Debra Salonen’s Montana Darling

I have been loving Debra Salonen‘s Big Sky Mavericks series and am really looking forward to reading book 3, MONTANA DARLING, which released today.  An award-winning journalist and author of over 26 publishing novels, Debra has an amazing voice and infused humor and warmth in her stories which makes it so easy to fall in love with her characters.

I invited Debra to share more about the new story with all you because I know it’s one you’ll want to read!  Please help me welcome Debra Salonen!

Thank you, Jane–and New Year’s greetings to all of your fabulous friends!

I’m so excited about my new Tule book, MONTANA DARLING.

I love connected books, and this is #3 in my Big Sky Mavericks series. It’s Mia’s book. Mia. As I wrote in my Dear Reader letter: “Poor Mia. That’s what everyone says. A breast cancer survivor and single mom, Mia’s fed up with having things taken from her. Look out, hot, gorgeous, interesting stranger camping on her land. You’re about to meet your match…your perfect match.”

I only had a vague idea of Mia’s hero when I started the book, but I knew he had to be exceptional. And…oh, my…Ryker is very special. I love what one reviewer wrote about him: “Ryker was just the sweetest and most understanding man a person can fall in love with.” I did fall in love with him. I hope you do, too. Who wouldn’t love a man who makes you see yourself through his loving eyes?

I’m working on Meg’s book, MONTANA MAVERICK. This book has been full of surprises, too, starting with the opening line: “It was a dark and stormy night…”

What? That’s been done before? LOL. Just wait. You’ll see…

Do you like description or dialogue to open a book? One winner will get the prize below.

Deb

Here’s an excerpt from Montana Darling:

They waddled quite gracelessly through the wet yard to the patio, which provided enough protection for Ryker to shake out the umbrella and stash it in a dry corner. He pulled a key from his pocket. “Side door,” he said, drawing her with him. “The slider is very sticky.”

Mia had been to Bailey’s workshop several times, but never at night. They kicked off their shoes and boots on a wide woven mat. “My socks are wet.”

“Mine, too. We can dry them on the register in my room.”

His hand was warm and comforting. “Want some tea or cocoa? Won’t be as good as Sage Carrigan’s.”

She squeezed his fingers. “Nothing right now.”

Was that signal clear enough? She wanted something that had nothing to do with food. She wanted him, God help her. She even brought along a couple of the condoms she bought in Bozeman the last time she was there. Not for fear of pregnancy, but because she hadn’t taken him up on his offer of a doctor’s report.

Her lack of female plumbing was another reason why this fling with Ryker could never go any further than a little temporary fun. He wasn’t even thirty. He’d want children at some point. He deserved a family of his own. She wasn’t the right woman for him…long-term, but for tonight? She wasn’t a sex fiend, but she felt fairly confident they’d both enjoy what was about to happen.

“What’s it like living in a jewelry store?” she asked as they passed the new showroom.

He shrugged. “Ask me in a week. When I was doing school pictures, I left in the morning before the ladies got here and they were gone by the time I got back.” He paused, his smile a bit mischievous. “But they’re really nice. They think I’m too thin so they leave plates of goodies for me. One of the ladies–I don’t know which–makes the best brownies on the planet. Do you want one?”

She did. “I cut sugar out of my diet because somebody told me or I read somewhere that sugar feeds cancer cells.”

He pulled her close. “But you got rid of the cancer cells.”

“I did, didn’t I?” What was her excuse for cutting pleasure from her diet? As a punishment for getting sick in the first place? “Okay. Give me a brownie.”

His smile triggered something silly, bright and magical inside her. She applauded when he danced like some crazy hipster down the hallway to the kitchen. He was a young Tom Cruise in white socks and blue jeans, with a mop of curls and laughing eyes.

He returned a second later in serious waiter mode–a yellow plate resting on his uplifted hand. “Madam,” he said with a phony French accent. “If you weel follow me. Your table..or should I say…bed…is waiting.”

Bed. The b-word. God, I’m really going to do this, aren’t I?

His bow was her answer. Tonight was about having fun.

Exactly what he made her want to feel again. Ryker Bensen was the right man to remind her she was still alive.

~~~

Thank you, Debra, for sharing with us today!  Readers be sure to download your copy of MONTANA DARLING today and to help Debra celebrate her new release, I’ve got a special JP Friends Collection prize for you, filled with books, giftcards, a book necklace with your first initial, reader goodies and so much more!  For a chance to win, leave a comment and you’ll be entered!  I’ll announce a winner on Monday, January 12th.