’re almost done here. I want a few without the sculpture, just to have that option. You looking out over the atrium will be an epic shot.”

“It’s just ass,” Savannah called. Not helping. Bailey shot her a look.

“Okay.” Landon scooted into position, keeping his back to Bailey. And damn, he did have a nice ass, high and plump and muscular.

“Stretch your arms over head, like you’re owning the space. Think War Elf chieftain surveying his realm.”

Landon laughed and turned his head over one shoulder. Gorgeous. Bailey got that shot before Landon did as requested and stretched, totally a textbook study in back muscles, tat adding to the visual appeal of the shot. He was shorter than Bailey, maybe five foot ten or so, but stretched like that, he seemed much taller. Mythic almost.

Want to see more of their photoshoot? Be sure to check out LEVEL UP!!! Thanks so much!!

Aww…I kind of love an opposites attract love story. Especially when one of the men isn’t your typical romance hottie.

This is a short, maybe novella? I don’t know, but fewer than 200 pages for sure. It was part of an anthology that is now being released alone. And although it is part of the Gaymers series, there is little reference to the other books and is an easy stand alone read.

Landon is a science geek (by profession and hobby) and pretty unaware of how good looking he is. Bailey is a photographer and gamer, well aware of how not perfect he is. And they are totally adorable together.

There is a bit of angst- past trauma on the part of Landon, and although it is part of the story and what makes Landon the man he is today, it isn’t overwhelmingly angsty. There is quite a bit of humor, romance and hotness. So don’t be turned away by the bit of angst there is.

Definitely a fun, fairly quick read. If you’ve never read one of Annabeth Albert’s books, this would be a good start. She creates characters that just nestle into your heart.

4 pieces of eye candy

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. The #OutOfUniform series joins her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat and #PerfectHarmony series. To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: www.annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two active children.

Author Links

Website: http://www.annabethalbert.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabethalbert

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AnnabethAlbert

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6477494.Annabeth_Albert

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabeth_albert/

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Nb9yv

Annabeth’s Angels: https://www.facebook.com/groups/annabethsangels/

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Better Together BL Maxwell: Release Day Review Blitz and Giveaway

May 15, 2018 by Denise

Since being thrown out of his home by his parents, Caden has been struggling to survive on the streets. He lives in constant fear, stresses over his next meal, and dreads trying to find a safe place to sleep at night. One night he finds an unlocked car and settles in to sleep, but he’s soon interrupted when someone steals the car. With little choice but to ride along, Caden soon learns that first impressions aren’t always correct.

Seventeen-year-old Damario has been raising his little brother and sister by himself since his parents were deported. He never imagined how hard it was going to be paying the bills and making sure there was always food on the table. Or how hard it would be to hold his family together when they all depended on him to do it. He finds himself stealing cars to make ends meet, but he never expected to find someone sleeping in the back of one of them. And he really didn’t expect this stowaway to change his life.

When Damario brings Caden home, it was only supposed to be for a shower and a hot meal, but he can hardly kick him out onto the streets again. There is no way he could have seen that by saving Caden that night, he was also saving himself. When Damario’s world starts to fall apart, they both realize that the answer to all of their problems is helping each other, and although the world tries to drive them apart, they really are better together.

Amazon

I have to first point out that I am such a sucker for single dads, or brother’s that step up and take care of their siblings. Hot guys with kids are just an overall must read, for me. In this one, we start off with Caden, who has the world worst parents. Upon finding a m/m romance novel in his room, they give him 10 minutes to pack a couple things and then his dad drives him far away from home and just drops him off in an abandoned parking lot. Literally, like a dog they wanna dump, they just load him up and haul him off. What I do not understand, is why nothing was done about this when he didn’t show up at school or whatever. The cops came and they told him he was a runaway, but the sister, she should’ve said something. Why did she not tell anyone the real story??? Why didn’t Caden?? His parents should’ve been punished for what they done, not only once, but they done it TWICE!

Damario, or Rio, has he’s called…. Is just shy of seventeen when his parents get deported over something ridiculous. I hope our government isn’t that terrible that a simple address change can get you deported, but anyway….It didn’t seem believable that three minor children would just be left to their own devices when the parents got deported, the youngest being six. I mean, they had a neighbor that helped out a bunch, sure, but they were all still minors… how did nobody catch on to that?

Anyway, while out doing some shady business to make a little extra cash, Rio finds Caden sleeping in the back of a car he’s trying to steal, and sees how skinny and unkempt he is. He takes him along with him and decides he’s going to help him. I thought this was admirable because the kid and his two siblings didn’t have much, but Rio wanted to help Caden. It was cute, if not a bit unrealistic. I can say with absolute certainty that in no way would I have trusted my little siblings alone with a homeless stranger I met an hour ago… no matter how harmless he seemed. I didn’t like that, it again seemed unrealistic.

I did like how each boy felt like the other saved them in a way… it felt like young love, and I found myself rooting for them both. I was glad that eventually, everything started working out. I had thought that they’d have a lot more trouble from the guy boosting cars when Rio just wanted to quit. Typically, when you start doing shady work for shady people, they don’t’ just let you leave whenever you want to. So, I was glad that wasn’t the case, but again, it just felt unrealistic to me. I feel like I’ve used that word a lot in this review, but if I had to describe it all in one word, that’s what it would be.

It was a cute story, a bit mushy in some places but overall, it was cute. I was happy with the way it ended and though Rio’s family didn’t ever make it back into the states, I was glad that they were able to visit them often and everyone seemed to be happy and healthy and together.

3 pieces of eye candy from me!

BL Maxwell grew up in a small town listening to her grandfather spin tales about his childhood. Later she became an avid reader and after a certain vampire series she became obsessed with fanfiction. She soon discovered Slash fanfiction and later discovered the MM genre and was hooked.

Many years later, she decided to take the plunge and write down some of the stories that seem to run through her head late at night when she’s trying to sleep.

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Robbie Riverton: Mail Order Bridge by Eli Easton: Exclusive Excerpt, Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

May 9, 2018 by Denise

Being a fugitive in the old west shouldn’t be this much fun.

The year is 1860. Robby Riverton is a rising star on the New York stage. But he witnesses a murder by a famous crime boss and is forced to go on the run–all the way to Santa Fe. When he still hasn’t ditched his pursuers, he disguises himself as a mail order bride he meets on the wagon train. Caught between gangsters that want to kill him, and the crazy, uncouth family of his “intended”, Robby’s only ally is a lazy sheriff who sees exactly who Robby is — and can’t resist him.

Trace Crabtree took the job as sheriff of Flat Bottom because there was never a thing going on. And then Robby Riverton showed up. Disguised as a woman. And betrothed to Trace’s brother. If that wasn’t complication enough, Trace had to find the man as appealing as blueberry pie. He urges Robby to stay undercover until the danger has passed. But a few weeks of having Robby-Rowena at the ranch, and the Crabtree family will never be the same again.

Cover Design: Dar Albert @ Wicked Smart Design

Length: 65,000 words approx.

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TCO Exclusive Excerpt – Robby Meets Rowena

By Eli Easton

AUTHOR’S NOTE – In “Robby Riverton”, set in 1860, a young actor is forced to go on the run after witnessing a murder. He ends up disguising himself as a mail order bride to escape his pursuers. In this scene, Robby meets Rowena, the mail order bride whose identity he will steal to save his own life.

“Why do you keep watching behind us?” Miss Fairchild asked. “You got someone chasing you, Mr. Smith?”

Robby’s fellow passenger in Stoltz’s wagon was a young lady. She was statuesque, well-bred, and finely dressed. She had light-brown hair that flirted with the idea of being red and a starry sky’s worth of freckles on her nose and cheeks. Her current dress was a green brocade, though she had six trunks filled with gowns and parasols and hats and other folderol. They took up an annoying amount of space. She wore a lacy ecru shawl about her person, always, despite the heat. She sat at the back of the wagon where the tarp was open, enjoying the scenery.

Said scenery was nothing but endless green woods and flies, and Robby couldn’t be bothered. Besides, he was still nervous about being seen.

“As a matter of fact, I’m being chased by a Russian countess whose heart I broke,” Robby said dramatically. “She sent a regiment of Cossacks to drag me back to her side.”

Miss Fairchild stared at him blankly for a second then laughed. “Oh, you! My Aunt Fanny! But I can believe you’re leaving behind a broken heart. Or a dozen. You’re what my mama would call a bonny lad.”

“Ack, would she now, your sainted mother?” Robby switched to his best Irish brogue.

Miss Fairchild grinned with delight. “Lands, that’s good. Are you Irish?”

“Not even a wee little bit. Not a blessed hair on me head.”

She studied him, amused. “What are you, then? Your clothes, your hands… You’re no laborer. You don’t look stuffy enough to be a preacher or a teacher, and you’re too young and handsome to be a politician. Are you a poet, sir?”

Robby laid his finger alongside his nose and then pointed at her and winked. “Close, dear lady. I’m an actor.”

“Oooh, I’ve never met an actor before! Mama took me to poetry readings last summer and the gentleman who did them, Roe Farley? He was exceedingly handsome too. Do you know Roe Farley?”

“Can’t say as I’ve had the pleasure. And what about you? What adventure are you off to all on your lonesome, Miss Fairchild?”

He’d wondered about Miss Rowena Fairchild. At first, he’d assumed she was with Mr. Stoltz. But Stoltz paid her even less mind than he did Robby. Which was to say, he ignored them both, going off to take his meals elsewhere, sleeping out in a bedroll under the wagon, and spending his days driving the team.

Her chin lifted defiantly. “I’m going to meet my husband.”

Wasn’t it Miss Fairchild? Robby blinked in confusion. “Ah. And when did Mr. Fairchild go out West?”

She started to speak, hesitated. A mischievous gleam lit her eyes. “Can you keep a secret?” she whispered.

“I know not a single soul on this wagon train but you. And it’s awfully tight quarters for secrets.”

“That’s true. Besides, there’s only so long I can hide this if you and me are sharing this wagon all the way to Santa Fe.” Moving her shawl to the side, Miss Fairchild revealed a very definite mound at her waistline.

“Ah,” Robby said.

“I told Mr. Stoltz I was going to join my husband. But the truth is… Here. This will explain better than I can.” She drew out an envelope from her tasseled purse and leaned over.

Robby hurried forward to take the missive, worried about her straining her belly. He joined her at the back of the wagon and, after checking again that there was nothing but a long chain of wagons behind them and no hint of the Bowery Boys, he took out the letter and attached contract and peered at it.

“A mail-order bride?” he said in surprise. “Well, that’s certainly adventurous. What do you know about this…” He scanned for a name. “This Mr. Clovis Crabtree?”

Miss Fairchild palmed her stomach and relaxed against the edge of the tarp. “He’s twenty-five, his family owns a wealthy ranch, and he’s clean, godly, and a hard worker. That’s what it said in the letter. We’re to be married just soon as I get to Flat Bottom. That’s a town north of Santa Fe.”

“And so ingeniously named. Does Mr. Clovis Crabtree know about your delicate circumstance?” Robby asked, seeing no reason to play coy.

Miss Fairchild blushed, but the way her eyes sparkled, it was more with pleasure than shame. “But that’s what’s so very clever of me! I have it all planned out. You see, I managed to hide this before I left since I wasn’t showing much.” She touched her belly which, to Robby’s eye, was showing more than a little, but maybe she’d always been round there. “No one back home’s the wiser. And at my biggest, I’ll be on this wagon train where no one knows me. By the time we reach Santa Fe, I’ll have had the baby. I hope so anyway.” She frowned slightly. “They say it’ll take three months to get there, and that’s about right.”

It sounded like a horrible ordeal to Robby, delivering a baby on a wagon train. But he figured it would help nothing to say so.

“And then, what I’ll do…” She looked delighted with herself. “I’ll say to Mr. Clovis Crabtree, I’ll say, ‘Why, sir, it’s a downright tragedy! A nice Christian lady on the wagon train died having this babe. And I couldn’t leave him to the wolves, now could I?’” Miss Fairchild batted her eyes innocently.

It was bold, Robby had to give her that. “What about the baby’s father?”

“What?”

“The good Christian lady who had the babe on the wagon train. Wasn’t she traveling with her pious husband? Wouldn’t he want custody?”

“Oh shush!” Miss Fairchild gave a dismissive wave. “I’ll just say he was eaten by a bear. Anyhow, no man wants to raise a baby alone.” She appeared to think better of it though, as she amended brightly, “I have it! I’ll say the daddy was struck dumb with grief and couldn’t bear to touch the child.” She raised her arm dramatically across her brow.

Robby figured any man who didn’t suspect a tall tale when his young bride appeared with an infant was a fool indeed. But who was he to interfere? And anyway, there was every chance Miss Fairchild’s intended wasn’t particularly bright. After all, he lived in the New Mexico Territories. And what sort of man went in for a mail-order bride?

“I even managed to slip my chaperone, Aunt Edna,” Miss Fairchild continued. “I told her the wagon train left in the afternoon and snuck out while she snored away in the hotel. That’s why no one on this earth will ever be the wiser!”

“Do you plan to kill everyone on the wagon train, then?” Robby asked, just to be contrary.

She gave him a dirty look. “Don’t be silly! The West is a big place. Chances of me and Mr. Crabtree ever running into any of the folks I meet on the trail is no bigger than a mite on a flea.”

Miss Fairchild was likely correct. Though, by the line of worry on her brow, Robby had given her doubts. He could picture the well-mannered Miss Fairchild going around and slitting all their throats in their bedrolls just to make her “plan” even more clever. The thought amused him.

“Who’s the real father?” he asked, before he could think better of it.

Miss Fairchild got a sour expression. “A traveling salesman. He was selling Bibles. Can you believe it?”

“Doesn’t surprise me a whit.”

“Mamma and Poppa were out making calls and our maid, Drusilla, was sleeping away in the kitchen like most afternoons. When Joseph came knocking, he was so handsome, I let him in.”

Miss Fairchild did seem to have a weakness for “handsome,” Robby decided. But then, so did he.

“I know it was foolish, but he had such a silver tongue. The things he said to me!” She stared out the back dreamily.

“I know just what you mean.”

“And I did everything a sensible girl ought to to keep this from coming to pass,” she insisted hotly.

“Oh? What did you do?”

“Why, right after I dallied with that man, I ran up to my room and washed real good. And I commenced to jumping up and down for ages! It was a good hour at least. And then I went to bed, but I woke up twice in the night and fretted, so I got up and jumped around some more.”

“I can’t say as I ever heard of jumping as a means of contraception.”

“Contra-what?” She looked at him like he was teasing her. “No, silly, it’s for stopping babies.”

“Ah.”

“Guess this one was just determined to come.” She stroked her belly fondly, looking down at it with a smile.

“Well, I wish you the best, m’lady. And if I can assist you in any way, consider me your cohort.”

“My what?”

“Your co-conspirator, companion in arms, your fellow seaman on the good ship Deceit.” Robby gave her a cheeky salute. “If you ever need an eyewitness account, that is to say. To my eyes you are as slender as a reed.”

Miss Fairchild’s brown eyes grew sparkly. “Aw. That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever offered to do for me! I admit, I was afraid coming on this trip all alone. But now that I’ve met you, Mr. Nick Smith, I know God’s looking out for me, despite the error of my ways.”

“Indeed,” Robby said uneasily. The false name had been a necessary evil. He hoped the Bowery Boys would finally lose his trail.

“Do you have a sweetheart, Mr. Smith?” Miss Fairchild lowered her eyelashes coyly.

There was no mistaking her meaning. Robby forced a smile. “I’m afraid my heart is not my own.”

Miss Fairchild’s disappointment was brief. “Oh well. Then we shall be the best of friends!”

“Given our close quarters, I think you shall be my sister in the end,” Robby said. He hoped Miss Fairchild had some cards in one of those trunks or at least liked to read aloud. It was going to be a very long three months.

As it turned out, all of Miss Fairchild’s machinations were for naught. She fell for Mr. Traymore, a bookish and sensitive young man a few wagons back. He was heading to Dodge City to start up a new bank. Smart girl, Miss Fairchild. When Stoltz’s wagon continued west, Rowena, her belly like a full moon, stood next to Traymore at the Dodge City stockyard, smiling and waving.

“Good-bye, Mr. Smith,” she called out to Robby. “Good-bye!”

She gave Robby her contract with the Crabtrees, along with a letter to deliver to her intended at the end of the trail. The letter was a poetic treatise on the undeniability of true love with fervent wishes for Mr. Clovis Crabtree’s own future happiness.

Robby hoped the ranchers in Santa Fe weren’t inclined to shoot the messenger.

Westerns are such fun. Throw in m/m using an actor on the run, mistaken identity, and a sexy future brother in law, and I’m so happy. I liked this one, it was a light and cute read. Robby is an up and coming actor on the New York stage when he witnesses a murder. He escapes out of town and befriends a young mail order bride on the wagon train to New Mexico. She falls in love with someone else along the way and decides to settle with him at one of the towns but asks Robbie to give her apologies to the man she was supposed to marry. At the same time, the men he witnessed committing murder are after him and he poses as the bride in order to evade them at the end of the line. But before he can make a clean getaway, he’s met by his future brother-in-law, Sheriff Trace Crabtree.

I’ll spoil you and tell you that Trace recognizes that Robby is a man pretty much right away. And thank goodness because I cringe at the thought of 200 pages of him not knowing, the internal confusion it would cause, etc. Instead they have immediate mutual attraction, but of course there are various reasons why they can’t do anything about it right away.

I liked Robby a lot. He forms a bond with Trace’s somewhat-odd family as they welcome him into their clan. He learns to handle Trace’s father who is well-meaning but is cranky about having things his way. Robby is encouraging and kind to his “groom” Clovis. His sisters-in-law are bolstered by his independence and the kids love him. Trace loves his family but he needs some distance from them, but as Robby spends more time with them all, and Trace’s father reveals a secret, Trace is able to let go of parts of his past that has haunted him.

I was nervous about some things though: How is Robby going to get out of this marriage? What will Trace’s family do if and when they find out he is not a she? How are two men in the Wild West going to be together?

This book has laughs, sexy times, and a little sad (for me, some things rang very true) and angst. Totally cute book.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, and organic farmer, Eli has been a m/m romance author since 2013. She has over 30 books published.

Eli has loved romance since her teens and she particular admires writers who can combine literary merit, genuine humor, melting hotness, and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, bulldogs, cows, a cat, and lots of groundhogs.

In romance, Eli is best known for her Christmas stories because she’s a total Christmas sap. These include “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, “Unwrapping Hank” and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles”. Her “Howl at the Moon” series of paranormal romances featuring the town of Mad Creek and its dog shifters has been popular with readers. And her series of Amish-themed romances, Men of Lancaster County, has won genre awards.

In 2018 Eli hopes to do more of the same, assuming they reschedule the apocalypse.

Her website is www.elieaston.com

You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

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