WESTERN ROUNDUP!! CHERYL PIERSON AND GIVEAWAY!!!

Boy Howdy, Folks, the boys scoured the territory and they done brought back one of the first authors kind enough to brave the campfire, Cheryl Pierson!  My heart is beatin’ like a horse hooked to a runaway stage at the fine U.S. Marshal Kaed Turner, hero from her book FIRE EYES, taggin’ along with Cheryl today. Why I almost spilt coffee all over when he turned those dark eyes on me!  Good thing Kaed likes his coffee shakin’ not stirred! *looks away wiping drool from chin hopin’ he didn’t see*

But Cheryl didn’t stop there! Just like Santey Claus hisself, she opened her carpetbag and pulled out a special treat sharin’ all about FIRE EYES what inspired the current release and what we can look forward to in the future, and an excerpt of FIRE EYES that’ll put the fire in your eyes!! So keep on readin’ to the end!

AND Cheryl is givin’ away a copy of FIRE EYES to one lucky commenter today! All ya havta do is leave a comment and you can choose between an ebook or paperback! I’ll be drawin’ the name before that darned ol’ rooster crows on the morrow, and announce the winner back at the campfire!

As always Cookie has a doggone disclaimer –Paperback is only available to U.S. residents!  But ebook is available for any commenter, so don’t be shy, leave a comment and jaw a bit with Cheryl, me and Kaed!  *bats eyes at the good Marshal*

Renegades… Lawmen… Love’s healing power… Wounded by sadistic renegades who rule the borderlands, U.S. Marshal Kaed Turner understands he faces certain death. Then Fate and a war party of Choctaw Indians intervene, delivering him instead to an angel with the skill to heal him. Jessica Monroe has already lost a husband and a brother to the outlaws who tortured Marshal Turner. As the rugged lawman lies bleeding on her bed, she faces a difficult decision. Can she afford to gamble with her heart one last time? For when Kaed recovers, he is sworn to join in the battle to wipe out the renegade gang—once, and for all. When vengeance is done, will Kaed keep riding? Or will he return to claim his future with the beautiful woman the Choctaw call Fire Eyes?

KIRSTEN’S THOUGHTS:   I read FIRE EYES in January 2011, under its original publisher and cover (which is probably a good thing since I’m not sure I would have made it past this hot cover, I mean I’ve been sitting here staring for the past half hour).  But seriously, I fell in love, with Kaed, with Jessica, with baby Lexi, and the other Marshals, and with Cheryl’s style of writing.  As you’ve probably noticed I like gritty Western romances. That’s how I write Westerns and how I like reading Westerns, and Cheryl provides just enough grit to make it real mixed with enough sweet and tender to capture your heart.

I had been writing for only months and finished a couple romantic suspense manuscripts, and though I loved them, there was something missing. Three authors and three stories inspired me and showed me where my heart was these were Stacey Kayne’s, MOUNTAIN WILD; Ellen O’Connell’s, EYES OF SILVER, EYES OF GOLD and Cheryl Pierson’s, FIRE EYES. I decided then and there that’s where my voice was, where my roots were…the West. And I wanted to bring the same raw emotion stirred in me when reading FIRE EYES, and write characters like Kaed and Jessica with whom readers have a real gut attachment.

So, I’m not going to give any further information about the story than the blurb and what Cheryl provided, because anymore would just be giving away the story, and not giving it justice…plus after you read the excerpt Cheryl provided no other words will be needed. There will be fire across your keyboard, you’ll be typing so fast to snatch up a copy.

But Kaed and Jessica will be in your hearts just as soon as you meet them on the page. Their connection is so intense and just what each needs it’s hard to believe they meet for the first time under such horrible conditions and haven’t known each other all their lives.  And even as Jessica is healing Kaed they are healing each other.  Neither expects life to be easy, why should it start being easy now, but they trust they can face what the world hurls their way together.

Jessica’s spirit is what captures your attention, just like it captures Kaed and even the notice of the Choctaw Chief. Not just that she’s strong and feisty, but her spirit for healing and providing a balm just by being present.  Her calming presence provides solace in a story with evil and darkness threatening any peace.  There’s something very comforting when Jessica is around, and believe me Kaed is a man who needs solace and peace as relief from his inner and outer wounds. Cheryl provided a heroine who’s real in her sorrow and strength, but just as real in her unearthly talent to heal Kaed’s broken heart, as well as his broken bones.

Kaed…let me pause to catch my breath.  Kaed is strong, sure, hardheaded and not a man to find yourself on his bad side, or at the working end of his revolver.  He’s also sweet, tender, funny, and hotter than a fire in July.  I love a hero who uses their strength and character to build up others encouraging them to find their own strength and honor and that’s what Kaed does so well, not just with Jessica, but with the other Marshals.  He’s a hero who deserves the respect he receives without us having to be told we should respect him. From page one; you just admire Kaed…a natural hero.

I’m thrilled Cheryl  re-released FIRE EYES giving us the expanded version and the opportunity to see the whole story things that I read that brought me even closer to Kaed and Jessica and revealed more about what motivates them and made them into the people they are when Kaed is dropped, literally, at her door.  And scenes that if I would have known they existed the first time, I would have demanded their inclusion.  So, even if you’ve read the first version, I highly, highly, highly recommend you pick up this version

CHERYL’S LOOK AT FIRE EYES—PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE

Fire Eyes is always going to be the “book of my heart”—most special to me for several reasons.  By the end of my writing career, it may not be said that it’s my best work, but it will always remain the most memorable, because it was my first one.

I know e-books are the wave of the future, but I’m old fashioned.  I love to hold a real book in my hands and read from paper.  And when that first box of print books arrived at my doorstep, I was elated.  I can’t tell you how long I sat and fondled the books as I took them out of the box.  BEAUTIFUL! My husband wondered if I was going to “rub the paint off” the covers. But there is nothing to compare with receiving your first box of YOUR OWN BOOK and opening it up—the smell, the feel , the excitement of finally bringing your story to life for others to enjoy.

Writing Fire Eyes happened by accident.  I had written a much longer “saga” type novel, Brandon’s Gold, and had queried for it.  I received several letters of interest back from agents, finally settling on one that I thought would be a good fit for me and for my book.  His first question to me was, “Do you have anything shorter?”  Through other responses received from my queries, I knew that Brandon’s Gold was far too long for a first novel; far too long to be commercially viable, so I wasn’t surprised.

I had already started working on another novel after finishing Brandon’s Gold.  But halfway through that second novel, the idea for Fire Eyes occurred to me.  I set my WIP aside and started writing Fire Eyes instead.

The story of Marshal Kaed Turner and Jessica Monroe unfolded quickly, but as I wrote it, I couldn’t keep from developing subplots that I feared would eventually make it too long, as well.  Finally, I gave myself permission to just write the story and get it polished enough to send it out.

Eventually, Fire Eyes was contracted through The Wild Rose Press.  I had a wonderful editor there, Helen Andrew, who literally made my dream come true.  We worked on that manuscript and cut and edited until I sometimes wanted to cry. She really explained in detail why certain things couldn’t stand and had to go or be changed.  But the end result was wonderful, and it couldn’t have happened without her. A lot of very hard work had gone into that story, not just from my perspective, but also from many other people who were involved in one way or another.

Fire Eyes was a 2010 Epic Award Finalist, and received many wonderful reviews, including a 4 star review from Romantic Times Magazine.  It also received the “Reviewers Top Pick” award from PNR reviewer Karen M. Nutt.

Three years later, in April of this year, I asked for my rights back to Fire Eyes. I loved that story, but I wanted to put it out the way I had written it in the beginning. It was a great story, even with the edits, to be brought out in the TWRP romance line. But part of what ‘had to go’ for the TWRP guidelines was important to the story, in my mind. There were company guidelines to be followed when Helen and I had worked so hard three years ago to make it ‘fit’, and neither of us could change that. So we’d worked together to find a way to take out the parts that made it more “western” than “romance” and still came out with a fine story.

But I wanted to put it back together again, like I’d intended. I submitted the story to another small publisher who has an imprint for westerns and western romances, WESTERN TRAIL BLAZER.  I was able to re-edit the book and add in much of what I’d had to take out or rewrite in the first version. It was released again, May 15, just three years shy of my first release date, with a brand new Jimmy Thomas cowboy cover and lots of renewed interest.

The e-book version is available now at Amazon, Lulu, Monkeybars, Barnes and Noble, Sony and Apple, as well as many other e-book retailers.

Here are the links for Smashwords and Amazon:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/162817

http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Eyes-ebook/dp/B0083JYET8

The print version is also available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, among other retailers.  I’m very happy about breathing new life into this wonderful story. I’ve ordered my print copies, and I’m sure I’ll sit on the floor and ‘rub the paint off’ again when they arrive. And I’ll be grateful that I’ve had two chances to get my story out there—another thrill, a second time around!

Future plans for Fire Eyes? Evidently, many of my secondary characters in that story have piqued interest and requests for those characters to have their own stories.  One of the younger deputy  marshals, Travis Morgan, intrigued me so much I felt the same way! He needs his own story…and he’s going to get it. In Fire Eyes, Travis has been mentored by Kaed Turner, the main character of the story. He’s learned a lot during the time he’s been riding with Kaed, but he’s still relatively young and pretty arrogant.

The more I thought about Travis, the more I wondered about where he’d come from and why he’d decided to become a U.S. Federal Deputy Marshal in the first place—it was a thankless job; dangerous, and not well-paying. Why would he do it? And what would ever make him give it up, once it became the way of life he was familiar with?

A WOMAN, OF COURSE! And one that he never suspects will steal his heart. That’s what will be coming up in the sequel to Fire Eyes. I’ve also written another book, Gabriel’s Law, that I’m still looking for a publisher for, that has Travis as a character as a young boy, so we can see where he came from and gain a bit of insight into his character and the man he becomes later on.

I will keep you posted on the follow up book to Fire Eyes as well as Gabriel’s Law.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by today to read. Please don’t forget to comment! I’ll leave you with an excerpt from Fire Eyes:

EXCERPT FROM FIRE EYES:

THE SET UP:  Marshal Kaed Turner has been deposited on widow Jessica Monroe’s front porch by a band of Choctaw Indians with orders from the chieftain:  “Do not let him die.” But can she save him?  He’s been severely beaten by a band of renegades that run the borderlands between Arkansas and Indian Territory. The last man they brought to her doorstep died.  What will become of Marshal Turner?  Can she save him?

FROM FIRE EYES:

The bath could be put off no longer. Kaed lay quietly, watching Jessica’s nervousness.

“Jessi.” When she looked at him, his bones liquefied. She wanted him. All question of how the night would end were answered as their eyes met and held over an achingly sweet moment.

Jessica sank her teeth into her lower lip, her fingers moving to the tiny row of buttons at the front of her day dress. She slowly began to work them open. “Kaed, would you, um, I mean, well, I need to get my bath now.”

“I suppose that means I need to at least turn my head.” His mouth was dry. It was hot in the cabin all of a sudden.

“Uh-huh.” She kept right on unbuttoning the buttons, caught in his gaze. “And close your eyes.”

Yeah, well it wouldn’t matter if he did. He’d still see the picture she burned in his mind as she stood there opening those buttonholes.

Her fingers hesitated at the button just above the rich swell of her breasts. Kaed wet his lips, not turning his head or closing his eyes.

“Kaed?” Her voice was a husky whisper. That made him close his eyes. The sound of his name on her lips had him imagining doing all the things that a man did with a woman. All the things that were soon to come.

God. The heat was unbearable.

“Huh?” He slitted his still-swollen eyes open and saw she had released that button and moved down to the next one. He gritted his teeth.

“Turn…your…head.” A teasing smile played about her mouth, as if she knew exactly what he was thinking, what he was imagining.

Turning away would be a good thing right about now. If he could only persuade his neck to cooperate.

“Yeah. Okay.” He turned his face toward the window. Sort of.

“I’m trusting you.”

Kaed sighed, frustrated. “I know.” It was the one thing she might’ve said that would have kept him true to his word, that part about trusting. He couldn’t betray that. “I’ve gotta move slow. Hurts.”

“Don’t—” The dress whispered to the floor.

“I won’t,” he gritted, the words bitter in his mouth.  

OH MY! I wonder what happens after that bath?

Thanks for having me today!  Please leave a comment.  I love to hear from readers and other writers! For all my books and short stories, go to:

Cheryl’s Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/cherylpierson

 WHOO-EEE!! *wipes sweat from brow*  Don’t know about y’all but I need a long soak in a tub full of ice and more sarsaparilla than the law allows after that excerpt!  “Cookie! Doggonit! Get me a dozen fans and a cool drink!”  

I’ll leave y’all to comment for a chance to win, or to rush on over to Amazon and pick up a copy of FIRE EYES before ya melt dead away! I’ve gotta go find a cold mountain lake to sit in! “Cookie!…

35 thoughts on “WESTERN ROUNDUP!! CHERYL PIERSON AND GIVEAWAY!!!

  1. Hey Kirsten!
    Thank you so much for having me! I will be in and out today–we had some massive storms here last night and expecting another night like it tonight, so I’ll be hit or miss with the computer today. I love your wonderful comments about the new edition of FIRE EYES! Thanks so much, and I’m very honored that you found your writing inspiration in part from FIRE EYES. I write gritty too, and those are the kinds of books I love to read. Thanks again for having me today!
    Cheryl

    • Hi Cheryl!

      Always great having you around the fire, and I’m thrilled to feature FIRE EYES! Thanks for stopping by, and don’t worry if you get caught in a storm, Cookie and I will keep the parlay goin’!

      –Kirsten Lynn

  2. This is still one of my favorite Cheryl Pierson books and I can’t wait to read the expanded version. Kaed would be scrumptious in any age, but he was made for wearing cowboy boots. I’m glad to see it’s available again, Cheryl.

    • Hi Keena! So true about Kaed, he’s just hero material whatever or wherever, but I was glad to see him in boots and hat, too! 🙂 And who wouldn’t want more Kaed? So, the expanded version is wonderful.

      Thanks for stoppin’ by! Just holler and Cookie will hustle over with more coffee. 🙂

      –Kirsten Lynn

      • Hey, Keena! Thank you so much for popping over today–I appreciate your very kind words about FIRE EYES, and am so glad that you enjoyed it so much–I think you love my wounded heroes! I’ve got another one in the works through The Wild Rose Press, TEMPTATION’S TOUCH, that should be coming out sometime maybe in the early fall. It’s a contemporary, though. Kaed was quite yummy, and I sure had trouble letting go of him when the story was OVER. LOL

        Kirsten, thanks for keeping everything going while I’ve been out today–we are supposed to be in for another round of bad storms tonight–we had a tornado about 6 miles north and west of us last night and were caught between two storms for awhile–lot of lightning, wind, and hail, but it was smaller hail than what they were getting a few miles from us. Hope we get lucky again tonight! I’m so glad you enjoyed Fire Eyes so much and that it inspired you to write your OWN western romance. That’s the best news ever!
        Cheryl

  3. Hi, Cheryl.
    I loved Fire Eyes when it was published in the first release. I fell in love with Kaed. The story was so good it left me wanting more. So, I really am glad you’ve released an extended version and that you are writing stories about Travis.

    Like you, I really prefer a paperback – it can be taken and read anywhere. The original cover caught the eye of a couple of ladies in my doctor’s waiting room – I know they would really be interested in the cover of the extended version. The gentleman posing for this cover is hot! Good luck with this release, Cheryl, and good luck with the next books. I will be looking for your notice that Gabriel’s Law is being published and hope that Brandon’s Gold will also be published. God bless, Cheryl.

    • Hi Paula!

      So nice you stopped by the campfire! And you’ll love the extended version of FIRE EYES for sure. You are correct the model on the cover is HOT!! I think it’s Jimmy Thomas, but Cheryl can confirm or deny. 😉

      Hope to see you back again soon!

      –Kirsten Lynn

      • Paula, that just makes my day, to know you fell so head over heels for Kaed and the story itself. I have lots of plans–I only wish my days were about twice as long and maybe then I could do what I want and need to do to get the writing I want to do DONE. LOL I’m so glad to know that the original cover caught some womens’ eyes in the waiting room ! I always take one of my paperbacks with me to the waiting room when I have a doctor’s appt. hoping to strike up conversation about it. LOL

        Yes, girls, that IS Jimmy Thomas, being his most wonderful self on the cover. I love that pose!

        Thanks again, Paula, for stopping by today and commenting! I’m entering your name in the drawing!
        Cheryl

  4. For those like me who aren’t big western readers, Cheryl’s books are a great way to start and maybe change your mind. 😉 Cheryl, I’m so glad you were able to add back to this story!

    • LK, welcome back to the campfire!! Thanks so much for dropping by, and you’re right Cheryl’s books will definitely change the minds of those who aren’t big Western fans (perish the thought). 🙂

      –Kirsten Lynn

      • LORAINE!
        Thanks so much for coming by!!! I know you aren’t a huge western romance fan, so I was just thrilled to read your review you wrote for Fire Eyes and these comments–if I can create a book that speaks to those who aren’t particular fans of that sub-genre, it ‘s a great honor. Thanks again, Loraine!
        Hugs,
        Cheryl

  5. HI Cheryl and Kristen!

    Kristen- Lovely blog! The graphics are divine! 🙂

    Cheryl!!!- This is the first time I’ve seen FIRE EYES new cover and it’s gorgeous. You definitely scored with the Cover Gods for both covers. Wonderful post! WIshing you continued success! ((hugs!))

    • Hi Sarah!

      Thanks so much for the kind words about the site! So glad you stopped by the campfire! 🙂 I have to agree with you about the covers both are amazing, which works since it’s an amazing story!

      –Kirsten Lynn

      • SARAH!
        Yes, I have to agree with you. I was SUPER SUPER lucky to have had two great covers for FIRE EYES! Some people never get one fantastic cover and I received two. I’m so glad to see you making good on your word to “get out” more now that the kids are older! LOL Lord, I remember those days…they won’t last forever, believe me. And you’ll miss them when they’re overwith. How’s your book coming? Aren’t you pitching at RWA? Keep us posted, will you? And BEST OF LUCK!
        Hugs,
        Cheryl

  6. Ackk!! There are non-Western readers???? Just kidding. I love all things cowboys and westerns. Thank you for always bringing us such wonderful authors to check out.

    • IKR, Rachel! It’s unthinkable someone wouldn’t have the good taste to enjoy a Western. 🙂 Thanks for always stoppin’ by the campfire for a mug of Cookie’s brew and to jaw a bit. Hope you’ll grab a copy of FIRE EYES, it’s a great read!

      –Kirsten Lynn

  7. Rachel,
    Thanks so much for stopping by today! LIke you, I can’t imagine NOT reading western romance–I like it all, but love the western sub-genre the most! I’m entering your name in the drawing!
    Cheryl

  8. Wow Kirsten! I decided to commit to reading your blog for a chance at this intensly steamy story. I am fanning myself as we speak. I haven’t read in the Western Romance genre before as I usually end up reading Mary Balough (old English Historical Romance) so this new arena is very exciting! I can’t wait to learn about more authors.

    • Kristin! Thanks so much for stopping by and for leaving a comment! I hope you’ll give Western romances a try, everyone has favorite sub-genres, but books like FIRE EYES are a super place to start Westerns. And you’re right Jess and Kaed do sizzle, so definitely bring that fan along. 😉

      –Kirsten Lynn

      • Hi Kristen!
        I hope you will start reading some good ol’ western romance–there are a lot of great authors out there–I know Kirsten mentioned Stacey Kayne, she is my “filly sister” over at Petticoats and Pistols–one of the nicest people and an excellent writer–love her stories. I read Mary Balogh, too! I try to read a little of everything since I write historical western and contemporary romantic suspense. Thanks so much for coming by over here at Kirsten’s today–I’m putting your name in the drawing!
        Cheryl

  9. I have always been drawn to Cheryl Pierson’s writing due to her inclusion of Native Americans in her stories. When I think of the west and westerns, I picture Indians in the scene. Cheryl does an excellent and accurate portrayal of these noble people. She also does a splendid job of making the villain, that the hero must defeat, the cruelest and most heartless monster to ever plague the west.

    • Hi ML! I’m so glad you stopped by the campfire today. I agree, Cheryl does a superb job of including American Indians into her stories and like you I appreciate her accuracy in portraying the role each culture played in the West. And I agree her villains are some of the best of the baddest.

      Hope to see you on the trail again!

      –Kirsten Lynn

      • Hey, Mary!
        I’m so glad you made it over here to Kirsten’s fantastic site! She has been so kind to invite me back to the campfire again this month, and I sure do appreciate it, since I had Fire Eyes re-released! Thanks so much for your VERY kind words about Fire Eyes! I appreciate it so much, and am thrilled that you loved that story so much! Thanks again for stopping by!
        Cheryl

  10. I’ve started reading “Time Plains Drifter,” and am loving it! I have to admit it’s the first romance I’ve ever read (but not my first western!). I’ll definitely give “Fire Eyes” a try, too!

    • WhooHoo, Alison! Looks like we have a convert. 🙂 That’s awesome that you’re enjoying TIME PLAINS DRIFTER, and definitely give FIRE EYES a try! Thanks for always stopping in and jawin’ with Cookie and me!

      –Kirsten Lynn

      • Hi Alison!
        Wow, I’m thrilled that you are enjoying Time Plains Drifter–I loved writing that story so much, and have a plan for the sequel with Cris and Tori. Just need my days to be about twice as long in order to get everything done! I will put your name in the drawing for Fire Eyes!
        Cheryl

    • Great to have to back ’round the campfire, Tanya! You’re always such a gracious guest, hope you’ll stop again soon.

      –Kirsten Lynn

      • Hi Tanya! I know what you mean! And my goodness you have just gone great guns with your Hearts Crossing Ranch series! I’m in awe of you! Thanks so much for coming by and commenting! I know how busy you are!
        Hugs,
        Cheryl

  11. You’re testing my math at 6 am, Kirsten 😉
    I know what you mean, Cheryl, with a new publisher and tweaking – going through that now. Hope your sales stay happy.

    • Hi Lisa! Thanks so much for stopping by, and dealing with the math, to leave a comment. 🙂 All the best with your new publisher.

      –Kirsten Lynn

      • Hi Lisa,
        It’s been a great thing, so far! Hope it stays that way, as you say. Got my author copies yesterday…Oh, yes…I did sit on the floor for about an hour and just fondle them all. LOL Thanks so much for stopping by Lisa!
        Cheryl

  12. I’m so sorry I’m a bit late coming to comment but I sure don’t want to miss commenting. I know how you feel about Fire Eyes being the book of your heart. When a story comes from an author’s heart and spirit, it radiates warmth to everyone who reads it. I loved Fire Eyes and its wounded hero. I hope you keep this book out there forever.

    • Sarah, You’re never late to the campfire we keep the coffee goin’ 24/7, and it’s great having you stop in again! 🙂 It is amazing how the book of your heart, whether writing it or reading it, is so different than anything else the author creates. As you mentioned there’s just a different spirit about the whole project that shines through.

      –Kirsten Lynn

      • SARAH! bless your heart for stopping by and commenting–as Kirsten says, it’s never too late here at the campfire and we’re always glad to see ya! I hope it stays out there forever, too. I’m so glad you loved Kaed so much. I sure hated to let him go at the end of the story. LOL
        Cheryl

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