Aug 21, 2011


Welcome to another LoveCats DownUnder Sunday Smooch!


Today we have a smooch from Millionaire Playboy, Maverick Heiress by Robyn Grady, but first ...

the winner of last week's Sunday Smooch Giveaway is --
Kaelee!

Congratulations, Kaelee! Can you please contact Soyara at

soyaranicholas (at) yahoo (dot) com and she'll send you a copy of A Kiss to Seal the Deal.

And now for today's Sunday Smooch from Millionaire Playboy, Maverick Heiress by Robyn Grady ...



For successful New York architect Daniel Warren, designing the new Texas Cattleman's Club is an exciting challenge. And so is getting to know the delicious Elizabeth Milton. The fiery Texas heiress combines cosmopolitan chic with down-home sass—a mix impossible for a city slicker to resist.

But a carefree affair is all they can have. A stipulation in her family's will keeps Elizabeth honor-bound to stay in Royal. And this millionaire's business will soon force him to move on. Unless either dares to make the ultimate sacrifice and put love first.







[Set up: Daniel and Elizabeth are taking a stroll around her ranch in the moonlight. She's become defensive over Daniel's questions regarding the caveat in her parents' will that states she must stay in Royal, her Texas hometown, for ten months of the year when it's obvious she longs to be free. However, she is also hand-on-heart loyal to her heritage and her deceased parents' wishes.]

“Daniel. I want you to know, I’m happy staying here,” she told him as he turned around. “Sometimes it’s a little…inconvenient. But I’ve come to see this ranch is my future.”
“That’s fine.” Totally her business. He tipped his head. “Good night.”
He’d begun to turn away when she interrupted again.
“You don’t believe me.”
“It shouldn’t matter what I believe.”
“It’s only until I turn thirty.”
By thirty he’d been well on his way to being successful, and happy, in his own right. But, again, not his concern.
“You don’t have to convince me.”
“I don’t want you to leave feeling sorry for me,” she pointed out. “I have everything any person could want or need.”
“Just make sure you don’t include freedom on that list.”
She growled, “It’s not a restriction.”
“No?”
“No.”
As she stood before him, defiant in the moonlight, his skin heated, muscles clenched, and as his gaze held hers, a dark, deep urge overwhelmed him, a primitive impulse that set his heart pumping all the more. She didn’t want his pity and, God save him, he didn’t want to show her any. But she wanted him to believe she wasn’t interested in too much beyond this parcel of land?
Miss Milton was a liar.
Prepared to tell her just that, he moved forward. He stopped an arm’s length away, searched her questioning eyes but then, rather than speak, he acted, circling her waist and bringing her mercilessly close. At the same time he pressed her in and her mouth opened to protest, his head came down, lowering, determined, over hers.
While her hands bunched and pushed against his chest, he held her. When muffled, incensed noises vibrated from her throat, he didn’t relent. Damn it, if he was going, he wanted to leave them both with at least a taste of what he’d felt bubbling and fermenting between them. He needed to show this woman what she already knew.
There was more to life than two months a year.
And gradually, as he’d known she would, Elizabeth came around to his way of thinking. Her fists loosened against his shirt until her fingertips were clinging rather than pushing him away. Her body, instead of objecting, relaxed and, bit by bit, dissolved. Best of all, her lips grew supple and parted, no longer refusing but inviting him in. Daniel smiled to himself.
Damn, it was good to be right.



Millionaire Playboy, Maverick Heiress is book 4 of the Texas Cattleman's Club "Final Showdown" series, which also feature stories by Brenda Jackson, Barbara Dunlop, Katherine Garbera, Maureen Child and Kathy Denosky.


To be in the draw to win a copy, let me know if you've ever jumped in a saddle, I certainly have a story to tell!

Come back next Sunday, when the winner of today's giveaway will be announced -- and a smooch from Boomerang Bride by Fiona Lowe will be posted!

37 comments:

  1. I love riding horses . My first experience of riding a horse was on my grandfather's farm in Colorado when I was about 8 or 9 years old. The last time I rode a horse was on a dude ranch trip to Colorado about 12 years ago. Nowadays I really don't have access to horse riding so I paint them instead. Your book sounds like one I would enjoy.
    JFWisherd(at)aol(dot)com

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  2. Hey Jackie! Great to see you here =) You paint horses now? You clever thing! I've always longed to be able to paint. I can draw a little, but oils or watercolor are a whole other beast!

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  3. I love this series, and look forward to your book. The excerpt was great. I rode a horse when I was 19 and it was a gentle mare about 10 years old. It was fun being so high up there. Next summer I went with my friend to her cousin's ranch and I thought I will try riding again. There was this mare named quick step, she was docile as far I could tell. First and last mistake I made. She rode well the first few miles and as I found out later she like to throw her rider in the pond, so there I was getting ready to rein her in when she speed up and the stopped so fast I went flying over in the pond. I was sore for days no injuries though, more like my pride. Tricky animals they are; I will stick to the older horses from now on.

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  4. Oh Avi, I shouldn't laugh but if horses had expressions, I could just imagine this one's when he tossed you over into the drink! They are gorgeous, but I'll agree, tricky, too - ie SMART!
    Thanks so much for dropping by!

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  5. No, I've never jumped in a saddle, but when I was younger I would have loved to do so.

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  6. As they say, Wilma, it's never to late to try! My eldest daughter's boyfriend raises and trains warmbloods (dressage and jumping). He makes it look so effortless! Clever boy =)

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  7. I love this series. Robbie the book sounds wonderful.

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  8. Hi Robyn,
    I have never jumped in a saddle. I'm too skittish. I would love to try it someday.

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  9. I've been on the back of a horse several times as a teenager but that was eons ago and I am not likely to try it again. The last time I was on one the horse stumbled in a hole and both of us ended up on the ground!!!

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  10. Robyn

    This books sounds soo good I need to read it.

    I have been horse riding once when I was younger and enjoyed it but I feel a bit uncomfortable around horses unless they are behind a fence LOL I do love to see them running around in a paddock and am always happy to give them an apple or carrott.

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  11. Hi Robyn,

    I absolutely love your books. I have the Kindle edition of the Fearless Maverick, and i love it It's a real treat.

    The except of 'Millionaire Playboy Maverick Heiress is amazing. I can't wait to read the whole book.

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  12. Hi Robyn
    I'm so looking forward to reading this book. I think Miss Milton has met her match :)Great kiss.
    Horses are a huge part of my life - my DH and I own eight of them. My best boy is Zeb, standing nearly 18hh (there's no shame is using a ladder!)He's also the laziest horse in the universe. And Chloe, our minature pony, who sticks her head around the doorway to watch the Morning Show with Kerrie-Ann.
    Great post.

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  13. Ooh, nice smooch Robbie! Daniel is so hot...and so arrogant :-) really looking forward to seeing the sparks fly between this pair.

    I love horses. I rode a lot when I was younger, but I haven't been on a horse for years! Hmm...might have to give that another try sometime soon.

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  14. Many years ago: my best friend lived on a farm. They had a beautiful old horse we used to ride. Nothing strenuous for any of us, just ambling around the farm.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  15. Marilyn, thanks so much for dropping in! I really can't wait to read the other books in the series - and find out who's behind the blackmail attempt!

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  16. Hi Jane! I must admit, I'm a bit of a chicken. When I was twelve I doubled with a friend and got thrown off. Broke my pinkie! Not the horse's fault! I'm sure it sensed I was really uncertain/unskilled. I've jumped in the saddle since and have managed to stay on!

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  17. Hi Robyn,

    I'm also looking forward to reading this book, it sound so interesting! And the kiss was .....OK, let's day tantalising!

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  18. Oh he's a *naughty* Texas Billionaire (LOL) but I suspect he's about to get his comeuppance at Elizabeth's hands. Heh.

    Fabulous smooch, Robbie, *love* a man who loves a horse.

    Best horse-related movie line ever... "George of the Jungle" where a muscled-up Brendan Fraser (longing for the wild)is weaving left and right in ultra slow motion with a pair of horses in a paddock, his shirt billowing open, hard chest glistening, hair flowing out behind him, as three women watch on, enraptured, with their champagne halfway to their lips.

    And two guys watching the women shake their heads and say 'What is it with chicks and horses?'

    One of my favourite horsey/movie moments...

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  19. Hi Robbie,

    what a lovely simmering scene!

    Some of my best memories involve horses. I still remember a huge grey Clydesdale our landlord rode around on his farm, he put all four of us siblings up on top of the horse and led us around. I was all of about 3 at the time and was ecstatic!

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  20. I haven't been in the saddle since I sold my two horses, Starsky and Querida, a couple of years ago. I miss it, but I'm just too busy. Nothing like the feeling of being high in the saddle, gently rocking with the horses gait, listening to the sounds of the bush...I'll have to settle for reading about it now.

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  21. Ellen too, I think there's a few of us with similar stories. Guess it's about facing your fears and climbing back in the saddle. Or maybe just getting a cat lol

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  22. Helen, they are gorgeous animals to watch! About them being behind a fence... my poor dh was bitten on the tummy by a Shetland pony when he was nine. He shoulda handed over the apple! ;)

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  23. Sonali! Thanks for those kind words re Fearless Maverick!! I was thrilled to be asked to join those authors and contribute to the scandal that is The Wolfe Dynasty. =)
    Glad you enjoyed this excerpt! These characters are a couple of my faves!

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  24. Hi Helen L! 18 hands high! I'd have *no* chance lol I won't let my youngest read your post. She's been asking for her own pony for months now!
    Thanks for dropping in =)

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  25. Gorgeous kiss, Robbie - Daniel and Elizabeth sound like they've got a rocky road ahead before they find their place to be happy.

    I've always adored horses and we had a couple of beautiful Arabians for many years. These days though we stick to the motorbike saddle!

    :)
    Sharon

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  26. Hi Robbie

    Great excerpt - I love the sizzle between these two. And wonderful hook at the end! I so want to read on - Daniel sounds so yummy, so tough. Can't wait to see Elizabeth uncover his soft spots, and others not so soft... Lol!

    My experience riding a horse...
    I was in Turkey, and had what I was told was a good horse for non-experienced riders. I didn't have to steer or do anything, just hold on for dear life, and the horse did the rest. He followed the horse in front, doggedly. Which was great until it decided to bolt, and mine decided to follow! I clutched the reins, jumping about on his back like crazy. The guide caught up to us both and managed to save the day. My only regret - aside from my extrememly sore butt - was that my saviour was double my age and nowhere near hero material! Oh to live in one of our romance novels...

    Can't wait to read another of your beautiful books.

    Michelle

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  27. Great post Robbie and a great kiss. I've loved reading Texas Cattleman in the past and I'm looking forward to reading the new issues so much. This smooch has made me even more impatient. Unfortunately I've had very limited contact with horses but would love to learn to ride one day. It is on my bucket list.

    Cheers
    Tracey T

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  28. Michelle, perhaps the Lovecats should do a rural/horseback weekend writers retreat! Any excuse, right! =)

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  29. Marybelle, your story reminds me of my mother's very early days. From 7 yo, she had a lovely old horse who was a true friend when she had to get up at 4 to round up the cows. Sounds like a hard life, but she says she had the best childhood. She loved her horse.

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  30. Nas, I'm glad you found Daniel and Elizabeth's kiss tantalising! I know I can't wait to read the other TCC stories!

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  31. Oh, very nice. The kiss was very steamy and passionate, and I love the mix of emotion that led up to it.

    I've ridden only one horse in my entire life, but I would love to do it again. I think horses are such majestic animals.

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  32. Horse riding is such a rare opportunity that I savour every chance I get. I especially like to go to equestrian competitions. I went to England a few years ago and my aunt's friend had a side saddle that I just had to try out. I fell out a few times before getting settled, and I only made it as far as the main gate about 30 feet before slipping out of the saddle again. So not my thing it is really uncomfortable.

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  33. Thank you for picking my name to win last week's Sunday Smooch book.

    I've only ridden a horse once. The horse got spooked by a wasp and I ended up on the ground which would have been okay except I held on to the reins and got dragged a bit. No serious injuries except to my pride and I did get back on the horse but instead of going forward to our destination we went back to the stables. The guy who was with me wasn't very sympathetic as he figured I should have let the horse go. I was worried about losing my rented horse in the bush. I didn't date the guy again. Shortly after i met my husband to be and we hike instead of ride.

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  34. Hi ~ Just a note, I got a mail server error when I sent an email to Soraya. My email address is kaeleetwo@shaw.ca

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  35. Kaelee,I'll have Soyara contact you =)

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  36. Hi Robbie
    Enjoyed the excerpt for Millionaire Playboy, Maverick Heiress. I can't wait to start the series.

    In answer to your question, never actually jumped into a saddle. I have gone on a couple horse rides in the past which were fun especially seeing the scenery that was around me. I have nearly fallen off a horse because my shoe wasn't all the way in the stirrup and we were going over some rocky terrain when my shoe had started to slip out of the stirrup but I was able to get my shoe back in before anything really happened.

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  37. Hey Amanda!!
    Glad you enjoyed the excerpt =)
    That shoe-out-of-stirrup thing has happened to me too. A little scary when they start to trot/canter. I'd love to have lessons...on a really friendly old mare =)

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