Effie’s Outlaw
Karen Lopp
Genre: Historical Western Romance
Publisher: SoulMate Publishing
Date of Publication:
Number of pages:
Word Count:
Cover Artist: Devon
Excerpt:Boston heiress, Effie Sheridan, takes matters into her own hands when her fortune is being stolen. The last thing she expects is to be kidnapped by a gang of train robbers. Forced to pretend to be an outlaw's lover to stay alive, she questions her sanity when she is drawn to the gruff, yet charming bandit who risks everything to save her.
U.S. Deputy, Alex Marshall is mad enough to spit nails when the beautiful, city-bred girl lands in his arms. Unable to abandon her to the cruelties of the gang, he searches for a way out of the responsibility. But her courage and sweet kisses begin to chip away at the bitterness inside his heart and he must choose between revenge on the gang that slaughtered everyone he loved or redemption for saving a women he can never have.
“He can’t discover who I am.”
Something indefinable in the tone of her voice scared the hell out him. “And just who are you?”
A long minute passed before she glanced up. Tight lines edged her eyes. He tucked her hair behind her ear.” I need to know what I’m up against.”
“Get me out of here, tonight,” Was the only answer she gave him.
Lips compressed, he took her hand and stalked to their campsite. Maybe if he opened up a bit he could coax something out of her.
Reclined on the grass beside Grace, Alex locked his hands behind his head and stared at the sky. “My real name is Alex. What’s yours?”
She fiddled with her skirt and avoided eye contact for several minutes. “Effie.”
“That wasn’t so hard was it?” Alex rolled to his side and propped his head on his hand. Grace hugged her knees. “No.”
“Now, tell me what has you so spooked.”
“I can’t.”
Alex curled his fingers tight. “Why not?”
“I don’t trust you much more than I do Ben.” She hugged her knees tighter.
That stung. “Haven’t I tried to help you?”
“You rob people for gain don’t you?” Sarcasm laced her accusation.
He sighed at the tangle of lies he was embedded in. “Not really.”
Effie scowled down at him. “Then what motivates you to steal?”
Alex doubted she could ever understand the loss of loved ones in a brutal mass murder. She’d never understand his need for revenge so he could ease the pain in his heart. It would be useless to try and explain it to her.
“Gives me a little excitement.” He added another lie to his list of deceptions.
“I don’t believe you.”
Alex jerked up, he wasn’t a knight in shining armor and he couldn’t afford for her to guess his real reason for being in the gang. “Keep your secrets then, but don’t blame me if you find yourself in a bind.” He marched off.
Let the sheltered city girl stew over his warning, he told himself. Memories of his family reminded Alex he still hadn’t discovered who pulled the trigger that fateful day, and Effie’s presence hindered his efforts. Alex was almost tempted to give her to Ben and let him figure out what to do with her.
Light but noisy footsteps followed him. He spun around. “What?”
“Please Alex, don’t be angry.”
“You want my help, my protection, with no concept of the consequences. I’m not some hired hand you can boss around. Dangling false promises of money under my nose won’t work. I take you away and I can never show my face around here again.” He thrust a finger at her. “You have no idea what that costs me.”
Hands balled on her hips, Effie glared at him. “Then you should never have brought me here.”
Guilt washed over him and he snapped. “Why don’t you hustle on down the hill and tell Sam you’d rather be his. Solve my problems.”
Effie threw herself at his chest and fisted his shirt. Panic bleached her face. “No!” she cried out, fear heavy in the one word.
Damn, the girl made him feel like a bastard.
Giveaway:
Grand prize -1 Custom made throw
4 - $5 amazon gift cards
Book Tour Info:
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:
October 21:
Deb Sanders - Interview
October 22:
Book Suburbia
October 23:
Black Words-White Pages
Musings and Ramblings
October 24:
Dalene’s Book Reviews - Interview
October 25:
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom - Interview
October 28:
Roxanne’s Realm
October 29:
Pembroke Sinclair - Interview
October 30:
Stephanie's Book Shelf
October 31:
Mythical Books - Guest Post
November 1:
Mochas, Mysteries and More - Guest Post
Ramblings From A Chaotic Mind - Guest Post
November 4:
Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews - Interview
Mila Ramos
Author Bio:
Steeped in a rich family history, Karen Lopp has always been drawn to the courageous lives of the women who lived through the hardships of the past and triumphed.A transplant from Oklahoma where she grew up on a farm just one mile away from where her great-grandparents settled in the land run, Karen now lives in the enchanted land of New Mexico and has a running competition with her dad on who can grow the tallest hollyhocks. Books and tales of ancestors were staples in her life and she fell in love with history. Enthralled with the short stories her grandmother wrote and passed down, she took the plunge (with encouragement from hubby and kids) into the world of writing. Her inspiration comes from research into her family tree and their interesting lives.
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ReplyDeleteWhoa that cover is so hot!!
ReplyDeleteLOL yeah second that on the cover. Whew. I'd so be willing to change my name to Effie. ;;snort;:
ReplyDelete