Introducing THOSE VIOLET EYES

Nearly a year ago a call went out from The Wild Rose Press about a new series: Honky Tonk Hearts. The editor was clear in what she wanted.

"Lonely hearts seem to gravitate to the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk. Owner and bartender, Gus Rankin, has seen his share of the wandering souls cross his bar and dance floor over the years—he'd even like to think he helped a few find true love along the way. (Word count: 20,000-40,000)

One pivotal scene MUST take place at the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk. This could be the hero and heroine's first meeting, the black moment, big finale, a scene where important information is divulged or an important realization is made etc."

And so I wondered could I write a short story? I tend to write on the "long" side. I had an opening scene in mind: Win, my hero, easing his Harley onto the parking lot of the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk on a cloud of dust.

I knew my characters "points of pain." That's a term I've coined for when I create my heroine and hero. You see, I create them from the inside out. Once I know their points of pain--and we all have them--those points (or push buttons) create their personalities. My heroine's points of pain were never measuring up to her older brother in her parents' eyes and the promise her dying Momma exacted from her to always care for her older brother. My hero's points of pain? He's an ex-Marine who lost part of a leg in Iraq. He's suffering PTSD.

Writing the story was fun. Evie is a spunky woman, a little angry at the world. Win--a dream, ladies--is fractured by the war, yet he has a dream: to operate a ranch for children with amputeed limbs. The sparks between these two was a delight to write. So, I take this time to introduce my new literary baby.

Here's the blurb:

Evie Caldwell hates her life. Five years ago, she gave up college and her dream of teaching to care for her ailing mother. Now, she’s trapped taking care of her worthless brother and the family ranch. Waiting tables to earn her way out of Texas, the last thing she wants is a muscleman with a macho Marine attitude complicating her life. But, oh, how that man makes her insides melt.

Wounded vet Win Fairchild returns to Texas to heal, find a piece of his soul, and open a ranch for amputee children. Finding someone to love is not on his agenda. But when he starts work at the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk, a spitfire with violet eyes and a major attitude instantly captures his heart.

Evie just wants to escape, but now that Win knows what he wants, can he convince Evie to stay in Texas—and his bed?

RELEASE DATE -- JUNE 27th.