The new book, the sequel!

My December 2007 release, "The Noel Bandit" has a sequel! "Saddle Up, Sweetheart" is scheduled for release on June 11, 2008.

A snippet, for your enjoyment:

“Russ, we need to talk about Natalie.” Tucker Kent, boss and patriarch at the Lucky Lake Ranch started the conversation. His voice carried through the open door and down the hall.

Natalie Coombs unfortunately arrived just in time. She had been searching the house for Russ and didn’t intend to snoop on a meeting between him and his father. It was wrong to spy, but hearing her name was a beacon. Life at Lucky Lake had been good to her, and falling in love with Russ Kent was an unexpected bonus.

Her mind said walk away, but her lungs withheld breath, her footsteps softened, and her tense muscles encouraged her to continue. Majority ruled. She stopped outside the office, out of sight.

“She’s done amazing work, Dad. The customers love her, she gets along with the staff…”

Russ’s enthusiastic voice caused her toes to curl in her tennis shoes. She pictured him, just taller than his father, with an intense smile. He was probably rolling up his sleeves preparing to sit down and—

The sound of knuckles cracking pierced her thoughts.

-and crack his knuckles as he stretched his arms over his head.

Natalie covered her mouth, stifling a giggle. Her boyfriend was predictable, but she wanted him anyhow. She loved how he dipped his chin—teased with thin stubble on the occasional day he didn’t shave—and said she was his only girl, with his thick Texas drawl. Everything he said seemed genuine though they spent all their alone time hiding along the riding trail and in dark hallways.

“Russ, I’m going to let her go. We don’t need her anymore.”

Silence.

“You mean fire her?” The springs in the leather chair squeaked, boots hit the hardwood floor as Russ stood and stormed towards Tucker…and the door. “Of course we need her, Dad!”

Natalie’s stomach lurched. She pressed her back against the wall to keep still. Her feet wanted to run; her brain said stay and listen. Russ would fight for her.

For them.