Blurb: For Madison the quarter horse ranch life with her widowed father and the rodeo circuit are all she needs, apart from this year’s barrel racing championship. Romance is not on her radar, her hurt heart needs protecting. She only sees Colton as her high school protector and good friend nothing more. Colton has other plans. A chance encounter with a handsome Italian ignites her long buried passion and Madison finds herself in a love triangle where the choice of tradition, or adventure clash with unexpected rivalry.
Excerpt: At last, Madison was at the front of the line, and she ordered two hot dogs, the long wait and tempting aroma of frying onions and burgers had heightened her hunger. After squirting generous helpings of mustard and ketchup over the heaped onions on her dogs, Madison turned to leave. Her elbow caught the next customer’s arm, smearing a yellow and red mess across a white tailored shirtfront. One plump hot dog hit the dust. As Madison bent to recover it, apologies flowing toward the shirt wearer, she noticed the most stunning leather boots on his feet.
They must have cost a fortune. If I had money I would get customized boots, I know just what I'd want too, a willow tree design to reflect our ranch's name.
The startling whiteness of the shirt flustered her; it was that white shirt. The one she glimpsed prior to her race. A rich Italian accent answered her apologies, as the scent of spiced cologne tantalized her nostrils. “Ummm... oops... I'm so sorry, damn it. Clumsy me. Let me get you a hotdog in apology and give you my info to send me the cleaning bill for that shirt.”
“No matter, I’m sure the stain will come out, it is not the first one today. As you can see, sticky cotton candy fingers caught me earlier. However, if you are offering a free hotdog I feel it is a good enough apology.”
When he said 'good', he rolled out the 'o's in the word, sending a shiver down Madison's back. She stood up and raised her chin. Deep chocolate brown eyes met her gaze, a feeling of vulnerability washed over her, an unaccustomed and disconcerting feeling, but it felt great at the same time. Your front is most certainly worth a look, white shirt man.
She stuttered, “Um... all right. How do you like it? Your hotdog, I mean.” Why am I so uncomfortable, I must look like a right idiot? He grinned at her, clearly amused by her embarrassment.
“By the looks of it, the same as you, with everything piled on top. You can never have enough... toppings.”
Madison turned and discarded the spoiled hotdog into the trash to hide her face. Is it his accent that makes everything he says sound suggestive? Or those gorgeous eyes undressing me? He is mesmerizing. She ordered a replacement hotdog for herself and another for the tall dark-haired man, who stood beside her with mustard and ketchup covering the front of his rather classy looking shirt. His eyes penetrated into her very soul, Madison felt drawn to him like no other man. She tried to quash the feeling, disturbed at her susceptibility to a stranger. “Are you sure I can’t pay for your shirt to be cleaned, it looks expensive. I just won the barrel race championship today so take the offer while I'm in the money.” She passed him the hot dog, their fingers touched; an electrical tingle pulsed through her. A connection washed over her, deep down in her soul. Again warmth growing in her heart, it was thrilling and frightening at the same time. Someone brushed past her arm, breaking their gaze and he spoke.
“I have plenty more shirts but thank you for the offer and congratulations on your win. Please, do not worry yourself about the shirt the hotdog is enough. I have come to quite like the taste.” His eyes did not waver as he gazed at her.
Purchase Willow Trees Tears: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9ZVYCC3
About Mandy: Mandy Eve-Barnett is an Edmonton Best Seller, multi-genre author, writing children’s, YA and adult books. With ten books published since 2011, and one more launching in July 2025, and another nine in various stages of completion, her writing life is full. This does not include her writing in numerous anthologies and magazines, and a variety of non-fiction projects through her freelance business, as well as presentations and panelist positions at various writing conferences. Mandy draws on over 10 years’ experience as a multi-genre author, freelance writer and writing community advocate. She is the current Secretary of The Writers Foundation of Strathcona County and Scouting Manager for Relatable Media. She is also past President of the Arts & Culture Council of Strathcona Council and past Secretary of Alberta Authors Co-operative. She hosts the local Writers Circle monthly meeting and creates weekly writing prompts for the WFSC website. Mandy has been blogging since 2010 and has over 3500 subscribers and visitors from 209 countries.
Mandy's website: www.mandyevebarnett.com
1 comment:
Congratulations on your new release, Mandy!
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