by Cheryl Pierson
a short story in
Wishing for a Cowboy
Prairie Rose Publications
RTW is pleased to host the authors of Wishing for a Cowboy, the debut offering of Prairie Rose Publications. It's available in ebook at Amazon and Smashwords, and in print at Amazon.
RTW's guest today is Cheryl Pierson. Cheryl is a native-born Oklahoman who writes award winning westerns and WHR novels and short stories. She is also co-owner of Prairie Rose Publications. She lives with her husband, Gary, and “granddog,” Embry, in Oklahoma City, OK.
Her story in Wishing for a Cowboy is Outlaw's Kiss — Can Talia resist the Outlaw's Kiss?
Talia Delano has been humiliated before the entire town of Rock Creek by Jake Morgan. A known gunman, Jake has bid an outrageous sum for Talia’s "boxed supper", a kiss, and the gift of her time for the rest of the Independence Day celebration. But, as always, Jake changes the rules and takes more than he should—especially with the whole town watching. Talia’s chance of happiness is dashed, along with her reputation, when Jake leaves Rock Creek suddenly. When he shows up five months later at her farmhouse, wounded, and in the midst of a blinding snowstorm, she can’t turn him away — even though she knows being along with him will cause tongues to wag once more. But with Christmas only two days away, how can she harden her heart against the handsome outlaw who has no place else to go—even if he is being trailed by someone just as dangerous? Magic and danger are woven together in the Outlaw's Kiss.
RTW: How did Jake Morgan and Talia Delano come to you? Were they fully formed, or were they stubborn about telling you their stories?
Cheryl: I actually wrote part of this story as a flash fiction piece — just one short scene of it. From there, the full blown story of their relationship evolved, and it just flowed. I knew Jake was going to be wounded — my heroes always are. (They all run for the hills when they find out they're going to be in one of my stories! LOL) Just wasn't sure what had happened to him at first. Then it all became very clear.
RTW: What is it about Christmas that lends itself to romance? How is Talia's recipe for Parker House dinner rolls incorporated into your story and is it a part of your own family lore?
Cheryl: Christmas is always a time of evaluating, I think, with the coming year approaching. For my characters in this story, it's a chance of a true Christmas miracle happening, and a time for them to look for their own happiness, for a change.
My mom used to make some wonderful rolls from scratch. I'm not sure that this is the exact recipe, but it's close. I still remember how good they were!
RTW: If you lived in Talia's house, how would you decorate it for Christmas?
Cheryl: Talia inherited her house from her parents who both passed away five years earlier. She lives there with her little brother, Michael, whom she has cared for since he was seven. They don't have a lot of money, but they do have a home that's nicer than most for the area. Talia is very resourceful, so she knows how to bring the inner glow of things out with simple decorations — and while she would love the beauty of the more elaborate candles and so on, she would never spend money on them. So if I were decorating her house, I would buy some fragrant candles and put up a good-size tree in the corner of the front room.
RTW: What other books do you have for our readers to enjoy?
Cheryl: Gabriel's Law is my latest novel, published through Western Trail Blazer. Here's the blurb for it:
When Brandon Gabriel is hired by the citizens of Spring Branch to hunt down the notorious Clayton Gang, he doesn't suspect a double-cross. When Allison Taylor rides into town for supplies, she doesn't expect to be sickened by the sight of a man being beaten to death by a mob. When Spring Branch's upstanding citizens gather round to see a murder, nobody expects to hear the click of a gun in the hands of an angel bent on justice. Life is full of surprises. Brandon and Allie reconnect instantly, though it's been ten years since their last encounter. She's protected him before. As Brandon recovers at Allie's ranch, the memories flood back, and his heart is lost to her. He also knows staying with her will ruin everything. She's made a life for herself and her son. She's respectable. She has plans – plans that don't include him. But could they?
Trouble is never far away, and someone else wants Allison Taylor and her ranch. Danger looms large when a fire is set and a friend is abducted. Allie and Brandon discover they are battling someone they never suspected; someone who will stop at nothing to destroy anyone who stands in his way. As Brandon faces down the man who threatens to steal everything from him, he realizes he is desperately in love with Allie and this new life they are making for themselves. Has Brandon finally found everything he's ever wanted only to lose it all? Can Brandon and Allie confront the past, face down their demons, and forge their dreams into a future?
[RTW Note: Cheryl has lots more books. For a complete listing, check her Amazon page.]
Talia Delano has been humiliated before the entire town of Rock Creek by Jake Morgan. A known gunman, Jake has bid an outrageous sum for Talia’s "boxed supper", a kiss, and the gift of her time for the rest of the Independence Day celebration. But, as always, Jake changes the rules and takes more than he should—especially with the whole town watching. Talia’s chance of happiness is dashed, along with her reputation, when Jake leaves Rock Creek suddenly. When he shows up five months later at her farmhouse, wounded, and in the midst of a blinding snowstorm, she can’t turn him away — even though she knows being along with him will cause tongues to wag once more. But with Christmas only two days away, how can she harden her heart against the handsome outlaw who has no place else to go—even if he is being trailed by someone just as dangerous? Magic and danger are woven together in the Outlaw's Kiss.
 |
| Cheryl Pierson |
Cheryl: I actually wrote part of this story as a flash fiction piece — just one short scene of it. From there, the full blown story of their relationship evolved, and it just flowed. I knew Jake was going to be wounded — my heroes always are. (They all run for the hills when they find out they're going to be in one of my stories! LOL) Just wasn't sure what had happened to him at first. Then it all became very clear.
RTW: What is it about Christmas that lends itself to romance? How is Talia's recipe for Parker House dinner rolls incorporated into your story and is it a part of your own family lore?
Cheryl: Christmas is always a time of evaluating, I think, with the coming year approaching. For my characters in this story, it's a chance of a true Christmas miracle happening, and a time for them to look for their own happiness, for a change.
My mom used to make some wonderful rolls from scratch. I'm not sure that this is the exact recipe, but it's close. I still remember how good they were!
RTW: If you lived in Talia's house, how would you decorate it for Christmas?
Cheryl: Talia inherited her house from her parents who both passed away five years earlier. She lives there with her little brother, Michael, whom she has cared for since he was seven. They don't have a lot of money, but they do have a home that's nicer than most for the area. Talia is very resourceful, so she knows how to bring the inner glow of things out with simple decorations — and while she would love the beauty of the more elaborate candles and so on, she would never spend money on them. So if I were decorating her house, I would buy some fragrant candles and put up a good-size tree in the corner of the front room.
RTW: What other books do you have for our readers to enjoy?
When Brandon Gabriel is hired by the citizens of Spring Branch to hunt down the notorious Clayton Gang, he doesn't suspect a double-cross. When Allison Taylor rides into town for supplies, she doesn't expect to be sickened by the sight of a man being beaten to death by a mob. When Spring Branch's upstanding citizens gather round to see a murder, nobody expects to hear the click of a gun in the hands of an angel bent on justice. Life is full of surprises. Brandon and Allie reconnect instantly, though it's been ten years since their last encounter. She's protected him before. As Brandon recovers at Allie's ranch, the memories flood back, and his heart is lost to her. He also knows staying with her will ruin everything. She's made a life for herself and her son. She's respectable. She has plans – plans that don't include him. But could they?
Trouble is never far away, and someone else wants Allison Taylor and her ranch. Danger looms large when a fire is set and a friend is abducted. Allie and Brandon discover they are battling someone they never suspected; someone who will stop at nothing to destroy anyone who stands in his way. As Brandon faces down the man who threatens to steal everything from him, he realizes he is desperately in love with Allie and this new life they are making for themselves. Has Brandon finally found everything he's ever wanted only to lose it all? Can Brandon and Allie confront the past, face down their demons, and forge their dreams into a future?
[RTW Note: Cheryl has lots more books. For a complete listing, check her Amazon page.]
♥ ♥ ♥
Cowboys, kisses, and love in the holiday air make for a special recipe in each of these wonderful new stories. Christmas miracles can happen when you're
A Christmas Miracle by Phyliss Miranda
Acceptance comes not through frosty eyes, but from the warmth of loving hearts.
Outlaw's Kiss by Cheryl Pierson
A long-ago schooldays crush is rekindled by an Outlaw's Kiss that sparks true love, and a new future for Jake Morgan and Talia Delano.
A Husband for Christmas by Sarah J. McNeal
A haunting night of horror and a wish for a new life.
Peaches by Kathleen Rice Adams
When a strong-willed schoolteacher invades an irascible rancher's Texas range, not even the spirit of Christmas may be able to prevent all-out war.
A Gift for Rhoda by Jacquie Rogers
A mail-order bride disaster!
Her Christmas Wish by Tracy Garrett
Her only wish for Christmas was the man who left her behind.
Covenant by Tanya Hanson
Can a Christmas blizzard ignite love gone cold?
Charlie's Pie by Livia J. Washburn
A wounded man, a desperate woman, a gang of ruthless outlaws... and the best pecan pie in Parker County!
Being a fan of wounded heroes and bad boys, Okie, one of the things I like about your stories is that it's never a problem to track down your latest work: I just follow the blood trail. ;-) Seriously, though, Talia and Jake are perfect together in this Christmas story -- both of them yearning for the same thing since childhood, but afraid to just give in and lasso what they want. The yearning in "Outlaw's Kiss" is palpable, leaving readers with one of those warm-and-fuzzy fist pumps at the end. Even the antagonist gets into the act. Poor bad guy. I'll bet that surprised the heck out of him. :-D
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the V-Day anthology from Prairie Rose to see what kind of bloodletting the hero stumbles into and how the heroine comes to his rescue. Every time I think "surely that sadistic Okie has run out of torture schemes by now," I'm wrong! :-D
HUGS!!!!
BWHAHAHAHAHAHA, Tex! You know me too well! Yes, you're right, just follow the red trail that leads to ...LOVE, of course! LOL I'm so glad you enjoyed Outlaw's Kiss so much. I truly enjoyed writing it. I will have to come up with something wonderful for HEARTS AND SPURS, too. Not quite sure what, yet. Did you know I actually wrote a story one time where I forgot to wound the guy? I had to go back and make him be recovering from something.
DeleteSometimes I worry that I will run out of ways to make the hero vulnerable in the story, but then I think...nah, there's a ton of ways to fix that!
Hugs,
Cheryl
You FORGOT?! How did that happen? :-D
DeleteYou should have left it alone, and then down the road offered a big prize to the reader who could tell you the name of the one story you've written that fell victim to a sin of omission. ;-)
Now why didn't I think of that? Well, at least I didn't spoil my perfect record. LOL
DeleteAlways love your stories, Cheryl, and your heroes are to die for, or maybe it's just they're always close to death. :) Seriously, Jake and Talia sound like another great couple and I look forward to reading their story.
ReplyDelete--Kirsten
Thanks, Kirsten. I'm so glad you love my heroes as much as I do! LOL Someone has to keep them from death! I hope you enjoy WISHING FOR A COWBOY. Lots of great stories in this collection!
DeleteCheryl
Sounds like a great collection of tales. Congrats on the new release!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen! This is one bunch of wonderful stories!
DeleteCheryl
Cheryl, I can't wait to read your story. I've downloaded the antho into my Kindle but I want to finish Jodi's book. Your stories always evoke strong emotion in me. I like that your characters spring from the page and directly into my heart. You always make me feel their angst. And I love the grittiness of your plot. You portray the old West as it probably was. Very raw and gritty. I'm sure I'll love OUTLAW'S KISS.
ReplyDeleteLinda, that means so much to me. I love realism in my stories, but not too much. LOL (I like a clean hero from time to time, and personal hygiene probably was not at the top of the list realistically speaking). That's probably one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me--that the characters spring from the page directly into your heart. That's what I always hoped to do when I dreamed of writing, and I hope I can always manage to bring them to life like that. Thanks so much for coming by--I can't wait for HEARTS AND SPURS. Just finished reading your story and I LOVED IT!
DeleteHugs,
Cheryl
As usual you deliver on your promise. Looking forward to many more stories from you. Thank you. Doris
ReplyDeleteDoris, thank you so much. I appreciate your support, dear friend! So glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteCheryl
I'm so happy about your new short story, Cheryl. I enjoy all your work. You have just the right blend of grit and innocence in your heroines, of worldliness and strength in your heroes. That's a five star recipe in my book!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maggie! God bless you for always being so supportive--I know you are just busy as heck with your own projects and real life, and I appreciate you taking time to stop by. What a wonderful compliment. I treasure those words, coming from you, Maggie!
DeleteHugs,
Cheryl
I had to laugh at Kathleen's comment about finding the blood trail to your work. Well, it is true; those wounded heroes of yours will always attract our attention. It's an honor to be with you and the other talented authors in this new adventure. I feel like there ought to be a dang parade to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteSarah, that Tex is pretty dang ornery when she wants to be. LOL (But honest, gotta give her that!) I always like to bring them back from death's door, some a little closer than others, for sure. LOL We're so glad to have you with us in WISHING FOR A COWBOY! All these stories are so different and so good. Lots of variety, for sure...oops, now, watch out for that spot of blood and don't step in it...
DeleteCheryl
I can't wait to see what you do to your hero in HEARTS & SPURS. I really enjoyed Outlaw’s Kiss and how Talia still had her crush on Jake from their school days. You know I started dating James when I was a 17 year-old senior in high school, and my dad thought he was a very bad boy. James wasn't, and I knew it, but it didn't stop me from falling in love. Good guys are fun, too. Wait a minute . . . I usually write about good guy heroes. Guess that makes us good partners. You get the black hats, and I get the white hats.
ReplyDeleteLOL Livia, I'm just in awe that your dad thought James was a bad boy! Was he older than you? I always dated older guys and of course, my dad always thought they were "bad"--(in truth, some of them WERE!)LOL And look what happened with you and James--a real life love story that has lasted all this time. That's just wonderful, and not much of that in today's world, for sure. I have never written a story like that where they had known each other for that long. You know, my parents knew each other ever since elementary school and were high school sweethearts, ended up marrying and were married for 64 years.
DeleteYep, we make great partners. I love the black hats/white hats idea!
Hugs,
Cheryl
James was a little older. He was finishing college as I was finishing high school. But Dad thought James was a bad influence on my brother, who was a bit of a scamp, but only a bit. Little did Dad know how much it was the other way around. But in Dad's eyes that bad influence was dating his baby girl. Dad and I had some royal battles before he walked me down the aisle. He thinks James is the best guy ever, now. Dad and mom fell for each other in high school, too.
DeleteRobert Randisi did Black Hats and White Hats anthologies. James and I both had stories in one of them. Can you guess which one. LOL! Maybe we can come up with a romantic twist to the title or combine them into one collection.
Livia have you ever told you dad "I told you so"? LOL I never told my parents that, but my mom did say many times, "Well, Gary's a pretty good ol' guy, isn't he?" LOL
DeleteI like the black hats/white hats idea!
Heroes? I love 'em all, as long as they're not arrogant *ssh*les or brooding whiners. Have never liked the sort of heroes mislabeled as alphas. (Alphas are actually leaders, so an alpha hero obviously has to be someone others would choose to lead them.) But I can't say I have a particular preference between Black Hats and White Hats. Look at WFAC--Tex's hero has his issues, Cheryl's is a wounded bad boy, mine has been a black hat but is now too cold for that nonsense, Livia's is a wounded white hat. All yummy, as are the other four heroes. Not a dud in the bunch, and oh how different!
ReplyDeleteWhit doesn't have "issues" -- he's just downright crotchety. :-D
DeleteI agree with you, Jacquie: WISHING FOR A COWBOY has an eclectic mix of heroes from all sorts of camps, and every single one of them is drool-worthy. I'm wondering how we got all those bad boys, good boys, and good-bad boys between the same covers at the same time without a gunfight breaking out. ;-)
Well, Kathleen! Whit needed someone to love him! Of course he was crotchety! Yes, I agree with you Jacquie--they are all great because they are all so different and, as Kathleen says, "drool-worthy"...SIGH
DeleteSounds like a wonderful story (both of them). A perfect read after exhausting myself writing during November. And congratulations to all those in the debut offering of Prairie Rose Publications. What a great way to kick things off!
ReplyDeleteThank you, E.E.! So good to have you here with us today--there's more to come--Jacquie's having each one of us on a separate day, so be sure to go back and read the posts that came before and "tune in" for the ones yet to come! We are truly proud of this collection--lots of diversity and pure ol' entertainment with the telling of good stories!
Delete