by
Born in the wrong time...
In 1875 Dakota, Sheriff Jamie Carter has to hide his interest in men, even from his gutsy twin sister, Anna. On a good day, the truth can mean a bullet between the eyes, and on a bad, one in the back.
A man on a mission...
Jamie leaves Anna in charge of Blackrock and he hits the bounty hunting trail, along with his faithful equine companion, Houston. Five territories, scores of ‘Wanted’ posters, and many bullets later, his path unexpectedly converges with that of enigmatic loner, Kit Brooks.
Two men with one soul...
Will the smouldering fire between them rage into an inferno and break down protective barriers, allowing them to find love? Or will it separate and kill them?
Beneath Dakota skies...
Jamie and Kit’s story is a sweeping saga of cowboys, Indians, persistent broads, and vengeful villains, where the cowboys aren’t always the good guys, and love can’t be taken for granted.
EXTENDED EDITION
- 1 Read list
Publisher: Kindle Worlds
Editors:
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 3
Romantic Content: 1
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: 18-25
Protagonist 2 Age: 18-25
Tropes: Badass Hero, Criminals & Outlaws, Enemies to Lovers, Hurt / Comfort, Slow Burning Love
Word Count: 120000
Setting: Dakota, Texas
Languages Available: English
“Who’s there?” he barked into the dark.
Jay wasn’t happy at being denied sleep again. There was no answer, and the laughing abruptly stopped. All Jay could hear was the wind rustling the small new leaves on the trees. Eventually sleep took him, albeit restlessly.
Moving out in the morning, he followed the trail north. However, the farther he traveled, the more he couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.
That evening, Jay set up camp not far from water. It allowed him to replenish his canteen (after boiling it, of course, like his mama taught him) and take a dip. The stream ran deeper, wider, and faster than at other places he’d seen. It was perfect for a bath and rough shave.
READ MOREDust, grease, and grime from the last few days scoured his skin. Even though the water was bone chillingly cold, soap and tough scrubbing removed the filth. The freshness it brought made him feel much better. After drying off, Jay returned to camp with a spring in his step.
The closer Jay got to his warming fire… the more he heard voices.
Hiding behind a tall bush, Jay withdrew his gun and… very… slowly… cocked it ready.
Natives were going through his stuff.
His breathing shallow, Jay raised his arm to take aim. At that moment, a weathered hand softly covered his mouth. Jay froze. The man’s other hand carefully and silently lowered his gun. None of the movements were threatening. Though Jay’s heart was pumping so hard he thought it wanted out of his chest.
“Don’t,” was whispered into his ear. “They’re curious. They’ll go soon.”
Jay nodded in compliance, but the stranger’s hold on him didn’t falter. The arm that lowered his gun was around his waist, along with his gun. The man was ensuring Jay didn’t move. His soft, quiet breathing ghosted over the side of Jay’s face. Warmth from the strong stranger permeated every pore of Jay Carter’s cold body like a sleep-inducing fog.
Within minutes the natives left, leaving almost no evidence of their visit, except for a missing sack of grain.
The man continued to whisper, “They’ve been following you since you entered their land. They’re Wichita, and they mean you no harm. If you shoot your gun, it’ll alert every tribesman to your existence. Be careful. Be quiet. Don’t do anything stupid… like sing.”
The sweet scent of honey wafted into Jay’s nose. His body was invaded—not physically, but sensually. Jay had to close his eyes to steady himself.
As if by magic, the stranger’s hold on Jay was gone, leaving cold air in its wake. Instead of being relieved, Jay missed the heat from the man’s broad chest against his back, and the strong arms wrapped around him. It was comfortable, safe… and unnerving.
COLLAPSEI had seen some really positive reviews on the Amazon.com site & on other sites so I thought i'd read it. Wow, what a read it was. I learnt so much about the 19th Century & the story & the characters seemed incredibly believable, they just came to life. I particularly liked the way it has twists & turns & keeps you in suspense throughout. Certainly well worth a read, you won't be dissappointed.