Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Tuesday's Special is...Chasin' Mason!



CHASIN’ MASON by Stacey Joy Netzel

When his father announced his engagement to a gold-digger with a lying, scheming fourteen-year old daughter, seventeen-year old Tripp Warner left Warner Ridge Ranch and never looked back. Until the day he got the phone call that his father had died unexpectedly.

Reggie Reed lives with her guilt every day but can't quite work up the courage to track down the son of the man who raised her as his own. When Tripp shows up at his father’s funeral eleven years later--and a hell of a man to be reckoned with--he has no interest in her too-late apology. Worse, they’ve inherited half shares of the family ranch—but only if they work together to catch Mason’s Gold, the stallion a young Reggie let escape and made sure Tripp took the blame for.

Tripp proposes a secret competition to the beautiful witch who stole his life: whoever catches the stallion first gets the ranch all to themselves. It sounds simple, but once they’re out on the range, tempers and passions flare in the Texas heat and nothing goes as either of them expects.


To buy Chasin’ Mason from The Wild Rose Press, CLICK HERE

Click to visit, Stacey's website.


Excerpt from CHASIN’ MASON


“I expected you hours ago,” she said, exasperation heavy in her tone.

“Sorry to disappoint you.”

“Hardly,” she said with a delicate snort.

Yet her eyelids lowered as her gaze swept down and up, taking stock of the comfortable tee shirt and jeans he’d worn for the long drive from Galveston. Something flickered in her eyes; something hot he instinctively recognized as more dangerous than a rattle snake. She shut it down quick and lifted her chin so her cute little nose stuck in the air.

“And now that I can see there’s no danger to Grandma, I’ll see you in the morning.”

Her bare feet whispered across the floor toward the stairs. He opened his mouth, then closed it. Shut up. Don’t go there. Don’t—

Her right foot hit the bottom stair, her nightgown swaying with the enticing movement of her hips.

“What about you?”

She paused and turned. “What?”

Hooking one thumb in the front pocket of his jeans, he took slow, measured steps across the floor. Tension spread through him like the flush sweeping across her pale skin. Her fingers tangled in the material of her gown, tugging the hem lower as he came to a stop in front of her. Unfortunately, she also succeeded in lowering the neckline. The thud of his bag dropping to the floor made her flinch.

Tripp lowered his tone. “You said there’s no danger to Nana, but what about you?”

“Th—”

Her voice cracked and her throat muscles worked fast. He dropped his gaze to the rapid pulse beating at the base of her neck.

“I’m f-fine.”

He lifted a hand to the rosy skin of her neck; felt her life beat beneath his finger tip. Anticipation hummed along his nerve endings, making him excruciatingly aware of every shallow breath she took. “Fine doesn’t begin to cover it, Princess.”

When he slid his fingers into her silky hair to rub the back of her neck, her eyelids lowered, then closed. Her hands rose to press against his chest. God, he was pretty sure he hated her, and yet he damn sure wanted her. It was the craziest thing. He shifted closer, slid his other hand over the curve of her hip to press against the small of her back, leaned in to inhale the evocative scent of peaches. The heat of her skin burned through the thin, satiny material of her nightgown to warm his hand where it rested along her spine.

His mouth hovered above her moist lips, his unsteady breath mingling with hers. He started to close the distance.

“You hate me,” she whispered, her hands fisting in his shirt.

“Such a strong word—hate,” he murmured, even though he’d just thought it.

Forgoing her mouth, he lightly brushed his lips over her smooth cheek with its charming freckles. It wasn’t enough. With the hand buried in her hair, he angled her head to give him access to the delicate column of her neck. He pressed his tongue to her pulse, licked, then sucked gently. She made a small noise deep in her throat. His body throbbed in response as his arm curled tighter around her waist.

“You…d-don’t like me, then.”

Stubborn witch wouldn’t let it go. That hadn’t changed. He worked his way back to her mouth. “Do you like me?”

Her violet eyes opened and locked with his, making his heart thump hard.

“Don’t mess with me, Tripp. Please.” The sincerity in her voice was astounding.

“Who’s messing?” he asked, making light of her plea while brushing his thumb over her lower lip. He wanted to taste her so bad, and she just wouldn’t shut up.

“You’re going to take the ranch from me—this isn’t playing fair.”

The reminder of what was at stake in this game was just what he needed. He lowered his head to whisper against her mouth. “Like you played fair all those years ago?”

In a heartbeat, she stiffened and shoved against his chest to be free. Tripp held on; let her see who held the control now.


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Please answer the following question for a chance to win a free copy of CHASIN’ MASON. Or, pop in and chat with Stacey!!
What’s the next move in this chess match?



Stacey Joy Netzel fell in love with books at a young age, so for her it seemed only natural to graduate to writing them. A member of RWA and WisRWA, she credits not only her parents for encouraging her dreams of becoming a published author, but also the very talented friends she’s made in WisRWA since joining in 2004. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and kids, a couple of horses, and three barn cats. When not writing and living life in general, she loves to read and watch movies—Happily Ever After’s a must.

44 comments:

Sarah Laurenson said...

Gooood Morning. And welcome to this morning's Roast. Coffee's perking and there's something a bit stronger around here somewhere.

Chris Eldin said...

OOOO!! This is hot! RWA folks have all the fun.
;-)

Sarah Laurenson said...

Don't they, Chris. Gets rather steamy here at the Roast.

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Morning! Sarah, I spotted a couple mini liqour bottles on the kitchen shelf this morning...I'm willing to share since I prefer sweet stuff like Brandy Slush. :)

Hmm...maybe not the best introduction? LOL Sorry, I was up way too early. The cement guys for our new garage were supposed to be here at 7am, but decided to get an earlier start since the rain the past 2 days put them behind schedule...they showed up at 5:30am! (I went to bed at midnight thinking I could sleep until seven!)

Okay, back on track. Thanks so much for having me, Book Roast. I'm looking forward to a good day admist all the running around I have to do. Obtain building permits, stop at pharmacy, book signing preparation, laundry...who said this was my day off? I need a nap!

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Well, it is quite cold in the mornings here in Wisconsin...steam is good. :)

Sarah Laurenson said...

5:30? Boy they sure upped their timetable.

So, here's a nice steamy book and what a great excerpt and all my little brain wants to know about is the horse. Haha. Leftover from my horse mad days.

Judy said...

This really sounds like a fun read. I really enjoyed the excerpt. I know I am interested in finding what the outcome will be.

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Yeah, 5:30am is not too fun with 3 kids in the house. Though they had fun watching the big trucks.

LOL about the horse, Sarah. I have two horses but don't do much with them. This summer I'm making it a point to spend much more time out there with the kids. My Kaleb is 23 years old, I've had him since he was 9mo--I don't know how many more years I have with him. Hopefully many, yet.

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Thanks, Judy! Chasin' Mason was my 2007 Nanowrimo book. (In case anyone's wondering: National Novel Writing Month) I've received some good reviews so far and am thrilled!

Have a wonderful day. :)

Edie Ramer said...

Stacey, love the excerpt! I didn't know this was a Nano book. Very cool. I hope you sell many books. :)

Charles Gramlich said...

I'm thinking the next move is Knight takes Queen

Sarah Laurenson said...

LOL. Good one, Charles.

Sarah Laurenson said...

NaNo was an interesting experience and I learned a lot from it. Not intending to ever repeat it though. How many times have you done it, Stacey? And will you do it again? I know I'd be tempted if I got a book like this out of it.

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Morning, Edie! Thankss for coming by. :)

Charles, I've come to look forward to your comments when I'm here, whether being 'roasted' or visiting someone else. :) I had my son read your post from the other day and he said, "I think you should order that and then let me read it first." It's in my B&N cart, waiting for me to find a couple other books to get me the free shipping. :)

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Chasin' Mason was my first Nano attempt. I finished at 48k. I did it again this past year, but my personal goal was only 25k, which I reached. (That novella is part of my Christmas anthology, Mistletoe Rules, that I'm hoping will be released in Dec.)

I agree, if you're going for the full 50k, Nano can be very intense. :) And I'm thinking this year, I'll do my own Nano in a different month--one without a holiday.

Sarah Laurenson said...

Yes. I understand about the Holiday thing. Mine came complete with a trip to spread my Dad's ashes, getting rear ended by an 18-wheeler (low speed impact, thankfully) and not getting to spread his ashes after all since the lake level was low enough for a bacteria warning. Hm. Maybe it wasn't the actual writing that turned me off the NaNo. ;-)

Sarah Laurenson said...

You said you saw some bottles around this kitchen somewhere?

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

On the right, top shelf, Sarah--don't bother with a glass. Wow, what a November you had. Sorry to hear about your Dad. :( I am glad to hear the impact from the semi wasn't too bad. Hopefully no lasting issues from that for you?

In a book, the heroine would think, "It can't get worse than this." and then we would throw something else at her. We're so mean.

Sarah Laurenson said...

You must mistreat your characters!

Sarah Laurenson said...

So what interesting mean things did you do to Tripp and Reggie? Care to share?

Sarah Laurenson said...

Just a desire to not be in front of a semi when I'm driving. :-)

Donna Marie Rogers said...

Morning Stacey and everyone!

I loved Chasin' Mason! In fact, I enjoyed it so much I felt compelled to write a review for it, which I rarely do (I don't think I'm very good at it, but thankfully Stacey loved it :-)

Stacey Joy Netzel has written her most compelling story yet! Chasin Mason is 'must-read' phenomenal!

Eleven years ago, Tripp Warner lost everything he held dear--his father, his family, his home--thanks to a destructive lie told by the scheming daughter of his father's fiance. When his father dies unexpectantly, Tripp swallows his pride and returns home for the funeral, in desperate need of closure--and revenge. Only the spoiled little witch he remembers has grown into a beautiful proud woman, and thoughts of revenge are soon replaced with the need to possess her.

Regan "Reggie" Reed is devastated by the sudden death of the only father she's ever known. But nothing can prepare her for the emotional impact of coming face-to-face with his son, Tripp, and her shameful past. Tripp is angry and bitter, and rightfully so. He's also heart-stoppingly handsome, with an arrogant self-confidence that does funny things to her libido. While her head adamantly wants him gone, her heart yearns for what she knows can never be.

When a surprise in the will forces them to work together to catch Mason's Gold--the prized stallion at the heart of Tripp's resentment--or both lose Warner Ridge Ranch forever, they soon discover that chasin' Mason could be just the balm they need to heal the past...and maybe shape the future.

Chasin' Mason by Stacey Joy Netzel is one amazing read! I absolutely adored Tripp. Sexy and confident, yet caring and gentle. It doesn't take long at all to realize these two are going to be magic together. I was unsure at first by Reggie's stoic demeanor, but she won me over soon enough with her gentle pride and heartfelt remorse. As always, Stacey's picture perfect description sets the scene so vividly you feel as if you're right there with them, sunning on a rock while watching these two strong-willed people fight for what they want. The heat of the Texas sun is only rivaled by the scorching sensuality that sizzles between Reggie & Tripp. The words flow so smoothly I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I have no doubt anyone who reads this book will agree. I also wonder if a sequel is in the future as there is one sexy doctor I hope to read about again. ;-)

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Aw, Donna, thanks for coming by! (I swear I didn't pay her to write that wonderful review--but I will buy her a coffee when we see each other next.)

Donna is actually quite the tease, everyone. She e-mailed me to let me know she'd finished the book about two weeks ago. That's it, no follow up, no, "It was really good" or "great job!", nothing. Then she surprised me with this wonderful review a few days ago. :)

Sarah--I'm not sure I was really so awful to Tripp and Reggie... they were worse on themselves. Though Reggie does get injured twice in two days. She also has a run-in with a rattlesnake. And Tripp has a little trouble cooking dinner, which gets him in big trouble with Reggie. (It sounds better in the book. LOL)

Donna Marie Rogers said...

In my own defense, I'm the conference chair for Wisconsin Romance Writers, and our conference is just around the corner, so I kept getting side-tracked...LOL

And no coffee necessary. Hopefully, though, you'll feel as strongly about TOBY. ;-)

Sarah Laurenson said...

Hope you guys enjoy your day here on the grill. Gotta run and earn some money.

Chris will be by later to help with closing this puppy down.

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Thanks for the intro, Sarah. Have a great day!

Sandy said...

Oh, boy, I like the tension in your excerpt, Stacey.

It sounds like a great story. I'm going to buy it, but it's going to be a long time before I can read it. I need an e-reader. lol

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Thanks, Sandy! I know what you mean about needing an e-reader. :) I have about 40 books in a folder waiting for me to buy one. Including yours. :)

Delia DeLeest said...

Chasin Mason is a great book...and you don't even have to love horses to love the book. I should know, I always claim my favorite animal comes with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy. :P

Good luck with the new garage, just make sure your husband doesn't stick so much stuff in it you have no room for your car - that's experience talking.

laughingwolf said...

welcome stacey; you picked some hot excerpt, sarah :O lol

as for the next move in this chess game: the cat in the bag mews, and the spell is broken :O lol

Mary Cunningham said...

Whew! That excerpt almost gave me a "case of the vapors!"

Or, maybe it's because the air conditioning is broken and repair won't be here until tomorrow morning.

Whatever, great excerpt Stacey!

And, I can't top Charles. :>(

Mary

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Hey there, Delia, thanks! How's the weather in Hawaii? I don't mind asking today because it's actually sunny here in WI. :)

Wayne gets the whole garage EXCEPT the one space for my van. No if, ands, or buts about it since I gave up a new bathroom for another year so he could have the garage.

Laughing Wolf, glad you liked the excerpt. Well, I hope you liked it. :) However, at the risk of sounding like an idiot, I have no clue what your answer means. :)

On a side note, I looked at your profile, and the blogs you follow, and how could I not check out FUP? Too funny! :)

laughingwolf said...

um, did you not write this, stacey?:

"The thud of his bag dropping to the floor made her flinch." ;) lol

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Mary, I meant to reply to you earlier, but I got sidetracked making dinner and eating it with the kidlets. (meatloaf, mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli)

Sorry the ac is out--hope it gets fixed by a really hot repair man tomorrow. :)

And, yes, it's hard to top Charles. LOL

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Got it now, Laughing Wolf. Makes perfect sense now that I've had it explained to me. :)

(Remember, cement guys arrived at 5:30a)

Mary Ricksen said...

I think the next move is Queen takes the King!
Great excerpt Stacey. I hope you left some of those bottles for the rest of us.
I love a good Western and I love horses, add romance and I'm hooked. Good luck with sales!

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Any lurkers out there? We'll be wrapping up in about another hour...

laughingwolf said...

neat-o! :O lol

Chris Eldin said...

Great conversations!!!!

Thanks everyone for popping in! It's a bit after 9pm, so we'll going to close the contest. Stacey wil drop by at any time to announce the winner.

Thanks all!!!
:-)

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Time to wrap 'er up. :) Thanks to all who commented, and to those who answered the question, too. Charles and Laughing Wolf, you keep things interesting! LOL

My daughter eenie-meenie-miney-moed the commenters' names and the winner of an e-download of Chasin' Mason is...

Mary Ricksen!

Thank you Susan, Chris, and Book Roast! I'll be seeing you again soon, and have a great rest of the week everyone!

Hywela Lyn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hywela Lyn said...

Hi Stacey
I usually pop into Book Roast regularly, but somehow I seem to be a day behind this week, and although I saw the message on one of the loops, I'm on digest so I still didn't get it until today, drat! I'd have loved a free download of 'Chasin' Mason' apart from the fact I love horses and Westerns, I also love 'paints' and have a crazy paint mare. The story itself sounds wonderful, of course. Anyway, congratulations to Mary, I don't really begrudge her win at all, she's a lovely lady. I'll just have to buy my own copy!

laughingwolf said...

grats mary... and thank you stacey :)

Chiron said...

I love this excerpt!! Like you, Stacey, HEA's are a must for me.

Loved reading all the comments too!!

Smiles,
Chiron O'Keefe
www.chironokeefe.blogspot.com