Excerpt, review and giveaway for Runaway Cowboy (Rodeo #3.5) by T.J. Kline

Runaway Cowboy
Rodeo #3.5
By: T.J. Kline
Releasing February 3rd, 2015
Avon Impulse

"You had your chance, and you threw it away…"
Five years ago, Jen woke up with a ring on her finger and her fiancé nowhere to be found. She swore she’d gotten over the betrayal, but when Clay unexpectedly hires on with the rodeo for a week, she finds herself torn between passion and regret.

Clay left intending never to see Jen again. He’s been running from his troubled past for far too long, and it’s not a life he wants for her. But it’s hard to run from the past when the past is your own family, and Clay finds himself thrown back into the chaos he thought he’d finally left behind.

Will the truth drive Jen away, or is there a second chance at happily ever after for this runaway cowboy?

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Excerpt

Clay grabbed her arm, and she spun on him, wildly swinging her purse at his head and jerking her arm from his grasp. “Don’t touch me.”

He easily caught the purse in his hand and dropped it at his feet as he pulled her into his arms. “What do you have in that thing? Bricks?”

“Let go of me, Clay,” she said through gritted teeth, twisting, trying to release herself from his grasp.

“Only if you let me explain.”

Every inch of her that was in contact with him burned with icy flames. The heat of his hands on her arms sent warmth running down her spine to melt her limbs and ignite the desire pooling in her belly. She wanted to push him away, to run to her trailer and stay there until he went back to wherever he’d been hiding, but when her eyes met his, pleading with her to listen to him, she couldn’t deny herself just one more moment with him. How was she supposed to keep hating him when her body wouldn’t follow her commands?

“You have five minutes.” One for each year she hadn’t heard from him. He released her cautiously. She walked back to the truck, knowing he would follow, and flipped the tailgate down. She hopped up on it, letting her legs dangle. When he sighed and scrubbed a hand over his jaw, she quirked a brow. “Time’s ticking Clay. Start talking.”

“You know, for someone who seems to think she has everything figured out better than the rest of us, you sure can be irresponsible. What were you thinking going into that bar?”

Jen almost let her mouth fall open at the audacity of his accusation. She bit the inside of her cheek until the metallic taste of blood forced her to stop.

She jumped from the back of the truck. “That was some explanation. I can’t believe I waited this long for it.”

Clay’s fingers circled her wrist as she started to walk away. “I have at least three minutes left.”

He pulled her back toward him, drawing her against his chest as one arm circled around her waist. His other hand buried into her long hair, and she gasped in surprise as his mouth found hers. Her body betrayed her again, melting against him as her bones seemed to turn to molten lava. Her fingers dug into the muscles of his shoulders, but she wasn’t sure if it was to keep her balance or because she couldn’t resist touching him. His mouth was gentle, in spite of their argument, as if he wanted to savor this kiss, to taste her, to force the memories of the tenderness they’d once shared to the surface. Clay nipped at her lower lip, testing her resolve, and when she didn’t protest, he plunged ahead. His tongue swept against hers as she slid her hands over his shoulders before curling her fingers around the nape of his neck, twining into his hair.

Clay’s lips trailed over her cheek and jaw. “I’ve missed you, Jen. You have no idea how much.”

Author Info

T. J. Kline was raised competing in rodeos and rodeo queen competitions since the age of 14, She has thorough knowledge of the sport as well as the culture involved. She has had several articles about rodeo published in the past in small periodicals as well as a more recent how-to article for RevWriter. She is also an avid reader and book reviewer for both Tyndale and Multnomah.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

I've been looking for a fast, good romance the last few days and I found one. Thank you T.J. Kline for Runaway Cowboy. Even though this is book #3.5 in the Rodeo series, I haven't read the others so I would consider this a standalone. Besides wanting to read the other books now, I have to share my affection for this story. I'm a sucker for a hot cowboy and the moment Jen spots Clay at the rodeo, I took notice. He's considerate, nice, and seeks forgiveness for walking away from her five years ago. Did I mention how likable Jen is? She's strong, had to be since her parents were killed years ago and she raised her two brothers (with help from her dad's close friend, Mike). Jen knows what she wants and Clay used to be on that list. If he has his way, he just might be placed back on her list, but he has some explaining to do.

What I really enjoyed about Runaway Cowboy was the chemistry between Jen and Clay. These two simply belonged together and their scenes smoldered simply from their close proximity to one another. The lake scene-talk about toe curling! I loved T.J. Kline's style of writing, from her descriptions, the easy banter between characters, the way each character was developed, and the ease in which I fell into the story. For a novella, I wanted more. 

Runaway Cowboy is a romantic romp featuring a sexy cowboy, a sassy heroine and a cast of wonderfully rich characters. T.J. Kline has been added to my list of authors to read.

Rating: 4 Really liked it!

Cover comment: I like it.

Book source: Edelweiss

Giveaway 

Digital Bundle Including: RODEO QUEEN, THE COWBOY & THE ANGEL and LEARNING THE ROPES

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