New Release! Creek by Linda Broday! #mustread #western #writingcommunity

I’m thrilled to have Linda Broday here today to share her latest story, Creek. I read this exciting story in a single sitting. Here’ the link to the five-star review: LINK

Thank you so much for having me, D.L. Finn! I really appreciate the change to talk about my newest release—Creek.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

I’ve often pondered about the line drawn between outlaws and lawmen on the American Frontier and find that at times it became so blurred it was almost invisible. A man could be a sheriff or U.S. Marshal one day and a fugitive outlaw the next, depending on the circumstances.

There were no laws, no courts, and little or no government. The few lawmen that existed were forced to cover huge areas and there was no way they could. The only law was what a man could find for himself and the gun determined the outcome.

Creek is such a man in my new release by the same title. Mystery surrounds him. He comes to El Paso seeking answers in response to a letter from a dying friend.

My sister Jan and I always thought our dad’s fascination with outlaws a little odd but maybe he wondered how it would be to have plenty for once in his life. He was always taking us to museums and places that displayed outlaw memorabilia. We loved it and always found new things we didn’t know.

The 1800s have always held a fascination and I love writing stories set in those times. I loved the simplistic nature and that a person could be whatever they wanted. In this book, I wanted to write a different western and this storyline is just that. Instead of a typical western, this one revolves around a little girl who’s convinced he’s her daddy. I think women will like this.

Creek Blurb:

A mysterious man with one name and secrets that gnaw at his soul.

Creek has a reputation as a gunslinger, a lawless man—one to be feared. So, when an orphaned eleven-year-old girl in this rough border town claims she’s his daughter, it jolts the very fiber of his being. For a man making a living with a gun, he’s not father material in any sense of the word. And he has serious doubts he ever met her mother.

Yet Willa July stands firm. Creek has the mark on his wrist that proves her claim. When she’s taken by a crazed killer from his past, Creek is propelled into a desperate chase. He alone understands the depths of this monster’s evil mind.

Time is his enemy as he races to save her. But if he succeeds in getting the girl back, can Creek tear down his walls and embrace the role he never dreamed possible?

Here’s a short excerpt:

Coffee would hit the spot but as Creek passed an alleyway, he heard a shrill cry for help that could only come from a child. He stopped and backed up to see a group of four roughly passing a young girl from one to another, laughing at her futile attempts to escape.

“What’s the matter, darlin’,” said a tall Anglo. “Ain’t no need to be inhospitable. We’ll show you a good time. You’re a little young and all but we aim to teach you.”

Another in a bowler hat laughed. “Settle down and enjoy the party.”

“Let me go!” she yelled. “Leave me alone.” She twisted and kicked then suddenly swung and landed a fist to the moron’s nose. Blood spurted.

The girl had plenty of grit. But when the ne’re do well backhanded her and she sprawled motionless on parched ground, Creek dismounted with his Colt in hand. Measured steps took him to the group. He knew he looked intimidating, especially with a low-slung holster, large knife at his hip, and leather wrist cuffs. Then if that wasn’t enough, he had a close-cropped beard and his Stetson pulled down low. Most men gave him a wide berth and that saved him from conversation.

“I don’t have a dog in this fight,” Creek drawled. “But it looks like the young lady can use someone on her side. Touch her again and you might find yourself in more trouble than you bargained for.”

The lowlife in the bowler hat snarled, “There’s four of us in case you ain’t noticed, mister.”

Creek took a few more measured steps and planted his feet wide. “I learned to count a long time ago, sonny. I’d go take care of my nose if I was you. You’re bleeding like a stuck pig.” He released a chuckle. “I should let the girl finish you off but that wouldn’t be too gentlemanly.”

The tallest of the group apparently found Creek’s glare a mite unhealthy and raised his hands. “I’m done. If you got a lick of sense, Ajax, you’ll follow me.”

The remaining three glanced at each other nervously, staying put.

The girl moaned and sat up, holding her jaw, looking a little worse for wear. Tears bubbled in her eyes that she angrily wiped away and she appeared younger than Creek had first thought. Somewhere about eleven or so he figured.

One of the fools went for his gun and Creek fired, striking the weapon, sending it flying from the man’s hand.

Smoke curled from the barrel of his Colt as Creek sent a hard glare around the group, grating out, “Anyone else want to try?”

* * * *

This is Book 1 of a ten book multi-author series called Gun For Hire. Here’s a list of authors: Margaret Tanner, Charlene Raddon, Heather Blanton, Carra Copelin, Jo-Ann Roberts, Caroline Clemmons, Tracy Garrett, Cheryl Pierson, and Winnie Griggs.

Creek released on Saturday, March 15 and is available now.

About Linda:

In my twenty plus years of publishing, I’ve put out over 50 novels and short stories and along the way I became a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. My interest in reading and history came when I was a little girl, so it was no surprise when I began writing western historical romances. I reside in West Texas on land the American Indian and Comancheros once roamed, where ghosts from the past lurk around every corner. Humble roots and the love of family have become focal points of each book I write. I really love the depth that children and animals bring to my stories.

What’s ahead? I’m working on a new series that’s all mine this time. Book 1 is The Quest and the first of my McIntyre series. It’ll release later in the year.

Deepest thanks to D.L. Finn for spotlighting this new western romance.

Amazon Buy Link:

https://amzn.to/4gM8NzT

YouTube Book Trailer:

https://youtu.be/klqgMSsBgak?si=WRHUEeeteuf4rmta