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A sample of Noble Romance Publishing’s awesome titles:

Lisa @ Joyfully Reviewed liked my smutty little Val & Kendra tale. Here’s what she had to say, “Fast and fun plus horny and kinky, Ignited is a hot tale with an eye opening twist or two.” You can read her full review HERE.

And I was extremely happy to read this next review of the Western Anthology, Cocked & Fully Loaded. I was wondering how readers would take my M/M/T-girl menage in the midst of an anthology with M/F pairings, but so far, they’ve apparently loved it!

Congrats to my fellow authors, Rie McGaha and G.R. Bretz, also! I think each of our writing styles compliments one another’s nicely. Here’s the latest review of Cocked & Fully Loaded from Cheryl@Manic Readers, “This western anthology is almost too hot for words. The country song by Big and Rich sums this anthology up the best…“Save a horse, Ride a cowboy”! … My favorite thing about this anthology is that the men in these stories were real men. They were tall, buff, and knew how to handle themselves in the bedroom. Also the women were not shy wall flowers but strong and independent…” Read her full review HERE.

Some tattoos are worn to symbolize the individual, some to boast, label, or revere individual characteristics, circumstances, or people in the person’s life. And I’d venture (though not speaking with expertise on the subject) some are even used by gangs.

But what is the allure? What do we find so intriguing about a faded anchor, entwined with a thorny rose, inscribed with the name, Lulu? Or any of the elaborate tribal bands that encircle biceps or calves, the Kanji symbols adorning the backs of necks, or the assortment of colorful spreads of flowery designs and mythical creatures spread shoulder-to-shoulder or hip-to-hip that we must inquire their origins from the owners?

In one of my current WIPS, my surfer turned P.I. sports quite a number of distinctive tats himself, because that is who he is, at least according to him. I never stopped to ask him why, though I know how and when, he got them. If I think about it, I’ve never inquired but simply admired quite a number of beautiful tattoos in my life, never questioning any owner . . . until now.

Now . . . well, last week to be more precise, when an eight year old little boy came crying off the school bus, rushed into the house—then into the bathroom to furiously scrub away at his face, neck, hands and arms with some funky concoction of rubbing alcohol and baby oil. When I inquired to the reason for his behavior, he simply replied through the tears that he didn’t want to get kicked out of school and . . . “I think we need more baby oil.”

Apparently, his four packages of child’s vanity tattoos that he so proudly pulled from his Christmas stocking and later splayed over and across nearly every inch of available skin, trying in vain to impersonate a number of characters at once from the Anime, Naruto, didn’t go over well with the teachers. He had violated “dress code,” his teacher had told him. The tats had to go or he’d be suspended.

Cut the kid some slack, I thought. For Christ’s sake, he’s a child—a little boy ecstatic about a simple (and cheap) gift, who wanted nothing more than to enjoy it. They’d gotten my attention. My hackles were raised. I couldn’t recall reading anything about tattoos in the school’s dress code. I sat down with David and we looked it up.

Never mind that tattoos of any kind are not addressed in the code, and never mind that the code does not apply to Third graders or younger, the disclaimers were obvious and clear. “An item of dress, article of clothing, or accessory should not be deemed ‘approved’ simply because it is not listed herein” . . . and “The administration reserves the right to address inappropriate clothing on an individual basis in all grades.”

According to the teacher, David was being disruptive, drawing attention to himself, distracting class.

Oh, the mystical allure of the tattoo . . . .

Such power to command every gaze in a room. I think next year, I’ll have Santa put ten packages of those “apply-with-a-damp-rag” tats inside the boys’ stockings.

Bryl R. Tyne is a wrangler by nature and a writer by choice, published with Noble Romance Publishing, Ravenous Romance, Dreamspinner Press, and STARbooks Press. You can find out more about Bryl at: bryltyne.com

This post is X-posted to The Rainbow Studio, Defying Description, and Bryl R. Tyne’s author blogs.

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just a writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.

Just Released!

COCKED & FULLY LOADED

A Historical Western Anthology from Noble Romance Publishing

w/ Tengo una Pistola by Bryl R. Tyne

Excerpt:

My eyes recognized morning before my head did. I squinted into the rays escaping the muslin tacked over the small window. Blinking numerous times, however, failed to clear my vision or my mind. I rubbed my eyes . . . stretched . . . . Yep, it was morning.

Not that I dreaded mornings, no. Most mornings I hopped out a bed, eager for whatever the day may bring. But not today. Again, I stretched, my body reassuring me it had plenty a rest. And I had. But much like the residue adhering the hair and skin on my stomach to the sheet, my troubles glued me to the bed. She was still here, in my place.

Nothing were more aggravating than waking up without Mitch by my side. Guess he’d outgrown me. At twenty-six, he were well past prime settling-down age. Though, at the thought of him settling for the likes a Carmen as wife and mother, I laughed. My humor at the impending situation ended as easily as it had begun, as my worries shifted to Mitch leaving to make his own life with the wench.

Disrupting my thoughts, aromas of fresh eggs and fresher coffee wafted into the room; least he had breakfast going. I breathed the scents in deep as I climbed from the bed and threw on my clothes.

Maybe the she-devil were still laid up, fast asleep. If Mitch gave her a riding like only Mitch could give, wouldn’t surprise me if she slept well past noon. I shook the unsavory images from my mind as I tugged on my boots then crossed the den.

Wouldn’t do me a lick a good to start out the day on the ornery side a things. Besides, exactly when Mitch planned on leaving weighed heavy on how I approached the topic. Last thing I wanted were to piss him off, have him high-tail it out a here as fast as his horse would carry him. One day at a time, I reminded myself on a long inhale as I rounded into the kitchen.

First thing I noticed, Mitch weren’t at the stove. No, the polecat sat kicked back in his seat at the table. Grin plastered ear to ear, he hummed, fixated toward the stove, toward that shifty female looking to be cooking him breakfast.

She sure weren’t cooking for me, I made up my mind as I took a seat next to Mitch. I wouldn’t let her.

Two-timin’ bastard, humming . . . . I shook my head at his well-rested ass. Were only one reason he hummed. If Carmen had eyes in the back a her head, she’d a winced from the evil-intent cast her way.

“Sleep good, Denton?”

Mitch straightened in his chair. Coffee in hand, he turned to me. “Pretty good, I reckon. You?”

Funny what having a lady around can do to the size of a man’s balls. Though he put on an unusually tough front, I noticed the unsteadiness of his hands as he sipped his coffee. Score one for the old man.

“Buenas días, Senor Samms.” Carmen smiled at me, setting a piled-high plate before Mitch.

I could a done without seeing that kiss she so delicately placed on his cheek. She scurried back to the stove as, jaw set, I snubbed her greeting. Breakfast smelled damned good though. I eyed Mitch’s plate. “That an omelet?”

He washed his bite down with a swig of coffee. “And fried potatoes.”

“Potatoes? This time a year?”

“Pretty resourceful, ain’t she,” he said, matter-a-factly and with a wink.

My stomach rumbled as I looked toward those green and salmon colored skirts, ruffles swishing this way and that before the stove. All right, I’d concede, this one time, on account a the fact I needed a good meal to start the day. I picked up my fork, anticipating breakfast. Even afforded Carmen a slight grin as she set a plate on the table in front of me.

I weren’t going soft or anything; just showing my appreciation. Long as she stayed away from me and mine . . . . I shoveled in a heaping bite as Mitch busied himself eating. Guess I might have to accept he weren’t mine any longer.

Before realizing I hadn’t a cup, I grabbed for my coffee.

“Lo siento. Aquí.” Warm breath and soft lips brushed my left ear as Carmen handed me a steaming cup from over my shoulder.

I welcomed the drink but shied away. Damned perfume could knock a man silly. She settled in the seat opposite one grinning Mitch. Setting my cup on the table, I failed to see what was so damned funny between them and returned to my food as they commenced to chattering back and forth.

Last I knew, Mitch didn’t talk Spanish. He weren’t too bad though, I reckoned, but my attempts to ignore the banter tired. Being left out in my own place ate at me. They continued, until I shoved my plate ahead. Between them, it skidded to a stop. Senseless noise halted; two sets of eyes looked my way. Having garnered their attention, I addressed Mitch. “Since when did you start speakin’ her language?”

Carmen’s immediate giggle told me that may a been the wrong question to ask. Mitch held in another chuckle as he looked to Carmen. “Been practicing a while, I reckon.” With his head, he motioned my way. “Tell the man, Carmen.”

For a second, her eyes widened. She looked at Mitch as she spoke. “El es muy bien.”

I could see a pink tint coloring her cheeks as she used her fingertips to hide a glowing smile. Compared to yesterday evening, she appeared almost modest. Maybe she weren’t too bad, for a female. Or so I reckoned before she began batting those lashes again, and I felt what could be none other than womanly toes, in all their agility, making their way purposefully along the inside a one of my knees.

With a start, I got to my feet, stepping away from my overturned chair, which bounced once from the floor before settling into a slow rocking motion. Weren’t no way in hell I’d follow Mitch down that path.

I grabbed my hat and stormed outside. Plenty a work to be gotten to. Time didn’t wait. Not for me.

_______________________________________________________________________

Links to other Excerpt Monday writers

So, to kick it off, your hosts:

Alexia Reed, Urban Fantasy (R)

and

Bria Quinlan, Rom Com (PG13)

Joining us this week:

Danie Ford, Womens Fiction (PG13)
Kaige, Historical Romance (PG13)
Jeannie Lin, Contemporary (PG13)
RF Long, Fantasy Sword and Sorcery (PG13)
Shawntelle Madison, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Debbie Mumford, Flash Fiction (PG13)
Jo Lynne Valerie, Paranormal Romance (PG 13)

Kendal Ashby, Erotic Contemporary (R)
KB Alan, Erotic Paranormal Romance (R)
Penny Dune, Romantic Suspense (R)
Cate Hart, YA Paranormal (R)
Inez Kelley, Contemporary Romance (R)
Jeannete Murray, RomCom (R)
Christa Page, Regency Paranormal (R)
Michelle Picard, Paranormal (R)
Jeanne St James, Erotic Rom M/M (R)
Danielle Yockman, Historical Romance (R)

Sara Brookes, Fantasy (NC17)
Emily Ryan Davis, Erotic Contemporary Romance (NC17)
Ella Drake, Erotic SciFi Romance (NC17)
Angeleque Ford, Erotic Contemporary Romance (NC17)
Jamal W Hankins, Dark Fiction/Fantasy (NC17)
Bryl R Tyne, Transgender M/M (NC17)

Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

If there’s a book of mine you do not have yet, now’s the time to get it!

December 13th – Get any one of my NRP titles for 30% off!

the 14th – Coin Operated Boy – 30% off!

etc…etc…

Noble Romance Publishing is pleased to present:

The 12 Days of Christmas Sale!

Day One — December 13, 2009 — Receive 30% off all M/M, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual books at Noble Romance Publishing.

**Usepromo code BRJFNM

Day Two — December 14, 2009 — Receive 30% off all Sci-Fi or Time Travel books at Noble Romance Publishing.

**Use promo code GFZLWT

Day Three — December 15, 2009 — Receive 30% off all Contemporary books at Noble Romance Publishing.

**Use promo code HHKLGG

Day Four — December 16, 2009 — Receive 30% off all Historical books at Noble Romance Publishing.

**Use promo code HLFXMS

Day Five — December 17, 2009 – Receive 30% off all Paranormal books at Noble Romance Publishing.

**Use promo code BCMXFP

Day Six — December 18, 2009 – Receive 30% off all BDSM/Ds books at Noble Romance Publishing.

**Use promo code WPDNRJ

Day Seven — December 19, 2009 – Receive 30% off all Vampire and Werewolf books at Noble Romance Publishing.

**Use promo code MNPNNT

Day Eight — December 20, 2009 – Receive 30% off all Fantasy/Fairies/Fairytale books at Noble Romance Publishing.

**Use promo code JKRWQQ

Day Nine — December 21, 2009 – Receive 30% off all Ménage books at Noble Romance Publishing.

**Use promo code CTKKPT

Day Ten — December 22, 2009 — Receive 30% off all Mystery/Suspense books at Noble Romance Publishing.

**Use promo code SZDWCH

Day Eleven — December 23, 2009 — Receive 30% off all Shape-shifter books at Noble Romance Publishing.

**Use promo code KNMWJL

Day Twelve — December 24, 2009 – Receive 30% off all Interracial books at Noble Romance Publishing.

**Use promo code JZPPHT

Please note: Sub-genres and themes listed are defined using the links on the left side of the Noble Romance Publishing home page at www.nobleromance.com. Some books may fall within more than one category, so if you miss a day, you may have more than one opportunity to buy the book of your choice.

**Must be a member of Noble Romance Publishing’s newsletter mailing list in order to receive your discount. If you are not already a member, sign up now at www.nobleromance.com.

 

Thank you . . . and Happy Holidays!

After the kids’ sugar rush subsides and they’re fast asleep…after you’ve thrown your last egg or are still throwing back drinks, after you’re done decorating the asshole neighbor’s trees with you final roll of TP or just finished with that Horror movie marathon, come tell me all about it at my Halloween Chat!  http://tinychat.com/bryl-halloweenchat

Recant your most unique Halloween tale, be it this year’s or from decades ago, and you’re in the running to win your choice of any of my books–your choice!

Where: http://tinychat.com/bryl-halloweenchat

When: 11 pm to Midnight (EDT)

More Halloween Madness:

From Jaye Valentine – Happy Halloweensary

To celebrate our first year anniversary of our first published collaboration, Reno MacLeod and I will be celebrating Happy Halloweensary on Twitter, starting around 7:00 p.m. EDT on October 31, 2009.

Prizes, silliness, and drunken tweeting will abound, including a round of “Jaye’s Twitter-sized Movie Blurbs, Or Why Reno Writes Our Blurbs And Not Me.”

Please visit my Very Neglected Blog for details at: http://jaye-valentine.blogspot.com/2009/10/happy-halloweensary-party-on-saturday.html

All are welcome!

From Noble Romance Publishing – Think Kink!

Spook-tacular Sale!

Noble Romance Publishing, LLC

Presents you with the chance to receive 20% off your entire order.

Good toward the purchase of any books on our Web site.

Simply visit Noble Romance Publishing, LLC, choose the book or books you’d like to purchase, and then enter promo code MXXDLR when you check out.

Offer valid Halloween day only – Expires 12:00 midnight EDT

Saturday, October 31, 2009.

Forward to a Friend: Forward

From Mistress Bellas Reviews - Mistress Bellas Halloween Bash!

Please join http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mistressbellaspalace to find out how you can be involved in these chats, read great excerpts, see amazing covers, learn about your favorite authors and publishers, and win some treats!

October 31, 2009 Happy Halloween
9AM-10AM: Sherry Derr-Wille
10AM-11AM: Sandra Cox
11AM-Noon: Kerri Nelson
Noon-1PM: Megan Hussey
1PM-2PM: Rob Shelsky
2PM-3PM: Eve Alexis
3PM-4PM: Margie Church
4PM-5PM: Bev Haynes and Jewel Cox
5PM-6PM: Marc Nobbs
6PM-7PM: TWRP-Faery and Black Rose Authors
7PM-8PM: Maggie Rivers
8PM-9PM: Open
9PM-10PM: Lex Valentine HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEX!!!
10PM-11PM: Viv Arend
11PM-Midnight: Bryl Tyne  http://tinychat.com/bryl-halloweenchat

Novmeber 1, 2009
9AM-10AM: Sandra Sullivan
10AM-11AM: Jeanne St. James
11Am-Noon: Anne Kane
Noon-1PM: P.L. Parker
1PM-2PM: DCL Publishing
2PM-3PM: Julia Knight
3PM-4PM: Jianne Carlo
4PM-5PM: Olivia Starke
5PM-6PM: Selena Illyriz
6PM-7PM: Mallary Mitchell
7PM-8PM: Pam Champagne
8PM-9PM: Savannah Chase
9PM-1oPM: Sierra Dafoe
10PM-11PM: Mary Winter
11PM-Midnight: OPEN

Rainbow Reviews – 4/5 Stars!

COIN OPERATED BOY

by Bryl R. Tyne

ISBN: 978-1-60592-057-3

Noble Romance Publishing

RATING:

Review by xbmbgrl

“The battle for reconnection and recognition between an android that is only coming to recognize feelings and a human who avoids recognizing his feelings is well done…” Read the full review here!

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just a writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.

Just Released!

COIN OPERATED BOY

by Bryl R. Tyne

Noble Romance Publishing

Cover artists: Fiona Jayde & Bryl R. Tyne

COIN OPERATED BOY Copyright 2009 Bryl R. Tyne

Mild Excerpt:

THE SIXTH ABANDONMENT:

Seven years later . . . .

Abandoning Earth was simply a formality, Rye tried to convince himself as he made his way over the stony ground to the house. His mistake had nothing to do with Kiara. He knew that. Run from the authorities or serve time right alongside him, those were her choices. What better place to disappear than The Sixth Abandonment—a breeding ground of crime and filth. Outcasts, from any society, were welcomed with open arms.

His Kiara resided here, settled in, setup home amongst these heathen. She had been his savior, the light he counted on in his dark work. Hesitating, knuckles seconds from her door, he exhaled. Kiara wasn’t his any longer. Gently, he rapped.

“See you found me.” She greeted him with the nonchalance of an aged tiger. Leaving the door ajar, she retreated into the house.

Rye let himself inside.

“Figured I’d be seeing you. Has it been seven years already?” Her words dripped sarcasm as she disappeared through a doorway across the room.

She wasn’t happy to see him; he figured as much. Maybe just his perception, but he vowed not to stick around long enough to find out. In search of a washroom, he took the only hall. “Just a quick shower and I’ll be out of your hair.” His voice reverberated off the bare hallway walls, through the starkly furnished front room, and back.

“Go ahead.” She hollered. “Take your time. You look like you could stand to put some meat on them bones.”

To his right, he found the washroom and pushed open the door. Once he got cleaned up, maybe ate a decent meal, he’d be out of her life once and for all. That she could live with. He was certain.

Of all the people he’d let into his quirky life, which wasn’t many, Rye trusted Kiara. She had never betrayed him, though he’d betrayed her with his phony love, the marriage for appearance’s sake. He sighed as he leaned over the sink. Even as he stood trial for violating the Android Fair Usage Act, she’d been beside him—in spirit.

Guilt, persistent and strong, rolled over him in waves as he took in his reflection, noting wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and mouth, deeper than should be for thirty-five years of age. Disgusted with life and with himself, he stepped into the shower. Minimum security or not, seven years confinement had taken its toll.

* * * * *

Kiara placed a plate on the table, piled high with mashed potatoes, butter dripping, and, he was sure, enough salt to fill a week’s rations for a small army. Set off to the side on another plate, a handful of pigs-in-a-blanket accompanied a huge dollop of ketchup. “Sit down. Eat something before you dart out of here.”

Squeezing the water from his hair into a towel, Rye plopped into the only kitchen chair in sight. “Can’t waste . . . .You kept my bike, like I requested?”

“Tracked him down already, did you?” She slammed a tall mug of green tea next to his plate, shaking her head. “Yeah. I got it. Polished and maintained to grand pappy’s instruction.” With a roll of her eyes, she pointed over her shoulder. “Out back, in the shed.”

Almost an angel, he thought, stuffing another forkful of potatoes in with his mouthful of wiener-biscuit-ketchup combo. Her cooking boiled straight from the pits of hell. He smiled around the rim of his cup as he forced the offered meal down with cooled tea. At least she’d supplied a drink he enjoyed.

To help forget the taste, bite after bite, he admired her busyness. Stir a pot, check the oven, rinse a dish, she moved. Always busy, but then, he supposed, teaching English, the outpost’s common language, to the constant influx of intergalactic rebels kept her that way.

After his release, he’d sought the services of a highly skilled retriever. The computer wiz claimed he could uncover information on anyone—anywhere. Give me a name and I’ll tell you what their granny ate for breakfast. He’d sold Rye with that line.

According to the hack, Kiara had done well for herself. Rye glanced around the quaint room. Her language classes were far from cheap, but from the looks of the dilapidated twenty-third century appliances, her lifestyle remained as it had on Earth—as simple as possible.

“Have to go.” He shoved away from the table. Standing, he twisted his damp hair into a tight roll then fastened it in place with a band from his wrist. “You’re doing okay for yourself, I take it.”

“Good as can be expected in this Godforsaken place.” She walked with him, even as he stepped outside and to the shed.

He couldn’t force himself to face her as he pushed his bike to the street. Her reaction, after all these years, wasn’t something he was prepared to handle. Gloves and helmet secure, he kicked his bike to a fine roar, revved it once, and then zoomed away. Dealing with emotions, of any kind, was never his forte.

_______________________________________________________________________

Links to other Excerpt Monday writers

Alexia Reed, Urban Fantasy (R)
and
Bria Quinlan, Rom Com (PG13)

Joining us this week:

Jamie Babette, Fantasy Romance (PG13)
M.G. Buehrlen, YA Fantasy (PG13)
AJ Chase, Paranormal Romcom (PG13)
Stephanie Draven, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Heather S. Ingemar, YA (PG 13)
Cynthia Justlin, Romantic Suspense (PG13)
Kaige, Historical Romance (PG13)
Julia Knight, Fantasy Romance (PG 13)
Nadia Lee, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Jeannie Lin, Historical Romance (PG13)
R.F Long, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Shawntelle Madison, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Christa McHugh, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Debbie Mumford, Fantasy Romance (PG13)
Bria Quinlan, Rom Com (PG13)
Megan S, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Dara Sorensen, Historical Fiction (PG13)

Melissa Aires, Futuristic Romance (R)
Kendal Ashby, Contemporary, (R)
KB Alan, Contemporary Erotic Romance  (R)
Carly Carson, Contemporary (R)
Cate Hart, YA (R)
Felicia Holt, Contemporary Romance (R)
Ali Katz, Historical Erotic Romance (R)
Inez Kelley, Contemporary Romance (R)
Annie Nicholas, Paranormal Romance (R)
Christa Paige, Paranormal (R)
Mary Quast, Contemporary Romance (R)
Alexia Reed, Paranormal Romance (R)

Sara Brookes, Erotic Paranormal Romance (NC17)
Ella Drake, Historic Paranormal Romance (NC17)
Angeleque Ford, Dark Urban Fantasy (NC17)
J. W. Hankins, Dark Fantasy (NC17)
Kim Knox, Erotic Romance (NC17)
Elise Logan, Contemporary with Paranormal Elements (NC17)
Dawn Montgomery, Paranormal Erotic Romance (NC17)
Kirsten Saell, Erotic Fairy Tale Romance (NC17)

Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

Coin Operated Boy Copyright 2009 Bryl R. Tyne

(unedited excerpt)

His eyes opened to darkness. With a simple command, he adjusted his vision to the lack of light. Cold and empty shells, once full of life, were crammed, shoulder to shoulder, front to back, on every side. Twisted together, some skinless others not, disembodied limbs, wires and diodes hanging, filled the pocketed openings amongst the ruins. Starting with his toes, he wiggled each in turn, meticulously checking the connections from circuits to sensors, until he’d completed the body scan.

His first attempt to free his trapped arms proved futile, the pile of death too heavy. Determination set in his jaw; he forced his arms from his body, exhaling only as the pile gave way. Metal grated metal. The dead moaned. He braced himself atop the headless droid beneath him as layer upon layer of broken robotics tumbled down around him.

Hoisting himself up and out through the opening he’d created, he froze, mid-motion, and watched a lone head tumble a lopsided dance along the sloped mound, until it landed with a thud. With another heave and a solid push, he cleared the mound and alit on the cold, packed dirt. He brushed the residue from his backside, blew the dust from his palms. Where am I?

He scanned the area, the soil, the atmosphere, searching his memory for familiar climes, finding no reference to anyplace with orange dust or two moons. The haze on the horizon told him night would soon fall. Climbing around and over edges of mountainous debris—some piled twice his height, he spotted a square of light in the distance.

Scanning his systems, he focused on the light and stumbled onward. His processes worked fine, however, his memory was void, missing, perhaps of not only the information necessary to tag this wasteland, but of all information.

All that is, except his name….

Chal ran a more thorough analysis. Basic data was intact; but he was not. He walked on, his brain working double-time to understand the hollowness within him, something inside as empty as his memory banks…. But what?

As Chal approached the light, he noticed an aged gentleman in stained coveralls rocking solemnly on the porch of the rundown building.

His eyes wide, the man removed a cigarette from his mouth and stood. “Well. Hello there.”

Chal scanned and interpreted the man’s vitals. Other than increase in heart rate, the man appeared unaffected. “I am Chal.”

“Are you now?” Flicking the cigarette to the porch, he crushed it with his boot and chuckled. “And you’re naked, son.”

Chal combed over his body before meeting a different look, an unknown glint, in the man’s eyes. “Is that a problem?”

Coming October 12th to Noble Romance Publishing!

Forgot to flash last Friday, scatterbrain that I am. This here’s from my Western WIP  for an anthology from Noble Romance.

*note: anyone with a better grasp on the Spanish language, help…please.

Working Title: Lleva una Pistola

Weren’t but a handful a minutes later, them two come traipsing inside. From the sound of it, they was all over each other.

“No. Carmen. Shh…No.”

Mitch’s slur told me, the two a them had paid a visit to the bunkhouse, to Bennie, in particular. Mitch knew as well as I did who hid the hooch. I’d be talking to Bennie come morning.

“Yoo-hoo…Senor Samms!”

The obnoxiously melodic voice carried from my door frame. I chucked my pillow.

“Ay! Senor Samms está de mal humor. Muy malo!”

Guess my pillow found its mark. Though I didn’t much understand her foreign tongue, I knew enough to know Lady Carmen weren’t too pleased with the gesture. Her voice disappeared into the next room, Mitch’s room, along with her footsteps.

More thankful to have Mitch home than anything, I let tiredness overtake me. I yawned, closed my eyes…

“Teehee.”

For Pete’s sake, did she have to giggle that loud? I shifted my head under the spare pillow. Last thing I wanted to hear were a howling female.

“Ha-ha…Ay, Mitchy.”

I opened my eyes, let my last pillow fly.

“Si! Ay, papí!”

Now, I don’t care for the taste, but the thought of Mitch enjoying putting his tongue to making her babble, had me harder than a stone statue in under a minute.