Something about a Western

I didn't read many "old west" romances during my 5-novels-a-week reading years, but the few I did, I loved. Cowboys, ranchers, miners, wagon train drivers...there's just something about a man who can uncomplainingly wear a long-sleeved chambray shirt in the middle of summer.

Since I didn't read many western romances, the Wild West setting didn't often blip on my radar. In 2003 or so I had an idea for a story about a pregnant widow in Kentucky. The idea didn't get far--instead, I wrote a dystopian futuristic pirate thing that's better left unread. The year of the western happened for me in 2007, when I wrote my first Ellora's Cave story, ALL THE TREES IN PEARL.

I didn't intend for the story to go on beyond Ethan and his woman, but earlier this year, during the first weekend of April, Ethan's sister Collette stepped forward to tell me she'd left a love behind in Pearl and she wanted to go back for him.

C.C. Carver's honeysuckle kiss has haunted John Raincrow for more than ten years. He would recognize her anywhere--even in a dusty saloon, dressed in a harlot's costume. She's returned to Colorado too late though, and while he'll see her back to Pearl, safe and sound, he will not let himself know the woman she has become. Not even if that woman kneels between his knees, moans into his mouth, or whispers “please”.

August 28, I hope you'll stop by Ellora's Cave for ALL THE WOMEN IN PEARL, a story about childhood sweethearts brought back together...maybe a little too late.