Thursday 7 May 2015

Blog Stop & Excerpt: Midnight Ride by Cat Johnson


Midnight Ride

Midnight Cowboys #1
By: Cat Johnson
Releasing April 28th, 2015
Zebra


Midnight Ride

Midnight Cowboys Romance




One bucking bronco…
Oklahoma ranch hand Tyler Jenkins is too young, too sexy, and too damn wild to be tied down by any single woman—for more than a few steamy hours…

One hard-working widow…
Widowed rancher Janie Smithwick is too busy paying off her debts to play rodeo with a reckless young cowboy like Tyler—no matter how hot he gets her…

One midnight ride they’ll never forget…
As a rule, Janie should be dating a man her own age, like her handsome neighbor Rohn—not the twenty-four-year old ranch hand he employs. But once Tyler gets Janie alone—held tight in his arms, pressed against his hard muscled body, burning with desire—the widow realizes that some rules, like broncos, are meant to be broken…


A dark shape, its bulk blocking the window of the back door, caught her eye. Startled, she jumped, but managed to hold in the scream that threatened to sneak out past the hand she’d pressed to her mouth.

Logic replaced fright soon enough and she recognized the cowboy hat and the cowboy beneath it. Living alone had made her jumpy. She wasn’t used to company. She moved toward the door and swung it wide.

I’m so sorry I scared you again. I seem to keep doing that. I didn’t mean to.” He bowed his head in a move that would have looked contrite on anyone else. On Tyler, with a cocky smile lighting his face, it only made him look amused.

It’s okay. I was expecting you. I just got startled, is all.” Janie figured it was simply a symptom of living alone after having people around the place for so many years.

This here’s Colton.” Tyler stepped to the side and hooked a thumb in the direction of the blond

cowboy behind him. Not only had Tyler arrived as promised, but he wasn’t alone. Good thing she had made that extra coffee.

Howdy, ma’am.” The man introduced as Colton tipped his hat to her in greeting. “We spoke on the phone yesterday.”

Yes, we did.” She had to wonder when ranch hands in Oklahoma had gotten so young and so handsome.

They certainly hadn’t seemed so when she’d had a crew working here. Then again, her husband had done all the hiring. Tom had always chosen older, plainer, married men to work for them. It seemed Rohn leaned toward hiring a crew way younger than she was used to having around her own place.

Janie realized she was being rude, leaving them standing in the doorway, and took a step back. “Come on in, both of you. And thank you for calling and letting me know about the fence. I appreciate it.”

Not a problem.” Colton dipped his head. “I didn’t think it would be good to chance having your cows break out and somehow get in with our bulls.”

She laughed. “I don’t know about that. Considering the bulls on your property, I might have me some prize-winning bucking stock in a few years if that were to happen.”

If you’re thinking about breeding your heifers, I could talk to Rohn for you—”

No. That’s okay.” Janie interrupted Tyler’s offer. “I know full well that Rohn’s bulls are potential champion buckers. My stock consists of a few heifers and some cows I was too sentimental to sell with the rest of the stock last year. It would be silly to even think about breeding them with your bulls.”

Tyler shrugged. “Well, if you change your mind, just let me know.”

I will. And thank you.” A beep from the counter behind Janie signaled the pot was done brewing. The fence would wait long enough for them to drink the coffee while it was fresh and hot. “Coffee’s ready. Can I pour you two a cup before we head outside?”

Yes, ma’am. That would be great.” Colton nodded. “Black, lots of sugar if you’ve got it.”

Yeah, I’ve got it.” She smiled as she poured. That was how her husband used to take his. She handed Colton the mug. “Sugar is in that big canister right there on the counter. Spoons are in the drawer just below.”

She’d long ago given up on trying to keep one of those cute little sugar bowls full with Tom and the other guys dipping into it all day. Even though it had been nearly a year since she’d been drinking her coffee alone in the morning—and she only took one teaspoon of sugar in hers—she’d never put the oversized sugar container away. It was too familiar, too much a part of the kitchen, so it remained where it had always been.

Tyler took the mug Janie handed him. “I take cream and sugar in mine . . . if you’ve got any. I’m afraid I’m not as hard-core as Colton here.”

Always the charmer, he treated her to the same self-deprecating smile she’d seen the night before during their odd encounter. Janie smiled.

Don’t worry, so do I. There’s a quart of half-and-half in the fridge. Top shelf.” Coffee without cream and sugar was torture, as far as she was concerned. It didn’t matter how good the beans were or how fancy the machine brewing them.

Thank you, much. I’ll grab it for us both, then.” He nodded, sending the cowboy hat into a dip as he turned to open the refrigerator. Tyler turned back to her with the container in hand. “Then when we’ve all had our coffee, you can come outside and see if Colton and I did a good enough job on the fence for you.”

Janie drew her brows low. “You fixed it already?”

Yes, ma’am.” Colton leaned back against the counter with his mug in his hand.

I was going to help—”

Tyler’s burst of air cut her short. “No gentleman worth anything is gonna let a lady help him do something like dig out a fence post. We handled it just fine on our own.”

Yup,” Colton agreed. “Wasn’t a problem at all.”

Their kindness threatened to bring tears to Janie’s eyes. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

This here fine coffee is thanks enough.” Tyler smiled. “Don’t tell Rohn I said so, but he makes the worst coffee I’ve ever tasted.”

Colton let out a laugh. “Ain’t that the truth. Tastes like he scooped it out of a tire rut after a rainstorm.”

Janie couldn’t control her smile. “Maybe I should come over and give him a lesson.”

The corners of Tyler’s mouth lifted. “I think that’s a very good idea. I can’t think of a better way to start a morning than greeting the day with a beautiful woman and some good coffee.”

His stare was so intense upon her that she felt her cheeks heat. She couldn’t exactly say thank you since he hadn’t said she was that beautiful woman he’d been referring to, but the implication had been there. Judging by the look in his eyes as they focused solely on her, his meaning was clear.

Then I’ll see what I can do . . . about Rohn’s coffee, that is. It’s the least I can do to pay you back for your work on the fence.” Desperate to get out from under his gaze, she threw out that response and then turned toward the counter to add sugar to her own mug.

I’ll look forward to it.” There was amusement in Tyler’s voice as it came from much closer to her than she expected.

He leaned past her to set the container of half-and- half on the counter next to her. The move put him close enough that the combined scents of manly deodorant and good clean sweat hit her. That, along with the warmth radiating off his body as he brushed against her before moving back, had her hyperaware of Tyler. He was a man and she was a woman. Her body knew it and didn’t care he was younger and she was a fool to even think of him that way.

Janie took her time adding cream to her mug. When she finally had no more excuse to hide in the corner, she turned. She was in time to see Colton shoot an amused look at his friend before his mug covered the smirk on his lips.

Tyler was a flirt. Colton knew it. Jed from the lumberyard had known it. Deep down, Janie realized it, too, which made it even more ridiculous that she was letting him get to her. He was a young, cocky ranch hand enjoying life. Enjoying it a bit too much, as far as she could see.

She needed to get herself back on level ground. She was a mature woman who also happened to be the sole owner of a large tract of land, some damn good horses, and a few head of cattle. Things weren’t ideal, but she was hanging on. Those accomplishments were nothing to sneeze at in this economy, especially after last year’s drought, which had been bad enough to put some farms in dire straits.

Searching for a safe topic of discussion, she asked, “So how’s Rohn doing? I don’t get to see him much.”

He’s real good,” Tyler answered before taking a sip from his mug.

Colton frowned. “You think so? It seems to me he’s lonely. When we’re busy working he seems okay, but when things slow down at the end of the day, he looks kinda sad. I think he’s still not over losing his wife.”

Janie nodded. “That I can understand better than most.”

I guess you can.” Colton’s eyes settled on her. “I’d meant to say it before, ma’am. I’m real sorry about Mr. Smithwick’s passing. I’d met him a few times. He was a good man.”

Thank you. He was.” She’d reached the point where she could smile at the good memories and accept the kindness of those who’d known her husband without tearing up. Maybe things were improving after all.

If you need any help, like with the fence, just give Rohn a call and Tyler and I will be right over.

Our other hand, Justin, too. As soon as he’s back to work.”

Thanks.” When Janie glanced at Tyler, she noticed his odd expression as he watched the conversation between her and Colton, maybe because she hadn’t included him in her gratitude. She could rectify that easily enough. “Thank you both. I appreciate the help more than I can say.”

She directed that last to Tyler. For once, there was no amusement in his expression when he focused his piercing blue gaze on her. “It was my pleasure.”

Uncomfortable beneath his scrutiny, she raised her mug. “I guess you’d better finish up so you two can go back to work before Rohn gets mad.”

He’ll get over it.” Tyler’s gaze remained on her.

Still, I didn’t mean to steal his two best hands for the entire morning.”

No stealing involved. I came very willingly. Believe me.”

Her cheeks heated at the implication in Tyler’s words. Watching her face, he smiled, a smile that reached all the way to his eyes.

Janie had a feeling she’d be seeing that smile and those eyes again real soon. Most likely the moment her head hit the pillow and she closed her weary lids, and she feared there wasn’t a damn thing she there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it.


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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Cat Johnson writes contemporary romance in genres including military and western. Known for her unique marketing and research techniques, she has sponsored pro bull riders, owns a collection of camouflage and western footwear for book signings, and a fair number of her consultants wear combat or cowboy boots for a living. For more visit CatJohnson.net
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


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Meet Naomi & Vasily in the newest addition to the Hitman Series



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Naomi: When I was kidnapped I thought only of survival. I don’t thrive well in chaos. That’s why I gave my captors exactly what they wanted: my skill with computers. Making millions for a crime lord who kept me imprisoned in his basement compound kept my family safe. When he was taken out, I thought my ticket to freedom had arrived. Wrong. I traded one keeper for another. This time I’m in the hands of a scarred, dark, demanding Russian who happens to be the head of the Bratva, a Russian crime organization. He wants my brain and my body. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued, but I can’t be a prisoner forever...no matter how good he makes me feel.

Vasily: At a young age, I was taught that a man without power is a puppet for all. I’ve clawed—and killed—my way to the top so that it is my heel on their necks. But to unify the fractured organization into an undefeatable machine, I need a technological genius to help me steal one particular artifact. That she is breathtaking, determined, and vulnerable is making her more dangerous than all of my enemies combined. But only I can keep her safe from the world that she now inhabits. Soon, I must choose between Naomi and Bratva law. But with every day that passes, this becomes a more impossible choice.



I told you I don’t like to be touched. Do you have a hearing deficit?” She frowns. “Because at first I was concerned that perhaps it is your English, but you seem to speak it quite well. Maybe it is your hearing then? You are young to have hearing problems. Is it hereditary? The most common birth defect is diminished hearing. Genetics are responsible for at least sixty percent of hearing deficits in infants so it’s most likely your hearing loss is due to your parents. Were one or more of your parents hearing challenged?”
I look at her blankly.
Deaf. That’s what I mean by hearing challenged. Challenged is the word you’re supposed to use instead of other things. Like instead of mute, voice challenged. Or instead of handicapped, it’s physically challenged. I learned that in college. I’m socially challenged, but maybe it doesn’t translate into Russian. You’re Russian, right?”
Yes. What does it matter?”
 “It doesn’t. There was a Russian student in my art history course. Your accent was similar. I remember him telling me he was from a certain region—southern maybe? I didn’t much like the course. My advisor forced me to take it, saying that I needed some liberal arts to make my education well rounded, but learning about painting and politics did not assist me in creating better code. I like to write code. Code makes sense. Art does not.”



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Jen Frederick lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She's been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own. Jen loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at jensfrederick@gmail.com.


Author Jessica Claire
This is a pen name for Jill Myles.
Jill Myles has been an incurable romantic since childhood. She reads all the 'naughty parts' of books first, looks for a dirty joke in just about everything, and thinks to this day that the Little House on the Prairie books should have been steamier.
After devouring hundreds of paperback romances, mythology books, and archaeological tomes, she decided to write a few books of her own - stories with a wild adventure, sharp banter, and lots of super-sexy situations. She prefers her heroes alpha and half-dressed, her heroines witty, and she loves nothing more than watching them overcome adversity to fall into bed together.



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Book Spotlight: Two of Hearts by Christina Lee



Meet Dakota & Shane in this standalone second romance!



A gripping standalone adult contemporary romance about finding yourself while taking a second chance at your first love...

Dakota Nakos was always the resilient, strong-willed achiever. But when her father dies and she's entrusted with the family's casino, she feels vulnerable, scared, and more than a little emotional --not exactly the best time to see an old lover she's never really gotten over.

Dakota once meant the world to Shane Garrity. Then suddenly he left town to train as a U.S. Marshal, and their love for each other crashed into a memory. Now he's come home for her father's funeral, and one look at the girl he left behind stirs up both memories and regrets, and reignites a fire he feared he'd lost forever.

Dakota may be the same driven girl she always was, but she's also changed in ways neither could have anticipated. She's not just a young woman searching for own identity in the Native American community in which she was raised, but one questioning her new life outside her father's shadow. Above all she wonders if Shane can push past her weakened defenses to rekindle what they once had, or whether the intense blaze between them will ultimately reduce her heart to ashes.



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She closed her eyes on a sharp breath, looking soft and vulnerable.
Because I couldn’t help myself, my fingers left her chair and glided up her arms to her neck. Her breaths released from her lips in short pants and I considered touching my mouth to hers.
Would she let me? Would she want me to?
Yes,” she whispered, the heat of her breaths warming the tiny sliver of air still lingering between us. “But that’s in the past. We had our chance and I . . . I got over you. So let’s leave it there.”
My stomach completely flipped over. “You got over me?”
I studied her lips edge to edge, and they trembled in response. She was so not over me.
I didn’t know what the hell was driving me. I just knew I didn’t like hearing those words. Not one damn bit.
You got over me?” I growled as my fingers gripped the nape of her neck.
My lips brushed the line of her jaw and she shivered.
Shane, don’t. Please,” she mumbled, her hands at my chest. “You’ll just leave again and I can’t . . . I can’t . . .”
She sounded so helpless and sad. For the first time she was allowing me to see exactly what she might have been feeling, might’ve gone through five years ago. She sounded wrecked—as wrecked as I had been.
My lips trailed to her ear. “Angel.”


Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son--her two favorite guys.
She's addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything. She believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.





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