Book Blurb Blitz for The Circle is Small by Maggie Blackbird (GIVEAWAY)……..

Small town secrets weigh on a couple who were once in love and reignite once they agree to work together on a community drug abuse project which leads to certain truths and decisions to be made.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of The Circle is Small by Maggie Blackbird, then learn even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour.  In honor of this multicultural contemporary romance of second chances make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $10 eXtasy GC too!

An ex-cop returning to face his horrendous past, the woman who won’t forgive him, and the family who’ll never let him forget that he killed their son.

First Nations Constable Jordan Chartrand’s guilt can’t handle the accusing stares from the family left to mourn their son after that horrible night...so he flees from his Ojibway community and the woman he loves. Two years later, his mother’s cancer diagnosis forces him to return to help her.
Devoted schoolteacher Ellie Quill wants nothing to do with Jordan after he bolted to the city and left her behind. Her life goals are set. As for her secret, she’ll keep that to herself, even if Jordan’s begging to know the truth about her child.
When the two are compelled to work on a community project to address the rampant drug problem, their forced proximity slowly melts Ellie’s icy walls. But no matter how much her heart desires to give Jordan the second chance he’s begging for, she refuses to because providing a life for her son in the tradition of the Ojibway culture is her top priority now, not moving to the city where Jordan continues to hide.

EXCERPT:

The bell tinkled above the door. Ellie, still hedging her way instead of outright walking, inched her way to the table. She set her purse on the back of the chair.
“I ordered a pot of tea. You wanna share?”
“Sounds good. What kind? The last time we met, the caffeine kept me up too late.”
“Good ol’ spruce. Your fave.” His face grew hot. Maybe he shouldn’t bring up reminders of the past.
The way her skin shone said she was flattered he’d remembered.
He gave himself a fictitious pat on the back for earning a point. “And fresh honey.”
Her smile was on the coy side. “Really? You’re going all out, aren’t you?”
Hmm, she was getting comfy and grinning. Her elbow rested on the table, and she’d cupped her chin in her palm. He also leaned in and caught a whiff of her fresh scent.
The waitress sauntered over with their pot of tea and honey. She set down the items and sashayed away, smirking.
Ellie’s brows bunched.
Jordan was about ready to arrest the waitress and cart her off to the holding cell for inciting irritation. Now he had to calm Ellie down before she found an excuse and bolted. “Never mind her. You know how people are around the rez. You can’t do anything without them squawking about it.”
He poured their teas.
Ellie continued to frown in the waitress’ direction.
“You gonna give her the power to dictate your feelings?”
“What?” Ellie squinted and faced him.
“You were having a good time. You gonna let her ruin it for you?”
“You’re right.” Ellie fixed her tea. “It’s been too long since I last went out.”
“That’s the spirit.” Jordan lifted his mug and sipped. The spruce mixed with honey was sweet pleasure on his tongue.
“Tell me something...” Ellie peeked at him over the rim of her mug.
“What’d you wanna know? I’m an open book.” He couldn’t help setting his forearm on the table. “Winnipeg.”
His spine stiffened. “Winnipeg?”
Ellie nodded. “How’s your life going there?”
The sincerity in her gaze said she wasn’t attempting to goad him but sincerely wanted to know. It’d be a helluva lot better if you and your child were with me. Instead, he said, “It took some getting used to, but I don’t mind it. The pay could be better.”
“Where are you living?”
“North end. I got a bachelor suite. It came furnished.” “You’re working at Portage Place. Right?”
“Yep. When I got the job, I wanted to be close by. Not stuck in some crazy commute. The north end also has a lot of ’Nish, so I feel right at home,” he told her, using the familiar shortened slang for Anishinaabe.
“Are you making lots of friends there?” She blew on her tea.
“Yeah. I made a few at work and met lots through the patrol group.”
Her lips parted, and then she clamped her mouth shut.
He’d best let her know he wasn’t dating anyone or hadn’t dated anyone. “I go home to a cold beer and TV dinner once I’m done my shift. That’s been my life for the last two years.”
“Oh?” Her gaze searched his face.
He didn’t look away. The offer was on the table. They’d come to the point where they had to shit or get off the pot. And he wasn’t getting off the toilet quite yet. “I told you why I had to leave.” He lowered his voice and leaned in even closer. “I couldn’t stay here after what happened. Leaving you behind...D’you really think I’d start dating again? After a girl like you?”
The lush bronze color on her face slowly turned white.
“When you came back after getting your teaching degree, and I saw li’l Ellie all grown up, damned straight I went and talked to your class. After our first date, I knew then you were the only woman for me.” His cards were laid on the table. Now he’d find out if she’d play a game of poker with him or forfeit her hand.

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AUTHOR INFO:

An Ojibway from Northwestern Ontario, Maggie resides in the country with her husband and their fur babies, two beautiful Alaskan Malamutes. When she’s not writing, she can be found pulling weeds in the flower beds, mowing the huge lawn, walking the Mals deep in the bush, teeing up a ball at the golf course, fishing in the boat for walleye, or sitting on the deck at her sister’s house, making more wonderful memories with the people she loves most.

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Book Blurb Blitz for Renegade’s Lady by Bobbi Smith (GIVEAWAY)……

Readers get a blast from the past today with this classic historical romance that brings together a writer and the man who seems like the perfect hero for her book, though he's a bit tarnished, as well as the perfect man for a real life HEA.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Renegade’s Lady by Bobbi Smith, a delightful blurb from the author about this classic tale, then learn even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour.  In honor of this western historical romance make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $10 bookstore GC too!

Words of Wisdom from Ms. Smith......

Hi! I had soooo much fun researching Renegade’s Lady. The heroine is a dime novel writer who goes West to research her new book. If you’re not familiar with dime novels, they were the original paperback books from the 1800s. I even managed to find a few at antique stores. One I bought is titled The Golden Belt, and it was published by Beadle and Company in 1866. What a treasure! I can’t believe it’s held up this long. So I hope you enjoy Sheri and Brand, the half-breed scout, in Renegade’s Lady!

Looking For a Hero

Sheridan St. John was a successful writer who had no need for a man in her life...as long as she had one between the pages of her dime novels. But when her editor told her sales were off, Sheri set out for the Wild West in search of the perfect hero for her new book.
Brand, The Half-Breed Scout
The man Sheri found fulfilled her every requirement for a fantasy lover—half Apache, a tall, dark, and dangerous male—but he was completely wrong for a real-life mate. On the run from the law, Brand guarded his heart as the attraction between them destroyed her reservations, leaving Sheri with one burning need—to become the renegade’s lady.

EXCERPT:

Sheri sat watching Brand as he stood near the cave entrance. He was a tall, lean, broad-shouldered silhouette in the soft moonlight, and she shivered as she remembered the power of his touch. Strange feelings besieged her. For that one breathless moment in time when his lips had been on hers, she had been in ecstasy, and now...He had abandoned her without so much as a backward glance, leaving her unsure, confused...and a little angry.
“Do you want me to help you keep watch?” she finally asked, knowing the raiding party could be near.
“No. Stay there, where you’ll be safe,” Brand told her, knowing the last thing he wanted was to have her near him.
Brand stared out into the night, forcing himself to concentrate on keeping watch. He had to ignore the woman behind him. He knew now that he should never have kissed her. He wished there was some way to get her back to the fort tonight. The sooner he was away from her, the better.
Alone...He liked being alone. Then he had no one to worry about except himself.
He glanced back at her, and emotions he had long denied tore at him. They were under attack by renegades, and she was depending on him to keep her safe. He would not fail. He had to keep watch. He could allow himself no lapse. He’s made two mistakes that day already—missing the renegades’ tracks and kissing Sherri. He wasn’t about to make another.

BUY AT AMAZON here.

AUTHOR INFO:

After working as a department manager for Famous-Barr, and briefly as a clerk at a bookstore, Bobbi Smith gave up on career security and began writing. She sold her first book to Zebra in 1982. Since then, Bobbi has written over 40 books and several short stories. To date, there are more than five million of her novels in print. She has been awarded the prestigious Romantic Times Storyteller of the Year Award and two Career Achievement Awards. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists. When she's not working on her novels, she is frequently a guest speaker for writer's groups. Bobbi is mother of two sons and resides in St. Charles, Missouri with her husband and three dogs.

WEBSITE  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE

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Book Spotlight on Brave Wolf and the Lady by Karen Kay

Fans of historical romances will rejoice with the release of this exhilarating tale of unexpected love and danger as a pampered woman finds herself drawn to the brave man putting everything on the line for her.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Brave Wolf and the Lady by Karen Kay, then add this second installment in The Clan of the Wolf series to your bookshelf too!

He saved her life, then stole her heart...

To escape an arranged marriage, Mia Carlson, daughter of a U.S. senator, instead elopes with the man she loves. As they are escaping from her Virginia home, heading west, their wagon train is brutally attacked, leaving Mia alone and in grave danger. Rescue comes from a most unlikely source, a passing Lakota scouting party, led by the darkly handsome Indian, Brave Wolf.

Although Brave Wolf has consented to guide Mia to the nearest trading post, he holds himself apart from her, for his commitments lie elsewhere. But long days on the trail lead to a deep connection with the red-haired beauty. Yet, he can’t stop wondering why death and danger stalk this beautiful woman, forcing him to rescue her time and again. Who is doing this, and why?

One thing is clear, however: Amid the flurry of dodging assassin bullets, Brave Wolf and Mia come into possession of a powerful love. But is it all for naught? Will Brave Wolf’s obligations and Mia’s secret enemy from the past finally succeed in the sinister plot to destroy their love forever?

EXCERPT:

Snarl, yelp, snap!

What was that?

Crack!

Fear washed through her. Was she in trouble?

“Mr. Lakota?”

No answer.

She swung around to glance back in the direction where she’d left him. But where was he?

Panic consumed her. Had he left her?

“Mr. Lakota!” She called again. Then, louder yet. “Mr. Lakota, where are you?”

Nothing... No answer...

“Mr. Lakota?”

“I am...here.” The tone of his voice was deep, reassuring, but farther up the slope.

Relief swept through her. Still, it took several moments before she was able to respond, saying, “Where? I still don’t know where ‘here’ is.”

With that masculine grace which seemed to be as much a part of his stride as was his careful pace, he stepped out from the tall grasses that grew at the top of the coulee.

“Oh, there you are.” She looked up. “But how did you get up there?”

“I climb. Did you not see...wolf?”

“No, I—“

“Wolf hungry...crazy. Watching you.”

She caught her breath before she uttered, “A wolf, looking at me as though I were what? Food?”

“Could be. Had to...kill him. Not like to kill wolf.”

“But how did you know there was a wolf there? Or that there was any danger at all?”

“My...duty to know.”

“Yes, yes. However, I still don’t understand how you could be aware that there was--” She cut herself off short, and paused. “You were so intent on building that lean-to. How do you do that?  How do you know of happenings far away from you?”

He shrugged as he stepped down the slope and came down farther into the coulee. “I am...toƞwéya, scout.”

He said these words as though they alone explained the world around them from his point of view. And when she encouraged him to expand upon that a little, and said, “Yes...?” he did little more than nod at her.

“Hear wolf growl?” he asked.

“Yes, but—”

“Wolf…pounce...on you before I kill? Spit and...howl? Bite you?”

“No.”

His expression didn’t change at all, as he said, “Wolf…rabid. Out of...mind. Had to kill.”

The wolf was rabid?

All at once, the enormity of the danger she’d been in struck her. She swooned, but he’d come to stand close to her, and, clutching hold of his arm, she steadied herself.

“If it had bit me, then I would surely die a most horrible death.” She swallowed hard and continued to speak as though the words were drawn from deep within her soul. “I am obliged to you once again, Mr. Lakota. I—I hardly know how to repay you.”

“No...claim on me,” he said. “It my...duty.” He touched her hand where she still gripped his arm, and he loosened her fingers. But as soon as she stood on her own, her knees buckled under her, and she fell.

He caught her before she reached the ground, and, as his arms came around her, she gazed up into his eyes. They were the color of a crystal-blue sky, and looked so foreign in contrast to the deeply tanned color of his skin. So strange a combination for an Indian.

Then it happened. His head came down toward hers, and his lips were only a fraction of an inch from hers. She was ready for the embrace, and she opened her lips in anticipation of his kiss. But it never materialized.

As though they had both turned to stone, neither one of them moved. Nor did either of them step away from the other. However, neither took action to close the miniscule distance between them.

Her whole body was on fire, and she could barely speak as she asked, “Are you going to do it? Are you going to kiss me?”

“I...dare not,” he whispered, and so close was he, she could feel the movement of his lips on her own as he spoke.

She whispered, “For what you have done for me, I owe you much. If you wish to—“

He put a single finger over her lips. “Do not say it. You...owe me nothing. If I...kiss you, it...be because I want kiss you, not because you…owe me anything.”

“And do you want to kiss me?”

“Hau.” He shut his eyes.

“That word means yes?”

He didn’t answer.

“Do you not do it because of your pledge to Walks-in-sunshine?”

Again, no answer.

He let his arms fall from around her. With a deep breath, he stepped back from her, putting a little distance between them. When her knees wouldn’t stand under her weight and she stumbled, he quickly moved to catch her, but he placed no more than a single arm around her waist.

He said, “No kiss...because one kiss not enough.”

His words stirred her, caused her to realize that he was as moved by her as she was by him, and, in consequence, she might have gone to pieces and plunged to the ground altogether. She didn’t. But only because he held onto her so tightly.

“These...words,” he continued, “we must not say to...each other. Long...trek. Must not...touch again.”

“Why?”

“Forbidden,” was all he said.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  iBOOKS  |  KOBO

PREVIOUS INSTALLMENT IN THE CLAN OF THE WOLF SERIES:

THE PRINCESS AND THE WOLF (Book #1)

TWO HEARTS BETRAYED

Refusing to believe the rumors that the European prince she was forced to marry had died in a far-off land, the princess, Sierra, sets sail to America, bent on revenge and determined to learn the truth. Because she will require a scout to guide her through the wilderness, she calls in a favor from the man who had betrayed her long ago, the man she had once loved deeply and had hoped to wed, the noble Cheyenne scout, High Wolf.

Many years before, a European prince had invited High Wolf to travel an ocean and as a brother, to live as a member of the royal family. There High Wolf had fallen in love with the princess, Sierra. But instead of an engagement and the planned wedding, the princess had treacherously married his friend, the prince. Betrayed and broken-hearted, High Wolf sailed back to America, determined to forget the princess. But a promise given to her years earlier brings her back into his life, igniting a desire he must resist, for to surrender to her again is unthinkable.

Forced into one another’s company, with the threat of life or death around every corner, overcoming their prejudice might be their only means of survival. But can either of them trust in a love, once betrayed? Or will their past force them apart again, this time forever?…

BUY AT AMAZON here.

AUTHOR INFO:

Multi-published Author of American Indian Historical Romances, KAREN KAY has been praised by reviewers and fans alike for bringing insights into the everyday life of the American Indian culture of the past.  As Reviewer, Suzanne Tucker, once wrote, “Ms. Kay never fails to capture the pride, the passion and the spirit of the American Indian…  As in each and every one of her mesmerizing Indian stories, we’re moved beyond words.  We feel more, we understand better, we love deeper.  They are healing stories of hope, of tenderness, of forgiveness, of great beauty and awe.”

KAREN KAY, whose great grandmother was a Choctaw Indian, is honored to be able to write about the American Indian culture.

“With the power of romance, I hope to bring about an awareness of the American Indian’s concept of honor, and what it meant to them to live as free men and free women.  There are some things that should never be forgotten.”

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