KNIGHT ON THE
TEXAS PLAINS
Texas Heroes Series
by
LINDA BRODAY
Genre: Western / Historical / Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date of Publication: August 1, 2017
Number of Pages: 352
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Duel McClain buries his wife and infant son, climbs in the saddle, and rides off. Locked in grief, he drifts from one Texas town to another as the months pass. He rides into a border town and gets in a card game in the saloon. On the last hand, the opponent across from him runs out of money. The man reaches down for a baby and plunks her in the center of the table. Whoever wins the pot, gets her too. After Duel wins with the Deadman’s Hand, he tries to give the baby back. But when the man tells him he’ll sell her, Duel keeps his prize.
On the way back to his home, he runs across a woman covered in blood. She only says her name is Jessie and the blood isn’t hers. The deep fear in her eyes touches Duel and he has to do something. He strikes a bargain—he’ll take her anywhere she wants to go in return for helping with the child.
Jessie sees honor, respect, and kindness in his eyes. And the moment she holds the baby in her arms, her heart melts. Once they reach Duel’s home, she confesses she killed her husband and tells him the law will come. Desperate to save her, he offers marriage and she accepts.
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Praise for Knight on the Texas Plains:
“Broday (the Men of Legend series) has a knack for capturing the hesitations of both Duel and Jessie and unfurling a twisting plot without resorting to melodrama. Through carefully deployed flashbacks, she slowly exposes the horrors of Jessie’s marriage, culminating in a truly grisly image of depravity without overwhelming the tender love story. Fans of historical romances will be pleased.” ~ Publisher’s Weekly
"The instant a sweet baby girl, an abused woman, a stray dog, and a reluctant hero meet, readers are drawn into a tender and tough love story that touches many emotions and will have them believing in the healing power of love.” ~~ Romantic Times 4 ½ Stars Top Pick!
“Broday’s latest is a tender romance to touch the heart.”
~ Bookpage
“This story is simply endearing, packed with powerful message of humanity and the true healing power of family and love!!”
~ Addicted to Romance
~ Addicted to Romance
“Throughout the well-paced story, there was suspense, tears, fear, revulsion, and no shortage of laughter and joy. I didn't want the story to end.” ~ Teresa on Goodreads
Interview with Duel McClain from Knight on the Texas Plains
Character Interview by Linda Broday
I’m so excited and my heart is fluttering as I hurry to meet with Duel McClain. I turn into the hallway leading to my office and see him striding toward me. Oh my goodness! I didn’t know he was so tall. His denim trousers outline his long legs and lean body and the flutters before are nothing compared to now. His trail-worn hat sits low which lends an air of danger. His whiskey-colored eyes study me beneath the wide brim, and I fumble to unlock my office. It’s clear that Duel McClain is of the land and more at home riding over it.
I manage to untangle my tongue. “I see you made it. Let’s get started.”
“I’m not sure what you expect but I’m not much for words, Miz Broday.”
“Have a seat and thank you for coming.”
He nods, drops into a chair and removes his hat in a show of respect. He’s a genuine cowboy all the way, and his large presence swallows up every bit of space in my office.
I smile and sit across from him, trying to ignore the charisma and heat radiating off him. “First, I’m very sorry about your first wife and child. You took their deaths really hard.”
“Yes, ma’am. I prayed to die every night for a long while. Didn’t see any reason for living. My love for Annie went bone deep and we had a bright future ahead. The loneliness afterward gnawed at me but if I hadn’t begun drifting from town to town, I never could’ve rescued Marley Rose.”
“I heard you won that poor baby in a poker game.”
“For a fact. Won her with aces and eights.” He shifts, his eyes piercing. “That’s what they call the Deadman’s Hand. I could barely look after myself and didn’t need more responsibility. I tried to give her back but her sorry-assed father told me he’d sell her by dark and I couldn’t let that happen.” His voice softens. “Marley Rose saved me, gave me the reason I needed for living. And then I ran across Jessie Foltry on the way back to my home in Tranquility, Texas and that woman totally changed my life.”
“I’ve heard folks say that you became a patchwork family. What do they mean by that?”
“We were broken—all three of us. Jessie was being hunted for killing her husband. No one wanted Marley Rose. And I didn’t care if I lived or died.” Duel drew his legs up and leans forward, twirling his hat between his large hands. “But you know, together we somehow make one hell of a strong family. It healed our wounds.”
“You really love Jessie and Marley Rose, don’t you?”
“With every ounce of my being. I never thought I’d find a woman to match the love I had for Annie, but Jess…Jess is everything I want and more.” Duel finally allows a smile and the effect is startling as he sinks back into the chair. “God, I love that woman. And Marley Rose—well, that little girl is the glue that holds us all together. I’d give my life for that child. Jess too.”
“So, you settled in as married folk and life was good…until the law caught up with Jessie.”
His face darkens. “It was bound to happen. Jess knew and accepted that from the start but I hoped I’d covered the trail so good they’d never find us.”
“And then it was your own Texas Ranger brother who showed up at your door, I hear.”
“Yep.” Duel expels a long breath. “I wanted to knock Luke on his rear end, take Jess and Marley and run. But it all turned out all right.” He pulls to his feet. “I’m finished here.”
“I really have a lot more questions. We’ve barely gotten started,” I protest.
He settles his hat on his head. “That’s enough. You’ll have more to ask this coming May when Marley Rose’s book comes out. And I need to get back to the ranch. Someone’s rustling my cattle.”
I watch him go, knowing if we’d have talked for the entire day it wouldn’t have been long enough. I needed to know what Marley Rose thinks when she finds out she was won in a poker game but I guess I’ll find out in May. One thing I’m sure of…Duel McClain can put his boots under my bed anytime.
Linda Broday, Historical Western Romance Author I'm a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 8 full length historical western romance novels, with another set to release 2017, and 10 short stories. Watching TV westerns during my youth fed my love of cowboys and the old West and they still do. I reside in the Texas Panhandle on land the American Indian and Comancheros once roamed. At times, I can feel their ghosts lurking around every corner. Texas’ rich history is one reason I set all my stories here. I love research and looking for little known tidbits to add realism to my stories. When I’m not writing, I collect old coins and I confess to being a rock hound. I’ve been accused (and quite unfairly I might add) of making a nuisance of myself at museums, libraries, and historical places. I’m also a movie buff and love sitting in a dark theater, watching the magic on the screen. As long as I’m confessing…chocolate is my best friend. It just soothes my soul.
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THREE SIGNED COPIES!
(US ONLY)
August 15-24, 2017
CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
8/15/17
|
Guest Post
| |
8/16/17
|
Review
| |
8/17/17
|
Character Interview
| |
8/18/17
|
Review
| |
8/19/17
|
Notable Quotable
| |
8/20/17
|
Author Interview
| |
8/21/17
|
Review
| |
8/22/17
|
Scrapbook Page
| |
8/23/17
|
Review
| |
8/24/17
|
Excerpt
|
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Hi Belle.....Thank you so much for being a stop on this blog tour. You have such a great site. I especially loved doing this interview with my hero from Knight on the Texas Plains. Duel McClain has it all--toughness, compassion, tenderness, and a heart that yearns for love. He doesn't go out of his way to start a fight, but he sure can finish one if it's something he can't avoid. I think readers will love this story that was inspired by a childhood incident. Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteHi, Linda! It's a true pleasure featuring you and Duel McClain on Books & Broomsticks! After all, who doesn't lurve a good-looking cowboy? I know I do! You are welcome here at Books & Broomsticks any ole time. <3
DeleteEEEK! Swoon! Linda, I'm so very jealous of your time with Duel. I'm thinking that he's gonna need some extra hands while he's figuring out the cattle rustlin' mess. I'm on my way to be a help. Promise -- A HELP! hehe!
ReplyDeleteLovin' Duel and Jess's story and can't wait for the rest of the books to come out!
xoxo
Hi Michelle....I knew you'd be jealous. I tell you, Duel made me so nervous. I'll tell him you're on the way to help with the rustling problem. But, you know he only has eyes for Jessie. Just to clear up any misunderstanding. Love you, girl.
DeleteLinda- oh dear I'm over heating here in my office. That man is all man and his slow talking just melts me. Jess and Marley Rose are 2 very lucky ladies, but so is Duel for having them. You Miss Linda, wow you had him in your home, you're one lucky lady too. I can't wait until May, it's going to be epic. Lovevyou thanks for letting us hear y'alls conversation.
ReplyDeleteHi Tonya.......I'm really glad I could share our conversation with you. I had trouble breathing with him in the room. All I could do was stare at his...manliness! Next time, you have to join us. I'll tell him I need a stenographer. *wink* Much love and hugs!
DeleteOh, mam, I want to meet that mam in person. He is so honest, and when he Ives someone it shows with all his being. I am so glad he will let you interview him again next year.
ReplyDeleteLoved this blog, Linda, as I could see him swagger in. You were lucky he gave you any time.
It my Google account didn't list my name, put me as unknown.
DeleteThis is Veda
Hi Veda.....Thanks for clearing that up. Yes, I know I was really one lucky lady. He was as hunky in person as he was on the page. Oh my goodness! Yes, ma'am. Lucky indeed. Love you, lady!
DeleteLove the interview with Duel! He won me over in the first few pages! Not mistreating Marley Rose like her Daddy had and not leaving her behind when he won her! My love for him just continued to grow after that! I can't wait for Marley's story!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie......I'm so glad you came to hear our conversation. Yes, he certainly won us all over with his tender care and compassion. What a hero! And you'll get more of him in Marley Rose's story. Lots more to come. Much love and hugs!
DeleteI cannot read fast enough! As a new fan, I have almost finished myself 5th book since 8/6. This genre was missing from my life until Tonya brought me around. I am thankful for her and you. Keep them coming. I plan on getting to know all of your Texas cowboys. Real men of my Texas. And, the heat does rise with all of them. Any lady would be lucky to be theirs.
ReplyDeleteI loved this, Linda. Your interview with Duel was brillant and made me think this man was really real! You definitely have his personality down. I am having to read the book slowly which is very hard on me since I want to spend the day or night reading all of it. I just have too much going on right now to read it all at once, but I love every bit of it so far.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLove Love Love this interview with Duel!!! Love me some Duel, Jess and Marley Rose
ReplyDelete