Today we have the blog tour of RECKLESS by Ciana Stone! Check it out and be sure to grab your copy today!
Title: RECKLESS
Author: Ciana Stone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
About RECKLESS:
Morgan Windwalker Alexander considered herself to be a most fortunate woman. She loves the ranch where she and her husband, Cord, live and raised their family. She loves her work as a large animal vet and is proud of what Cord has accomplished in his career in Mechatronics.
She couldn’t and wouldn’t ask for more. As far as she is concerned, at 42, she has it all.
Then Cord gets a call in the middle of the night and from that moment, things start to change. Her once perfect husband, a man who is methodical in all he does, displays a recklessness she finds troubling. Cracks start to appear in her perfect life, revealing lies and betrayals she didn’t want to believe were possible.
Can she keep the cracks from multiplying, keep all the pieces intact, or is she fighting a losing battle? Can she patch the wounds in her life or will this reckless path Cord is on shatter their one perfect life completely?
Excerpt
Cotton Creek, Texas
Morgan stretched and rubbed the back of her neck. She should’ve taken Cord’s advice and gone back to bed. But as it was, they had a new foal that was doing fine, as was the mare and Morgan had managed to enter half a month’s receipts into the expense spreadsheet for the ranch.
She looked down at the notepad beside the keyboard. Her “to-do,” and “don’t forget to do” lists. She would wait on diving into those. Her stomach was grumbling, and the cup of coffee on the desk had long grown cold.
With a mental reminder to add coffee to the shopping list, she went downstairs and poured herself a fresh cup. As she set about looking in the refrigerator for something to fix for breakfast, she thought about Cord’s trip. It didn’t make a lot of sense that this trip would bother her. He’d done more traveling in the last six or seven years than in all the rest of the time they’d been together, and it had never troubled her.
She missed him, but she’d never been uneasy being at home without him. It was silly. Why was she making a big deal out of it now? After all the lectures she’d given her children over the years on being independent, she found it ironic that right now she was acting like the least independent member of the family.
Those thoughts stayed with her as she wandered into the family room and flopped down on the couch. Maybe this was nothing more than another facet of her self-identity issues. Joe and Myrtle had fussed at her about it for years. Regardless of her own accomplishments, she still viewed herself as more of an extension of Cord.
Perhaps it had something to do with her childhood, losing both parents at such a young age. Or maybe she was simply one of those women who couldn’t stand alone.
No, she wasn’t that insecure. She loved spending every moment she could with Cord and their children, but she’d always needed a good deal of alone time, and she knew he was the same. Moreover, his career sometimes demanded that he be away from her. There were blocks of time in the installation and training process that required his presence.
She’d never make him feel guilty for that. Morgan was proud of Cord and all he’d accomplished. She wanted him to enjoy every moment of his career and his life. After all, if you didn’t do what you love and love what you did, then you were wasting your life. At least that was her way of looking at it. Kind of like spending your life with the right person.
Morgan now knew a lot of people in Cotton Creek, thanks to having lived here all her married life. But she called very few people friends. Most women were completely disinterested in what she did. She understood that. Having friendships without common interests was hard.
Most of the people who did share her interests were men, and she’d always been careful about establishing clear-cut boundaries. Morgan wasn’t conceited, but she wasn’t dishonest. She knew she was attractive, and attractive women drew attention from men.
She’d had her share of attention, turned down a lot of offers and gotten downright nasty over unwelcome overtures. Morgan would talk animal care, breeding, and ranching until the cows came home, but she wouldn’t cheat on Cord.Ever.
When she said those wedding vows, she meant them and in her way of viewing the world, if your word wasn’t something that could be trusted as surely as the rise of the sun, then you weren’t worth much as a human being.
Every day she offered her thanks to the Universe and whatever powers resided within its vastness that she’d been lucky enough to fall in love with a man who shared her views, and a man she could trust to be faithful to her.
A memory surfaced, one that always reminded her of how special her marriage and her man were.
Saturday night was typically reserved for family cookouts, sitting around the fire pit talking and generally relaxing. This Saturday, however, Morgan and Cord were on their way to the Honky Tonk Angels Bar and Grille, for a wedding reception.
“Didn’t Cody look beautiful?”Morgan asked as they drove along.
“Uh, yeah. She looked like Cody.”
Morgan blew a raspberry. “I thought she looked amazing. And she and Jax look so happy.”
“Yeah, they did. I’m surprised how well Billy and Stella accepted Jax.”
“Why?”
“Well, he is a good bit older than Cody.”
“So? There’s no age restriction on love.”
“No, I don’t guess so. Still, I thought they’d be less than thrilled. Of course, Cody has always been strong-minded. It’s hard to deter her once she sets a course. She kind of reminds me of another woman I know.”
“Oh? Do I know her?”
“Smart ass,”he gave her a smile. “And in case I didn’t say it, you look beautiful.”
“Sweet talker,”she replied and reached over to give his leg a squeeze. “That and a slow dance will do it.”
“Yeah? I’m gonna get lucky?”
“Hmm, I’m thinking midnight swim lucky.”
“Oh, baby, let’s rip through this reception and get on to the good stuff.”
Morgan laughed. “Hell no. This is my first night out in—in I don’t know when. We’re going to enjoy it. Have a drink, do some dancing and catch up with people we haven’t seen in a while.”
Cord groaned dramatically. “Do we have to?”
“If you want to get lucky.”
He laughed at the teasing threat. “Fine, if I must.”
Morgan looked around as they drove through town. “Things have changed quite a bit since the big oil boom. Do you regret not selling the mineral and oil rights on our ranch?”
“Not for one second.”
“That’s my man.”She was pleased he’d turned down all offers. Perhaps it was her Native heritage, her dislike of the power big oil seemed to wield, or the fact that the county was not exploring alternate energy sources the way it should, but whatever the case, had the decision been hers alone, she’d have said no in a red hot second.
“It might be wise not to get into much of a discussion on the merits of oil,”Cord suggested. “Seeing as how Jax works for the company.”
“I know, and I wouldn’t start anything. Wow, the parking lot is already almost full. Let’s park close to the road in case we leave earlier than others we can get out easier.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
The place was packed. They first spoke with the Sweet family, wished Cody and Jax happiness and then got out of the way so others behind them could offer well wishes. Cord spotted JD Weathers and his wife, Jolene, and steered Morgan in their direction. Morgan and Jolene became friends not long after Jo and JD were married and as it turned out, they were distant relatives. Their great-great-grandfathers had been brothers.
“JD, how’s it goin?”Cord greeted JD.
“Hey, Cord. Good to see you. Doing just fine.”
“Glad to hear that. Jolene,how’re things with you?”
“Can’t complain. Hi, Morgan.”
“Say, I hear you have a hell of a stallion,”JD remarked.
“Yes, we’re selling semen, and I’m betting there are going to be impressive results. If you’re interested, I’ll email you all the stats.”
“I’d like that.”
“Consider it done.”
“Thanks.”JD turned his attention to Cord. “How’re things in your business?”
“Busy. By the way, I heard the twins both got scholarships. Congratulations.”
“Thanks. They’re pretty excited.”
“Hell, of a duo, those two. Quarterback and running back. Hard to beat.”
As talk turned to football, Jolene took Morgan’s arm. “Want to grab some beers while they talk sports?”
“Absolutely.”
It took a good ten minutes to get the beer and head back to Cord and JD. By then music had started, and people were starting to get on the dance floor. Morgan and Jolene inched their way through the crowd, and after a minute, Morgan spotted the men. They weren’t alone. Two women were standing with them.
“Color me a jealous wife, but do you ever get tired of women hitting on your man?”Jolene asked.
Morgan shrugged. “As long as he’s telling them to take a hike, I’m good.”
“You know, you’re right. Come on.”Jolene shouldered her way to where the men stood talking.
“Here ya go,”Jolene cut in front of the woman beside JD and offered him a mug.
“Thanks, babe.”He accepted the beer and stepped aside so she could slide in beside him.
Morgan smiled at Jolene and stepped up beside Cord. “Here’s your beer.”She handed Cord a mug and then smiled at the woman beside him. “Hi, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Morgan Windwalker, Cord’s wife.”
“Oh, right. The Indian.”
“Yep, but don’t worry, like Jolene, I gave up scalping a few years back. And you are?”
The woman sniffed and gave an eye roll. “Cord and I go way back.”She took a step closer to Cord and looked up at him with an ‘I’m gonna eat you alive’ predatory expression. “Isn’t that right? Oh, wait, you didn’t tell her about us? Cord, you’re still the bad boy, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, that’s me, and actually, Danielle, I did tell Morgan about you.”He looked at Morgan. “You remember, don’t you? That girl I dated for a minute one summer while I was in college?”
“Oh, that one,”Morgan replied and cut Danielle a look. “Yeah, I remember. Well, I’m glad I finally got to put a face to a name.”She looked at the other woman. “And you are?”
“Sorry I wasted my time.”The woman flounced off, and after a moment, Danielle did the same.
“Well, that was nice,”Morgan said and raised her mug. “To Cody and Jax. May the happiness they feel today, last a lifetime.”
Everyone clicked mugs and Cord leaned down to kiss her on the cheek. “You’re not pissed are you?”
“Not unless you’re going home with Danielle.”
“Not a chance. I’ve never met a woman who could compete with you.”
“Oh, you’re definitely getting lucky tonight.”
Danielle and the otherwoman, Christine, were disappointed that night when Cord didn’t respond to their advances. It’d made Morgan feel proud and lucky. She’d married the man of her dreams and still felt that way about him. To have those feelings returned was what every woman dreamed about.
She didn’t know anyone more fortunate than herself. As her eyes fell on a framed picture of Cord and their son, Trevor, she smiled. Trevor favored his father. The same tall, lean build, dark hair and eyes that were deep wells of warm autumn brown, with just a hint of copper.
Aside from good looks, he was one of the most interesting people she’d ever known, even if he was her son. The last time she spoke with Trevor he was somewhere in Arizona, still riding with Cord’s oldest friend, Big Jeff who was a lifelong biker.
If she were honest, Morgan would admit that she wasn’t entirely comfortable with that situation. Despite what she said to Cord just last night, she’d feel better if Trevor was home, or safely enrolled in college.
She laughed to herself. Trevor had obviously taken her talks about independence seriously. And he’d inherited his father’s ability to negotiate. He’d take a year to see the country, and then he’d start college. In the end, she and Cord had given in, and so far,Trevor had demonstrated good sense in his adventure.
Cable, their daughter,was equally independent. What a stunning woman she’d grown to be. Dark-haired like her parents, but with Morgan’s blue eyes, she was a woman who could stop traffic. And brains to boot. Morgan had no doubt that Cable would prove to the world she was a force to be reckoned with.
She was presently in Spain with the wife of Cord’s business partner. Maria was originally from Spain and Cable had begged to go for the last two years. This year Morgan and Cord said yes.
Morgan checked the time. It was mid-morning in Spain, which meant Cable would be awake. She picked up her phone and called Cable’s cell phone.
“What in the world are you doing up at this time?”Cable asked in lieu of a greeting.
“Hey to you, too.”Morgan smiled. “What’s up?”
“Mom, I wish you would come over for a few days. It’s gorgeous here. We spent three days in Valencia and words don’t do it justice.”
“I got the images you texted, and it looks amazing. I’m happy you’re having a good time. What’s next on the agenda?”
“The girls I met? I told you about them, remember?”
“Yes, the ones from New York.”
“Right. Well, they invited me to go to Italy with them. The Italian Riviera, Mom.”
“Hmm, warm beaches and hot guys. What’s not to love?”
“Exactly.”
“So, when do you leave?”
“This afternoon.”
“Sounds like fun. Enjoy every minute of it.”
“I am. Thanks, Mom. You and Dad. I know this is costing a bundle and I’m really grateful.”
“Girl, you’ve earned it. We’re proud of you, and it’s high time you got a chance to do something exciting. Now, go have fun and call me and tell me all about the warm sand.”
“And hot men.”
“Especially that. I love you.”
“I love you. Bye, Mom.”
“Bye baby.”
Morgan smiled, pushed herself up and headed out of the back door, accompanied by Ghost. Her veterinarian office was in a separate building near the main barn which was a good half mile from the house. She could have taken one of the ATV’s from the garage, but she’d made the walk so many times she could do it in her sleep.
Besides, the predawn hours of the day were some of her favorites. The air was still a bit moist, and there was just a hint of cool. The sky had lightened just enough to see the silhouettes of the tree branches and leaves against the sky.
Morgan gave silent thanks for the beauty around her. She loved their home and considered herself one of the luckiest people alive. There was no one she’d trade places with because as far as she was concerned, she had a perfect life.
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About the Author:
I’m a country girl at heart and I’m quite keen on home-grown heroes, military men and cowboys. Happily-ever-after is something I believe in with my whole heart. Love may be a bumpy road and there are bound to be perils along the way but in the end, love should win. I try to take that attitude into my writing and believe that love, hope and laughter are some of the best medicine there is. Along with books. Lots of books.
I have a passion for sagas. I love to fall into a world, get to know characters and have them reappear in stories down the road. Because of that, I wrote my Cotton Creek Saga. So far, there are two series within the saga, Honky Tonk Angels and Heartbreakers & Heroes, with another, Heritage, on the way in 2019.
I love to hear from readers and want every since person who has read one of my book to know how much I thank them. To every reader who has spent his or her hard-earned reading dollars on a Ciana Stone book, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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K.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of more than fifteen novels including the Avoiding series and the Record series. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, geeking out over Star Wars, binge-watching Supernatural, and dancing in her spare time.
She’s his best friend’s widow.
