I just have to share this story with ya’ll. My hubby was gone for a week, visiting family in OK. On the flight back he tried to upgrade to first class but it was already full. His assigned seat was at the very back of the plane. He made himself comfortable, sat back and waited for the plane to take off.

After a while he saw the stewardess walking his way with a younger man following her. They stopped when they came to my hubby and the stewardess explained that the man wanted to give up his first class seat to him, and thanked him for serving our country. You see, hubby was wearing this hat.

Hubby lied about his age and was only sixteen when he went into the service. There aren’t too many folks left in the world that can say they served in WWII. Hubby politely refused, and thanked the younger man. However, the younger man insisted and the stewardess helped hubby re-locate to a first class seat.

Nice story, isn’t it?

There are all kinds of heroes out there. They’re bigger than life in our books. The fire fighter, navy seal, mercenary. You hardly read about the shoe salesman who raised two step-daughters as if they were his own, or the single mother who paid for her child’s college tuition by working a second job as a night janitor somewhere. Yes, women are heroes, too! In fact, we’re all heroes in the eyes of someone.

No one really wants to read about a hero who sells shoes for a living, or owns a fish market. Nothing exciting about that. I know when I pick up a romance book I want a hunky man who lives by his own rules and takes what he wants. Someone who always seems to know what to do. And has an exciting history that sparks the imagination. I want the fire fighter, navy seal and mercenary! When I read a romance novel I want to lose myself in a fantasy, if only for a short while.

My latest hero is a modern day cowboy in The Cowboy Way. A torrid romance published with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. It’s received rave reviews from Coffee Time (5 cups), Romance Studio (5 hearts), Romance Junkies (blue ribbon rating of 5), Night Owl Romance (4.5 hearts) and Whipped Cream Reviews (best book rating). You can read them all here.

Blurb – Arson and murder. An escaped convict driven by revenge complicates the lives of a sexy cowboy and the rancher’s daughter he’s determined to protect.

Excerpt -

“I want to talk to you.”

“Really? And here I thought you stopped to kiss me.” What was she saying? Baiting a man like Chase was dangerous.

There was a long pause. Something flickered in Chase’s eyes. His expression gave nothing away, though. Lacey began to feel nervous again, though for a different reason than the one back at the house.

“The cowboy way, ma’am?” His tone was soft, dangerous, carrying the subtle threat of an unspoken promise.

Lacey swallowed nervously. The cowboy way? That was twice he’d used that expression. She wondered what it meant. An explosion of heat uncurled inside her belly, as her imagination ran rampant. Of the two of them locked in a hot, passionate embrace. No longer was Chase’s mouth firm and unyielding, but soft and sensuous. His eyes darkened with smoldering intent. Yet instincts warned Lacey that Chase was just as dangerous now as he had been a moment ago, in anger. She tried to jerk the reins from his hands, suddenly afraid she was about to find out what the cowboy way was.

“Let go.” Misty moved nervously beneath her, obviously sensing her growing panic.

In the blink of an eye his expression changed. “Not until you listen to what I have to say.”

“You can’t bully me, Chase.” The wind blew at her loose hair, and she reached up impatiently to wipe it out of her eyes. “I won’t let you.”

He reared back his head and laughed at her comment. “And how do you propose to stop me? I could do anything I want to you right now and you wouldn’t be able to stop me.”

Lacey tightened her lips in frustration, even while the thought of what that something could be caused a tingle of excitement to zing through her. As his hard mouth curved upwards in a crooked smile that was sexy as sin, she wished she could wipe that arrogant expression off his rugged face. He was so sure of himself. The look in his eyes told her to go ahead and try. Well, she’d taken self defense lessons a few years back and wasn’t as helpless as he thought.

“Then maybe you should have warned me about you, this morning!” She jerked on the reins again, harder this time. When he wouldn’t release them Lacey reached out and slapped him across the cheek. She caught her breath, realizing a man like Chase might strike back. He didn’t look the type to turn the other cheek, or ignore a challenge. Their eyes clashed in silent battle.

Then without warning he reached forward and pulled her from her horse and into his arms. His gaze dropped to her mouth before returning to her eyes. “I think you need to be taught a lesson.”

“No!”

“Yes!” He hissed. He crushed her to him and slammed his mouth down on hers, locking any protest deep in her throat. Lacey struggled but it didn’t seem to matter to Chase. He over powered her easily, while managing to control his stallion’s nervous movements with ease and expertise. Lacey brought her hands up and pushed against his massive, rock hard chest. But it was like trying to move a mountain. She whimpered beneath his attack, becoming aware of things she didn’t want to notice.

She began to slip towards the ground and ceased her movements, bringing her arms up to cling to Chase’s neck. It brought Lacey closer to him. He growled, forcing her mouth open until he could slip his tongue inside. Unwillingly, she began to melt under his rough kiss, returning the thrust of his tongue against hers. A sharp need of desire uncurled inside her belly, turning her blood hot. She was afraid of not being strong enough to deny him if he should seek more than a kiss.

Lacey had never been handled so ruthlessly by any man before, no one had dared. And while she balked at his arrogance, she couldn’t deny the feelings he roused. The thrill of his mouth on hers, the feel of his whiskers against her tender skin and the taste of something sweet on his breath heightened her arousal. Her nostrils flared, greedily taking in the masculine scent of sweat, leather and horse.

Most of all his arousal.

Three (3) readers will randomly be chosen to receive a free download of this book. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. I’ll announce the winners a week from today (Friday 11/6) on my Romance with an Attitude Blog so be sure to check it.

I know it’s early but I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season this year. It will be here before you know it! Please check out my website at: www.toryrichards.com and join my monthly newsletter. The join my yahoo group icon is on my blog and website.

Tootles!