ANOTHER SALE FOR YOU!

By Caroline Clemmons

After a horrific week spent moving across our North Central Texas county to a smaller place, we are frazzled. So many decisions, many of them painful, but we are moved! Of course, the garage is filled with boxes taunting us that they have to be unpacked and the contents placed where they belong. Too much to consider! Our pets love their new home and so do we.

I want to tell you about are my current special sales. From last week, you may recall that my time travel OUT OF THE BLUE is on sale all month for 99¢. I loved writing this story and have had lovely reviews.

This week, please let me tell you about GABE KINCAID, from the Kincaid Series. GABE KINCAID is a sensual romance with a sex scene. You’re warned, so if you prefer chaste, you can skip that portion of the story. GABE KINCAID is on sale from Saturday, October 16 through Friday, October 23. 

The heroine bears one of my all-time favorite names, Kathryn Elizabeth, named after my two favorite aunts, both much beloved by the family and others who knew them. Kathryn Elizabeth goes by Katie. That is, until she has to run for her life. She joins the circus where she eventually poses as Maharani Shimza, Mystic of the East.

I told you we’d been moving, which is why the sale price won’t start until Saturday morning—my fault for procrastinating. Since Katie wears a costume, I thought that made this an appropriate book for near Halloween. There are multiple killers in this book. 

Here’s the blurb:

Gabe Kincaid has reasons to hate lies and those who tell them. He moved from Austin to Kincaid Springs and joined his great uncle’s law firm. Gabe believes he’s happy and pushes aside those moments of loneliness, of wishing for more. He strongly believes in the law, in justice, and obeying rules. Doing what’s right is fulfilling, isn’t it? Then why is he so fascinated with a circus fortuneteller who spins tales faster than a cowboy whirls his lariat?

Katie Worthington poses as Dorothy Duncan in a small-time circus. If she isn’t behind the scenes mending costumes or in the circus kitchen, she’s disguised as the fortuneteller, Maharani Shimza, Mystic of the East. Even so, she worries about being killed by the men pursuing her. She fears a brawl at her fortune telling tent that sends her into the Kincaid’s protective custody will end with her exposure and death. Then, a death at the circus implicates her. How can she escape when that attorney pops up every time she turns around?   

Will Gabe and Katie let the sparks between them ignite into a passionate romance or exposed secrets destroy their chance at a happily ever after?

https://www.amazon.com/Gabe-Kincaid-Kincaids-Book-4-ebook/dp/B00JPIKWME/

 

Enjoy an excerpt of their first kiss:

She pressed her hand against his arm. “Don’t, Gabe. It’s such a nice afternoon. Don’t spoil it by prying.”

“All right. But I wish you’d trust me with all your secrets, Shimza. Damn, I feel like a fool calling you that but I don’t even know your real name.”

“Shimza will do. And I do trust you to keep me safe here.”

“But you don’t think I could if you told me more, is that it?” He gently clasped her shoulders and turned her to face him.

She met his gaze, pleading with him, “Please, it’s too . . . complicated.”

Slowly he slid his hands across her shoulders, lightly up her neck, and caressed her face with his thumbs. He rested his hands gently on either side of her face. “Then let’s make it a little more complicated.” He leaned forward and claimed her lips.

She dissolved against him. His gentle kiss increased in fervor. Her arms slid around him and her fingers weaved into his hair.

His hands slid across her back. Stroking. Touching. Hugging.

One of his strong hands skimmed her ribs beneath her breast. Brazenly, she wished he’d move higher where she ached to be touched. As it was, the heat of his touch near burned through her clothing.

He broke their embrace, his chest heaving. “I’ve never kissed a client. Damn, Grandpa will have my hide.”

She rested her head against his powerful shoulder. “Mmm, I don’t think so. Perhaps you noticed we were seated next to one another at dinner. I could be wrong, but I think the Judge and Mrs. Gamble are conspiring. Judge Kincaid smiled when we left the dining room together.”

“You don’t say? Then, if it’s all right with you, I’m kissing you again.”

And he did. Not that she was an expert, but her verdict was he kissed very well indeed.

 

 Stay safe and keep reading!

  

AND THE WINNERS ARE . . .

This is the day I promised to announce the winners of the WESTERN ROUNDUP GIVEAWAY HOP and here they are. Congratulations to the winners!

JUDGE NOT by Jacquie Rogers
1. TY (need the email)
2. MK McClintock

KATIE AND THE IRISH TEXAN by Carra Copelin
1. Heather (need your email)
2. CBarton

GABE KINCAID by Caroline Clemmons
1. Brande Leigh
2. Mary Preston
3. Lisa Faber

THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP by Caroline Clemmons
1. Lisa
2. Liette Bougie
3. Lynda McCoy

MUCH ADO ABOUT MINERS by Jacquie Rogers
1. Mary Preston
2. Liette Bougie

Congratulations, ladies! Thanks for commenting on the blog. TY and Heather, I need your email. For the other winners, I'll be emailing your prize ebook right away.

Thanks for stopping by!

CHARACTER INTERVIEW WITH KATIE WORTHINGTON, HEROINE OF GABE KINCAID

Prizes from each participating blog!

I'll be giving away three ebook copies of THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP and three ebook copies of GABE KINCAID on August 1st. To enter, simply leave a comment between now and midnight July 31st telling me why you like western romance.

Even though I have a variety of posts scheduled for this time period, the contest will continue each day.

The complete list of participating blogs for this Blog Hop:

---

1. Books and Benches (Int)	2. My Devotional Thoughts (WW)	3. MYTHICAL BOOKS (INT)
4. LOVE. WITHOUT YOU	5. Romancing The West with Jacquie Rogers	6. Bookworm Lisa (Int)
7. Susan Heim on Writing (US)	8. Batch of Books (Int)	9. Deal Sharing Aunt (USA)
10. 3 Partners in Shopping (USA)	11. Rockin Book Reviews	12. Dare to Dream
13. Diane Estrella @ Thats What Im Here For. . . (US)	14. I Love to Read and Review Books : ) (INT)	15. Elisabeth Grace Foley - The Second Sentence
16. Shanna Hatfield	17. BookHounds	18. A Writer's Life

And now for today's post:

Dear Readers, today my guest is the heroine from my latest release, Kathryn Elizabeth Worthington, from GABE KINCAID, book four of the Kincaid series. I thought you might like to learn more about her, so I’m happy she’s agreed to an interview. She arrives dressed in a dress of gorgeous blue foulard trimmed with white lace. Down the front are ribbon revers forming bretelles that edge a vest made of rows of the lace laid outside the foulard. Sleeves are half-long with a little jabot of lace and a small bow of ribbon set inside the arm. A rosette of matching blue ribbon is in her auburn hair.

Caroline: Ms Worthington, please tell us something about growing up.

Kathryn sits and adjusts her skirts. When she smiles, her green eyes twinkle: Please, call me Katie. I grew up in Savannah, Georgia. My father and mother were both only children, and we lived with my Worthington grandparents. My grandmother died when I was ten, and then my parents died when I was twelve. After that, my grandfather and I were left with only one another. I’m afraid he spoiled me, but I’ve tried not to become self-centered. How I loved our life. We had many friends and traveled up and down the eastern seacoast.

Caroline: What changed that?

Katie smoothes a hand self-consciously down her skirt: When my grandfather died, I witnessed the men responsible. I had to escape them without endangering any of my friends. You see, one of the men was a trusted friend who knew everything about me.

Caroline: That must have been frightening. What did you do?

Katie: I’d never been so scared in my life. In spite of my sorrow over losing my grandfather, I escaped by joining the circus as Dorothy Duncan.

Caroline: That was clever. Do you think your friends believed you’d died?

Katie: Not my best friend, Mary Lou Chitwood. The men who killed my grandfather made it look as if I killed him and fled. I corresponded with Mary Lou. (Katie smiles) She told her parents I was a friend from school traveling the country with her parents. That way she could write to me when I let her know the circus’ scheduled stops.

Caroline:  What did you do with the circus?

Katie: At first I washed dishes in the employee dining room behind the circus tent. That was dreary. Then I mended costumes and made new ones, which I enjoyed. My favorite job was as the fortuneteller, Maharani Shimza, Mystic of the East. That crazy name was the circus owner’s idea and so was the ridiculous turban he had me wear. To make myself look the part, I dyed my hair black. I made a cute costume based on a picture in a book I’d found at a library of a town we stayed in. The book was about India, and showed this lovely garment called a sari.

Caroline: Why was that fun? Can you really tell fortunes?

Katie: Why, yes, I can. You see, when we were at school, Mary Lou and I found a book about reading palms and what all the lines mean. I studied the book and amused my classmates by telling their fortunes. So, when I became the circus fortuneteller, I was able to use that knowledge on the people who bought tickets. Sometimes they were so happy they’d give me a tip, and I got to keep that for myself.

Caroline: Did you enjoy living with the circus?

Katie ponders the question: Not really, even though there were some things I did like. For instance, seeing different parts of the country was interesting. But I missed my home and friends. I liked my roommate, but I hated our cramped quarters. I was afraid the men after me might find me, so I was never really comfortable unless I wore my costume.

Caroline: What happened to end your time with the circus?

Katie smiles mysteriously: You’ll have to read the book to find out. I will tell you that the answer involves a wonderful man named Gabe Kincaid.

Caroline: Why, I do believe you’re blushing. Folks, here’s where you can buy GABE KINCAID, book four of the Kincaids:

Amazon      Nook       Kobo     GooglePlay  and also at Apple iBooks and iTunes.

And if you buy and read GABE KINCAID, please leave a review at Amazon or wherever you bought the book. I'll truly appreciate your effort. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

SUMMER READING - WHAT'S ON YOUR LIST?

Anytime is reading time for me, but many people have more free time in summer. Schools are out, vacations roll around, and people relax by the sea or a pool. Even though I’m stuck in my pink writing cave, I love to read.

Recently, I read several of the new Prairie Rose Publishing anthologies. I know most of the authors who contribute to these collections, and each is an excellent author. You can’t go wrong with any of the works. LASSOING A BRIDE and LASSOING A GROOM are just released.

I love Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz, and recently finished her latest, OTHERWISE ENGAGED. As usual, her story captured my interest from the first page. I love her books.

Geri Foster has released WRONG GUY, the second of her Accidental Pleasures series. She’s also in the boxed set, SPICE BOX. In addition, don’t forget OUT OF THE PAST, the novella about Zoe in her Falcon series. I’m eagerly awaiting OUT OF THE DEPTHS, the next Falcon book for non-stop action and romance.

Another author I love is Loretta Chase. Her descriptions and characterization are amazing. I’ve preordered her VIXEN IN VELVET, the third in her trilogy of dressmaker sisters. The book will be released later in June.

Sylvia McDaniel has released DESPERATE, a delightful prequel novella to her new Lipstick and Lead series about the Mackenzie sisters who turn bounty hunter to save their home after their father’s death. I’m eagerly awaiting the first sister’s story, which will be about Meg.

For those who enjoy stories involving Native Armericans, Mary Adair has new covers for her Passion series and has added RAVEN’S PASSION. The other two in the series are PASSION’S VISION and PASSION’S PRICE. Mary’s husband is descended from James Adair, author of the definitive book on Cherokee in the 18^th century. She used James Adair’s book in her research.

Kathy Shaw’s latest release is BLONDIE AND THE HITMAN, a Darla Bodecker mystery. This is a fun read with a sassy heroine and a dash of romance. Kathy’s wicked sense of humor always makes me smile.

On my TBR list are MY KIND OF CRAZY by Katie O’Sullivan; AGAINST THE WILD by Kat Martin; SHAME ON YOU by Tara Sivec; ON THE HOOK by Cindy Davis; MAIL ORDER MISFIT by Kirsten Osbourne; and A TEXAS CATTLE DRIVE by Andy Adams. Those should keep me busy reading for a while, right? But new releases by Carra Copelin,  Paty Jager, Kathy Ivans, Jacquie Rogers (she's included in the Prairie Rose antholgies), and others will keep me adding to the list.

To your TBR stack, I hope you’ll add GABE KINCAID and THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP, if you haven’t already done so.

Here are the buy links:

GABE KINCAID, book four of the Kincaid series

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1irY2CJ

Nook http://bit.ly/S7VDn4

Kobo http://bit.ly/1m6htQC

THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP, book three in the Kincaid series

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ku7nLt

Nook http://bit.ly/1wzXHUA

Kobo http://bit.ly/1tukWuR

At the end of June, I’ll be releasing FINDING MY TEXAS HOME, book two in the Texas Home series, linked to HOME SWEET TEXAS HOME. Please watch for the release. To be certain you are notified of each of my releases, contests, giveaways, and other news, please sign up for my newsletter at the top of the right sidebar.

What are you reading?

Thanks for stopping by!

WOO HOO! NEW RELEASE GABE KINCAID IS ON HIS WAY!

Thanks to all those who helped launch GABE KINCAID on Sunday. What a great party we had. Cyberchampagne sand cyberchocolate served to all. Thanks for helping send Gabe on his way.

If you haven't yet purchased your copy, please accept my invitation to do so. Here are the links
Amazon    Barnes and Noble  and   Kobo. It's also supposed to be up at the iBookstore and iTunes. And please, please, please leave a review after you read the book. Reviews are so important to authors.

If you've never participated in a Facebook Launch Party, you're missing some fun and prizes. Other authors drop by, and we have a ball discussing various aspects of writing. You know authors--if we're not writing, we're thinking and talking about writing. ☺ We can't help ourselves.

Bestie Geri Foster and I planned this past launch together and called it Bad Boys and Cowboys. Okay, technically Gabe Kincaid is not a cowboy; he's a lawyer in the Old West. Technically, A. J. Roddio is not a bad boy, he's an agent for Falcon Securities who helps Falcon's main secretary, Zoe Ross, save the day. We write fiction, okay?

Now, I'm off to my critique meeting to discuss the book on which I'm currently at work, BACK TO MY TEXAS HOME, book 2 of the sweet contemporary Texas Home series. Book one is HOME SWEET TEXAS HOME.

Thanks for stopping by!

SNEAK PEEK AT OUT OF THE PAST BY GERI FOSTER

If you've paid attention, you know that Geri Foster and I are hosting a Facebook Launch Party called BAD BOYS AND COWBOYS this Sunday, April 27, from 5:00 until 10:00 with lots of prizes and surprise authors visiting. We are launching Geri's OUT OF THE PAST and my GABE KINCAID. What you may not know is that Geri has redesigned her book cover to add some pizazz.

This is a Falcon Security series novella featuring Zoe Ross, the Pollyanna-ish secretary to Frank Hamilton, CEO of Falcon. Zoe has turned her life around and gives back to those less fortunate. Each of the agents is fond of and protective of Zoe. She has said that working for Frank is like having a group of big brothers. What she feels for A. J. Roddio is not brotherly, but much deeper. They're still dancing around how much they care for one another when tragedy strikes.

One night after work, Zoe is kidnapped by a Croatian. Frank is due to testify against the Coratian's boss for crimes against humanity for the United Nations. The plan is to use Zoe as a weapon to prevent Frank testifying. A. J.'s determined to rescue Zoe before harm can come to her. And they're both determined that Frank will appear to speak up against the man who murdered innocent women and children.

To work through the steps necessary to capture all the dirty players, Zoe will have to make a difficult choice. A. J. will have to watch. Can they come through this ordeal with a strong love or will the experience destroy all that's between them?

As with other fast-paced Falcon novels, OUT OF THE PAST is a fast-paced romantic suspense that keeps readers guessing to the end. While Zoe is not an agent, she's a secretary who has agents supporting her, so expect to see the same action as the longer Falcon novels. Fans of Geri Foster's award winning, bestselling series are certain to love OUT OF THE PAST.

In the meantime, Geri is at work on the next Falcon book, OUT OF DEPTHS. Watch for it this summer!

OUT OF THE PAST is available at Amazon, Nook, Kobo and iTunes.

Thanks for stopping by!

BLUEBONNET TIME IN TEXAS - AND A FACEBOOK LAUNCH PARTY!

April is bluebonnet time here in North Central Texas. I love the cheerful flowers that signal spring is really here. Instead of lingering outdoors to admire the bluebonnets, I’m seated at my computer editing my proof of GABE KINCAID in preparation for the huge Facebook Launch Party, BAD BOYS AND COWBOYS, that Geri Foster and I plan from 5:00 to 9:00 pm CDT for April 27^th. 

We know Falcon agents are not really bad boys in the usual meaning of the word, but they are bad news for those who oppose them. Gabe is not really a cowboy, but lives among them. Besides, we needed a catchy phrase, so please work with us, all right? 

Yes, the 27th is later than our first plan, but we realized our first choice was on Easter weekend. We had chosen the 18th without looking closely at the calender. That day was my dad's birthday and the 19th was the birthday of Geri's dad. Emotion overcame caution. Now we've resolved the situation. 

Geri will be launching the latest of her Falcon Securities series, a novella titled OUT OF THE PAST. As mentioned previously, I’ll be launching the latest book in my Kincaid series, GABE KINCAID. Here’s the banner created by our friend DeLaine Roberts:

DeLaine is a fellow member in the Yellow Rose Chapter of Romance Writers of America. She’s a multi-talented woman who is kind enough to share her knowledge with friends. Lucky for us, right?

OUT OF THE PAST is the story of Zoe, the Pollyanish secretary to the head of Falcon Securities. Here’s the blurb for OUT OF THE PAST:

Zoe Ross turned her life around two years ago with the help of her dead father’s ex CIA partner, Frank Hamilton, CEO of Falcon Securities. After rehab and a life changing seminar, she now works for the man who saved her from the depths of hell.  Zoe is kidnapped by a band of Croatian’s hoping to hold her captive until her boss refuses to testify against their leader who’s on trial before the UN for crimes against humanity. She’s alone and defenseless but the man she loves, Falcon agent AJ Roddio, is determined to find her at all cost.

AJ has been a Falcon agent long enough to know he has to find Zoe quickly. His boss is furious that anyone would lay hands on Zoe and tells AJ to do whatever is necessary to save her life. AJ is emotionally shattered at the thought of anything happening to the woman he’s grown to love. Can he find her in time?

AJ and Zoe must outmaneuver a cunning murderer determined to destroy their boss and get away with the slaughter of innocent women and children. Zoe is forced to step back into her old ways while AJ must face her past and decide if all things can be forgiven.

GABE KINCAID is the fourth book in the Kincaid series. I’ve had a lot of emails asking for more Kincaids, and I hope this one pleases readers. I truly enjoyed writing it. Those Kincaid men are all intelligent hunks, and this heroine is feisty and beautiful. Here’s a blurb of GABE KINCAID:

Gabe Kincaid has reasons to hate lies and those who tell them. He moved from Austin to Kincaid Springs and joined his great uncle’s law firm. Gabe believes he’s happy and pushes aside those moments of loneliness, of wishing for more. He strongly believes in the law, in justice, and obeying rules. Doing what’s right is fulfilling, isn’t it? Then why is he so fascinated with a circus fortuneteller who spins tales faster than a cowboy whirls his lariat?

Katie Worthington poses as Dorothy Duncan in a small-time circus. If she isn’t behind the scenes mending costumes or in the circus kitchen, she’s disguised as the fortuneteller, Maharani Shimza, Mystic of the East. Even so, she worries about being killed by the men pursuing her. She fears a brawl at her fortune telling tent that sends her into the Kincaid’s protective custody will end with her exposure and death. Then, a murder at the circus implicates her. How can she escape when that attorney pops up every time she turns around?   

Will Gabe and Katie let the sparks between them ignite into a passionate romance or will her secrets destroy their chance at a happily ever after?

Although we write different types of novels, Geri and I hope you will enjoy each of them. Please plan to join us from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm Central Daylight Time at our Facebook Launch Party on April 27.  You’ll find us on your Facebook page in the left column under events. Scroll down until you see my photo and our BAD BOYS AND COWBOYS listing. Then join the event and remember to come back on the 27th.

We have prizes and surprise guests planned. If we have 500 people show up, we’ll award a Kindle Fire. Either way, there’ll be plenty of fun and lots of prizes.

Thanks for stopping by!

  

FINDING INSPIRATION

In only 18 days, I'll be releasing GABE KINCAID, Kincaids Book 4, at a Facebook Launch Party with author Geri Foster. We'll have prizes and fun from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm CST on April 27th. You're invited, of course! You can sign up on the Facebook Events page for Bad Boys and Cowboys at http://on.fb.me/1iusLLc  Here's the perfect cover Kim Killion designed:

In the meantime, I want to remind you of my book THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP, Kinciads Book 3. 

Readers often ask where authors receive their inspiration.  Author Bobbye Terry says she buys hers at a small factory in Ohio. ☺ Actually, it arises much closer to home—unless, of course, the author actually lives in a small town in Ohio.

I find inspiration all around me. An article in a magazine might spark an idea. A newspaper story might make me think how the tale would have been better if changes were made. Friends telling family stories might spark a “what if” moment.

One of the things that inspired the heroine of my latest release is a magazine story of Gruene, which is pronounced by its residents as if it were spelled Green. That area of the Texas Hill Country has numerous communities settled by German immigrants. Many families still speak German at home. It’s a lovely part of Texas that my family enjoys visiting over and over. 

When thinking of a heroine for Storm Kincaid, I wanted one unlike any I had written about in previous books. That’s a problem for authors who have multiple books already released. Each hero and heroine must be strong and independent, but at the same time be different from any other couple. Everything must be new and fresh, yet fit within the genre or genres and in the voice and story style the author’s readers expect. You’re correct—that is hard! In fact, for me that’s one of the hardest parts of writing.  

THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP is book three in my Kincaid series. In the first two in the series, THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE and THE MOST UNSUITABLE HUSBAND, Pearl and Sarah were the heroines. Book three centers around their half-brother, Storm, and his quest for justice.  Here is the blurb:

Storm Kincaid wants justice; Rena Dmitriev wants vengeance.

When Storm’s best friend and the friend’s wife are murdered, Storm secures a temporary appointment as Federal Marshal so he can capture the killers. He follows them to twenty one year old Rena’s home, which is in flames when he arrives. She has survived by following her elderly husband’s strict instructions and watched in hiding while the men murdered him.  Storm intends to take her to the nearest town where she will be safe. She can identify the men who killed the person who had been her husband in name only and like a grandfather to her, and she vows to kill at least one of them. Whether or not Storm allows her to accompany him, she assures him she will go after the murderers.  She is the only person alive who can identify the evil foursome whose policy has been to leave no witnesses. Storm agrees to take her with him. She’ll be safer with him to protect her than she would riding alone.

As a powerful and passionate love blossoms, they unite to rescue three orphaned children, fight the elements, and encounter the killers. Will their love be enough to protect them?

THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP Excerpt:

She emerged from the brush straightening her trousers and shoving her pistol back into her waistband. “Where do you think those men are going?”

“Indian Territory. They’ll steal all they can before they reach the Red River and leave no survivors to identify them. They’re selling off the stolen stock along the way, so that will slow them some.” He wondered if she knew how to use the gun.

“But I saw their faces.”

He sent her what he hoped was a frightening stare. “If they knew that, you’d be dead for sure.”

She shivered, but glared at him. “Do not think to frighten me. I will do everything I can to kill these men and reclaim my gold and my mother’s locket. It is not that I care about the jewellery that once belonged to Abram’s wife. But to him, it meant a great deal, and I want it because he gave it to me.”

Storm wanted to shake her. Not that he hadn’t lived all his life with stubborn women. At least his oldest sister Pearl made sense. He’d worried about shy Sarah, especially when she’d appeared head over heels with a con man. Now that Sarah and Nate were married, she had life figured out. Nate had surprised everyone, even himself. Storm suppressed a smile and worked up his anger again at his traveling companion.

“We can be in Llano by nightfall. We’ll get a couple of rooms there and you can rest.”

She shot him a suspicious glare. “You think to abandon me in that town. If we stay somewhere, we will be in the same room so I can watch you.”

Shocked, Storm wondered what he could do with this woman. “We wouldn’t be allowed to stay in a decent hotel. You want to sleep over a saloon? Besides that, folks will be shocked when they see you in those trousers. You want people to think you’re a fallen woman?”

With her chin raised, she placed her hands on her hips. “I am a good woman. You can tell them we are married and I wear britches to ride more easily.” She held up her hand and wiggled her fingers. “I have a wedding band, see?”

He raised his hands and backed up a step. “Oh, no. I’m not even pretending to be married. If I were ready to marry, which I’m not, I’d pick a woman who knew when to let a man do his job.”

“Ha, and when I recover my dowry, I will marry a man who knows a woman can do as much as a man.”

He swept a formal bow. “And when you marry, will you be wearing the lovely gown you now wear?”

She appeared angry enough to use that Colt on him. “You are wrong to…to talk so. I do not have the English words to tell you what I think, but do not try to leave me behind. If you do, I will go after the men alone.”

Disgusted, Storm stomped over and retrieved the horses. “Then let’s go.”

They rode into Llano in late afternoon. Since they arrived mid week, the town appeared peaceful and quiet. Storm spotted a hotel by the livery he remembered.

“If you’re determined to stick to me like glue, let’s stable the horses.”

At the stable, she staggered when she dismounted and he thought she might fall. He grabbed her arms. “Steady. You’re not used to riding so long.”

“Ja, my legs do not work so well. Do not worry, I will be fine in a minute.”

She remained quiet while he dealt with the hostler and insured his rifle and saddle would be safe. He threw his saddlebags over his shoulder and retrieved the two pillowcases and box he’d tied to the saddle pommel. They ambled the block toward the hotel.

 He indicated a mercantile. “Just what we need. After we get our room, let’s head for that store before it closes. You probably need to replace a few things that burned.” When she glared at him. “I’ll give you the money, all right? I don’t want folks thinking my wife runs around in men’s clothes. If anyone gets nosy, tell them you lost your bag crossing a river.”

She sniffed and sashayed as if she wore a ball gown instead of ill-fitting men’s trousers. “I will keep track and repay you when I kill those men.”

THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP buy links are:

Amazon for print and e-book:

http://www.amazon.com/Most-Unsuitable-Courtship-Kincaids-ebook/dp/B00G5YXI6I/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1384191747&sr=1-4&keywords=caroline+clemmons

Barnes and Noble Nook

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-most-unsuitable-courtship-caroline-clemmons/1117264325?ean=2940045350990

 Thanks for stopping by!

LIFE'S FUN INSTRUCTIONS

Before I start my post for today, have you signed up for my newsletter? If not, please click on the square at the right and sign up to be alerted to contests, giveaways, new releases, and news. Now back to my regularly scheduled blog:

 In researching GABE KINCAID (releasing April 18) as well as previous books, I come across regional sayings I love and collect. Those of you who read this blog regularly know that I write western contemporary and historical romances set in Texas.  Here are several of my favorites:

“Sick? Why there’re people in the cemetery feel better than I do.” (Unfortunately, the man who used to say this has passed away and is now in the cemetery.)

“Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.” 

Photo by Nelda Liles, Frisco, Texas

 “Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.” Darling Daughter 1 found this out firsthand when a skunk got inside her feed/tack shed back when we had horses. Phew! She learned you do NOT poke a skunk with a pole to get it to leave a shed.

“Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.”

“A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.” Hero learned hornets are faster than a Ford tractor when he mowed over a hive. I wasn’t around but Darling Daughter 1 drove him to the ER for a treatment. They gave him a shot and wanted to admit him to the hospital, but he refused. Men!  At least he came home and went to bed for a few hours.

 “Words that soak into your ears are whispered…....not yelled.” Perhaps this why when I’m especially angry—seldom happens—I almost whisper.

 “Meanness don't just happen overnight.”

“Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.”

“Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.”

“It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.”

“You cannot unsay a cruel word.”  Especially important to remember!

“Every path has a few puddles.”

“When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.”  

“The best sermons are lived, not preached.” This is so true. Children pattern themselves after us, not simply what we say. Adults around us also see whether we practice what we preach. I hope I do.

“Most of the stuff people worry about, ain't never gonna happen anyway.” Since she’s passed away and can’t come over and scold me, I’ll tell a family story. My mom was a champion worrier, and I mean world class. Once when there were heavy rains in Houston, she called my brother to see if he’d gotten home safely from work but he didn’t answer his home phone.This was before everyone had a cell phone. She called again a couple of hours later and he still didn’t answer. She decided he’d driven off into flood water and drowned. She called every fifteen minutes until 3 am and then stopped for a few hours and tried again before she called me. I told her if there was a problem, he would have called us. Sure enough, that afternoon he called because he’d just returned home from a trip. I’d like to say that cured her of worrying needlessly, but it didn’t.

 “Don 't judge folks by their relatives.” Oh, this is one we know is true, don’t we?

“Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.”

“Live a good and honorable life, then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.”

“Don 't interfere with somethin' that ain't bothering you none.”

“Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.”

"If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.”

“Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.”

 “Always drink upstream from the herd.”

“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.”

“Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.”

"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.”

“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”

And my favorite:

“The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with watches you from the mirror every mornin'.”

Thanks for stopping by!