Online Read: In A Cowboy's Arms by Marin Thomas

I think your story is off to a great start, and I really like the characters so far.  Can't wait to read more!

I totally agree! I can't wait to read more.

I agree, great start, lots of info in this first chapter.   I love being able to see both POVs!

Hi Ladies--and gents if any are joining us! <g>

Thanks so much for taking the time to read the first chapter of In a Cowboy's Arms.  It's been a while since I've written a cowboy hero and I do love cowboys so this was a special treat.  This November I'm beginning a new series of books that deal with the Cartwright siblings of Oklahoma--cowboys and a cowgirl <g> 

 But before then I have my last *Hearts of Appalachia* book out, A Coal Miner's Wife.  For those of you who've read the previous books I have some fun news to share...For The Children (Oct 2007) received Honorable Mention in the 2008 Hollywood Book Festival competition in the romance category. This was big news for a series romance book!

Based in the capital of show business, the Hollywood Book Festival aims to (1) spotlight literature worthy of further consideration by the talent-hungry pipeline of the entertainment industry; and (2) facilitate getting those works into the proper hands for consideration.

A panel of judges will determine the winners based on the following criteria:
1) The story-telling ability of the author;
2) The potential of the work to be translated into other forms of media

 I hope everyone is enjoying their summer.  I've got a houseful of guests right now so it's hectic but fun here.  BTW, be sure to check out the Harlequin American romance authors blog at http://www.harauthors.blogspot.com  for current releases and author interviews.

I'll see everyone next week!

P.S.  Jayneblond...Try clicking on the READ link at the bottom of the page and I think you'll get to the chapter that way.

Marin

www.marinthomas.com

Looking forward to the rest of the story.  Will look for the new sereis.

I love this hero.  I'm reserving judgement on the heroine.

Another story where you like the H and are having questions about the h? 

He's not an alpha hero! And neither was Sam.

Not only is this the second online read (one after another) where the 'heroine' left years ago, the new daily also has a 'heroine' that did the 'dumping.' 

While the stories are good, I don't like it when eharlequin posts stories like that together.  They've done that in the past with other plots.  I would rather read totally different types of stories at the same time.

Sandi was not ready, nor was she mature enough 12 years ago for a permanent relationship.  Can't wait to read more of this.

Lidia 

I'm really enjoying this so far.

Sandi wasn't ready for a relationship 12 years ago, but I think she definitely is now.  Travis wanted to test the water, and really got surprised when she gave him THAT kiss he was not expecting.

So far, I like both the H and h.  Very interesting and explosive characters.

Good Morning everyone!

Thanks for stopping by again to read the second chapter of In a Cowboy's Arms.  Vio923, not until you mentioned the simularity of my on-line story with the other ones, I'd never given much thought to how E-HQ schedules the on-line stories.  It makes sense to provide variety. 

I'm glad my humor is hitting the mark (so far).  I love using humor whether it's LOL silly or sarcastic.  After I'd written a couple of books for Harlequin I remember digging out a bunch of "Keepers" and sure enough--the books I'd kept through the years were written by authors who'd used humor. 

When I read a romance novel I want to experience a broad range of emotions...I want to laugh with or at the characters, I want my heart strings tugged, yanked and stretched, and I want to experience the frustrations and joys the characters do...I guess I want my romance to be an emotional ride. Does anyone else feel that way?

Enjoy the upcoming weekend and see you all soon!

Marin,  I love stories that have humor (sarcastic or silly) and that tug at your heart.

I'm really liking this story.  Travis is still pretty uptight and not very forthcoming about his past but then I don't blame him for not wanting to get to close to sandi and then get hurt all over again.

I do like this hero.   Sandi, I like a bit less.

I like that they are being fairly direct with each other.  They may not be willing to give up all their secrets yet, but, when they want to know something, they ask it. 

I love that each of them is aware of having deep feelings for the other.  (I can't relate to people who think they don't care about someone anymore and then suddenly they realize they loved them all along.)  I can't wait to see how Sandi gets Travis to open up about his past and to find out about his dark secrets. 

And I can't wait for them to get beyond his understandable reluctance to be hurt again and rekindle the flame.  Great story, Marin! 

Hi Ladies

 Thanks for all your nice compliments, I'm thrilled everyone is enjoying the story so far.  Lidia, you're right!  I wanted the reader to assume that Travis meant Sandi when he looked her up and down and said everything he'd ever wanted was right there.

Hope everyone has a great weekend...I can't believe tomorrow is August already--the summer is flying by!  

See you all next week!

Hi Fake Frenchi

Thanks for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed the second book in my *Hearts of Appalachia* series In a Soldier's Arms!  I can't tell you enough how nice it was to hear you say my Hero talked like a guy

I knew if I had a hero who was a soldier I had to pay attention to his "voice" and try to make his thoughts and words as realistic as possible--I'm so glad you think I succeeded!  And yes, it was a tough subject to handle but as others who know me  I like to throw issues in my books that readers (some but not all) have strong opinions about one way or the other (my Nov release deals with runaways, shelters & the foster care system in Detroit)  Most of these "issues" I have strong opinions about, too usually because I'm connected in one way or another (through people close to me) to the subject material so I'm writing from the "gut" in these stories.

Thanks again, FF, for taking the time to read my book!

whoa, there's a broad hint...    

She's told him a lot about her, she needs to not let him turn the conversation and get him to communicate his wants and needs and some of his past life...

One more chapter to go!  Will he talk?  I hope so...otherwise, it will be hard to believe in the HEA

I agree with Fake Frenchie.  I love the story and would have loved it to be novel length.  Yes, they are both a bit cautious and maybe afraid of committing too much until they are sure of the other's feelings, but neither is trying to manipulate the other.  Neither is embittered.  They are both sincere and sweet and trying to find their way back to one another, emotionally. 

I am anxious to find out more about Travis and anxious for them to understand that they both want to be together.  What a great story!

I too hope that we finally some of Travis' past next week.   Definitely love this online read, course a sexy cowboy doesn't hurt either!

Marin, I would have loved this in a full novel form also!  I'm glad Travis will spill some in the last chapter.  I really do love this story. 

Thanks for holding a contest!  I'm going to see if I can find In a Soldier's Arms.  I hope it's in ebook form as I'm currently laid up and unable to get to my favorite used and new bookstores

JV,  I came in to tell you I watched your daughter's video also!  It's funny, but scary topic! 

I loved Sandi's last comment to Travis, "it depends on what I get in trade for it."  That should lead to some great communication really fast!

Can hardly wait to see the last chapter next week!  This would have been a great full length book!

Thanks for the great read Marin.  I loved this story

What a great ending, and new beginning, to Sandi and Travis' story!  I loved it from start to finish.

On Frenchie's recommendation, I also bought In a Soldier's Arms, and was pleasantly surprised to find that part of the story dealt with my hometown (Louisville).  That was a wonderful story, too, Marin! 

I did have to clutch at my heart and gasp when I read something about the University of Kentucky at Louisville  in one passage. (No such beast.  U of L and UK are traditional rivals, and U of L is not a part of UK or affiliated with it in any way.)  I won't hold that against you, though.  The story was sensitive, compelling, tender, and sensual.  I was very impressed with the way you dealt with a difficult subject.  You didn't back away from it at all or trivialize it.  I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I so enjoyed this story, Marin!  I, too, wondered if we'd see Sandi and Travis in other stories....  If not, feel free to write us an epi here.  Even if so, feel free to do that anyway.  LOL! 

Will absolutely be on the lookout for further books from you!

I have always loved stories about cowboys, so this was right up my alley.  This would have made a great full length book.

I enjoyed the ending where Travis told Sandi about his life before meeting her.  I even had some tears in my eyes while I was reading it.  I also liked the idea of Sandi starting a consulting business of her own.  That way, she can enjoy both worlds and they were able to have their HEA.

Marin, I also want to thank you and your daughter for sending me your book, A Coal Miner's Wife.  What a pleasant and wonderful surprise!

I really enjoyed this read and will definitely be looking for your other books.

It was a pleasue reading this story and having you visit with us Marin. 

I finally found a copy of In a Soldier's Arms and For the Children and bought both