Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Ann and Jacquie's Happy Holiday Fiesta - Take 2 @AnnWCharles #Prizes


Don't miss out on the party of the year!

Unique guests, great prizes you won't get anywhere else--ever, and general mayhem with a few laughs here and there.

Yes, it's time for...

Ann and Jacquie's Happy Holiday Fiesta - Take 2

There are two Facebook events.  The first is Thursday, December 11th from 9am to 6pm Pacific Time.  To join, click here.  Who are the guests?  Get a load of this!


The second event is Saturday.  To join, click here.



Lots of prizes, too!  Here are just a few:


So be sure to join both. Grab a margarita--it's party time!



Friday, November 28, 2014

#NewRelease WILD TEXAS CHRISTMAS - What could be better than #cowboys & #Christmas?


Wild Texas Christmas

A new release today!

Is Christmas wilder in Texas? It just might be! These cowboys and their ladies sure have their hands full—and Christmas brings them together to sort it all out!

Cheryl Pierson’s Luck of the Draw is the story of a handsome gambler and a beautiful witch. With their own particular talents, they discover life is one big poker table—and love can be had if they are willing to risk it all!

Can a lumber baron and a railroad heiress save a small Texas town? Kathleen Rice Adams pens some holiday magic in The Last Three Miles.

When dreams turn to vengeance for a young gun-handy woman, it takes the love of a marshal to convince The Kid in Black that Christmas really is a time of miracles.

In The Texan Who Stole Christmas by Jacquie Rogers, a Texas cowhand is snowed in for Christmas in Idaho. When he becomes part of the town’s “Secret Christmas Angel” game, will he be able to part with his heart?

A lady gambler and a con man find themselves in an unlikely situation that could save both of their hearts if they’re willing to trust one another in Kaye Spencer’s A Gift of Christmas Hope.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Author Kindle Fire Giveaway!






Win a Kindle Fire HDX 7", Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash (up to $229 value)
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)


Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

1.) Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below.
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 GIVEAWAY
1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire HDX 7" (US Only - $229 value), Amazon Gift Card ($199 value/International) or Paypal Cash ($199 value/International). Ebook prizes are the responsibility of the author(s). Ends 12/07/14. Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed. The winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Indie Hoopla Services & Promotions and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Jane Leopold Quinn: JAKE AND IVY @jelquinnauthor #western #romance

Jake and Ivy
The Brothers Agee - Jake

RTW: Jane, tell us about Jake and Ivy, please.

JLQ: Ivy Westlake, thought to be a demure young lady, comes alive at her friend’s hacienda in Mexico when she discovers the Flamenco. Her wild side is unleashed in the sensuality of music and dancing. She will not allow her father to force her into a marriage of convenience back East, so she runs away with the dance troupe.

Jake Agee, cowboy, horse trader, loner, has carefully built a life with no commitments. That life explodes in his face when Ivy dances. He doesn’t know she’s run away until he spots her performing in a small California town. He battles his desire to have this woman against his well-honed sense of independence.

Jake and Ivy perform their own style of pas de deux throughout southern California until their passions ignite in a desert cave in the middle of a thunder storm. Jake fights his growing love as Ivy fights her craving for their erotic pursuits. Jake’s long lost brother suddenly and mysteriously surfaces. Will this appearance tear Jake and Ivy apart? Will it destroy their love?

RTW: You're gifting us with an excerpt today--thanks!  Please set the scene for us. 

JLQ: Jake and Ivy have danced their own pas de deux throughout southern California, fighting their attraction, trying to keep their independence. Emotions are running high and a coming storm brings them together for the first time…

Excerpt
Slowly he stretched out an arm, his hand spread welcomingly wide.

Her breath stopped in her chest. Her belly tightened. She didn't think he was just asking her to take a ride with him. In her short life, she'd never thought to feel this kind of desire for a man, hadn't known it even existed. He'd ridden out of nowhere. For her? He didn't say the words but she knew what he was asking. Come with him. The only possible response from her was yes. She shifted her glance in the direction of the town.

His eyes narrowed. "It's close enough. They'll reach it before the storm hits."

"Go, niƱa."

She heard Christina's whispered urging but had already made her decision. She stood, balancing on the wagon frame and placed her hand in his. He swung her over, settling her in front of him to straddle the horse, her skirts hitching up to her knees. His arm tightened around her middle as he wheeled sharply away.

Her heart beat wildly recognizing the inevitability. It was what she'd been waiting for. He wanted her. She wanted him. It was as simple as that. Her body nestled into the shelter of his chest. His arms encircled her shoulders, one hand handling the reins, his open palm anchored over her belly. She twisted around to scrutinize him, her heart fluttering at his tender vulnerable neck, at the sight of the beating pulse pumping madly. Even his strong jaw shaded by light bristles looked arousing. Through lips slightly parted, little bursts of air coincided with the rise and fall of his chest as she leaned against it. Her eyes finally met his.

Jake and Ivy
Available at Amazon

RTW: What else do you have hidden up your sleeve?

JLQ: Let me give a little shout out to the short story, Wooing the Librarian, loosely connected to Jake and Ivy and also available now. Isis doesn't want another man, not even handsome preacher Pres. Bounty hunter, now preacher, he can’t hide his attraction to the new librarian. Does he discover the way into her heart? Pres isn’t about to give up. Can Isis forget her past pain and see a future with him?

Wooing the Librarian

♥ ♥ ♥
Jane Leopold Quinn  s a multi-published author of highly sensual novels, novellas, and short stories. They've all been well reviewed, including 4-1/2 Stars and Top Pick, as well as a Reviewers' Choice Nomination for Best Erotic Romance of 2006 from Romantic Times Magazine for her debut novel, Ancient Ties.

She loves the creative process and is constantly, madly writing and revising the "next great book." Nothing is more satisfying than bringing two people together for a happily-ever-after ending. Writing romance is the greatest job in the world and is her passion and niche in life.  Creativity in romance authors isn't usually limited to writing. Her other interests include building and decorating doll houses and miniature room boxes, as well as designing silk flower arrangements. Next up? Mosaics...

Jane lives in Chicago, overlooking the park and Lake Michigan, with her wonderful husband.

Jane's Books
Ellora's Cave
Lost and Found
Indie
Valentine's Day
His Hers & His
The Keeper
Soldier, Come Home
Winning Violetta
A Promise at Dawn
Jake and Ivy
Wooing the Librarian
Home to Stay (coming soon)
The Long Road to You (coming soon)
Siren
Undercover Lover
Mercenary Desires
I'll Be Your Last

Jane Leopold Quinn - My Romance: Love With a Scorching Sensuality

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Eight Mules and One Stubborn Woman: Muleskinners #1: JUDGE NOT #western #novella #kindle



A Novella!

Judge Not
Muleskinners #1
by Jacquie Rogers

The first installment of the Muleskinners series, Judge Not, is now available.  This is my first traditional western story and I hope you enjoy it.  I really loved writing it, and four more stories are planned, the second installment will be released later this year.  If you love strong women and stalwart men, give this novella a try!

Judge Not was first printed in Wolf Creek, Book 6: Hell on the Prairie.

About Judge Not
Elsie Parry and her eight mules survived the war, but can they escape the wrath of the Danby Gang? She lived alone for five years after the Recent Unpleasantness and was overcome with happiness to be reunited with her father. Now, his fondest desire is to leave all the bad memories behind and see the Pacific Ocean, so she agreed to head west. All’s well until they approach Wolf Creek, where they’re set upon by the notorious gang of ex-Confederate guerrillas… intent on proving the war is not over, after all.

About Elsie
Elsie's had a rough time of it.  In 1863, border ruffians abducted her brother, Zeb, along with the neighbor boy, Hank, from the family farm in Missouri.  The next year, more came – she didn't know which side – and burned the farm to the ground.  Elsie was given responsibility for eight draft mule foals and sent to live on a forested hill out of harm's way.  She had little contact with the outside world, but her father visited infrequently.

She learned her mother had passed away, whether from sickness or hunger, Elsie didn't know, and neither did her father.  In fact, he disappeared the last year of the war and Elsie thought he was dead, too, but imagine her elation to find him alive and relatively well five years later. Meantime, those eight mules were her only friends and she'd named them after the Greek gods in her mother's book.  They have a good communication, and she's very protective of them.  Her father was born with the gift of blarney, and he's a lot better at making deals than actually coming through with them.  Still, he's her father and she loves him dearly – her only family other than the mules.

Excerpt
Muleskinners #1: Judge Not
by Jacquie Rogers
Copyright 2013 Jacquie Rogers

My pa wanted to see the Pacific Ocean. He’d flapped his lips all the way from Missouri to the middle of Kansas, and I reckoned by the time we did get to the ocean, I’d be ready to dunk him in it.

“One of the mules is lagging.”

“Hermes,” I hollered. “Quit sniffing that bush and get over here.” Sure, my mules were coddled, but they’d been my only company for a year during the war, and the six years since, my best friends. “You know you’re supposed to stay by the wagon.”

The mule sent me a guilty look and trotted to his spot by the rear wheel with the other three. I have eight mules, but a harness for only four, so four mules pulled half a day, then I traded them out.

“Wouldn’t it be easier to tie the spare mules to the wagon, Elsie?” My father, Obadiah Parry, had lost his wife, son, home, and thought he’d lost me and the mules in the war, but he’d run into me a few years back. 

Believe me, the moment I saw that man was the happiest day of my life. His brown hair had grayed and he’d hunched over and slowed down considerable, but his blue eyes still had that sparkle – the one that let you know there very well could be a frog in the sugar bowl, so watch out. I wouldn’t call him a moocher, but he did let me do the working while he did the talking.

“Maybe, but I ain’t tying them up. They know their jobs.” Unlike Pa, who was more of a dreamer than a doer. The one dream he had that worked out was when he decided to start a draft mule business with a mammoth jack he’d won in a card game. He talked the local farmers who had quality draft horse mares into giving him one foal for every two breedings. The result was more than a dozen draft mule foals the next year, but then the war broke out.


Now his dream was to go to California. I had eight of the mules, the wagon, nowhere else to go, and I was happy to make up for lost time with my pa. He had the gift of gab and a hefty dollop of charm, which got me more than one well-paying freight job. We had a light load this time, though – supplies for the trip west. But we had to take a detour to Wolf Creek to pick up a wagon he’d won playing euchre last week.

Jane Leopold Quinn: Cowboys Are My First Loves @jelquinnauthor #romance #western


Cowboys Are My First Loves

Sorry Paul (my husband), but I've always loved cowboys.
He always kids me about The Duke.
John Wayne was the best!

I was in love with the TV and movie cowboys of the '50s and '60s. So, when I first began writing romances, cowboys were the logical heroes.

Although they weren't completely historically accurate, those old western shows are my main research "bible." But I do have quite a few books showing male and female clothing from different historic periods, as well as pioneer women's diaries, women who'd crossed the country in covered wagons. The women walked along side the wagons, cooked meals, washed clothing, looked after the children. Men rode horses and drove the wagons. To give them their due, the menfolk hunted for food but still on horseback. In their diaries, women didn't mention their periods or even childbirth. The most they'd say is that there was an addition to the wagon train. Life was difficult and lonely for many women in the west, but they had no choice but to continue moving one step forward, literally and figuratively. Thank God they did or most of us wouldn't be here.

The first manuscript I wrote was The Long Road to You, and it starred a hero named Nick as an homage to the western, especially the TV western, The Big Valley. I was/am a Nick Barkley fan. That black outfit and especially the omnipresent black gloves were quite sexy. And in Nick's case, a black Stetson didn't make him the bad guy.

Around the same time, I was listening to an Andrea Bocelli CD, Sogno, and in particular the song, 'O Mare e Tu. Its haunting minor chords, the Spanish/Arabic/Gypsy sounds put me in mind of the Flamenco. A young Anglo woman became my heroine, and she became the Flamenco dancer. You'd think a Mexican or Spanish woman would be the dancer, but I turned it around so the properly brought up and schooled American girl fell in love with the Flamenco, tried to break her bonds of propriety, and flee to escape the threat of an arranged marriage. Jake and Ivy came into being and is now the first book in the series, The Brothers Agee.

The Flamenco is a sexy dance. The serious focused faces, rigid dance poses, minor chord sounds mesh with flying, tapping feet and gracefully waving arms. I used the music to portray Ivy's self-discovery of her sensual nature.

My hero Jake was inspired, in part, by an incident in my husband's youth. Jake and Nick were raised in an orphanage. Nick left when Jake was ten years old, and Jake became a loner — until he met Ivy. This in particular was not part of my husband's experience, but my heart ached for the young orphan boys.

A scene in Jake and Ivy takes place in Barranca del Cobre, Copper Canyon, in northern Mexico. Thank heavens for the internet, because it allows you to visit places you could never go to and get an idea of what they looked and felt like. That combined with my own experiences, of places I've traveled to and sights I've seen in person, really help in writing the scene.

What would a young woman in 1880 have known about men and sex? I don't think much since women were protected. The challenge is to take our modern 21st Century sensibility and write to an historical perspective. I don't believe an 1880s era young woman would speak a certain way, use particular words. This means I had to be aware of Ivy's innocent thoughts and dialogue and write them as realistically as possible.

I really like the challenge of subsuming myself in a character to see life as she/or he would. Especially in the male point of view. That's really a challenge!
♥ ♥ ♥
Jane Leopold Quinn  s a multi-published author of highly sensual novels, novellas, and short stories. They've all been well reviewed, including 4-1/2 Stars and Top Pick, as well as a Reviewers' Choice Nomination for Best Erotic Romance of 2006 from Romantic Times Magazine for her debut novel, Ancient Ties.

She loves the creative process and is constantly, madly writing and revising the "next great book." Nothing is more satisfying than bringing two people together for a happily-ever-after ending. Writing romance is the greatest job in the world and is her passion and niche in life.  Creativity in romance authors isn't usually limited to writing. Her other interests include building and decorating doll houses and miniature room boxes, as well as designing silk flower arrangements. Next up? Mosaics...

Jane lives in Chicago, overlooking the park and Lake Michigan, with her wonderful husband.

Jane's Books
Ellora's Cave
Lost and Found
Indie
Valentine's Day
His Hers & His
The Keeper
Soldier, Come Home
Winning Violetta
A Promise at Dawn
Jake and Ivy
Wooing the Librarian
Home to Stay (coming soon)
The Long Road to You (coming soon)
Siren
Undercover Lover
Mercenary Desires
I'll Be Your Last

Jane Leopold Quinn - My Romance: Love With a Scorching Sensuality

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

#NewRelease MAIL-ORDER TANGLE now in all major online stores! #Nook #Kobo #Apple #Kindle


Mail-Order Tangle
Two books
by bestselling western writers
and

Now at all major online stores!



Mail-Order Promise
by Caroline Clemmons

Ellie Dickerson and her sister are in desperate straits when she contracts to become a mail-order bride to a Texas rancher. After her arduous trip from Virginia, she learns her fiancĆ© has died. His handsome brother has sworn to take care of her and she’s instantly attracted to him, but he seems indifferent toward her. What will happen to her and her sister?

Kage Johanssen, co-owner of a ranch in Idaho with his cousin Matt, is forced to take over his family’s Central Texas ranch on the death of his older brother. Kage is in no hurry to get married, and when his brother’s bride shows up, she’s everything he doesn’t want in a wife—except she’s stunningly beautiful. Despite his deathbed promise to his brother and his attraction to Ellie, he’s convinced she doesn’t have the grit to be a rancher’s wife.

When a greedy, sadistic villain attempts to take over the ranch and kill Kage, can Ellie save her true love? What will it take to prove that she’s the only woman for Kage?

Mail-Order Ruckus
by Jacquie Rogers

Matt Johanssen returned to the ranch he and his cousin Kage started in Owyhee County, Idaho Territory, not knowing he took Laura Dickerson's heart with him. Now that her sister no longer needs her, Laura wants a home of her own and a family to put in it. No other man would fill the bill as well as Matt, but he’s not interested. Not wanting to live as a spinster aunt the rest of her life, Laura signs a contract with a marriage broker, choosing to go to Silver City, near Matt’s ranch, in hopes that he might come around. But he’s not on the roster of eligible grooms!

When Matt sees Laura among the brides on display on the balcony of the Idaho Hotel, he feels gutshot. He’s in no position to take a wife, not with a ranch eating up every spare moment and dollar. But if he doesn't step forward, the one woman he wants will be wed at the end of the week—and not to him.

Will Matt walk away from the woman who stole his heart or let go of everything he's worked so hard to build go in exchange for love?
♥ ♥ ♥
We sincerely hope you enjoy these books.  It was a fun collaboration and of course we fell in love with the characters.  We'd greatly appreciate a review--that's such a tremendous help.

Happy Reading!

Caroline Clemmons

Caroline Clemmons, Author

Website
Blog
Newsletter
Jacquie Rogers

Jacquie Rogers, Author

Website
Pickle Barrel
Bar & Books
Pickle Barrel Gazette

Friday, September 12, 2014

#NewRelease MAIL-ORDER TANGLE by @carolinclemmons & @JacquieRogers #romance

We PROMISE you
a RUCKUS
at the

MAIL-ORDER TANGLE Doin's!

We're fixin' to party at Facebook and Caroline Clemmons and I hope you'll join in the fun Saturday, September 13 from 1pm to 9pm Central Time, 11am to 7pm Pacific Time.



There'll be music, dancing, and goodies all served up by some hawt cowboys wearing jinglebobs (and we aren't saying what else).

Prizes Every Hour!

Hosted by the authors of Mail-Order Tangle (ahem... if they're not in the back room)
Caroline Clemmons and Jacquie Rogers.

Get your copy now!
Soon available in print and in digital at all major online stores.

Here's the cover copy:
Mail-Order Tangle contains two books by best selling western writers Caroline Clemmons and Jacquie Rogers.

Mail-Order Promise
by Caroline Clemmons

Ellie Dickerson and her sister are in desperate straits when she contracts to become a mail-order bride to a Texas rancher. After her arduous trip from Virginia, she learns her fiancƩ has died. His handsome brother has sworn to take care of her and she's instantly attracted to him, but he seems indifferent toward her. What will happen to her and her sister?

Kage Johanssen, co-owner of a ranch in Idaho with his cousin Matt, is forced to take over his family's Central Texas ranch on the death of his older brother. Kage is in no hurry to get married, and when his brother's bride shows up, she's everything he doesn't want in a wife—except she's stunningly beautiful. Despite his deathbed promise to his brother and his attraction to Ellie, he's convinced she doesn't have the grit to be a rancher's wife.

When a greedy, sadistic villain attempts to take over the ranch and kill Kage, can Ellie save her true love? What will it take to prove that she's the only woman for Kage?

Mail-Order Ruckus
by Jacquie Rogers


Matt Johanssen returned to the ranch he and his cousin Kage started in Owyhee County, Idaho Territory, not knowing he took Laura Dickerson's heart with him. Now that her sister no longer needs her, Laura wants a home of her own and a family to put in it. No other man would fill the bill as well as Matt, but he's not interested. Not wanting to live as a spinster aunt the rest of her life, Laura signs a contract with a marriage broker, choosing to go to Silver City, near Matt's ranch, in hopes that he might come around. But he's not on the roster of eligible grooms!

When Matt sees Laura among the brides on display on the balcony of the Idaho Hotel, he feels gutshot. He's in no position to take a wife, not with a ranch eating up every spare moment and dollar. But if he doesn't step forward, the one woman he wants will be wed at the end of the week—and not to him.

Will Matt walk away from the woman who stole his heart or let go of everything he's worked so hard to build go in exchange for love?

See you at the party!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Meet My Character #MailOrderTangle @CarolinClemmons @JacquieRogers #romance #western



Meet My Character
Matt Johanssen
Mail-Order Ruckus
the second book in
Mail-Order Tangle

I introduced you to Laura Dickerson two weeks ago, and Caroline Clemmons introduced you to Ellie Dickerson last week.  They're sisters, and Ellie has come to Texas as a mail-order bride.  Laura, who's older, comes along.

Now I’ll introduce you to the hero of Mail-Order Ruckus, a short western historical romance that is the second book in a duet with Caroline Clemmons, Mail-Order Tangle, to be released in September.

1) What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?

Matt Johanssen. He’s definitely fictional, a combination of many men I've known and admired.  Matt is a year older than the hero of the first book, Kage Johanssen, his cousin.

2) When and where is the story set?

1880-1881, first in Texas and then in Owyhee County, Idaho Territory.

This is what Matt's ranch looks like in the spring when it's all nice and green.
3) What should we know about him/her?

Matt admires his Grandpa Bert (Adelbert Johanssen) and wants to achieve what his grandpa did—build a ranch despite the elements and other issues a ranchman faced. His word is his honor, and he holds to it. In Mail-Order Ruckus, Laura Dickerson shows up as a mail-order bride and unless he marries her, a man on the grooms roster will.

Matt's prize bull.

4) What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?

Matt is focused on his ranch and determined to make it a going concern. To do that, he’s invested every penny he has into it—he bought a blooded bull and after a harsh winter, 400 head of breeding cows. What money he makes has to go for wages, bills, and feed for both animals and crew. He has no money and no time to spend on a wife. Problem is, Laura, who he met and admired in Texas, comes to Silver City with a group of mail-order brides for a week of courting by men who’ve paid for the privilege of courting them. She has a week to pick a groom. And it can’t be him.

5) What is the personal goal of the character?

Matt’s all about building the ranch to a self-sustaining operation just as his grandfather did in Texas.

6) Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?

The title of the duet is Mail-Order Tangle. You can read more about both books in the duet at
We don’t have much on the site yet, but the cover’s posted and there’s a blurb for each book.

Caroline Clemmons
7) When can we expect the book to be published?

We’re aiming for September 10. It’s an ambitious schedule and we have lots to do, but both Caroline and I are extremely excited for this release. It’s our first time working together, although we’ve been online friends for quite a while, and I’ve been a fangirl of Caroline’s long before that. So I’m tickled to be included in this book with her!

Caroline will be writing about her hero, Kage Johanssen, so check her blog on the 21st!

For the latest scoop on my shenanigans, subscribe to my newsletter, the Pickle Barrel Gazette, and join my Facebook group, the Pickle Barrel Bar & Books.