Today is Memorial Day in the US. We celebrate those who served our country and remember those who gave their lives serving. I am a huge supporter of the armed forces with Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard veterans and active duty in mine and DH’s family.

For all of the brave men and women who have served in our military, thank you. My flag flies outside my house every day because of you.

I’m so glad to see Friday arrive with sunshine and blue skies. It will be a fabulous weekend even if the weather beats on us (thunderstorms), because it’s the WEEKEND!

This is a working weekend, but I’ve got three days off, so yeehaw!

Have a wonderful, faboo weekend!

It promises to be near 90 today with blue skies and I am so glad to see the sun. Yesterday was just as beautiful, much needed after a solid week of gray clouds and rain (some torrential rain too).

It’s Thursday, which means it’s only a week until I leave for Lori Foster’s event. AND two weeks until my baby boy graduates from high school It was a long, hard road to get him there and I’m very proud of him. :)

It also means a holiday weekend for those of us in the US, so I’ve got three days off! Saturday is a shopping day with mom and big sister, then a birthday celebration for my daddy Saturday night.

Sunday and Monday will be landscaping duty (hard, sweaty, dirty work) and refurbishing two deck chairs. My DH and soon-to-be-graduating son will be building a deck. The rain, however, will be making that difficult. I hope it’s better than predicted or our graduation celebration might take place on a half-finished deck. LOL.

Oh, and writing too. I must forge on with Gideon’s story!

In other news… Devils on Horseback: Lee hit the top 10 list on MBAM as of today! Woot! Thank you to everyone who purchased the book.

Back to work!

Only a few more days for Brenda Novak’s Online Auction to Benefit Diabetes Research. Have you bid on anything yet? Some super good stuff there – and a great cause.

Brenda also dedicated the auction to Kate Duffy’s memory. I miss her. :(

Anyhoo, jump on over and take a look. Bid, bid, bid!!

Okay, Lee is now officially ready for purchase.

http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/devils-horseback-p-5713.html

You’ll find me bopping around the web today as I celebrate the e-book release of Devils on Horseback: Lee.

I’m waiting (im)patiently for the book to be available on MBAM and other e-book sites. When it does I’m going to post it all over the place. Tee hee.

To get y’all started, here’s another excerpt from my one-armed devil’s story…

***

“I thought y’all might be thirsty.” Genny’s hand started to cramp from carrying the bucket. It was heavy but if she were honest with herself, she had been gripping it too tightly. Another sign that Lee put her off balance.

As she walked toward them she avoided looking into the stalls—the smell told the story quite clearly. Lee and Sophie were down toward Ned’s current stall, a wheelbarrow behind them mounded with horse shit and hay, some of which looked like it had white and green fur growing on it. Genny bit back the urge to make a face at what she’d allowed to happen to her barn.

Lee was looking down at the pitchfork, turning it back and forth in his hand while Sophie peered up at him with her brow furrowed. Neither one of them acknowledged her.

“Hello? Water?”

This time he must’ve actually heard her because his head snapped up and his gaze slammed into hers like a bullet. His brown eyes were full of pain and pride—a dangerous combination, one Genny knew too well.

“Thirsty?” she asked with forced cheer. Without waiting for a response, she brought the bucket over to him and set it on the floor. Glancing at his threadbare pants and noting they would be the first to get burned, she filled the dipper and held it up to him.

“I’m much obliged, Miz Blanchard.” The sweet southern drawl fell so easily from his tongue, she wasn’t sure it was as sweet as it sounded.

He brought the dipper to his mouth and Genny froze in place, mesmerized by the play of muscles, skin and lips as Lee drank the cool well water. As he tilted the dipper, drops ran out the sides of his mouth, then slowly dripped onto his chest.

She wanted to lick them off.

Damp blond curls peeped out from the opening in his shirt. The smell of the barn faded away as the scent of a man washed over her. She wasn’t one to lose her head over a working man, or any man for that matter, but there was something about Lee that plucked her strings.

“Much obliged.”

Genny realized he was holding the dipper out to her and she was standing there like an idiot. “Th-hanks. I mean, you’re welcome.” She threw the dipper back into the bucket at her feet, splashing water on both of them.

Jesus Lord, have mercy! Did she have even an ounce of grace around this man? When she peered up at his face, Genny swore his mouth twitched in a smile or maybe even a laugh.

“I’m sorry, Lee, I didn’t—”

“What happened to calling me Mr. Blackwood?” This time there was no humor in his voice. It was low and sexy, a bedroom voice that raised an army of goose bumps up and down her skin.

Without thought, likely a good thing, Genny swayed toward him, pulled by whatever attraction drew them together. It was an elemental connection, something that felt as old as a river and as impossible to control. His nostrils flared as if he’d scented her as well. She felt like a bitch in heat.

Her breath came out in short bursts; she couldn’t suck in enough air to fill her lungs. When she came within six inches of him, she could see just how beautiful his eyes were. A dark brown, they also had gold flecks embedded in them. Lee was like a secret mine in a mountain, rich with treasure but difficult to reach without tools and a hell of a lot of work.

Genny didn’t seem to care about any impediments or even the fact she was about to kiss a man who was also her employee. Her eyes drifted closed as the heat from Lee’s body permeated hers, raising her temperature too.

“Mama, I’m building a harness for Mr. Blackie.” Sophie’s voice was more shocking than if someone had thrown the bucket of water on Genny.

Judging by the startled way Lee stepped back a foot away from her, it was just as shocking to him. What the hell had she been thinking?

“Blackwood, honey.” Genny didn’t like the way she sounded raspier than usual, but there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it without the aid of that cold water.

“So I told him he needed a harness like Ned.” Sophie held up some old traces from Ned’s former companion horse, Eloise. “Can’t we make these into somethin’?”

Genny turned to Lee and tried to gauge his reaction to the suggestion. He shifted his weight and stared back at her with an intensity that saluted the goose-bump army.

“We can try if that’s what Lee, I mean, Mr. Blackwood wants.”

“What I want doesn’t mean spit.” He nodded toward Sophie. “The girl had a good idea so just do it.”

Genny had no idea how to take tack from an old horse and transform it into something a man with one arm could use, but she was willing to try. Heck, she could sew anything, why not use that skill to make something that might help Lee. Perhaps she could even use material from Henry’s old coat or maybe his canvas trousers. The possibilities for a woman with a sharp needle were endless, particularly if it was going to make his work easier.

She didn’t think about the fact she’d have to be physically close to him to make the harness, or rather she kicked it to the back of her mind. A seamstress was a professional and didn’t get distracted by the body in front of her.

Genny had all she could do not to snort. Distraction was the least of her worries—attraction was the biggest. Lee could have her in his bed in five minutes if he asked her. She wouldn’t offer herself up to him, but if he did the asking, she knew for certain there would be no contemplation. There would only be action and reaction. Genny swallowed hard and willed her heart to stop beating as if she was in Lee’s bed already.

Good God, had she no shame? Was she that much like her mother? Hopefully the answer to that was no. The last thing she wanted was to be a woman who gave up everything, including her life, for a man.

Genny took the traces from Sophie, surprised the small girl had carried the heavy leather and metal. “I will probably need to take some measurements from you although I’m pretty certain I already know how big you are.”

This time, his mouth not only twitched, it formed a full-blown grin. Like a little boy who’d heard a naughty joke, or a man who’d just discovered a woman found him handsome as sin. In this case, possibly both.

Her own lips wanted to smile back at him, but she wouldn’t allow herself that luxury. Lee was an employee, he worked for her, therefore she shouldn’t even contemplate kissing him much less measuring the length of his dick.

That didn’t stop her from wondering about it though.

She gestured toward the bucket. “I’ll leave the water for you and, uh, get started on the harness. When you come in for supper, I’ll take some measurements.”

Genny backed away, the weight of the leather dragging her hands down. Lee watched her, reminding her of a great cat observing his prey trying to hide. That thought made her stop in her tracks.

She was not anyone’s prey and she had to stop thinking of Lee as a predator. When she looked at him, really looked at him, she could see the frustration and pain on his face from the menial task made a million times harder because of his lack of two hands. Genny’s imagination had conjured up bad intentions, something bound to make her run. When would she learn to trust her eyes instead of her memories?

“You okay, Miz Blanchard?” Lee frowned. “You’re not going to have a fit of vapors or anything, are you?”

His question knocked the strangeness from the situation and prompted a snort to pop out of Genny. “Not hardly. Just feeling the heat, I guess.” With a smile and a lighter heart, she turned to go. “I’ll give y’all a shout when it’s close to supper.”

As she walked toward the barn door, she began chastising herself for being such a complete idiot. Lee’s voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Miz Blanchard?”

She spoke without looking back. “Yes?”

“I, uh, thanks for, uh, working on the harness.” His voice sounded strained as if expressing gratitude was something he didn’t do often. It didn’t surprise her; he didn’t seem the type to say thank you easily. It meant, however, that he really was grateful.

“You’re welcome, Mr. Blackwood. I am happy to do it.” And she was, truly she was. Lee’s help in getting the crop in was all that stood between her and starvation.

A little voice deep inside her reminded her that she was doing it for selfish reasons, using him for her own means. The stark truth, of course. She’d do anything she could to save the farm and her daughter. Her attraction to the man was of no consequence and would go no farther than her mind’s meanderings.

It was a promise, or rather a vow, she made to herself as she went back to the house to make a harness for her employee.

***

Yeehaw!!

Today’s eye candy for your viewing pleasure.

(P.S. One more day until Lee’s book releases. Woo!!)

As promised, below is an excerpt for y’all. Lee’s book releases in e-book on May 25 from Samhain Publishing – two more days! Yeehaw!!

***

Lee slammed the post digger into the ground with as much force as he could muster. It wasn’t as much as he could have three years ago, but more than he could have two weeks ago without the harness. The nail was firmly hanging onto the wooden handle as he repeated the process. The corral needed a lot of work, and replacing the missing posts was only the first step.

Sophie sat on the ground near the gate, watching him work, fetching things from the barn as he needed them. He tried not to think about Genny inside with Richard, what they were talking about, or what they were doing.

Sweat rolled down the side of his face and down his back as the sun rose in the sky. Thumping the shit out of the dirt should make him feel better, but it didn’t. What he really wanted to do was run back in the house and throw Richard out on his ass. The banker didn’t deserve it, of course. He was actually a good friend to the Blackwoods and a good choice for a widow like Genny.

That didn’t stop Lee from wanting to beat on his chest and howl.

He set the post digger aside and wiped his brow on his sleeve. The replacement fence post sat on the ground a few feet away. It had been in the back of the barn, a bit musty but useable. Once upon a time old Henry must’ve thought he’d fix the corral. Good thing too, because he suspected Genny didn’t have money to buy any lumber and certainly not the strength to make what she needed from the woods beyond the edge of the property.

Richard had enough to buy her an entire new corral and pay someone to build it. Lee dug the nail hook on his harness into the wood and pulled up, allowing him to pick up the post and carry it back to the hole.

“Don’t offer to help or nothing, brat.”

She stuck out her tongue at him. “I can’t lift that thing.”

Lee slid the post into place, guiding it with his legs as splinters dug into his knees. When it was set in the hole, he looked over at Sophie. “Now get your little fanny over here and fill in the dirt.”

With a sigh, she scampered over and squatted beside him. She was obviously used to sitting in and likely playing in the dirt.
“Mama likes you.”

Lee snorted. “Is that why she’s in the house courting with the rich banker?”

“She didn’t invite him. Besides I told her to marry you.”

“You did what?” He could hardly believe his ears.

“Told her to marry you.” She let the dirt slide through her hands. “You make her smile.”

The child’s explanation was so simple yet it said so much.

“What did she say?” His heart thumped loudly and it wasn’t from hard work.

“I dunno. That man got here and I left.” Sophie looked up at him, her expression so much like Genny’s, he realized then he was hopelessly lost, completely, utterly in love with Genny and her daughter. “I think you’re a much better Daddy than Pa ever was.”

Lee stared at the girl, more shocked than he could imagine. “Daddy?”

“Well, yeah, you teached me stuff like the alphabet and ’rithmatic, and made me do chores.” Sophie sounded so matter-of-fact Lee choked on his spit.

“Your pa never did that?” Lee wouldn’t be surprised, considering how much Henry hadn’t done around the farm.

“No, he was hardly around. Sometimes he hit me and Mama. I didn’t like him much even if he was my pa.”

Lee tightened his hand on the fence post until his knuckles popped. Men who used their fists on women and children were lower than the bugs under rocks. Then he marveled at how amazing Genny was to be strong enough to survive a husband who beat her, ran around with whores and left her to starve on a farm. He wished Henry was still alive so he could beat the shit out of him.

God, to have a family, to have a woman to love, a brat under his feet. It was so much to wish for, to hope for. More than a one-armed fool deserved.

Lee focused on Sophie’s hands instead of Genny, and what she might be doing in the house with Richard. It wasn’t his business what they were doing, dammit. Just because he’d spent time in bed with Genny didn’t mean shit. Genny needed a husband, one who could support her, not one who wore a handmade harness to do work around the farm. It didn’t matter one whit that she’d been a child of two parents who hadn’t been married or that she’d grown up in such a hellhole. She was a good woman who deserved better than what life had already given her. That didn’t mean Lee or what he couldn’t give her.

Lee was a temporary farmhand, fixing things up and bringing in the crop, that’s all. He couldn’t expect her to settle for him when she could have the most eligible bachelor in town next to Gideon. Richard was a good man and he’d treat Genny right.

“Need any help?”

He’d been focusing so hard on Sophie, he let out a shout when Genny spoke from behind him. Sophie giggled, the little sucker.

“No, I don’t. Go back and entertain Richard.” He looked down at Sophie who looked back up at him.

“Thorns are sharp today, Mama.”

He had no idea what the brat was talking about, but she’d filled in the hole pretty well. “Now scoot back so I can stamp the dirt down.”

Sophie got to her feet and waited by his side. He could feel Genny behind him, her stare glued to his back as he pulled the nail free with his right hand. He stamped the dirt as hard as he could, trying desperately to get rid of the anger bubbling inside him. It was as if he had absolutely no control over his temper. If she stayed, he might just let loose on her again.

“Fetch me that mallet with the fat top from the barn.” Lee probably should have been surprised Sophie was doing what he told her to, but he was too distracted by Genny.

After the girl went into the barn, Genny touched his shoulder. He flinched.

She sucked in a breath. “We made no promises, Lee.”

“Don’t you think I know that? Jesus, you can choose whatever you want to do with your life, and Richard is obviously a good choice.” Lee’s voice felt as rusty as the nails he’d pulled out of the old fence post. “We enjoyed each other’s company is all. I don’t expect more than that. Richard is the best man for you and we both know it.”

He trembled as he waited for her to walk away, to tell him to go to hell, anything. His stomach clenched so hard he tasted bile in his throat, even as his heart hoped for more, so much more.

***

Until Devils on Horseback: Lee releases in e-book! :D Yet another hot cowboy story to share with y’all.

I am so excited to see this book release. I wrote it during a rough emotional time and the story itself is very emotional. My heroes and heroines are always a little different. In this case, a lot. Lee only has one arm.

Yep, you read that right. He’s my one-armed devil full of fury and strength. I have to say he was probably the hardest hero I’ve ever had to argue with. LOL. Seriously, he definitely fought me to write his story. Men can be so stubborn, but I found his path and set him on it.

Le Blurb:

When anger and tenacity collide, sparks are inevitable.

The Civil War took more than Lee Blackwood’s arm. It took his confidence, his pride…and hope that any woman will see him as more than half a man. His friendships helped keep the demons at bay—until now. As each Devil has found happiness, Lee is left alone to cope with the darkness that claws at his soul.

Genevieve Blanchard has only one thing going for her: her no-good late husband’s run-down farm. That, and a fancy name no one can spell might get her a cup full of dirt in Tanger. Room, board and seamstress skills aren’t much, but it’s all she can offer any man willing to help her bring in her wheat crop.

Reluctantly Lee takes on the job, the widow’s smart-mouthed daughter and his growing attraction to a woman who stubbornly refuses to see him as anything less than whole. Slowly, his bitterness begins to fade under the light of their blooming love.

Then the truth of her past threatens to rip away everything: her farm, her child—and the man she loves. But this time, there’s a line of Devils between her and looming disaster.

***

Look for an excerpt too! Woo!

Yay, it finally arrived. Happy dance!

I had dinner last night with my sister, which was lots of fun, and tonight is book club! Hooyah – it should be uber fun. We read “The Art of Racing in the Rain” – anybody else read it?

Tomorrow I will spend some time writing Gideon’s story. Then it’s onto yard work, landscaping, etc. We are adding a deck so there’s lots of work to do including transplanting my ginormous loropetalum bushes. I’m excited though it’s going to be lots of work.

I hope y’all have a great weekend!!