Samhain Publishing

Christmas Day marked the official print release date of The Tribute, book 6 in the Malloy family series. Looking back over all the books I’ve written, I think The Tribute was the hardest book to write. Why? Let me fill you in.

Each of the Malloys is very real to me. I’ve crawled inside each and every one of their heads and hearts. In doing so, I have also come to love them. I cry, laugh, squirm, and get angry right along with all of them as I’ve written their stories.

Brett, however, was different.

He’s the most reticent of the Malloys, the one most caught up inside himself. I haven’t had such an introverted hero before. It took me some time to worm my way into his head, and even longer to get into his heart.

It was worth the battle.

Brett is an amazing man, and Alex a woman I would hope to emulate. They make mistakes, after all they’re human, but in the end, they make the choices that changes the course of their lives.

I’m including an excerpt below to give you a taste of what happens when Brett finally let’s go of his inhibitions with Alex. Thanks for stopping by!

Excerpt:

They left her house together, arm in arm, and walked down the street at a much more even pace than Brett had set minutes earlier. A feeling of rightness settled over him, as if being at Alex’s side was the place he was meant to be. Sounded silly, but true.

“How do you feel?”

“Good. Better than I expected.” Brett hadn’t been surprised how quickly his wounds were healing with such an amazing doctor.

“Excellent. After we eat, I’ll check your stitches. Save you a trip to town tomorrow.”

“Are you flirting with me, Alex? It seems you’re just trying to get me to take my shirt off again.” He smiled broadly.

“Take it as you wish.” She squeezed his arm.

When they arrived at the restaurant, they chatted with several folks having dinner before sitting down. Throughout the meal, Brett had a hard time concentrating on his food. He wouldn’t have been able to say if they had meatloaf or chicken to eat. His entire body tingled with the anticipation of being alone with Alex again.

“You keep leaving me behind and I’m going to think you don’t like me anymore.” Kincaid’s voice broke the spell surrounding Brett. He glanced up to find a grinning ex-gunslinger standing beside their table.

“Would you like to join us, Mr. Kincaid?” Alex offered.

“No, that’s okay. I ate down at the saloon.” Kincaid looked at Brett with an innocent expression. “Should I meet you back at the ranch later?”

Brett resisted the urge to smack the grinning fool. “That’d be fine. I’ll be back…later.”

Kincaid winked at Alex. She blushed a sweet shade of pink.

“You need anything else?” Brett growled.

“Nope, not a thing. Have a good time, you two.” With a tip of his hat, Kincaid left the restaurant.

Brett’s good mood nearly went with him. He felt embarrassed to be so wrapped up in a woman, even Alex, he forgot about everything else. Nothing and no one had ever distracted him before.

Until her.

“What is it, Brett?” Alex’s brow furrowed in concern.

He shook his head. “I couldn’t explain it if I tried.”

She smiled crookedly. “You don’t need to. I think I understand.” After swiping one finger through the gravy on her plate, she opened her mouth, and her finger slid in. Brett forgot to breathe.

She sucked the digit, swirling her tongue around the tip. When she pulled her finger out, he wanted to snatch it so he could taste her.

Alex’s eyes darkened as her pupils dilated. “I’ve got something to show you. Will you trust me?”

Brett would’ve trusted her with his life at that moment. He barely ground out a “Yes.”

She left money on the table and stood, placing her breasts eye-level with a very hungry man. Her nipples stood proudly at attention. Brett swallowed with difficulty.

“Come on, cowboy.”

***

Hope you enjoyed! You can pick up a print copy at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or My Bookstore and More.