Though I haven't been posting, I have been writing, but I've been in a funk so it's been slow. Finally, several projects motivated me to get busy. In the last 12 months, I have published three novellas, all Historical Western Romances. I hope you'll take a look.

Quixie on the Draw—this novella was included in a collection of novellas titled Journey of the Heart.

Quixie O'Connor's overbearing mother orders her to take the stage from San Antonio to Waco to locate her younger brother. One of these days, Quixie hopes to get out from under her mother's thumb and have a family of her own. When the stage is robbed, she is kidnapped and taken to the robber's hideout where she fights to protect her honor and her life. 

Nathan Parker boards the stage to visit his mother and sister in Waco, but he has a deeper mission to fulfill. He enjoys the company of the young Irish woman traveling with them and hopes one day to marry someone with as much wit and spirit. When Quixie is abducted by bandits, Nathan takes on a new mission—rescuing the young woman and claiming her as his own.

Saloon Songbird

Abigail Roche’s parents are murdered by her uncle for their money. She flees Chicago with her baby brother, Jaimie, in her arms to save both their lives. Outside of Denton, Texas, the train is robbed, and she loses most of the money she carried. She uses her vocal training to sing in the town’s Opera House and saloon to support them.

Marshal Pat Hayden is determined to protect Abigail and her brother. She assumes the alias Addy Riley, widow and mother of Jamie. When her demented uncle, Sirus Roche, shows up in town and kidnaps the baby, Pat joins with the town’s sheriff and deputy to save the child and Addy.

Who said opera had no place in a western saloon?

Reluctant Bride

Lacey Faraday is an independent young woman determined to get an education. Her father rebels against her choice when she’s frequently seen picketing on the campus green for Women’s Rights. He insists she marry and arranges a marriage for her.

Brady Callahan, Sheriff of Denton County, is a widower with six-year-old twin daughters who need a mother. He’s been in love before and isn’t in the market for a woman to love, just one who will care for his girls and give him more children.

The two opposites speak vows for practical reasons, only to find themselves on a delicious journey of the heart.

Thank you for stopping by and I'll try to post at least once a month from now on.

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda

www.lindalaroque.com

Wild Deadwood Reads

I hope if you're in the neighborhood you'll join this large group of authors for a rollicking good old west good time.

Linda

The Art Appraiser and the Lawman—a sequel to When the Ocotillo Bloom

When I wrote When the Ocotillo Bloom, I fell in love with Lynn's daughter, Abby, and the Texas highway patrolman, Roark Espinoza, and knew they had to have their own story. But, I didn't know they'd end up together. So here it is—The Art Appraiser and the Lawman.

When Abby Devry, a Fort Worth art and antiques appraiser, meets a handsome Texas State Trooper, there is no way to ignore the instant attraction.  Roark Espinoza has had his eye on Abby, and after one dance together, he knows she’s the one for him. But Abby hasn’t had much experience with men, and she’s worried about the dangers of Roark’s job. A lawman at heart, he plans to become a Texas Ranger as soon as he is able. Though Roark believes Abby is the woman for him, he’s haunted by wounds from a past relationship.

When Abby’s job assignment sends her to inventory and appraise items in a beautiful historical home in downtown Fort Worth, Fate throws Abby and Roark together once more.  The owner of the home happens to be none other than Roark’s grandmother, and he shows up to help with the project. As Abby and Roark work together, their relationship blooms, but it isn't until they travel to the Espinoza family ranch that Abby learns to believe her heart.

When a murder takes place at the ranch, Abby’s faith and trust in Roark is tested. Is love in the cards for THE ART APPRAISER AND THE LAWMAN?

Excerpt:

Abby Devry hugged the wall like a freshman at a high school dance. Oh well, this evening wasn't about her. It was to celebrate her mother's marriage. She leaned against the open barn door and watched as her mother, Lynn Devry, and her groom, Seth Williams, snuck out through one of the side doors. A grin tickled her lips, and she released a laugh at the happiness emanating from the couple. Both divorced, they'd waited a long time to find someone to complete their lives. Now, Abby not only had a stepfather, but three stepbrothers as well, one who was her current boyfriend.

The dance floor, or she should say the barn floor, was filled with couples dancing, including her date, Brandon Williams. He'd danced the last two numbers with Riley Espinoza, his sweetheart from when they were teens. This one was a slow number, and from the clench they had on each other, the romance wasn't over. Abby turned and headed toward the corral. 

"Abby, wait up."

She stopped and turned at the deep baritone voice. With the light to his back she didn't at first recognize Roark Espinoza, Riley's brother. As he neared, the tall and handsome man with dark hair and skin, a reflection from his Mexican heritage, his deep blue eyes shone like diamonds in the waning light. And when he smiled showing off those beautiful white teeth, her stomach flipped.

"Come back in and dance with me." He extended his hand.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll pick up a copy of The Art Appraiser and the Lawman. And if you haven't read When the Ocotillo Bloom, grab a copy of it also.

Happy reading and writing!

Linda

www.lindalaroque.com

Please Vote for A TOUCH OF TEXAS IRISH for the RONE award.

Here I am asking for votes AGAIN! 

I am elated that A TOUCH OF TEXAS IRISH is in the running for a RONE AWARD in the Historical Fiction section.  Voting on Historical Fiction began today and will continue through the 29th. Please go to http://www.indtale.com/

You must register to vote and verify your email address by clicking a verification link sent to your email address.

To locate the awards, go to the top right hand side of the page and click on IND'SCRIBE/RONES. Select RONES and then week two Historical Fiction.

"Aileen Lynch is devastated the day her mother dies of cancer. When the last will and testament is read, dark family secrets are revealed. Already stricken with grief, Aileen is shocked to learn of her father’s insurmountable gambling debts. Before she can be handed over in marriage to a sinister man her Da owes money to, Aileen flees Ireland for Boston, where she stays with the family of her Ma’s attorney. There she meets the handsome widower Dr. Samuel Walker, a visiting guest from Texas, who has lost his wife and baby in childbirth. He marries Aileen to get her out of the pickle she is in, and takes her to his home in west Texas. The town and culture is very different from Aileen’s Irish homeland, but she adapts beautifully. Once she meets Sam’s young son Tad, the two become fast friends.  Da and his dastardly debtor eventually find Aileen and do the unthinkable in an attempt to destroy Sam and Aileen. 

With several surprises and some suspense, this is a well-written page-turner.  There is the just right amount of angst as Sam fights his growing feelings for Aileen. It was refreshing to read the tastefully written, clean romance scenes. Would Sam and Aileen finally admit their love for each other? The author did a wonderful job with character development and description of life in the late 1800’s. A highly recommended five star read!"
 Layne Lancaster

Sometime this summer I have a new book, The Art Appraiser and The Lawman coming out. 

      "Good grief, Abby. You've been reading too many romance novels."

Abby Devry, a Fort Worth art appraiser meets Roark Espinoza, a Texas State Trooper at a party on a ranch in West Texas. Attraction is instant, but Abby hasn't had much experience with men, and she's worried he'll be hurt on the job. Roark knows what he wants in a woman and is determined to marry Abby, but wounds from a past relationship haunt him.

Hired to inventory and appraise items in a beautiful historical home in downtown Fort Worth, Abby is surprised to learn the owner is Roark's maternal grandmother, and he'll be there to help. As they work together, their relationship blooms. It isn't until they travel to the Espinoza family ranch that Abby learns to trust her heart and have faith that if Roark is hurt in the line of duty, she'll be woman enough to cope.

Thank you for stopping by and please vote!

Happy Reading and Writing,

Linda

www.lindalaroque.com

New Release—Saved by the Pink Flamingo

I've always loved vintage trailers. And though I'd like to own one, my husband is not as fond of them as I am. So, we ended up with a new class B RV. If you've read my earlier posts on RVing you know my opinion on the subject.

My day dreaming led to this story about this pink travel trailer. I had a wonderful time writing it so hope you'll enjoy the story. Please let me know what you think.

Saved by the Pink Flamingo will be available in ebook format only on February 6. It is available for preorder now on Amazon. Here  is the link http://amzn.to/2DQgpni

Can one dinner with an obsessive client tear a marriage apart?

Laurel Thorne has been happily married to her husband, Boyd, for twenty years, but when he forgets their anniversary, she’s more than hurt—she’s angry. Though he’s tied up having dinner with an important client, Meredith Baxter, the picture that someone anonymously sends Laurel says that maybe the dinner wasn’t “all” business.

Laurel packs her art supplies, her clothes, and her dog, then hits the road—alone—in the old retro family travel trailer, known as The Pink Flamingo. After years of devoting her attention to her husband, her college-age twins, and her home, it’s time to see if she can still follow her own dreams of becoming the artist she’s always hoped to be.

But her alone time turns deadly when Boyd’s deranged client decides that he’s the man for her—not for Laurel—and there’s only one way to fix that. Laurel must die.  Though the travel trailer has been a haven for her to regain her perspective, can that sanctuary provide what she needs to salvage her marriage—and stay alive? Laurel must keep her wits about her as the crazed Meredith Baxter attempts an all-out assault. Now that she knows what’s truly important, will Laurel be SAVED BY THE PINK FLAMINGO?

Thanks for reading!

Linda

www.lindalaroque.com

Thank you Again!

A Touch of Texas Irish also won Book of the Month at InD'tale Creme Da La Cover Contest. It wouldn't have been possible without your votes. So again...Thank you!

Here is a excerpt:

Fort Stockton, Texas

"Pa, Pa, please take me with you. I'll be good. I promise." Sam Walker managed to reach the buckboard dragging his five-year-old son, wrapped around his leg, along with each step. He tossed his travel bag into the back and reached down to pick up his son.

Tad's arms locked around Sam's throat, choking him. The little tadpole was strong for his age. Sam pried one arm loose and held it down so he could look him in the eye. "Now, son, you know I can't. I have meetings to attend, and who'd look after you during the day?"

The boy pushed out his lower lip, dropped his head, but cast his beautiful blue eyes up. They were so much like Jane's. Sam's heart wrenched every time Tad swung them his way, especially when wanting something. "I'm big, Pa. I can take care of myself."

Sam ruffled the boy's blond hair. "I know you are son, but the hotel won't allow it." He widened his eyes and feigned an expression of horror. "Why, they might put me in jail."

Tad's eyes rounded. "Really?"

"Well, I don't know for sure, but they could. That's what I'd do to a man if he left his little boy alone all day."

Tad released a heavy sigh and hung his head. "All right. I sure don't want you to get in trouble."

Sam chucked him on the chin. "Anyway, I need time to find a surprise for you in Boston. How could I shop with you underfoot?"

Tad's mouth gaped. "A...A surprise for...me?"

Sam swallowed his chuckle. "You are going to behave for Aunt Ruth, right?"

"Yes, sir. And I'll do my chores and take a bath, too."

Sam set him on his feet. "All right then. That settles it." He leaned down and whispered in Tad's ear. "I think Aunt Ruth needs a surprise too. Don't tell—."

Before he could finish, Tad was running and yelled, "Aunt Rufe, guess what?" Sam guffawed. So much for surprises. Ruth smiled and waved. Her pretty face held something he couldn't quite put his finger on. Was it sadness? Maybe, but he didn't think so. The woman had become a thorn in his side of late with her attempts to draw him into a romantic relationship. He stared at the young woman. All Sam wanted from a relationship at this point was friendship, and she'd begun to care for him beyond that. Though her strength kept him going after Jane and their infant died, when he returned, he needed to distance himself from her.

Thanks for reading!

Linda

www.lindalaroque.com

Thank you all!

Who voted for my cover in the contest. We won!!! And the prize is an one-quarter page ad in Indtel's Magazine. I'm thrilled. So again, thank you!

Linda
www.lindalaroque.com