My review and Interview with Johnny Ray on his new book: The Salsa Connection

I am pleased to announce another great book of well known

Author Johnny Ray 

Winner of the Royal Palm Literary Award for Best 

Romantic Thriller in 2012

Title: THE SALSA CONNECTION—AN INTERNATIONAL ROMANTIC THRILLER 

Author: Johnny Ray

Length: 93,000 word 

Awards: Royal Palm Literary Award for best thriller. 

Published by: SIR JOHN PUBLISHING

Available at: Amazon  

The story moves from the salsa clubs of St. Petersburg, Russia to New York to Louisiana and, finally, to Italy. The red-hot thread of the dance runs through a novel that explores the Russian mob, slavery and prostitution rings, and the art world, as well as love, loss, revenge and the strength of family ties.

Blurb: When Nickolay Panov left St Petersburg, Russia to go to New York City for an international ballet competition 25 years ago, he was considered one of the best ballet dancers in Russia.  The Americans say he was murdered. The Russians say he defected.  In any case, he never returned. Just before Nickolay disappeared, several priceless paintings and icons from a major museum were stolen.  While he was accused of the theft, no solid proof has ever been offered to tie him to it. However, evidence shows that the stolen goods were shipped to America. The CIA and the Russian Government are still pursuing all leads connected to the heist, and so is the Russian mafia.Sveta was three years old when her father disappeared, so it’s a shock when, in the mail, she receives an invitation to a salsa dance competition in New York. At the bottom of the invitation is a note: “Please come to the competition and enter, my little lady.”  No one but her father has ever called her that. Why has her father surfaced after all these years? Sveta wants answers, even if it means entering the late-night, sultry world of salsa dancing in St Petersburg and New York City and coming into uncomfortably close contact with the Russian mob.

Author's Interview:

1.       Where did the idea come from for the book? 

My Wife is Russian and it was easy to use experiences I had in getting her to the United States. I have also danced salsa for my entire life.

2.       What genre does your book fall under? 

It is a mixture of suspense, mystery, romance and a family saga. The romance will sneak up on you and you will not realize it until you finish the book.

3.       Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Jennifer Lawrence would be good as Sevta, and perhaps Zac Efron as Danny, Also Jane Seymour for Seveta’s mom, and if he was still alive Patrick Swayze as her father.

4.       What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? 

The red-hot thread of the salsa dance runs through this novel that explores the Russian mob, slavery and prostitution rings, and the art world, as well as love, loss, revenge and the strength of family ties.

 5.       Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I will go through my own publishing company SIR JOHN PUBLISHING

6.       How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? 

The first draft was about 6 months, but I have worked on it for over 6 years since then.

7.       What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

 This is an interesting question and I read a lot, I can’t think of one close to this.

8.       Who or What inspired you to write this book? 

My wife who was born in Russia and my love of dancing salsa.

9. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

 When Nickolay Panov left St Petersburg, Russia to go to New York City for an international ballet competition 25 years ago, he was considered one of the best ballet dancers in Russia.  The Americans say he was murdered. The Russians say he defected.  In any case, he never returned. Just before Nickolay disappeared, several priceless paintings and icons from a major museum were stolen.  While he was accused of the theft, no solid proof has ever been offered to tie him to it. However, evidence shows that the stolen goods were shipped to America. The CIA and the Russian Government are still pursuing all leads connected to the heist, and so is the Russian mafia. Sveta was three years old when her father disappeared, so it’s a shock when, in the mail, she receives an invitation to a salsa dance competition in New York. At the bottom of the invitation is a note: “Please come to the competition and enter, my little lady.”  No one but her father has ever called her that. Why has her father surfaced after all these years? Sveta wants answers, even if it means entering the late-night, sultry world of salsa dancing in St Petersburg and New York City and coming into uncomfortably close contact with the Russian mob. She never expected to find the love of her life along the way.

About the author

JOHNNY RAY

AUTHOR OF THE ROMANTIC THRILLERS

Johnny Ray is an award winning novelist who won the Royal Palm literary award for best thriller and is quickly making a name for himself as the master of the romantic thriller. 

He loves social interaction with his readers and can be found on

twitter 

Facebook 

He can also reach by e-mailing him at sirjohn@wwisp.com,

or you can just follow him on his blog at www.sirjohn.us

for updates and future releases.

                Johnny Ray’s previous works include:

THE REJECTION LETTER

Published by Sir John Publishing in 2011

THE HERITAGE

Published by Sir John Publishing in 2011

MODELS AND LOVERS

Published by Sir John Publishing in 2012

HER HONOR’S BODYGUARD

Published by Sir John Publishing in 2012

FOR LOVE AND VENGEANCE

Published by Sir John Publishing in 2012

                           More information on these can be found on his kindle author page

My 5 Star review

The first thing you notice when you start to read this new book of the author is his love of Salsa dancing. His in depth look at this exotic and very sensual dance that brought all the characters of the story together in New York City.
We are taken from St. Petersburg in Russia to New York in USA to Tuscany, Italy visiting the night life and introduced to the beautiful dance and the training to make this a beautiful and sensual dance. 
The suspense building as Sveta learns that her father after twenty-five years is still alive. The strong willed woman made decisions to follow every lead with what she has. Joining a exhausting training schedule to learn all she can to get to America. On her journey we met her good friend Olya, Denis, Andrew, Danny, her boss and her mother. The mafia follows her trail and people started to get murdered. Doors open up to make her dream come true and she embarked on a adventure of a life time.
Danny was a wonderful young man that had all the best attentions and lead her further on her quest. His willingness to help and making sure she was safe as a true gentleman should do. A man of his word.
Secrets unraveled as you get closer to the end. Interesting and well written plot right through the end.
I really enjoyed this book with all its interesting twists to keep you wondering if she would find what she was looking for while capturing the man' heart as her own.
Once again a very good book I can recommend to all suspense readers with a touch of romance on the side. Traveling the world and learning to appreciate the passion filled dance of Salsa.

Naughty & Nice Hop Enter to win your copy

Welcome to the Naughty and Nice Hop

With Random House and CBLS Promotions

The prizes are as follows & Random House will be responsible for the giveaway 

Prizes - R@R is giving away (must be 18 or older to participate):

·  15 Net Galley Preview copy winners of Naughty & Nice +

·  5 ABOUT LAST NIGHT paper giveaways (US only) +

·  Grand Prize of $15 Gift Certificate to eRetailer of choice!!

Important Links for more entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Promotion weekend 27-28 Oct 2010 For A Pirate's Wife

To commemorate the book launch in South Africa I am giving my ebook away for free for the weekend 27-28 October 2012 on Smashwords. 

Available in all formats.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/137808

Rosa Lee Almaida grew up in a sheltered life in the middle of Africa. Meeting her father was the only good thing that came out of it. The man honored by all sailors on sea for his bravery and unconditional love. He was her hero the example of how her husband must be one day. Now twenty years later she is forced to return to the seas that took the life of many. 

Book Trailer

My Review for Chupacabra A Borderline Crazy Tale of Coyotes, Cash & Cartels

Title: The Chupacabra: A Borderline Crazy Tale of Coyotes, Cash & Cartels
Author: Stephen Randel

233 pages

Publisher: Knuckleball Press

August 19, 2012

Genre: Dark Comedy

Available at: Amazon

Blurb

He is called El Barquero. He makes his trade along the border, smuggling guns and killing without remorse. As he faces his one last mission, his perfect plan is unwittingly foiled by Avery, a paranoid loner obsessed with global conspiracy theories who spends most of his time crafting absurd and threatening letters to anyone who offends him. That means pretty much everyone. 

What unfolds is a laugh out loud dark comedy of madcap adventure stretching from Austin to the West Texas border featuring a lunatic band of civilian border militia, a group of bingo-crazed elderly ladies (one packing a pistol nearly as long as her arm), a murderous and double-crossing cartel boss, a burned-out hippy, and a crotchety retired doctor and his pugnacious French bulldog. Read it to believe it.

Bio:

Stephen Randel, CFA, was born in Houston, Texas. He is a graduate of Texas Christian University. Steve now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with his wife and their two rescue dogs.

Expert #1

"To: President and CEO

TummyTuck 9000

Dear Sir,

I’m writing to express my extreme displeasure with your

latest product, the TummyTuck 9000. In a nutshell, your

revolutionary, state-of-the-art, laboratory-tested, patent-

pending, doctor-approved, celebrity-endorsed, portable,

battery-operated, electronic abdominal stimulation

exercise device sucks Himalayan yak testes. Although

the product is purported to stimulate the muscles of the

abdominal region over nine thousand times in a ten-minute

period, after two weeks of using said torture device,

I’ve seen no noticeable improvement in my physique. In

particular, the conditioning and definition of my upper

and lower abdominals, oblique muscles, and intercostals

is significantly worse than when I began your training

regimen of lies. Instead of sporting a “Sexy, Athletic Six

Pack of Firm, Toned Muscle” as promised, I find myself

afflicted with debilitating back spasms, excruciating

abdominal swelling, and pain when I urinate. According

to my team of personal physicians at the famed Mayo

Clinic, emergency abdominoplasty may be required to

surgically repair the damage your insidious equipment

has caused me before it becomes permanently irreversible.

I am currently awaiting the results of a second

opinion from my team of specialists at Johns Hopkins

Hospital. Additionally, according to your felonious halfhour

TV commercial, once beginning your daily program,

I would immediately appear more attractive, virulent,

confident, secure, and energetic. None of this has materialized.

Bevies of beautiful, voluptuous, tan, bikini-clad

women wearing high heels do not approach me unannounced

on the street and beg to caress my midriff as

your miserable advertisement so clearly illustrates they

would. I’m assuming this is why you only broadcast your

pathetic infomercial of deceit in the early morning hours.

I demand immediate quittance of the first of my “Three

Easy Payments of Only $19.99.” Please be completely

aware that if you fail to immediately reverse payment on

my Diners Club card, or have the audacity to charge me

for the two remaining payments, I will unleash my unholy

legion of permanently retained attorneys to destroy you!

By Zeus I swear.

Sincerely,

Avery Bartholomew Pendleton"

Expert #2


"Some five hundred miles west of Austin, the entire brigade of
militia had gathered in the physical training and hand-to-hand
combat gymnasium of STRAC-BOM’s headquarters. General
X-Ray paced down the row of men, each of whom had meticulously
arranged his gear and weapons in front of his. In addition
to his desert combat fatigues, the General wore a vintage
World War II tanker helmet with matching goggles propped
on top. He slowly walked down the line, examining the eclectic
collection of spare fatigues, dehydrated food, plastic gallon
jugs of water, tents, and sleeping bags.
“Private Foxtrot!” the General bellowed. “Where is your
duct tape?”
“Right here, sir,” the private replied, pulling the tape from
his rucksack. “Forgot to take it out. Sorry, sir.”
“Don’t let it happen again, private,” the General scolded.
“Each man is required to carry the appropriate equipment for
immobilizing prisoners at all times.”
Continuing down the row, the General surveyed his troops’
weapons. They were an odd mix of old shotguns and deer rifles.
The General, however, sported a pair of silver pistols with ivory
grips holstered at his waist.
“Fire Team Leader Bravo!” the General barked. “How many
rounds of ammunition for your weapon?”
“Seventeen rounds for my scatter gun, sir,” Fire Team
Leader Bravo responded. “But ten of them got wet when them
Mexican Federales tossed me off the bridge.”
“Well, mind you use the dry ones first.”
“Aye-aye, sir.”
Resuming his review, the General noticed a Louisville
Slugger with a taped handle resting in front of Fire Team
Leader Charlie. He bent over at the waist to closely examine the
baseball bat, and then slowly turned his gaze up to its owner.
“I know what you’re thinking, general,” Fire Team Leader
Charlie said sheepishly. “But my brother-in-law took my deer
rifle for a hunting trip in New Mexico this weekend. This was
the best I could do.”
“See here, Fire Team Leader,” the General said. “I will not
have you endangering our mission because you surrendered
your weapon to a civilian. Fire Team Leader Alpha! What additional
weapons do we have in the armory?”
“Sir, I believe we have a pellet gun remaining,” Fire Team
Leader Alpha responded. “Maybe a wrist rocket, too.”
“Good man,” the General replied. “Fire Team Leader
Charlie, retrieve both weapons from the armory, but make sure
you sign them out first.”
“Yes, sir.”
Reaching the last man in the row, the General noticed
something odd.
“Private Zulu!” the General shouted as he pointed to the
offending object with his riding crop. “What in the hell is that
thing?”
“A handheld video game, sir,” the private responded. “I just
got the new Zombie Slaughter 5.0 yesterday.”
“There are absolutely no video games allowed in night
operations!” the General bellowed.
“If it helps, I can play it with my headphones on,” the private
responded timidly.
“Out of the question!” the General roared. “The enemy
could spot the illumination of the screen from miles away.
You’ll jeopardize the safety of every man on the mission. Hand
it over immediately.”
The despondent private offered the game up.
“Headphones, too.”
“Here, sir.”

My 5 Star review
A really good read. 
It was all that the author promised. Dark comedy expertly laced in a interesting plot which involved the drug cartel, murder and paranoid characters. 
Adding a small dog with a superior complex and you find your self reading the book with a smile on your face. Chuckles and shaking the head for the stupidity of the characters a definite during the read.
The five old ladies colored it in with their quirky comments, insane driving and a general love for people. While the murderer roamed the desert adding suspense to the realistic plot as it unfolds.
I really liked all the characters, each bringing his/her own unique characteristics into the story. From the obnoxious Avery who thinks the government is after him to Ziggy a old hippy, and every one else in between. Playing their parts beautifully to entertain you during the suspense story of drug shipments, murder and schemes. All the quirks and laughs adding to suspense filled story.
The cliffhanger end was a bit disappointing and I hope that the author would continue with the story so that we can learn more from the characters continued lives and if Avery would finally be stopped. 

{Rolling the eyes.} Really do we get people like that?
Get the book and see for your self. {smile}

Interview with Lynelle Clark and Book Launch announcement

Thank you for all the support

1. What is the working title of your book?
A Pirate's Wife

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
I read a book a few years back from one of our local author's Ena Murray. The gripping tale had me hooked and within days I finished the book. Really living into the whole unfolded drama and wondering if the heroin and hero would come together. Up until the last page I really hoped for such a reunion. Although the couple did fell into each others arms and the "The End" Appeared at the last page there was just too many questions to consider this a happy ending. Agitated and let down I let the imagination run wild and when I started to write in 2010 this was one of the stories I wrote. Finishing it as I thought. Of course I changed many things so that I could not be accused of stealing but at the end the Pirate's Wife was born. Incorporating the previous plot and continue with brand new characters.

3. What genre does your book fall under?
Historical Romance, Adventure

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
The roll of Roberto, the Pirate is easy Jeffrey Dean Morgan. I love his rough manly looks. Deep voice and Beautiful green eyes but yet a gentleman.
For the roll of Rosa Lee, I have to think. After looking through a list I had to settle on Jessica Biel. Adventurous and strong willed, ready to protect those she love but yet beautiful and a lady.

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Never judge a book by its cover

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Self Published

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
A Month. But after that it took more than a year to polish it as it is.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I will have to stay with Ena Murray's books, Wille Martin both South African Writers. They had the ability to take you on a journey and kept you glued to the pages leaving you bereft when the story was done. Their ability to write good plots with strong characters assured that you would return to their books time after time.

9. Who or What inspired you to write this book?
Already answered in question 2. I also have to add numerous other author's inspired me. Their ability to color with words, creating pictures in your mind and see the story unfold before your very own eyes.

10. What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
The story line is filled with adventure and romance. I tried to show that the hero is also human. Dealing with his emotions in a mature fashion. Allowed them both to know each other on mutual ground without any preconceived ideas from both sides. Both new what they wanted. Old enough to admit their feelings and willing to do something about it. Laying the foundation of what love is all about, trust. But this only came because of honoring parents wisdom, relying on their influences to make the correct call when loving some one and trusting that he or she would have your back. Love is only the glue that brings us together as husband and wife but to stay together you need to feel safe and secure. Protected when everything else turns against you.
A spiritual lesson for every one to consider when taking that path.

A Pirate's Wife Book Trailer
Available at: Amazon/ Smashwords

Contact mail address: aspiredwriter2012@gmail.com

Introduction to Destine by Katherine Polillo

Title: Destine (book 1)
Author: Katherine Polillo
Series: The Watcher's Trilogy
Pages: 255
Published: Anchor Group Publishing

Available at Amazon

BLURB
Michelle Cross is an average, seventeen year old girl growing up in a small town in New Jersey. Up until her senior year, her life has consisted of a rather unglamorous existence. Her closet friend Cami has been by her side since kindergarten, she has a loving if somewhat absente father, and a mother who is unique to say the least. Michelle’s mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was twelve years old, and ever since then she has had delusions of angels and demons battling over her only child. Michelle accepts her mother’s delusions as schizophrenic ramblings, until a handsome new boy finds her at school. Little by little Michelle’s world is turned upside down. The new boy claims to be the Archangel Gabriel cast from heaven, her best friend falls for the Antichrist, and come to find out Michelle’s mother has seen it coming all along. So instead of being consumed with prom and graduation, Michelle finds herself battling the evils of Hell in her small town. The four horsemen of the apocalypses have descended on her high school and with the help of Gabriel, her very own angel; she must stop the events leading to the apocalypse. What surprises Michelle even more than her role in saving humanity is the love that develops between Gabriel and herself. Can their love bridge the world between heaven and earth? Can Michelle stop the powers of Hell in time? Michelle and Gabriel find themselves the pawns in a very dangerous game between an ancient power with a mysterious message and Satan himself.

 Contact her at: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WatchersTrilogy

http://www.destine-watcherstrilogy.com

Stalker links:

http://www.facebook.com/WatchersTrilogy

http://www.destine-watcherstrilogy.com

https://twitter.com/KPolillo

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15792303-destine

Trailer Link:

Miller Creek Series by Cathy Bryant

Series to read for every believer when you need answers to the difficult questions in life. 

All information was taken from the Amazon site

I received the first two books on Promotion and the third was given to me after I requested to do a review.

As a help for those that do not understand the Salvation message and the importance of this in every ones life. To live according to the principles in God's Word, keeping at it when life is hard and people turns judgmental against you.

This is not religion but a life style you commit to.

Set in fiction the questions is answered with the help of Mama Beth and other strong characters. 

Dedicated to the One who knows the best. Even when life does not make sense.

To be read in sequence.

Title:Texas Roads (Book 1)
Series: Miller Creek
Author: Cathy Bryant
Genre: Inspirational
Length: 287 Pages

Available at :Amazon

 Blurb:

City gal Dani Davis just wants a place to call home. With quirky residents, quaint country charm, and loads of business potential, Miller's Creek Texas seems like the perfect place to start over . . . except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town. Dani secretly finances renovations to downtown Miller’s Creek, but malicious rumors force her to choose between keeping her involvement a secret and the home for which she’s always longed. Then a devastating discovery propels her down a road she never expected to travel.
Steve Miller is determined to rescue his dying hometown. When vandals jeopardize the renovation, he can’t help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips. Can Steve and Dani call a truce for a higher cause, and in the process help Dani recognize the true meaning of home?

My 5 Star Review 

A fitting name for the book, Texas Roads. Never been in Texas myself but growing up in the Kalahari, South Africa I can understand the heat, the struggles of the people of a dying town, the dry summers and nosy neighbors.

But mostly I can understand the search for a home in a vast world that gives you no answers. Struggling with questions and trails to understand His perfect plan among all the death and cruelty of man kind. Loosing faith and hope but yet knowing that God never leaves us. Never forsakes us. Giving us peace and hope admits trying times. The message is clear in this book. The only answer is Christ.

With strong characters, an unshaken faith the people centered in this story answered for questions people have.

The plot well executed to bring you a heart warming and inspirational read to enjoy to the end. 

Title: A Path Less Traveled (Book 2)
Series: Miller Creek
Author: Cathy Bryant
Genre: Inspirational
Length: 287 Pages
Available at: Amazon

Blurb:
Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a spooked horse claims her husband's life, she’s determined to blaze a path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will that mean leaving the place etched on her heart?
Andy Tyler has had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in Miller's Creek, Texas is no different. Though prepared for business challenges, he's not prepared for falling in love--especially with yet another woman who will probably abandon him for her career.
Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to take a path less traveled?

My 5 Star Review

A Thought provoking book not for the faint at heart. The road of faith to walk in God's plan is sometimes clouded with our own views, comforts, judgement and excuses. And definitely not for "sissies"

Brilliant set the characters of Andy, Trich and Bo draws you into their lives to reveal these simple truths. When it goes well with us it is easy to profess but when test and trails comes it is a different matter.Our inability to understand His ways and plans sets us on paths that leads to death, but when we trust him it sets us on a path of life.I really loved the character of Andy mostly being a Christ like man amidst all the trails Trich faced. A pillar of strength that was willing to walk the extra mile. It took her awhile to see it especially with doubt-sayers thrown in the midst of her trails to bring her from track and allow doubt to fester.The one prominent scripture is laid on your heart: "Lean not on your own understanding but believe that He that has started a work in you will also complete it in His time"A fact we all struggle with at some point in our believers walk. When life gives you a curve ball and all the wind is sucked from your life, to whom will you turn? Who will you trust to help you, this is then that you can not lean on your own understanding but need wise counseling.A very good inspirational read.

Title: A way of Grace (Book 3)
Series: Miller Creek
Author: Cathy Bryant
Genre: Inspirational
Length: 318 Pages
Available at: Amazon

Blurb:
In pursuit of justice, in need of grace . . .
A justice-seeking perfectionist pursues her dream of a perfect life in her hometown of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Sidetracked by a desire to be a prosecuting attorney, Grace Soldano launches into uncharted waters, making herself over to please her boss and mentor.
Then a disheveled free spirit turns her perfectly ordered world upside down, challenging the concept of personal goodness. A fall from perfection leaves Grace teetering between vengeance and grace, caught in a deadly crossfire that leaves her dreams in a heap of ashes.
Can she learn to joyfully accept the life God has given her–far from perfect–but completely immersed in His grace?

My 5 Star Review
Grace a uncharted avenue that not many believers understand but beautifully answered in this last book of the series. The concepts grace, mercy and judgment taken to teach you the difference and how it works in every day life.
Of all the men in the stories I was mostly impressed with the young man Matt. Counselor and Musician he had the ear to hear and listen. No matter how hard Gracie pushed him away he was there during her difficult times. A shoulder to lean on, knight in shining armor, protector and later encourager  When everyone turned against her and she was in her darkest hour he remained stead fast in his faith of God and her, his love drawing her closer until at the end she had no other way but to accept. But hey not going to give away the story (smile) Buy the book!
A good read I enjoyed extremely.

Taming the Outback Enter to win your copy of this good read

Title: Taming the Outback

Author: Ann B. Harrison

Publisher: Breathless Press

Length: 159 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Level: Steamy

AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon

All Romance eBooks

Smashwords

BLURB:Is Libby prepared to give up her new home for a chance to roll Nathan in the hay when her libido wakes up after five long years? Nathan Miller rattles Libby's nerves more than she cares to admit. He is the one person that stands between her and the family home that has been left to her.
 So why then is he the guy that stirs her up to such an extent that her body pulses with the need to have him? They do nothing but clash and snap at one another and he makes no bones about the fact that she shouldn't be on the station, but back in the city where he thinks she belongs.
 Libby fights to learn about her new home while struggling to find a way into Nathans heart. She almost loses it all when a flood hits their tiny town and rips through her farm putting her daughter's life in danger.
 Will she be able to convince him that she is not the irresponsible city chick he has dubbed her or will he see her as she truly is, a woman in love with him.

EXCERPT #1:  "That's just it, sweetheart," Nathan exploded, his frustration finally rearing its ugly head as he rounded on her, giving her the brunt of his foul mood. "This is a harsh country, and buts just don't cut it out here. You are cut out for the city life for Christ's sake. You're not a farmer. You don't have the slightest idea of what you're getting yourself into. You proved that by almost losing Tom and your daughter." The look on Holly's face when he had found them was still burned into his mind. The poor kid had been terrified she wasn't going to be able to hold onto Tom against the rush of water. He couldn't bear to think of what would have happened if he hadn't made it in time. How can I be sure Libby won't put her in any more danger now that I have had my heartstrings tugged tight? He stood and looked down on her, trying to keep his face void of emotions but his heart was telling him to take her in his arms and put them both out of their misery. "How many more times are you going to put those kids at risk?"
 "Now just you look here," she cried, pushing him back and struggling to get to her feet. "I may be a barmaid, and I know I have a lot to learn, but learn I will. And for your information, I would never knowingly put my kids in danger. Neither would Tom."
 "You don't belong here," he ground out. Though aware the words he was saying were hurtful, he couldn't stop himself. They were his only defense. He was trying to will her away from him the only way he knew how, unwilling to risk his heart to a city dweller again. As much as he wanted this woman, he wouldn't let her know it. She had the capacity to break his heart when the going got tough, which was in the cards looking at the state of her farm, and he wasn't sure he would survive another crushed heart. Better to get her out of here now before he caved in. "Get used to the idea and move on back home where you belong."
 "Why? So you can take over?" She practically spat at him. "I will not give up what my family has passed down to me. It's mine, and you aren't going to get it."
 "There's more than one way to get what I want." Nathan hauled her into his arms.
 Libby tried to push him away, but the contact of her breasts on his hard chest knocked the wind out of him, and he held onto her for dear life. He groaned deep in his throat as he pressed his lips against hers, demanding and hungry. The heat rushed through his veins as his hands slid down to cup her denim-clad butt, pulling her against his hips, leaving her in no doubt he wanted her. She wound her arms around his neck as she molded her body closer to his, impatient noises coming from her mouth.
 EXCERPT #2:  "This is my dance, I think." Nathan shot a cool glance at his rival. The cowboy nodded his head in defeat and walked away. Nathan put his arm around her back and twined his fingers through her right hand, gripping her tightly. He dipped his hand lower to rest on the curve of her back, and he pulled her close. The music and the crowd ceased to exist as he danced with her. Libby couldn't tear her eyes from his as they moved as one, shutting out the rest of the world. When another cowboy tried to cut in, Nathan frowned enough to have him backing away.
 The possessive action made Libby's stomach tighten. It was a machismo thing to do, and she loved it. He was jealous, and the thought made her groin clench tight as heat raced through her. When the band stopped for a break, Nathan led her to the door and guided her outside. Couples were spread out around the entrance talking and laughing as he led her over toward the cattle yards. The night was lit up with a full moon and a smattering of stars.
 A chill rippled over her skin as he pushed her gently back against the wooden structure. His lips lightly skimmed over her chin before his tongue traced her bottom lip. She swallowed a gasp as he traced a line down one side of her neck with his lips before traveling back up to her mouth. His tongue sought refuge in her mouth, tasting and tempting her like a starving man grasping for food. The thrill went straight to her stomach, and her thighs clenched together to stall the explosion building up inside her.
 She lifted her arms around his neck, and he pushed against her, his erection evidentially straining as he cupped her face in his hands.
 "Sweetheart, what are you doing to me?" he whispered, his kisses raining over her face.
 "I can stop at any time," she panted, her eyes half-closed.
 "Bullshit." He grunted, kissing the side of her mouth. He trailed his lips down her throat to kiss the tops of her breasts, making her nipples rub against the soft fabric. He danced his tongue along the neckline as she squirmed against him, willing his mouth to go further. She groaned as he blew gently in the cleavage of her breasts, and her breath caught in her throat.
 His hands stilled as a group of giggling teenagers came their way. He pulled away, leaving her suddenly cold without his body against hers. Libby pulled herself from the fence and stood on shaking legs, wishing they were somewhere more private where she could do what she had set out to do. Brushing her hands over her full skirt and checking her breasts were well-contained in her bodice, she spoke to him. "I think it's best if we go in now, don't you?"
 He grabbed her by the arm and stopped her. "Give me just a minute."
 Libby looked at his erection, still prominent against his jeans. She smiled to herself. The night hadn't yet ended. She would just find another place to seduce Nathan. She waited quietly as he adjusted himself and took a few deep breaths.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ann swears she was born with a book in her hand and has never put it down. A lifelong love of reading has finally culminated in achieving her dream of writing…and publication. She lives in the middle of the desert in Australia in a small mining town with her own handsome hero of many years. Ann has always loved the ups and downs of life in small communities and she shares this with readers in her rural romances. Strong, spunky heroines with a good dose of sass thrown in feature in her stories. Of course these women need an equally strong hero. Bring on the Outback hero and watch the passion ignite. When not writing, Ann runs a day care centre and looks after young children for working Mums and Dads. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, walking her very large dog, Hugo, and fighting with her computer. 

Visit Ann at http://annbharrison.com

 My Review
Sparks flew from the moment widow Libby and Nathan met with a definite underlining of physical attraction towards each other. But Nathan was slow to admit to his feelings due to a past scorn and Libby had to take matters in her own hands to convince him that he love's her. Added in the mixture to create even more intrigue a rebellious teenage son and cute six year old daughter the plot thickens. Nathan had this macho over powering manners that scared the kids but after an near fatal accident things started to change for the better. I liked the old man Tom, station manager who brought Libby to her senses allowing her to focus on what is important while teaching the city chick all about life in the outback. Libby is not afraid and with bruised ego's and hands she became a strong dependable woman. Not afraid of the challenges the outback offer. Winton an orphan stayed in the back ground but in his quiet way he helped Josh who became a real pillar to his mother. I really liked the story, fast pace and to the point. I can recommend this good read.

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