A big “Howdy” here from Heather Blanton, and an even bigger thank you to The Silver Petticoat Review for hosting me today. I wanted to share with your readers an excerpt from my book, Hearts in Defiance. I hope you enjoy this little romantic moment and sizzle from my story!

What’s a bad man to do when he wants desperately to be good? How does he face his past without letting it consume him?

“He slid his good arm around her and pulled the other from its support. With a light touch, he tipped her chin, and this time went through with the kiss. He started to pull away, but his resolve failed him. Their lips blended and McIntyre’s body jolted as if he’d been hit by lightning. Clutching her face between his hands, he kissed her deeply, with a frightening need.

Naomi slid her arms around his neck, tightening her grip as if she was holding on to a rescuer. The world vanished, and McIntyre held her tighter and tighter, desperate to savor her and this moment. He wove his hands through the gossamer softness of her hair like a man starved for beauty. Standing on the edge of this cliff, the taste of her, the hunger of her mouth, the months of not being able to touch her, made his head swim, his heartbeat roar in his ears.

She let her fingers comb through the black curls at the nape of his neck. She gripped his shoulders and clung to him, and he could feel her yearning. McIntyre understood for the first time in his life a need that went beyond his body and ignited a deeper desire.

But his hands, trained by years of encounters with willing women, slid around to the front of her ribs. Almost instantly, mercifully, he registered the depth of the temptation and released her as if she was a wildfire bursting to life.
He backed away, disgusted by what he’d almost done.

Her chest heaving, Naomi stared back at him, eyes filled with fear and desire. His self-control hanging by a thread, McIntyre realized they were both fighting a raging blaze that stole his wits and fogged his judgment. He stood for a moment, hand outstretched to her in apology.

“I am so sorry, Naomi.” Snatching off his hat, he turned away and ran his hand through his hair. “Forgive me. I swore I would never treat you like … one of my girls.”

Everything has to be different with Naomi. She’s my chance to start over.

“You kissed your Flowers like that?” She sounded both astonished and disappointed.

He almost laughed, recalling how he had treated his prostitutes. “No, I did not. I’ve never kissed any woman like that.” Twirling his hat in his hands, he smiled from surprise. “Your kiss hits me like good whiskey—a jolt and a smooth burn.” He reached up to rub his neck. “And it’s been quite a while since I’ve had a, uh … drink.”

Hearts in Defiance: Romance in the Rockies: Book Two

Click here to start reading a free sample of Hearts in Defiance right now!

MEN MAKE MISTAKES. GOD WILL FORGIVE THEM. WILL THEIR WOMEN?

Charles McIntyre built the lawless, godless mining town of Defiance practically with his bare hands … and without any remorse for the lives he destroyed along the way. Then a glimpse of true love, both earthly and heavenly, changed him. The question is, how much? Naomi Miller is a beautiful, decent woman. She says she loves McIntyre, that God does, too, and the past is behind them now. But McIntyre struggles to believe he’s worth saving … worth loving. Unfortunately, the temptations in Defiance only reinforce his doubts.

Billy Page abandoned Hannah Frink when he discovered she was going to have his baby … and now he can’t live with himself. Or without her. Determined to prove his love, he leaves his family and fortune behind and journeys to Defiance. Will Hannah take Billy back or give him what he deserves for the betrayal?

Gritty and realistic, this is the story of real life and real faith in Defiance.

The sequel to the highly acclaimed, best-selling western romance A Lady in Defiance!

Thank you for reading! A Promise in Defiance: Romance in the Rockies, Book Three comes out June 22, 2016! You can check out my other books below:

Also, please come visit me at my website www.ladiesindefiance.com. You can find me on Facebook and Twitter too.

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